During the ensuing August the British fleet entered the capes for the purpose of chastising the rebels of the Old Dominion. A general rally of the military was the immediate consequence. Mr. Nelson was made Brig. General and commander of all the Virginia forces. The appointment was popular--the incumbent competent. His appearance among the people inspired confidence. The troops rallied around him like affectionate children around a fond parent. Learning how the land lay the fleet went its way for that time and waited for a more convenient season. The soldiers again became citizens. In October of that year Gen. Nelson took his seat in the legislature of his state and took an active part in the deliberations of that body. During the session a bill was brought before the House sequestering British property and authorizing those of the Colonists who were in favor of Liberty and owed subjects of Great Britain, to pay the amount into the public treasury. If the wives and children of such subjects remained in the state the Governor was authorized to pay them certain portions of this money for their support. With all his indignity against mother Britain, his sense of justice induced him to oppose the bill because it violated individual contracts. He became roused and made an able and eloquent speech against the measure and closed with the following emphatic language--"For these reasons I hope the bill will be rejected--but whatever be its fate--_so help me God_ I will pay _my_ debts like an honest man." On the 2d of March 1778 Congress made an appeal to the patriotism of the wealthy young men of the several states urging them to raise a troop of light cavalry at their own expense. When this proposition was received in Virginia Gen. Nelson sent a circular to all the young gentlemen of fortune in the state recommending them to rush to the rescue in person and to open their purses to other high-minded young men who were poor in money but rich in patriotism. A company of seventy was promptly raised in that state and elected Gen. Nelson to command them. He proceeded with his charge to Baltimore and reported his youthful band to the brave Pulaski who received the young volunteers with admiration and delight. From that place the company proceeded to Philadelphia where the General and the young gentlemen soldiers received the applause and thanks of Congress. As their services were not needed at that time they returned home. Their expenses were principally paid by Gen. Nelson without any charge to government. For his services during the war he took no pay and expended a large portion of his fortune in the cause of freedom.