Primary Resource

The General Assembly Adjourns (1776)

In this excerpt from the Journals of the House of Burgesses, the House of Burgesses is seen to dissolve as a lawmaking body and as the lower house of Virginia's General Assembly during the American Revolution (1775–1783). In the original manuscript, the House secretary wrote "Finis" in dramatically large letters. Some spelling has been modernized and contractions expanded.

Transcription from Original

Thursday, the 12th of October. 15 Geo. III. 1775.

The House met according to the Adjournment; but no more than thirty seven Members appearing, which was not a sufficient number to proceed to Business.

The House adjourned til the first Thursday in March next.

Thursday, the 7th of March. 16 Geo. III. 1776.

The House met according to the Adjournment; but no more than thirty two Members appearing, which was not a sufficient number to proceed to Business;

The House adjourned til the first Monday in May next.

Monday, the 6th of May. 16 Geo. III. 1776.

Several Members met, but did neither proceed to Business, nor adjourn, as a House of Burgesses.

FINIS.