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2198. DESERTERS, British, in Virginia.—

The number of deserters from the
British army who have taken refuge in this
State [Virginia] is now considerably augmenting.
These people, notwithstanding their coming
over to us, being deemed in law alien enemies,
and as such not admissible to be citizens,
are not within the scope of the Militia and
Invasion laws, under which citizens alone can
be embodied.—
To the County Lieutenants. Ford ed., ii, 513.
(R. 1781)