Archibald Campbell

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Mr˙ Holt, from the Committee to whom the Petitions of Archibald Campbell, John Willoughby, and Cary Mitchell, were referred, reported, that the Committee had accordingly had the same under their consideration, and that it appeared to them, from the Depositions of Lewis Hansford, Maximilian Calvert, and Cornelius Calvert, and the testimony of Matthew Phripp, that the said Archibald Campbell hath frequently denied the right of the British Parliament to tax America; that the said Archibald Campbell was against violent measures on either side, thinking a strict adherence to the commercial opposition would produce a redress of grievances, and refused to join in soliciting Lord Dunmore down to Norfolk; that the said Campbell took the oath prescribed by him, but was determined to stand neuter; that the said Campbell had sent his family to Bermuda, and intended shortly to follow them; and that he does not appear to have assisted Lord Dunmore, either with money or provisions.

That it appeared to them that the said John Willoughby had acted a very friendly part to his country until Lord Dunmore had gained too great an ascendency about Norfolk; that the said Willoughby was Chairman of the Committee of the County of Norfolk, and constantly attended their meetings; that, on the 17th of November, the said Willoughby was called upon to appear before Lord Dunmore, and take his oath; that he expostulated with his Lordship, and desired time, until the next day, to consider of it; that, immediately after, Captain Leslie declared those who would not sign should be taken into custody and deemed Rebels; that the said Willoughby did then take the

v4:106

That they had wrote to Colonel Woodford to send up from Norfolk, where the said Cary Mitchell lately resided, any testimony he might be able to procure, either for or against him, and had given a reasonable time for obtaining the same, and that no such proof had been received.

And that the Committee had come to the following Resolutions thereupon; which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk' s table, where the same were again twice read, and agreed to by the Convention:

Resolved, That the conduct of the said Archibald Campbell does not appear to have been inimical to the rights and liberties of America.

Resolved, That the said John Willoughby acted as a friend to American liberty before Lord Dunmore erected his standard, and whatever he afterwards did to the contrary proceeded from compulsion, being himself, and family, in the power of Lord Dunmore.

Resolved, That the said Cary Mitchell doth not appear to have acted unfriendly to American liberty, nor does it appear that the reports mentioned in the said Petition are true.

Resolved, That the said Archibald Campbell, John Willoughby, and Cary Mitchell, be discharged on their parole not to give intelligence or assistance to the enemies of America.