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THE LIBRARY

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THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES

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COMMODORE BYRON MCCANDLESS

JOURNALS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

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THE ASSOCIATION OF 1 774

FRONTISPIECE

(Thre« pUte* in pocket of cover)

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

JOURNALS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

1774-1789

EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL RECORDS IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS BY WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD CHIEF, DIVISION OF MANUSCRIPTS

Volume I. 1774

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1904

Collesre Library

\

V, i

PREFATORY NOTE

The Journals and Records of the Continental Congi'ess have never been printed in full. The entries made from day to day by Secretary Charles Thomson were far from complete, and were subjected to revision by committees before publication; but the contemporary issues of the Journals have served as the basis of all subsequent reprints, and the original manuscript has remained almost unused, except by the curiovis bent upon studying the course of a certain measure. For the first time these valuable records of consultation and legislative action are now to be printed as written and as they were kept by the office of the Secretary of Congress. The entries will be supplemented by information gathered from the indorse- ments made upon papers and reports laid before Congress, which often note action not entered upon the Journals, and from such other sources as will aid in reconstituting the proceedings of this Revolutionary body.

The Congress of 1774 stands by itself. The first step toward common measures, carefully taken by the com- mittees of correspondence and more or less popular assemblies of the localities, easily led to a general or Continental Congi-ess, whose powers were but ill defined, and whose acts were largely tentative. It was not pre- pared to take any radical step, and an assertion of the

5

6 Prefatory Note

claims to rights rather than of the rights of the Colonies formed the burden of these papers. The conservative feeling carried the day and restricted the proceedings to statements of the grievances and appeals for relief. The delegates were unable to go beyond their instructions, and these were limited to consultation on the present state of the Colonies and the measures demanded by the situation for the best good of the dependencies. A res- toration of union and harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies was the wish of the meeting. The resulting addresses and papers were on that line, and only when the Congress of 1775 assembled was it seen that the time was ripe for action.

Of the original papers prepared and adopted in this Congress of 1774 but one has been preserved — the Arti- cles of Association. From a number of sources docu- ments have been obtained throwing light upon the measures submitted and the various forms they assumed before acceptance or rejection. What is printed here will even thus form only a journal of proceedings, with the reports prepared in the Congress ; but the intended pub - lication of the papers and documents of the Continental Congress in full will supply to the student the material necessary to the understanding of the position, measures, and influence of this body.

WORTHINGTON ChAUNCEY FoKD

Chief of Division of Manuscripts

Editor Herbert Putnam

Librarian of Congress

PRINCIPAL CONTENTS

Page

Editorial statement 5

Illustrations ......... 9

Journal, 177-4 13

List of deleoates 13

Credentials of delegates:

New Hampshire . 15

Massachusetts Ba.y ...... . 15

Rhode Island 16

Connecticut ......... 17

New York 19

New Jersey ......... 19

Pennsylvania ......... 20

Delaware 21

Maryland 22

Virginia 23

South Carolina 23

North Carolina 30

Suffolk Countv resolves 32

Non-importation resolve • . . 43

Joseph Galloway's plan 43

Non-exportation resolve 61

Letter from Boston 55

Letter to General Gage = CO

Statement of violations of rights . . . ... 63

Association 75

Address to the people of Great Britain .... 81

Memorial to the inhabitants of the British Colonies 90

Letter to St. Johns, Nova Scotia, &c. .... 103

8 Principal Contents

Page.

Letter to the agents of the Colonies .... 104

Address to the inhaiutants of Quebec .... 105

Letter from General Gage 114

Peyton Randolph to Charles Thomson .... 115

Petition to the King 115

Charles Thomson to Benjamin Franklin .... 122

Benjamin Franklin to W. & R. Molleson . . . 123

Note by Benjamin Franklin ...... 123

Note by Governor Thomas Pownall .... 124

Bibliographical note 127

Index 139

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Association Frontispiece

Page of MANtrscpapi' Journal 13

Resolution not to import ....... 43

Authority given by the Delegates of Vircunia to (teorge

Wasiungton, October, 1774 53

Printed association 75

Address to people of Ureat I^ritain .... 81

Letter to inhabitants of Quebec . . . . . 1(»1

Title-page, first issue of Journal .... 102

Lettre adressee aux Habitans de la Province de Quebec 105

Signatures to petition to the Kino 121

Headings of PENNS■i^-VANIA Journal (2) .... 127

9

JOURNALS

1 774

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JOURNALS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

1774

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1774

A number of the Delegates chosen and appointed by the Several Colonies and Provinces in North America to meet and hold a Congress at Philadelphia assembled at the Cari^enters' Hall:'

PRESENT: From Neil} Hampshire. From Hhod^ Island.

Major John Sullivan, Esqf The Hon"!" Stephen Hopkinw. Esqf

Col" Nathaniel Folsom, Esq:' The Hon"!" Samuel Ward, Esqf

F'"om Massachusetts.

From Connectimtt. The Hon^'l" Thomas Gushing, Esq!"

Mr. Samuel Adams. The Hon"!'^' Eliphalet Dyer. Esq!"

John Adams, I xp . ra Silas Deane, Esqf

Robert Treat Paine, ) ^*^ ' The Hon'"!" Roger Sherman, Esqf

' "The members met at the City (or Smith's) Tavern, at ten o'clock, and walked to the Carpenter's Hall, where they took a view of the room, and of the chamber where is an excellent library. * * * The general cry was. That this was a good room, and the question was put, wiiether we were satisfied with this room? and it passed in the affirmative. A very few were for the negative, and they were chiefly from Pennsylvania and New York." — John Adams's Works, II, 365. Galloway wished the State-house to be used.

13

14

Journals of Congress

From the City and Coim.ty of Nm^ YorA', and other eountt&s i?i the ■provvtice of Neio Yorli.

James Duane, John Jay, Philip Livingston, Isaac Low,

•Esq':

From the county of Suffolk^ 'hi. the province of Ne%v ITnrl-.

Col" William Floyd, Es(ir From New-Jersey.

James Kinsey, William Livingston, John Dehart, Stephen C'ranc, Richard Smith,

Esq":

From Fennsi/tmni/'a.

The llon'"^ Joseph (Calloway, Esq

Samuel Khoads,

Thomas Mifflin,

Charles Humphreys, Esq'.'

John Morton,

Edward Biddle,

From JVew- Castle, Ketit, and S^is- sex, 0)1 Delaware.

Csesar Rodney, | Thomas McKean, Esq" George Read, )

From Marylamd.

Robert Goldsborough,] William Paca, Esq'.'

Samuel Chase, |

From Virginia.

The Hon"!"' Peyton Ran- dolph,

Col" Richard Henry Lee, present the 2" day.

George Washington [Esq"?

Patrick Henry,

Richard Bland,

Benjamin Harrison,

Edmund Pendleton,

From South Carolina.

Henry Middleton, John Rutledge, Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch, Edward Rutledge,

Esq?

The Congress proceeded to the choice of a President, when the Hon"'' Peyton Randolph, Esq' was unani- mously elected/

Mr. Charles Thomson was unanimously chosen Sec- retary.^

The gentlemen from the several Colonies produced their respective credentials, which were read and approved & are as follows :

' The nominations of both Randolph and Tlionison were made by Thomas I.ynch. John Adams says that Duane and Jay were at first inclined to seek further for a Secretary.

^American Quarterly Review, I, 30.

September, 1774 15

FOR THE PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE: '

At a meeting of the deputies appointed hy the several towns in this province, held at Exeter, in the county of Rockingham, 21st July, 1774r, for the election of delegates, on behalf of this province, to join the General Congress proposed. Present, 85 members.

The Hon".'" John Wentworth, Esq!", in the chair.

Yuted^ That Major John Sullivan, and Col" Nathaniel Folsom, Esq"?, be appointed and impowered as delegates, on the part of this province, to attend and assist in the General Congress of delegates from the other Colonies, at such time and place as may be appointed, to devise, consult, and adopt measures, as maj' have the most likely tendency to extricate the Colonies from their present difficulties; to secure and perpetuate their rights, liberties, and pri\nleges, and to restore that peace, harmony, & mutual confidence which once happily subsisted between the parent country and her Colonies.

Attested :

J. Wentworth, Chainaan.

FOR THE PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:'

In the House of Representatives, June l7th, 1774. This house having duly considered, and being deeply affected with the unhappy differences which have long subsisted and are encreasing between Great Britain and the American Colonies, do resolve, that a meeting of Committees from the several Colonies on this Continent is highly expedient and necessary, to consult upon the present state of the Colonies, and the miseries to which they are and must be reduced

' It would be impossible in this place to give even a short account of the political events in each colony preceding the appointment of delegates to the General or Con- tinental Congress. Local histories give a sketch of these events, but not always in such a form as to present the relations maintained by the agitators of one colony toward those in another. The newspapers of the day printed the proceedings of county or town conventions and such few communications on political affairs as suited the varying opinions or interests of the editors. The best source of informa- tion is to be found in the handbills and broadsides issued by the different parties or factions, and this is especially true for New York, where the contest was most severe, and in Pennsylvania, where such arts of political agitation had long been practiced.

'^ General Gage had adjourned the general court to Salem, and there these resolves were adopted with only 12 dissenting voices in a membership of 129. The names of 11 of the dissenters are given in a journal of the day, on rumor, and is printed in Force, American Archives, Fourth Series, I, 421 n.

16 Journals of Congress

by the operation of certain acts of Parliament respecting America, and to deliberate and determine upon wise and proper measures, to be by them recommended to all the Colonies, for the recovery and estab- lishment of their just rights & liberties, civil & religious, and the res- toration of union & harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies, most ardentl^^ desired by all good men. Therefore, Resolved, That the Hon"!" James Bowdoin,' esq":., the Hon''!" Thomas Cushing, esq":., Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, & Robert Treat Paine, esq"., be, and they are hereby appointed a Committee on the part of this province, for the purposes aforesaid, any three of whom to be a quorum, to meet such committees or delegates from the other Colonies as have been or may be appointed, either Tjy their respective houses of Burgesses, or representatives, or by convention, or by the com- mittees of correspondence appointed by the respective houses of Assembly, in the city of Philadelphia, or any other place that shall be judged most suitable by the Committee, on the iirst day of September next; & that the Speaker of the House* be directed, in a letter to the speakers of the house of Burgesses or representatives in the several Colonies, to inform them of the substance of these Resolves. Attested:

Samuel Adams, Clerk.

FOR RHODE ISLAND:"

By the Hon*'!" Joseph Wanton, esq'., governor, captain-general, and commander in chief of and over the English Colony of Rhode- Island and Providence plantations, in New England in Amei'ica.

To the Honourable Stephen Hopkins, esq";., and the Honourable Samuel Ward, esq"^., greeting:

Whereas the General Assembly of the Colony aforesaid have nominated and appointed you, the said Stephen Hopkins & Samuel Ward, to represent the people of this Colony in general congress of representatives from this and the other Colonies, at such time and place as should be agreed upon by the major part of the committees appointed, or to be appointed by the colonies in general:

' Bowdoin declined his appointment. ' Thomas Cushing.

•■"The resolution of the Assembly was passed 15 June, 1774. Rhode Island Records, VII, 246.

September^ 1774 17

I do therefoi-e herebj' authorize, impower, and cominissionatc yo\i^ the said Stephen Hoplcins & Samuel Ward, to repair to the city of Philadelphia, it being the place agreed upon hj' the major part of the colonies; and there, in behalf of this Colony, to meet and join with the commissioners or delegates from the other colonies, in consulting upon proper measures to obtain a repeal of the several acts of the British parliament, for levying taxes upon his Majesty's subjects in America, without their consent, and particularly an act lately passed for blocking up the port of Boston, and upon proper measures to establish the rights and liberties of the Colonies, upon a just and solid foundation, agreable to the instructions given you l>y the general Assemblj\

Given under my hand and the seal of the said colony, this tenth

day of August, in the year of our Lord 1774, and the 14th

[l. s.] of the reign of his most sacred Majesty Geoi'ge the third,

by the gi*ace of God, king of Great Britain, & so forth.

Signed

J. Wanton. By his honour's command,

Henry Ward, Secy.

FOR CONNECTICUT:

In the House of Representatives of the Colony of Connecticut,

June 3d, 177 h..

Whereas a congress of commissioners from the several British colo- nies in America, is proposed by some of our neighbouring colonies, and thought necessary; and whereas it may be found expedient that such Congress should be convened before the next Session of this Assembly:

Resolved, by this house, that the committee of correspondence' be, and they are herebj* empowered, on application to them made, or from time to time, as may be found necessary, to appoint a suitable number to attend such congress, or convention of connuissioners, or commit- tees of the several Colonies in British America, and the persons thus

' This committee of correspondence was appointed by the Connecticut House of Rep- resentatives, May 21, 1773, in response to a suggestion of the Virginia House of Burgesses. The names of the committee are appended to the minute of the meeting, that of Samuel Bishop alone being wanting.

30127— VOL 1—04 2

18 Journals of Congress

to 1)6 chosen f^hall bo, and the}' are hereby directed, in behalf of this Colony, to attend such Coug'ress; to consult and advise on proper measures for advancing the best good of the Colonies, and such con- ferences, from time to time, to I'eport to this house.

True Extract & Copy from the Journal of the house.

Attest

William Williams, Clerk.

Colony of Connecticut, .w.

New London, J'nJy 13fk, 177^. At a meeting of the Committee of Correspondence for this Colony: The honourable Ebenezer Silliman, Esqf in the chair: The hon"!" Eliphalet Dyer, the hon"!" William Samuel Johnston, Erastus Wolcott, Silas Deane, and Richard Law, Es(j''." were nomi- nated pursuant to the a(;t of the honourable House of Representatives of the said Colonj-, at their session in May last, either three of which are hereby authorised and empowered, in behalf of this Colon}', to attend the general Congress of the colonies proposed to ))e held at Philadelphia, on the first day of September next, or at such other time & place as shall be agreed on by the Colonies, to consult and advise with the Commissioners or Committees of the several English Colonies in America, on proper measures for advancing the best good of the Colonies.

(Signed:)

Ebenezer Silliman, William Williams, Benjamin Payne, Erastus Wolcott, Joseph Trumbull, Samuel H. Parsons, Nathan! Wales, jun. Silas Deane.

Colony of Connecticut, *■«.

Hartford, August [ ],'' 177 ^.

At a Meeting of the Committee of Correspondence for this colony:

Erastus ^^'(:)lcott, Chairman.

The honourable William Sanmel Johnston', Erastus Wolcott, and Richard Law, Esq" nominated b^' this committee at their meeting at New-London, on the 13th of July last, as persons proper to attend the

' Johnson pleaded .in important law case requiring his atteiulance at Albany, a plea which gave occasion to no little comment, as implying a disinclination to accept the appointment to the Congress. A defence of him by Silas Deane will be found in Leltrra and Jonmah of iSamuel B. Webh, I, 37.

^ The meeting must have been held very early in August, as a newspaper announced the results on the 3d.

September^ 1774 19

general congress, to hv held at Philadelphia, on the l'.' of September next, as by said appointment, being unable, b\^ reason of previous engagements and the state of their health, to attend said Congress, on behalf of this colon}'; the hon'''." Roger Sherman, & Joseph Trum- bull, Esq""? were nominated in the place of the aforesaid gentlemen, as persons proper to attend said Congress, in behalf of this Colony, either of which are empowered, with the hon'"'.'' Eliphalet Dyer, and Silas Deane, Esq!' for that purpose.

(Signed)

William Williams, Benjamin Payne, Joseph Trumbull,

Nathl Wales, Jun, Sam' H. Parsons, Samuel Bishop.

FOR NEW YORK:

By duly certifycd polls, taken by proper persons, in seven wards, it appears that James Duane, John Jay, Philip Livingston, Isaac Low, & John Alsop, Esq"'.' were elected as Delegates for the City & County of New York, to attend the Congress at Philadelphia, the first day of September next; and at a meeting of the Committees of several districts in the County of West-Chester, the same gentlemen were appointed to represent that County. Also by a Letter from Jacob Lansing, Jun'', chairman, in behalf of the Committee for Albany, it appears, that that Cit}' & County had adopted the same for their delegates. By another letter,' it appears, that the Committees from the several districts in the County of Duchess, had likewise adopted the same as delegates to rep- resent that County in Congress, & that Committees of other towns approve of them as their delegates.

By a writing duly attested, it appears, the County of Suflolk, in the Colony of New York, have appointed Col" William Floyd, to rep- resent them at the Congress.

FOR NEW JERSEY:^

To James Kinsey, William Livingston, John D'hart, Stephen Crane, & Richard Smith. Esq" each and every of j'ou:

The Committees, appointed by the several Counties of the Colouj" of New Jersey, to nominate Deputies, to represent the same in the

' It was dated August 20.

' The proceedings of the convention making these nominations are printed in the Neiv Jpraey Archives, First Series, X, 469. Kinsey and Crane were members of tlie New Jersey Committee of Correspondence.

20 Journals of Congress

general congress of deputies from the other Colonies in America, con- vened at the City of New Brunswick, have nominated and appointed, and do herebj' nominate and appoint you, and each of you, deputies, to represent the Colony of New Jersey in the said general congress.

In testimony whereof, the Chairmen of the several Committees here met, have hereunto set their hands, this twenty third daj- of July, in the fourteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third, and in the year of our Lord 1774. (Signed)

William P. Smith [Essex County], Jacob Ford [Morris Coimty], John Moores [Middlesex County], Robert Johnson, Robert Field, Robert Friend Price, Peter Zabriskie [Bergen County], Samuel Tucker [Hunterdon County], Edward Taylor [Monmouth County], Hendrick Fisher, Archibald Stewart,^ Thomas Anderson,' Abra Brown,' Mark Thompson.'

FOR PENNSYLVANIA:"

EXTRACT FROM VOTES OF THK ASSEMBLY.

Friday, July £3". 1774, «• w- The Committee of the wliole house, taking into their most serious consideration, the unfortunate diflcrences which have long subsisted between Great-Britain and the American Colonies, and been greatly increased by the operation and effects of divers late acts of the Brit- ish Parliament:

Resolved, N. C I). That there is an absolute necessity that a Con- gress of Deputies from the several Colonics, be held as soon as conven- iently may be, to consult together upon the present unhappy State of the Colonies, and to form and adopt a plan for the purposes of obtain- ing redress of American grievances, ascertaining American rights upon the most solid and constitutional principles, and for establishing that Union & harmony l)6tween Great-Britain and the Colonies, which is indispensably necessary to the welfare and happiness of both.

' Hugh Hughes w;i8 the cliairmau of tlie Sussex County meeting, but does not appear to have been at the New-Brunswick meeting. These four persons were pres- ent as delegates from Sussex.

^ The instructions to the delegates from Pennsylvania were printed in the Packet, September 5, 1774. As a postscript in the same issue was given the Quebec bill.

September, 1774 21

EODEM DIE, p. M.

The house resuuied the consideration of the I'esolve from the Com- mittee of the whole house, and, after some debate thereon, adopting antl confirming the same,

JieaolveJ, JV. ('. D. That the hon'"'.'" Joseph Galloway, speaker; Samuel Rhoads, Thomas Mifflin, Cha" Humphreys, John Morton, George Ross, & Edward Biddle, Esqivs, be and thej' are hereby appointed a Committee, on the part of this Province, for the purposes aforesaid, and that they, or any four of them, do meet such Commit- tees or Delegates from the other Colonies, as have been or may be appointed, either by their respective houses of representatives, or by convention, or by the provincial or Colony Committees, at such time and place, as shall be generally agreed on by such Committees.

FOR THE THREE COUNTIES NEWCASTLE, KENT, & SUSSEX, ON DELAWARE:

Au(/7ist 1, 1774, ^- •^^•' The Representatives of the freemen of the Government of the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, & Sussex, on Delaware, met at New- castle, in pursuance of circular letters from the Speaker of the house, who was requested to write and forward the same to the several Members of Assembly, by the Committees of correspondence for the several Counties aforesaid, chosen and appointed for that among other purposes, by the freeholders and freemen of the said Counties respec- tively: And having chosen a Chairman,^ and read the resolves of the three respective Counties, and sundry letters from the Committees of correspondence along the Continent, they unanimously entered into the following resolution, viz:

We, the rejiresentatives aforesaid, by virtue of the power delegated to us, as aforesaid, taking into our most serious consideration the several acts of the British parliament, for restraining manufactures in his Majesty's colonies and plantations in North-America, — for taking awaj^ the property of the Colonists without their participation or con- sent,— for the inti'oduction of the arbitrary powers of excise into the Customs here, — for the making all revenue excises liable without Jury, and under the decision of a single dependant Judge, — for the

' The selection of delegates to the Congress was made on the morning of August 2d. * Caesar Rodney.

22 Journals of Congress

trial, in England, of persons accused of capital crimes, committed in the Colonies, — for the shutting up the port of Boston, — for new- modelling the government of the Massachusetts-Bay, and the opera- tion of the same on the property, liberty, and lives of the Colonists; and also considering, that the most eligible mode of determining upon the premises, and of endeavouring to procure relief and redress of our grievances, would ha^'c been by us assembled in a Legislative capacitj^, but that as tlie house had adjourned to the thirtieth da}' of September next, and it is not to be expected, that his Honour the Governor would call us, b}^ writs of summons, on this occasion, having refused to do the like in his other Province of Pennsylvania; the next most proper method, of answering the expectations and desires of our Constituents, and of contributing our aid to the general cause of America, is to appoint commissioners or deputies in behalf of the people of this government, to meet and act with those appointed by the other provinces, in general Congress; and we do, therefore, unanimously nominate and appoint C'tesar Rodney, Thomas M'Kcaii, and George Read, Esq''." or any two of them, deputies, on the part and behalf of this government, in a general continental congress, pro- posed to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the first Mondaj' in September next, or at any other time or place that maj' be generally agreed on, then and there, to consult and advise with the deputies from the other colonies, and to determine upon all such prudent and lawful measures, as may be judged most expedient for the Colonies immediately and unitedlj' to adopt, in order to obtain relief for an oppressed people, and the redress of our general grievances. Signed by order of the convention,

C^:sAR Rodney, Chairman.

FOR MARYLAND:

At a Meeting of the Committees appointed by the several Counties of the province of Mar3'land, at the City of Annapolis, the 22'' day of June, 177-i, and continued by adjourmnent, from day to day, till the 25"' of the same month:

Matthew Tilghman, Esq'^ in the Chair:

John Ducket, Clerk:'

Resolved, That Matthew Tilghman, Thomas Johnson, Jun', Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, and Samuel Chase, Esq'." or any two or more of them, be deputies for this province, to attend a General Cou-

' John Duckett.

September, 1774 23

gress of deputies from the Colonies, at such time and place as may be agreed on, to effect one general plan of conduct, operating on the commercial connexion of the colonics with the mother country-, for the relief of Boston, and preservation of American liberty.

FOR VIRGINIA:

Monday the 1st of August, in the year of our Lord, ITT-I.

At a general meeting of Delegates from the ditfei-ent Counties in this Colony, convened in the city of Williamsburgh, to take under their considei'ation the present critical and alarming situation of the Continent of North-America:

The Honourable Peyton Randolph in the Chair:

It was unanimously resolved; that it is the opinion of this meeting, that it will be highly conducive to the security and happiness of the British Empire, that a general congress of deputies from all the Colonies, assemble as ([uickly as the nature of their situations will admit, to consider of the most proper and effectual manner of so oper- ating on the commercial connexion of the colonies with the Mother Country, as to procure redress for the nmch injured province of Massachusetts-Bay, to secure British America from the ravage and ruin of arbitrary taxes, and speedily as possible to procure the return of that harmony and Union, so beneficial to the whole Empire, and so ardently desired b3- all British America.

Friday, August 5'", iTT-i. The Meeting proceeded to the choice of Delegates, to represent this Colon}' in general Congress, when the hon''!'' Peyton Randolph, Rich- ard Henrj' Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, & Edmund Pendleton, Esq"? were appointed for that purpose.

FOR SOUTH-CAROLINA. '

In the commons, house of Assembly, Tuesday, the '2d A&y of August,

1774.

Colonel PowelP acquainted the house, that during the recess of this house, viz: on the 6th, 7th & 8th daj^s of July last at a general meet- ing of the inhabitants of this colon}', they having under consideration

'Ramsay, Revolution in South Carolina , ], 18. Drayton, Memoirs of tlie American Reiolution, I, 126. Force, American Archives, Fourth Series, I, 525. ' George Gabriel Powell.

24 Journals of Congress

the acts of parliament lately passed with regard to the port of Boston and Colony of Massachusetts-Bay as well as other American grievances, had nominated and appointed the hon^l" Henry Middleton, John Rut- ledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, & Edward Kutledge, Esq'^^'' dejiuties on the part and behalf of this Colony, to meet the depu- ties of the other Colonies of North America, in general Congress, the first Monda}' in September next at Philadeljihia, or at any other time and place that may be generally agi'eed on, there to consider the acts lately passed, and bills depending in parliament with regard to the port of Boston and Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, which acts & bills in the precedent and consequences affect the whole Continent of Amer- ica— also the grievances under which America labours, hj reason of the several acts of parliament that impose taxes or duties for raising a revenue, and lay uimecessary restraints and burdens on Trade; and of the statutes, parliamentary acts, and royal instructions, which make an invidious distinction between his majesty's subjects in Great-Brit- ain and America, with full power and authority to concert, agree to, and effectually prosecute such legal measures, as in the opinion of the said deputies, and of the deputies so to l)e assemljled, shall be most likely to obtain a repeal of the said acts, and a redress of those griev- ances: and thereupon moved that this house do resolve to recognize, ratify, and confirm said appointment of the deputies for the purposes aforesaid.

Rewlved, N. C. D. That this house do recognize, ratify, and con- firm the appointment of the said deputies for the purposes mentioned in the said motion.

Attested, Thomas Faek, Jun': Clerk.

A motion was made ^ and seconded that a Committee be appointed to draw np some rules of conduct to be observed by the Congress in debating and determining questions that come under consideration. But after some debate another motion was made and seconded that the farther consideration of this question be deferred untill tomor- row, which was carried by a large majority. Whereupon a motion was made to adjourn, and the vote (?) being put, agreed that the Congress be adjourned to meet at this place tomorrow morning 10 o Clock.

' By James Diiaiie.

September, 1774 25

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1774.

At 10 o'clock a. m.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Present: The same members as yesterday, and more- over, from the colony of Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, Esq!, from counties of Newcastle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Thomas McKean, Esq!

The Congress, resuming the consideration of appoint- ing a Committee to draw up rules of conduct to be observed in debating and determining the questions, that come under considei^ation, after a good deal of debate the motion was diverted to facts

1. Shall a Committee be appointed to draw up rules for the proceedings of this Congress. Carried in the Negative.

2. Shall a Committee be appointed to fix the mode of voting by allowing to each province one or more votes, so as to establish an equitable representation according to the respective importance of each Colony. Carried in the negative.

Upon motion the Question was put and

Resolved, That in determining questions in this Con- gress, each Colony or Province shall have one Vote. — The Congress not being possess'd of, or at present able to procure proper materials for ascertaining the importance of each Colony.^

'The "debate" printed in Workx of John Adanu II, 366, must have taken place also on the 6th, and not wholly on the 5th as printed. Patrick Henry favored num- bers of freemen as a basis of representation; Lynch wished the weight of each Colony to be determined by numbers and property. Richard Henry Lee raised the proper objection of a want of information to make any scale, in which John Adams agreed with him. Gadsden favored voting by Colonies. The difficulty to be met was raised by Virginia, who claimed a prominence that the delegates from other Colonies were unwilling to concede. It was finally decided that each Colonj' should have "one voice; but as this was objected to as unequal, an entry was made on the iournals to prevent its being drawn into a precedent." Connecticut Delegates to Gov- ernoT Trumbull, October 10, 1774.

26 Journals of Congress

Resolved, That uo person shall speak more than twice on the same point, without the leave of the Congress.

Resolved, That no question shall be determined the day, on which it is agitated and debated, if any one of the Colonies desire the determination to be postponed to another day.

Resolved, That the doors be kept shut during the time of business, and that the members consider themselves under the strongest obligations of honour, to keep the proceedings secret, untill the majority shall direct them to be made public.

Resolved, unan: That a Committee be appointed to State the rights of the Colonies in general, the several instances in which these rights are violated or infringed, and the means most proper to be pursued for obtaining a restoration of them.

Ordered. That the appointment of the Committee, and the number of which it shall consist, be deferred untill to-morrow.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to examine & report the several Statutes, which affect the trade and Manufactures of the colonies.

Same order as above respecting the appointment & number of this Committee.

Resolved, That the Rev^ Mr. Duche be desired to open the Congress tomorrow morning with prayers, at the Carpenter's Hall, at 9 o'Clock.^

'"After settling tlie mode of voting, whicli is by giving each Colony an equal voice, it was agreed to open the business with prayer. As many of our warmest friends are members of the Church of England, [I] thought it prudent, as well on that as on some other accounts, to move that the i^ervice should be performed by a clergyman of that deuonunatiou." Samud AiUimii to J. Wurrm, 9 September, 1774. Jolm Adams says it was Gushing who made the motion that business be opened with prayer, and John Jay and Rutledge opposed it on the ground of a diversity in religious sentiments. That Sanmel Adams asserted he was no bigot, and could hear a prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue, wlio was at the same time a friend to hia country; and nominated Duch6. See note under September 7, post.

September, 1774 27

Thomas Johnson, Juu', Esq!' one of the Delegates from Maryland, attended and took his seat.

Extract from minutes of the directors of the Library- Company of Philadelphia, dated August 31'.', — directed to the Pi'esident, was read, as follows:

Upon motion, ordered,

That the Librarian furnish the gentlemen, who are to meet in Congress, with the use of such Books as they may liave occasion for, during their sitting, taking a receipt for them.

By order of the Directors,

(Signed) Wilijam Attmore, Si-e^.

Ordered, That the thanks of the Congress be returned to the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, for their obliging order.

Adjourned until nine o'clock to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1774, 9 o'clock a. m.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Agreeable to the resolve of yesterday, the meeting was opened with prayers by the Rev'? Mr. Duche.

Voted, That the thanks of the Congress be given to Mr. Duche, by Mr. Cushing and Mr. Ward, for perform- ing divine Service, and for the excellent prayer, which he composed and deliver'd on the occasion.'

The Congress, taking into consideration the appoint- ment of the Committees. A vote was taken on the num- ber of which the first Committee should consist, and, by

'Duche attended in full poutitiicala, read several prayers in the established form, the collect for the day (Psahu XXXV), and then "struck out into an extemporary prayer, which filled the bosom of every man preseut. I must confess I never heard a better prayer, or one so well pronounced. * * * It has had an excellent effect upon everybody here." Jolm Adams to his wife, — September, 1774. Joseph Reed thought the appointment and prayer a "masterly stroke of pcilicy." Ward recorded "one of the most sublime, catholic, well-adapted prayers I ever heard."

28 JourMls of Congress

a great majority, agreed that it consist of two from each of the Colonies, as follows :

New Hampshire, Major John Snllivan, and M' [Nathan- iel] Folsom.

Massachusetts -Bay, M!' Samuel Adams, and M' John Adams.

