Augusta Resolves facts for kids

The Augusta Resolves was an important statement made on February 22, 1775. It was adopted by six representatives from Augusta County, Virginia, during the early days of the American Revolution. The resolves showed strong support for the American Congress. They resisted the Intolerable Acts, which were laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774. The statement also promised to risk 'lives and fortune' to protect people's natural rights.

Why the Resolves Were Written

Britain's New Laws

After the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament passed new laws. These were called the Coercive Acts, or the Intolerable Acts. They were meant to punish Massachusetts. In response, the Virginia House of Burgesses declared June 1, 1774, a special day. It was a day for "fasting, humiliation, and prayer." This showed their support for Boston.

Governor's Reaction

Lord Dunmore was the royal governor of Virginia. He did not like what the House of Burgesses did. So, he closed down the House of Burgesses. But the burgesses met again on May 27 at the Raleigh Tavern. They asked Virginia's counties to choose delegates. These delegates would attend a special convention in August.

Augusta County's Delegates

Thomas Lewis and Samuel McDowell were chosen. They became Augusta County's representatives for this important convention.

Drafting the Statement

On February 22, 1775, the six authors of the Augusta Resolves met. They gathered in Staunton, Virginia. There, they wrote their statement. It declared their strong commitment. They wanted "to enjoy the free exercise of conscience, and of human nature." They were fully resolved to protect these rights. They would do so "with our lives and our fortune." The resolves were approved by the freeholders of Augusta County. They were then published in Pinkney's March 16, 1775, Virginia Gazette.

What the Resolves Said

Key Points of the Resolves

The Augusta Resolves showed respect for Great Britain. They also hoped to fix the relationship between Britain and the colonies. The statement made several important points and suggestions to the Virginia Convention:

• They promised to risk their 'life and fortune'. This was to keep their natural rights.
• They planned to join with other colonies if needed. This was to make sure their rights were safe.
• They suggested making things like salt, steel, and paper in the colonies. They also wanted to make wool cards and gunpowder. These would be for the colonial militias.
• They advised militia officers in all counties. They should become "masters of the military exercises." This meant they should train well for fighting.

Importance and Impact

Similar Resolutions Across Virginia

Many other Virginia areas passed similar statements. At least 59 out of 64 Virginia places did this. These resolutions happened between June 1774 and early 1775. There were two main periods for these statements. The first was from June to August 1774. The second was from December 1774 to March 1775. The Augusta Resolves were part of this second period. Augusta County was busy with Lord Dunmore's War from May to October 1774. This is why their resolves came a bit later.

Leading to Independence

Historian Jim Glanville believes the resolutions from Virginia's four western counties are very important. These counties were Augusta, Botetourt, Fincastle, and Pittsylvania. He says they are "the most significant statements" supporting American liberty from the second period. They were like early versions of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Declaration was issued by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

George Washington's Words

George Washington was inspired by the spirit of these counties. He is said to have responded with these powerful words:

"Strip me of the dejected and suffering remnants of my army; take from me all that I have left; leave me but a banner; give me but the means to plant it upon the mountains of West Augusta, and I will yet draw around me the men who will lift up their bleeding country from the dust and set her free."

Authors

• Alexander Balmain
• Sampson Mathews
• Alexander M'Clenachan
• Michael Bowyer
• William Lewis
• George Mathews