Page:The Life of George Washington, Volume 1.djvu/564

 — 34 — the grand council is to be obtained, before they receive their commissions. And all civil officers are to be nominated by the grand council, and to receive the president general's ap- probation before they officiate. VACANCIES, HOW SUPPLIED. But in case of vacancy, by death, or removal of any officer, civil or military, under this constitution, the governor of the province in which such vacancy happens, may appoint until the pleasure of the president general and grand council can be known. EACH COLONY MAY DEFEND ITSELF ON EMERGENCY, &C. That the particular military as well as civil establishments in each colony remain in their present state, the general con- stitution notwithstanding ; and that on sudden emergencies any colony may defend itself, and lay the accounts of expense thence arising before the president general and grand council, who may allow and order payment of the same as far as they judge such accounts reasonable. Minot. JVOTE....JV0. IX. This fiafier is a document not entirely unworthy of attention, as it manifests how completely the strength of the province was exerted. " The several reasons and motives," say the general court, " which your excellency has from time to time laid before the two houses, in order to induce an augmentation of the forces for the service of the present year, have been maturely weighed and considered by us. " We have likewise had an opportunity, in the recess of the court, of acquainting ourselves with the state of the several parts of the province, and its ability for raising an additional number of men. We acknowledge with gratitude, that the interest and ease of the people have been consulted by your excellency in making the last levy, as far as could consist with his majesty's service, and the purposes for