Rhode Island, M' [Stephen] Hopkins, and W- [Samuel] Ward.

Connecticut, Col'-' [Eliphalet] Dyer, and M' [Roger] Sherman.

New York, W- James Duane, and M!' John Jay.

New Jersey, M^ [William] Livingston, and M- [John] Dehart

Pennsylvania, M- Joseph Galloway, and M!' E[dward] Biddle.

3 counties [Delaware government], M^ Csesar Rodney, and M' [Thomas] M^Kean

Maryland, W Tho' Johnson, and M' [Robert] Golds - borough .

Virginia, M' [Richard Henry] Lee, and M^ [Edmund] Pendleton.

South Carolina, M' [Thomas] Lynch, and M' J[ohn] Rxitledge.'

' The Committee to ' ' state the rights &c ' ' met on the 8th, entered into tlie sul.)ject, and adjourned. John Adams says the Committee sat all day, ' ' and a most ingenious, entertaining de])ate we had." This dehate is summarized in his Workx, II, 370. Another meeting was held on the 9th. "Agreed to found our rights upon the laws of Nature, the principles of the English Constitution, and charters and compacts; ordered a Sub-Committee to draw up a Statement of Rights." ( Ward.) Galloway and Duane were for excluduig the law of nature; John Adams insisted on retaining it. Asecond (juestion was the authority to Ije conceded to Parliament; "whether we should deny the authority of Parliament in all cases; whether we should allow any authority to it in our internal affairs; or whether we should allow it to regulate the trade of the Empire with or without any restrictions" Adams. The sub-committee, of which John Adams and John Rutledge were members, held sessions from the 10th to the 14th, and then reported to the great Committee, where the affair hmig so long that other members of Congress were "jealous." On the 22? a rei>ort was made to Congress.

On the 14th the great Committee appointed a sub-(»nimittee to ' ' state the infriuge- ments of our rights." The report was laid before Congress on the 24tb.

September, 1774 29

Agreed, that the second Committee consist of one chosen from each Colony, as follows: —

Neiv Haw,pshire, Mr. [John] Sullivan.

Massachusetts Bay, Mr. [Thomas] Gushing.

Rhode Island, Mr. [Stephen] Hopkins.

Connecticut, Mr. [Silas] Deane.

New York, Mr. [Isaac] Low.

New Jersey, Mr. [James] Kinsey.

Pennsylvania , Mr. [Thomas] Mifflin.

5 counties, Mr. [George] Read.

Maryland, Mr. [Samuel] Chase,

Virginia, Mr. [Patrick] Henry.

South Carolina, Mr. [Christopher] Gadsden.

Ordered, That Isaac Lefevre and James Lynch, he em- ployed as Door -Keepers and messengers to this Congress.

Resolved, That the President may adjourn the Con- gress from day to day, when he finds there is no husiness prepared to be laid before them, and may, when he finds it necessary, call them together before the time to which they may stand adjourned.

Adjourned until to-morrow Morning, 9 o'Clock.

THURSDAY [SEPTEMBER 8,1 9 O'CLOCK A. M.

The Congress is farther adjourned till to -morrow morn- ing at 9 o'clock.

FRIDAY [SEPTEMBER 9] 9 O'CLOCK A. M.

The President agreeable to the resolve of the 7'." Ins' adjourned the Congress till tomorrow at 9 o'Clock.

SATURDAY [SEPTEMBER loj 9 O'CLOCK A. M.'

Adjourned till Monday next at 9 o'Clock.

■This is the first entry in the MS. Journah made by Charles Thomson.

In the printed Jonrnals the entries for September 8, 9, and 10 were omitted, and the following entry made: "The President, agreeable to the resolve of the seventh Inst, adjourned the Congress from day to day until."

30 Journals of Congress

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1774.

Matthew Tilghman, Esq!' one of the delegates from Maryhiud, appeared and took his seat in Congress.

No business being prepared for the Congress, the Presi- dent adjourned it till tuesday, & from Tuesday till Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1774, A. M,

The Congress met according to adjournment.

William Hooper and Joseph Hewes, Esq™ two of the deputies from North -Carolina, attended the Congress, & produced their credentials, as follows :

I^orth- Carolina, at a general meeting of deputies of the Inhabitants of this province, New Bern, the 25*" day of August, Anno Domini 1774::

Re-solvcd, That we approve of the pi-oposal of a general Congress, to be held in the City of Philadelphia, on the twentieth day of Septem- ber next, then and there to deliberate upon the present state of British America, and to take such measures, as they ma}^ deem prudent, to effect the purpose of describing with certainty the rights of Americans, repairing the breaches made in those rights, and for guarding them for the future from any such violations done under the sanction of public Authority.

Hesolmd, That William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Eicbard Cas- well, Esquires, and every of them, be deputies to attend such Con- gress, and they are hereby invested with such powers, as may make any acts done by them, or consent given in behalf of this province, obligatory in honour upon every inhabitant heicof , who is not an alien to his country's good, and an apostate to the liberties of America. Signed, John Hakvey, Moderator.

Attested, Andrew Knox, Clerh.

The above being read and approved, the deputies took their seats.

Henry Wisner, a delegate from the County of Orange, in the Colony of New -York, appeared at Congress, & produced a certificate of his election by the said county,

September, 1774 31

which being read and approved, he took his seat in con- gress as a deputy for the Colony of New -York.

George Ross, Esq- one of the delegates for the province of Pennsylvania, & John Alsop, Esq"" one of the delegates for the Colony of New -York, appeared & took their seats in Congress.

Ordered, That William Hooper & Joseph Hewes, Esq''." from North -Carolina, be added to the committee appointed to state the Rights of the Colonies, &c.

& That William Hooper, Esq^ be one of the Com- mittee appointed to report the statutes, which affect the trade, &c. of the colonies.

The delegates from the Province of Massachusetts -bay, agreeable to a request from the joint committees of every town & district in the county of Middlesex, in the s** province, communicated to the Congress the proceedings of those committees at Concord, on the 30th & 31st days of August last, which were read.'

Adjourned until to-morrow at 9 oClock.

No business being prepared, the Congress was ad- journed from day to day, till Saturday morning, at 9 oClock.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1774, A. M.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Richard Caswell, Esq' one of the deputies from North - Carolina, appeared, and took his seat in Congress.

The Resolutions entered into by the delegates from the several towns and districts in the county of Suffolk, in the province of the Massachusetts -bay, on tuesday the 6th instant, and their address to his excellency Gov!'

'These proceedings were issued an a broadside, and copies are in the American Antiquarian Society, of Worcester, Mass., and in tlie Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.

32 Journals of Congress

Gage, dated the Oth instant, were laid before the con- gress, and are as follows:

At a meeting of the delegates of every town & district in the county of Suffolk, on tuesday the 6th of Septl', at the house of M!' Richard Woodward, of Deadham, & by adjournment, at the house of Mr. [Daniel] Vose, of Milton, on Friday the 9th instant, Joseph Palmer, esq. being chosen moderator, and William Thompson, esq. clerk, a committee was chosen to bring in a report to the convention, and the following being several times read, and put paragraph by paragraph, was unanimously voted, viz.

Whereas the power but not the justice, the vengeance but not the wisdom of Great-Britain, which of old persecuted, scourged, and exiled our fugitive parents from their native shores, now pursues us, their guiltless children, with unrelenting severity: And whereas, this, then savage and uncultivated desart, was purchased by the toil and treasui'e, or acquired 1>y the blood and valor of those our venerable progenitors; to us they bequeathed the dearbought inheritance, to our care and protection they consigned it, and the most sacred obligations are upon us to transmit the glorious purchase, unfettered by power, unclogged with shackles, to our innocent and beloved offspring. On the fortitude, on the wisdom and on the exertions of this important day, is suspended the fate of this new world, and of unborn millions. If a boundless extent of continent, swarming with millions, will tamely submit to live, move and have their being at the arbitrary will of a licentious minister, they basely yield to vohmtary slavery, and future generations shall load their memories with incessant execrations. — On the other hand, if we arrest the hand which would ransack our pockets, if we disarm the parricide which points the dagger to our bosoms, if wo nobl}^ defeat that fatal edict which proclaims a power to frame laws for us in all cases whatsoever, thereby entailing the end- less and numberless curses of slavery upon us, our heirs and their heirs forever; if we successfulh' resist that unparalleled usurpation of unconstitutional power, whereby our capital is robbed of the means of life; whei'cby the streets of Boston are thronged with military execu- tioners; whereby our coasts are lined and harbours crouded with ships of war; whereby the charter of the colony, that sacred barrier against the encroachments of tyranny, is mutilated and, in effect, annihilated; whereljy a murderous law is framed to shelter villains from the hands of justice; whereby the unalienable and inestimable inheritance, wliich

September, 1774 33

we derived from Dature, the constitution of Britain, and the privileges warranted to us in the charter of the province, is totally wrecked, annulled, and vacated, posterity will acknowledge tliat virtue which preserved them free and happy; and while we enjoy the rewards and hlessings of the faithful, the torrent of panegyrists will roll our reputa- tions to that latest period, when the streams of time shall be al)sorbed in the abyss of eternity. — Therefore, we have resolved, and do resolve,

1. That whereas his majesty, George the Third, is the rightful successor to the throne of Great-Britain, and justly entitled to the allegiance of the British realm, and agreeable to compact, of the English colonics in America — therefore, we, the heirs and successors of the first planters of this colony, do cheerfully acknowledge the said George the Third to be our rightful sovereign, and that said covenant is the tenure and claim on which are founded our allegiance and submission.

2. That it is an indispensable duty which we owe to God, our country, ourselves and posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power to maintain, defend and preserve those civil and religious rights and liberties, for which many of our fathers fought, bled and died, and to hand them down entire to future generations.

3. That the late acts of the British parliament for blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering the established form of government in this colony, and for screening the most flagitious violators of the laws of the province from a legal trial, are gross infractions of those rights to which we are justly entitled by the laws of nature, the British constitution, and the charter of the province.

4. That no obedience is due from this province to either or any part of the acts above-mentioned, but that they be rejected as the attempts of a wicked administration to enslave America.

5. That so long as the justices of our superior court of judicature, court of assize, &c. and inferior court of common pleas in this county are appointed, or hold their places, by any other tenure than that which the charter and the laws of the province direct, they must be consid- ered as under undue influence, and are therefore unconstitutional ofiicers, and, as such, no regard ought to be paid to them by the people of this county.

6. That if the justices of the superior court of judicature, assize, &c. justices of the court of common pleas, or of the general sessions of the peace, shall sit and act dui'ing their present disqualified state, this county will support, and bear harmless, all sheriffs and their deputies,

30127— VOL 1—04 3

34: Journals of Congress

constables, jurors and other officers who shall refuse to carry into execution the orders of said courts; and, as far as possible, to prevent the many inconveniencies which must be occasioned bj^ a suspension of the courts of justice, we do most earnestly recommend it to all credi- tors, that they shew all I'easouable and even generous forbearance to their debtors; and to all debtors, to pay their just debts with all possible speed, and if any disputes relative to debts or trespasses shall arise, which cannot be settled by the parties, we recommend it to them to submit all such causes to arbitration; and it is our opinion that the contending parties or either of them, who shall refuse so to do, ought to be considered as co-operating with the enemies of this country.

7. That it be recommended to the collectors of taxes, constables and all other officers, who have public monies in their hands, to retain the same, and not to make ^nj payment thereof to the provincial county treasurer until the civil government of the province is placed upon a constitutional foundation, or until it shall otherwise be ordered by the proposed provincial Congress.

8. That the persons who have accepted seats at the council board, by virtue of a mandamus from the King, in conformity to the late act of the British parliament, entitled, an act for the regulating the gov- ernment of the Massachusetts-Baj^ have acted in direct violation of the duty they owe to their country, and have thereby given great and just offence to this people; therefore, resolved, that this county do recommend it to all persons, who have so highly offended by accepting said departments, and have not already- pulilicly resigned their seats at the council board, to make public resignations of their places at said board, on or before the 20th day of this instant, September; and that all persons refusing so to do, shall, from and after said day, be con- sidered by this county as obstinate and incorrigible enemies to this countrj^.

9. That the fortifications begun and now carrying on upon Boston Neck, are justly alarming to this county, and gives us reason to appre- hend some hostile intention against that town, more especially as the commander in chief has, in a very extraordinary manner, removed the powder from the magazine at Charlestown, and has also forbidden the keeper of the magazine at Boston, to deliver out to the owners, the powder, which they had lodged in said magazine. ^

10. That the late act of parliament for establishing the Roman Catholic religion and the French laws in that extensive countr}-, now

September, 1774 35

called Canada, is dangeroufs in an extreme degree to the Protestant religion and to the civil rights and liberties of all America; and, therefore, as men and Protestant Christians, we are indispensably obliged to take all proper measures for our securitj-.

11. That whereas our enemies have flattered themselves that thej" shall make an easy prey of this numerous, brave and hardy people, from an apprehension that they are unacquainted with military disci- pline; we, therefore, for the honour, defence and security of this county and province, advise, as it has been recommended to take awaj' all commissions from the officers of the militia, that those who now hold commissions, or such other persons, be elected in each town as officers in the militia, as shall be judged of sufficient capacity for that purpose, and who have evidenced themselves the inflexible friends to the rights of the people; and that the inhabitants of those towns and districts, who are qualified, do use their utmost diligence to acquaint themselves with the art of war as soon as possible, and do, for that purpose, appear under arms at least once every week.

12. That during the present hostile appearances on the part of Great- Britain, notwithstanding the many insults and oppressions which we most sensibly resent, yet, nevertheless, from our afi'ection to his majesty, which we have at all times evidenced, we are determined to act merely upon the defensive, so long as such conduct may be vindi- cated by reason and the principles of self-preservation, but no longer.

13. That, as we understand it has been in contemplation to appre- hend sundry persons of this county, who have rendered themselves conspicuous in contending for the violated rights and liberties of their countrymen; we do recommend, should such an audacious measure be put in practice, to seize and keep in safe custody, every servant of the present tyrannical and unconstitutional government throughout the county and province, until the persons so apprehended be liberated from the hands of our adversaries, and restored safe and uninjured to their respective friends and families.

14. That until our rights are fully restored to us, we will, to the utmost of our power, and we recommend the same to the other coun- ties, to withhold all commercial intercourse with Great-Britiiin, Ireland, and the West-Indies, and abstain from the consumption of British merchandise and manufactures, and especially of East-India teas and piece goods, with such additions, alterations, and exceptions only, as the General Congress of the colonies may agree to.

■■36 Journals of Congress

15. That under our present circumstances, it is incumbent on us to encourage arts and manufactures amongst us, b}' all means in our power, and that'

be and are hereby appointed a committee, to consider of the best ways and means to promote and establish the same, and to report to this convention as soon as may be.

16. That the exigencies of our public affairs, demand that a provin- cial Congi-ess be called to consult such measures as may be adopted, and vigorously executed by the whole people; and we do recommend it to the several towns in this county, to chuso members for such a provincial Congress, to be holden at Concord, on the second Tuesday of October, next ensuing.

17. That this county, confiding in the wisdom and integrity of the continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, pay all due respect and submission to such measures as may be recommended by them to the colonies, for the restoration and establishment of our just rights, civil and religious, and for renewing that harmony and union between Great-Britain and the colonies, so earnestly wished for by all good men.

18. That whereas the universal uneasiness which prevails among all orders of men, arising from the wicked and oppressive measures of the present administration, may influence some unthinliing persons to commit outrage upon private property; we would heartily recommend to all persons of this community, not to engage in any routs, riots, or licentious attacks upon the properties of any person whatsoever, as being subversive of all order and government; but, by a steady, manly, uniform, and persevering opposition, to convince our enemies, that in a contest so important, in a cause so solemn, our conduct shall be such as to merit the approbation of the wise, and the admiration of the brave and free of every age and of every country.

19. That should our enemies, b^^ any sudden manceuvres, render it necessary to ask the aid and assistance of our brethren in the country, some one of the committee of correspondence, or a select man of such town, or the town adjoining, where such hostilities shall commence, or shall be expected to commence, shall despatch couriers with written messages to the select men, or committees of correspondence, of the several towns in the vicinity, with a written account of such matter,

' The names of those appointed on this committee were Joseph Palmer, of Brain- tree; Ebenezer Dorr, of Roxbury; James Boies and Edward Preston, of Milton, and Nathaniel Guild, of Walpole.

September, 1774 37

who shall despatch others to committees more remote, until proper and sufficient assistance be obtained, and that the expense of said couriers be defrayed by the county, until it shall be otherwise ordered by the provincial Congress.'

At a meeting of delegates from the several towns and districts in the county of Suffolk, held at Milton, on Friday, the 9th day of Septem- ber, 1774— Voted,

That Dr. .loseph Warren, of Boston, &c.^ be a committee to wait on his excellency the governor, to inform him, that this county are alarmed at the fortifications making on Boston Neck, and to remon- strate against the same, and the repeated insults offered by the soldiery, to persons passing and repassing into that town, and to confer with him upon those subjects.

Attest, William Thompson, Clerk.

'"''To Ids excellency Thxyinas Gage, Esq. captain-general, and commander ^Vi chief of his majesty's province of Massachusetts- Bay.

"May it please your excellency,

"The county of Suffolk, being greatly, and, in their opinion, justly alarmed at the formidable appearances of hostility, now threatening his majesty's good subjects of this county, and more particular^ of the town of Boston, the loyal and faithful capital of this province, beg leave to address your excellency, and represent, that the apprehen- sions of the people are more particularly encreased by the dangerous design, now carrying into execution, of repairing and manning the forti- fications at the south entrance of the town of Boston, which, when com- pleted, may, at any time, be improved to aggravate the miseries of that already impoverished and distressed city, by intercepting the wonted and necessary intercourse between the town and country, and compel the wretched inhabitants to the most ignominious state of humiliation

' Thus far was issued in Boston as a broadside, a copy of which is to be found in the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. The language differs somewhat in the two versions.

^The names of this committee were printed in the newspaper accounts, and were as follows:

Dr Benjamin Church, Boston; Deacon Joseph Palmer, Germantown; Capt. Lemuel Robinson, Dorchester; Capt. William Heath, Roxbury; Col. Ebenezer Thayer, Braintree; William Holden, Esq. Dorchester; Col. William Taylor, Milton; Capt. John Homans, Dorchester; Isaac Gardiner, Esq., Brooklyn; Mr. Richard Woodward, Dedham; Capt. BenjaminWhite, Brooklyn; Dr. Samuel Gardiner, Milton; Nathaniel Summer, Esq., Dedham; Capt Thomas Aspinwall, Brooklyn.

38 Journals of Congress

and vassalage, by depriving them of the necessary supplies of provision, for which they are chietiy dependant on that communication. We have been informed, that your excellency, in consequence of the application of the select men of Boston, has, indeed, disavowed any intention to injure the town in your present manceuvres, and expressed j'our pur- pose to be for the security of the troops and his majesty's subjects in the town, we are therefore at a loss to guess, may it please your excellency, from whence your want of confidence in the loyal and orderly people of this vicinity could originate; a measure, so formi- dable, carried into execution from a pre-conceived though causeless jealousy of the insecurity of his majesty's troops and subjects in the town, deeply wounds the loyalty, and is an additional injury to the faithful subjects of this county, and affords them a strong motive for this application. We therefore intreat 3'our excellency to desist from your design, assuring your excellency, that the people of this county, are by no means disposed to injure his majesty's troops; they think themselves aggrieved and oppressed by the late acts of parliament, and are resolved, by Divine assistance, never to submit to them, but have no inclination to commence a war with his majesty's troops, and beg leave to observe to your excellency, that the fei'ment now excited in the minds of the people, is occasioned by some late transactions, by seizing the powder in the arsenal at Charlestown; by withholding the powder lodged in the magazine of the town of Boston, from the legal proprietors; insulting, beating, and abusing passengers to and from the town by the soldierj% in which they have been encouraged bj' some of their officers; putting the people in fear, and menacing them in their nightly patrole into the neighbouring towns, and more particularly by the fortifying the sole avenue by land to the town of Boston.

"In duty therefore to his majesty and to your excellency, and for the restoration of order and security to this county, we the delegates from the several towns in this county, being commissioned for this purpose, beg your excellency's attention to this our humble and faith- ful address, assuring you, that nothing less than an immediate removal of the ordnance, and restoring the entrance into the town to its former state, and an effectual stop of all insults and abuses in future, can place the inhabitants of this county in that state of peace and tran- quillity, in which every free subject ought to be."

His excellency was waited on to know if he would receive the com- mittee with the above wintten address, but desiring he might have a copy of it in a private way, that so when he received it from the

September^ 1774 39

committee, he might have an answer prepared for tliem, he was accordingly furnished with a copy. His excellency then declared, that he would receive the conunittee on Monday, at 12 o'clock.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER i8, 1774.

The Congi-ess, taking the foregoing into consideration, Resolved Ktian, That this assembly deeply feels the suf- fering of their countrymen in the Massachusetts -Bay, under the operation of the late unjust, cruel, and oppres- sive acts of the British Parliament — that they most thoroughly approve the wisdom and fortitude, with which opposition to these wicked ministerial measures has hitherto been conducted, and they earnestly recommend to their brethren, a perseverance in the same firm and temperate conduct as expressed in the resolutions deter- mined upon, at a llatel meeting of the delegates for the county of Suffolk, on Tuesday, the 6th instant, trusting that the effect [s] of the united efforts of North America in their behalf, will carry such conviction to the British nation, of the unwise, unjust, and ruinous policy of the present administration, as quickly to introduce better men and wiser measures.^

'Eluding the prohibition of town meetings, a meeting was convened first at Ded- ham and then at Milton, before which was laid a set of resolutions prepared by Joseph Warren. They were adopted on September 9, and became known as the "Suffolk Resolves." They were sent express to Congress by Paul Revere, who reached Philadelphia on Friday, September 16, and delivered them to the Massa- chusetts delegates. On tlie day after, they were laid before Congress, and were acted upon the same day. "This was one of the happiest days of my life," noted John Adams in his Diary. "In Congress we had generous, noble sentiments, and manly eloquence. This day convinced me that America will support the Massa- chusetts or perish with her." And to his wife he wrote: "These votes were passed in full Congress with perfect unanimity. The esteem, the affection, the admiration for the people of Boston and the Massachusetts, which were expressed yesterday, and the fixed determination that they should be supported, were enough to melt a heart of stone. I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old, grave, pacific Quakers of Pennsylvania." Samuel Adams wrote that the resolves were "read with great applause," and that the Congress was unanimous in its resolutions. Quincy, Life nf Quincy, 155. Silas Deane noted that the two resolutions of Congress were passed

40 Journals of Congress

Resolved tman, That contributions from all the colonies for supplying the necessities, and alleviating the distresses of our brethren at Boston, ought to be continued, in such manner, and so long as their occasions may require/

Ordered, That a copy of the above resolutions be trans- mitted to Boston by the president.

Ordered, That these resolutions, together with the resolutions of the County of Suffolk, be published in the newspapers.

The committee appointed to examine & report the several statutes, which affect the trade and manufactures of

without one dissenting voice, though all the members were present." Ford, Corres- pondence of Samuel Blachley Webb, I, 39. Jones believed that this endorsement by- Congress put an end to the usefulness of the Tories or Loyalists in the Congress.

To indorse the Suffolk resolves was but a step in the policy of the Massachusetts delegation. On the 24th of September the two Adams talked with Dickinson — "a true Bostonian" was Samuel Adams' comment. "The Congress have, in their resolve of the 17th instant, given their sanction to the resolutions of the county of Suffolk, one of which is to act merely upon the defensive so long as such conduct may be justified by reason and the principles of self-preservation, — but no longer. They have great dependence upon your tried patience and fortitude. They suppose you mean to defend your civil Constitution. They strongly recommend persever- ance and a firm and temperate conduct, and give you a full pledge of their united efforts in your behalf. They have not yet come to final resolutions. It becomes them to be deliberate. I have been assured, in private conversation with indi- viduals, that if you should be driven to the necessity of acting in self-defence of your lives or liberties, you would be justified by their constituents, and openly supported by all the means in their power " Samuel Adams to Joseph Warren, September 25, 1774. On the following day John Adams wrote of the numberless prejudices to be removed. "We have been obliged to act with great delicacy and caution. We have been obliged to keep ourselves out of sight, and to feel the pulses of and sound the depths; to insinuate our sentiments, designs, and desires, by means of other per- sons; sometimes of one Province, and sometimes of another" To Judge Tudor, Sep- tember 26, 1774. A good illustration of this labor is given in the meeting with Ship- pen, Richard Henry Lee and Washington, on the evening of the 28th. Washington to Robert Mackenzie, October 9, 1774. As a result of these deliberations, the reso- lutions of the 30th here prmted must have been framed and submitted; but as events proved, too early to be adopted. And this, too, in the face of a belief of Adams that all Congress "profess to consider our Province as suffering in the com- mon cause, and indeed they seem to feel for us, as if for themselves" To his wife, September 29, 1774.

' A ms. copy of these resolutions, in the writing of Eichard Henry Lee, is among the Lee Papers. It does not, however, follow that he was the framer.

September^ 1774 41

the colonies, brought in their report, which was ordered to He on the table. Adjourned till Monday morning.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1774. A. M.

The Congress met according to adjournment. The report brought in on Saturday being read, as follows :

Here insert this report :

Ordered., That the same be referred to the committee appointed to state the rights of the Colonies, &c. to which committee, the honble Thomas Cushing, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Mifflin, Esquires were added.

Adjourned from day to day, till Thursday.^

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22d, 1774.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Upon motion,

Resolved unanimously, That the Congress request the Merchants and others in the several colonies, not to send to Great Britain, any orders for goods, and to du'ect the execution of all orders already sent, to be delayed or sus- pended, until the sense of the Congress, on the means to be taken for the preservation of the liberties of America, is made public.

Ordered, That this resolution be made public by hand- bills,^ and by publishing it in the newspapers.

i"21st. Desired a Congress to be held." Ward. The great Committee was ready to report.

''A broadside was issued by W and T. Bradford, and is reproduced on opposite page, from a copy in the Simitiere collection in the Ridgway Branch of the Library Company of Philadelphia.

42 Journals of Congress

The committee appointed to state the rights of the col- onies &c. having brought in a report of the Rights, the same was read, and the consideration of it referred till Saturday next.

Ordered., That a copy of this report be made out for each colony.

SATURDAY, SEPT^ 24, 1774, A. M.

The Congress entered upon the consideration of the report referred to this day, and after some debate, upon motion.

Resolved., That the congress do confine themselves, at present, to the consideration of such rights only as have been infringed by acts of the British parliament since the year 1763, postponing the further consideration of the general state of American rights to a future day.

Hereupon, the Committee appointed to state the rights &c. brought in a report of the infringements and viola- tions of American rights, which being read — upon motion,^

Resolved, That the consideration of the report be refer- red till Monday and that the Congress in the meanwhile deliberate on the means most proper to be pursued for a restoration of our rights.

After some debate on the subject, the Congress adjourned.

MONDAY, SEPTR 26, 1774 A. M.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

John Herring,"'^ Esq' a deputy from Orange county, in the colony of New -York, appeared this morning, and took his seat as a delegate for that colony.

'Prepared by John Sullivan. See p. 63, post ' John Haring.

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The Congress resumed the consideration of the means, &e. and after several hours spent thereon, it was referred till to-morrow, to which time the Congress was adjourned/

TUESDAY, SEPTR 27, 1774, A M

The Congress met according to adjournment, and resi;m- ing the consideration of the means most proper to be used for a restoration of American rights.

Resolved unanimousUj, That from and after the first day of December next, there be no importation into British America from Great Britain or Ireland, of any goods, wares or merchandizes whatsoever, or from any other place, of any such goods, wares or merchandizes, as shall have been exported from Great -Britadn or Ireland; and that no such goods, wares or merchandizes imported after the said first day of December next, be used or purchased,"

Adjourned till to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1774.

Wednesday. [Here insert Mr. Galloway's motion and Plan.^]

galloway's plan.

With this plan appear to have been submitted two sets of introductory resolutions; but I am doubtful whether both sets were laid before Congress. Early in December, Galloway visited Governor Franklin and Lieutenant-Governor Golden, and gave to each a copy of his Plan of I'nion. Franklin's copy was transmitted to Dartmouth with introductory resolutions looking to a recommendation of the plan to the Colonial Assemblies. Golden transmitted with his copy, "two sets" of resolves, — unfortu- nately not printed with his letter. In Galloway's pamphlet A Candid Examination

1 1 1 2gth The Congress met, agreed upon non-importation, and adjourned. ' ' Samuel Ward.

"It was Richard Henry Lee who made a motion "for a non-importation." The debate is sketched in John Adams, II, 382.

'These words are in Thomson's writing, but were struck out. The entry is in a different ink from that of the main record.

44 Journals of Congress

is printed an introduction looljing to a dii-ect appeal to tiie King and Parliament, with- out any previous consideration of the plan by the Colonial Assemblies. In his examination, in 1779, by a Committee of the House of Commons, Galloway read this second introductory resolve, "in my own handwriting, which identically was deliv- ered by me in Congress. It is indorsed in the hand of Charles Thomson, the then and present secretary to Congress."

In his Hhturical and Political Reflections on tlie Rise and Progress of the American Rebellion, Galloway gives the speech he delivered on the motion involving his plan.

Introductory to his motion which led to this plan, the author of it made, in sub- stance, the following speech, which is taken from his short notes: "He told Congress that he came with instructions to propose some mode, by which the harmony between Great-Britain and the Colonies might be restored on constitutional principles: that this appeared to be the genuine sense of all the instructions brought into Congress by the Delegates of the several Colonies. He had long waited with great patience under an expectation of hearing some proposition which should tend to that salutary and important purpose; but, to his great mortification and distress, a month had been spent in fruitless debates on equivocal and indecisive propositions, which tended to inflame rather than reconcile — to produce war instead of peace between the two counti-ies. In this disagreeable situation of things he thought it his incumbent duty to speak plainly, and to give his sentiments without the least reserve.

There are two propositions before the Congress for restoring the wished-for harmony: one, that Parliament should be requested to place the Colonies in the state they were in in the year 176.3; the other, that a non-exportation and non-importation agreement should be adopted. I will consider these propositions, and venture to reject them both; the first, as indecisive, tending to mislead both countries, and to lay a foundation for further discontent and quarrel; the other, as illegal, and ruinous to America.

The first projiosition is indecisive, because it points out no ground of complaint — asks for a restoration of no right, settles no principle, and proposes no jjlan for accommodating the dispute. There is no statute which has been passed to tax or bind the Colonies since the year 1763, which was not founded on precedents and statutes of a similar nature before that period; and therefore the proposition, while it expressly denies the right of Parliament, confesses it by the strongest implication. In short, it is nugatory, and without meaning; and however it may serve, when rejected by Parliament, as it certainly will be, to form a charge of injustice upon, and to deceive and inflame the minds of the people hereafter, it cannot possibly answer any other purpose.

