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The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. f errata d to It le pelure, pon d o, 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 6 6 32X i7 w ■mF ""* "Wt,. i " ;'.y.;|iJ' ' ' I^^A'IA. %::.'■■ (lmft*it*^'rM c.<>npT£s<:.. ^llj^ ■^r. D E C L A R A T I O N BY THE* * Reprefentatives of the United Colonies o{ North- America, ^ Now met in GENERAL CONGRESS at ij ... Philadelphia; Setting Wh the CAUSES and NECESSITY of their taking up ARMS. ', ;, ALSO, An A D D R E S S t R O M T H E ,^" . Tuidve United Colonies / -^fi^'k I ■••;<(* $y thdr DELEGATES in CONGRESS, to th« Inhibitwnli of GmAT-fiftiTAm, jam astt MiilMltlphit printed l>y Wm. and Tho. BaABtvROi and^jifitll reprinted by W( Pi Nt, tjif% [Prwf TWO.PENCfi.i / y y V«> \v Vw . -a.^.,.1i;a I ■; -•*^- DECLARATION, &c. ..■■J-, IF it was pntTiblc for men, who exercife tlieir reafon h> believe, that the divine Author of our exiftence intended apart ol the human race to hold an abfolutc property in, and an unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite goodnefs and wifdom, as the objcds of a legal domination, never rightfully rcliftiblc, however feverc and oppreffive, the inhabiiants of thefc colonies might at leaft require from the pailiament of Great-Britain, I'ome evidence, that this dreadful authority over them has been granted to that body. But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humani- ty, and the diftaies of common fr:'fc, iriuft convince all thofe who refleft upon the lulijcft, that government was inftitnted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to he admi- nillercd for the attainment of that end. The legidatureof Great-Britain, howcvei ftiniulalcd by an inordinate paffion for a power not only unjiift-ifiaUe, but which they know to lie peculiarly rci)robatcd by the very conllitution of that kingdom, aiid dL-fperatc of fucccfs in any mpde of contelf, where regard (liould be had to truth, law, or right, have »t length, deferting thofe, attempted to effeft their cruel and impolitic purpofe of cndavingthele colonies byviolence, and ' have thereby rendered it iicccflary for its to clofe with then lall aopcal from reafon to arms. Yet, however blinded that aircin'blvmavbcbylhcirintemperatcragc for unlimited domi nation, lo to (light jullite and the opinion of mankind, we cftcem ouffelves bound by obligations of refprft to the red of the world, to make known the jullicc of our caufe. Our foiefatheis. mh,\bitdiitN of the idand of Great-Britain, 1 ft ihcir native land, to feck on thefc (horcs a retidcrce lor civil and t/!ligious freedom. At the expcnceol their blood, at the lij/ard ol their fiirlunes, v.ithout the leaft charge to the couiitrvfiom which ility removed, bj,' unccalmg labour, and ajiunron^mrahlc fpirit, they cHeftcd feltlcmcntsinlhediftant indinholpiiHblewildsol Ameiica.then filled with numcioiii. .Tndwarhke nations of barbarians. Societies or governmepts, • filed with paffcllcgtflgtmes, were fpnncd under charters Uotn I O N, &c. exercife tlieir reafon to of our exiftence intended ablolutc property in. aad narked out by his infinite :ls of a icgal domination, r fevere and oppretfive, ight at lead require from foine evidence, that this ccn granted to that body, or, principles of humani- fc, iriuft convince allthofe overnmenl was inflitnted I, and ought to be admi- t end. The legidature of by an inordinate paffion but wliich they know to very conftitution of that in any mpde of contell, in, law, or right, have at to efFeft their cruel and colonies by violence, and for ns to clofe with theii ret, however blinded that tcragc for unlimited domi opinion of mankind, we ions of refprft to the red jullice of our caufe. he idand of Great-Britain, icfc (Viorcs a reliderce lor he expcnccol their blood, iiout the Icaft charge to the 1, by unccafmg labour, and cd feltlcmentsinlhediftant then filled with numerous Societies or governmepts, ere Jprmcd under charier^ liom f 3 ) from the crown, and an Iiarmonious infercourfe was ejle- blilhed between die colonies and the kingdom from whuh thev der ved their origin. The mutual bcnchts of ilns union became in a Ihovt time fo extraordinary as to excite allomth. ment. It is univerlally confeffcd, that the amazing incrca'e of the wealth, ftiength, and navigation of the lealm, arofc from this fcourcc ; and ho miniller who fo wilely and fuc- cefsfuUy direiW the meafurcs of G.cat-BrUain in the late war, publicly declared, that thefc coh.nics enabled her to triumph over her enemies. Towards the conchilion ot that war it pleafed our fovercign to make a chjnge m Ins coiiulcl. From that fatal moment, the aftairs ol the Bi itidi empire be- gan to fall into confulion, and gradually Hiding trom thf tummit of glorious profpenty to which they had been ad- vanced, by the virtues and abilities of one man, arc at length diftratled by the convulfions, that now Ihake it toUsdccpelt foundation.s The new minillry finding thch.avo loci ul Britain, though frequently defeated, yci IliU C(.nt.