1790. CONVENTION (Virginia), First.—
On the discontinuance of Assemblies [in
Virginia], it became necessary to substitute in
their place some other body, competent to the
ordinary business of government, and to the
calling forth the powers of the state for the
maintenance of our opposition to Great Britain.
Conventions were, therefore, introduced,
consisting of two delegates from each
county, meeting together and forming one
House, on the plan of the former House of
Burgesses, to whose places they succeeded.
These were at first chosen anew for every
particular session. But in March, 1775, they
recommended to the people to choose a convention,
which should continue in office a
year.—
Notes on Virginia. Washington ed. viii, 363.
Ford ed., iii, 225.
(1782)
