OF LAN-CASTER COUNTY. 407 



rights, and establishing that union and harmony, which is most essential to tlie wi-lfaro 

 and happiness of both countries. And in doing tliis, you are strictly charged t(. avoid 

 everything indecent or disrespectful to the mother state."' 



Mr. Ross continued to represent the State of Pennsylvania in the nalinnal LegiMa- 

 ture, until January, 1777, when, on accovmt of indisposition, he was ol.jigcd to retire. 

 During his congressional career, his conduct met the wannest aj.prohation of his con^ 

 stitueuts. He was a statesman of enlarged views, and under the inlluenco of a general 

 patriotism, he cheerfully sacrificed his private interests for the public gootl. The high 

 sense entertained by the inhabitants of the county of Lancaster, of his xeal for the gtMnl 

 of his country, and of his constituents in particular, was expressed in the following 

 resolutions: "Resolved, that the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, out of the comity 

 stock, be forthwith transmitted to George Ross, one of the members f>f Asscinblv for 

 this county, and one of the delegates for this colony in the Continental Congress; and 

 that he be requested to accept the same, as a testimony from this county, of their sc-nso 

 of his attendance on the public business, to his great private loss, and of their appro- 

 bation of his conduct. Resolved, that if it be more agreeable, "Mr. lioss jjurchasc with 

 l^art of the said money, a genteel piece of plate, ornamented as he thinks proper, t«> 

 remain with him, as a testimony of the esteem this county has for him, by reason of 

 his patriotic conduct, in the great struggle of American liberty." Such a testimony 

 of respect and affection, on the part of his constituents, nuist have been not a littlo 

 gratifying to the feelings of Mr. Ross. He felt it his duty, however, to decline accept- 

 ing the present, offering as an apology for so doing, that he considered it as the duty 

 of every man, and especially of every representative of the people, to contril^nfe, by 

 every means within his power, to the welfare of his country, without expecting i>ecn- 

 niary rewards. 



The attendance of Mr. Ross in Congress did not prevent him from meeting with the 

 provincial Legislature. Of this latter body he was an active, energetic, and intlucntial 

 member. In the summer of 1775, it was found by the general Assembly, that the cir- 

 cumstances of the State required the adoption of some decisive measuivs, esiH'cially in 

 respect to putting the city of Philadelphia, and the province, in a state of defence. A 

 committee was accordingly appointed, of which Mr. Ross was one, to report what meas- 

 ures were expedient. In a few days that committee did report, recommending to the 

 people to associate for the protection of their lives, and liberty, and proi«;rty. and 

 urging upon the several counties of the province the importance of collecting stoR-s of 

 ammunition and arms. A resolution was also offered, providing for the payment of all 

 such associations as should be called out to repel any attacks made by the IJritish 

 troops. To carry these plans into effect, a general conunittee of public sjifety was ap- 

 pointed, and clothed with the necessary authority. To this committee Mr. Hoss was 

 attached, and was one of its most active and efficient members. He also belongi'.l to 

 another important committee, viz., that of grievances. 



On the dissolution of the proprietary government in Pennsylvania, a gcnend conven- 

 tion was assembled, in which m. Ross represented the county of Lancaster. Here, 

 again, he was called to the discharge of most important duties, bemg appomted to a.s- 

 sist in preparing a declaration of rights on behalf of the State, for forming rules of 

 order for the Convention, and for defining and settling what should l.e considered high 

 treason and misprision of treason against the State, and the punishment winch should 

 be inflicted for those oftences. , • i. r.- ♦i,o 



In the year 1779, Mr. Ross was appointed a ju.lge of the court ot adnundtj A u^ 1 1 o 

 State of Pennsylvania. This was on the 14th of April. He --^ l--""^ , ;3; 

 however, the honourable station which he now filled but a short t•"H^ " - ^-^ 

 of July Allowing, he was suddenly and violently attacked by the gout, .hich teniunated 



his useful life, in the fiftieth year of his age. , w .i . ,.,^,.iMlin.' ac- 



In respect to the character of Judge Ross, we have httle t<. a.1.1 to the p.v...lin, ac 



