George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[455] Committees of Correspondence. His plan included

Chap. XLIX.} 1773. March

a thorough union of Councils throughout the Continent. If it should succeed and be adopted by the other Colonies, America would stand before the world as a Confederacy. The measure was supported by Richard Henry Lee, with an eloquence which ever passed away from the memory of his hearers; by Patrick Henry with a still more commanding majesty.¹ The Assembly was of one mind; and no person appropriated to himself praise beyond the rest. They did what greatness of mind counselled; and they did it quietly, as if it were but natural to them to act with magnanimity. On Friday the twelfth of March, the Resolutions were reported to the House, and unanimously adopted. They appointed their Committee on which appear the names of Bland and Lee, of Henry, and Carr, and Jefferson. Their Resolves were sent to every Colony, with a request that each would appoint its Committee to communicate from time to time with that of Virginia.² In this manner, Virginia laid the foundation of our union.³ Massachusetts organized a Province; Virginia promoted a confederacy. Were the several Committees but to come together, the world would see an American Congress.

The associates of Dabney Carr were spared for still further service to humanity. He himself was cut down in his prime; and passed away like a shadow; but the name of him, who at this moment of crisis, beckoned the Colonies onward to union, must not perish from the memory of his countrymen.