The New Kent Resolves of May 1775

,  These two resolutions appeared in the Virginia Gazette of May 19, 1775 and are New Kent's response to the Gunpowder Incident of 1775.

AT a meeting of the committee for NEW KENT county, at the courthouse, the 3rd day of May, 1775. Resolved unanimously, that Lord Dunmore's conduct, in removing the powder from the magazine of this colony, on board an armed vessel, at the time and in the manner it appears to have been done, was an ill-advised and arbitrary step, tending to disquiet the minds and endanger the safety of his Majesty's loyal subjects us this colony in general, and as the inhabitants of the city of Williamsburg in particular.

Resolved that his Lordship's verbal answer to the address of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of city of Willliamsburg, was unsatisfactory and evasive; and that his Lordship's not returning the powder, agreeable to their request, and the known desire of the people of this colony, is a sufficient proof that he was influenced by the worst motives.

Resolved, that this, and other parts of his Lordship's conduct, which have lately transpired, evince him to be an enemy to liberty and the true interests of this colony, and a zealous supporter of tyranny and despotism over the people who have the unhappiness to live under his government; and that he has, thereby, forfeited all title to their confidence.

Resolved, that the city of Williamsburg are entitled to the ready and cheerful assistance of this county, in case they should be in danger from any invasion or insurrection.

Resolved, that the thanks of this committee are due to the committee of Hanover, for communicating their order of the ad instant; that this committee are sensible of the dangers that threaten us from the Governor's conduct, as well as from other quarters, and will co-operate with a majority of the counties of this colony in such measures as shall be adopted for their defence and preservation.

It appearing to this committee, that a body of armed men, from the county of Hanover, have marched through this county in order to make reprisals upon the King's property, to replace the gunpowder taken from the magazine.

Resolved, that such proceedings make it particularly necessary for the inhabitants of this county to prepare for their defence, against any dangers that may ensue in consequence of it, by keeping their arms in the best order, and the greatest readiness, to act on any occasion.

Resolved, that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this county immediately to form a company of volunteers, to be assembled at the lower part of this county, ready to act on any emergency, as may be found necessary.

By order of the committee.

(A copy-) WILLIAM SMITH, clerk,

 AT a meeting of the committee for NEW KENT county, at the courthouse, the 11th day of May, 1775,

The committee taking into consideration Lord Dunmore's proclamation dated the 3rd day, of this month, said to be issued with the advice of his Majesty's Council, wherein the inhabitants of this colony an indiscriminately charged, in general terms, with disaffection to his Majesty's government, and a design to effect a change in the form of it, think it necessary, for themselves and their constituents, to declare their sentiments, and accordingly .

Resolve unanimously, that unfeigned loyalty to his Majesty's person and government, as by law established, and a due obedience to the laws of our county, are the ruling principles us the inhabitants of this county; and that the suggestion on which the said proclamation appears more to be sounded, so far as it respects the inhabitants this county, is an injurious reflection upon them, and has no foundation in truth. At the same time, we are determined, for ourselves and posterity, to support and maintain the rights and privileges of British subjects, which we are entitled to, against all tyrannical attempts whatever.

Resolved, that the resolutions of this committee, entered into on the 3rd of this month, and the first resolution entered into this 3rd day be sent to the printers, to be published.

By order of the committee.

(A copy.) WILLIAM SMITH, clerk: