America."[151] On the 15th of February, the Provincial
Congress of Massachusetts urged the people to "spare neither time,
pains, nor expense, at so critical a juncture, in perfecting
themselves forthwith in military discipline."[152]

When, therefore, so late as Monday, the 20th of March, 1775, the
second revolutionary convention of Virginia assembled at Richmond, its
members were well aware that one of the chief measures to come before
them for consideration must be that of recognizing the local military
preparations among their own constituents, and of placing them all
under some common organization and control. Accordingly, on Thursday,
the 23d of March, after three days had been given to necessary
preliminary subjects, the inevitable subject of military preparations
was reached. Then it was that Patrick Henry took the floor and moved
the adoption of the following resolutions, supporting his motion,
undoubtedly, with a speech:--

"_Resolved_, That a well-regulated militia, composed of
gentlemen and yeomen, is the natural strength and only
security of a free government; that such a militia in this
colony would forever render it unnecessary for the mother
country to keep among us for the purpose of our defence any
standing army of mercenary forces, always subversive of the
quiet and dangerous to the liberties of the people, and
would obviate the pretext of taxing us for their support.

"_Resolved_, That the establishment of such a militia is at
this time peculiarly necessary, by the state of our laws for
the protection and defence of the country, some of which
have already expired, and others will shortly do so; and
that the known remissness of government in calling us
together in a legislative capacity, renders it too insecure,
in this time of danger and distress, to rely that
opportunity will be given of renewing them in general
assembly, or making any provision to secure our inestimable
rights and liberties from those further violations with
which they are threatened.

"_Resolved, therefore_, That this colony be immediately put
into a posture of defence; and that ... be a committee to
prepare a plan for the embodying, arming, and disciplining
such a number of men as may be sufficient for that
purpose."[153]

No one who reads these resolutions in the light of the facts just
given, can find