Thomas Nelson was the mover of its most important resolutions. George Mason was the author of its "Declaration of Rights." Other delegates, scarcely less illustrious, were among its members. Two young men, James Madison and Edmund Randolph, here began their careers.[1]
May 1 5th the following resolutions were adopted:
"Resolved, unanimously, That the delegates appointed to represent this colony in General Congress, be in structed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the crown or parliament of Great Britain, and that they give the assent of this colony to such declaration, and to what ever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alliances, and a confederation of the colonies, at such time, and in the manner, as to them shall seem best; Provided, that the power of forming government for, and the regulations of the internal concerns of each colony, be left to the respective colonial legislatures.
"Resolved, unanimously, That a committee be ap pointed to prepare a Declaration of Rights, and such a plan of government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people." (Life of Patrick Henry, by W. W. Henry, Vol. i, Ch. 16; American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. 6, p. 1524.)
These resolutions, prefaced by a strong preamble, were offered by Thomas Nelson, and w r ere seconded by Patrick Henry in words of burning eloquence. Copies were sent to the several colonial legislatures and were presented to Congress May 27th.
In obedience to these instructions, Richard Henry Lee, on behalf of the Virginia delegates, offered the following resolutions in Congress June 7, 1776:
- ↑ For a more detailed account of the proceedings of this convention see Life of Patrick Henry, by W. W. Henry, Vol. i, Chap. XVI
