said. And then another resolution was passed to this effect: "We will send
a copy of these resolutions to every legislative body on the continent."
That was a little stronger, but did not mean much either.

It was voted upon and passed.

Then the Assembly adjourned, having dispatched a copy of the resolutions
to Lord Boutetourt, the newly appointed Governor who had just arrived from
London.

Next day, the Governor's secretary appeared when the Assembly convened,
and repeated the following formula: "The Governor commands the House to
attend His Excellency in the Council-Chamber." The members marched to the
Council-Chamber and stood around the throne waiting the pleasure of His
Lordship. He made a speech which I will quote entire. "Mr. Speaker and
Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses: I have heard your resolves, and augur
ill of their effect. You have made it my duty to dissolve you, and you are
dissolved accordingly."

And that was the end of Jefferson's first term in office--the reward for
all the hand-shaking, all the caressing, all the treating!

The members looked at one another, but no one said anything, because there
was nothing to say. The secretary made an impatient gesture with his hand
to the effect that they should disperse, and they did.

Just how these legally elected representatives and now legally common
citizens took their rebuff we do not know.

Did Washington forget his usual poise and break out into one of those