THE REVOLUTIONARY SHORE – August 4, 1774

THE REVOLUTIONARY SHORE – August 4, 1774

By Kellee Blake

250 years ago . . . 

Rind’s Virginia Gazette reported a defiant meeting of the former Burgesses in Williamsburg.  Royal Governor Dunmore had dissolved the House of Burgesses, but the “late representatives” were determined to meet and find a course to “relieve America from her present distressed situation.” The Gazette listed the counties resolved to support them.  On the list right after Lunenburg was Accomack. 

Yes. On July 27, the Accomack voters and unnamed “others” gathered at the courthouse to place their worries about the “Critical and Alarming Situation of this Country” on paper. Edinburgh educated attorney James Henry chaired the assemblage and the recently sidelined Burgess likely had much to say in crafting of the document. 

The group agreed they (1) would owe and pay allegiance to King George III and (2) that they should be entitled to all the rights of British born subjects, one of which was that no “tax, aid, tallage or other imposition” should be placed upon them by their own consent and by their own representatives.  

Boston was suffering in the common cause of liberty, stated Resolve Three, and the fourth insisted that Parliament’s actions against Boston were fundamentally wrong and could not be allowed without the “utter destruction of American Liberty.”  In short, you hurt Boston, you hurt us. 

Accomack’s unique imprint concluded with the resolve to “cheerfully submit to any measures . . . to be adopted for restoring harmony between the Mother Country and the Colonies.”  

Was there debate?  Discord? Fears openly expressed? The record is frustratingly silent regarding the day’s dialogue.  It is certain the assemblage UNANIMOUSLY supported the resolves and James Henry ordered them printed.  Bold Accomack joined other counties willing to make their position known. 

Northampton County had a different strategy in those early days of August 1774. Her leaders were busy with another remarkable task. Not one of writing, but of courageous action as merchants, farmers, sailors, and others readied to be part of the Great Corn Shipment. 

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