The second proposition is undutiful and illegal: it is an insult on the supreme authority of the State; it cannot fail to draw on the Colonies the united resentment of the Mother Country. If we will not trade with Great Britain, she will not suffer us to trade at all. Our ports will be blocked up by British men of war, and troops will be sent to reduce us to reason and obedience. A total and sudden stagnation of commerce is what no coimtry can bear: it must bring ruin on the Colonies: the produce of labour must perish on their hands, and not only the progress of industry be stopped, but industry and labour will cease, and the country itself be thrown into anarchy and tumult. I must therefore reject both the propositions; the first as inde- cisive, and the other as inadmissible upon any principle of prudence or policy.

September, 1774 45

If we sincerely mean to accommodate the difference between tlie two countries, and to establish their imion on more firm and constitutional principles, we must take into consideration a number of facts which led the Parliament to pass the acts com- plained of, since the year 1763, and the real state of the Colonies. A clear and per- fect knowledge of these matters only can lead us to the ground of substantial redress and permanent harmony. I will therefore call your recollection to the dangerous situation of the Colonies from the intrigues of France, and the incursions of the Canadians and their Indian allies, at the commencement of the last war. None of us can be ignorant of the ju.st sense they then entertained of that danger, and of their incapacity to defend themselves against it, nor of the supplications made to the Parent State for its assistance, nor of the cheerfulness with which Great-Britain sent over her fleets and armies for their protection, of the millions she expended in that protection, and of the happy consequences which attended it.

In this state of the Colonies, it was not unreasonable to expect that Parliament would have levied a tax on them proportionate to their wealth, and the sums raised in Great Britain. Her ancient right, so often exercised, and never controverted, enabled her, and the occasion invited her, to do it. And yet, not knowing their wealth, a generous tenderness arising from the fear of doing them injustice, induced Parliament to forbear to levy aids upon them— It left the Colonies to do justice to themselves and to the nation. And moreover, in order to allure them to a discharge of their duty, it offered to reimburse those Colonies wliich should generously grant the aids that were necessary to their own safety. But what was the conduct of the Colonies on this occasion, in which their own existence was immediately concerned? However painful it may be for me to repeat, or you to hear, I must remind you of it. You all know there were Colonies which at some times granted liberal aids, and at others nothing; other Colonies gave nothing during the war; none gave equitably in proportion to their wealth, and all that did give were actuated by partial and self- interested motives, and gave only in proportion to the approach or remoteness of the danger. These delinquencies were occasioned by the want of the exercise of some supreme power to ascertain, witli equity, their proportions of aids, and to over-rule the particular passions, prejudices, and interests, of the several Colonies.

To remedy these mischiefs, Parliament was naturally led to exercise the power which had been, by its predecessors, so often exercised over the Colonies, and to pass the Stamp Act. Against this act, the Colonies petitioned ParUament, and denied its authority. Instead of proposing some remedy, by which that authority should be rendered more equitable and more constitutional over the Colonies, the petitions rested in a declaration that the Colonies could not be represented in that body. This justly alarmed the British Senate. It was thought and called by the ablest men and Britain, a clear and exphcit declaration of the American Independ- ence, and compelle<:l the Parliament to pass the Declaratory Act, in order to save its ancient and incontrovertible right of supremacy over all the parts of the empire. By this injudicious step the cause of our complaints became fixed, and instead of obtaining a constitutional reformation of the authority of Parliament over the Colo- nies, it brought on an explicit declaration of a right in ParUament to exercise abso- lute and unparticipated power over them. Nothing now can be wanting to convince us, that the Assemblies have pursued measures which have produced no relief, and answered no purpose but a bad one. I therefore hope that the collected wisdom of Congress will perceive and avoid former mistakes; that they will candidly andthor-

46 Journals of Congress

oiighly examine the real merits of our dispute with tiie Mother Country, and take such ground aa shall firmly unite us under one system of 2:)olity, and make us one people.

In order to establish those principles, upon which alone American relief ought, in reason and policy, to be founded, I will take a Ijrief view of the argimients on both sides of the great question between the two comitries — a question in its magnitude and importance exceeded by none that haa been ever agitated in the councils of any nation. The advocates for the supremacy of Parliament over the Colonies con- tend, that there must be one supreme legislative head in every civil society, whose authority must extend to the regulation and final decision of every matter suscepti- ble of human direction; and that every member of the society, whether political, official, or individual, must be subordinate to its supreme will, signified in its laws: that this sujiremacy and subordination are essential in the constitution of all States, whatever may be their forms; that no society ever did or could exist, without it; and that these truths are solidly established in the practice of all governments, and con- firmed by the concurrent authority of all writers on the subject of civil society.

These advocates also assert, what we cannot deny — That the discovery of the Col- onies was made under a commission granted by the supreme authority of the British State, that they have been settled under that authority, and therefore are truly the property of that State. Parliamentary jurisdiction has been constantly exercised over them from their first settlement; its executive authority haa ever run through all their inferior political systems: the Colonists have ever sworn allegiance to the Brit- ish State, and have been considered, both by the State and by themselves, as subjects of the British Government. Protection and allegiance are reciprocal duties; the one cannot exist without the other. The Colonies cannot claim the protection of Britain upon any principle of reason or law, while they deny its supreme authority. Upon this ground the authority of Parliament stands too firm to be shaken by any argu- ments whatever; and therefore to deny that authority, and at the same time to declare their incaiiacity to be represented, amomits to a full and explicit declaration of independence.

In regard to the political state of the Colonies, you must know that they are so many inferior societies, disunited and unconnected in polity. That while they deny the authority of Parliament, they are, in respect to each other, in a perfect state of nature, destitute of any supreme direction or decision whatever, and incompetent to the grant of national aids, or any other general measure whatever, even to the set- tlement of differences among themselves. This they have repeatedly acknowledged, and particularly by their delegates in Congress in the beginning of the last war; and the aids granted by them since that period, for their own protection, are a proof of the truth of that acknowledgment.

You also knew that the seeds of discord are plentifully sowed in the constitution of the Colonies; that they are already grown to maturity, and have more than once broke out into open hostilities. They are at this moment only suppressed by the authority of the Parent State; and should that authority be weakened or annulled, many subjects of unsettled disputes, and which in that case, can only be settled by an appeal to the sword, must involve us in all the horrors of civil war. You will now consider whether you wish to be destitute of the protection of Great Britain, or to see a renewal of the claims of France upon America; or to remain in our present disunited state, the weak exposed to the force of the strong. I am sure no honest man can entertain wishes so ruinous to his country.

September, 1771 47

Having thus briefly stated the arguments in favour of parhamentary authority, and considered the state of the Colonies, I am free to confess that the exercise of that autliority is not perfectly constitutional in respect to the Colonies. We know that the whole landed interest of Britain is represented in that body, while neither the land nor the people of America hold the least participation in the legislative authority of the State. Kepresentation, or a particiiiation in the supreme councils of the State, is the great principle upon which the freedom of the British Government is established and secured. I also acknowledge, that that territory whose people have no enjoyment of this pri\'ilege, are subject to an authority unrestrained and absolute; and if the liberty of the subject were not essentially concerned in it, I should rejei't a distinction so odious between members of the same state, so long as it shall be continued. I wish to see it exploded, and the right to participate in the supreme councils of the State extended, in some form, not only to America, but to all the British dominions; otherwise I fear that profound and excellent fabrick of civil polity will, ere long, crumble to pieces.

The case of the Colonies Ls not a new one. It was formerly the very situation of Wales, Durham and Chester.

Ah to the tax, it is neither unjust or oppressive, it being rather a relief than a bur- then; but it is want of constitutional principle in the authority that passed it, which is the ground for complaint. This, and this only, is the source of American griev- ances. Here, and here only, is the defect; and if this defect were removed, a founda- tion would be laid for the relief of every American complaint; the obnoxious statutes would of course be repealed, and others would be made, with the assent of the Colonies, to answer the same and better purposes; the mischiefs arising from the disunion of the Colonies would be removed; their freedom would be established, and their subordination fixed on solid constitutional principles.

Desirous as I am to promote the freedom of the Colonies, and to prevent the mis- chiefs which will attend a military contest with Great-Britain, I miL^t in treat you to desert the measures which have been so injudiciously and ineffectually pursued by antecedent Assemblies. Let us thoroughly investigate the subject matter in dispute, and endeavour to find from that investigation the means of perfect and permanent redress. In whatever we do, let us be particular and explicit, and not wander in general allegations. These will lead us to no point, nor can produce any relief; they are besides dishonourable and insidious. I would therefore acknowledge the neces- sity of the supreme authority of Parliament over the Colonies, because it is a proposi- tion which we cannot deny without manifest contradiction, while we confess that we are subjects of the British Government; and if we do not approve of a representation in Parliament, let us ask for a participation in the freedom and power of the English constitution in some other mode of incorporation: for I am convinced, by long atten- tion to the subject, that let us deliberate, and try what other expedients we may, we shall find none that can give to the Colonies substantial freedom, but some such Incorporation. I therefore beseech you, by the respect you are bound to pay to the instructions of your constituents, by the regard you have for the honour and safety of your countrj', and as you wish to avoid a war with Great-Britain, which must terminate, at all events in the ruin of America, not to rely on a denial of the author- ity of Parliament, a refusal to be represented, and on a non-importation agreement; because whatever protestations, in that case, may be made to the contrary, it will prove to the world that we intend to throw off our allegiance to the State, and to involve the two countries Ln all the horrors of a civil war.

48' Journals of Congress

With a view to promote the measure I have so earnestly recommended, I have pre- pared the draught of a plan for uniting America more intimately, in constitutional policy, with Great Britain. It contains the great outlines or principles only, and will require many additions in case those should be approved. I am certain when dispassionately considered, it will be found to be the most perfect union in power and liberty with the Parent State, next to a representation in Parliament, and I trust it will be approved of by both countries. In forming it, I have been particularly attentive to the rights of both; and I am confident that no American, who wishes to continue a subject of the British State, which is what we all uniformly profess, can offer any reasonably objection against it.

I shall not enter into a further explanation of its principles, but shall reserve my sentiments until the second reading, with which I hope it will be favoured."

The introductory motion being seconded, the Plan was presented and read. Warm and long debates innnediately ensued on the question. Whether it should be entered in the proceedmgs of Congress, or be referred to further consideration. All the men of property, and most of the ablest speakers, supported the motion, while the republican party strenuously opposed it.

The question was at length carried by a majority of one Colony.

From Galloway, Historical and Political Reflections on the Rise and Progress of the American Rebellion, (1780), 70.

Governor Franklin'' s version.

Resolved, That there is a manifest Defect in the Constitution of the British Empire iu respect to the Government of the Colonies upon those principles of Liberty which form an essential Part of that Con- stitution; and that such Defect has arisen from the circumstance of Colonization which was not included in the System of the British Government at the Time of its Institution, nor has been provided for since.

Resolved, That the Colonists hold in Abhorance the Idea of being considered Independent Communities on the British Government, and most ardently desire the Establishment of a Political Union not only among themselves but with the Mother State upon those principles of Safety and Freedom which are Essential in the Constitution of all free Governments and particularly that of the British Legislature, and Therefore,

Resolved, As the Colonies from their local & other circumstances cannot be represented in the British Parliament, the Congress do most Earnestly recommend (as a Measure of the Greatest Importance in reconciling the Difference between G. Britain and her Colonies,

September, 1774 49

and restoring them to a permanent Union & Harmony) to the consid- eration of tiie several Continental American Assemblies the following Plan of Government to be by them humbly proposed to his Majesty and his two Houses of Parliament under which the whole Empire may be drawn together on every Emergency, the Intei'est of both Countries advanced, and the Rights and Liberties of America secured:

[28 September, 177-t.]

Resolution submitted by Joseph Galloway:

Resolved, That the Congress will apply to his Majesty for a redress of grievances under which his faithful subjects in America labour; and assure him, that the Colonies hold in abhorrence the idea of being considered independent communities on the British government, and most ardently desire the establishment of a Political Union, not only among themselves, but with the Mother State, upon those principles of safety and freedom which arc essential in the constitution of all free governments, and particularly that of the British Legislature; and as the Colonies from their local circumstances, cannot be repi'esented in the Parliament of Great-Britain, they will humbW propose to his Majesty and his two Houses of Parliament, the following plan, under which the strength of the whole Empire may be drawn together on any emergency, the interest of both countries advanced, and the rights and liberties of America secured.

A Plan of a proposed Union between Great Britain and the Colonics.

That a British and American legislature, for regulating the admin- istration of the general affairs of America, be proposed and established in America, including all the said colonies; within, and under which government, each colony shall retain its present constitution, and powers of regulating and governing its own internal police, in all cases what[.sv)]ever.

That the said government be administered by a President General, to be appointed by the King, and a grand Council, to be chosen by the Representatives of the people of the several colonies, in their respective assemblies, once in every three years. 30127— VOL 1—04 1

50 Journals of Congress

That the several assemblies shall choose members for the grand council in the following proportions, viz.

New Hampshire.

Massachusetts-Bay.

Rhode Island.

Connecticut.

New- York.

New-Jersej'.

Pennsylvania.

Delaware Counties.

Maryland.

Virginia.

North Carolina.

South-Carolina.

Georgia.

Who shall meet at the city of for the first time, being

called by the President-General, as soon as conveniently may be after his appointment.

That there shall be a new election of members for the Grand Council every three j'ears; and on the death, removal or resignation of any member, hi.s place shall be supplied by a new choice, at the next sitting of Assembly of the Colony he represented.

That the Grand Council shall meet once in every year, if they shall think it necessary, and oftener, if occasions shall require, at such time and place as they shall adjourn to, at the last preceding meeting, or as they shall be called to meet at, by the President-General, on any emergency.

That the grand Council shall have power to choose their Speaker, and shall hold and exercise all the like i-ights, liberties and piivileges, as are held and exercised by and in the House of Commons of Great- Britain.

That the President-General shall hold his office during the pleasure of the King, and his assent shall be requisite to all acts of the Grand Council, and it shall be his oflSce and duty to cause them to be carried into execution.

That the President-General, by and with the advice and consent of the Grand-Council, hold and exercise all the legislative rights, powers, and authorities, necessary for regulating and administering all the general police and affairs of the colonies, in which Great-Britain and the colo- nies, or any of them, the colonies in general, or more than one colony, are in any manner concerned, as well civil and criminal as commercial.

That the said President-General and the Grand Council, be an inferior and distinct branch of the British legislature, united and incorporated with it, for the aforesaid general purposes; and that any of the said general regulations may originate and be formed and digested, either

September, 1774 51

in the Parliament of Great Britain, cir in tlie said Grand Council, and bein^ prepared, transmitted to the other for their approbation or dis- sent; and that the assent of both shall be requisite to the validity of all such general acts or statutes.

That in time of war, all bills for granting aid to the crown, prepared by the Grand Council, and approved by the President General, shall be valid and passed into a law, without the assent of the British Parliament.'

Weduesday aud Thursday- being taken up in the con- sideration and debates on the means, &c., the Congress met on

FRIDAY, SEPT" 30

and upon the question,

Resolved, That from and after the 10th day of Sept', 1775, the exportation of all merchandize and every com- modity whatsoever to Great Britain, Ireland and the

'(.Talloway has given a history of this Phiit. in his Candid Examination ofthf Mutual Claims of Great-Britain and the Cfihmiea; vnlh a Plan uf Accominodation on Constitutional Principles. New York; 1775. The resolution was seconded by James Duane. The debates are sketched in John Adams Wurk-.i, II, 387. The plan was entered on the minutes of the Congress, with an order referring it to future consideration ; " yet t hey not only refused to resume the Consideration of it, but directed both the Plan and Order to be erased from their Minutes, so that no vestige of it might appear there." William Franklin to Earl of Dartmouth, 6 December, 1774. Samuel Ward says the Plan was "not committed, but ordered to lie on the table." See note to the proceedings for 22 October, 1774, post. Adolphus says the vote to expunge was passed when the favorers of the plan were absent. Some letters and a pamphlet by Galloway on the Congress are to be found in the Neu' Jersey Archices, First Series, x, 475-494. Wal.

Galloway sent a copy of his Plan to Benjamin Franklin, who showed it to Lords Chatham and Camden. He also sent a copy to Dartmouth. Franklin wrote in reply a very pregnant letter in which he said: "Lord Gower, I believe, alluded to it when in the House he censured the Congress severely as first resolving to receive a plan for uniting the colonies to the mother country, and afterwards rejecting it, and ordering their first resolution to be erased out of their minutes." Dartmouth wrote to Golden, 7 January, 1775, "The Idea of Union upon some general constitutional plan, is certainly very just, & I have no doubt of its being yet attainable through some channell of mutual consideration and discussion."

'^"29th. The Congress met, considered a non-importation of all dutiable goods, and a non-exportation to Great Britain." Samuel It'ocrf. According to John Adams's notes it was MifBin who "proposes stoppage of flaxseed and lumber to the West Indies, aud non-importation of dutied articles."

52 Journals of Congress

West Indies, ought to cease, imless the grievances of America are redressed before that time/

' While most of the colonies came readily into a non-importation agreement, a proposition t<3 stop all exports encountered great opposition. This proposition couhl hardly have come from a southern colony, though John and Edward Rutledge did call for all "ways and means" for obtaining a rech-ess of grievances, and a non- exportation was needed to give support to a non-importation. The interests of the colonies were different. The Eastern and middle )irovinces were interested in the West Indian trade, while the exports fif the Southern found their markets almost wholly in Europe. Yet Chase, coming from a tobacco colony asserted that a non- exportation was of vastly more importance than a non-importation, as it would affect merchants as well as manufacturers, trade as well as revenue. He merely echoed the prevailing opinion that a total stoppage of all trade with Great Britain and the West Indies would produce a national bankruptcy in a very short time. Virginia pleaded for a postponement of a non-exportation, one so distant that it could not operate before the fall of 1776, besides pleading a want of powers to enter into any agreement affecting exports. Without Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina could not act, while South Carolina refused to accede to any measure which should pro- hibit the exportation of rice or indigo. Virginia withdrew its opposition, and South Carolina gained the exception of rice from the non-exportation.

Among the John Adams MSS. is a draft of some resolutions endorsed September 30, embodying an immediate cessation of exports to Great Britain and her colonies. As it was probably these resolutions that led to the debate, they are here printed.

*' Resolved, That the Province of the Massachusetts Bay and the town of Boston are now suffering and struggling in the common cause of American freedom, and, there- fore, that it is the indispensable duty of all the Colonies to support them by every necessary means, and to the last extremity.

"Whereas hostilities have been already commenced against the Province of Massa- chusetts Bay, and through them against all the Colonies, and whereas this Congress have already advised the people of that Province by no means to submit to the late act of Parliament for altering their government, —

" Resolved, That in case hostilities should be further pursued against that Province, and submission be attempted to be compelled by force of arms, as soon as intelligence of this shall be communicated to the several Colonies, they ought immediatel}' to cease all exportations of goods, wares, and merchandise, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies.

"Resolveil, That in case any person or persons should be arrested, in the Massa- chusetts Bay or any other Colony, by General Gage or any other person, in order to be sent to Great Britain to be there tried for any crime whatsoever, committed in America, under pretence of authority of the statute of Henry VIII, or that of the present reign, this ought to be considered as a declaration of war and a commence- ment of hostilities against all the Colonies, and reprisals ought to be made in all the Colonies and held as hostages for the security of the person or persons so arrested; and all exportations of merchandise to Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, ought immediately to cease."

It will be noticed that a part of these resolutions seem to have been used in the instructions to the committee, October 7th, and the resolution of October 8th.

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October, 1774 53

Agreed, That M' [Thomas] dishing, M' [Isaac] Low, M' [Thomas] Mifflin, M^ [Richard Henry] Lee, and M^ [Thomas] Johnson, be a committee to bring in apian for carrying into effect, the non -importation, non -consump- tion, and non -exportation resolved on.

SATURDAY, OCT« i, 1774

Simon Boerum, Esq^, appeared in Congress as a deputy from King's county in the Colony of New-York, & pro- duced the credentials of his election, which being read and approved, he took his seat as a delegate for that Colony.

The Congress, resuming the consideration of the means, &c. upon motion,

Resolved twanimously, That a loyal address to his majesty be prepared, dutifully requesting the royal attention to the grievances that alarm and distress his majesty's faithful subjects in North -America, and entreating his majesty's gracious interposition for the removal of such grievances ; thereby to restore between Great Britain and the Colonies that harmony so neces- sary to the happiness of the British Empire, and so ardently desired by all America.

Agreed, That M^ [Richard Henry] Lee, M': J[ohn] Adams, M! [Thomas] Johnson, M' [Patrick] Henry, and M' [John] Rutledge, be a committee to prepare an address to his majesty.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1774.

The Congress met, according to adjournment, and after

some debate.

Resolved unanimously. That it be an instruction to the committee, who are appointed to draw up an address to

54 Journals of Congress

the King: "Whereas parliamentary taxes on America have been laid, on pretence of defraying the expenses of government, and supporting the administration of justice, and defending, protecting, and securing the Colonies," that they do assure his Majesty, that the colonies have, or will make ample provision for defraying all the neces- sary expenses of supporting government, and the due administration of Justice in the respective colonies ; that the militia, if put upon a proper footing, would be amply sufficient for their defence in time of peace ; that they are desirous to put it on such a footing immediately ; and that in case of war, the colonies are ready to grant supplies for raising any further forces that may be necessary.'

The remainder of this day and the day following, was taken up in deliberating and debating on matters proper to be contained in the address to his majesty.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1774, A. M.

The congress resumed the consideration of the subject

in debate yesterday, and after some time spent thereon.

Resolved, That the committee appointed to prepare an

• Among the Lee Papers is this motion as first drafted and submitted by Richard Henry Lee. "Resolved, that as we find the reason declared in the pi-eamble to the acts of Parliament, for raising a revenue in America, to be for supporting the civil government, the administration of justice, and for protecting, defending and securing the colonies, the Congress recommend it to those Colonies in which it has not been already done, to provide constitutional, competent, and honorable support for the purposes of government, and administration of justice; and that it is quite unreason- able, that the mother country should be at the expense of maintaining standing armies in North America, for its defence; and that the administration may be con- vinced, that this is unnecessary and improper, as North America is able, willing, and under Providence, determined to defend, protect, and secure itself, the Congress do most earnestly recommend to the several colonies, that a miUtia be forthwith appointed and well disciplined, and that it be well provided with ammunition and proper arms." This ms. bears the endorsement: "A motion made in congress by E. H. Lee to apprize the public of danger, and of the necessity of putting the colo- nies in a state of defence. A majority had not the spirit to adopt it." Paul Leices- ter Ford says in his Writings of John IXrk-inson, II, 111, "This was debated, and so amended as to lead him [Lee] to vote against it."

October, 1774 55

address to his majesty, be instructed to assure his majesty, that in case the colonies shall be restored to the state they were in, at the close of the late war, by abolishing the system of laws and regulations — for raising a revenue in America — for extending the powers of courts of Ad- miralty— for the trial of persons beyond the sea for crimes committed in America — for affecting the colony of the Massachusetts bay— and for altering the government, and extending the limits of Canada, the jealousies, which have been occasioned by such acts and regulations of j)ar- liament, will be removed and commerce again restored.

An address from William Goddard to the Congress was read and ordered to lie on the table. ^

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1774.

The Congress met according to adjournment, and resumed the consideration of the means proper to be used for a restoration of American rights. During the debate, an express'* from Boston arrived with a letter from the committee of correspondence, dated the 29th of Sepf, which was laid before the Congress.

In this the committee inform the Congress, that they "expected some regard would have been paid to the peti- tions presented to their Gov^ against fortifying their town in such a manner as can be accounted for only upon the supposition, that the town and country are to be treated by the soldiery as declared enemies — that the entrenchments upon the neck are nearly compleated — that cannon are mounted at the entrance of the town — that it is currently reported, that fortifications are to be erected on Corpse-Hill, Beacon-Hill, & Fort-Hill, &c. so that the fortifications, with the ships in the harbour, may

' Probably a scheme for a post office. Ward says the congress ou this tiay also "considered of non-importatiou." * This express was Paul Revere, lie arrived in New York on the 3d.

56 Journals of Congress

absolutely command eveiy avenue to the town both by sea & lancP — that a number of cannon, the property of a private gentleman,''^ were a few days ago seized & taken from his wharf by order of the general — that from several circumstances mentioned in the letter, there is reason to apprehend that Boston is to be made & kept a garrisoned town ; — that from all they can hear from Britain, Admin- istration is resolved to do all in their power to force them to a submission — that when the town is enclosed, it is apprehended the inhabitants will be held as hostages for the submission of the country, they apply therefore to the Congress for advice how to act — that, "if the Con- gress advise to quit the town, — they obey — if it is judged that by maintaining their ground they can better serve the public cause, they will not shrink from hardship & danger — finally, that as the late acts of parliament have made it impossible that there should be a due adminis- tration of justice, & all law therefore must be suspended — that as the Gov^ has by proclamation^ prevented the meeting of the General Court, — they therefore request the advice of the Congress." ^

'See the li.iiull)ill in Force, Ainerican Archives, Fourth Series, I, 820.

'' Joseph Scott.

'Dated 28 September, 1774. It is printed in Force, American Archives, Fourth Series, I, 809.

* A further extract from this letter was printed in the Packet, 17 October, 1774: — " Yesterday it appeared that Joseph Scott, Esquire, had sold to the army a number of cannon, some cohorns, shells, chain, and other shot. Upon the matter being dis- covered, and Mr. Scott's being acquainted with the resentments of the people, he forbade the party who were sent for them to take them away; they nevertheless pro- ceeded and carried them on board their ships. This created much disturbance, and a guard was offered to Mr. Scott by the General; l)ut Mr. Scott was informed that no military guard could save him, and would but stimulate the people to acta of greater violence. Many gentlemen, who foresaw what mast have ensued, endeav- oured to dissuade the people from attacking the house; and, finally, some persons engaged, that if no guard was set to the house they would do all in their power to disperse the people. This was complied with, and the exertions of the gentlemen of the town proved effectual, some dirt and filth thrown upon his warehouse being all the injury he sustained. We have given an account of this affair becaiLse we expect some untrue representation will be made, perhaps much to the disadvantage of the town."

October, 1774 57

Ordered, That this letter be taken into consideration to-morrow morning.

The Congress then resumed the consideration of the means, &c.

Resolved, That the committee appointed to prepare the form of an Association, be directed to adopt the following clause, viz. — That from and after the first day of Decem- ber next, no molasses, coffee or piemento from the Brit- ish Plantations or from Dominica, or wines from Madeira & the Western Islands, or foreign indigo, be imported into these colonies.^

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1774.

The Congress resumed the consideration of the letter from the committee of correspondence in Boston, & after some debate.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to prepare a letter to his excellency General Gage, representing '' that the town of Boston, & province of Massachusetts -bay, are considered by all America, as suffering in the com- mon cause, for their noble and spirited opposition to oppressive acts of parliament, calculated to deprive us of our most sacred rights and priviledges."

Expressing oi;r concern, that while the Congress are deliberating on the most peaceable means for restoring American liberty, and that harmony and intercourse, which subsisted between us and the parent kingdom, so necessary to both, his excellency, as they are informed, is raising fortifications round the town of Boston, thereby exciting well grounded jealousies in the minds of his faith - ful subjects therein, that he means to cut off all commu- nication between them and their brethren in the country,

'"Non-exportation of particular articles dropped." Ward. See Works of John Adams, II, 395.

58 Journals of Congress

and reduce them to a state of submission to his will, and that the soldiers vinder his excellency's command, are frequently violating private property, and offering various insults to the people, which must irritate their minds, and if not put a stop to, involve all America in the hor- rors of a civil war.

To entreat his excellency, from the assurance we have of the peaceable disposition of the inhabitants of the town of Boston and the province of the Massachusetts - bay, to discontinue his fortifications, and that a free and safe communication be restored and continued between the town of Boston & the country, and prevent all injuries on the part of the troops, until his Majesty's pleasure shall be known, after the measures now adopting shall have been laid before him.

Mr. [Thomas] Lynch, Mr. S. Adams, and Mr. [Edmund] Pendleton, are appointed the committee to prepare a let- ter agreeable to the foregoing resolution.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1774.

The Congress resumed the consideration of the letter from Boston, and upon motion,

Resolved, That this Congress approve of the opposition by the Inhabitants of the Massachusetts -bay, to the exe- cution of the late acts of Parliament; and if the same shall be attempted to be carryed into execution by force, in such case, all America ought to supj^ort them in their opposition.^

' Galloway states that he and Duane opposed this resolutiou, but after a long debate they were overruled. They then wished to have their protest.? entered; "which being refuseil, when we returned from Congress we gave each other a certificate, declaring our opposition to that question, as we thought it a treasonable one." Gor- don relates the story almost in Galloway's words. This incident may be that men- tioned by Golden: "Mr. Galloway and Duane tell me that at the closeof theCongress tliey dissented from the Proceedings: and insisted to have their Dissent entered on

October, 1774 59

MONDAY, OCTOBER lo, 1774.

The Congress resuming the eonsideration of the letter from Boston,

Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this body, that the removal of the people of Boston into the country, would be not only extremely difficult in the exe- cution, but so important in its consequences, as to require the utmost deliberation before it is adopted ; but, in case the provincial meeting of that Colony should judge it absolutely necessary, it is the opinion of the Congress, that all America ought to contribute towards recompensing them for the injury they may thereby sustain ; and it will be recommended accordingly.

Resolved, That the Congress recommend to the inhab - itants of the colony of Massachusetts -bay, to submit to a suspension of the administration of Justice, where it can- not be procured in a legal & peaceable manner, under the

the minutes, but could not by any means get it allowed." To tlw Earl of Dartininilh, 7 December, 1774. Gialloway tried to persuade Duane to leave the Congress, ".stli. The Committee reported a letter to the General [Gage], which was recommitted, and report e<l again at six o'clock. Not being a quorum from some colonies we adjourned." M'anJ.

Richard Henry Lee made the following motion on the 7th or 8th : ' ' Hesolned, That the Congress are of opinion, that it is inconsistent with the honour and safet)' of a free people to live within tlie control, and exposed to the injuries of a military force, not under the government of the civil power, and as General Gage has thought proper to take possession of the town of Boston with an armed force, and is converting that once free city, into a military garrison, that Congress advise from every motive of honour, safety and wisdom, that the free citizens of Boston, no longer expose themselves to the dangerous consequences of the military manteuvering carrying on against the town, l:)ut quit the place, and find an asylum among their hospitable countrymen, who will no doubt, on this trying occasion, display that virtuous humanity, which may be so deservedly exercised towards their brethren and oppressed fellow citizens; and it is earnestly recommended to all British America, from time to time to supply these, their distressed and deserving countrymen." This motion was rejected.

60 Journals of Congress

rules of their present charter, and the laws of the colony founded thereon.^

Besolved imonimously, That every person and persons whatsoever, who shall take, accept, or act under any commission or authority, in any wise derived from the act passed in the last session of parliament, changing the form of government, and violating the charter of the province of Massachusetts -bay, ought to be held in detes- tation and abhorrence by all good men, and considered as the wicked tools of that despotism, which is preparing to destroy those rights, which God, nature, and compact, have given to America.

The committee brought in a draught of a letter to general Gage, and the same being read and amended, was ordered to be copied, & to be signed by the president in behalf of the Congress.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER ii, 1774.

