Resolved unanimously, That the hon. Matthewgulate their internal policy in such a manner as to Tilghman, and Thomas Johnson, jun. Robert furnish themselves, within their own body, with Goldsborough, William Paca, Samuel Chase, John every necessary article for subsistence and deHall, and Thomas Stone, esquires, or any three or fence: Otherwise their political existence will more of them, be delegates to represent this pro dedend upon others, who may take advantage of vince in the next continental congress, and that such weakness and reduce them to the lowest state they, or any three or more of them, have full and of vassálage and slavery. For preventing so great ample power to consent and agree to all measures an evil, more to be dreaded than death itself, it which such congress shall deem necessary and ef- must be the wisdom of this colony at all times, fectual to obtain a redress of American grievances; more especially at this time, when the hand of and this province bind themselves to execute, to power is lashing us with the scorpions of desthe utmost of their power, all resolutions which (potism, to encourage agriculture, manufactures the said congress may adopt: And further, if the and economy, so as to render this state as indesaid congress shall think necessary to adjourn, we do authorise our said delegates to represent and act for this province, in any one congress to be held by virtue of such adjournment. pendent of every other state as the nature of our country will admit: From the consideration thereof, and trusting that that the virtue of the people of this colony is such, that the following resolutions of this congress, which must be productive of the Resolved unanimously, That it is recommended greatest good, will by them be effectually carried to the several colonies and provinces, to enter into into execution. And it is therefore resolvedsuch or the like resolutions, for mutual defence and protection, as are entered into by this province. 1st. That we do recommend to the people the improvement of their breed of sheep, and the greatest possible increase of the same; and also As our opposition to the settled plan of the the preferable use of our own woolen manufacBritish administration to enslave America, will be tures; and to the manufacturers, that they ask only strengthened by an union of all ranks of men in reasonable prices for their goods; and especially this province, we do most earnestly recommend, a very careful sorting of the wool, so that it may that all former differences about religion or he manufactured to the greatest advantage, and as politics, and all private animosities and quarrels much as may be, into the best goods. of every kind, from henceforth cease and be forever buried in oblivion; and we intreat, we conjure! every man by his duty to God, his country, and his posterity, cordially to unite in defence of our com. mon rights and liberties. 2d. We do also recommend to the people the raising of hemp and flax; and as large quantities of flax-seed, more than may be wanted for sowing, may be produced, we would also further recommend the manufacturing the same into oil. nails; which we do apprehend must meet with the 3d. We do likewise recommend the making of of lasting benefit both to the manufacturer and the strongest encouragement from the public, and be public. 4th. The making of steel, and the preferable use of the same, we do also recommend to the inhabitants of this colony. 5th. We do in like manner recommend the making ti-plates, as an article well worth the attention of this people. BOSTON, December 19, 1774. In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, Dec. 8, 1774 As the happiness of particular families arises, in a great degree, from their being more or less de pendent upon others; and as the less occasion they have for any article belonging to others, the more independent; and consequently the happier they 6th. As fire-arms have been manufactured in are: So the happiness of every political body of several parts of this colony, we do recommend the men upon earth is to be estimated, in a great mea- use of such, in preference to any imported: And sure, upon their greater or less dependence upon we do recommend the making of gun-locks, and any other political bodies; and from hence arises a furniture and other locks, with other articles in the forcible argument, why every state ought to re-liron way. 7th. We do also earnestly recommend the mak ing of salt-petre, as an article of vast importance to be encouraged, as may be directed hereafter. 16th. As madder is an article of great import ance in the dyer's business, and which may be easily raised and cured among ourselves, we do therefore earnestly recommend the raising and curing the same. 8th. That gun powder is also an article of such importance, that every man amongst us who loves 17th. In order the more effectually to carry these his country, must wish the establishment of manufactories for that purpose, and, as there are the resolutions into effect, we do earnestly recommend, ruins of several powder mills, and sundry persons That a society or societies be established for the among us who are acquainted with that business, purposes of introducing and establishing such arts we do heartily recommend its encouragement, by and manufactures as may be useful to this peorepairing one or more of said mills, or erecting ple, and are not yet introduced, and the more others, and renewing said business as soon as possi effectually establishing such as we have already ble. among us. 18th. We do recommend to the inhabitants of this province to make use of our manufactures, 9th. That as several paper mills are now usefully employed, we do likewise recommend a pre-and those of our sister