-i|d- ing, took up the unfortunate idea of granting them an luily peace, and of then fubduing her faithlul friends. Thele devoted colonics were judged to be m fuch a llate as to prefent vift ,ries without bloodihed, and all the ealy emoluments of Italuteable plunder. The uninterrupted tenor of their peaceable and rcfpeaiul behaviour from the begin- ning of colonization, then dutiful, zealous and ufeful ferTicej during the war, though fo recently and amply acknowledged iii the moll honourable manner by his Majefty, by the late King; and by Parliament, couM not laveihcm trom the me- ditated innovations Parliament was influenced to adopt the perniiiousprojeft, and affuming a new power over ih. in, hive4n the courfe ol eleven years given fuch de.ifive fpeci' mens of the I'pirit and confequ'nccs attendinj this powci, as to leave no doubt concerning the iilectsof acquiftcciice under it. They have nndpitaken to give and gunt our mo- ney without our confent, though we have ever cxcicifcd an CalIuIivc right to difpofeol our own property; llaiuLcilia^e keen palled (or extending the juiildiilion ol courts of Admiralty and Vice- Adniiniiy beyond tlicii aiirieul limns; for depriving us of the ai.c ;;tl micd and inellimahlc privilege of trial by jury, in cafes aMetlin^ both lilc nil p.,.-)erty; for hifpending ilie legillaturc ot one of the coloni «s ; tor iii- Icrdiihng all commerce of another ; and for altering funda- mentally the form of government cUiblilhed by charter, and It'cuicd by ails of it« own legillaturc folcmuly coutirmtd by c tlic- , n ( 4 ) the crown ; ior exempting the " miiidereis" of colonift* iiDiii legal tnul, aiul in cttetl iiotn piiiiifliment; lor ereftiiig ill a iieighliouring province, acquired b^the joint arm* of Great-firitain and Amenta, a defpotilm dangerous to our very cxillcncc; and lor quartering foldiers upon the colo- iiilU in time of profound peace. It has alio been lefolved in Parliament, tliat colonifts chaiged with commuting cer- tain ott'eiicts, fli.ll betranfporU'd to England to he tried. But why fhoiild we enumerate our iiijuiies in detail ? By one llaiiitc it is declared, that Parliament can " of right make laws to bind us in all cases wh atsolv er " What isto defend us agatnft fo enormous, lo unlimittid a power ? Not a (itig.e man of thofc who afTumc it is chofcn by us ; or is lub- jcd lo our conlroul or influence : but on the contrary, they are all of them exempt from the operation of fuch laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted from the onenfible purpofes lor which it is raifed, would aftually lighten their own burdens in proportion as they incieafe ours. We faw the milery to which fuch defpotifin would reduce us, We for ten years inccffantly and incffeftually belieged the throne as fupplicants ; we reafoned, we remonftratcd with parlia- ment 111 the inoft mild and decent language. But adminif- tration fenfible that we (hould regard thcle oppreflivc mea« lures as freemen ought to do, fcut over fleets and armies to enforce them . The indignation of the Amencans wa6 roufcd it is true ; but it was the indignation of a virtuous, loyal, and afleitionaie people. A Congrefs of Delegates f.'om the united colonies was alTembled at Philadelphia, on the fifth djy ol lall September. We rcfolvcdagain to offer an humble and dutiful petition to the King, and alfo addrefled our fel- low fubjcfts of Great-Britain. We have purfued every tem- perate, every refpeitful meafiirc; we have even proceeded to break off our commercial intercourie with our fcllow-lubjcfb, as the lad peaceable admonition, that our attachment to no nation on earth Ihould fupplant our attachment to liberty. This, wc flattered ourfclves, was the ultimate ftep of the controvcrly; but lublequcnt events have (hewn, how vaja was this hope ol finding moderation in our enemies. Several thteatninj; expiellions againll the colonies were infeitcu 111 his Majclly's fpeech ; our petition, though wc were lolJ it was a decent one, that his Majclly had beeii pleafed lo icceivc it gracioully, and to promife laying it be- fore his parliament, was huddled into both houfes amongit 3 bundle ol American papers, and there ncglefled. The LordS) miiidcreis" of coIonifU piiiiithmcnt; lor creftiiig ircd b^the joint drm» of potilin dangerous to our [ foldicrs upon the colo- It has alio been lefolved ed with commuting cer- 3 England to he tried, ur injuiics in detail ? By imctil can " of right make HATsotv ER " Whatisto niliniilttd a power ? Not IS cholen by us ; or is iub- but on the contiai y, they leration of fuch laws, and :rted from the onenfible luld a£iually lighten their ^ inci cafe ours. We faw n would reduce us. We tually belieged the throne remonftrated with pariia- language. But adminif- ard thcic opprcflivc niea- }ver fleets and armies to he Americans wa& roufcd :ion of a virtuous, loyal, :U of Delegates f.'om the Philadelphia, on the fitth again to offer an humble d alfo addrefled oui fel- have purlued every tera- : have even proceeded to L- with our fcllow-lubjcfU, lat our attachment to no ir attachment to liberty, he ultimate fttp of the have Ihewn, how vain n in our enemies, igainll the colonies were our petition, though we It his Majclly had bceij i to promife laying it be- iito both houles amongfl id there ncgleQed. The LordS) ( 5 ) Lords .ind Commons in thcii addrefs, in the montli of Fe« binary, faid, that " a rebellion at that time adtiially cxiflctl within the province ol Mairachufcti's-bay j and that thofe concerned in it, had been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful combinations and engagements, entered into by his Majefty's fubjcfts in fcveral of the other colonics ; and tlierefore they befought his Majclly, that he would take the moll cffcftual raeafurcs tn infincc due obedience to the laws and authority of the fuprcine Icgidature." — Soon after the commercial intcrcourfi' iif whole colonics, with foreign countries and with each other, was cut oil by an aft of Par- liament ; by iinothcr, fcveral of them were entiri ly prohi- bited from the filherics in the fcas near tlicir coaftt, on which they always depended for llieir fudenaiuc ; and large re- intorcemcnts of Ihips and troops were iinmidiatcly feni over to Geiitral Gage. Fruitlds were all the cntrca;ics, arguments and eloquence of an illudrions band of the moll dittinguilhed Peers and Commoners, who nobly and ilrcnuoiiny alferted the jiiUice of our raufc, to Ilay or even to mitigate the hecdkis fury with which thefe accumulaitrl and unexampled oiiiingcs were hurried on.— liqiially lumlefs was the intcfcrence of the city of London, of Bridol, and many other rcfpcftable towns in our favour. Parliament adopted an infidioiis nia- nocuvre calculated to divide us, toc^lablilh a prrpeliial auc- tion of taxations where colony (hould bid againll colony, all .of them uniniormed what raiilom would ledecin tlicii lives, and thus to extort from us at the point of the boyonrt, (he unknown fums th?.t fhould be fulficieni lo gratify, if poinblc to gratify. m-,iillerial rapacity, with the milcrable indu gence left to us of raifing in ourown mode tlic prefcril)- ed tribute. What terms more rigid a-'d humiliating; could have been diftatcd by remurfclcfs vitlors to coni|uircd ene- mies f In our r.ircuinilances to accept them would be to dc- fervc them. Soon after the intclligonre of thefe pi oceediiiRj arrived on this continent, Ceneral Gage, who, in the coujie of the lall year, had ta^en polTellion of ihetown of Bofton, in the pro. viiice of MalTachufttt's-bay, and dill occupied it as a gatri. fon, on the 19th day cf April, lent out from that place a Ifli^edetacliment of his urmv, who made an unprovoked alfaiilt on the inhabitants of the faid province, at tiie town of Lexington, as appears by the alfida«ii» ol a gicat miniber of perfons, fome of whom Arcrc oiliccrs and loldlers ofth.it 3 dctachiiicnt, .-•■-' ■i ( 6 ) dctacliment, murdered eight of the inhabitants, and wounded many Dthrts. From the>uP the troops proceeded in war- hke ar'Oy to the town of Concord, where they fet upon another party of the inhabitants of the fame province, kill- mi; (cVcral and wounding more, uniil compelled to retreat by the coimtry people fuddenly alTcmblcd to repel this cruel afgreihon. HoHiIities thus commenced by the Bntifh troops, iiavr been fmce profcculed by them wilhoiit regard to laith or repiKalion. — Tiie inhabilanis of Bolton being confined wiihiii that town by the Ceneral their Governor, jnd having in order to procure their difmifl'on. 'ntcred into a treaiv with liini, it war, tlirulaicd thai ihi faH inha- bitants h.iving depofited their arms with their own magil- i.jtc5. !ho;ilcl h.avcli!':-i.v to depart, taking witlithrm their tither riftfis. Jhcy ac ordingiy delivered up their .nmf, iuit in open violation of honor, in ileli.iiice ofihe ohliRation , if treaties, which even fav,i;!c nations elleem facred, the Covernor ordered the aims .lepolitcd as afcn laid, that they might be picfcrvcd for their owners, lt> be iVizcd by aliociy Ofluldiers; liftaincd ihr f;rcaiell pan oi the ml.abiiants in the town, .-lid compelled the lew who wcie permuted to relire. to leave lluir moil \aliial)lcelUi!:is behind. Bvlbi"^ pcriidy, w ives are feparaf d Irom tiieiv hiifbancJi, ,WMrcn from their parents, tlie J,rd Jnd tlielick trom their' rr'atimis and frieiics, who v. ilh lo attend and comloit ihrm ; a;ul tlirfe who have been u!ed to live in plenty, and rvi) ele>;3nre. are i educed to drphirable didrels. The Gernal Inrther cnmUitiii,; his minillerial maders, by a proclamation bearmg dale on ihe latli day ot June, after venting the grc^rell laUhoods and .aluninies a^amll the nood people of tlic e colonies proceeds lo " declare them ^' all either bv name or delcrij:tioii to be iciuls and trailois, '■ lo hipereede the courfe of the common law. and inllead " thereof to publilA and order tl-.e ufc and excicifc ol the law " u'artidl."— His tioopj haw biitchcicd our countrymeti; have wontonb- burnt Charles TowiK behdes a conrulerable numbeiof houl.s in oilier places; or..- Oiips and vclfels are lci7ed; the nec.lTarv (upi.lies of piovih nis aie intcrcepteU, and hcisexriiing his uln.otl power to fpread dellnittion and dcvaifation around hun. We have leceivcd certain intelligence, that General Carlcton, the Governor of Can.idj, is mlligating die pc-oplc of that province and the Indians to fall upon us ; and we hive but luo much reafon to apprchi nd. that kheines haw u.._ bitants, and wounded p3 piocetdcd in war- , where they fct upon ; fame province, Uill- compclled to retreat cmblcd to repel this mtnced by the Britifh ,■ them without regard lanij of Bolton being L^ncral their Governor, ir diirninion. 'ntcred lied that iht. faH inha- witli their own niagil- [jking witlithf m their ivered up their ,irms, i.iiice of ihc ohliRation ns elleriii fat red, the asafonfaid, that they to be feized by a body : of the iiil'.abiiants in /.ho vviie pcrmuicd to itis brhind. (1 from tlieir hiitbandi, ;ind tl'.elick from their' ) atiend and comfort .1 to live in plenty, and able didrcfs. ;i3 niunlleiial malfers, II ilie latli day ot June, d tahininips a^ainll the ccds to " declare them o be iciuls and traitois, inniDii law. and inllead c aiulexeicifeofihelaw iicvcd our countrymen; befides a confulerable or.r fliip.i and vcffels are ovili )ns arc intercepted, :r to fpread dcftvuftion ■lligciicc, tliat General is inlligating ilie people to fall upon us ; and we :i.nd. ibat Ithemes haw been { 7 ) b«;en formed to excite domelUc enemies againft us. In brief, a part of thefc colonies now feels, and all of them are fure of feeling, as far as the vengeance of adnuniftraiion can in- {[[& them, the complicaied calaniuies ol fiie, Iwoid and la- niine. VVe are reduced to the alieinaiive of chufing an un- conditional fubmilTmn to the tyranny of irritated miiullevs, or rclillance by force. — fhe latter is our choice.— W'e have counted the cod of this contell, and find nothing fo dread- ful as voluntary ilavcry.— Iionoi, julkice, and humanity for- bid ns tamely to fui render that futdiiin which we received from our gallant ancellous, and which our innoceiii poUeiity have a right to leceivc from us. \Vc cannot endure the infamy and guilt of rcliguing fucretding gciu lations to that wretciiednefs which inevitably awaits thcni, il webafeiycn- tail hereditary bondage upon tliein Our caufc is ju(f. Our union is peil'ta. Our internal rtloiirees are great, and if nccelfary, foreign ai'Iiftaiicc is iijidoubtrdly attainable.— We giaielully acknowledge, a!> fignnl iiillaiicf.'i of the Divine favour towards ns, that his Providence would not permit us to be called into this le- verc coiitrovei IV, until we weie gibwn up to our prcfeiit ilrength, had been previoully exeicifed in warlike opcia- •tious, and poirelfed of the means of deleuding ourlelves. — With hearts foitihcd with thefe animating relltttions, we jnoft folemnly, before God and the woild declaie, that ex- erting the utmoft energy of thofe powers, which oiir bene- licient Creator hathgiacioullybeliowed upon ns, the aims we have been compelled by our eiiemies lo alTume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmnefs and pei- feveranre, employ for the prcfervalion of our libeilies, be- ing with one mind refolved, to die freemen rather liian to live (laves. Left this declaration fhould difquiet the minds of our friends and fellow fubjefts in any part of tiie empire, wc alTurc them, that we mean not to diffolve that union which bas fo long and fo happily fubfifted between us, and which wc fincerely wifhto fee reftored. — Necelfity has not yet dri- ven us into that defpcrate meafure, or induced us to excite any other nation to war againft them — We have not raifed armies with ambitious defigns of fcparating from Great Britain, and eftablilbing independent hates. — Wc fight not lor glory or for conquelt. We exhibit to mankind the re« miikable fpeftacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation, or even fufpicion, of ^ offence. Fl J { 8 ) ofTenre. They boaft of their privileges and civilizjtiort, and yet proller no milder conditions than fervitude or death, — In our own native lard, in defence of the freedom that i$ our birthright, and wliirh we ever enjoyed till the late vio- lation of It — In the protcftinn of our property, acquired (olely by the honell induftry of our fore-lathers and our- fclves, againft violence aftually oHcred, we have taken up jrnis. VVe fiiail lay them down when hodiliiies (ball ccafc un the part of the agf;re(Tors, and all danger of their being renewed (ball be :i. Moved, and not before. Willi an humble f-oiifidence in the mercies of the fupreme .,nd imparl ial [u'-lgc and Ruler of the umverfc, we moft •'.rvoutly implore his divme goodnel's to eonduft us happily through ihio great confli^f, to di'pofe our advcrfaries to re- roiu illation on realonablc terms, and thereby to relieve the empire from the calamities of civil war. By Older of Conorfss, JOHN HANCOCK, Prcfidcnt. AitiOcd, CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. I'm LADK LrniA 7a/)'6th, 1775. t 7"Ai T v.- KLVE UNITED COLONIES by their Delegates in Covgrefs, to the Inhabitants of Great- Britain. B Frienhs, Countrymen, and Brethren '■ Y thefe. and by every other appellation, that may defignatc the lies, which bind US to each other, we entreat your urrius iittention to this our fccond attempt, to prevent their (iiffolution.— Remembrance of former fnendftiips, — pride in I he glorious atchievcments of our common anccftors, and ..ffeftion for the heirs of their virtues, have hitherto prcferved our mutual connexion. — But when that friendlhip is violated !)y the groffcil injuries;— when the pride of anceftry becomes jiur reproach, and we arc no otherwifc allied than as tyrants ,iiid (laves, when reduced to the melancholy alternative of renouncing your favor, or our freedom — can we hefitate about the choice i" Let the fpirit of Britons determine. In a former Addrefs, we afferted our Rights, and ftatc^ the injuries wu had then received. We hoped, that themcn- : ion of yur wrongs, would have loufcd that hcricll uidigna- tion) es and clvilizjtiorti i than fervitude or f the freedom that i$ ycd till the late vio- piopcrty, acquired )re-lathcrs and our- , wc have taken up hodililies lliall ccafc langcr of their being ire. rcies of the fupreme univerfc, we moft 1 condiiil us happily )ur adverfaries to rc- ficreby to relieve the 3ck, Prcfidcnt. PSON, Secretary. .ONIES by their laiitants of Great' RITHREN ! )n, that may defignatc her, we entreat your ipt, to prevent their riendftiips, — pride in imon anccftors, and ve hitherto preferved friendftiip is violated ? of anceftry becomes allied than as tyrants ticholy alternative of m — can we hefitate ans determine, r Rights, and ftatc? hoped, that themcn- , that hcricll indigna- tion » ( 9 ) tion, which has (Icpt too long for your honor, or the welfare of the empire.— But we have not bceu permitted to entertain this plealiug cxpctlation; — every day brought an ai cumula- tion of nijurics, and the invention of the mmiKry lias been con'fantly excrcifcd, in adding to the calamities of youi Ame:ican Bicthren, Al'er the moll valuable right of Icgidation was infringed, — whentliepowers,a(rumcd hyyour parliament, in wluch wcare not rtprclcuted, and from our local and other tircurnllanco, cannot properly bereprcfinted, icndered our property pre- carious. — After being denied that mode of tryal to which wc have long been iudeb'ed tor the fafcty of our i'crfoiis, aud the prcfervaiion of our Libeitics : — alter being in iiiiny in- ftanccs diverted of thole laws, which were iraiilmitted to US, by our common /\iKelU)is, and fubjcftcd to an aibitrary code, compiled under the aufpiccsof Roman tyrants ; after annulling thofe chaiteis, which encouraged our predecelfors to brave death and danger in every (hapc, on unknown feas, in dcfarts unexplored, amidil barbaioiis and iiihofpiiable nations ! — when, without the form of tryal, without a pub- lic acculation, whole colonies were condemned!