Robert Carter Nicholas was one of Virginia’s leading conservative patriots. As a member of the House of Burgesses he helped draft resolutions against the proposed Stamp Act in 1764. Nicholas was not amongst the group of radical members, lead by Patrick Henry, who would fan the flames of revolt against Britain. He did; however, introduce the resolution of May 23, 1774, setting aside June 1 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer in sympathy with embargoed Boston. He is also remembered for opposing Henry’s resolution, in 1775, for raising a 10,000 man militia “for the duration.” Though Nicholas was never an advocate of independence from Britain, his legal skill and personal integrity earned him the greatest respect from his contemporaries.
