George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 7, 4th edition.

‘ [130] coercive authority. Our constituents are bound only

Chap. XI.} 1774 Sept.

in honor to observe our determinations.’ ‘I cannot see any way of voting but by colonies,’ said Gadsden. ‘Every colony,’ insisted Ward, of Rhode Island, ‘should have an equal vote. The counties of Virginia are unequal in point of wealth and numbers, yet each has a right to send two members to its legislature. We come, if necessary, to make a sacrifice of our all, and by such a sacrifice the weakest will suffer as much as the greatest.’ Harrison, of Virginia, spoke strongly on the opposite side, and was ‘very apprehensive, that if such a disrespect should be put upon his countrymen, as that Virginia should have no greater weight than the smallest colony, they would never be seen at another convention.’ But his menace of disunion showed only how little he understood the heart of the Ancient Dominion; and he was at once rebuked by his colleagues. ‘Though a representation equal to the importance of each colony, were ever so just,’ said Richard Henry Lee, ‘the delegates from the several colonies are unprepared with materials to settle that equality.’ Bland, of Virginia, saw no safety but in voting by colonies. ‘The question,’ he added, ‘is, whether the rights and liberties of America shall be contended for, or given up to arbitrary power.’ Pendleton acquiesced, yet wished the subject might be open for reconsideration, when proper materials should have been obtained.

This opinion prevailed, and it was resolved that, in taking questions, each colony should have one voice; but the journal adds as the reason, that ‘the ’