d time, for the more speedy
execution of the most vigorous and effectual measures to
repel the invasion of the enemy;

"_Resolved, therefore_, That the governor be, and he is
hereby fully authorized and empowered, by and with the
advice and consent of the privy council, from henceforward,
until ten days next after the first meeting of the General
Assembly, to carry into execution such requisitions as may
be made to this Commonwealth by the American Congress for
the purpose of encountering or repelling the enemy; to order
the three battalions on the pay of this Commonwealth to
march, if necessary, to join the Continental army, or to the
assistance of any of our sister States; to call forth any
and such greater military force as they shall judge
requisite, either by embodying and arraying companies or
regiments of volunteers, or by raising additional
battalions, appointing and commissioning the proper
officers, and to direct their operations within this
Commonwealth, under the command of the Continental generals
or other officers according to their respective ranks, or
order them to march to join and act in concert with the
Continental army, or the troops of any of the American
States; and to provide for their pay, supply of provisions,
arms, and other necessaries, at the charge of this
Commonwealth, by drawing on the treasurer for the money
which may be necessary from time to time; and the said
treasurer is authorized to pay such warrants out of any
public money which may be in his hands, and the General
Assembly will, at their next session, make ample provision
for any deficiency which may happen. But that this departure
from the constitution of government, being in this instance
founded only on the most evident and urgent necessity, ought
not hereafter to be drawn into precedent."

These resolutions, having been pressed rapidly through the forms of
the House, were at once carried up to the Senate for its concurrence.
The answer of the Senate was promptly returned, agreeing to all the
resolutions of the lower House, but proposing an important amendment
in the phraseology of the particular resolution which we have just
quoted. Instead of this clause--"the usual forms of government should
be suspended," it suggested the far more accurate and far more prudent
e