Confronted by such a condition of affairs, the militia officers issued a circular-letter to the people of the district, recommending that on December 24,1784, a convention should be held at Danville further to consider the subject, and that this convention should consist of delegates elected one from each militia company.
First Convention Elected by Militia Companies.
The recommendation was well received by the people of the district; and on the appointed date the convention met at Danville.Col.

William Fleming, the old Indian fighter and surveyor, was again visiting Kentucky, and he was chosen President of the convention.

After some discussion the members concluded that, while some of the disadvantages under which they labored could be remedied by the action of the Virginia Legislature, the real trouble was deep-rooted, and could only be met by separation from Virginia and the erection of Kentucky into a state.
There was, however, much opposition to this plan, and the convention wisely decided to dissolve, after recommending to the people to elect, by counties, members who should meet in convention at Danville in May for the express purpose of deciding on the question of addressing to the Virginia Assembly a request for separation.

[Footnote: State Dep.

MSS.
Madison Papers, Wallace to Madison, Sept.