The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-12-12
ENQUIRER OFFICE, Dec. -
FOR TIE ENQUIRER. ~.
IEE REyoLUTIoNARY JOURNALIST.

No. l.
Ihe renewal of war with our ancient and
inveterate enemy, Great Britain, for near
ly the same object which first drove us into
state of hostility towards her, naturally
leads us to the consideration of those mea-
surcs by which we are enabled to resist her
arms, her resources and ntrigues for our
supJugaton. And though in some instan-
ces our situation may appear to be essenti-
ally changed by the establishment, not only
OF regular state government, but by the
constitution OF the United States, yet ap-
prehend neither political union with
other states, nor any other consideration
ought to mislead us, so far as to shut our
syes against such measures as NAV be ne
cessary to invigorate the prosecution of the
war against our inveterate foe, or to shield
our own state from her attacks, either open
or private. pretend not to be able to
oiier advice worthy the attention of our
General Assembly, now assembled, other
wise than by calling their attention to the
acts of their illustrious predecessors, in the
times which tried mems souls Times which
tor aught L see to the contrary, are either
now returning or already returned. No
time, therefore, ought to be lost on the part
OF the Legislature in consulting on the best
means OF cooperating with and supporting
the measures OF the general government
and supplying any defects in the federal
constitution tor the protection of the state,
ana the punishment of the enemies of the
American Union and government within
this state, if any such Shall hereafter be
| found therein. AS experience is generally
admitted TO be the best guide, my purpose
| is. hsteado OF Offering any opinions or projects
Oh my own, merely 10 point out such mpor-
tant acts of the revolutionary conventions
and assemblies, by their titles and dates as
| may furnish any member Of the Legisla-
| ture, who Will take the trouble to Consult
! thelr own records, with such hints or full
information, on any subject, as he may re-
qulre, tor the benefit of his constituents and
his country.-l shall begin with the proceed
ings OF the convention held at Richmond on
the 10Th OF March, 1775, before the actu-
al commencement OF hostities-from which
1T may appear that our wise ancestors and
predecessors thought it was sometimes ne
cessary to prepare beforehand for events ::
n hiht winch no doubt our patriotic Legis-
lature VIII be found to avail themselves Of
March 25th, 1775.-Resokved that a well regu-
lated militia composed of gentlemen and women.
is the natural strength aud only security of a free
government, &c. 90. g..
That the establishment of such militia is at this
time peculiarly necessary, &c.
R-s0iVed, therefore that this COLONY be immedi-
atey put into posture of defence and that Patrick
Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Robert Carter Nicho-
las, BenJamin Harrison, Samuel Reddick, George
| w Washington, Adam Stevens, Andrew Lewis VIM
Christian, Edmund Pendeton, Thomas jefferson 81
Isaac Lane Esqures, be a committee to propose
| plan for the embody ng, arning, and disciplinny
sueh number OF men, may be sufficient for
that purpose. ..
March 25.--The committee having ,error,,ao tn
order reported plan pursuant to the above resoIn-
ton, the convention took the same into their con-
sideratIon which being read and amended as unan-
Imousiy agreed to: and wal! be found large in the
proceedings of that day.
Resolped, that Robert Carter Nicholas, 81 others
oe committee TO prepare plan for the encourage
inent OF arts and manufactures for this colony.
March 27th--Ihe Committee appointed TO pre-
pare plan for the encoura cement of arts aud man
utaetures, reported sundry resolutions for that pur
pose. which being severay read we're unanimously
agreed TO and VIII be found at large in the pro-
ceedings of that day.
Among these, the settingup and promoting wool
en-, Cot on and Linen manufactures, in as many diff.
ierent branches as possible, especially Coating Elan
mel, Blankets, Rugs, or Coverds, Hosiery, and
coarse cloths, Is strongly reeomiue nded-as also the
cultivation of Flax, Hemp, aud cotton tie estab-
hshment OF Salt works, and the making collecting
| aud refining Salt petrc and Sulphur and Gunuowe
der as also the making OF Steel and vari0ss other
| articles.
My next reference shall be to convent
on held at Richmond on Monday the 18th of
| July, 1775, which was Just a month after
| the battle of Bunker's Hill, and after ord
Dunmorc had abandoned the Government
| OF the Colony and retired ON board shin
OF war but near twelve months before the
Declaration of Independence
| Chap An ordinance for raising & etnbodv :,
sufficient force for tbs defence aud protection ,f
| this colony.
| Chap. An ordinance for the better -ov.rn-
nent OF the forces to be- raised and empI0veJ /,
tie service of the colony and dominion of Vjrgi.
! MIA. " O.
Chap s.-.ln ordinance Tor appointing amt.
tee of safety, &c.
Chap. Ola ordinance for providing arms and
ammunition for the use Of this colony
| At n convention held in Richmond & aCter,vards
by Adjournment. inv liism sb,rrg. Decen ber 1775
| the following ordinances, among others, wer. mad.
| Chap. In ordinance for raising Az, adj di,iouoI
number of forces for the defence q protection of
this colony &c. "
| Chap. SIN ordinance for amending an ord;-
| nance FOR providing arms and ammunition &c
hese ordinances prove that experience
had shcwn the convention that the number
OF forces providedby the former ordinance.
were too few and moreover that tho for
mer provision for arms and ammunition.
had been found inadequate. The Lerisla'
ture will OF course avail itself OF this useful
lesson.
Chap. An ordinance for est,Ll;sbin, mode y,
punishment for the enemies to .fmcrica IN this col
ony. " ' wv
lhs ordinance, among 9th err things deelas.rs IL. a