A copy of the letter to general Gage, was brought in to Congress, and agreeable to order signed by the President and is as follows :

Philadelphia October 10, 177 J/.

" Sir,

' ' The Inhabitants of the town of Boston have informed us, the rep- resentatives of his Majesty' \s faithful .subjects in all the colonies from Nova-Scotia to Georgia, that the fortifications erecting within that town, the frequent invasions of private property, and the repeated

'This second resolution was carried by a majority only, as is noted in the text. Richard Henry Lee voted against it.

It was probably in this debate that the motion of Ross was submitted. "I have sometimes wished, since my return, that we had fallen in, lolls viribus, with the motion made by Mr Ross, and seconded by Mr. Galloway, that this province should be left to her own discretion with respect to government and justice, as well as defence. Our provincial Congress had in cuntemjilation some sublime conceptions, which would in that case have been rapidly carried into execution." John Adams to Edward Biddte, 12 December, 1774.

October, 1774 61

insults they receive from the soldiery, have given them great reason to suspect a plan is formed very destructive to them, and tending to overthrow the liberties of America.

" Your excellencj' cannot be a stranger to the sentiments of America, with respect to the acts of parliament, under the execution of which, those unhappy people are oppressed, the approbation universally expressed of their conduct, and the determined resolution of the colo- nies, for the preservation of their common rights, to unite in their opposition to those acts. — In consequence of these sentiments, they have appointed us the guardians of their rights and liberties, and we are under the deepest concern, that whilst we are pursuing every duti- ful and peaceable measure to procure a cordial & effectual reconcilia- tion between Great-Britain & the colonies, your excellencj- should proceed in a manner that bears so hostile an appearance, and which even those oppressive acts do not warrant.

"We entreat your excellency to consider what a tendency this con- duct must have to irritate & force a free people, however well dis- posed to peaceable measure, into hostilities, which may prevent the endeavours of this Congress to restore a good understanding with our parent state, & ma}' involve us in the horrors of a civil war.

" In order therefore to quiet the minds and remove the reasonable jealousies of the people, that they may not be driven to a state of des- peration, being fully persuaded of their pacific disposition towards the King's troops, could they be assured of their own safet}', we hope, Sir, you will discontinute the fortifications in and about Boston, pre- vent any further invasions of private property, restrain the irregular- ities of the soldiers, and give orders that the communication between the town and country may be open, unmolested and free.

"Signed by order, and in behalf of the general Congress,

"Peyton Randolph, President.''''^

As the Congress have given general Gage an assurance of the peaceable disposition of the people of Boston and the Massachusetts -bay,

Resolved unanimously , That they be advised still to con- duct themselves peaceably towards his excellency Gen- eral Gage, and his majesty's troops now stationed in the town of Boston, as far as can possibly be consistent with

'The reply of Gage is printed on p. 114, post.

62 Journals of Congress

their immediate safety, and the security of the town; avoiding & discountenancing every violation of his Majesty's property, or any insult to his troops, and that they peaceably and firmly persevere in the line they are now conducting themselves, on the defensive.

Ordered., That a copy of the foregoing resolve, & of that passed on Saturday and the three passed yesterday, be made out, and that the President enclose them in a letter to the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston, being the sentiments of the Congress on the matters referred to them by the Committee, in their letter of the 29th of Sept^ last.

Resolved unanimously ^ That a memorial be prepared to the people of British America, stating to them the neces- sity of a firm, united, and invariable observation of the measures recommended by the Congress, as they tender the invaluable rights and liberties derived to them from the laws and constitution of their country.

Also an address to the people of Great Britain.

Mr. [Richard Henry] Lee, Mr. [William^] Livingston, and Mr. [John] Jay are appointed a committee to prepare a draught of the memorial & address.^

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1774.

The Congress met according to adjoiu-nment.

The committee appointed to prepare a plan for carrying into effect, the non -importation, non -consumption, and non- exportation agreement, brought in a report, which was read :

' I insert this name as two members of the committee would not have been taken from New York.

^ John Jay, writing in 1823, said, " It was agreed in the committee, that Mr. Lee should prepare a draught of the proposed memorial, which was the first, both in order and importance; and that I should prepare a draught of the proposed address to the people of Great Britain, both of which were done accordingly.

October, 1774 63

Ordered, That the same do lie on the table, for the perusal of the members :

The Congress then resumed the consideration of the rights and grievances of these colonies/ and after delil)- erating on the subject this & the following day, adjourned till Friday.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1774.

The Congress met according to adjournment, & resum- ing the consideration of the subject under debate — came into the following Resolutions:^

Sullivan'' s Draught.

Whereas since the accession of Whereas, since the close of the the present King, Parhament has last war, the British parliament,

' Ward objected to the part relative to Statutes, and that mentioning our fathers having not forfeited by emigration, &c.

"13th. Met. Considered of the right of Tarlianient to regulate trade. Mr. Hop- kins for some of the modes proposed. I was for none." Ward.

"From ten o'cloek until half after four, we were debating about the parliamentary power of regulating trade. Five Colonies were for allowing it, tive against it, and two divided among themselves, that is, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Mr. Duane has had his heart set upon asserting in our bill of rights the authority of Par- liament to regulate the trade of the Colonies. He is for grounding it on compact, acquiescence, necessity, protection, not merelyon our consent." John Adams' Diary, 13 October, 1774.

Galloway states that the report met with a "very considerable opposition — the Committee sat near three weeks. The gentlemen who drew with me in opposi- tion perplexed tlie pro]iosals made by the violent party, as we acted entirely on the defensive; — so that they did not come to a single resolution for better than a fort- night, neither in stating their rights or their grievances, and as well as I can recol- lect, the Grrand Committee did not determine on those resolutions. To the best of my knowledge, the Committee was dissolved before they were voted, and that owing to the opposition these resolves met with." E.raminafion

^ The first draft of the sub-committee's report on violations of rights was prepared by John Sullivan. .-Vmong the Adams' Papers is a paper in a script "somewhat resem- bling that of Major Sullivan," which is believed to be the report as first submitted. It is printed in Adams' Works, II, 535

The fourth article as adopted (p. 68) was prepared by John Adams, and caused much debate in committee and in Congress. Galloway, and his followers, thought it aimed at independence, and sought to have it amended. It was left unaltered in iti^ essentials, and the final form of the report was the work of John Adams. See his letter to Edward Biddle, 12 December, 1774.

64

Journals of Congress

claimed a power of right to ))ind the people of the Colonies in North America by statutes in all cases whatsoever; and for carrj'- ing the said power into execution, has, by some statutes, expressly taxed the people of the said Colo- nies, and by divers other statutes under various pretences, but in fact for the purpose of I'aising a revenue, has imposed 'rates and duties,' payable in the said Colo- nies, established a Board of Com- missioners, and extended the ju- risdiction of Courts of Admiralty therein, for the collection of such 'rates and duties.'

And whereas some of the said statutes are also intended to ren- der all Judges in the said Colonies dependent upon the Crown only.

And whereas since the said accession, statutes have been made for quartering and supplying ti'oops to be kept in the said Colo- nies.

And whereas since the conclu- sion of the last war, orders have been issued by the King, that the authority of the commander-in- chief, and under him, of the Briga- dier-General in the Northern and Southern departments, in all mili- tary affairs shall be supreme, and must he obeyed by the troops as such, iu all the civil governments in America.

And whereas a statute was made in the seventh year of this reign 'for suspending the proceedings

claiming a power of right to bind the people of America, by statute in all cases whatsoever, hath in some acts expressly imposed taxes on them, and in others, under va- rious pretences, but iu fact for the purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed rates and duties pay- able in these colonies, established a board of commissioners, with unconstitutional powers, and ex- tended the jurisdiction of courts of Admiralty, not only for collect- ing the said duties, but for the trial of causes merely arising within the body of a county.

And whereas, in consequence of other statutes, judges, who before held only estates at will in their offices, have been made dependant on the Crown alone tor their sala- ries, and standing armies kept in times of peace:

October, 1774

65

of the assembly of New York, &c.,' and assemblies in these Col- onies have of late years been very frequentl}' dissolved.

And whereas, during the pres- ent reign, dutiful and reasonable petitions to the Crown, from the representatives of the people in these Colonies, have been repeat- edly treated with contempt.

And whereas, it has been lately resolved in Parliament, that, by force of a statute made in the thirty-fifth year of Henry VllI, Colonists may be carried to Eng- land, and tried there, on accu- sations for offences committed in these Colonies. And lij^ a statute made in the twelfth j'ear of this reign such trials are directed in the cases therein mentioned.

And whereas in the last session of Parliament three statutes were made and declared to have force within the Province of Massachu- setts Bay, one of them 'for dis- continuing, &c. the landing, &c. goods, wares, and merchandises, at the town and within the harbor of Boston,' &c. ; and another, 'for the better regulating the govern- ment, &c. ;' and the third, 'for the impartial administration of jus- tice,' &c. *

And it has lately been resolved in Parliament, that by force of a stat- ute, made in the thirty-fifth year of the reign of king Ilenrj' the eighth, colonists may be trans- ported to England, and tried there upon accusations for treasons, and misprisions, or concealments of treasons committed in the colonies; and l)y a late statute, such trials have been directed in cases therein mentioned.

And whereas, in the last ses- sion of parliament, three statutes were made; "one, intituled "An "act to discontinue, in such man- "ner and for such time as are "therein mentioned, the landing "and discharging, lading, or ship- "ping of goods, wares & merchan- "dise, at the town, and within the "harbour of Boston, in the prov- "ince of Massachusetts-bay, in "North -America;" another, inti- "tuled "An act for the better "regulating the government of "the province of the Massachu- " setts-bay in New-England;" and "another, intituled "An act for

'"Q. Which of these two last Statutes was first in time?' 30127— VOL 1—04 5

-Marginal note.

66

Journals of Congress

"the impartial administration of "justice, in the cases of persons "questioned for anj' act done by " them in the execution of the law, "or for the suppression of riots "and tumults, in the province of ' • the Massachusetts-bay, in New- " England." And another statute was then made, "for making more "effectual provision for the gov- "ernmentof the province of Que- "bec, &c." All which statutes are impolitic, unjust, and cruel, as well as unconstitutional, and most dangerous and destructive of American rights.

And whereas, Assemblies have been freqviently dissolved, con- trary to the rights of the people, when they attempted to deliberate on grievances; and their dutiful, humble, loyal, & reasonable peti- tions to the crown for redress, have been repeatedly treated with contempt, by his majesty's minis- ters of state:

And whereas, in the same ses- sion, another statute was made, ' for making more effectual provi- sion for the government of the Province of Quebec,' &c.

And whereas the good people of these Colonies, justly alarmed by the proceedings of Parliament and Administration, have duly ap- pointed and directed delegates to meet and sit in General Congress at Philadelphia, in this month of September, 1774, in order to such establishment as that their rcli-

The good people of the sevei'al Colonies of New-hampshirc, Mas- sachusetts-bay, Rhode-island and Providence plantations, Connecti- cut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Newcastle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Mary- land, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, justly alarmed

October, 1774

67

gion, laws, and liberties, may not be subverted; upon which appoint- ment and direction, the said dele- gates being now assembled in a full and free representation' of these Colonics, taking into their most serious consideration the best means for attaining the ends afore- said, do, in the first place, (as their ancestors in like cases have usually done,) for vindicating and assert- ing their rights and liberties, declare —

1. That the power of making laws for ordering or regulating the internal polity of these Colo- nies, is, within the limits of each Colony, respectively and exclu- .sively vested in the Provincial Legislature of such Colony; and that all statutes for ordering or regulating the internal polity of the said Colonies, or any of them, in any manner or in any case what- soever, are illegal and void.

at these arbitrary' proceedings of parliament and administration, have severally elocted, constituted, and appointed deputies to meet and sit in general congress, in the city of Philadelphia, in order to obtain such establishment, as that their religion, laws, and liberties niaj' not be subverted:

^^'hereupon the deputies so ap- pointed being now assembled, in a full and free representation of these Colonies, taking into their most serious consideration, the best means of attaining the ends aforesaid, do, in the tirst place, as p]nglishmen, their ancestors in like cases have usually done, for asserting and vindicating their rights and liberties, declare.

That the inhabitants of the Eng- lish CJolonies in North America, by the immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English constitu- tion, and the several charters or compacts, have the following Rights:

Bemlved, N. C. D. 1. That they are entitled to life, liberty, & prop- ertj', and they have never ceded to an}^ sovereign power whatever, a right to dispose of either without their consent.

' "Q. If the Colonies should not be named?" — Marginal note.

Journals of Congress

2. That all statutes, for taxing the people of the said colonies, are illegal and void.

3. That all the statutes before mentioned, for the purpose of raising a revenue, by imposing ' rates and duties' pavable in these Colonies, establishing a Board of Commissioners, and extending the jurisdiction of Courts of Admi- ralty, for the collection of such 'rates and duties' are illegal and void.

4. That Judges, within these Colonies, ought not to be depend- ent on the Crown only; and that their commissions ought to be dur- ing good behavior.

BesoUed, N. C. D. 2. That our ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother coun- try, entitled to all the rights, liber- ties, and immunities of free and natural-lwrn subjects, within the realm of England.

Jiemlved, N. C. D. 3. That by such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that thej' were, and their descendants now are, en- titled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy.

Hesolved, 4. That the foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the peo- ple to participate in their legisla- tive council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circum- stances, cannot properly be repre- sented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and ex- clusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity, subject only to the negative of their sovereign, in such manner as has been heretofore used and accus- tomed. But, from the necessitj^ of the case, and a regard to the mu- tual interest of both countries, we cheerfully consent to the operation of such acts of the British parlia-

October^ 1774

69

6. That the raising or Iveeping a standing army within these Colo- nies in time of peace, unless it he with the consent of the Provincial Legislatures, is illegal, pernicious, and dangerous; and that every stat- ute for quartering or supplying troops within the said Colonies is illegal and void.

6. That the orders aforesaid for rendering the authority of the Commander-in-chief, and under him, of the Brigadiers-General, supreme, are illegal and void.

7. That for redress of all griev- ances, and for the amending, strengthening, and preserving of the laws, assemblies ought to be held in each of those Colonies fre- quently, and at least once in every year; that such Assemblies ought not to be proi'ogued or dissolved, before they have had sufficient time to deliberate, determine, and bring to conclusion their counsels on public affairs; that any statute for suspending the proceedings of

ment, as are bona fide, restrained to the regulation of our external commerce, for the purpose of secur- ing the commercial advantages of the whole empire to the mother country, and the commercial bene- fits of its respective members; ex- cluding every idea of taxation, internal or external, for raising a revenue on the subjects in Amer- ica, without their consent.

Be»olved, N. C. D. 5. That the respective colonies are entitled to the common law of England, and more especially to the great and inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicin- age, according to the course of that law.

HtnohvJ, 6. That they are enti- tuled to the benefit of such of the English statutes as existed at the time of their colonization; and which they have, by experience, respectively found to be applicable to their several local and other cir- cumstances.

Resol/oed, N. C. D. 7. That these, his majesty's colonies, are likewise entitled to all the immunities and privileges granted & confirmed to them by i-oyal charters, or secured by their several codes of provin- cial laws.

70

Journals of Congress

any such assembly, is illegal and void; and that ever}' dissolution of an ixssemljly within these Colonies, during the present reign, on pre- tence of misbehavior in the repre- sentatives of the people, has been ar])itrary and oppressive.

S. That it is the right of the sub- jects to petition the King; and that a contemptuous treatment of such petitions has a most pernicious tendenc}^

y. That the resolution in Parlia- ment on the statute made in the thirty-fifth year of Henry VIIl, was arbitrary and erroneous; and that any statute directing the trials of Colonists to be had in England or elsewhere, on accusation for offences committed in the Colonies, is illegal and void.

10. That the three statutes made in the last session of Parliament, and declared to have force within the Province of Massachusetts Bay, are oppressive to the people of that Province, dangerous to the liber- ties of these colonies, illegal and void.

11. That the statute made in the same session, 'for making more effectual provision for the govern- ment of the Province of Quebec,' &c. is not only unjust to the peo-

Resolved, N. C. D. 8. That they have a right peaceably to assemble, consider of their grievances, and petition the King; and that all prosecutions, prohibitory' procla- mations, and commitments for the same, are illegal.

Resolved, N. C. D. 9. That the keeping a Standing army in these colonies, in times of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony, in which such army is kept, is against law.

Resolved, N. C. D. 10. It is indis- pensably necessary to good govern- ment, and rendered essential by the English constitution, that tiie con- stituent branches of the legislature be independent of each other; that, therefore, the exercise of legisla- tive power in several colonies, by a council appointed, during pleas- ure, by the crown, is unconstitu- tional, dangerous, and destructive to the freedom of American legis- lation.

All and each of which the afore- said deputies, in behalf of them- selves and their constituents, do claim, demand, and insist on, as their indubitable rights and liber-

October, 1774

71

pie in that Province, but danger- ous to the interests of the Prot- estant religion and of these Colo- nies, and ought to be repealed.

12. And thej' do claim, demand, and insist, on all and singular the rights and liberties before men- tioned as indubitably belonging to them; and no declarations, judg- ments, doings, proceedings or stat- utes, to the prejudice of the people in any of the premises, ought in any wise to bedrawn hereafter into consequence or example; and these, their undoubted rights and liber- ties, with the blessing of Divine Providence, which they hmnbly and ardently implore in favor of their just exertions to preserve the freedom of rendering to their Creator the worship they judge most acceptable to him, and of promoting the happiness of his creatures, thej^ are resolved, to the utmost of their power, to main- tain and defend.

ties; which cannot be legally taken from them, altered or abridged by any power whatever, without their own consent, by their represen- tatives in their several provincial legislatures.

In the course of our inquir}', we tind many infringements and vio- lations of the foregoing rights, which, from an ardent desire, that harmon}' and nuitual intercourse of affection and interest may be I'estored, we pass over for the present, and proceed to state such acts and measures as have been adopted since the last war, which demonstrate a system formed to enslave America.

Rtmilved, N. C. D. That the fol- lowing acts of Parliament are in- fringements and violations of the rights of the colonists; and that the repeal of them is essentially necessarj' in order to restore har- mony between Great-Britain and the American colonies, viz:

The several acts of 4 Geo. 3. ch. 15, & ch. 34.-5 Geo. 3. ch. 25.— 6 Geo. 3. ch. 52.— 7 Geo. 3. ch. 41, & ch. 46.-8 Geo. 3. ch. 22, which impose duties for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, ex- tend the powers of the admiralty courts beyond their ancient limits, deprive the American subject of trial by jury, authorize the judges' certificate to indemnify the prose- cutor from damages, that he might otherwise be liable to, requiring oppressive security from a claim- ant of ships and goods seized, be-

72 Journals of Congress

fore he shall be allowed to defend his propcrtj', and are subversive of American rights.

Also the 12 Geo. 3. ch. 24, en- tituled "An act for the better se- curing his Majesty's dock-j'ards, magazines, ships, ammunition, and stores," which declares a new of- fence in America, and deprives the American subject of a constitu- tional trial by a jury of the vicin- age, by authorizing the trial of any person, charged with the com- mitting any offence described in the said act, out of the realm, to be indicted and ti'ied for the same in any shire or count}' within the realm.

Also the three acts passed in the last session of parliament, for stop- ping the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering the charter & government of the Massachusetts-bay, and that which is entituled "An act for the better administration of Justice," &c.

Also the act passed in the same session for establishing the Roman Catholick Religion in the province of Quebec, abolishing the equi- table sj'stem of English laws, and erecting a tj'rannj' there, to the great danger, from so total a dis- similarity of Religion, law, and government of the neighbouring British colonies, by the assistance of whose blood and treasure the said country was conquered from France.

Also the act passed in the same session for the better providing

October, 1774 73

suitable quarters for oiEcers and soldiers in his Majesty's service in North-America.

Also, that the keeping a stand- ing army ia several of these colonies, in time of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which such army is kept, is against law.

To these grievous acts and measures, Americans cannot sub- mit, but in hopes that their fellow subjects in Great-Britain will, on a revision of them, restore us to that state in which both countries found happiness and prosperity, we have for the present only re- solved to pursue the following peaceable measures:

Resolved, unanimously, That from and after the first day of Decemljer next, there be no im- portation into British America, from Great Britain or Ireland of any goods, wares or merchandize whatsoever, or from any other place of any such goods, wares or merchandize.'

1st. To enter into a non-impor- tation, non-consumption, and non- exportation agreement or associa- tion.

2. To prepare an address to the people of Great-Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants of British America, &

3. To prepare a loyal address to his Majesty; agreeable to Reso- lutions already entered into.

' This paragraph was struck out.

74 Journals of Congress

A Letter being received from several Gentlemen in Georgia, was read.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1774.

The Congress resumed the consideration of the plan of Association for carrying into effect the non -importa- tion, &c.

After some time spent on that subject, adjourned till Monday.^

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1774.

Mr. J[ohn] Dickinson appeared in congress as a deputy for the province of Pennsylvania, and produced his cre- dentials as follows :

"In Assembly, October 15, 1774. A. M. "Upon motion by Mr. [George] Ross,

''''Ordered That Mr. J. Dickinson be, and he is herebj' added to the Committee of Deputies, appointed by the late Assembly of this prov- ince, to attend the general congress now sitting in the city of Phila- delphia on American grievances. "By order of the House,

"Cha. Mooee, clerh of the assembly''''

The same being appi'oved, Mr. J. Dickinson took his seat as one of the deputies for the province of Pennsyl- vania.

The Congress then resumed the consideration of the plan of Association, &c. and after spending the remainder of the day on that subject, adjourned till to-morrow.^

'"15th. Met. Considered grievances." Ward. '17th. "Met. Enumerated grievances." Ward.

•^jk/'i>e'^'\'A^'^'./^ ^^^

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THE ASSOCIATION OF

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FIRST PMli^iTED EDITION

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74

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T H E

Association., mc

■4 1 T-p., liis Majcfty'i moft loyal lubjcfts, the VV I^t.-legates of the fcvcral Colonies of 'New-Mampfliire, Mafl'-ichuicti's Bay, Rhode- inand, Connefticiit, New-York, , New-Jcrlcy, Pennlyivania, the Three Lower Couniics of Newcaflle, Ki-nr, and Suflcx, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South- Carolina, deputed to reprelcnt them in a conti- nental Congrefs, held in the city of Philadel- phia, on the fifth day of September, 1774, avowing our allegiance to his Majclly, our ?f- fefticn and regard for our fellow-lubjefts in Great-Britain and elfewhere, afFefted with the deepeft anxiety, and molt alarming apprehcn- fions at thofe grievances and diftreffes, with which his Majcfty's American fubjcfts are op- prclFcd, and hiving taken under our moft feri- ous deliberation, the ftatc ot the whole conti- nent., find, that the prefent unhappy fuuation of our affairs, is occafioned by a ruinous lyftemof colony adminill ration adopted by the Britifh M;- A ' niftry

October, 1774 75

TUESDAY, OCTOBER i8, 1774.

The Congress resumed the consideration of the plan of association, &c. and after sundry amendments, the same was agreed to, and ordered to be transcribed, that it may be signed by the several members.

The Committee appointed to prepare an address to the people of Great -Britain, brought in a draught, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table, for the perusal of the members, & to be taken into consideration to- Morrow.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1774.

The Congress met and resumed the consideration of the address to the people of Great -Britain, and the same being read and debated by paragraphs, and sundry amendments being made, the same was re -committed, in order that the amendments may be taken in.

The committee appointed to prepare a memorial to the Inhabitants of these colonies, reported a draught, which was read, & ordered to lie on the table.

Ordered, That this memorial be taken into considera- tion to-morrow.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1774.

The Congress met.

The association being copied, was read and signed at the table, and is as follows: —

Here insert the Association.

We, his majesty's most loyal subjects, the delegates of the several colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Con- necticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower

76 Journals of Congress

counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, deputed to represent them in a continental Congress, held in the city of Philadelphia, on the 5th day of September, 177-Ir, avowing our allegiance to his majesty, our affection and regard for our fellow-subjects in Great- Britain and elsewhere, affected with the deepest anxiety, and most alarming apprehensions, at those grievances and distresses, with which his Majest3'\s American subjects are oppressed; and having taken under our most serious deliberation, the state of the whole continent, find, that the pi'esent unhappy situation of our affairs is occasioned by a ruinous system of colony administration, adopted liy the British ministry about the year 17G3, evidently calculated for inslaving these colonies, and, with them, the British empire. In prosecution of which system, various acts of parliament have been passed, for rais- ing a revenue in America, for depriving the American subjects, in many instances, of the constitutional trial by jui-y, exposing their lives to danger, by directing a new and illegal trial lieyond the seas, for crimes alleged to have been committed in America: and in prose- cution of the same system, several late, ci'uel, and oppressive acts have been passed, respecting the town of Boston and the Massachusetts- Baj', and also an act for extending the province of Quebec, so as to border on the western frontiers of these colonies, establishing an arbi- trary government therein, and discouraging the settlement of British subjects in that wide extended country; thus, by the influence of civil principles and ancient prejudices, to dispose the inhabitants to act with hostility against the free Protestant colonies, whenever a wicked min- istrj' shall chuse so to direct them. \. To obtain redress of these grievances, which threaten destruction

N to the lives, liberty, and property of his majest3^'s subjects, in

North America, we are of opinion, that a non-importation, non- consumption, and non-exportation agreement, faithfully adhered to, will prove the most speedy, effectual, and peaceable measure: and, therefore, we do, for ourselves, and the inhabitants of the several col- onies, whom we represent, firmly agi'ee and associate, under the sacred ties of virtue, honour and love of our country, as follows:

1. That from and after the first day of December next, we will not import, into British America, from Great-Britain or Ireland, any goods, wares, or merchandise whatsoever, or from any other place, any such goods, wares, or merchandise, as shall have been exported from Great-Britain or Ireland; nor will we, after that day, import

October, 1774 11

any East-India tea from any part of the world; nor any molasses, syrups, paneles,' coffee, or pimento, from the British plantations or from Dominica; nor wines from Madeira, or the Western Islands; nor foreign indigo.

2. We will neither import nor purchase, any slave imported after the first day of December next;" after which time, we will wholly discontinue the slave trade, and will neither be concerned in it our- selves, nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our commodities or manu- factures to those who are concerned in it.

3. As a non-consumption agreement, strictly adhered to, will be an effectual security for the observation of the non-importation, we, as above, solemnly agree and associate, that, from this day, we will not purchase or use any tea, imported on account of the East-India com- pany, or any on which a duty hath been or shall ])e paid; and from and after the first day of March next, we will not purchase or use any East-India tea whatever; nor will we, nor shall any person for or under us, purchase or use any of those goods, wares, or merchandise, we have agreed not to import, which we shall know, or have cause to suspect, were imported after the first day of December, except such as come under the rviles and directions of the tenth article hereafter mentioned.

i. The earnest desire we have, not to injure our fellow-subjects in Great-Britain, Ireland, or the West-Indies, induces us to suspend a non-exportation, until the tenth day of September, 1775; at which time, if the said acts and parts of acts of the British parliament herein after mentioned are not repealed, we will not, directly or indi- rectly, export any merchandise or commodity whatsoever to Great- Britain, Ireland, or the West-Indies, except rice to Europe.'

5. Such as are merchants, and use the British and Irish trade, will give orders, as soon as possible, to their factors, agents and coi-re- spondents, in Great-Britain and Ii-elaud, not to ship any goods to them, on any pretence whatsoever, as they cannot be received in America; and if any merchant, residing in Great-Britain or Ireland, shall dircctl_y or indirectly ship any goods, wares or merchandise, for America, in order to break the said non-importation agreement, or in any manner contravene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well attested, it ought to be made public; and, on the same being so

' Brown iinpurifled sugar.

■■' In the pamphlet eilitioii this sentence reads: " That we will neither import, nor purchase any slave imported, after the first day of December next." "See Journals of Congress, 1 August, 1775, post.

78 Journals of Congress

done, we will not, from thenceforth, have any commercial connexion with such merchant.

6. That such as are owners of vessels will give positive orders to their captains, or masters, not to receive on board their vessels any goods prohibited hj the said non-importation agreement, on pain of immediate dismission from their service.

7. We will use our utmost endeavours to improve the breed of sheep, and increase their number to the greatest extent; and to that end, we will kill them as seldom ' as may be, especially those of the most profitable kind; nor will we export any to the West- Indies or elsewhere; and those of us, who are or may become overstocked with, or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose of them to our neighbours, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms.

s. We will, in our several stations, encourage frugality, economy, and industry, and promote agriculture, arts and the manufactures of this counti-y, especially that of wool; and will discountenance and dis- courage every species of extravagance and dissipation, especially all horse-racing, and all kinds of gaming, cock-lighting, exhibitions of shews, plays, and other expensive diversions and entertainments; and on the death of any relation or friend, none of us, or any of our fami- lies, will go into any further mourning-dress, than a black crape or ribbon on the arm or hat, for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and neck- lace for ladies, and we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarves at funerals.

9. Such as are venders of goods or merchandise will not take advan- tage of the scarcity of goods, that maj' be occasioned by this associa- tion, but will sell the same at the rates we have been respectively accustomed to do, for twelve months last past. — And if any vender of goods or merchandise shall sell any such goods on higher terms, or shall, in any manner, or by any device whatsoever violate or depart from this agreement, no person ought, nor will any of us deal with any such person, or his or her factor or agent, at any time thereafter, for any commodity whatever.

10. In case any merchant, trader, or other person,' shall import any goods or merchandise, after the first day of December, and before the first day of Februarj^ next, the same ought forthwith, at the elec- tion of the owner, to be either re-shipped or delivered up to the com- mittee of the county or town, wherein they shall be imported, to be

' The pamphlet says xparhigh/. ' Persons is used in the pamphlet.

October, 1774 79

stored at the risque of the unporter, until the non-importation agree- ment shall cease, or be sold under the direction of the committee aforesaid; and in the last-mentioned case, the owner or owners of such goods shall be reimbursed out of the sales, the first cost and charges, the profit, if an}', to be applied towards relieving and employing such poor inhabitants of the town of Boston, as are immediate sufferers by the Boston port-bill; and a particular account of all goods so returned, stored, or sold, to be inserted in the public papers; and if any goods or merchandises shall be imported after the said first day of Februarj', the same ought forthwith to be sent back again, without breaking any of the packages thereof.

11. That a committee be chosen in every countj', citj', and town, by those who are qualified to vote for representatives in the legisla- ture, whose business it shall be attentivelj' to observe the conduct of all persons touching this association; and when it shall l)e made to appear, to the satisfaction of a majority of any such committee, that any person within the limits of their appointment has violated this association, that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to be published in the gazette; to the end, that all such foes to the rights of British-America maj' be publicly known, and universally contemned as the enemies of American liberty; and thenceforth we respectivel,y will break oft' all dealings with him or her.

12. That the committee of cori'espondence, in the respective colo- nies, do frequently inspect the entries of their custom-houses, and inform each otlier, from time to time, of the true state thereof, and of every other material circumstance that may occur relative to this association.

13. That all manufactures of this country be sold at reasonable prices, so that no undue advantage be taken of a future scarcity of goods.

