The Danville assemblage, did not stop however, at the point, where the suggested expedition, failed. Its deliberations had sufficiently developed the situation of Kentucky, as to both, her local, and legal condition, and resources, to render, in their opinion, a change in the latter, a desideratum, of the first importance.

It had been rendered apparent that her inherent strength was every way equal to her protection, and security against the Indian nations, though numerous. And that she required the faculty only, of bringing this strength into action, in order to be every way competent to her own preservation, and expansion. But to want this faculty, was a tremendous defect in her political power, situated as she was, in the midst of savages.

Physically, Kentucky, might be compared to Sampson, going down to the Philistines-politically, to the same man, aster his amour with Delilah.

To an intelligent people, concerned about their own political situation, there is no dilemma which is inextricable; no evil, without a remedy; if they will but act with prudence, and with spirit. Wherever the freedom of discussion is unrestrained by arbitrary power; and the determinations of the majority can be carried into execution; there will be safety, where there is sufficient strength.

While prudence exercises itself in vain, when its utmost efforts in opposing danger, are limited to its perception, instead of its extinguishment.

In such a situation, the means of safety, being the first object of the people's duty; and belonging essentially to their rights, cannot long remain unknown, or unattained.

To the people of Kentucky, forming a part of Virginia, and accustomed to look up to her, for acts of legislation, and grants of authority, it was as reasonable, as it was natural, to apply to her, for protection; and to demand as a right, the free exercise of the means, which God, and their own exertions, had put within their own grasp. This, to the extent of internal defence, was all legalized. Beyond that, it was forbidden. And this appeared an intolerable grievance.

The right which exists in nature to resent injury, and to seek redress-had been converted from an individual to a social principle, on the institution of government: and carefully rendered permanent in the constitution of the state, by authorizing remonstrance, against injustice; and petition, for relief, in case of distress. This right was in familiar practice with the people; and usually exercised, by personal subscription to a written statement of facts, on the part of those concerned, in the success of the application.

On the present occasion, however, it was thought inadequate, or ineligible. It was said, that the situation of the country, had assumed unusual importance. That it was not an individual case-but a public concern, which claimed attention. It was a crisis, which presented hostility without, and anarchy within. It was to the legislature indeed, that application was to be made, for a remedy of the evil. But in order to make it with the greater propriety, and the more certain success, it was deemed expedient by the assemblage, to invite to the same. place in the month following, a CONVENTION of the representatives, of the whole people, of the district; that the deliberate result of their joint consultations, might be presented to that honourable body.

To produce the convention, the assemblage, addressed the people, in a circular letter, in which it was recommended, to each militia company, in the district, to elect, on a day certain, therein named, one representative; to meet in Danville, on the 27th of the month, (December, 1784;) to take into consideration, the important subject, of self defence.

The recommendation was well received; the elections made agreeably to requisition; and the representatives assembled at the time, and place, appointed. They hence placed themselves in a deliberative body, under the denomination of "convention;" having elected Samuel McDowell president, and Thomas Todd clerk; they proceeded to business.

Their inquiries, and deliberations, now directed to the means of obviating existing difficulties, and of guarding against those of a similar nature in future, were conducted with much

decorum:—which after a session of ten days, resulted in the opinion, that many of the causes of complaint, might be removed by the legislature of the state-while others, and those of the greatest magnitude, taking their rise in the local situation of the country, and existing in the very nature of the government, were beyond her legitimate power of redress, in the ordinary mode of legislation: and could only be obtained by a separation of the parts, and the erection of Kentucky, into an independent member of the confederation. An expedient, which was thus pressed upon the country, by the permanent features of its character, and suggested by its safety, and future prosperity, being sanctioned by a provision in the constitution, with a view to such case, was therefore embraced with considerable ardour, by many of the convention, who urged the exposed situation of the district, and its want of political power, as unanswerable arguments, for the change; even at the hazard of losing some objects of minor importance.

