On March 20, 1775, the Second Virginia Convention met at Richmond in St. John’s Church, because Williamsburg, patrolled by Lord Dunmore’s marines, was not a safe place for patriots voicing rebellion. Edmund Pendleton was elected its president.
When Henry submitted his resolution to the convention “for embodying, arming and disciplining the militia,” many voted against it; showing that a respectable number yet desired peace. These pacifists caused Henry to make his great speech: “* * * If we wish to be free [pg 141] we must fight. It is too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. The war is inevitable, let it come! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
His resolution, because of the opposition of Pendleton, Nicholas, Harrison and Bland, would have been defeated except for his eloquence, though he was supported by Lee and Jefferson. Its adoption, coupled with his speech of “War is inevitable, let it come!” defined Virginia’s position; not only to the colonies but to the world.
After many prorogations of the House of Burgesses, it was convened on June 1, 1775, to consider “Lord North’s Compromise;” a separate offer of peace to Virginia.
Peyton Randolph left the Second Continental Congress to be present at its deliberations. As he approached Williamsburg, a procession of several companies of horse and foot, equipped as though for instant service, met and escorted him to the Capitol.
He found the Burgesses in session with their rifles handy. While they were discussing the North Compromise, one of the members accompanied by two private citizens, examining the magazine, were wounded by guns set at the direction of the Governor.
A committee of the House appointed to examine the magazine, reported: “Several kegs of powder have been placed under the floor and preparations made to blow it up.” In the discussion of this report, it came out that Lord Dunmore had declared his intention to free and arm the slaves against the colonists. Thereupon a Bill was passed placing a duty of five pounds on each imported slave. The last official act of the Governor was to veto this measure.
[pg 142] The Burgesses refused to treat with Lord North without the concurrence of the other colonies, and adjourned.
The Governor, frightened because of the excitement and open opposition to him, on June 7th, with his family, took refuge aboard the Fowey, a British man-of-war anchored at York.
On July 17th, the Third Virginia Convention assembled at Richmond and continued in session until August 26th. Its acts heretofore had been of the nature of resolutions; but as Dunmore had deserted his post, threatening to attack the colony and as the royal government no longer existed; the convention assumed the functions of a legislative body and established a provisional government.