— their trade deftioyed; their inhabitants impoverilhed. — When foldiers were encouraged to embrue their hands in the blood of A- mericans, by offers of impunity; — when new modes of tryal were inllitutcd for the ruin of the accufed, where the charge carried with it the horrors of conviction; — when a del'poiir government was eftablilhed in a neighbouring province, and its limits extended to every of our frontiers; wc little imagin- ed that any tiling could be added to this black catalogue oi unprovoked injuries ; — but we have unhappily been deceived; and the late nieafures of the Britilh miniOry fully convince us, that their objeft is the reduction of thcfc colonics to ilavcry and ruin. To confirm this affcrtion, let us rccal your attention to the affairs of America, fince our lall addrefs; — let us combat the calumnies of oureneniies — and let us warn you of the dangers that threaten you, in our dcllruilion. Many of your fellow fubjefts, whofe fituation deprived them of other fupport. drew their mainiainance from tlie.fea ; but the deprivation of our Liberty being infuHicicut tolatisfy the refBiUment of our enemiesi the horrors of famine were fuperadded, and a Britilh parliament, who, in belter limes were the proteftorsof in- nocence and the patrons of humanity, have, without diflinc- tion of age or lex, robbed thoul'andl of th« food, which 5 they I' 1% I ilf I ( >» J I T'lry werraTiirtomcd to ilrnw troni ;!nt incxliju'l,.b!f fnir. c^ pjatiu 111 liii'ir iRJf;hb()iirlioocl hv the bcncvolnit Cicatur, Ano'.lu" a6l nl yiHir Icgiflarun ihuts our porijdnd proni- liiis our l;3(le with ariv but (hol;'St,iti.s, fiym wiioaitbi •^icsi Inw ot I'd! iireforvJUdii rci:clfis u abfoljtrly luctlTary wc Ihoulil al prclint wano'.i] our cmimt'icc. — Bultiiis utt (wliu!- rvLT may liavc been its deli.;ii) xvt: conlidcr ra;iitr .i.s u.juii- ous to your opiilrucc, than our iiitcrcil. — All I'ur coiniiirm- ttrmiTialcs with yo>i ; and iho wealth wc procure trom olhci nations, is foou cxohaiigid lor your fuptrflui'.iis.— Our i'.- mlttaiKcs mull tlicii ccal'e witii mir trade; siid oi;r ir- iincinents with our aflluenrc — VVi- irud howevir, that la .» i. which deprive us of eveiv blclliii^, but a foil that temis w;.b (lie iiectHarici of lile. and iliat libcily which rtndfis tlir cnjoytnciit ol th'jm feiiurc, will not iclav our vijioui in il'.ui dcicnce. Wc miglit hcreobfti-veon the cruelty and iiironliltciicv ot ihofr, who, wliik:thonipted by iiecciruji will not leave us \^•llhout the nccelfarv liipplies. We could wilh to go no fuitlier — and, not to wound the car of humanity, leave untold thofe rig 'reus afls ot npprellioii which are daily excrcifed in llictowii of Bofton, did we not hope, that by difclaiining ihcir deeds, and piinilhin;; the per- petrators, you would Ihonly vindicate the honour ol the Uritilh name, and re-eifablilh the violated laws of Juli.^e. That once populous, flouiilhing and comnieicial town is now garriloned by an ai mv Iciv,, not to proleft. but to enllavc its inhabitants — The civil goveinnicni is oveiturned, and a military dclpotilm creftcd upon its rums. — Without law, without right, powers are alfunied unknown to the couiliiu- tion. — Private properly is unjuftly invaded. — The inhabi- tants daily fiib]etled to the licenlioufiiefs of the foldiery, are forbid to remove m defiance ol their natural rights, in viola- lion of the moll lolemn eompatls — Or it after long and wcaii« loinc folicitalioii, a pals is pioiured, their etfcifs aix dt lam- ed, and even ■ho!'- who are moll fihourid, have no alteina- live but • iverly or flavery. The dlllrefs of many ihouland people, wantonly deprived ol the necelfariesol hie, is a fub- jtdl oil wliiih we woulii not wilh to enlarge. Yet ( n )/ t incxlijulublf fiiu-. i.. c btncvoiir.t Cuatiu", < our pons and proiii- , fiom w!u>iii iIk ;,ii'a> ifol'jtrly nicilTaiy wc X. — Bultiiis iitt (whu!- iiddcr raiiitr m iljuii- II. — All I'ur coinimm' ivc piocuit tioni olhci fiipLitluiiKs.