Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/246

 222 SKETCHES OF THE

them without amendment^ on the first day of June, which was the last day of the session. The act, as it stands upon the statute book of the session, is as follows:

" An act to attaint Josiah Philips and others, unless they render themselves to justice, within a certain time.

" Whereas a certain Josiah Philips, labourer, of the i^arish of Lynhaven and county of Pnncess Amie, together with di\ ers others, inhabitants of the counties of Princess Jlnne and JVorfolk, and citizens of this commonwealth, contraiy to their fidelity, associating and confederating together, have levied war against this commonwealth, within the same, committing mur- ders, burning houses, wasting farms, and doing other acts of hostility in the said counties of Princess Anne and JSorfolk, and still continue to exercise the same enormities on the good people of this commonwealth; and, whereas, the delays which would attend the pro- ceeding to outlaw the said offenders, according to the usual forms and procedures of the courts of law, would leave the said good people, for a long time, exposed to murder and devastation:

" Be it, tJierefore, oiacted by the general assembly, That if the said Josiah Philips, his associates and con- federates, shall not, on or before the last day of Jnne in the present year, render themselves to the governor, or to some member of the privy council, judge of the general court, justice of the peace, or commissioned officer of the regular troops, navy, or militia of this com- monwealth, in order to their trials for the treasons, murders, and other felonies by them counnitted, that.

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