United Colonies
On May 4, Rhode Island became the first colony to formally declare independence, deleting all mention of King George from its governing documents. This was followed on May 15 by the Virginia Convention instructing its delegation to introduce a motion declaring the colonies free and independent states. On that same day, Congress passed a resolution advising the colonies to establish new provincial governments “under the authority of the People.”
Remnants of the American forces in Canada were defeated on May 6, and a chaotic retreat to Fort Ticonderoga ensued as thousands of British and Hessian reinforcements under the command of General John Burgoyne reached the St. Lawrence. As news of King George’s treaties with seven German principalities to provide tens of thousands of mercenary troops to the British reached the colonies, popular support for separation from Britain was galvanized. On May 20, a delegation from Georgia reached Congress, making it the 13th colony to join.
General Howe continued to strengthen the British Army in Nova Scotia in preparation for further invasions of the colonies. The British were also inciting Native American nations to take up arms against the colonists. They were sending supplies and munitions to the Overhill Cherokees from the British colony of West Florida.
Virginia
On May 6, the House of Burgesses met for the final time. Those present failed to make a quorum and chose to dissolve the body. The final entry by the Clerk in the minutes read FINIS, followed by an ornate scroll design to prevent future additions.
On the same day, the Fifth and final Virginia Convention convened, taking the place of the House of Burgesses. Of the 126 authorized delegates, 88 remained from the Fourth Convention. In addition to being the first representative body of a colony to authorize the introduction of a bill in Congress declaring the colonies “free and independent states,” the convention established a committee on May 15 to draft a Declaration of Rights and a plan for a permanent government, which became the first Virginia Constitution.
The principal author of these documents was George Mason. Also of note, John Bowyer of Botetourt, who served in the House of Burgesses and all five conventions, was a member of this committee. Thomas Jefferson would later borrow heavily from this Declaration for the document he would present to Congress a few weeks later.
Botetourt
In Botetourt County during May, there were extensive military preparations underway, with militia drills taking place and supplies being gathered. Rumors of Native raids along the frontier had the effect of raising anxiety among residents.
On May 14, John Mill recorded a deed for 82 acres on Craig’s Creek purchased from the estate of James Patton through William Thompson and William Preston, executors.
On that same day, the County Court met with William Fleming, Andrew Woods, Richard May, and William McClenachan, Gentlemen Justices, presiding. There was a particularly heavy docket, which included the probating of two wills, those of James Campbell and John McFarran; appointing Col. George Skillern to replace Col. Andrew Lewis in arbitrating disputes between Israel Christian and John Neelly; and appointing several surveyors of roads in different locations, including John and Samuel Robinson, Robert Caldwell, James Warren, and Joseph Carroll. Francis Smith took the oath of sheriff for the county. Additionally, Isaac Taylor, Jr. and Alexander Caldwell were appointed as constables. Several other civil matters were adjudicated.
A grand jury was convened, and several indictments were returned. Those findings will be discussed in June.
~Submitted by Ed Holt
Botetourt Preservation Partnership
