they are returned to their duty; so, I find taxes are At a very full meeting of the delegates from the dif ferent counties in the colony and dominion of Virginia, begun in Williamsburg, the first day of August, in the year of our Lord 1774, and continued by several adjournments to Saturday the 6th of the said month, the following association was unanimously resolved upon and agreed to. to be the reward of obedience; and the Americans, who are considered to have been in open rebellion, are to be rewarded by acquiescing to their measures. When will be the time when America ought to have heavy taxes laid upon it? The honorable gentleman (Mr. Rigby) tells you, that that time will be when the Americans are returned to peace We, his majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the and quietness. The hon. gentleman tells us also, that we have a right to tax Ireland; however I may to represent them at a general meeting in the city delegates of the freeholders of Virginia, deputed agree with him in regard to the principle, it would of Williamsburg, avowing our inviolable and unnot be policy to exercise it; I believe we have no shaken fidelity and attachment, to our most more right to tax the one than the other. I believe gracious sovereign, our regard and affection for America is wrong in resisting against this country, all our friends and fellow subjects in Great Britain with regard to legislative authority. It was an old opinion, and I believe a very true one, that there was a dispensing power in the crown, but when. ever that dispensing power was pretended to be exercised, it was always rejected and opposed to the utmost, because it operated to me, as a subject, as a detriment to my property and liberty; but, sir, there has been a constant conduct practised in this country, consisting of violence and weakness; I wish those measures may not continue; nor can I think that the stamp-act would have been submitted to without resistance, if the administration had not been changed; the present bill before you is not tanti to what you want; it irritates the minds of the people, but does not correct the deficiencies of that government, and elsewhere, protesting against every act or thing, which may have the most distant tendency o interrupt, or in any wise disturb his majesty's peace, and the good order of government, within this his ancient colony, which we are resolved to maintain and defend, at the risque of our lives and fortunes, but at the same time affected with the deepest anxiety, and most alarming apprehensions, of those grievances and distresses by which his majesty's American subjects are oppressed, and having taken under our most serious deliberation, the state of the whole continent, find that the present unhappy situation of our affairs is chiefly occasioned by certain ill-advised regulations, as well of our trade as internal policy, introduced by several unconstitutional acts of the British parliaSir Gibert Elliot arose to answer Mr. C. Fox, ment, and at length, attempted to be enforced by which he did in a very masterly manner, by stating the hand of power; solely influenced by these imthat there was not the least degree of absurdity in portant and weighty considerations, we think it an taxing your own subjects, over whom you have indispensable duty, which we owe to our country, declared you had an absolute right; though that ourselves, and latest posterity, to guard against tax should, through necessity, be enacted at a time such dangerous and extensive mischiefs, by every when peace and quietness were the reigning system just and proper means. of the times; you declare you have that right, where is the absurdity in the exercise of it? If, by the measures adopted, some unhappy consequences and inconveniences should be derived to our fellow subjects, whom we wish not to injure in the smallest degree, we hope and flatter ourselves, that they will impute them to their real cause-the hard necessity to which we are driven. Sir Richard Sutton read a copy of a letter, relative to the government of America, from a governor in America, to the board of trade, shewing that, at the most quiet times, the dispositions to oppose the laws of this country were strongly ingrafted in them, and that all their actions conveyed a spirit That the good people of this colony may, on so and wish for independence. If you ask an Ameri- trying an occasion, continue steadfastly directed can who is his master? he will tell you he has none, to their most essential interests, in hopes that they nor any governor but Jesus Christ. I do believe will be influenced and stimulated by our example it, and it is my firm opinion, that the opposition to the greatest industry, the strictest economy, and to the measures of the legislature of this country, frugality, and the execution of every public virtue, is a determined prepossession of the idea of total persuaded that the merchants, manufacturers, and independence. other inhabitants of Great Britain, and, above all, After which the bill was committed for Friday that the British parliament will be convinced how next, without a division. much the true interest of that kingdom must depend on the restoration and continuance of that the colonies, we will not, directly or indirectly, mutual friendship and cordiality, which so happily import or purchase any British East-India comsubsisted between us, we have unanimously, and,modity whatever, till the company, or some other with one voice, entered into the following resolu person, on their behalf shall refund and fully retions and association, which we do oblige our-store to the owners, all such sum or sums of money selves, by those sacred ties of honor and love to as may be so extorted. our country, strictly to observe; and further declare, before God and the world, that we will religiously adhere to and keep the same inviolate, in every particular, until redress of all such American grievances as may be defined and settled at the general congress of delegates from the different colonies, shall be fully obtained, or, until this association shall be abrogated or altered by a ge neral meeting of the deputies of this colony, to be convened, as is herein after directed. And we do, with the greatest earnestness, recommend this our association, to all gentlemen, merchants, traders, and other inhabitants of this colony, hoping that they will cheerfully and cordially accede thereto. 1st. We do hereby resolve and declare that we will not either directly or indirectly, after the first day of November next, import from Great Britain, any goods, wares, or merchandizes, whatever, (medicines excepted,) nor will we, after that day, import any British manufactures, either from the West Indies, or any other place, nor any article whatever, which we shall know, or have reason to believe, was brought into such countries from Great Britain, nor will we purchase any such articles, so imported, of any person or persons whatsoever, except such as are now in the country, or such as may arrive on or before the said first day of November, in consequence of orders already given, and which cannot now be countermanded in time. 2dly. We will neither ourselves import, nor purchase any slave, or slaves, imported by any person, after the first day of November next, either from Africa, the West-Indies, or any other place. 3dly. Considering the article of tea as the detestable instrument which laid the foundation of the present sufferings of our distressed friends in the town of Boston, we view it with horror, and therefore resolve that we will not, from this day, either import tea of any kind whatever, nor will we use or suffer, even such of it as is now at hand, to be used in any of our families. 5thly. We do resolve, that unless American grievances be redressed before the 10th day of August, 1775, we will not, after that day, directly or indirectly, export tobacco or any other article whatever, to Great Britain; nor will we sell any such articles as we think can be exported to Great Britain with a prospect of gain, to any person or persons whatever, with a design of putting it into his or their power to export the same to Great Britain, either on our own, his or their account. And that this resolution may be the more effectually carried into execution, we do hereby recommend it to the inhabitants of this colony, to refrain from the cultivation of tobacco as much as conveniently may be, and in lieu thereof that they will, as we resolve to do, apply their attention and industry, 'o the cultivation of all such articles, as may form a proper basis for manufactures of all sorts, which we will endeavor to encourage throughout this colony to the utmost of our abilities. 6thly. We will endeavor to improve our breed of sheep, and increase their number to the utmost extent, and to this end, we will be as sparing as we conveniently can, in killing of sheep, especially those of the most profitable kind, and if we should at any time be overstocked, or can conveniently spare any, we will dispose of them to our neighbors, especially the poorer sort of people, upon moderate terms. 7thly. Resolved, that the merchants and others, venders of goods and merchandizes within this colony, ought not to take advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by this association, but that they ought to sell the same, at the rates they have been accustomed to for twelve months past, and if they shall sell any such goods on higher terms, or shall in any manner, or by any device whatever, violate or depart from this resolubitant of this colony ought, at any time thereafter, tion, we will not, and are of opinion that no inha to deal with any such persons, their factors, òr agents, for any commodity whatever; and it is re4thly. If the inhabitants of the town of Boston, commended to the deputies of the several counties, or any other colony, should, by violence or dire that committees be chosen in each county, by such necessity, be compelled to pay the East-India com-persons as accede to this association, to take efpany for destroying any tea, which they have lately, fectual care that these resolves be properly observby their agents, unjustly attempted to force into led, and for corresponding occasionally with the general committee of correspondence in the city of Williamsburg. Provided that, if exchange should rise, such advance may be made in the prices of goods as shall be approved by the committee of each county. 11thly. Resolved, That we think ourselves called upon by every principle of humanity and brotherly affection, to extend the utmost and speediest relief to our distressed fellow subjects in the town of Boston, and therefore most earnestly recommend such liberal contributions as they can afford; to be it to all the inhabitants of this colony, to make collected and remitted to Boston, in such manner as may best answer so desirable a purpose. to convene the several delegates of this colony, at such time and place as he may judge proper; and in case of the death or absence of any delegate, place. 8thly. In order the better to distinguish such worthy merchants and traders, who are well wishers to this colony, from those who may attempt, through motives of self-interest, to obstruct our views, we do hereby resolve, that we will not, after 12thly, and lastly. Resolved, that the moderator the first day of November next, deal with any of this meeting, and, in case of his death, Robert merchant or trader, who will not sign this associa- Carter Nicholas, esquire, be empowered, on any tion, nor until he hath obtained a certificate of his future occasion, that may in his opinion require it, having done so from the county committee, or any three members thereof. And if any merchant, trader, or other person, shall import any goods or merchandize, after the first day of November, it is recommended that another be chosen in his contrary to this association, we give it as our opi nion, that such goods and merchandize should be eith er forthwith re-shipped, or delivered up to the county committee, to be stored at the risk of the importer, unless such importer shall give a proper assurance to the said committee, that such goods or George Washington, merchandizes shall not be sold within this colony Benjamin Harrison, during the continuance of this association; and if Edmund Pendleton, such importer shall refuse to comply with one or Patrick Henry, junior. the other of these terms, upon application and due Southy Simpson, caution given to him or her, by the said committee, Isaac Smith, or any three members thereof, such committee is J. Walker, required to publish the truth of the case in the Thomas Jefferson, Gazettes, and in the county where he or she resides, John Tabb, and we will thereafter consider such person or per- John Winn, sons as inimical to this country, and break off every William Cabell, connexion and all dealings with them. 9thly. Resolved, That if any person or persons shall export tobacco, or any other commodity, to Great Britain, after the 10th day of August, 1775, contrary to this association, we shall hold ourselves obliged to consider such person or persons as nimical to the community, and as an approver of| American grievances; and give it as our opinion, that the public should be advertised of his conduct, as in the 8th article is desired. Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, Joseph Cabell, R. Rutherford, Robert Bolling, 10thly. Being fully persuaded that the united wisdom of the general congress may improve these our endeavors to preserve the rights and liberties in British America, we decline enlarging at present, but do hereby resolve that we will conform John Banister, to, and strictly observe, all such alterations, or Francis Slaughter, additions, assented to by the delegates for this Henry King, colony, as they may judge it necessary to adopt, after the same shall be published and made known to us. Worlich Westwood, Meriwether Smith, Charles Broadwater, James Scott, juniors Thomas Whiting, Thomas M. Randolphy J. Mercer, J. Syme, Richard Adams, Joseph Jones, Charles Carter, Francis Peyton, Thomas Walker, Thomas Pettus, James Edmon son, Benner Goode, Lemuel R.ddick Benjamin Baker, Burwell Basset, James Holt, Adiel Milby, John Bowdoin, Peter Presley Thornton, William Bibb, John Morton, Peter Poythress, William Robinson, Christopher Wright, Henry Lee, T. Blackburn, Francis Lightfoot Lee, prerogatives; and however misrepresented, we Edwin Gray, Henry Taylor, C. Carter, Robt. Wormeley Carter, Joseph Hutchings. sincerely approve of a constitutional connexion with Great Britain, and wish most ardently a re. turn of that intercourse of affection and commercial connexion that formerly united both countries, which can only be affected by a removal of those causes of discontent which have of late unhappily divided us. It cannot admit of a doubt but that British subjects in America, are entitled to the same rights and privileges as their fellow subjects possess in Britain; and therefore, that the power assume by the British parliament to bind America by their statutes, in all cases whatsoever, is unconstitutional, and the source of these unhappy differences. The end of government would be defeated by the British parliament exercising a power over the lives, the property, and the liberty of the American subject; who are not, and from their local cir. Instructions for the deputies appointed to meet in genecumstances cannot, be there represented. Of this ral congress on the part of the colony of Virginia. nature we consider the several acts of parliament The unhappy disputes between Great Britain for raising a revenue in America, for extending and her American colonies, which began about the the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty, for third year of the reign of his present majesty, and seizing American subjects and transporting them since continually increasing, have proceeded to to Britain to be tried for crimes committed in Amelengths so dangerous and alarming as to excite just rica, and the several late oppressive acts respect. apprehensions, in the minds of his majesty's faithfuling the town of Boston, and province of the Massasubjects of this colony, that they are in danger of chusetts-Bay. being deprived of their natural, ancient, constitutional, and chartered rights, have compelled them to take the same into their most serious consideration; and being deprived of their usual and ac. customed mode of making known their grievances, have appointed us their representatives to consider what is proper to be done in this dangerous crisis of American affairs. It being our opinion that the united wisdom of North America should be collected in a general congress of all the colonies, we have appointed the honorable Peyton Randolph, esquire, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, and Edmund Pendleton, esquires, deputies to represent this colony in the said congress, to be held at Philadelphia on the first Monday in September next. The original constitution of the American colonies possessing their assemblies with the sole right of directing their internal polity, it is absolutely destructive of the end of their institution that their legislatures should be suspended, or prevented, by hasty dissolutions, from exercising their legislative powers. Wanting the protection of Britain, we have long acquiesced in their acts of navigation restrictive of our commerce, which we consider as an ample recompense for such protection; but as those acts derive their efficacy from that foundation alone, we have reason to expect they will be restrained, so as to produce the reasonable purposes of Britain, with out being injurious