Bill of Rights Traditional Cache
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Size: 
(small)
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Congrats dren on FTF!!!!! Nice place for a roadside picnic and a quick find. Picnic tables available. This cache has been replaced due to theft, and moved to nearby spot due to natural deterioration. Since there are not many caches in this area, I will honor second finds if you want to come out and give the new cache a shot. Coordinates have been updated.
This cache is located near the purported site of a long and complex discussion that took place between John Leland (a Baptist Minister) and James Madison. There, Madison agreed to introduce an Amendment to the Constitution assuring separation of Church and State, if Leland were to agree to withdrawal his nomination as a member of the Virginia convention called to ratify the United States Constitution.
Both Madison and Leland were candidates for the Virginia Convention on ratifying the Constitution. It was evident, however, that Leland had more votes than Madison.
Madison though having practically written the Constitution couldn't get an election from his own state for its adoption. They purportedly met under a certain oak tree that still stands today. It was a battle royal with Leland insisting that there should be an article in the Constitution guaranteeing religious liberty. Madison, however, was afraid to put it in on account of the opposition of some of the colonies, Massachusetts in particular. A compromise was agreed upon. This was that Leland should withdraw and advocate the election of Madison. This, they thought, would ensure the adoption by Virginia. It was a tough battle, but on the vote of 168 they won out by a margin of 10 over Madison's remaining opponents. This agreement between Madison and Leland was conditioned upon Madison's joining Leland in a crusade for an amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing religious liberty, free speech and a free press.
This meeting later led to the following:
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is also the first section of the Bill of Rights. It is arguably the most important part of the U.S. Constitution, as it guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, writing and publishing, peaceful assembly, and the freedom to raise grievances with the Government. In addition, it requires that a wall of separation be maintained between church and state. It reads:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Please tread lightly; no areas of potential historical value should be disturbed while seeking this cache.]
Treasures
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