14. And we do further agree and resolve, that we will have no trade, commerce, dealings or intercourse whatsoever, with any colony or province, in North-America, which shall not accede to, or which shall hereafter violate this association, but will hold them as unworthy of the rights of freemen, and as inimical to the liberties of their country.

And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents, under the ties aforesaid, to adhere to this association, until such parts of the several acts of parliament passed since the close of the last war, as impose or continue duties on tea, wine, molasses, sj^rups, paneles, cof- fee, sugar, pimento, indigo, foreign paper, glass, and painters' col- ours, imported into America, and extend the powers of the admiralty

80

Journals of Congress

courts beyond their ancient limits, deprive the American subject of trial by jury, authorize the judge's certificate to indemnify the prose- cutor from damages, that ho might otlierwise be liable to from a trial by his peers, require oppressive security from a claimant of ships or goods seized, before he shall be allowed to defend his property, are repealed. — And until that part of the act of the 12 G. 3. ch. 24, enti- tled "An act for the better securing his majesty's dock-yards, maga- zines, ships, ammunition, and stores," b}^ which any persons charged with committing any of the offences therein described, in America, may be tried in any shire or county within the realm, is repealed — and until the four acts, passed the last session of parliament, viz. that for stopping the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston — that for altering the charter and government of the Massachusetts -Bay — and that which is entitled "An act for the better administration of justice, &c." — and that "for extending the limits of Quebec, &c." are repealed. And we recommend it to the provincial conventions, and to the committees in the respective colonies, to establish such further regulations as they may think proper, for carrying into execution this association.

The foregoing association being determined upon hj the Congress, was ordered to be subscribed by the several members thereof; and thereupon, we have hereunto set our respective names accordingly.

In Congress, Philadelphia, October 20, 177 If..

Signed, Peyton Randolph, President.

New Hamp- shire

Massachu- setts Bav

(Jn? Sullivan Nath:"' Folsom Thomas Cushing 8am! Adams John Adams Rob' Treat Paine

Rhode Island g^^; ^a^d'"' (Elipht Dyer

Connecticut | Roger Sherman [Silas Deane Isaac Low John Alsop John Jay

■VT -v , Jaf Duane

New York ^pj^.j_ Livingston

W"' Floyd Henry Wisner S: Boerum

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

The Lower Counties New Castle

Maryland

J. Kinsey Wil: Livingston Step" Crane Rich* Smith John De Hart Jos. Galloway John Dickinson Cha Humphreys Thomas Mifflin E. Biddle John Morton Geo: Ross CaBsar Rodney Tho. M: Kean Geo: Read Mat Tilghman Th? Johnson Junf W;' Paca Samuel Chase

ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN FIRST ISSUE

80 ' '■•ngress

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I,

TO THE

PEOPLE OF GREAT-BRITAIN,

FROM THE

DELEGATES,

Appointed by the fevcral English Co- lonies of New-Hampshire, Massa- ciiosett's-Bav, Rhode-Island and Pro viDENCE Plant ATioNs, Con- \Ec- ficuT, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, The Lower Coun- ties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to confider of their Grievances in General Con- gress, at Philadelphia, Septem- ber 5th, 1774.

Friends, and Fellow SubjcBs,

WH E N a Nation, led to greatnefs by the hand cf Liberty, and poffcflcd of all liir glory that heroilm, munificence, and hu- manity can beftow, dcfcends to the ungrateful talk ot forging chains for her Friends and Chil- riren, and inlTead of giving fupport to Free- dom, turns advocate for Slavery and Opprcl- fion, there is reafon to fufpeft flie has either ceafed to be virtuous, or been extremely negli- geivc in th^ appointment of her rulers.

A Ik

4

October, 1774

81

Virginia

North Caro- lina

Richard Henry Lee G° Washinti'ton P. Ilonrv .r Richard Bland Benj* Harrison Edm!' Pendleton AVill Hooper Joseph Hewes R? Caswell

South Caro- lina.

Henry Middlcton Tho Lynch Christ Gadsden J Rutledge Edward Rutledge'

Ordered, that this association be committed to the press, and that one hundred & twenty copies he struck off.

The Congress then resumed the consideration of the Address to the Inhabitants of these colonies, & after de- bate thereon, adjourned till to-morrow.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1774.

The address to the people of Great -Britain being brought in, and the amendments directed being made, the same was approved, and is as follows:

Here insert the address to the people of Great-Britain.^

'In Force's Archives, First Series, vol. I. is reproduced in facsimile the last page of the original association, with the signatures. Only the last and formal paragraph "The foregoing association &c." and the names of the Colonies are in the writing of Charles Thomson. In the printed editions of the Journals the date of the associa- tion differs. In the first issue of the Association, printed probably on October 21, the date is correctly given ; but in the first edition of the Journals October 24th is assigned, and this error has been followed in the subsequent editions.

Copies of the original were printed, and a few were signed by the members of the Congress. One such copy is in the Lenox Library, New York, and bears the name of the owner, Richard Smith, and the probable date on which the signatures were obtained "October 22'' 1774." A note in Smith's writing at the end reads: — "mem" Patrick Henrj' Jun' & Edmund Pendleton Esq7 signed the Original Associ- ation but were absent at the signing of this — Mess" Philip Livingston, John Haring, John D'Hart, Samuel Ehoads, Geo. Ross and Rob: Goldsborough did not sign the original, being then absent — Cassar Rodney Esq' was absent at the Time of signing the Original, but his name was written by his Order." A second copy of the Associ- ation, signed, is in the Pennsylvania Historical Society.

^ Drafted by John Jay.

30127— VOL 1—04 6

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To the people of Great- Britain, fnrtn the delegates appointed hy the several English colonies of Neui-Uampshire, Massachusetts- Bay, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New -York, Neio- Jersey, Pennsylvania, the lower counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, and South -Carolina, to consider of their grievances in general Congress, at Philadelph ia, September 5th, 1771}..

Friends and fellow subjects,

WHEN a Nation, led to greatness by the hand of Liberty, and pos- sessed of all the glory that heroism, muniticence, and humanit}' can bestow, descends to the ungrateful task of forging chains for her Friends and Children, and instead of giving support to Freedom, turns advocate for Slavery and Oppression, there is reason to suspect she has either ceased to be virtuous, or been extremely negligent in the appointment of her rulers.

In almost every age, in repeated conflicts, in long and bloody wars, as well civil as foreign, against many and powerful nations, against the open assaults of enemies, and the more dangerous treachery of friends, have the inhabitants of your island, your great and glorious ancestors, maintained their independence and transmitted the rights of men, and the blessings of liberty to you their posterity.

Be not surpi-ized therefore, that we, who are descended from the same common ancestors; that we, whose forefathei's participated in all the rights, the liberties, and the constitution, you so justly boast [of], and who have carefully convej'ed the .same fair inheritance to us, guarantied by the plighted faith of government and the most solemn compacts with British Sovereigns, should refuse to surrender them to men, who found their claims on no principles of reason, and who prosecute them with a design, that by having our lives and property in their power, they may with the greater facility enslave you.

The cause of America is now the object of universal attention: it has at length become very serious. This unhappy country has not only been oppressed, but abused and misrepresented; and the duty we owe to ourselves and posterity, to j'our interest, and the general welfare of the British empire, leads us to address you on this very important subject.

Know then. That we consider ourselves, and do insist, that we are and ought to be, as free as our fellow-subjects in Britain, and that no power on earth has a right to take our property from us without our consent.

October, 1774 83

That we claim all the benefits secured to the subiect by the English constitution, and particularly that inestimable one of trial by jurjr.

That we hold it essential to English Liberty, that no man be con- demned unheard, or punished for supposed oflfences, without having an opportunity of making his defence.

That we think the Legislature of Great-Britain is not authorized by the constitution ' to establish a religion, fraught with sauguinarj^ and impious tenets, or, to erect an arbitrarj' form of government, in any quarter of the globe. These rights, we, as well as you, deem sacred. And yet saci-ed as they are, they have, with many others, been repeat- edly and flagrantly violated.

Are not the Proprietors of the soil of Great-Britain Lords of their own property? can it be taken from them without their consent? will they yield it to the arbitrar}' disposal of any man, or number of men whatever? — You know they will not.

Why then are the Proprietors of the soil of America less Lords of their property than you are of yours, or why should they submit it to the disposal of your Parliament, or any other Parliament, or Council in the woi'ld, not of their election ? Can the intervention of the sea that divides us, cause disparity in rights, or can any reason be given, why English subjects, who live three thousand miles from the royal palace, should enjoj' less libert}- than those who are three hundred miles distant from it?

Reason looks with indignation on such distinctions, and freemen can never perceive their propriety. And yet, however chimerical and unjust such discriminations are, the Parliament assert, that they have a right to bind us in all cases without exception, whether we consent or not; that they may take and use our property when and in what manner they please; that we are pensioners on their bounty for all that we possess, and can hold it no longer than they vouchsafe to per- mit. Such declarations we consider as heresies in English politics, and which can no more operate to deprive us of our property, than the interdicts of the Pope can divest Kings of sceptres which the laws of the land and the voice of the people have placed in their hands.

At the conclusion of the late war — a war rendered glorious by the abilities and integrity of a Minister, to whose efforts the British empire owes its safety and its fame: At the conclusion of this war, which was succeeded by an inglorious peace, formed under the auspices

^ In the 1774 edition of the Journal, this word is printed condition.

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of a Minister of principles, and of a faniil}- unfriendly to the pro- testant cause, and inimical to liberty. — We say at this period, and under the influence of that man, a plan for enslaving your fellow sub- jects in America was concerted, and has ever since been pertinaciously carrying into execution.

Prior to this sra you were content with drawing from us the wealth produced by our commerce. You restrained our trade in every way that could conduce to your emolument. You exercised unbounded sovereignty over the sea. You named the ports and nations to which alone our merchandise should be carried, and with whom alone we should trade; and though some of these restrictions were grievous, we nevertheless did not complain; we looked up to yon as to our parent state, to which we were bound by the strongest ties: And were happy in being instrumental to your prosperity and your grandeur.

We call upon you yourselves, to witness our loyalty and attachment to the common interest of the whole empire: Did we not, in the last war, add all the strength of this vast continent to the force which repelled our common enemy? Did we not leave our native shores, and meet disease and death, to promote the success of British arms in foreign climates? Did you not thank us for our zeal, and even reim- burse us large sums of money, which, you confessed, we had advanced beyond our proportion and far beyond our abilities? You did.

To what causes, then, are we to attribute the sudden change of treat- ment, and that system of slavery which was prepared for us at the restoration of peace?

Before we had recovered f i-om the distresses which ever attend war, an attempt was made to drain this country of all its money, by the oppressive Stamp-Act. Paint, Glass, and other coumiodities, which you would not permit us to purchase of other nations, were taxed; nay, although no wine is made in any country, subject to the British state, j^ou prohibited our procuring it of foreigners, without paying a tax, imposed by j^our parliament, on all we imported. These and many other impositions were laid upon us most unjustly and unconsti- tutionally, for the express purpose of raising a Revenue. — In order to silence complaint, it was, indeed, provided, that this revenue should be expended in America for its protection and defence. — These exac- tions, however, can receive no justification from a pretended necessity of protecting and defending us. They are lavishly squandered on court favourites and ministerial dependents, generally avowed enemies to America and employing themselves, by partial representations, to

October, 1774 85

traduce and embroil the Colonies. For the necessary support of gov- ernment here, we ever were and ever shall be ready to provide. And whenever the exigencies of the state may require it, we shall, as we have heretofore done, chearfully contribute our full proportion of men and money. To enforce this unconstitutional and unjust scheme of taxation, every fence that the wisdom of our British ancestors had carefully erected against arbitrary power, has been violently thrown down in America, and the inestimable right of trial by jury taken away in cases that touch both life and property. — It was ordained, that whenever offences should be committed in the colonies against particular Acts imposing various duties and restrictions upon trade, the prosecutor might bring his action for the penalties in the Courts of Admiralty; by which means the subject lost the advantage of being tried by an honest uninfluenced jury of the vicinage, and was subjected to the sad necessity of being judged by a single man, a creature of the Crown, and according to the course of a law which exempts the prose- cutor from the trouble of proving his accusation, and obliges the defendant either to evince his innocence or to sufl'er. To give this new judicatory ^ the greater importance, and as, if with design to pro- tect false accusers, it is further provided, that the Judge's certificate of there having been probable causes of seizure and prosecution, shall protect the prosecutor from actions at common law for recovery of damages.

By the course of our law, ofl'ences committed in such of the British dominions in which courts are established and justice duely and regu- larly administred, shall be there tried by a jury of the vicinage. There the oft'enders and the witnesses ai'e known, and the degree of credibility to be given to their testimony, can be ascertained.

In all these Colonies, justice is regularly and impartially adminis- tered, and yet by the construction of some, and the direction of other Acts of Parliament, offenders are to be taken by force, together with all such persons as may be pointed out as witnesses, and carried to England, there to be tried in a distant land, b}- a jury of strangers, and subject to all the disadvantages that result from want of friends, want of witnesses, and want of money.

When the design of raising a revenue from the duties imposed on the importation of tea into America had in great measure been rendered abortive by our ceasing to import that commodity, a scheme was con- certed by the Ministry with the East-India Company, and an Act passed

' In the original pamphlet this word if printed indicatory.

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enabling and encouraging them to transport and vend it in the colonies. Aware of the danger of giving success to this insidious manceuvre, and of permitting a precedent of taxation thus to be established among us, various methods were adopted to elude the stroke. The people of Boston, then ruled by a Governor, whom, as well as his predecessor Sir Francis Bernard, all America considers as her enemy, were exceed- ingly embarrassed. The ships which had arrived with the tea were by his management prevented from returning. — The duties would have been paid; the cargoes landed and exposed to sale; a Governor's influence would have procured and protected many purchasers. While the town was suspended by deliberations on this important subject, the tea was destroj^ed. Even supposing a trespass was thereby committed, and the Proprietoi's of the tea entitled to damages. — The Courts of Law were open, and Judges appointed by the Crown pre- sided in them. — The East India Company however did not think proper to commence any suits, nor did the}' even demand satisfaction, either from individuals or from the community in general. The Ministrj% it seems, ofEciously made the case their own, and the great Council of the nation descended to intermeddle with a dispute about private pi-opertj-. — Divers papers, letters, and other unauthenti- cated- ex parte evidence were laid before them; neither the persons who destroyed the Tea, or the people of Boston, were called upon to answer the complaint. The Ministr}', incensed by being disappointed in a favourite scheme, were determined to recur from the little arts of finesse, to open force and unmanly violence. The port of Boston was blocked up by a fleet, and an army placed in the town. Their trade was to be suspended, and thousands reduced to the necessity of gaining subsistance from charity, till they should submit to pass under the yoke, and consent to become slaves, by confessing the omnipotence of Parliament, and acquiescing in whatever disposition the}' might think proper to make of their lives and property.

Let justice and humanity cease to be the boast of j'our nation! con- sult your history, examine your records of former transactions, nay turn to the annals of the \na,\\y arbitrary states and kingdoms that surround you, and shew us a single instance of men being condemned to suffer for imputed crimes, unheard, iinqucstioned, and without even the specious formality of a trial; and that too by laws made expres[s]ly for the purpose, and which had no existence at the time of the fact committed. If it be difficult to reconcile these proceedings to the genius and temper of j'our laws and constitution, the task will become

October, 1774 87

more arduous when we call upon our ministerial enemies to justify, not onl}' condemning men untried and l)y hearsay, but involving the innocent in one common punishment with the guilty, and for the act of thirty or forty, to bring poverty, distress and calamity on thirty thousand soids, and those not your enemies, but your friends, breth- ren, and fellow subjects.

It would be some consolation to us, if the catalogue of American oppressions ended here. It gives us pain to be reduced to the neces- sit}^ of reminding you, that under the confidence reposed in the faith of government, pledged in a royal charter from a British Sovereign, the fore-fathers of the present inhabitants of the Massachusetts-Bay left their former habitations, and established that great, flourishing, and loyal Colony. Without incurring or being charged with a for- feiture of their rights, without being heard, without licing tried, with- out law, and without justice, by an Act of Parliament, their charter is destroyed, their liberties violated, their constitution and form of government changed: And all this upon no better pretence, than because in one of their towns a trespass was committed on some mer- chandize, said to belong to one of the Companies, and because the Ministry were of opinion, that such high political regulations were necessary to compel due subordination and obedience to their mandates.

Nor are these the only capital grievances under wliich we labor. We might tell of dissolute, weak and wicked Governors having been set over us; of Legislatures being suspended for asserting the rights of British subjects — of needy and ignorant dependents on great men, advanced to the seats of justice and to other places of trust and impor- tance;— of hard restrictions on commerce, and a great variety of lesser evils, the recollection of which is almost lost under the weight and pressure of greater and more poignant calamities.

Now mark the progression of the ministerial plan for inslaving us.

Well aware that such hardy attempts to take our property from us; to deprive us of that valuable right of trial by jury; to seize our per- sons, and carry us for trial to Great-Britain; to blockade our ports; to destroy our Charters, and change our forms of government, would occasion, and had already occasioned, great discontent in all the Colo- nies, which might produce opposition to these measures: An Act was passed to protect, indenmify, and screen from punishment such as might be guilty even of murder, in endeavouring to carry their oppres- sive edicts into execution; And by another Act the dominion of Can- ada is to be so extended, modelled, and governed, as that ])_y being-

88 Jotirnals of Congress

disunited from us, detached from our interests, by civil as well as relioious prejudices, that by their numbers daily swelling with Cath- olic emigrants from Europe, and by their devotion to Administration, so friendly to their religion, they might become formidable to us, and on occasion, be fit instruments in the hands of power, to reduce the ancient free Protestant Colonies to the same state of slavery with themselves.

This was evidently the object of the Act: — And in this view, being extremely dangerous to our liberty and quiet, we cannot forebear complaining of it, as hostile to British America. — Superadded to these considerations, we cannot help deploring the unhappy condition to which it has reduced the many English settlers, who, encouraged by the Royal Proclamation, jjromising the enjoj^ment of all their rights, have purchased estates in that country. — They are now the subjects of an arbitrary government, deprived of trial by jury, and when impris- oned cannot claim the benefit of the habeas corpus Act, that gi"eat bul- wark and palladium of English liberty: — Nor can we suppress our astonishment, that a British Parliament should ever consent to estab- lish in that country a religion that has deluged your island in blood, and dispersed impiety, bigotry, persecution, murder and rebellion through every part of the world.

This being a true state of facts, let us beseech you to consider to what end they lead.

Admit that the Ministry, by the powers of Britain, and the aid of our Roman Catholic neighbours, should be able to carry the point of taxation, and reduce us to a state of perfect humiliation and slavery. Such an enterprize would doubtless make some addition to your national debt, which already presses down your liberties, and fills you with Pensioners and Placemen. — We presume, also, that j'our com- merce will somewhat be diminished. However, suppose j'ou should prove victorious — in what condition will you then be? What advan- tages or what laurels will you reap from such a conquest?

May not a Ministry with the same armies inslave you — It may be said, you will cease to pay them — but remember the taxes from America, the wealth, and we may add, the men, and particularly the Roman Catholics of this vast continent will then be in the power of your enemies — nor will you have any reason to expect, that after making slaves of us, many among us should refuse to assist in reduc- ing you to the same abject state.

October, 1774 89

Do not treat this as chimerical — Know that in less than half a cen- tury, the quit-i'ents reserved to the Crown, from the numberless grants of this vast continent, will pour large streams of wealth into the royal coffers, and if to this be added the power of taxing America at pleas- ure, the Crown will be rendered independent on [of] you for supplies, and will possess more treasure than may be necessary to purchase the remains of Liberty in your Island. — In a word, take care that you do not fall into the pit that is preparing for us.

We believe there is yet much virtue, much justice, and mucli pul)lic spirit in the English nation — To that justice we now appeal. You have been told that we are seditious, impatient of government and desirous of independency. Be assured that these are not facts, but calumnies. — Permit us to be as free as yourselves, and we shall ever esteem a union with you to be our greatest glory and our greatest happiness, we shall ever be ready to contribute ail in our power to the welfare of the Empire — we shall consider your enemies as our enemies, and your intei'est as our own.

But if you are determined that your Ministers shall wantonlj^ sport ■with the rights of Mankind — If neither the voice of justice, the dic- tates of the law, the principles of the constitution, or the suggestions of humanity can restrain your hands from shedding human blood in such an impious cause, we must then tell you, that we will never submit to be hewers of wood or drawers of water for any ministry or nation in the world.

Place us in the same situation that we were at the close of the last war, and our former harmony will be restored.

But lest the same supineness and the same inattention to our com- mon interest, which you have for several years shewn, should con- tinue, we think it prudent to anticipate the consequences.

By the destruction of the trade of Boston, the Ministry have endeav- oured to induce submission to their measures. — The like fate may befal us all, we will endeavour therefore to live without trade, and recur for subsistence to the fertility and bounty of our native soil, which will afford us all the necessaries and some of the conveniences of life. — We have suspended our importation from Great Britain and Ireland; and in less than a year's time, unless our grievances should be redressed, shall discontinue our exports to those kingdoms and the West-Indies.

It is with the utmost regret however, that we find ourselves com- pelled by the overruling principles of self-preservation, to adopt

90 Journals of Congress

measures detrimental in their consequences to numbers of our fellow subjects in Great Britain and Ireland. But we hope, that the magna- nimity and justice of the British Nation will furnish a Parliament of such wisdom, independance and public spirit, as may save the violated rights of the whole empire from the devices of wicked Ministers and evil Counsellors whether in or out of office, and thereby restore that harmony, friendship and fraternal affection between all the Inhabitants of his Majesty's kingdoms and territoi'ies, so ardently wished for by every true and honest American.

The Congress then resumed the consideration of the memorial to the inhabitants of the British Colonies,^ and the same being gone through and debated by paragraphs [and amended] was approved, and is as follows:

Here insert the Memorial &c.

To the inhal)itants of the colonies of Nod- Hampshire, Massachus~etts- Say, Shode-Zdand and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New- York, New- Jersey , Pennsylvania, the cotmties of Neto- Castle, Kent and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina and Soxith- Carolina:

Friends and Fellow countrymen.

We, the Delegates appointed by the good people of the above Colo- nies to meet at Philadelphia in September last, for the pmposes men- tioned by our respective Constituents, have in pursuance of the trust reposed in us, assembled, and taken into our most serious considera- tion the important matters recommended to the Congress. Our reso- lutions thereupon will be herewith communicated to j^ou. But as the situation of public affairs grows daily more and more alarming; and as it may be more satisfactory to you to be informed by us in a collective body, than in any other manner, of those sentiments that have been approved, upon a full and free discaission by the Representatives of so great a part of America, we esteem ourselves obliged to add this Address to these Resolutions.

In every case of opposition bj' a people to their rulers, or of one state to another, duty to Almighty God, the creator of all, requires that a true and impartial judgment be formed of the measures leading to such opposition; and of the causes by which it has been provoked,

' Drafted by Richard Henry Lee.

October, 1774 91

or cau in anj' degree be justified: That neither affection on the one hand, nor resentment on the other, being permitted to give a wrong bias to reason, it maj' be enabled to take a dispassionate view of all circumstances, and settle the public conduct on the solid foundations of wisdom and justice.

From Councils thus tempered arise the surest hopes of the divine favour, the firmest encouragement to the parties engaged and the strongest recommendation of their cause to the rest of mankind.

With minds deeplj' impressed by a sense of these truths, we have diligently, deliberately and calmlj' enquired into and considered those exertions, both of the legislative and executive power of Great-Britain, which have excited so much uneasiness in America, and have with equal fidelitj' and attention considered the conduct of the Colonies. Upon the whole, we find ourselves reduced to the disagreeable alter- native, of being silent and l)etraying the innocent, or of speaking out and censuring those we wish to revere. — In making our choice of these distressing difliculties, we prefer the course dictated by honesty, and a regard for the welfare of our country.

Soon after the conclusion of the late war, there commencea a mem- orable change in the treatment of these Colonies. By a statute made in the fourtli year of the present reign, a time of profound peace, alledging, ''the expediency of new provisions and regulations for " extending the commerce between Great-Britain and his majesty's "dominions in America, and the necessity of raising a Reoenue in the " said dominions for defraying the expenses of defending, protecting "and securing the same," the Connnons of Great-Britain undertook to give and grant to his ^Majesty many rates and duties, to be paid in these Colonies. To enforce the obsei'vance of this Act, it prescribes a great number of severe penalties and forfeitures; and in two sections makes a I'cmarkable distinction between the subjects in Great-Britain and those in America. By the one, the penalties and forfeitures incurred there are to be recovered in any of the King's Courts of Record, at Westminster, or in the Court of Exchequer in Scotland; and by the other, the penalties and forfeitures incurred liere are to be recovered in any Court of Record, or in any Court of Admiralty, or Vice-Admir- alty, at the election of the informer w p'rosecuto^\

The Inhabitants of these Colonies confiding in the justice of Great- Britain, were scarcely allowed sufficient time to receive and consider this Act, before another, well known by the name of the Stamp Act, and passed in the fifth year of this reign, engrossed their whole atten- tion. By this statute the British Parliament exercised, in the most

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explicit manner a power of taxing us, and extending the jurisdiction of the courts of Adiairalty and Vice- Admiralty in the Colonies, to matters arising within the body of a county, directed the numerous penalties and forfeitures, thereby inflicted, to be recovered in the said courts.

In the same year a tax was imposed upon us, by an Act, establishing several new fees in the customs. In the next j'ear, the Stamp-Act was repealed; not because it was founded in an erroneous principle, but as the repealing Act recites, because "the continuance thereof would be "attended with many inconveniences, and might be productive of con- " sequences greatly detrimental to the commercial interest of Great- " Britain."

In the same year, and by a subseqxient Act, it was declared, "that "his Majesty in Parliament, of right, had power to bind the people "of these Colonies, by Statutes, in all cases whatsoever."

In the same year, another Act was passed, for imposing rates and duties payable in these Colonies. In this Statute the Commons avoid- ing the terms of giving and granting, "humbly besought his Majesty, that it might be enacted, «fcc." But from a declaration in the pream- ble, that the rates and duties were "in lieu of" several others granted by the Statute first Ijefore mentioned for raimng a revenue and from some other expressions it appears, that these duties were intended yo?' that purpose.

In the next year, (17G7) an Act was made "to enable his Majesty "to put the customs, and otlier duties in America, under the manage- "ment of Commissioners, &c." and the King thereupon erected the present expensive Board of Commissioners, for the express purpose of carrying into execution the several Acts relating to the revenue and trade in America.

After the repeal of the Stamp- Act, having again resigned ourselves to our antient unsuspicious affections for the parent state, and anxious to avoid any controversy with her, in hopes of a favourable alteration in sentiments and measures towards us, we did not press our objections against the above mentioned Statutes made subsequent to that repeal.

Administration attributing to trifling causes, a conduct that really proceeded from generous motives, were encouraged in the same year (1707) to make a bolder expei'iment on the patience of America.

By a Statute commonlj' called the Glass, Paper and Tea Act, made fifteen months after the repeal of the Stamp-Act, the Commons of Great-Britain resumed their former language, and again undertook to

October, 1774 93

"f^we and grant rates and duties to be paid in these Colonies," for the express purpose of '''raisinff a ref^enue, to defray the charges of the '''' admi7i{tiirnti<m of justice, the support of civil government, and '•'■defending the King's dominions," on this continent. The penalties and forfeitures, incurred under this Statute, are to be recovered in the same ma7ine7\ with those mentioned in the foregoing Acts.

To this Statute, so naturally tending to disturb the tranquillity then universal throughout the Colonies, Parliament, in the same session, added another no less extraordinary'.

Ever since the making the present peace, a standing army has been kept in these Colonies. From respect for the mother country', the innovation was not only tolerated, but the provincial Legislatures gen- erally made provision for supplying the troops.

The Assembly of the province of New York, having passed an Act of this kind, but differing in some articles, from the directions of the Act of Parliament made in the fifth year of this reign, the House of Representatives in that Colony was prohibited by a Statute made in the session last mentioned, from making any bill, order, resolution or vote, except for adjourning or chusing a Speaker, until provision should be made by the said Assembly for furnisiiing the troops, within that province, not only with all such necessaries as were required by the Statute which they we?-e charged toith disobeying, but also with those required by two other suhseipient Statutes, which were declared to be in force until the twenty-fourth day of March 1769.

These Statutes of the year 1767 revived the apprehensions and dis- contents, that had entirely subsided on the repeal of the Stamp-Act; and amidst the just fears and jealousies thereby occasioned, a Statute was made in the next year (1768) to establish Courts of Admiralty and Vice-Admiralty on a new model, ex|iressly for the end of more effec- tually recovering of the penalties and forfeitures inflicted by Acts of Parliament, framed for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, &c.

The immediate tendency of these statutes is, to subvert the right of having a share in legislation, by rendering Assemblies useless; the right of property, by taking the money of the Colonists without their consent; the right of trial by jury, by substituting in their place trials in Admiralty and Vice- Admiralty courts, where single Judges preside, holding their Commissions during pleasure; and unduely to influence the Courts of common law, by rendering the Judges thereof totally dependant on the Crown for their salaries.

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These statutes, not to mention many others exceedingly exceptiona- ble, compared one with another, will be found, not only to form a regular s.ystem, in which every part has great force, but also a perti- nacious adherence to that system, for subjugating these Colonies, that are not, and, from local circumstances, cannot be represented in the House of Commons, to the uncontroulable and unlimited power of Parliament, in violation of their undoubted rights and liberties, in contempt of their humble and repeated supplications.

This conduct must appear equally astonishing and unjustifiable, when it is considered how unprovoked it has lieen Ijy anj^ behaviour of these Colonies. From their first settlement, their bitterest enemies never fixed on any of them a charge of disloyalty to their Sovereign, or dis- affection to their Mother-Country. In the wars she has carried on, they have exerted themselves whenever required, in giving her assist- ance; and have rendered her services, which she has j^ublicklj' acknowl- edged to be extremely important. Their fidelity, duty and usefulness during the last war, were fi'equently and affectionately confessed by his late Majesty and the present King.

The reproaches of those, who are most unfriendly to the freedom of America, are principally levelled against the province of Massachu- setts-Bay; but with what little reason, will appear by the following declarations of a person, the truth of whose evidence, in theii" favour, will not be questioned. — Governor Bernard thus addresses the two Houses of Assembly — in his speech on the 2-ith of April, 1762, — "The unanimity and despatch, with which you have complied with the r'equi- sitions of h!s Majesty, require my particular acknowledgment. And it gives me additional pleasure to observe, that j'ou have therein acted under no other infiuence than a due sense of your duty, both as mem- bers of a general empire, and as the body of a particular province."

In another speech on the 27th of May, in the same year, he says, — " Whatever shall be the event of the war, it must be no small satis- faction to us, that this province hath contributed its full share to the support of it. Every thing that hath heen reep.i'rred of it Jiath heen complied with; and the execution of the powers committed to me, for raising the provincial troops hath been as full and complete as the grant of them. Never before were regiments so easily levied, so well composed, and so early in the field as they have been this year: the common people seemed to be animated with the spirit of the general Court, and to vie with them in their readiness to serve the King."

