By His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq; governour of the Commonwealth of Virginia: A proclamation : Whereas during the incursions which have been made into this and others of the United States, by the forces of His Britannic Majesty, a practice hath been introduced by them unauthorised by the law of nations and unattempted in any other age or by any other enemy ... Given under my hand and the seal of the Commonwealth at Richmond, this nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, and of the Commonwealth the fifth.