colonies, in preference to ferable use of our own manufactures in this way; and a careful saving and collecting rags, &c. and also that the manufacturers give a generous price for such rags, &c. all other manufactures. Signed by order of the provincial congress, JOHN HANCOCK, president. BENJAMIN LINCOLN, secretary. A true extract from the minutes, PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. At the convention of the deputies appointed by 10th. That it will be the interest, as well as the duty of this body, or of such as may succeed us, to make such effectual provision for the further manufacturing of the several sorts of glass, as that the same may be carried on to the mutual benefit the several towns in the province aforesaid, heid of the undertaker and the public, and firmly estab- at Exeter, on the 25th day of January, 1775. Present lished in this colony. 11th. That whereas buttons of excellent qualities and of various sorts are manufactured among us, we do earnestly recommend the general use of the same; so that the manufactories may be extended to the advantage of the people and manufacturers. 12th. That whereas salt is an article of vast consumption within this colony, and in its fisheries, we do heartily recommend the making the same, in the several ways wherein it is made in the several parts of Europe; especially in the method used in that part of France where they make buy sults. 144 members. Hon. John Wentworth, esq. president. Voted unanimously, That we heartly approve of the proceedings of the late grand continental con. gress respecting the just state of the rights and liberties of the British Colonies; and of the means recommended to restore, secure, and protect the same; and that we return our most unfeigned thanks to the late members of that congress general, and to those of this province in particular, for the faithful discharge of the important trust reposed in them. Voted, That John Sullivan, and John Langdon, 13th. We do likewise recommend an encourage the continental congress, proposed to be held at esqrs. be delegates to represent this province in ment of horn-smiths in all their various branches, as what will be of public utility. 14th. We do likewise recommend the establishment of one or more manufactories for making wool comber's combs, as an article necessary in our woolen manufactures. 15th. We do in like manner heartly recommend the preferable use of the stocking and other hosiery wove among ourselves, so as to enlarge the manufactories thereof, in such a manner as to encourage the manufacturer and serve the country. Philadelphia, on the tenth day of May next, and that they and each of them in the absence of the other, have full and ample power, in behalf of this province, to consent and agree to all measures, which said congress shall deem necessary to obtain redress of American grievances. Voted, That two hundred and fifty pounds, lawful money, be raised for defraying the expenses of s.id delegates. Voted, That the hon. John Wentworth, col. Nath. Folsom, hon. Meseach Weare, esq. col. Josiah Bart let, col. Christopher Toppan, Ebenezer Thompson,[likely to prevent those dreadful calamities with and William Whipple, esqrs. be a committee, in be which we are threatened. half of this province, to call a provincial convention Fully sensible that to point out, with any degree of deputies, when they shall judge the exigencies of certainty, the methods by which you may shun of public affairs require it: And that they, together the threatening evils, would require more than hu with Samuel Cutts and John Pickering, esqrs, be a committee of correspondence for this province. Voted, the following address: man wisdom, we can only recommend such measures as appear to us most likely to answer tha desirable end, best calculated to restore to you To the inhabitants of the province of New Hampshire. that peace and harmony, so ardently wished for Brethren-When we consider the unhappy condi- by every good and honest American. We therefore earnestly recommend, tion to which you and your American brethren are 1st. That you discountenance and discourage all reduced! when we reflect that, for near ten months past, you have been deprived of any share in your trespasses and injuries against individuals, and own government, and of those advantages, which their property, and all disorders of every kind; and How to society from legislative assemblies; when that you cultivate and maintain peace and harmony we view the lowering clouds, charged with minis- among yourselves. terial vengeance, fast spreading over this extensive continent, ready to burst on the heads of its inhabitants and involve the whole British empire in one common ruin-at this alarming juncture, duty to Almighty God, to our country, ourselves, and posterity, loudly demands our most strenuous exertions to avoid the impending danger. Such are the measures adopted by the British ministry, for enslaving you, and with such incessant vigilance has their plan been prosecuted, that tyranny already begins to wave its banners in your borders, and to threaten these once happy regions with infamous and detestable slavery! Shall we, knowing the value of freedom, and nursed in the arms of liberty, make a base and ignominious surrender of our rights, thereby consigning succeeding generations to a condition of wretchedness, from which, perhaps, all human efforts will be insufficient to extricate them? Duty to ourselves, and regard for our country, should induce us to defend our liberties, and to transmit the fair inheritance unimpaired to posterity. 2d. That you yield due obedience to the magistrates within this government; and carefully en. deavor to support the laws thereof. 