William Haywood, an officer from South-Carolina, permitted to recruit in Virginia, Petition of sundry persons of the Baptist Church, in the County of Prince William, for certain religious privileges enjoyed by others, which they have not yet been indulged with in this part of the world, Delegates to the Continental Congress elected

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Thursday, June 20, 1776.

Resolved, That Mr˙ William Hayward, an officer from South-Carolina, be permitted to recruit soldiers in this Colony,

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A Petition of sundry persons of the Baptist Church, in the County of Prince William, whose names are thereunto subscribed, was presented to the Convention, and read; setting forth, that at a time when this Colony, with the others, is contending for the civil rights of mankind against the enslaving schemes of a powerful enemy, they are persuaded the strictest unanimity is necessary among ourselves; and that every remaining cause of division may, if possible, be removed, they think it their duty to petition for the following religious privileges, which they have not yet been indulged with in this part of the world, to wit: That they be allowed to worship God in their own way, without interruption; that they be permitted to maintain their own Ministers, and none others; that they may be married, buried, and the like, without paying the Clergy of other denominations; that, these things granted, they will gladly unite with their brethren, and, to the utmost of their ability, promote the common cause.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances; that they inquire into the allegations thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the Convention.

Resolved, That the Delegates to be appointed to represent this Colony in General Congress, consist of five in number.

The Convention then, according to the Order of the Day, proceeded to the appointment of Delegates to represent this Colony in General Congress; and the Members having prepared tickets, and put the same into the ballot-box, Mr˙ Treasurer, Mr˙ George Mason, Mr˙ Blair, Mr˙ Holt, and Mr˙ Henry Tazewell, were appointed a Committee to examine the same, and report upon whom the majority falls; and it appearing, from the report of the Committee, that the majority were in favour of George Wythe, Thomas Nelson, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, and Francis Lightfoot Lee, Esquires;

Resolved, therefore, That the said George Wythe, Thomas Nelson, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, and Francis Lightfoot Lee, Esquires, be, and they are hereby, appointed Delegates to represent this Colony in General Congress for one year from the 11th of August next.

Resolved, That any three of the said Delegates be a sufficient number to represent this Colony in the said General Congress.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in an Ordinance to amend an Ordinance intituled An Ordinance to provide for paying the expenses of the Delegates from this Colony to the General Congress; and that Mr˙ Starke, Mr˙ Henry Lee, and Mr˙ Edmund Randolph, do prepare and bring in the same.

Ordered, That Mr˙ Simpson and Mr˙ Tipton have leave to be absent from the service of this Convention for the remainder of the session.

Resolved, That there be a call of the Convention on Monday next.

The Orders of the Day, for the Convention to resolve itself into a Committee on the state of the Colony, and on the Ordinance for amending an Ordinance intituled An Ordinance for augmenting the Ninth Regiment of Regular forces, providing for the better defence of the frontiers of this Colony, and for raising six Troops of Horse, being read,

Ordered, That the same be put off till to-morrow.

A Representation from the Justices of the County Court of Isle-of-Wight, was presented to the Convention, and read; desiring to be informed whether they have power to commit and hold Courts for examination of persons who may be apprehended for criminal offences.

Ordered, That the said Memorial be referred to the Committee on the state of the Colony.

Adjourned till to-morrow, ten o' clock.