— Cur ic- ■ trade ; and ni;r rv- ill howevLi, iliat la.vi I a foil th;i: tfciiis wi.li y which r(ndf;.s tlir ty and iiironlillciicv ot nd us with irp liiliil itpiivcusof ihc iiiLjiis h lorcign powiis. :.ik1 a mcTcilel's loldicry. ct^; and ihd' llir iimiJ (h minilh\ Ihoiild prc- pionipted by iieff|[ii\ , I' liipphcs. id, not to wound tbr lai >vous afls ot opprcllioii of BuDon, did wc- not and piinilbin;; the pcr- atc the honour ol ihc latcd laws of Juli.^r. (1 coninicicial town is o proli'ft. but tornllavc ni is ovcitiirnrd, and a rums. — Without law, iknown to tlif couilliu- invadfd. — Thr inhabi- iK'fs ofthc foldirry, are natural rights, in viola- r if after long and wcaii" their cffcifs aix dtiaiii- lurid, have no altcm.i- irfs of many tliouland elfaviesol life, is a fiib- nlargf. Yet Vet v,-e rar.n.'i I nt ,,i,rnV.-. tlim a Biii'l'i firct (unjuOilictl rvcii hvadbol voar l-.j;:lUuirc-, aie d.rily unployrd in tuit.. ; ... our comniiKi-, lu/.in? "ur llnps, nnd drprivinfi whon- >ommiinitic.o( tbeir daily biend. \.m will a i.gard for v.-.u- honor, pumitiistob.r.lcnt, vvlnli Untifh troop* fullv ;.,ur glory. l,v .ictions wnirli tlie molt tiivct. iKsr enniuv wul Mot iialiatc anion.; civili/t,mi ituilc fcniinitns of r,.m|,allioii by *l'.;ch I'uons bav. <\ci been dillniKuill.a-ir Hie buinnmty vvhicti .,irn.(rfdir,e \.ri..ur <,1 < in conunoii aiiu Ibni,, basnoldege- Miaienintociuelty, you will lament the niiUntb ol their o< l. , In what .lie ue to atliilmte llii'- luvtnuin II to ,.ny Ic- cret principle of the loiilliUition let n be mentiomd— let uu b.in, that ihtnovernnient w. have long levd.d is not with. o'itit',deUxu,.ir.dtb,n while it giv ■ luedom to a part, it ■■.■ ■ lo ll.is wc aiilwcr, ilut tlic- advantages winch G cai- Krilam icce.vcs liom tl.c moM.)p,)lv ()t our tndt, lar csr.cds „ui i>r,.iK.Mi.m ..liliecxpcicc ncci-lla y lor that purnol.-. But IhoiiUi tlulc advaiiiagobe .naiUqiute ihcrtf,, Ut the re- a.ia.ous nil our trade be uni»vcd, and wc wi!l chca.li.lly Loiitn'.uuefucli proportion Ahenconllitutionally required. It ,s a Uiiulameiital pnmiple ol the Untilh coull.tution, tlm every man Ihould have at Icait a rcpreleiitaiivc lliaic in li,c tovmation of ihole laws by wluch lie is bouiu U ere it oiheiwilc. .he regulation of our internal police by a Britilh Piibamcnt, who are. and tvcr will be unacquainted wilfi our local circumlUnces, mull be always inconvenient, and trcquenily oppte:live, working our wron.^, without yieUl- i,,^ any pomble advantage to you. A plan oi accommodation (as it lias been ablurdly called) has been propoled by your minille.s fiour .elpcctivc airem- bites. Wei c tins propofal free from every other objection b.a that whicharilcs fiom the timeol the oiler, it would no be unexceptionable. Can men deliberate with the bayonet at then breall ? Can thev treat with frecd.mt while their towns are lacked ; when dailv inllanccs of injuUice and opprelbon, dillurb the nowcr operations of -eafon.' ,„,!„.„ If thi» propofal IS really fudi as you ntnuld oHei , and we accept, why was it delayed till the naiion was put to utele Is cxptm'e, and we were redu.edto our p.elent melancholy fitnaiion i" . . , , it„i.(-, :,, If it holds forth noll.ins why was .1 propoled ? L n efs in- deed to deceive you into a belief that we were unwdling to E . anytermsoJaecummodation : but what is ubmitted W "ui 'onlidrration f we contend for the difpolal ol our p.o- oer'tv : we are told that our demand is nnrealonable inai ou. Eblies mav indeed colled oi.r money, but that they mu at the fame time Oder, not what your "'f "^, " " ""'^ may require, but lo niuch a. (hall be deemed '""'^'7"" I ' nsfy tbe\ler.resof a muuller, and enable b.m to P'"-de f. r lavountes and dependants. (A recurrence lo youi nvn^U^ furv will convince you how little ol the moiiev abeady cx- : ed tLm us has lecn applied to the relicl » V-^l;,'; " thens ) To Inppofe that we would thus Rralp Hie lludow, and isive up the lublkance. is adding infult to injuries. V have neveithelefs again prefen.ed an huinb e atid duu- fnl petilbn to ou, Sovereign : and lo remove every impu a Tonll oblluLcy, ba^c requelkd hi. Majel.y to «i.«6l an c T '"1 ( ^5) tluiij; to tlie common k'antagcs winch G cat- Dur tudi , tar c-x.