3d. That you strictly adhere to the association of the late continental congress, and deal with the violators of it, in the manner therein recommended 4th. That you endeavor particularly to enforce the laws of the province against hawkers, pedlars, and petty chapmen. 5th. That you abstain from the use of East-India tea, whenever, or by whatever means it has, or may be imported. 6th. That you encourage and support your several committees of correspondence and inspection, ia discharging the very important trust you have reposed in them. 7th. That in case any inhabitants of these colonies should be seized, in order to be transported to Grest Britain, or other parts beyond seas, to be tried for offences supposed to be committed in America, you conduct yourselves agreeable to the advice of the late continental congress. 8th. That, in your several stations, you promote Should our restless enemies drive us to arms in defence of every thing we holu dear, we should be and encourage the manufactures of this cauntry; reduced to a state, dreadful even in contemplation; and endeavor, both by precept and example, to for should we prove victorious, the blood of our induce all under you, and with whom you are conbrethren, shed in the unhappy contest, would cause nected, to practice economy and industry, and to the laurels to wither on our brows, and make the shun all kinds of extravagance. Conquerors mourn with the vanquished: but should our enemies he successful, they will thereby rivet. the chains of slavery upon us and our posterity. 9th. That the officers of the several regiments strictly comply with the laws of this province for regulating a militia-And as the militia upon this Thus surrounded with dangers and distresses on continent, if properly disciplined, would be able to every side, it behoves us to adopt and pursue such do great service in its defence, should it ever be peaceable measures as, under God, will be most invaded by his majesty's enemies-that you 24. quaint yourselves with the manual exercise, par hat, on the 4th inst. in the night time, some person ticularly that recommended and enjoined by the or persons unknown, had broke into the public captain general-the motions being natural, easy, agazine, and taken from thence sundry fire arms and best calculated to qualify persons for real belonging to his majesty: action; and also to improve themselves in those evolutions which are necessary for infantry in time of engagement. We, the mayor, aldermen, and common council of the said city, being desirous to maintain peace, order and good government, do hereby declare our 10th. That, as your enemies are using every art abhorrence of such unlawful proceeding, and do to impoverish and distress you, in order to induce hereby require the inhabitants to use their utmost submission to their arbitrary mandates, you carefully endeavors to prevent the like outrage in future, shun those measures which may have a tendency and exhort all persons who may be in possession to distress your brethren and fellow sufferers, and of any of the said arms, to return the same immeavoid all unnecessary lawsuits, and endeavor to diately, to be replaced in the magazine. settle disputes between you in the most amicable, And it having been recommended to this meetand least expensive manner.-That all debtors. ing by the governor and council, to appoint a guard exert themselves in discharging their just debts, to protect the said magazine, they are of opinion and creditors exercise such lenity as their circum that they have no authority to lay any tax for that purpose, but that if some trusty person should be 11th. That as the inhabitants of the town of Bos-appointed, by his excellency the governor, to be ton, in the province of Massaci usetts-Bay, are now keeper thereof, and care taken to strengthen it laboring under a load of ministerial vengeance, laid with proper bars, there probably would be a stop upon them to enforce obedience to certain arbitrary put to violences of that nature, and they do humbly and unconstitutional acts, which, if once submitted recommend to his excellency, Mr. Gabriel Maupin, to, must involve all America in slavery and ruin: who lives near the magazine, as a person worthy conscious that all these colonies are largely indebt-of that trust. stances will admit of. ed to the virtue and fortitude of those patriotic assertors of freedom, we heartily recommend a continuation of your contributions, for the relief of that oppressed people: And that you keep yourselves in constant readiness to support them in their just opposition, whenever necessity may require. (A copy) MAT. DAVENPORT, town clerk. Fredericksburg, committee chamber, Saturday, the 29th of April, 1775. At a council of 102 members, delegates of the provincial convention, officers and special deputies of 14 companies of light horse, consisting of upwards of 600 well armed and disciplined men, Lastly. We earnestly entreat you, at this time of friends of constitutional liberty and America, now tribulation and distress, when your enemies are rendezvoused here in consequence of an alarm ocurging you to despair; when every scene around is casioned by the powder being removed from the full of gloom and horror; that, in imitation of your county magazine, in the city of Williamsburg, in pious forefathers, with contrition of spirit, and the night of Thursday the 21st inst. and deposited penitence of heart, you implore the Divine Being, on board an armed schooner by order of his excelwho alone is able to deliver you from your present lency the governor: unhappy and distressing situation, to espouse your righteous cause, secure your liberties, and fix them on a firm and lasting basis. And we fervently beseech him to restore to you and your American brethren, that peace and