October, 1774 95

Such was the conduct of the People of the Massachusetts-Bay, dur- ing the Ui.st war. As to their beliaviour before that period, it ouglit not to have been forgot in Great-Britain, that not only on every occa- sion they had constantl}' and chearfuily complied with the frequent royal requisitions — but tliat chiefly by their vigorous efforts, Nova- Scotia was subdued in 1710, and Louisbourg in 1745.

Foreign quarrels being ended, and the domestic disturbances, that quickly succeeded on account of the stiim})-act, being quieted b3^ its repeal, the Assembly of Massachusetts-Bay ti'unsmitted an humble address of thanks to the King and divers noblemen, and soon after passed a bill for granting compensation to the sufferers in the disorder occasioned by that act.

These circumstances and the following extracts from Governor Ber- nard's letters in 176S, to the Earl of Shelburne, Secretary of State, clearly shew, with what grateful tenderness they strove to bury in oblivion the unhappy occasion of the late discords, and with what respectful reluctance' they endeavoured to escape other subjects of future controversy. '' The House, (says the Governor) from the time of opening the session to this day, has shewn a disposition to avoid all dispute with me; every thing having passed with as much good humour as I could desire, except only their continuing to act in addressing the King, remonstrating to the Secretary of State, and employing a sepa- rate agent. It is the iinportance of this innovation, without any wil- fulness of my own, which induces me to make this remonstrance at a time when I have a fair prospect of having, in all other iusiness, noth- ing but good to say of the proceedings of the House."*

"They have acted -m all things, even in their remonstrance with teTnpei' and moderation; they have avoided some subjects of dispute, and have laid a foundation for removing some causes of former altercation."'

"I shall make such a prudent and proper use of this Letter as, I hope, will perfectly restore the peace and tranquillity of this province, for which purpose considerahle steps have heen made hy the House of Representatives.^' *

The vindication of the province of Massachusetts-Bay contained in these Letters will have greater force, if it be considered, that they were

' The word deference was substituted in the Journal printed in 1774. ^January 21, 1768. 'January 30, 1768. 'February 2, 1768.

96 Journals of Congress

written several month.s after the fresh ahirm given to the colonies by the statutes passed in the preceding year.

In this place it seems proper to take notice of the insinuation in one of these statutes, that the interference of Parliament was neceaswry to provide for "defraying the charge of the administration of justice, the support of civil government, and defending the King's dominions "in America."

As to the two first articles of expense, every colony had made such provision, as by their respective Assemblies, the best judges on such occasions, was thought expedient, and suitable to their several circum- stances. Respecting the last, it is well known to all men, the least acquainted with American affairs, that the colonies were established, and have generally defended themselves, without tlie least assistance from Great-Britain; and, that at the time of her taxing them by the statutes before mentioned, most of them were labouring under verj^ heavy debts contracted in the last war. So far were they from sparing their money, when their Sovereign, constitutionally, asked their aids, that during the course of that war, Parliament repeatedly made them com- pensations for the expeuces of those strenuous efforts, which, consult- ing their zeal rather than their strength, they had chearfully incurred.

Severe as the Acts of Parliament before mentioned are, yet the con- duct of Adm.inistration hath been equallj^ injurious, and irritating to this devoted country.

Under pretence of governing them, so many new institutions, uni- forml}^ rigid and dangerous, have been introduced, as could only be expected from incensed masters, for collecting the tribute or rather the plunder of conquered provinces.

By an order of the King, the authority of the Commander in chief, and under him, of the Brigadiers general, in time of peace, is rendered supreme in all the civil governments, in America,' and thus an uncon- troulable military power is vested in officers not known to the consti- tution of these colonies.

A large body of troops and a consideralile armament of ships of war, have been sent to assist in taking their money without their consent.

Expensive and oppressive offices have been multiplied, and the acts of corruption industriously practised to divide and destroy.

The Judges of the Admiralty and Vice-Admiralty Courts are impow- ered to receive their salaries and fees from the effects to be condemned by themselves; the Commissioners of the customs are impowered to

October, 1774 97

break open and ontoi- liouses without the authority of an}' civil )ua,t,'is- trate Founded on legal ini'ornuition.

Judges of Courts of Common Law have been made entirely dependent on the Crown for their commissions and salaries.

A court has lieen established at Khode-Islund, Tor the purposes of taking Colonists to England to be tried.

Humble and reasonable petitions from the Representatives of the people have been frequently treated with contempt; and Assemblies have been repeatedly and arbitrarily dissolved.

From some few instances it will sufficiently appear, on whatpretences of justice those dissolutions have been founded.

The tranquillitj' of the colonies having been again disturbed, as has been mentioned, by the statutes of the year 1767, the Earl of Hills- borough, Secretary of 8tate, in a letter to (rovernor Bernard, dated April 22, 1768, censures the '■''presumption'' of the House of Repre- sentatives for "resolving upon a measure of so inflammatory a nature as that ofv^rithuj to the otJu-r colonies, on thi sahjeet of tJieir intended I'epresentations against some late Acts of Parliament,''^ then declares that "his Majesty considers this step as evidently tending to create unwarrantable combinations to excite an unjustifiable opposition to the constitutional authority of Parliament:"' — and afterwards adds, — "It "is the. Kin(fx pleaxiire, that as soon as the General Court is again "assembled, at the time prescribed by the Charter, you should require "of the House of Representatives, in his Majesty's name, to rescind "the resolution which gave birth to the circular letter from the Speaker, "and to declare their disapprobation of, and dissent to that rash and "hasty proceeding."

"If the new Assembl}' should refuse to comply with his Majesty's "reasonable expectation, it is the King's pleasure, that yuu should " immediately dissolve them."

This letter being laid before the House, and the resolution not being rescinded according to the order, the Assembly was dissolved. A letter of a similar nature was sent to other Governors to procure resolutions approving the conduct of the Representatives of Massachusetts-Bay, to be rescindid also; and the Houses of Representatives in other colonies refusing to comply Assemblies were dissolved.

These mandates spoke a language, to which the ears of English sub- jects had for several generations been strangers. The nature of assemblies implies a power and right of deliberation; l)ut these com- mands, proscribing the exercise of judgment on the propriety of the 30127— VOL 1—04 7

98 Journals of Congress

requisitions made, left to the Assemblies only the election between dictated submission and the threatened punishment: A punishment too, founded on no other act, than such as is deemed innocent even in slaves — of agreeing in petitions for redress of grievances, that equally affect all.

The hostile and unjustifiable invasion of the town of Boston soon followed these events in the same year; though that town, the province in which it is situated, and all the colonies, from abhorrence of a con- test with their parent stiite, permitted the execution even of those statutes, against which they so unanimously were complaining, remon- strating and supplicating.

Administration, determined to subdue a spirit of freedom, which English Ministers should have rejoiced to cherish, entered into a monopolizing combination with the P^ast-India company, to send to this continent vast quantities of Tea, an article on which a duty was laid by a statute, that, in a particular manner, attacked the liberties of America, and which therefore the inhabitants of these colonies had resolved not to import. The cargo sent to South-Carolina was stored, and not allowed to be sold. Those sent to Philadelphia and New York were not permitted to be landed. That sent to Boston was destroyed, because Governor Hutchinson would not suffer it to be returned.

On the intelligence of these transactions arriving in Great Britain, the public spirited town last mentioned was singled out for destruc- tion, and it was determined, the province it belongs to should partake of its fate. In the last session of parliament therefore were passed the acts for shutting up the port of Boston, indemnifying the mur- derers of the inhabitants of Massachusetts-Bay, and changing their chartered constitution of government. To enforce these acts, that province is again invaded by a fleet and army.

To mention these outrageous proceedings, is sufficient to explain them. For tho' it is pretended, that the province of Massachusetts- Bay, has been particularlj' disrespectful to Great-Britain, yet in truth the behaviour of the people, in other colonies, has been an equal " opposition to the power assumed by parliament." No step however has been taken against any of the rest. This artful conduct conceals several designs. It is expected that the province of Massachusetts- Bay will be irritated into some violent action, that may displease the rest of the continent, or that may induce tho people of Great-Britain to approve the meditated vengeance of an imprudent and exasperated ministry.

October, 1774 09

If the unexampled pacifick temper of that province shall disappoint this part of the plan, it is hoped the otiier colonies will he so far intimidated as to desert their brethern, suifiu-iiiij in a common cause, and that thus disunited all may be subdued.

To promote these designs, another measure has been pursued. In the session of parliament last mentioned, an act was passed, for chang- ing the government of Quebec, b}' which act the Roman Catholic religion, instead of being tolerated, as stipulated by the treaty of peace, is established; and the people there deprived of a right to an assemblj", trials by jury and the English laws in civil cases abolished, and instead thereof, the French laws established, in direct violation of his Majesty's promise hy his royal proclamation, under the faith of which many English subjects settled in that province: and the limits of that province arc extended so as to comprehend those vast regions, that lie adjoining to the northernly and westernly boundaries of these colonies.

The authors of this arbitrary arrangement flatter themselves, that the inhabitants, deprived of liberty, and artfully provoked against those of another religion, will be proper instruments for assisting in the oppres- sion of such, as differ from them in modes of government and faith.

From the detail of facts herein before recited, as well as from authentic intelligence received, it is clear beyond a doubt, that a reso- lution is formed, and is now carrying into execution, to extinguish the freedom of these colonies, b}^ subjecting them to a despotic go\'- ernment.

At this unhapp3' period, we have oeen authorized and directed to meet and consult together for the welfare of our conuuon countrj'. We accepted the important trust with diffidence, but have endeavoured to discharge it with integrity. Though the state of these colonies would certainly justify other measures than we have advised, j^et weighty reasons determined us to prefer those which we have adopted. In the first place, it appeared to us a conduct becoming the character, these colonies have ever sustained, to perform, even in the midst of the unnatural distresses and inuninent dangers that surround them, every act of loyalty; and therefore, we were induced to oft'er once more to his Majesty the petitions of his faithful and oppressed sub- jects in America. Secondly, regarding with the tender affection, which we knew to be so universal among our countrymen, the people of the kingdom, from which we derive our original,' we could not

'The word origin is used in the printed journals of 1774.

100 Journals of Congress

forbear to regulate our steps by an expectation of receiving full con- viction, that the colonists are equally dear to them. Between these provinces and that body, subsists the social ))and, which we ardently wish iiHiij neverhe. dissolved, and which cannot be dissolved, until their minds shall become ind'mputably hostile, or their inattention, shall per- mit those who are thus hostile to persist in prosecuting with the powers of the realm the destructive measures alreadj' operating against the colonists; and in either case, shall reduce the latter to such a situation, that they shall be compelled to renounce every legard, l)ut that of self-preservation. Notwithstanding the vehemence ' with which affairs have been impelled, they have not yet reached that fatal point. We do not incline to accelerate their motion, ah'eady alarm- ingly rapid; we liave chosen a method of opposition, that does not preclude a hearty reconciliation with our fellow -citizens on the other side of the Atlantic. We deeply deplore the urgent necessity that presses us to an immediate interruption of commerce, that may prove injurious to them. We trust they will acquit us of any unkind inten- tions towards them, by reflecting, that we subject ourselves to similar inconveniences;'' that we are driven by the hands of violence into unexperienced and unexpected public convulsions, and that we are contending for freedom, so often contended for by our ancestors.

The people of England will soon have an opportunity of declaring their sentiments concerning our cause. In their piety, generosity, and good sense, we repose high confidence; and cannot, upon a review of past events, be persuaded that they, the defenders of true religion, and the assertors of the rights of mankind, will take part against their affectionate protestant brethren in the colonies, in favour of our open and their own secret enemies; whose intrigues, for several years past, have been wholly exercised in sapping the foundations of civil and religious liberty.

Another reason, that engaged us to prefer the commercial mode of opposition, arose from an assurance, that the mode will prove effica- cious, if it be persisted in with fidelity and virtue; and that your eon- duct will be influenced by these laudable principles, cannot be ques- tioned. Your own salvation, and that of your posterit}', now depends upon yourselves. You have already shewn that you entertain a proper sense of the blessings you are striving to retain. Against the tempo- rary inconveniences you may suffer from a stoppage of trade, you will

' In late editions the word violence haa been substituted. ' In late editions this clause was dropped.

LETTER TO THE INHABITANTS OF QUEBEC

FIRST ISSUE

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weigh in the opposite balance, the endless miseries you and your descendants must endure from an established arbitrary power. You will not forget the honour of your country, that must from your behaviour take its title in the estimation of the world, to glory, or to shame; and you will, with the deepest attention, reflect, that if the peaceable mode of opposition recommended by us, be liroken and ren- dered ineffectual, as your cruel and haughty ministerial enemies, from a contemptuous opinion of your fii-mness, insolently predict will be the case, you must inevitably be reduced to chuse, either a more dan- gerous contest, or a final, ruinous, and infamous submission.

Motives thus cogent, arising from the emergencj' of your unhappy condition, must excite your utmost diligence and zeal, to give all pos- sible strength and energy to the pacific measures calculated for your relief: But we think ourselves bound in duty to observe to you that the schemes agitated against these colonies have been so conducted, as to render it prudent, that you should extend your views to the most mournful events, and be in all respects prepared for every contin- genc}'. Above all things we earnestl}' intreat you, with devotion of spirit, penitence of heart, and amendment of life, to humble your- selves, and implore the favour of almighty God: and we fervently beseech his divine goodness, to take you into his gracious protection.

Ordered, That the Addi'ess to the people of Great Britain and the memorial to the inhabitants of the British colonies be immediately committed to the press & that no more than one hundred and twenty copies of each be struck off without fitrther orders from the Congress.

Resolved, That an Address be prepared to the people of Quebec/ and letters to the colonies of St. John's, Nova- Scotia, Georgia, East and West Florida, who have not deputies to represent them in this Congress.

Ordered, That Mr. [Thomas] Cushing, Mr. [Richard Henry] Lee, and Mr. [John] Dickinson, be a committee to prepare the above address and letters.

Ordered, That Mr. [Joseph] Galloway, Mr. [Thomas] McKean, Mr. J[ohn] Adams & Mr. [William] Hooper be a committee to revise the minutes of the Congress.

'On the evening of October 4, General Lee went to John Adams with an address from the Congress to the people of Canada. Adams' Writings, II, 392.

102 Journals of Congress

The Address to the King being read, after debate,

Ordered, That the same be re -committed, and that Mr. J[ohn] Dickinson, be added to the committee.

Upon motion.

Resolved, That the seizing, or attempting to seize, any person iu America, in order to transport such person beyond the sea, for trial of offences, committed within the body of a county in America, being against law, will jiistify, and ought to meet with resistance and reprisal.^

Adjourned till to-morrow.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1774.

The hon*"!'' Peyton Randolph, Esq!" being unable to attend, on account of indisposition, the hon""'-*" Henry Mid- dleton, Esq!" was chosen to supply his place, as president.

An address from Christopher Tully was read, and ordered to lie on the table.

Ordered, That the Journal of the proceedings of the Congress, as now corrected, be sent to the, press, and printed under the direction of Mr. [Edward] Biddle, Mr. [John] Dickinson, and the secretary.'^

Resolved, as the Opinion of this Congress, that it will be necessary, that another Congress should be held on the tenth day of May next, unless the redress of grievances, which we have desired, be obtained before that time. And we recommend, that the same be held at the city of Philadelphia, and that all the Colonies, in North -America, chuse deputies, as soon as possible, to attend such Con- gress.

The committee appointed to prepare a letter to the col- onies of St. John's, &c. reported a draught, which was

'"21st. Met, dismissed tlie plan for a miion, &c., (Mr. Hopkins for tlie plan, I against it)." Ward. This probably refers to Galloway's Flan.

* Adolphus says this resolution was introduced by Silas Deane. History of England, II, 129.

October, 1774 103

read, and being amended, the same was approved, and is

as follows :

Philadelphia, October 22, 177 1^. "Gentlemen,

"The present critical and truly alarming state of American affairs, having been considered in a general Congress of deputies, from the colonies of New-hampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhode-island, Connect- icut, New- York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the lower counties on Delaware, Marj-land, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, with that attention and mature deliberation, which the important nature of the case demands, they have determined, for themselves and the the colonies they represent, on the measures contained in the enclosed papers; which measures they recommend to your colon}" to be adopted with all the earnestness, that a well directed zeal for American liberty can prompt. So rapidly violent and unjust has been the late conduct of the British Administration against the colonies, that either a base and slavish submission, under the loss of their ancient, just, and con- stitutional lilierty, must quickly take place, or an adequate Opposition be formed.

"We pray God to take you under his protection, and to preserve the freedom and happiness of the whole British empire. We are as

["By order of the Congress,

"Henry Middleton, President. ''''~\

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1774.

The committee appointed to prepare an address to the people of Quebec, [brought in a report,] which was read, & after debate re -committed.

The committee, to whom the address to the King was re-committed, reported a draught, which was read, &

Ordered, To be taken into consideration to -Morrow.'

'"Gave directions for printing the proceedings." Wurd.

"24th. In Congress, nibbling and quibbhng as usual. There is no greater mortifi- cation than to sit with half a dozen wits deliberating upon a petition, address or memorial. These great wits, these subtle critics, these refined geniuses, these learned lawyers, these wise statesmen, are so fond of showing their parts and powers, as to make their consultations very tedious. Young Ned Rutledge is a per- fect Bob-o-Lincoln, — a swallow, a sparrow, a peacock; excessively vain, excessively weak, and excessively variable and unsteady, jejune, inane, and puerile. Jlr. Dick- inson is very modest, delicate, and timid." John Adams' Diary.

104 Journals of Congress

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1774.

The Congress resumed the consideration of the address to his Majesty, which being debated by paragraphs, was approved and ordered to be engrossed.

Resolved, That the address to the King, be enclosed to the several colony agents, in order that the same may be by them presented to his Majesty ; and that the agents be requested to call in the aid of such Noblemen and Glen- tlemen as are esteemed firm friends to American liberty.

Ordered, That Mr. [Richard Henry] Lee, and Mr. [John] Jay, be a committee to prepare a letter to the agents of the several colonies.

Resolved, That this Congress, in their own names, and in behalf of all those whom they represent, do present their most grateful acknowledgments to those truly noble, honourable, and patriotic advocates of civil and religious liberty, who have so generously and powerfully, tho' unsuccessfully, espoused & defended the cause of Amer- ica, both in and out of parliament.^

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1774.

The committee appointed to prepare a letter^ to the agents, rej)orted a draught which was read & being debated by paragraphs was approved, [& ordered to be engrossed] & is as follows : —

Philadelphia, Octoher 26, 177/-I.. "Gentlemen,

"We give you the strongest proof of our reliance on your zeal and attachment to the happiness of America, & the cause of liberty, when wc commit the enclosed papers to your care.

'' "25th. Met, appointe<l letters to be written to Georgia, etc., made some resolves, ordered a jiieoe of plate for the Secretary, £50 sterling." ^Ynrd. ' This letter was written by Richard Henry Lee.

^

B IT

( LETTER TO THE INHABITANTS OF QUEBEC

(FRENCH TRANSLATION)

/!r Ordre dii C

1(H

TU	rES'	H.R 25, 1774.
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LETTRE

A D R E S S E E

, A U X H A B I T A N S <

D E LA PROVINCE

1 D E i QUEBEC,

Ci-de-vant le CANADA.

■ III De la part du Concres General de rAmc-

rique Septentrionale, tenu a Philadelphie.

IfipriKS 'd puhU'c f.ir Ora're du CoHgfeS ^

A PHILADELPHIE,

De rimprimcric de Fleury Mesplet.

M. D C C. L X X I V,

1

October, 1774 105

"We desire you will deliver the petition into the hands of his Maj- esty, & after it has been presented, we wisli it may be made public thro' the press, together with the list of grievances. And as we hope for great assistance from the spirit, virtue, and justice of the nation, it is our earnest desire, that the most effectual care l)e taken, as early as possible, to furnish the trading cities, & manufacturing towns, throughout the united Kingdom, with o>ir memorial to tiie people of great Britain.

"We doubt not, but your good sense & discernment, will lead you to avail yourselves of eveiy assistance, that may be derived from the advice & friendship of all great & good men who may incline to aid the cause of liberty and mankind.

"The gratitude of America, expressed in the enclosed vote of thanks, we desire may be conveyed to the deserving objects of it. in the man- ner you think will be most acceptable to them.

"It is proposed, that another Congress be held on the tenth of May next, at this place, but in the mean time, we beg the favour of 3'ou, Gentlemen, to transmit to the speakers of the several Assemblies, the earliest information of the most authentic accounts a'ou can collect, of all such conduct & designs of ministry, or parliament, as it may con- cern America to know.

"We are, with unfeigned esteem and regard. Gentlemen, &c.

" By order and in behalf of the Congress,

"Hknry Middleton, Presideiit.'''' To Paul Wentworth, Doctr Franklin, W™ Bollan, Arthur Lee. Tho?

Life, Edmf" Burke, Charles Garth.

The committee, to whom the address to the inhabitants of Quebec was recommitted, reported a draught, whicli was read, & being debated by paragraphs and amended, & approved.

Ti> tlie Inliahitants of the I'nrvincc of Quebec.

Friends and fell out -nuhjects.

We, the Delegates of the Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachu- setts-Bay, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Comiecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina and South-Carolina, deputed by the inhabitants of the said Colonies, to

Journals of Congress

represent them in a Genei"al Congress at Philadelphia, in the province of Pennsylvania, to consult together concerning the best methods to obtain redress of our afflicting grievances, having accordingly assem- bled, and taken into our most serious consideration the state of public affairs on this continent, have thought proper to address your prov- ince, as a member therein deeply interested.

When the fortune of war, after a gallant and glorious resistance, had incorporated you with the body of English subjects, we rejoiced in the truly valuable addition, both on our own and your account; expect- ing, as courage and generosity are naturally united, our brave enemies would become our hearty friends, and that the Divine Being would bless to you the dispensations of his over-ruling providence, by secu- ring to you and your latest posterity the inestimable advantages of a free English constitution of government, which it is the privilege of all English sul)jects to enjoy.

These hopes were confirmed bj' the King's proclamation, issued in the year 1763, plighting the public faith for your full enjoyment of those advantages.

Little did we imagine that any succeeding Ministers would so auda- ciously and cruelly abuse the royal authority, as to with-hold from you the fruition of the irrevocable rights, to which you were thus justly entitled.

But since wc have lived to see the unexpected time, when Ministers of this flagitious temper, have dared to violate the most sacred com- pacts and obligations, and as }'ou, educated under another form of government, have artfully l)een kept from discovering the unspeakable worth of t/iut form you are now undoubtedly' entitled to, we esteem it our dut}', for the weighty reasons herein after mentioned, to explain to you some of its most important branches.

"In every human society," says the celebrated Mai'quis Jieecar/a, "there is an efot't, cojitinually tending to confer on one part the heighth of power and liappiness, and to reduce the other to the extreme of weakness and misery. The intent of good laws is to oppose this effort, and to diffuse their influence universally and cijiially."

Rulers stimulated by this pernicious "effort," and subjects animated b}' the just "intent of opposing good laws against it," have occasioned that vast variety of events, that fill the histories of so many nations. All these histories demonstrate the truth of this simple position, that to live V)y the will of one man, or sett of men, is the production of misery to all men.

October, 1774 107

On the solid foundation of thi.s principle. Englishmen reared up the fabrick of their constitution with such a strength, as for ages to defy time, tyranny, ti-eachery, internal and foreign wars: And, as an illus- trious author' of your nation, hereafter mentioned, observes, — "They gave the people of their Colonies, the form of their own government, and this government carrying prosperity along with it, they have grown gi-eat nations in the forests they were sent to inhabit."

In this form, the first grand right, is that of the people having a share in their own government by their representatives chosen b}^ themselves, and, in consequence, of being ruled by laws, which they themselves approve, not by edicts of men over whom they have no controul. This is a bulwark surrounding and defending their property, which by their honest cares and labours they have acquired, so that no portions of it can legally be taken from tliem, but with their own full and free consent, when they in their judgment deem it just and neces- sary to give them for public service, and precisely direct the easiest, cheapest, and most equal methods, in which they shall be collected.

The influence of this right extends still farther. If money is wanted by Rulers, who have in any manner oppressed the people, the)- may retain it, until their grievances are redressed; and thus peaceably pro- cure relief, without trusting to despised petitions, or disturbing the public tranquillity.

The next great right is that of trial by jury. This provides, that neither life, liberty nor property, can be taken from the possessor, imtil twelve of his unexceptionable countrymen and peers of his vicin- age, who from that neighbourhood may reasonably be supposed to be acquainted with his character, and the characters of the witnesses, upon a fair trial, and full enquiry, face to face, in open Court, before as many of the people as chuse to attend, shall pass their sentence upon oath against him; a sentence that cannot injure him, without injuring their own reputation, and probably their interest also; as the question may turn on points, that, in some degree, concern the gen- eral welfare; and if it does not, their verdict may form a precedent, that, on a similar trial of their own, may militate against themselves.

Another right relates merely to the liberty of the person. If a sub- ject is seized and imprisoned, tho' by order of Government, he ma}', by virtue of this right, immediately obtain a writ, termed a Habeas Corpus, from a Judge, whose sworn duty it is to grant it, and thereupon procure any illegal restraint to be quickly enquired into and redressed.

'Montesquieu.

108 Journals of Congress

A fourth right, is that of holding lands by the tenure of easy rents, and not by rigorous and oppressive services, frequently forcing the possessoi's from their families and their business, to perform what ought to be done, in all well regulated states, by men hired for the purpose.

The last right we shall mention, regards the freedom of the press. The importance of this consists, besides the advancement of truth, science, morality, and arts in general, in its diffusion of liberal senti- ments on the administration of Government, its ready communication of thoughts between subjects, and its consequential joromotion of union among them, whereby oppressive officers are shamed or intimidated, into more honourable and just modes of conducting affairs.

These are the invaluable rights, that form a considerable part of our mild system of government; that, sending its equitable energy through all ranks and classes of men, defends the poor from the rich, the weak from the powerful, the industrious from the rapacious, the peaceable from the violent, the tenants from the lords, and all from their supe- riors.

These are the rights, without whicli a people cannot be free and happy, and under the protecting and encouraging influence of which, these colonies have hitherto so amazingly flourished and increased. These are the rights, a profligate Ministr}' are now striving, by force of arms, to ravish from us, and which we are, with one mind, resolved never to resign but with our lives.

These are the rights yo)i are entitled to and ought at this moment in perfection, to exercise. And what is offered to you by the late Act of Parliament in their place? Liberty of conscience in j-our religion? No. God gave it to you; and the temporal powers with which you have been and are connected, firmly stipulated for your enjoyment of it. If laws, divine and human, could secure it against the despotic caprices of wicked men, it was secured before. Are the French laws in etvil cases restored? It seems so. But observe the cautious kindness of the Ministers, who pretend to be your benefactors. The words of the statute are — that those "laws shall be the rule, until they shall be varied or altered by any ordinances of the Governor and Council." Is the "certainty and lenity of the criviinal law of England, and its benefits and advantages," commended in the said statute, and said to "have been sensibly felt by you," secured to you and your descend- ants? No. They too arc subjected to arbitrary '"'■ alterations'''' by the Governor and Council; and a power is expressly reserved of appoint-

October, 1774 109

ing "such courts of criminal, ci.vil^ and ccclfis-iastical jurisdiction, as shall be thought proper." Such is the precarious tenure of mere will, by which j-ou hold your lives and religion. The Crown and its Ministers are impowered, as far as they could l)e by Parliament, to establish even the Inquisitivn itself among you. Have you an Assembly composed of worthy men, elected by yourselves, and in whom 3'ou can contide, to make laws for you, to watch over your welfare, and to direct in what quantity, and in what manner, j'our money shall be taken from you? No. The power of making laws for you is lodged in the governor and council, all of them depend- ent upon, and removeable at, the pleasure of a Minister. Besides, another late statute, made without your consent, has subjected you to the impositions of E.vcis<>, the horror of all free states; thus wresting your property from you by the most odious of taxes, and laying open to insolent tax-gatherers, houses, the scenes of domestic peace and comfort, and called the castles of P^nglish subjects in the books of their law. And in the very act for altering your government, and intended to flatter you, you are not authoi'ized to "assess, levy, or apply any rates and taxex, but for the inferior purposes of maMvy roarh, and erecting and repairing ^>?/7>i//« buildings, or for other local conveniences, within your I'espective towns and districts.'" Why this degrading dis- tinction? Ought not the property, honestly acquired by Canadians, to be held as sacred as that of Englishnien? Have not Canadians sense enough to attend to any other public affairs, than gathering stones from one place, and piling them up in another? Unhappy people! who are not onlj' injured, but insulted. Nay more! — With such a superlative contempt of your understanding and spirit, has an insolent Ministry presumed to think of you, our respectable fellow-subjects, according to the information we have received, as tirmlj^ to perswade themselves that your gratitude, for the injuries and insults they have recently offered to you, will engage you to take up arms, and render yourselves the ridicule and detestation of the world, by becoming tools, in their hands, to assist them in taking that freedom from us, which they have treacherously denied to y<m.; the unavoidable consequence of which attempt, if successful, would be the extinction of all hopes of you or your posterity being ever restored to freedom: For idiocy itself cannot believe, that, when their drudgery is performed, they will treat j'ou with less cruelty' than they have us, who are of the same blood with themselves.

110 Journals of Congress

What would your countryman, the immortal Montesquieu, have said to such a plan of domination, as has been framed for you? Hear his words, with an intenseness of thought suited to the importance of the subject. — "In a free state, every man, who is supposed a free agent, ought to he concerned in his own govem,ment: Therefore the legislative should reside in the whole body of the people, or their representatives.'^'' — "The political libertj' of the subject is a tranquillity of mind, arising from the opinion each person has of his safety. In order to have this liberty, it is requisite the government be so constituted, as that one man need not be afraid of another. When the power of niaking\A-vis, and the power of executing them, are united in the same person, or in the same body of Magistrates, there can he no liherty; because appre- hensions may arise, lest the same Monarch or Senate, should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner."

"The power of judging should be exercised bj' persons taken from the hody of the people, at certain times of the j'ear, and pursuant to a form and manner prescribed by law. There is no liherty, if the power oi judging be not separated from the legidative and executive-^ovjQxs.^''

"Military men belong to a profession, which may he useful, but is often dangerous." — "The enjoyment of liberty, and even its support and preservation, consists in every man's being allowed to speak his thoughts, and lay open his sentiments."

Apply these decisive maxims, sanctified b}' the authority of a name which all Europe reveres, to your own state. You have a Governor, it may be urged, vested with the executive powers, or the powers of adnmiistration: In him, and in your Council, is lodged the power of making laws. You have Judges, who are to decide ever}' cause affect- ing your lives, liberty or property. Here is, indeed, an appearance of the several powers being separated and distributed into different hands, for checks one upon another, the only effectual mode ever invented by the wit of men, to promote their freedom and prosperity. But scorning to be illuded by a tinsel'd outside, and exerting the natural sagacity of Frenchmen, examine the specious device, and you will find it, to use an expression of holy writ, "a whited sepulchre," for burying your lives, liberty and property.

