The President laid before the Convention a letter from Col. Woodford, enclosing a petition from the poor inhabitants of the town of Norfolk, requesting his protection; also a petition from sundry distressed Highlanders, lately arrived from Scotland, praying that they might be permitted to go to Cape Fear, in North Carolina, the place where they intended to settle, together with sundry other papers, which were read. ²

Resolved, That the President be desired to write to Col. Woodford, directing him that all such Tories, taken by him, who shall, upon an examination before the field-officers, appear to have born arms against this colony, be sent to the city of Williamsburg; and that all others who, upon such examination, shall appear inimical to the liberties of America, be detained by him till the farther order of the Convention, or Committee of Safety; That he extend all reasonable indulgence to such as appear to have taken the part of Lord Dunmore through necessity; that he take the distressed Highlanders, with their families, under his protection, permit them to pass by land unmolested to [North] Carolina, and supply them with such provisions as they may be in immediate want of.

The President also laid before the Convention a letter from Col. [Robert] Howe, of North Carolina, informing him that he had joined Col. Woodford with the troops under his command, and should be happy to afford him his best assistance.

Resolved, That no person be allowed to make reprisal on the property of Lord Dunmore, in this colony, or their property seized by him, or the navy, without the order of this Convention.