tranquility, so ardenti desired, and earnestly sought for, by every true friend to liberty and mankind. The council having before them the several matters of intelligence respecting this transaction, and particularly a letter from the hon. Peyton RanHolph, esq. speaker of the late house of burgesses of Virginia, received here last night by an express despatched to Williamsburg, for the purpose of gaining intelligence, informing that the gentlemen of the city of Williamsburg and neighborhood, have ad full assurances from his excellency that this affair shall be accommodated, and advising that the gentlemen assembled here should proceed no fur er at this time-this council came to the follow. ng determination, and offer the same as their Whereas it hath been represented to this hall, advice to those public spirited gentlemen, friends By order of the convention, J. WENTWORTH, president. VIRGINIA, May, 1775. At a court of common council for the city of Wiliam burg, held the 8th day of May, 1775. to Bri ish liber y and America, who have honored being fully informed of the violent hostilities comthem by this appointment. Highly condemning mitted by the king's troops in America, and of the the conduct of the governor, on this occasion, as danger arising to the colony by the loss of the impolitic, and justly alarming to the good people public powder, and of the conduct of the goverof this colony, tending to destroy all confidence in nor, which threatens, altogether, calamities of the government, and to widen the unhappy breach greatest magnitude and most fatal consequences between Great Britain and her colonies, ill-timed to this colony, and therefore recommending reand totally unnecessary, consider this instance as a prisals to be made upon the king's property, suffifull proof that no opinion which may be formed of cient to replace the gun-powder taken out of the the good intentions of a governor in private life, can magazine, it appears to this committee, that the afford security to our injured and oppressed con- volunteers who marched from Newcastle, to obtain try; but that obedience to arbitrary, ministerial satisfaction for the public powder, by reprisal or mandate, and the most oppressive and tyrannical otherwise, proceeded on that business as follows, system of government, must be the fatal line of to wit: "That an officer with 16 men was detached conduct to all his majesty's present servants in to seize the king's receiver general, with orders America; at the same tine justly dreading the to detain him; and this, it was supposed, might be horrors of a civil war, influenced by motives of the done without impeding the progress of the main strongest affection to our fellow subjects of Great body. The said receiver general not being appreBritain, most ardently wishing to heal our mutual hended, owing to his absence from home, the said wounds, and therefore preferring peaceable meadetachment, according to orders, proceeded to join sures, whilst the least hope of reconciliation rethe main body on its march to Williamsburg, and mains, do advise that the several companies now the junction happened the 31 instant at Doncastle's A little after sunrise next rendezvoused here do return to their respective ordinary about sunset. homes. But considering the just rights and liberty morning, the commanding officer being assured of America to be greatly endangered by the violen that proper satisfaction in money should be inand hostile proceedings of an arbitrary ministry, and being firmly resolved to resist such attempts at the utmost hazard of our lives and fortunes, do now pledge ourselves to each other to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to re-assemble, and, by force of arms, to defend the laws, the liberty and rights of this, or any sister colony, from unjust and wicked invasion. Ordered, that expresses be despatched to the troops assembled at the Bowling Green, and also to the companies from Frederick, Berkely, Dunmore, and such other counties as are now on their march, to return them thanks for their cheerful offers of service, and to acquaint them with the determination now taken. GOD SAVE THE LIBERTIES OF AMERICA. The foregoing determination of council, having been read at the head of each company, was cordially and unanimously approved. At a committee appointed and held for Hanover PRESENT, stantly made, the volunteers halted, and the proposal being considered by them, was judged satis. factory as to that point; and the following receipt was given, viz "Doncastle's ordinary, New Kent, May 4, 1775: Received from the hon. Richard Corbin, esq. his majesty's receiver general, £330, as a compensation for the gun powder lately taken out of the public magazine by the governor's order; which money I promise to convey to the Virginia delegates at the general congress, to be under their direction, laid out in gun-powder for the colony's use, and to be stored as they shall direct, until the next colony convention or general assembly, unless it shall be necessary, in the mean time, to use the same in defence of this colony. It is termine that any part of the said money ought to agreed that in case the next convention shall debe returned to his majesty's said receiver general, that the same shall done accordingly. Test, PAT. HENRY, jun." SAM. MEREDITH, (A true copy), PARKE GOODALE. It was then considered that as a general congress would meet in a few days, and probably a colony convention would shortly assemble, and that the reprisal now made would amply replace the powder, with the charges of transportation, the commanding Agreeably to a resolution of the committee held officer wrote the following letter, and sent it by at Newcastle the 2d inst. setting forth, that they express. |