YoMX Judges, smd your Legislative Cou7icil, as it is called, are depend- ant on your Governor, and he is dependant on the servant of the Crown, in Cireat-Rritain. The legislative, executive 2inA jxtdging powers are all moved by the nods of a Minister. Privileges and immunities last no

October, 1774 111

longer than his smiles. When he frowns, their feeble forms dissolve. Such a treacherous ingenuity has been exerted in drawing up the code lately offered you, that every sentence, beginning with a benevolent pretension, concludes with a destructive power; and the substance of the whole, divested of its smooth woi-ds, is — that the Crown and its Ministers shall be as absolute throughout your extended province, as the despots of Asia or Africa. What can protect your property from taxing edicts, and the rapacity of necessitous and cruel masters? your persons from Letters de Cachet, goals, dungeons, and oppressive services? your lives and general liberty from ar})itrary and unfeeling rulers? We defy you, casting jour view upon every side, to discover a single circumstance, promising from s.ny quarter the faintest hope of liberty to you or your posterity, but from an entire adoption into the union of these Colonies.

What advice would the truly great man befoi'e-mentioned, that advo- cate of freedom and humanit}', give you, was he now living, and knew that we, your numerous and powerful neighbours, animated by a just love of our invaded rights, and united by the indissoluble bands of affection and interest, called upon you, liy axQvy obligation of regard for yourselves and 3'our children, as we now do, to join us in our right- eous contest, to make common cause with us therein, and take a noble chance for emerging from a humiliating subjection under Governors, Intendants, and Military' Tyrants, into the firm rank and condition of English freemen, whose custom it is, derived from their ancestors, to make those tremble, who dare to tliink of making them miserable?

Would not this bo the purport of his address? " Seize the oppor- tunity presented to j'ou by Providence itself. You have been con- quered into liberty, if you act as you ought. This work is not of man. You are a small people, compared to those who with open arms invite you into a fellowship. A moment's reflection should convince you which will be most for your interest and happiness, to have all the rest of North-America 3'our unalterable friends, or your inveterate enemies. The injuries of Boston have roused and associated every colony, from Nova-Scotia to Georgia. Your pi'ovince is the only link wanting, to compleat the bright and strong chain of union. Nature has joined your country to theirs. Do you join j'our political interests. For their own sakes, they never will desert or betra\' you. Be assured, that the happiness of a people inevitably depends on their liberty, and their spirit to assert it. The value and extent of the advantages ten-

112 Journals of Congress

dered to yon arc. immense. Heaven grant }'ou may not discover them to be l)lessings after the}' have bid j^ou an eternal adieu."

We are too well acquainted with the li})erality of sentiment distin- guishing your nation, to imagine, that difiVrence of religion will prej- udice 3'ou against a hearty amity with us. You know, that the tran- scendant nature of freedom elevates those, who unite in her cause, above all such low-minded infirmities. The Swiss Cantons furnish a memorable proof of this truth. Their union is composed of Roman Catholic and Protestant States, living in the utmost concord and peace with one another, and therebj' enabled, ever since the}- bravely vindi- cated their freedom, to defy and defeat every tyrant that has invaded them.

Sliould there be any among you, as there generally are in all societies, who prefer the favours of Ministers, and their own private interests, to tlie welfare of their country, the temper of such selfish persons will render them incredibly active in opposing all public-spirited measures, from an expectation of being well rewarded for their sordid industrj-, by their superiors; but we doubt not you will be upon your guard against such men, and not sacrifice the liberty and happiness of the whole Canadian people and their posterity, to gratify the avarice and ambition of individuals.

We do not ask you, hy this address, to commence acts of hostility against the government of our common Sovereign. We onl^y invite you to consult 3"our own glory and welfare, and not to suffer j'ourselves to be inveigled or intimidated by infamous ministers so far, as to become the instruments of their cruelt}' and despotism, but to unite with us in one social compact, formed on the generous principles of equal lib- erty, and cemented by such an exchange of beneticial and endearing offices as to render it perpetual. In order to complete this highly desirable union, we submit it to your consideration, whether it may not be expedient for you to meet together in your several towns and districts, and elect Deputies, who afterwards meeting in a provincial Congress, may chuse Delegates, to represent your province in the continental Congress to be held at Philadelphia on the tenth day of May, 177.5.

In this present Congress, beginning on the fifth of the last month, and continued to this day, it has been, with universal pleasure and an unanimous vote, resolved. That we should consider the violation of your rights, by the act for altering the government of your province,

October, 1774 113

as a violation of our own. and that jou should be invited to accede to our confederation, which has no other objects than the perfect security of the natural and civil rights of all the constituent members, accord- ing to their respective circumstances, and the preservation of a happy and lasting connection with Great-Britain, on the salutaiy and consti- tutional principles herein before mentioned. For effecting these pur- poses, we have addi-essed an humble and loyal petition to his ^Majesty, praj'ing relief of our and your grievances; and have associated to stop all importations from Great-Britain and Ireland, after the first day of December, and all expurtations to those Kingdoms and the West-Indies, after the tenth day of next September, unless the said grievances arc redressed.

That Almighty God may incline your minds to approve our equita- ble and necessary measures, to add yourselves to us, to put your fate, whenever you suffer injuries which 3'ou are determined to oppose, not on the small influence of your single province, but on the consolidated powers of North-America, and may grant to our joint exertions an event as happy as our cause is just, is the fervent prayer of us, your sincere and affectionate friends and fellow-subjects.

Bj^ oi'der of the Congress,

Henry Middlktox, Prcside)it.

The Address to the King being engi'ossed & compared was signed at the table.

Resolved that the Address of the Congress to the peo- ple of Canada [Quebec] be signed by the President & that the delegates of the province of Pensylvania super- intend the translating, printing, pttblishing & dispersing them ; and it is recommended by the Congress to the delegates of Newhampshire, Massachusetts l^ay & New York to assist in & forward the dispersion of the said address.

The [Two copies of the] Address to the King being engrossed & compared was signed at the table by all the members

Resolved That the Thanks of this Congress be given to the honourable House of Representatives of the Colony of

30127— VOL 1—04 8

114 Journals of Congress

Peusylvania for their politeness to this Congress and that the delegates for this Colony be a Committee to com- municate this Resolution to the said Hono"'' House. The Congress then dissolved itself.

A letter from general Gage to Peyton Randolph., esquire.

Boston, October '30th, 177 1^. Sir,

Representations should be made with candour, and matters stated exactly as they stand. People would be led to believe, from 3'our letter to me of the 10th instant, that works were raised against the town of Boston, private property invaded, the soldiers suffered to insult the inhabitants, and the communication between the town and countr}', shut up and molested.

Nothing can be farther from the true situation of this place than the above state. There is not a single gun pointed against the town, no man's property has been seized or hurt, except the king's, by the people's destroying straw, bricks, &c. bought for his service. No troops have given less cause for complaint, and greater care was never taken to prevent it; and such care and attention was never more necessary from the insults and provocations daily given to both offi- cers and soldiers. The communication between the town and country has been alwaj's free and unmolested, and is so still.

Two works of earth have been raised at some distance from the town, wide off tlieroatl, and guns put in them. The remainder of old works, going out of the town, have been strengthened, and guns placed there likewise. People will think differently, whether the hostile prepara- tion throughout the country, and the menaces of blood and slaughter, made this necessary; but 1 am to do my dut\'.

It gives me pleasure that you are endeavouring at a cordial reconcil- iation with the mother country, which, from what has transpired, 1 have despaired of. Nobody wishes better success to such measures than myself. I have endeavoured to be a mediator, if 1 could establish a foundation to work upon, and have strongl}' urged it to people here to pay for the tea, and send a proper memorial to the king, which would be a good beginning on their side, and give their friends the opportunity they seek to move in their support.

October, 1774 115

I do not believe that menaces, and unfriendly proceedings, will have the effect which too man^' conceive. The spirit of the British nation was high when 1 left England, and such measures will not abate it. But I should hope that decency and moderation here, would create the same disposition at home; and I ardently wish that the common enemies to both countries may see, to their disappointment, that these disputes, between the mother-country and the colonies, have terminated like the quarrels of lovers, and increased the affection which they ought to bear to each other.

1 am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

Thojus Gage.

To Secretary of Congrem.

Williamsburg No€ 18'!" 177i Sir,

General Gage favour'd me with an answer to the letter sent to him bj' the Congress, and not knowing well what to do with it in our state of dissolution, 1 directed it should be published in our papers. I now enclose you a copy, with a view to have it dispersed more speedily for the information of mj' brother delegates. It wou'd not be amiss to give it a page in our Journals, but I am afraid this can't be done with convcniency. The original I mean for the archives of the Congress, when a good opportunity shall offer for placing it there.

M"' Willing promised to send me over a copy of our proceedings, as soon as Mf Bradford shou'd corapleat his publication; be pleased to put him in mind of his promise. I shall be obliged to you to let me have Uy the same conveyance a copy of the petition to his Majesty, of which you may be assui'ed no improper use shall be made. I am with great respect your most obed' serv'

Peyton Randolph.

The Petiti<m of Congress.

To tJm Kings -most excellent majesty

Most gracious Sovereign

W^e your majestys faithful subjects of the colonies of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-b.ay, Rhode-island and Pi'ovidence Plantations, Connecti- cut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New-Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South Carolina, in behalf of ourselves and the inhabitants of these

116 Journals of Congress

colonies who have deputed us to represent them in General Congress, b}' this our humble petition, beg leave to lay our grievances before the throne.

A standing army has been kept in these colonies, ever since the con- clusion of the late war, without the consent of our assemblies; and this army with a considerable naval armament has been employed to enforce the collection of taxes.

The Authority of the commander in chief, and. luider him, of the brigadiers general has in time of peace, been rendered supreme in all the civil governments in America.

The commander in chief of all your majesty's forces in North-America has, in time of peace, been appointed governor of a colony.

The charges of usual offices have been greatly increased; and, new, expensive and oppressive offices have been multiplied.

The judges of admiralty and vice-admiralty courts are empowered to receive their salaries and fees from the effects condemned by them- selves. The officers of the customs are empowered to break open and enter houses without the authority of any civil magistrate founded on legal information.

The judges of courts of common law have been made entirely dependant on one part of the legislature for their salaries, as well as for the duration of their commissions.

Councellors holding their commissions, during pleasure, exercise legislative authority.

Humble and reasonable petitions from the representatives of the people have been fruitless.

The agents of the people have been discountenanced and governors have been instructed to prevent the payment of their salaries.

Assemblies have been repeatedly and injuriously dissolved.

Commerce has been burthened with many useless and oppressive restrictions.

By several acts of parliament made in the fourth. Kfth, sixth, seventh, and eighth years of your majestj-s reign, duties are imposed on us, for the purpose of raising a revenue, and the powers of admi- ralty and vice-admiralty courts are extended beyond their ancient limits, whereby our property is taken from us without our consent, the trial by jury in many civil cases is abolished, enormous forfeitures are incurred for slight oliences, vexatious informers are exempted from paying damages, to which thej' are justly liable, and oppressive

October, 1774 117

security is required from owners before thej' are allowed to defend their right.

Both houses of parliament have resolved that colonists may be tried in England, for oti'ences alledged to have been eonmiitted in America, by virtue of a statute passed in the thirt}^ tifth year of Henrj' the eighth; and in consequence thereof, attempts have been made to enforce that statute. A statute was passed in the twelfth ycax of your majesty's reign, directing, that persons charged with committing any offence therein described, in any place out of the realm, may be indicted and tried for the same, in any shire or county within the realm, whereby inhabitants of these colonies may, in sundry cases bj^ that statute made capital, be deprived of a trial by their peers of the vicinage.

In the last sessions of parliament, an act was passed for blocking up the harbour of Boston; another, empowering the governor of the Massachusetts-bay to send persons indicted for murder in that prov- ince to another colonj' or even to Great Britain for trial whereby such offenders may escape legal punishment; a third, for altering the chartered constitution of government in that province; and a fourth for extending the limits of Quebec, abolishing the English and restor- ing the French laws, whereb}' great niunbers of British freemen are subjected to the latter, and establishing an absolute government and the Roman Catholick religion throughout those ^'ast regions, that border on the westerly and northerly boundaries of the fi'ee protestant English settlements; and a tifth for tlie better providing suitable quarters for officers and soldiers in his majesty's service in North- Am(n-ica.

To a sovereign, who '"glories in the name of Briton" the bare recital of these acts must we presume, justify the loyal subjects, who fly to the foot of his throne and implore his clemency for protection against them.

From this destructive system of colony administration adopted since the conclusion of the last war, have flowed those distresses, dangers, fears and jealousies, that overwhelm your majesty's dutiful colonists with aflSiction; and we defy our most subtle and inveterate enemies, to trace the unhappy differences between Great-Britain and these col- onies, from an earlier period or from other causes than we have assigned. Had they proceeded on our pai-t from a restless levity of temper, unjust impulses of ambition, or artful suggestions of sedi-

118 Jotirnals of Congress

tious persons, we should merit the opprobrious terms frequently bestowed upon us, by those we revere. But so far from promoting innovations, we have only opposed them; and can be charged with no offence, unless it be one, to receive injuries and be sensible of them.

Had our creator been pleased to give us existence in a land of slavery, the sense of our condition might have been mitigated by ignorance and habit. But thanks be to his adoreable goodness, we were born the heirs of freedom, and ever enjoyed our right under the auspices of your royal ancestors, whose family was seated on the British throne, to rescue and secure a pious and gallant nation from the popery and despotism of a superstitious and inexorable tyrant. Your majesty, we are confident, justly rejoices, that j^our title to the crown is thus founded on the title of your people to liberty, and there- fore we doubt not, but your roj^al wisdom must approve the sensibil- ity, that teaches your subjects anxiously to guard the blessings, they received from divine providence, and thereby to prove the perform- ance of that compact, which elevated the illustrious house of Bruns- wick to the imperial dignity it now possesses.

The apprehension of being degraded into a state of servitude from the pre-eminent rank of English freemen, while our minds retain the strongest love of liberty, and clearly foresee the miseries preparing for us and our posterity, excites emotions in our breasts, which though we cannot describe, we should not wish to conceal. Feeling as men, and thinking as subjects, in the manner we do, silence would be disloyalty. By giving this faithful information, we do all in our power, to promote the great objects of your royal cares, the tranqu'l- lity of your government, and the welfai'e of your people.

Duty to your majesty and regard for the preservation of ourselves and our posterity, the primarj^ obligations of nature and society com- mand us to entreat your royal attention; and as your majesty enjoys the signal distinction of reigning over freemen, we apprehend the language of freemen can not be displeasing. Your royal indignation, we hope, will rather fall on those designing and dangerous men, who daringly interposing themselves between your royal person and your faithful subjects, and for several years past incessantly employed to dissolve the bonds of society, by abusing your majesty's authority, misrepre- senting your American subjects and prosecuting the most desperate and irritating projects of oppression, have at length compelled us, by the force of accumulated injuries too severe to be any longer tolerable, to disturb your majesty's repose by our complaints.

October, 1774 119

These sentiments are extorted from hearts, that much more willingly would l)leed in your majesty's service. Yet so greatly' have we been misrepresented, that a necessity has been alledged of taking our prop- erty from us without our consent "to defray the charge of the adminis- tration of justice, the support of civil government, and the defence protection and security of the colonies." But we beg leave to assure 3^our majesty, that such provision has been and will be made for defrayiug the two lirst articles, as has been and shall be judged, by the legislatures of the several colonies, just and suitable to their respective circumstances: And for the defence protection and security of the colonies, their militias, if properly regulated, as they earnestly desire may immediately be done, would be fully sufficient, at least in times of peace; and in case of war, your faithful colonists will be ready and willing, as they ever have been when constitutionally required, to demonstrate their loyalt}^ to your majesty, by exerting their most strenuous efforts in granting supplies and raising forces. Yielding to no British subjects, in afl'ectionate attachment to your majesty's person, family and government, we too dearly prize the privilege of expressing that attachment by those proofs, that are honourable to the prince who receives them, and to the people who give them, ever to resign it to any body of men upon earth.

Had we been permitted to enjoy in quiet the inheritance left us by our forefathers, we should at this time have been peaceably, oheer- full}' and usefully employed in recommending ourselves by every tes- timony of devotion to your majesty, and of veneration to the state, from which we derive our origin. But though now exposed to unex- pected and unnatural scenes of distress by a contention with that nation, in whose parental guidance on all important affairs we have hitherto with filial reverence constantly trusted, and therefore can derive no instruction in our present unhappy and perplexing circum- stances from any former experience, yet we doul)t not, the purity of our intention and the integrity of our conduct will justify us at that grand tribunal, before which all mankind must submit to judgment.

We ask but for peace, liberty, and safety. W'e wish not a diminu- tion of the prerogative, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right in our favour. Your roj'al authority over us and our connexion with Great-Britain, we shall always carefully and zealously endeavour to support and maintain.

Filled with sentiments of duty to your majesty, and of affection to

120 Journals of Congress

our parent state, deeply impressed by our education and strongly con- firmed by our reason, and anxious to evince the sincerity of these dis- positions, we present this petition ovlXj to obtain redress of grievances and relief fi'om fears and jealousies occasioned by the system of stat- utes and regulations adopted since the close of the late war, for rais- ing a revenue in America — extending the powers of courts of admir- alty and vice-admiraltj' — trying persons in Great Britain for offences alledged to be committed in America — affecting the province of Mas- sachusetts-bay, and altering the government and extending the limits of Quebec; by the abolition of which system, the harmony between Great-Britain and these colonies so necessarj^ to the happiness of both and so ardently desired by the latter, and the usual intercourses will be immediately restored. In the magnanimity and justice of your majesty and parliament we confide, for a redi'ess of our other griev- ances, trusting, that when the causes of our apprehensions are removed, our future conduct will prove us not unworthy of the regard, we have been accustomed, in our happier days, to enjoy. For appealing to that being who searches thoroughly the hearts of his ci'eatures, we solemnly profess, that our councils have been inffuenced by no other motive, than a dread of impending destruction.

Permit us then, most gracious sovereign, in the name of all your faithful people in America, with the utmost humility to implore j'ou, for the honour of Almighty God, whose pure religion our enemies are undermining; for your glory, which can l)e advanced only by rendering your subjects happy and keeping them united; for the interests of your famih' depending on an adherence to the principles that enthroned it; for the safety and welfare of your kingdoms and dominions threatened with almost unavoidable dangers and distresses; that 3'our majesty, as the loving father of 3'our whole people, connected by the same bands of law, loyalty, faith and blood, though dwelling in various countries, will not suffer the transcendant relation formed I)}' these ties to be farther violated, in uncertain expecta- tion of effects, that, if attained, never can compensate for the calamities, through which thoy must be gained.

We therefore most earnestly beseech your majesty-, that your royal authority and interposition may be used for our relief; and that a gracious answer may be given to this petition.

That your majesty may enjoy every felicity througli a long and glorious reign over loyal and happy subjects, and that your descend-

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ants may inherit j^our prosperity iind dominions 'til time shall be no more, is and alwaj^s will be our sincere and t'erv ent prayer.

Henry Middleton Jn" Sullivan NathI Folsom Thomas Cushing Samuel Adams John Adams Kobf Treat Paine Step Hopkins Sam: Ward Elipht Dyer Roger Sherman Silas Deane Phil. Livingston John Alsop Isaac Low Jas. Duane John Jay W" Floyd Henr^^ Wisner S: Bu?rum Wil: Livingston John De Hart Step" Crane Rich'' Smith p] Diddle J: Galloway

John Dickinson John Morton Thomas Mifflin George Ross Cha" Humphreys Ciesar Rodney Tho'M:Kean Geo: Read Mat. Tilgliman Th'! Johnson Jun'' W".' Paca Samuel Chase Richard Henry Lee Patrick Henry G" Washington Edmund Pendleton Richi Bland Benj" Harrison Will Hooper Joseph Hewes R'^ Caswell Tho Lynch Chris' Gadsden J. Rutledge P^dward Rutledge

Agents to whom the Address to King is to be sent for New Hampshire, Paul Wentworth Esqr fWilliam BoUan Esq"", Massachusetts bay,|Doctr Benj: Franklin

iDocf Arthur Lee. Rhode Island, none Connecticut, Thomas Life, Esqf New Jersey, Docf Benj. Franklin Pensylvania, ditto

122 Journals of Congress

New York, Edmund Burke Delaware, Maryland 1 Virginia, N. Carolina} South Carolina, Charles Garth, Esqf Wednesday sent an Address to the King & under rover to Docfi Franklin directed to the above Agents.

27. Thursday. Sent pr M!' H. Middleton )i letters to Georgia, one directed to Glen the other to Lyman Hall & others. Also one to East Florida & one to West Florida. Same day sent p!" M!' S. Adams a Letter to Nova Scotia & one to S' Johns. "

6 Nov", sent the 2'' copy of Address to his Majesty by Capt" Falconer.

The Address to the people of Quebec being translated by M!' Simi-

teir,' 2000 copies were struck off, of which 300 were sent to Boston by

Capt" Wier 16'!* Nov^

,T%

Charles Tlumtson to Franklin

Philad* Oct: 26, 177 It

SiK

This day the Congress broke up, the papers are not all got ready, but will be sent to you hy the next opportunity. As a vessel sails to morrow morning early I am ordered to forward to you the petition to the King. Endorsed: "Capt. Morwick is particularly requested to take great care of these and deliver it as soon as possible, it being the Petition from the Congress"

Nm. i, 1771t Sir

I have the honour to forward to you, the address to the King and an address to the people of Great Britain & these colonies. I was in hopes by this opportunity to have sent you the Journal of the pro- ceedings of the congress which is in the press.

I hope administration will see and be convinced that it is not a little faction, but the whole body of American freeholders from Nova Scotia to Georgia that now complain & apply for redress; and who, 1 am sure, will resist rather than submit.

' Pierre Eugene tlu Siinitiere.

^ With this entry the record of Charles Thomson ends; but what follows will carry on the Btory of the Petition until the meeting of the Congress of 1775.

October, 1774 123

When I look back and consider the warm affection which the colo- nists had for Great Britain till the present reign, the untiiinted loyalty, unshaken fidelity & cheerful confidence that universallj'^ prevailed till that time, & then view the present heart hurnings, jealousies, trloom & despair, I am read}' to ask, with the poet "Are there not some chosen thunders in the stores of heaven armed with uncommon wrath to blast those men," who by their cursed schemes of policy are drag- ging friends & brothers into the horrors of civil war & involving their country in ruin.

Even yet the wound may be healed & peace and love restored; But we are on the very edge of the precipice. I am &c

Cha. Thomson

FrunM'hi t(i W. >.{; R. MoUefmi.

Craven Street, Dec. 21, 74 Gentlemen :

1 am much obliged by your friendly offer of accompanying me in presenting the Petition. It is committed to the Care of Sundry Gen- tlemen who meet this Day to consider the Mode of presenting it. What they will agree on is uncertain. If it were a Petition from llerxhants in America on the subject of Ci^tmnei'ce there might be more Propi'iety in its being accompanied to the Throne by the Ameri- can jNIei'chants here; but as it chiefly relates to the political Grievances of the Americans, perhaps it will be thought best not to give Mer- chants here the Trouble of accompanying it, as probably tiiey will form a Petition of their own, on the mischievous Interruption their Commerce is likely to sustain by a continuance of the present Measures. I am &c

B. F.'

To W. & R. MOLLESON.

When the Petition first came over, an Accident had happen'd to the Paper that made it unfit to be presented,

Therefore a Duplicate was waited for, being expected in some other ship.

Before that arriv'd Lord Hillsborough was gone to Ireland

'See Frauklin'H irri(j»(/«, (Bigelow's Edition,) V, 489.

124 Journals of Congress

On his Return B. F. waited on liim 5 several times, or rather endeav- oured to wait on him, but was always refus'd admittance, or his L'' deny'd.

In the meantime hearing^ that his L" had declar'd the Minister who proposed the Repeal of that Act would deserve to be hang'd & also that his LV talk'd of resig-ning-, B. F. thought it best to wait a little longer.'

' Ms. of B. F. in Franklin Papers, Lil)rary of Congress.

"The American petition came under cover to Dr Franklin, bnt consigned to five gentlemen, viz. the Doctor himself, Mr. Burke, Mr Garth, i\Ir Arthur Lee and Paul Wentworth, to be by them presented to the king attended by as many Americans and merchants as could be prevailed upon to take a part in the business, or to be delivered to your Lordship in order to be presented. The petitioners recommend the first mode, but imderstand Br Franklin adopts the latter. They were to meet today at Waghorn's coffee house, but Paul Wentworth (from whom I have these particulars) deilines acting, and says the petition is an assertion of all their claims in a very high tone and with very offensive expressions." Note endorsed "Mr Pownall," and dated 20 Becember, 1774, Dartmouth MSS.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

125

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BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTES^

September 22.

Preliminary non-importation.

1. Pliiladelphiii. . In Congress, Thursday, kSeptember 22, 1774. / Resolved, / / [Philadelphia:] Printed by W. and T. Brad- ford.

4°. Broadside.

Reproduced opposite page 43 of this volume, from the original in the Simitiere collection in the Library Company of Philadelphia. This resolution was pub- lished in the Pennsylvania Paclcet, September 26, 1774.

October 20.

Non-importation, &c. agreement.

2. The ' Association, tec. [Philadelphia: Printed by W. and T. Bradford. 1774.]

8<=. pp. 11.

The New York Public Library has Richard Smith's copy with signatures of the members of the Congress. Another copy, with signatures, is in the Penn- sylvania Historical Society.

Copies of the pamphlet without the signatures are in the Library of Congress and the Boston Athenseimi. Tlie first page is reproduced opposite page 75 of this volume.

3. The following Extract from the Votes and Pro- / ceedings of the American Continental Congress, we are induced to publish thus early purely to ' ease the Impatience of our Readers. / Association. &c. [New York:?]

8°. pp. 8 Copies are in the Library of Congress and in the New York Historical Society. It may have been "made up" in pages from some newspaper broadside.

4. The following Extracts from the Votes and Proceedings of the American Continental Congress, / we are induced to publish thus early purely to ease the Impatience of the Public. / Association, &c. Sold at the Printing Office in New Haven.

F°. pp. 2. A copy is in the Emmet collection in the New York Public Library.

'The basis of these notes is Paul Leicester Ford's "Some materials for a biblio- graphy of the official publications of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789," first issued in the Bulletin of Boston Public Library, and reissued in separate form in

1888.

127

128 Journals of Congress

5. The following Extracts froui the Votes and Proceedings of the American / Continental Congress, we are induced to publish thus early purely to ease / the Impatience of our Readers. / Association, &c." Boston: Printed by Edes & Gill.

F°. Broadside. ('opies are in the Ma.ssaolnisett,s Historii^al Siiciety anil the American Antiqua- rian Society.

6. [Same as No. 5, l)ut with the imprint of T & J. Pleet.]

F" Broadside.

Copies are in tlie Library of Congress, the Maasacliusetts Historical Society, and the American Antiquarian Society.

It is i5robable that the Association was issued in eacli colonj- and as a l)road- side or a supplement to the local newspaper; so that this list will apply only to suth issues as have come to the notice of the editor.

The Penmylrmda Packet oi October 31, 1774, contained the Association, together with the following resolutions:

[1] October 8. Approving the opposition of the inhabitants of the Massachu- setts Bay to the execution of the late acts of Parliament.

[2] October 10. On the removal of the inhabitants of Boston and recommend- ing sulimission. This newspaper version differs from that in the Journals ( page 59 ante) in that the second paragraph reads "and the laws founded thereon, until the effects of oar application for a repeal of the acts by vliich their charter rights are infringed is knoum." The words in italics were omitted in the Journals.

[3] October 11. The letter to General (iage, and the resolution advising peace- able conduct toward Gage by the Bostonians.

[4] October 21. A resolution justifying resistance to seizure.

[.')] October 22. Resolution for holding another Congress in May, 1775.

[6] October 25. Resolution of thanks to those in England who have espoused the cause of America.

October 21.

Address and Memorial.

7. To the / People of Great Britain, / from the / Delegates, /

Appointed by the several English Co- / lonies . . . I I ... I

to consider of / their Grievances in General Con- / gross, at Phila- delphia, Septem- / ber 5th, 1774. / . . . [Philadelphia: Printed by

W. and T. Bradford. 1774.]

.s° pp. 36.

Contains the letter of Congress to the "People of Great Britain," and that to the "Inhabitants of the Colonies." The order to print is to be found on page 101 ante. Paul Leicester Ford says: "The text of the letter to the ' Inhabitants of the Colonies' was slightly altered in the subsequent issues, and copies of this first edition are sometimes found with MS. corrections of the changes made."

The two papers were printed in the Pennsylvania Packet, November 7, 1774.

Bibliographical Notes 129

8. Two ' Letters / from the / American Continental Congress, / lield / At Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774. / The one Addressed to the / People of Great Britain. ,' And the other to the / Inhabitants of the American Colonies. / Coventry': / Printed and Sold by J. W. Piercy, in Broad-gate. 177.5. ' (Price Two-pence.)

8;' pp. (4) 22.

g. A Letter to the People of Great Britain from the Delegates of the American ('ongress in Philadelphia. [London] Andrews, Little Eastcheap.

8° pp. 16.

The John Carter Brown Library has a title like this, without imprint, which is assigned to Pliiladelphia. This assignment, however, is doubtful.

October 26.

Letter to Quebec.

10. A Letter / to the / Inhabitants / of the / Province / of / Quebec. / Extract from the Minutes of the Conoress. / Philadel- phia: / Printed by William and Thomas Bradford, / October, 1774.

8" pp. (2), [37]-50. Copies are in the Pennsylvania Historical Society and in the John Carter Brown Library.

The letter was printtol in the Pniiuylvania Packet, November 14, 1774.

11. To the / Inhabitants / of the Province of ' Quebec. ' From the / Continental Congress, at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774. / [Colophon.] [New York:] Printed l)v John Holt, in Dock Street. ri774.]

\ ^° PP- 7-

12. (5-in Sd)rcibcii / an bic / CiinPDliiicr ,' bcr / ^|irrliiii^ / Quebec. / Vliioyiij aii6 bcin ^l^rotocpll bed (iomjrcffcS. / ^4.U)ilabclpl)ui, ,' Webnicft itnb \\\ babcn bcl) .'vjcinriri) miVnx, I 1774.

8" pp. (2), [63]-76.

13. Lettre adressee / aux Habitans / de la Province ' de / Quebec, / Ci-devant le Canada. / De la part du Congres General de I'Am- / cri(jue Septentrionale, tenu a Philadclphie. Imprime & public par Ordrc du Congres. / A Philadclphie, De Flmprimerie de Fleurv Mesplet. M. DCC. LXXIV.

8? pp. (2). 18.

The translation wa.s made by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere.

Copies are in the Library Company of Philadelphia and the John Carter Brown Library. 30127— VOL 1—04 9

130 Journals of Congress

14. A / Clear Idea / of the General and Uncorrupted / Bi'itish Constitution: / in an / Address to the Inhabitants / of the / Province of Quebec. / From the Forty-nine Delegates in the Continental / Congress at Philadelphia: / September 5, to October 10, 1774. / Extracted from the Votes and Proceedings. [London: Dilly and Almon, 1774.]

