Resolves & Resolutions
Two years before the Declaration of Independence, Virginia's revolutionary county committees began issuing "resolutions" and "resolves" that often proclaimed conditional loyalty to the King, fury with Parliament, and the rights that belonged to them as Virginians, citizens of the British Empire, and human beings. The Fincastle Resolutions and the Fort Gower Resolves, both written in the woods of the far west, were particularly eloquent, compelling, and uncompromising.
“The Summer of Discontent” (Jim Bish, RV) - An in-depth look at the resolves and resolutions of 1774.
“The Dunmore and Frederick Resolves” (Gabe Neville, 8th Virginia)
“The Fort Gower Resolves” (Gabe Neville, ABT)
“The Fincastle Resolutions," (Jim Glanville, Smithfield Review). The sentiments of Virginia in 1774 and 1775 are best understood from the various resolves and resolutions written by county committees of safety. Despite its title, Glanville's essay surveys all of the surviving country resolutions.
“How a Now-Defunct County in Southwest Virginia Became the First to Declare its Willingness to Fight Britain" (Randy Walker, Cardinal News) - The story behind the strongly-worded Fincastle Resolutions of January, 1775.
New & Notable
“The Virginia Continental Line in the Revolution's Southern Campaigns” (John Settle, ERW)
"The 15 Pre-Existing States" (Gabe Neville, RV) - A look at the 15 states that existed as well-established, individual political entities before transitioning directly to statehood. The list may surprise you.
“‘Liberty of Death:‘ The Culpeper Minutemen” (Jim Bish, ERW) Jim Bish tells the story of Hampton, Great Bridge, and the Culpeper Minutemen—the one shining success amid the failure of Virginia's 1775 experiment with minute battalions.
“‘Void of Common Sense’: George Washington and Guy Fawkes Day, 1975" (Rob Orrison, ERW)
“Arthur Lee's Warning” (Bob Ruppert, JAR) - A look at Virginia Diplomat Arthur Lee's timely, substantive, but overlooked letters home from London in the lead-up to war.
“Washington's 10 Best Military Decisions” (David Price, JAR)
