rico demanded the restitution of the powder, the
Gloucester men threatening, in case of refusal, to seize the governor.
Bedford offered a premium for the manufacture of gunpowder; the
independent company of Dumfries and the Albemarle volunteers were ready
for action. Dunmore renewed his threats, and was confident, as he wrote
to Lord Dartmouth, the English minister, that "with a small
re-enforcement of troops and arms he could raise such a body of Indians,
negroes, and others as would reduce the refractory people of this colony
to obedience."[608:B]

Three citizens, deputed by the troops assembled at Fredericksburg,
repaired to Williamsburg for the purpose of ascertaining the real state
of affairs, and to offer military assistance if desired. Peyton
Randolph, in behalf of the corporation, in replying to the committee,
stated that: "Besides what has been said in his public answer, the
governor has given private assurances to several gentlemen that the
powder shall be returned to the magazine, though he has not condescended
to fix the day for its return. So far as we can judge, from a comparison
of all circumstances, the governor considers his honor at stake; he
thinks that he acted for the best, and will not be compelled to what, we
have abundant reason to believe, he would cheerfully do, if left to
himself." "If we then may be permitted to advise, it is our opinion and
most earnest request, that matters may be quieted for the present at
least; we are firmly persuaded that perfect tranquillity will be
speedily restored. By pursuing this course we foresee no hazard, or even
inconvenience that can ensue. Whereas we are apprehensive, and this we
think upon good grounds, that violent measures may produce effects which
God only knows the consequence of."[609:A]

Upon this reply being reported to the volunteers at Fredericksburg,
styled "The friends of constitutional liberty in America," they declared
that it was dictated by fear, and resolved to march at all events to
Williamsburg, under command of Captain Hugh Mercer, who was eager to
redress the indignity which Virginia had suffered at the hands of the
governor.

At this juncture Peyton Randolph happened to reach the house of Edmund
Pendleton, one of his colleagues, on his route to Philadelphia, where
the congress was about to meet. These two eminent men sent to
Fredericksburg, on Saturday, the twenty-ninth, a letter advising that
further action should be deferred until