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Virginia Chronology, 1776-1791
1776
15 May                 Revolutionary convention instructs delegates in Congress to
call for independence, foreign alliances, and a form of con-
federation. Also appoints a committee to prepare a dec-
laration of rights and a form of government for Virginia.
7 June                 Richard Henry Lee moves in Congress that colonies "are,
and of right ought to be, free and independent States,"
that foreign alliances should be entered into, and that a
plan of confederation be prepared.
12 June                Virginia Declaration of Rights adopted.
29 June                Virginia Constitution adopted; Patrick Henry elected gover-
nor.
2 July                 Congress declares the colonies independent.
4 July                 Congress adopts Declaration of Independence.
1777
15 November            Congress adopts Articles of Confederation and sends them
to states for approval.
16 December            Legislature ratifies Articles of Confederation.
1781
2 January              Legislature cedes Northwest Territory to Congress.
14 June                Legislature approves Impost of 1781.
19 October             British forces surrender at Yorktown.
17 December            Legislature suspends approval of Impost of 1781 until ap-
proved by other states.
1782
7 December             Legislature repeals its approval of Impost of 1781.
1783
13 September           Congress requests a second cession of Northwest Territory
from Virginia.
12 December            Legislature authorizes Congress to retaliate against British
trade restrictions in West Indies.
18 December            Legislature approves Impost of 1783.
20 December            Legislature cedes Northwest Territory to Congress.
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