Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-03-11


beg leave also TO roller TO the conclusive argu-
ments Of all the Judges and their unanimous de- |
cisioa in favor of the validity of the Constitution
10 the case OF hempor and Hawkins. The |
Courts have repeatedly decided; all the de- !
partments and all the officers of Government,
have constantly concurred in the opinion; but
above all, the People, for fifty years, have Civ
en- 1t their support and sanction by regularly
plying with all its iniunctons. And Mr.. Jefferson
by accepting the office of Governor, agreed TO adj
minister the Government according TO the provi-
sions OF the Constitution, and thereby substantially
acknowledged its validity.
But it is inferred that our Constitution must be
detective, because ii was framed at inauSpicous
time, and without sufficient elaboration 1t is
true that the Revolutionary struggle had com
menced. But sense of common danger united
our patriotic forefathers-one general feeling of
devotion actuated all. In that perous crisis the
immortal leaders of the Revolution with no SIMS
ter views, with no local iealousies, with no UNI
haliowed purpose of selfaggrandzement, but
6 with clean hands and pure hearts," erected
Temple OF Liberty, in which their latest posterty
may worship in undisturbed security. The histo
ry OF their deliberations refutes the charge of has
~ anu lncauuous procedure. will so far trespass
! upon the patience of the Senate, as TO take the
Journal OF the Convention and trace the Bill of
Rights and the Constitution from their inception TO
their consummaton. If we entertain proper re-
spect, and suitable feelings of gratitude for the
iiiu9tIious founders of our Republic, we shall
not be wearied with recitation of their names
and labors.
On the 10Th May, 1776, Mr.. Archibald Cary
! from the Committee of the Whole on the state of
the Colony, reported the following resolutions
" torasmuch as all the endeavors of the United
Colonies, by the most decent representations and
peuuons TO the King and Parliament of Great
Britain, to restore peace and security TO America
under the British Government, and a Reunion
with that People upon Just and liberal terms in
stead OF redress OF grievances, have produced
from an lmperiouS and vndictive administration
increased insults, OPPRESSION and a vigorous nj
tempt TO effect our total destruction By late act
all these Colonies declared 10 be in n stale nj
rebellion and out of the protection of the British
Crown, properties subjected 10 copfsca.ion
our People, when captvated compelled to ioi,,
In the murder and plumber of their relatives and
countrymen, ana all former rapine and oppression
oil Americans declared legal and just. Fleets and
armies are raised and the aid of foreign troops en-
gagged 10 assist these destructive purposes The
hIngs Representative in this Colony hath not on
~ withheld all the powers of Government from
operating for our safety, but, having retired on
board an armed ship, IS carrying piraiical and
savage war against us, tempting our slaves bv ev-
cry aruhce, to resort TO him, and training and en-
poylng them against their masters In this state
OF extreme danger, we have no alternative left but
an AFFECT submission to the will of these overbear-
ing tyrants, a total separation from the Croyvu
and Government OF Great Britain, uniting and ex-
ertlng the strength of all America for defence
and forming alliances with foreign powers for
commerce and aid in war:
wherefore, appealing to the Searcher of Hearts
Tor the sincerity of former declarations exuress-
ing our desire TO preserve the connexion with that
nation, and that we are driven from that iDclino-
ton by their wicked Councils and the eternal
laws OF self-prescrvation:
Resolved unanimously, That the delegates an
pointed TO represent this Colony in General Con
gress be instructed to propose 20 that respectable
body to declare the United Colonies free and in
dependent States, absoivcd from all allegiance to
or dependence upon, the crown or parliament Of
and hat tn a.,
Colony 10 such declaration, and to whatever ia
sures may be thought proper and necessary by the
congress tor forming foreign alliances and a con-
federation OF the colonies, at such time, and in the
manner, as 70 them shall seem best: Provided
that the power of forming government for and the
regulations oil the internal concerns of each Colo
ny. be left 70 the respective Colonial Legislatures
resolved unanimously, That a Committee be
appointed 70 prepare a Declaration of Rights and
such plan Of Government as will be most likely
10 maintain peace and order in this Colony and
secure substantial and equal liberty to the People
ANA committee was appointed Of the following
gentlemen:
Messrs Archibald Cary, Meriwe,her Smith
Mercer, Henry Lee, Treasurer, Henry, Dan
bridge, Edmund Randolph, GiImer Bland, Dirp-s
Darlington, Thomas Ludwel Lee Cabell Jones
Blair, Fleming, Tazewell, Richard Cary, Butt.
Watts, Banister, Page, Starke, David Mason. Adj
ans, Read, and Thomas Lewis.
ioih May, MeSsrs. Madison, rutherford and
Watkins added to the committee
ion MAY, Mar. George Mason added 20 the
Committee.
2Ist May, Mr.. Bowyer and 24th, EIr. Harvie
added 20 the committee.
9th May, Alr. Cary reported Declaration Of
Blghts;-which was referred 10 a committee of
the WhOie,-and, on the same day Mpssrs CurIe
and Holt were added TO the select committee.
/ The Declaration of Rights was discussed il,
committee OF the whole, on the 2glh Nav, on Sd
4th 9TH and 10Th of June when Mr. Blair re-
| portedit with amendments.
| On Ilth June, the amendments were concur.
redin.
On 18th June, I776, the Declaration of RIGHTS
was read third time and passed mem. con-
On 18th June, Mr.. Il. Cary reported the plan of
Government.
| On 10Th june, read second fine. and commit
! ted to committee OF the whole, who considered
/ The same in part.
/ On 9th aud 18th it was farther considered. and
on the latter day reported by Mr. Cary with sew
/ eral amendments, which were twice read and
| agreed TO. The plan Of Government was Cairl,,
transcribed, and on 18th June I776, It was unani
mously adopted And on the same day Patrick
\ Henry was elected Governor
must intrcat the Senate 90 bear with me until
read the reply OF the first Governor of the State of
I Virginia 70 tie communication announciup hi.
election. ! produce II as The evidence Of that IN
equ3led man in favor Of the constitution and ~,
on this subject it is not even couectured that he
ever changed his sentiments
In l453, when the call of a convention was an
| ucipatcd by Sir Jefferson. Mr.. Henry was the
champion Of the constitution, and i'm I7ss. I'm a.,
lrginia convention, he declared his conviction
That IT, irdmcls had acted under q celestial iufu-
ence."
But, sir, letus hear The reply reported 10 the
convention on Monday LIST. July l776, by Gcorre
-l1son, who was the author Of the plan of Gov
eminent