ads before we can be
acquainted with the result. In the mean time, we are to
struggle through a campaign, without arms, ammunition, or
any one necessary of war. Disgrace and defeat will
infallibly ensue; the soldiers and officers will become so
disappointed that they will abandon their colors, and
probably never be persuaded to make another effort.

But there is another consideration still more cogent. I can
assure you that the spirit of the people cries out for this
declaration; the military, in particular, men and officers,
are outrageous on the subject; and a man of your excellent
discernment need not be told how dangerous it would be, in
our present circumstances, to dally with the spirit, or
disappoint the expectations, of the bulk of the people. May
not despair, anarchy, and final submission be the bitter
fruits? I am firmly persuaded that they will; and, in this
persuasion, I most devoutly pray that you may not merely
recommend, but positively lay injunctions on, your servants
in Congress to embrace a measure so necessary to our
salvation.

Yours, most sincerely,
CHARLES LEE.[234]

Just eight days after that letter was written, the Virginia convention
took what may, at first glance, seem to be the precise action therein
described as necessary; and moreover, they did so under the
influence, in part, of Patrick Henry's powerful advocacy of it. On the
15th of May, after considerable debate, one hundred and twelve members
being present, the convention unanimously resolved,

"That the delegates appointed to represent this colony in
General Congress be instructed 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 whatever 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 legislatur