-itils y for that pui iiolt. ute dicrctii, let ttic re- id we \vi!l clicailnlly lulionally rcqiund. c Britilh foiillitutioii, I'prclciitaiive fWarc in ic IS bound Were it iial police l>y a Britilh lie uiiacqiiamted with ivs inconvenient, and ivron^, without yicld- becn ablurdly called) oowv icfptCtivc aircin- 1 every other objection the ollei , It would not itc with the bayonet at Jom while tlicir towns iijuUicc and opprellion, ;l? u lluinld otVer, and wc 31I011 was put to uCelils ir piclcni mcUncholy t propoUd ? Unlcfs in- we were uiiwdling to : but what IS lubimlted ihe difpolal ol our pro- s uiircafonable. ihai ie laws.ol theoptia'.ion ol winch wc complain on ilie one put, and a dilUiiutiou ol oui ainiy and commeical a(Tiiciations(in the other. Yet coiicluilt iioi from tins ihat wc propolt to fnrrendcr our property into the liandi of your mmillry, or veil your Parliament with a power wnich may tciniinatc in on de- Uuiftion. The great bulwarks of our conlliuition wc have dcfired to maintain bv every temperate, by cverv peaceable means; but ,our miniaers. (equal foes to BntilVi and Amcii- ran fiecdom',) have added to iheir former oppellions in at- tempt to reduce us by the fwoid to a bale andabjccl lubniif- lioii. On the fwoid therefore wc are compelled to rely lor pioteflion Should viftorv declare in your favour, vet men trained to arms Iroin their mtaiuy and animated by the love of llliirlv, will alhiv,! iicillicr a cheap or caly conquell. Of thi.s at Icaft wc arc allured, t.iai oui Urugsle will be j-lorimis, our fucccfsccitaiii. Iiiiceevenin death wc lliall find that fice- dom which in lite you foibid lis to enjoy. Let us now alk what advantages aie to attend our redu6li- -in 1* the trade ol a ruined and delolalcd country is always in- onfidcrable, Us revenue tiiriingj the c.xpencc ot fubjctfing iiid retaining it in fubjettiun certain and iiic\ liable. What then lemains but the gratilicatioiis of an lU-judged pride, or the hope of icndeiing us (ubIcrvieiU to defign.s on your li- bcrt'.. .Soldiers who have Iheaihed ihcir fwords in the bowcU of !i:c;r .^meiican brethren, will notdraw them with more rr- luftance againll voii, when too late you inav lament the lolsot that freedom, which we exhort yon, while lUU in your power, to piclcive. On the other hand Ihonld yon prove unfucccfsful ; fliould that tonocOion which we moll ardently wilh to maintain be dilTolvedj Oiould your mttr.ltcr^ exiiaull your trcalures ; wallc the blood of your rountryn n in vaiii attempts on our hberly; do llicv not deiivci you, weak and dctciicelcfs, to ,our natural enemies f Since then youi lihily muO be I e price of your vlftoriej, '■our ruin of your dclcat. What blind fatality can urge you to ouiluit dcfViufctive c! all that jMitons hold dear ,' If *ll *l i : ( ( i6) If you have no regard to the conneflioii that lias for agtt fublilted between us ; if you have forgot the wouftds we re- ceived H^hting by your tide, for the extciifion of the empire ; if our commerce is an objefl below your conflderation ; ff juftice and humanity have loll their influence on you hearts, fiill motives are not wanting to excite your indignation at tht meafurcs now purlued : your wealth, your honour, your li- berty are at ftake. Notwithflanding the diftrefs to which wc are reduced, we fomctimes forget our own aflliftions to anticipate and fympa- thizc m yours. We grieve that rath and inconfideratc coun- cils Ihould precipate tile deftruttion of an empire, which has been the envy and admiration of ages ; and call God trt wit- neb: that wc would part with our property, endanger out- lives, and facrifice every thing but liberty to redeem yoit from ruin . A cloud hangs over your heads and ours ; e'er this reaches you, it may probably have burft upon us ; let us then (before the remembrance of former kindnefsis obliterated) once more repeat thofe appellations which are ever grateful in our tars. Let ui entreat heaven to avert our ruin, and the deftru6lioh that threatens our friends, brethren, and countrymen, on the other fide of the Atlantic. By Order of the'CONGRESS. JOHN HANCOCK, Prefident, : Atteftea by CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary. Philadelphia, jBljr 8, i;?^. . , . ■ . , • ' 1 ' ■ I . ,' .1 . . .V . I ,■ I ; .■ : f ftioti that iias for ag» ;ot the wouftds «e re- itciifion of the empire ; your confideratidn ; }f ifluencc on you hearts, your indignation at thfc your honour, your 11- ch we are reduced, we ) antiripatc and fympa- ind inconfideratc coun- F an empire, which has ; and call God t6 wit- roperty, endanger out iberty to redeem you ours ; e'er this reaches us ; let us then (before obliterated! once more cr grateful in our ears. 1, and the deftruftion id countrymen, on (he 'CONGRESS. ICK, Prefidcnu - .1..,,-; f»' i .!• - I ^1 TP^ yp * . j;-v ' * ' Udfr : ;. *f ii^j!»-"'i:'H"^wW'^4"^ ' ^- '.. " ' '" ' ' -•" '• ' ' "" ''