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Primary source: Lord Dunmore, A Proclamation, 1775.
Caption: In November 1775, Lord Dunmore called on slaves to desert their masters and join the British army.
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. . . I have thought fit to issue this my Proclamation, hereby declaring, that until the aforesaid good Purposes can be contained, I do in Virtue of the Power and Authority to ME given, by His MAJESTY, determine to execute Martial Law, and cause the same to be executed throughout this Colony and to the end that Peace and good order may the sooner be restored, I do require every Person capable of bearing Arms, to resort to His MAJESTY's STANDARD, so be looked upon as Traitors to His MAJESTY's Crown and Government, and thereby become liable to the Penalty the Law inflicts upon such Offenses; such a forfeiture of Life, confiscation of Lands, &c. &c. And I do hereby further declare all indentured Servants, Negroes, and others (appertaining to Rebels,) free that are able and willing to bear Arms, they joining His MAJESTY's Troops as soon as may be, for the more speedily reducing this Colony to a proper Sense of their Duty, to His MAJESTY's Crown and Dignity. . .
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Lord Dunmore, "A Proclamation" (7 November 1775), microfiche 1077 no. 14592, The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.
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