Page 1: Full view (158k)

Page 2: Full view (92k)

Robert Dinwiddie to the Grand Jury

Date: October 10, 1757
Call number: F222.v81 C67 Ser.3 Vol. 4 (p. 705–6)
Transcription:

Oct 10th 1757

Gentlemen of the Grand Jury.

        The wisdom of our Laws have call'd you together and the Solemn Oath you have taken for the Performance of the most Essential duty under our happy Consitution will, I am persuaded, when Seriously consider'd, engage you to a faithfull disch.ge thereof

        Wickedness, Immorality & profaness are beome So epidemical, that Nothing but Strict discipline & wholesome rigour, can prove cure for those g.t Enormities.

        Your conscientious presentation against Offenders, and due Execution of the Laws is the only probable method, to put a Stop to that torrent on Impiety, w.c is a Scandal to our Country, and in time, if not precented, may prove the ruin of our happy Constitution

        It is your duty Gent.n to present to the Court, all profane Swearers, drunkards & Common Gamesters, whose professing the Establishe'd reliogion not attending divine Service in their parish Churches, all Cabals unlawfull or unwarrantable Assemblies, Conventions or meetings, or those that without Authority, dare to publish by way of Advertisement in the Gazettes for such irregular meet.gs contrary to law & good order w.c tend to cause discontent & uneasiness in the minds of the people & apt to make divisions Amongst us.

        If you know or are inform'd of any such, You are to present them to Court, by Such means you will justly discharge y.r duty to our God, our King & Country, and without Detaining you Longer I dismiss you to Your Inquiries.