Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation

A proclamation issued on November 7, 1775, by John Murray, fourth earl of Dunmore, the last royal governor of the Virginia colony, declares that martial law is in effect due to the formation of a Continental Army "now on their March to attack His Majesty's Troops and destroy the well disposed Subjects of this Colony." In addition, the proclamation offers freedom to "all indentured Servants, Negroes, or others … willing to bear Arms" to defend the English troops. The proclamation ends with the anthem, "God save the King."