This latter opinion prevailed, and was embodied in a resolution in favour of applying for an act, to render Kentucky independent of Virginia.

Thus dawned the aurora of separation, which some, hailed with auspicious invocations, and others, deprecated with ominous forebodings.

In fact, it suggested an untried state of things, not destitute of risk, when viewed as relative to the heterogeneous mass of people from all countries, within; or the feeble state of the confederation, and the numerous enemies, without; who might assail its infancy.

Those who felt themselves at ease in places of safety-those who were strongly attached to Virginia-and there were many who loved her manners, habits, and institutions--those who were unmoved by new objects of ambition-and others, averse to any radical change-in a word, all those whose property rendered them timid-could but anticipate the event of separation from the parent state, with some apprehensions; many openly opposed the measure.

There was notwithstanding, a decided majority in the convention in favour of applying for the separation. But as the idea had not been suggested before they were elected; and they could not say they were elected for the purpose, they declined making the application--but yet very earnestly recommended it to the people of the district, by a resolution, that they should at their respective county elections, in April of the next year, for members of the legislature, also choose representatives to meet in convention, in the May following, at Danville; for the express purpose of considering, and deciding, on the propriety, and expediency, of applying to the general assembly, for an ACT OF SEPARATION, and permission to become an independent member of the union..

There being no printing press in the district, some pains were taken to inform the people, of the extraordinary election for convention; and to explain to them, the objects proposed to be effected; by circulars, and otherwise. It is believed the number to be chosen did not exceed twenty-five; and that they were apportioned, among the three counties which composed the district, with a reference to their supposed population; and also, to the expected division of Jefferson.

An immense accession to the number of settlers took place, during the fall of the year; and consequent extensions of the settlements succeeded, during the following winter and spring. Many genteel families, and persons of good information, were among the emigrants. The frontiers were also extended ;--many parts recently exposed to danger, now became quite enveloped within the pale of safety; had the Indians even kept up their usually active hostility: but there was in this year, a very sensible relaxation in the depredations of the northern and western tribes, as already noticed, which continued through the winter.

[1785.] The first of January, 1785, all that part of Jefferson county, "south of Salt river," became Nelson county. In. March, the Indians killed, Elliott, who had recently settled at the mouth of the Kentucky-dispersed the rest of the family, and burnt the house. This indication of war was received,

with some alarm, and much chagrin. Other sign, was frequently seen, by hunters, and surveyors, in different parts; horses were stolen, and the out settlers kept in fear, by skulking parties, who dared not attack any place of strength.

April arrived, the elections came on, and members were chosen to the proposed convention, as well as to the general assembly; though in different numbers. On the 23d of May, those for the convention, assembled in Danville; and having organized themselves, proceeded to the business of their mission. The greatest attention to good order, and decorum, was observed. Many citizens attended, whose conduct was marked, by observance, and respect. The ninth day of the session, the convention, came to sundry resolutions; which are committed to history, for the use of the present, and future reader.They follow:

"1st. Resolved, unanimously, as the opinion of this Convention, That a petition be presented to the Assembly, praying that this district may be established into a state, separate from Virginia.

"2d. Resolved, unanimously, as the opinion of this Convention, That this district, when established into a state, ought to be taken into union with the United States of America; and enjoy equal privileges in common with the said states.

"3d. Resolved, That this Convention recommend it to their constituents, to elect deputies in their respective counties to meet at Danville on the second Monday of August next, to serve in convention, and to continue by adjournment till the first day of April next, to take further under their consideration the state of the district.

"4th. Resolved unanimously, That the election of deputies for the proposed convention, ought to be on the principles of equal representation.

"5th. Resolved, That the petition to the Assembly for esta plishing this district into a state, and the several resolves of the former and present Convention upon which the petition is founded, together with all other matters relative to the interest of the district, that have been under their consideration, be referred to the future Convention--that such further measures may be taken thereon, as they shall judge proper."