May 28, 1776

It took about a week and a half for news of the Virginia Convention’s May 15 Resolution to reach Philadelphia. Whereas the Continental Congress resolution on that same date fell short of a declaration of independence, the Virginia Convention explicitly called for Virginia’s “Delegates appointed to represent this colony in General Congress” to “propose to that respectable body TO DECLARE THE UNITED COLONIES FREE AND INDEPENDANT STATES.” These instructions also called for “whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alliances, and a CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES.” Although the Virginia delegates received these instructions in late May, Richard Henry Lee did not make a formal proposal for independence, confederation, and foreign treaties until June 7—perhaps because George Washington was in town at this time, and the Congress’s attentions were focused on him.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne

WILLIAMSBURG, [...]

IN CONVENTION. 
Present one hundred and twelve Members.
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 1776.
[...]
Resolved unanimously, 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 INDEPENDANT STATES, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependance 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 Legislatures.

Resolved unanimously, That a Committee be appointed to prepare A DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, and such a plan of government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people.

EDMUND PENDLETON, President.
(A copy)
John Tazewell, Clerk of the Convention.