to us. To obtain a redress of those grievances, without which the people of America can neither be safe, free, nor happy, they are willing to undergo the great inconvenience that will be derived to them from stopping all imports whatsoever from Great Britain, after the first day of November next, and also to cease exporting any commodity whatsoever, to the same place, after the 10th day of August, And that they may be the better informed of our sentiments, touching the conduct we wish them to observe on this important occasion, we desire they will express, in the first place, our faith and true allegiance to his majesty king George the third, our lawful and rightful sovereign; and that we are determined, with our lives and fortunes, to support him in the legal exercise of all his just rights and 1775. The earnest desire we have, to make as quick and fuil payment, as possible, of our debts te constitutional rights of his majesty's subjects, Great Britain, and to avoid the heavy injury tha whenever they interfere with the plan he has would arise to this country from an earlier adoptio.ormed for oppressing the good people of the of the non-exportation plan, after the people have Massachusetts Bay; and therefore, that the executalready applied so much of their labor to the per-ing, or attempting to execute, such proclamation, fecting of the present crop, by which means they will justify RESISTANCE and REPRISAL. have been prevented from pursuing other methods of clothing and supporting their families, have! PHILADELPHIA, March 27, 1775. rendered it necessary to restrain you in this article |A speech deliveredin CARPENTER'S HALL, March 16th, of non-exportation; but it is our desire that you cordially co-operate with our sister colonies, in general congress, in such other just and proper methods as they, or the majority, shall deem necessary for the accomplishment of these valuable ends. before the subscribers, towards a fund for establishing manufactories of woolen, cotton and linen, in the city of Philadelphia.-Published at the request of the company. GENTLEMEN-When I reflect upon the extent of My business, upon this occasion, is to lay before and ADVANTAGES of establishing woolen, cotton, and you a few thoughts upon the NECESSITY, POSSIBILITY linen manufactories among us. The proclamation issued by general Gage, in the the subject before me, and consider the small government of the province of the Massachusetts-share of knowledge I possess of it, I confess I rise Bay, declaring it treason for the inhabitants of that with timidity to speak in this assembly; and it is province to assemble themselves to consider of only because the requests of fellow-citizens in every their grievances, and form associations for their laudable undertaking should always operate with common conduct on the occasion, and requiring the force of commands, that I have prevailed upon the civil magistrates and officers to apprehend all myself to execute the task you have assigned me. such persons to be tried for their supposed offences, is the most alarming process that ever appeared in a British government; that the said general Gage hath thereby assumed and taken upon himself powers denied by the constitution to our legal sovereign; that he, not having condescended to The NECESSITY of establishing these manufac disclose by what authority he exercises such exten tories is obvious from the association of the consive and unheard of powers, we are at a loss to gress, which puts a stop to the importation of Bridetermine whether he intends to justify himself as tish goods, of which woolens, cottons, and linens, the representative of the king, or as the commander always made a considerable part. So large has in chief of his majesty's forces in North America. been the demand for these articles, and so very If he considers himself as acting in the character of necessary are they in this country, that it is imhis majesty's representative, we would remind him, possible for us to clothe ourselves without substitutthat the statute 25th Edward III. has expressed ing some others in their room. I am far from think. and defined all treasonable offences, and that the ing that the non-importation agreement will be se legislature of Great Britain hath declared that no transitory a thing, as some have supposed. The offence shall be construed to be treason but such appearance of a change of measures in England as is pointed out by that statute, and that this was respecting the colonies, does not flow from a condone to take out of the hands of tyrannical kings, viction. of their injustice. The same arbitrary and of weak and wicked ministers, that deadly ministers continue in office, and the same arbitrary weapon which constructive treason had furnished favorites continue to abuse the confidence of our them with, and which had drawn the blood of the sovereign Sudden conversion should be trusted best and honestest men in the kingdom, and that with caution, especially, when they have been the king of Great Britain hath no right, by his pro the liberties of America established at an easy brought about by interest or fear. I shall think clamation, to subject his people to imprisonment, price by a two or three years non-importation pains, and penalties. agreement. By union and perseverance in this That, if the said general Gage conceives he is mode of opposition to Great Britain, we shall afempowered to act in this manner, as the command er ford a new phenomenon in the history of mankind, in chief of his majesty's forces in America, this and furnish posterity with an example to teach odious and illegal proclamation must be considered them that peace, with all the rights of humanity as a plain and full declaration that this despotic and justice, may be maintained by the exertion of viceroy will be bound by no law, nor regard the economical, as well as military virtues. We shall, |