8': pp. 8.

A copy is in the Massachusetts Historical Society.

15. Extract, fromtheJournal of the proceedings, of the ho- / norable the American Continental Congress, .../... Being that part / of their Address to the Inhabitants of the Province of / Quebec, which enumerates, the glorious rights of / Englishmen, . . . / [Philadel- phia: Printed by R. Bell, 1776.]

8? pp. 6. Usually found as a svipplement to " Plain Truth .... " byCandidus. Phila- delpia: 1776.

October 26.

Petition to the King.

16. To Peyton Randolph, Esq. [Philadelphia: W. and T. Bradford.

1774.]

8vo. pp. [133]-144.

Issued as a supplement to No. 43, and containing the letter from (ieneral Gage to Randoljjh, and the Petition to the King.

The letter from Gage was printed in the Pennsylvania Packet, November 28, 1774; but the Petition to the King did not appear until January 17, 1775, when it was issued as a "Postscript Extra to the Pennsylvania Packet, Jan. 17, 1774," and repeated in the issue of January 23, 1775.

17. The / Petition / of the / Continental Congress / to the / King. / And General Gage's Letter / to the Honorable / Peyton Randolph, Esq.; / In Answer to one wrote by the Congress. / Philadelphia: / Printed by William and Thomas Bradford, / at the London Coflfee- House. / MDCCLXXIV.

8". pp. (2), [133]-144. Same as No. 16, with a title-p£^e added.

18. The / Petition / of the / Grand American Continental / Con- gress, / to the King's / Most Excellent Majesty. / America. / Bos- ton, Printed and sold at the Printing-OfEco, near / the Mill-Bridge.

16° pp. 8. A copy is in the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Bibliographical Notes 131

October 27.

Extracts from the Votes.

" We are informed that the Proceedmgs of the Honorable Congress are now in the press, and will in a few days be made public." Pennsijhxmia Packet, October 24, 1774.

19. Extracts From the / Votes and Proceeding.s / of the Ameri- can Continental Congress, / Held at Philadeipliia on the / 5th of September, 1774. Containing The Bill of Kights, a List of Griev- / ances, Occasional Resolves, the / Association, an Address to the People of Great-Britain, and a Memorial / to the Inhabitants of the British ' American Colonics. ' Published by order of the Congress. / Philadelphia: Printed by William and Thomas Bradford, / October 27, M, DCC, LXXIV.

8? pp. (4), 12, 11. 36.

20. Same title and imprint.

21. Same title and imprint.

A copy is in the Library Compan)- of Philadelphia.

22. Same title and imprint.

S'.' pp. 23, 36. S" pp. (1), 11, 50.

S° pp. (4), 23, 50.

A copy is in the Pennsylvania Historical Society.

"The first collation (No. 19) is, I believe, the finst edition of this famous pamphlet, being 'made up,' apparently, from the remainders of Nos. 2 and 7, with the addition of the Bill of Rights and List of Grievances. The Letter to the Inhabitants of Quebec (No. 10), though printed after this was issued, and having a separate title, is intended to be a jiart of the Extracts." Paul Leicester Ford.

23. Extracts ; from the / Votes and Proceedings of the Ameri- can / Continental / Congress, ;' Held at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774, / Containing ' The Bill of Rights, a List of (xrievances. Occa- sional Resolves, the Association, an ; Address to the People of Great- Britain, / a Memorial to the Inhabitants of the / British American Colonies, and a Petition / to the King. / To which is added, / The Proceedings of the / Provincial Convention, Held at Philadelphia, January 23, 1775. / Published by order of the Provincial Conven- tion. / Philadelphia: ; Printed by William and Thomas Bradford, / at the London Cofl'ee-Hoase. / M, DCC, LXXV.

8" pp. 80. A <'Opy is in the Pennsylvania Historical Society.

24. Extracts / From the ' Votes and Proceedings ' Of the Ameri- can Continental / Congress, / Held at Philadelphia on the / 5th of

132 Journals of Congress

September, 1774. , Containing The Bill of Rights, a List of Griev- i ances, Occasional Kesolves, the Asso- / ciation, an Address to the People of / Great-Britain, and a Memorial to / the Inhabitants of the British / American Colonies. / Published by Order of the Congress. / Philadelphia: Printed. / Boston: / Re-Printed by Edes and Gill, in Queen street, / and T. and J. Fleet, in Cornhill. / M. DCC. LXXIV.

8° pp. 49.

A copy is in the Massachusetts Historical Society.

25. Same title and imprint.

8° pp. 56.

A copy is in the Library of Congress. Tliis second issue contains the Suffolk Eesolutiona, the Letter to the Inhabitants of Quebec, and some minor Kesolu- tions, not included in the earlier issue.

26. Extracts / from the ' Votes and Proceedings / of the Ameri- can Continentiil / Congress, / Held at Philadelphia on the / 5th of September, 1774. / Containing / The Bill of Rights, a List of Grievan- / ces, Occasional Resolves, the Association, an / Address to the People of Great-Britain, / and a Memorial to the Inhabitants of the / British American Colonies. / Published by Order of the Congress. ' Phila- delphia, Printed: / Boston, Re-printed: And sold by John Boyle / in Marlborough-Street, and Mills and Hicks in / School -Street. 1774.

S." pp. 43.

27. Same title and imprint.

8° pp. 52.

A copy is in the Massachusetts Historical Society. It contains the Letter to the Inhabitants of Quebec.

28. Same title. Philadelphia. Printed: Boston, Re-printed: And

sold by John Bojde, in Marlborough-Street, and Mills and Hicks in

School-Street, and Cox and Berry in King-Street.

8P pp. 43. Title from Stevens's Nuggets, No. 10.31.

29. Extracts from the I Votes and Proceedings / of the /

American Continental ' Congress, / held at / Philadelphia, / On the

5th of September, 1774. / Containing / The Bill of Rights, a List of

Grievances, / Occasional Resolves, the Association, an Address ' to

the People of Great-Britain, and a Memorial to / the Inhabitants of

the British American Colonies. / Published by Order of the Congress.

/ Philadelphia: Printed. / Hartford: Re-printed by Eben. Watson,

near / the Great-Bridge.

8." pp. 48. Includes the Letter to the Inhabitants of Quebec.

Bibliographical Notes 133

30. Extracts / from the ' Votes and Proceedings ' of the ' Ameri- cau Continental / Congress. ; Held at Philadelphia, ; on the Fifth of September, 1774. / Containing, / The Bill of Rights, a List of Griev- ances, Occasional / Resolves, the Association, an Address to the Peo- ple / of Great- Britain, and a Memorial to the Inhabitants / of the British American Colonies. / Published by order of the Congress. / Philadelphia printed. / London: Reprinted for J. Almon, opposite / Burlington House, Piccadilly. / MDCCLXXIV.

8? pp. (4), 82. A copy ia in the Boston Athenaeum.

31. Same imprint, but with a slight variation in the lining of the title, thus, ''An Address to the 1 People of Great Britain and a Memo- rial to the / Inhabitants of the British American Colonies."

8" pp. (4), .--,9, (1).

32. Extracts ) from the Votes and Proceedings of the / Amei'i- can Continental / Congress. / Held at Philadelphia on the 5th of Sep- tember, 1774. / Containing ' The Bill of Rights, a List of Grievances, Occasional Resolves, / the Association, an Address to the People of Great-Britain, / a Memorial to the Inhabitants of the British Ameri- can / Colonies, and an Address to the Inhabitants of the Province of /Quebec. / Published bj^ Order of the Congress. / New-London: / Printed and sold by Timothv (ireen. 1774.

4P pp. 70. A copy is iu tlie Boston Athen;eum.

33. Extracts / From the Votes and Proceedings / of the Amer- ican Continental / Congress. / Held at Philadelphia, / On the 5th of September, 1774. / Containing, / The Bill of Rights, a List of Griev- ances, ; Occasional Resolves, the Association, an , Address to the People of Great-Britain, Memo- / rial to the Inhabitants of the Brit- ish American / Colonies, and an Address to the Inhabitants of / Que- bec. / Published by order of the Congress. / New-London: / Printed by Timothy Green, M, DCC, LXXIV.

4? pp. 70.

34. Extracts / from the / Votes and Proceedings ' of the / Ameri- can Continental Congress, / Held at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774. ,' Containing / The Bill of Rights, / A List of Grievances, , Occasional Resolves, / The Association, / An Address to the Peo- / pie of Great-Britain, / And a Memorial to the / Inhab- itants of the British American Colonies. / Published by Order of

134 Journals of Congress

the Congress. / Philadelphia, Printed: / Newport, Rhode Island. / Reprinted and sold by S. Southwick, in Queen-Street, 177-1.

S" pp. 69.

35. Extracts / from the / Votes and Proceedings / oftlic / Ameri- can / Continental Congress, / held ' At Philadelphia, 5th September, 1774. / Containing / The Bill of Rights, a List of Grievances, occa- sional / Resolves, the Association, an Address to the / People of Great-Britain, and a Memorial to the / Inhabitants of the British American Colonies. / Published by order of the Congress. / New- York. / Printed by H. Gaine, at the Bible and Crown in / Hanover- Square. ' M, DCC, LXXIV.

12° pp. 59. A copy is in the New York Historical Society.

36. Extracts / from the / Votes and Proceedings / Of the Ameri- can Continental / Congress. / Held at Philadelphia on tlie / 5th of September, 1771. ; Containing / The Bill of Rights, a List of Griev- ances, Occasional / Resolves, the Association, an Address to the Peo- ple of / Great-Britain, and a Memorial to the Inhabitants of the / British American Colonies. / Published by Order of the Congress. / Philadelphia: Printed. / New- York: Reprinted by John Holt, in Dock-Street.

1" pp. 25.

A copy is in the New Yorli Historical Society. Some copies have seven additional pages, containing Holt's issue of the Letter to the Inhabitants of Quebec, No. 11.

37. / Containing / The Bill of Rights, a List of Grievan-'ces Ocasional [.svV] Resolves, the Associa- tion, and Address to the People of / Great-Britain, and a Memorial to the / Inhabitants of British American / Colonies. / The Second Edition, to which is added Min- utes of the Journal. / Published by Order of the Congress. ' Phil- adelphia: Printed. / New- York: Reprinted b}^ John Holt in Dock- Street [1775.]

8° pp. 96.

A copy is in the New York Historical Society. Same as No. 44 lacking the preliminary four pages.

38. Extracts / from / The Votes and Proceedings of / the / Ameri- can / Continental Congress, / Held at Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1771./ Containing, / The Bill of Rights, a List of Grievances, occasional Resolves, The Association, and Address to the People of Great Britain, / and a Memorial to the Inhabitants of the British American/

Biblioyraphical Notes 135

Colonies. / Published bj- order of the Congress. Together with / an Address to the Inhabitants of Quebec, / to which are added, / The Resolve of the County of Suffolk, in the Province of Mass-'achu- setts-Bay, on the 8th of September, 1774; / with / A Letter from the County Delegates to General Gage, con- / cerning the Fortifications upon Boston Neck, and Unanimous Resolves of the Grand Conti- nental Congress, approving of their Wisdom and Fortitude; and recommending a perseverance in their firm and / temperate Conduct. / New- York: Printed for James Ri\-ington, 1774.

8? pp. 36. A copy is in the New York Historical Society.

39. Extracts / from the / Votes and Proceedings / of the / Ameri- can Continental / Congress, ' Held at Philadelphia on the fifth day of September, ' M.DCC. LXXIV. Containing, / The Bill of Rights, a List of Grievances, ' Occasional Resolves, The Association, An Ad- / dress to the People of Great-Britain, and a / Memorial to the Inhabi- tants of the British , American Colonies. / Published by Order of the Congress. ' Philadelphia: Printed. / Norwich: Reprinted bv Robert- sons and / Trumbull, M. DCC. LXXIV.

8? pp. 41. A copy is in tlie Jlaryland Historical Society.

40. An edition issued at Providence, Rhode Island, by John Carter, in 1774.

Title from Thomas and Haven.

41. Extracts from the , Votes and Proceedings ' Of the Ameri- can Continental Congress, / Held at Philadelphia ,' on the / 5th of Septemlier 1774. Williamsburg: / Printed by Alexander Purdie and John Dixon. M, DCC, LXXIV.

8? pp. 48, A copy is in the Library of Congress.

42. SliiS^i'igc / aii9 ben / Stimmiiiiijcii / imb / i<crbaiibliui3cii / bc6 / ^liiicritaiii» fdjcii , (ioiiflrcfi'ce / torn bcftcii i^anbc, / Okiialtcn yi ^|.il)ilabelphiii, bcii 5tcn Sept. 1774. ; (Jnthalfciib / bic ©ill bcr fltcditcii, cine 'stifle HPii ^Bc- / fdninnbcii iielciiciit» lid)c Sd)lii|'|'c, ciiic / ^Jlbi-qfc on bed isplf npii Wrotjbrit' / tannicn, uiib cin 'i'Jkinpritil an bic Gin» / l»ol)ncr bcr 2iritli|"d)»5lnicritanii'dicn / (iolonicn. / .^craiiSflcgcbcn auf 25cfclil bcftGontii-cffcO; nnb anc> bcm (ingli|"d)cn i'lbcrfcRt / ^|Jl)ilabclpI)ia, / Wcbnirft unb }u l)abcn bcl) ^cinrid) SJiiUcr. / 1774.

10" pp. 7G. A copy is in the Pennsylvania Historical Society.

136 Journals of Congress

Journal.

43. Journal / of the / Proceedings / of the / Congress, / Held at Philadelphia, / September 5, 1774. Philadelphia: / Printed by William and Thomas Bradfoi-d, at the London Coti'ee-House. / M, DCC, LXXIV.

8° pp. (4), 144.

Tlie flrst edition of the Journal. Coiiies are in the Boston Athenwum and Library Company of PhiUulelphia. Some copies ajjpear to have been issued l>efore i)p. 133-144 were printed. One sucli is in tlie John Carter Brown Library; but Mr. Winship informs me it is in a "modern pamphlet binding," and tlius may be an imperfect copy bound in recent times. The Pennsylvania Parkel for November 21, 1774, announced the publication on "this afternoon."

44. The ; Whole Proceedings / of the / American Continental / Congress, / Held at Philadelphia on the / 5th of September, 1774. / Containing / 1. P^xtracts from the Votes and Pro- / ceedings, made, and published b_y their / Order. / 2. Journal, or Minutes, and For- malities / of their Proceedings, List of Dele- / gates, with their Pow- ers, &c. / Re-printed from the Copies pul)lished by Order of ; the Congress. / Philadelphia: Printed. / New -York: Reprinted by John Holt, in / Water Street. 1775.

8V pp. (4), 96. A copy is in the New York Historical Society.

45. Journal / of the ' Proceedings / of the Congress, / Held at Philadeljihia, September 5th, 1774. Containing / the Bill of Rights; a List of Grievances; / Occasional Resolves; The A.ssociation; An / Address to the People of Great Britain; A / Memorial to the Inhabit- ants of the British ; American Colonies; and, An Address to / the Inhabitants of the Province of Quebec. / Published by Order of the Congress. / To which is added / (Being now first printed by Author- ity) / An Authentic Copy / of the / Petition to the King. ;' London: / Printed for J. Almon, opposite Burlington-House, in / Piccadillv / M.DCC.LXXV.

8? pp. (2), 66, (2).

A copy is in the Library of Congress.

In spite of the statement on the title-page, this volume contains none (the Petition to the King excepted ) of the papers there mentioned.

"The late pamphlet, entitled 'Extracts from the Votes and Proceedings of the American Continental Congress,' contained only a Part of the Journal of that Congress. The whole Journal has since been published in America; but it was thought proper to reprint only such parts in this Pamphlet, as were omitted in the former, in order that those Gentlemen who have purchase<l the 'Extracts' may make their copies complete, if they chnse it. The two pamphlets contain the entire Journal of the Proceedings of the Congress."

INDEX

137

:r

INDEX

Adams, John, a delegate from the Mass<i- chusetts Bay. Elected, 16; attends, 13; on manner of voting, 2rin; on commit- tee on rights, 28; on committee on address to the King, 53; to revise pro- ceedings, 101; quoted, 13, 14, 25n, 26n, 27)1, 28n, 39?i, iOn, 60n, 63n.

Adams, Samuel, a delegate from the Massa- chusetts Bay. Elected, 16; attends, 13; on prayer, 26)v on committee on rights, 28; on letter to Gage, 58; takes letters for St. Johns and Nova Scotia, 122; quoted, 26n, 39h, 407i.

Address to the King, to be prepared, 53; instructions to committee, 53, 54; re- ported, 103; as adopted, 115.

Address to the people of Great Britain, committee to prepare, 62; rejMjrts, 75; as adopted, 82; printed, 101; editions, 128.

Adjournment, power of President, 29.

Albany, N, Y., delegation, 19.

Alsop, John, a delegate from New York. Elected, 19; attends, 31.

Anderson, Thomas, 20.

Aspinwall, Thomas, 37n.

Association, the, committee to prepare, 57; reports, 75; as adopted, 75; edi- tions, 127.

Attmore, William, 27.

Biddle, Edward, a delegate from Pemvtyl- vania. Elected, 21; attends, 14; on committee on rights, 28; on printing journal, 102.

Bishop, Samuel, 19.

Bland, Richard, a delegate from Virginia. Elected, 23, attends, 14.

Boerum, Simon, a delegate from New York-. Attends, 53.

Boies, James, 36)).

BoUan, William, 105, 121.

Boston, conmiittee of correspondence, 55;

resolutions on letter, 58, 59. Bowdoin, James, a, delegate from the Mas-

sachtisetls Bay. Elected and declines,

16. Brown, Abra, 20. Burke.Edmund, 105, 121.

Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, 13)).

Caswell, Richard, a delegate from North Carolina. Elected, 30; attends, 31.

Chase, Samuel, a delegate from Maryland. Elected, 22; attends, 14; ou committee on trade and manufactures, 29; on non- exportation, 52.

Church, Benjamin, 37)i.

City Tavern, Philadelphia, 1.37i.

Colden, Cadwalader, 43.

Colonies, British, address to inhabitants of, 62, 75; editions, 128.

Colony agents, letter to, 104; list, 121.

Committee on rules, 24, 25; rights of colo- nies, 26, 28, 42, 63; on trade and manu- factures, 26, 29, 40, 41; on making trade resolves effective, 53, 62; on address to the King, 53, 54, 102, 115; on the Asso- ciation, 57, 75; on letter to Gage, 58, 60; on address to the people of Great Brit- ain, 62, 75; on memorial to the inhab- itants of the British colonies, 62, 75; on address to the people of Quebec, 101, 103, 105; on letter to colony agents, 104.

Concord, Ma.ss., meeting, 31.

Congress, a second, 102.

Connecticut, credentials of delegates, 17.

Crane, Stephen, a delegate from Nevi Jer- sey. Elected, 19; attends, 14.

139

140

Index

Cusliing, Thomas, a delegate from the Mas- nachuscHs Bay. Elected, 16; attends, 13; Speaker of House, 16; on prayer, 26/i; to thank Duche, 27; on commit- tee on trade and manufactures, 29; on committee on rights, 41; on committee on trade resolves, 53; on address to Quebec, 101.

Dartmouth, Earl of, 51n.

Deane, Silas, a delegate from Connecticut. Elected, 18; attends, 13; defends John- son, 18?t; on committee on trade and manufactures, 29; motion to print jour- nal, 102; quoted, 39?i.

Dehart, John, a delegate from New Jersey. Elected, 19; attends, 14; on committee on rights, 28.

Delaware, credentials of delegates, 21.

Dickinson, John, a delegate from Pennsyl- vania. Elected, 74; attends, 74; on ad- dress to Quebec, 101; on address to the King, 102; on printing journal, 102; John Adams on, 103)i; quoted, 54n; mentioned, 40j].

Dorr, Ebenezer, 36n.

Duane, James, a delegate from New York. Elected, 19; attends, 14; motion on rules, 24; on committee on rights, 28; opinion on basis of rights, 28//; seconds (ialloway's motion, 51//; op)>oses reso- lution on Boston, 58.

Dnch^, Jacob, prayer of, 2(i, 27.

Duchess County, N. Y., delegation, 19.

Duckett, John, 22.

Dyer, Eliphalet, a delegate from Connecli- cut. Elected, 18; attends, 13; on com- mittee on rights, 28.

Falconer, Captain, 122.

Farr, Thomas, 24.

Field, Robert, 20.

Fisher, Plendrick, 20.

Florida, East and West, letter to, 102.

Floyd, William, a delegate from New York.

Elected, 19; attends, 14. Folsom, Nathaniel, a delegate from New

Hampshire. Elected, 15; attends, 13;

on committee on rights, 28.

Ford, Jacob, 20.

Franklin, Benjamin, to W. & R. Molleson, 123; on petition to the King, 123; men- tioned, 51/i, 105, 121.

Franklin, William, 43, 51//.

Gadsden, Christopher, a delegate from South Carolina. Elected, 24; attends, 14; on manner of voting, 25?/; on com- mittee on trade and manufactures, 29.

Gage, Thomas, General. Boston com- mittee on, 56; Suffolk County letter to, 37; Congress letter to, 57, 58, 60; reply 114.

Galloway, Joseph, a delegate from Penn- sylvania. Elected, 21; attends, 14; fav- ors State house for meeting, 13n; on committee on rights, 28; opinion on rights, 28n; plan of union, 43; speech on plan, 44; opposes resolve on Boston, 5Kn; to revise proceedings, 101; plan discussed, 102; quoted, 63n.

Gardiner, Isaac, 37)/.

Samuel, 37;/.

Garth, Charles, 105, 121.

Georgia, letter from some gentlemen of, 74; letter to inhabitants, 102.

Glen, , 122.

Goddard, William, 55.

Goldsborough, Robert, a delegate from Maryland. Elected, 22; attends, 14; on ^ committee on rights, 28.

Gower, Lord, bin.

Great Britain, address to the people of, 62, 75, 82, 101.

Guild, Nathaniel, 36n.

Hall, Lyman, 122.

Haring, John, a delegate from New York. Attends, 42.

Harrison, Benjamin, a delegate from Vir- ginia. Elected, 23; attends, 14.

Harvey, John, 30.

Heath, William, 37?/.

Henry, Patrick, a delegate from Virginia. Elected, 23; attends, 14; on manner of voting, 25//; on committee on trade and manufactures, 29; on committee on right*, 41; on address to the King, 53.

Index

141

Hewes, Joseph, a delegate from North Caro- lina. Elected, 30; attends, 30; on ooin- mittee on rights, 31.

HoMen, WiUiam, Sin.

Homans, John, 37n.

Hooper, WilHam, a delegate from North Carolina. Elected, 30; attends, 30; on committee on rights, 31; on committee on trade and manufactures, 31 ; to re%'ise proceedings, 101.

Hopkins, Stephen, a delegate from Mode Island. Elected, 16; attends 13; on conmiittee on rights, 28; on committee on trade and manufactures, 29.

Hughes, Hugh, 20«.

Humphreys, Charles, a delegate from Peniuylmnia. Elected, 21; attends,14.

Jay, John, a delegate from New York. Elected, 19; attends, 14; on prayer, 26n; on committee on rights, 28; on address to the people of Great Britain, 62; prepares draft of address, <S1; on letter to colony agents, 104; Quoted, 62n.

Johnson, Robert, 20.

Thomas, jr., a delegaiefrom Mary- land. Elected, 22; attends, 27; on committee on rights, 28; on committee on trade resolves, 53; on address to the ' King, 53.

William Samuel, a delegate from.

Connecticut. Elected and declines, 18.

Jones, Thomas, 40n.

Journal to be revised, 101; and printed, 102; editions, 136.

King, address to the, 53, 54, 102, 103, 115.

Kings County, N. Y., delegation, 53.

Kinsey, James, a delegate from Neie Jersey. Elected, 19; attends, 14; on committee on trade and manufactures, 29.

Knox, Andrew, 30.

Lansing, John, jr., 19.

Law, Richard, a delegalf from Connecticitl.

Elected, 18. Lee, Arthur, 105, 121. Charles, 101?t.

Lee, Richard Henry, a delegate from Virginia. Elected, 23; attends, 14,25; on manner of voting, 25«/ on commit- tee on rights, 28; moves a non-impor- tation, 43?/; on committee on trade resolves, 53; on address to the King, 53; draft of resolution of instructions, 54n; motion on Boston, bdn; on ad- dress to people of Great Britain, 62; on address to Quebec, 101 ; on letter to colony agents, 104; mentioned, 40?t.

Lefevre, Isaac, doorkeeper, 29.

Library Company of Philadelphia, 27.

Life, Thomas, 105, 121.

Livingston, Philip, a delegate from Neiv York. Elected, 19; attends, 14.

William, a delegate fromNew Jersey.

Elected, 19; attends, 14; on committee on rights, 28; on address to the people of Great Britain, 62.

Low, Isaac, a. delegate from Neiu York. Elected, 19; attends, 14; on committee on trade and manufactures, 29; on committee on trade resolves, 53.

Lynch, James, doorkeeper, 29.

Lynch, Thomas, « delegate from South Carolina. Elected, 24; attends, 14; nominates Randolph and Thomson, 14n; on manner of voting, 25»,- on committee on rights, 28; on letter to Gage, 58.

McKean, Thomas, a delegate from Dela- ware. Elected, 22; attends, 14, 25; on committee on rights, 28; to revise pro- ceedings, 101.

McKenzie, Robert, 40«.

Manufactures, trade and, 26, 29, 40, 41.

Maryland, credentials of delegates, 22.

Massachusetts, credentials of tlelegates, 15.

Memorial to the inhabitants of the Brit- ish colonies, 62, 75, 90, 101; editions, 128.

Middlesex County resolves, 31.

Middleton, Henry, a delegate from South Carolina. Elected, 24 ; attends, 14; elected President of the Congress, 102; mentioned, 103, 113.

142

Index

Mittliu, Thomas, a delegate from Pennxi/l- vania. Elected, 21 ; attends, 14 ; on committee on trade and manufactures, 29; on committee on rights, 41 ; motion on trade, 51n; on committee on trade resolves, 53.

MoUeson, AV. & K., Franklin to, 123.

Moore, Charles, 74.

Moores, John, 20.

Morton, John, a delegate from Petm.'iyl- vania. Elected, 21; attends, 14.

Morwick, Captain, 122.

New Hampshire, credentials of dele- gates, 15. New Jersey, credentials of delegates, 19. New York, credentials of delegates, 19. Non-exportation, 51. Non-importation, 35, 41, 43. Nova Scotia, letter to, 102.

Orange County, N. Y., delegate, 30.

Paca, William, a delegate from Maryland. Elected, 22; attends, 14.

Paine, Robert Treat, a delegate from the Massachusetts Bay. Elected, 16; at- tends, 13.

Palmer, Joseph, 32, 36n, 37n.

Parsons, Samuel Holden, IS.

Payne, Benjamin, 18.

Pendleton, Edmund, a delegate from Vir- ginia. Elected, 23; attends, 14; on committee on rights, 28; on letter to Gage, 58.

Pennsylvania, credentials of delegates, 20.

Powell, George Gabriel, 23.

Pownall, Thomas, note on petition to the King, 124.

Prayer on opening of session, 26n.

President may adjourn, 29.

Preston, Edwar<l, 36«.

Price, Robert Friend, 20.

Quebec, address to inhabitants of, 101, 103, 105, 113, 122; editions of, 129.

Randolph, Peyton, a delegate from ]'ir- ginia. Elected, 23; attends, 14; chair- man, 23; elected President, 14; signs letter to Gage, 61; illness, 102; letter to Charles Thomson, 115.

Read, George, a delegate from- Delaware. Elected, 22; attends, 14.

Reed, Joseph, on Duchy's prayer, 27n.

Revere, Paul, 39ra, 55)i.

Rhoads, Samuel, a delegate from Pcnnsyl- rania. Elected, 21; attends, 14.

Rhode Island, credentials of delegates, 16.

Rights of the colonies, 26, 28, 42, 63.

Robinson, Lemuel, 37j!.

Rodney, Cfesar, a delegate from Delaware. Elected, 22; attends, 14; chairman, 22; on committee on rights, 28.

Ross, George, a delegate from Pennsylva- nia. Elected, 21; attends, 31; motion, 60«; moves election of John Dickinson, 74.

Rules of debate and procedure, 24, 25.

Rutledge, Edward, a delegate from South Carolina. Elected, 24; attends, 14; on non-exportation, 52«.- John Adams on, 103?*.

Rutledge, John, a delegate from South Carolina. Elected, 24; attends, 14; on committee on rights, 28; on non-expor- tation, 52; on address to the King, 53.

St. John's letter to, 102.

Scott, Josejjh, 56.

Sherman, Roger, (j delegate from Con- necticut. Elected, 19; attends, 13; on committee on rights, 28.

Silliman, Ebenezer, 18.

Simitiere, Pierre Eugene de, 122.

Smith, Richard, adelegatefrom New Jersey. Elected, 19; attends, 14; copy of the iissociation, 81?;.

William P., 20.

South Carolina, credentials of delegates, 23.

Stewart, Achibald, 20.

Suffolk County, Mass., resolves, 31.

N. Y., delegate, 14.

Sullivan, John, a delegate from New Hampshire. Elected, 15; attends, 13; on committee on rights, 28; on com- mittee on trade and manufactures, 29; motion on report on rights, 42; draft report on rights, 63.

Summer, Nathaniel, 37?i.

Index

143

'r

Taylor, Edwarri, 20.

William, 37?(.

Thayer, Ebenezer, 37». Thompson, ^lark, 20.

William, 32, 37.

Thomson, Charles, chosen secretary to

the Congress, 14; on printing journal,

102; presentation of plate, 104; letter

to Benjamin Franklin, 122. Tilghman, Matthew, <i ddegntc from Mun/-

land. Elected, 22; attends, 30. Trade and manufactures, 26, 29, 40, 41,

53, 62. Trumbull, Joseph, IS. Tucker, Samuel, 20. TuUy, Christopher, 102.

Virginia, credentials of delegates, 23. Vose, Daniel, 32. Voting, manner of, 25.

Wale.H, Nathaniel, jr.. 18. Wanton, Joseph, 16.

Ward, Henry, 17.

Samuel, a (ieleijate from Rhode In- land. Elected, 16; attends, 13; to thank T)uchC'. 27; on committee on rights, 28; tpioted, 27n, 28?i, 41i!., 51n, 55?(, 57n, 59«, 63)1, 74n, 102n, 103?!, 104?!.

Warren, Joseph, 37, 39.

Washington, George, a delegate from Vir- ginia. Elected 23; attends, 14; men- tioned, 40h.

Weir, Captain, 122.

Wentworth, John, 15.

Paul, 105, 121.

Westchester County, N. Y., delegate, 19.

White, Benjamin, 37??.

Williams, William, 18.

Wisner, Henry, a delegaU- from Nev! Y'ork. Attends, 30.

Wolcott, Erastus, n ddegnte from Connecl- ieut. Elected, 18.

Woodward, Richard, 32, 37?t.

Zabriskie, Peter, 20.

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