allegiance; a charge, we are confident, not founded in
reality, and which, we believe, is construed out of the
discharge of that duty which every good man is under, to
point out to his weaker countrymen, in the day of publick
trial, the part they should act, and explain, on
constitutional principles, the nature of their allegiance,
the ground of which we fervently pray may never be removed,
whose force we desire may never with reason be relaxed, but
yet may be subservient to considerations of superior regard.

"The Committee being informed by some of the officers who
commanded the Troops of this County that marched on the
above occasion, that the reason of their marching no farther
than Fredericksburgh was, their having received repeated
requests from the Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esq., to
return home, assuring them that the peaceable citizens of
Williamsburgh were under no apprehensions of danger, either
in their persons or properties; that the publick treasury
and records were perfectly safe, and that there was no
necessity for their proceeding any further; three of the
other Delegates appointed to the Continental Congress, the
only civil power we know of in this great struggle for
liberty, being of the same opinion.

"_Resolved, nemine contra dicente_, That under such
circumstances we approve the conduct of the said Officers
and Troops.

"_Resolved, nemine contra dicente_, That we cordially
approve the conduct of our countrymen, Captain Patrick