were prepared, which did not precisely agree with the principles contained in their list of grievances; and in which they disapproved "of the violent measures, that had been pursued in some of the colonies;" they, at the same claimed an exemption from internal taxation, and the exclusive right of providing for the support of their own civil government, and the administration of justice, as their undoubted and unalienable rights, as Englishmen.

The people of New-York, however, in general, conformed to the non-importation agreement, recommended by congress; and on the 20th of April met in convention, and appointed delegates to represent that province in the congress to be held in May, with instructions "to concert and determine upon such matters, as shall be judged most advisable, for the preservation and re-establishment of American rights and privileges.'

From the apparent defection of New York, the ministry had high expectations, that the confederacy of the colonies was broken; still, however, when the agent of that province, on the 15th of May, presented the petition of the assembly, to the house of commons, it was refused a hearing, beeause it denied or called in question, the right of parliament to tax them. The colonists were duly informed of the proceedings of parliament, during this interesting session; and convinced that no alternative was now left but unconditional submission or forcible resistance, did not hesitate in their choice. The circular letter of the British Secretary of state, forbidding the election of delegates to the congress in May, was disregarded. This letter of lord Dartmouth, was addressed to the governors of the several States, and bore date January 4th, 1775, and declared that "certain persons styling themselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, having presumed, without his majesty's authority or consent, to assemble together at Philadelphia, in the months of September and October last; and having thought fit, among other unwarrantable proceedings, to resolve that it will be necessary, that another congress should be held in the same place, on the 10th

* Records of the state of New York, and Alexander McDougall's letter, in memoirs of Mr. Quincy, pp. 306, 307.

day of May next, unless redress for certain pretended grievances be obtained before that time, and to recommend, that all the colonies in North America, should choose deputies to attend such congress, I am commanded by the king to signify to you his majesty's pleasure that you do use his majesty's endeavors to prevent any such appointment of deputies, within the colony under your government, and that you do exhort all persons to desist from such unwarrantable proceedings, which cannot but highly displease the king."

Notwithstanding this royal recommendation, delegates were chosen from all the colonies, to attend the congress in May; except Georgia, whose delegates were chosen in the summer of 1775. The preparations of the colonists for defense, increased with the increase of danger. The manufacture of gunpowder, arms and ammunition of every kind, was encouraged. In Massachusetts, in particular, all was vigilance and activity. Every person capable of bearing arms, was to be ready at a moment's warning, and arms and provisions were collected and deposited at the towns of Worcester and Concord. Though a desperate conflict seemed inevitable, the people of Massachusetts, as well as the other colonies, were determined not to be the first to commence the attack; but were resolved, to repel by force, the first hostile aggression, on the part of the British commander. An opportunity soon offered, to bring their resolution as well as courage to the test. On the 18th of April, 1775, a detachment of troops moved from Boston, to destroy the warlike and other stores, deposited at Concord; and the next day, the battle of Lexington and Concord followed, in which the British first commenced actual hostilities, by firing on the militia collected at the former place.

The people of Massachusetts redeemed the pledge, they had often given, to defend their rights, at the hazard of their lives. The British were repulsed and compelled, with no inconsiderable loss, to return to Boston. The news of this engagement soon spread through the colonies. All New England was in arms, and thousands moving towards the scene of action.

The provincial congress of Massachusetts immediately resolved that an army of thirteen thousand men, should be raised and

the other New England colonies were requested to furnish an additional number, for the defense of the country. The treasurer was directed to borrow £100,000 for the use of the province; and they declared that the citizens were no longer under any obligations of obedience to governor Gage. They immedi ately dispatched to Dr. Franklin, their agent in England, an account of this hostile attack, accompanied with an address to the people of Great Britain; in which after a statement of the commencement of hostilities, they add, "These, brethren, are marks of ministerial vengeance against this colony, for refusing, with her sister colonies, a submission to slavery; but they have not yet detached us from our royal sovereign. We profess to be his loyal and dutiful subjects, and so hardly dealt with as we have been, are still ready, with our lives and fortunes, to defend his person, family, crown and dignity. Nevertheless, to the persecution and tyranny of his cruel ministry, we will not tamely submit; appealing to heaven for the justice of our cause, we determine to die or be free."

"We cannot think that the honor, wisdom, and valor of Britons will suffer them to be long inactive spectators of measures, in which they themselves are so deeply interested; measures pursued in opposition to the solemn protest of many noble lords, and expressed sense of conspicuous commoners, whose knowledge and virtue have long characterized them as some of the greatest men in the nation; measures executing contrary to the interest, petitions and resolves of many large, respectable, and opulent counties, cities and boroughs, in Great Britain; measures highly incompatible with justice, but still pursued with a specious pretence of easing the nation of its burdens; measures which if successful, must end in the ruin and slavery of Britain, as well as the persecuted American colonies."

"We sincerely hope, that the great sovereign of the Universe, who hath so often appeared for the English nation will support you in every rational and manly exertion with these colonies, for saving us from ruin; and that in a constitutional connection with the mother country, we shall soon be altogether a free and happy people."

CHAPTER IX.

Congress again meet in May, 1775-Place the Colonies in a state of defense-Raise an Army and appoint George Washington Commander in Chief-Publish a manifesto declaring the causes of their taking up arms-Prepare a second petition to the King and an address to the people of Great Britain-Congress not unanimous in again petitioning the King-Proceedings on Lord North's conciliatory propositionThe terms of the proposition rejected-Terms of reconciliation proposed by the Convention of New York-Substance of terms sketched by Dr. Franklin-Massachusetts Convention ask the advice of Congress about the establishment of civil government in that Colony-Fort at Ticonderoga taken-Congress send an army into the Province of Canada-Paper money issued-Views of the Convention of New York, on the subject of a paper medium-Colonists in general in favor of reconciliation-Their various declarations on the subject-Second petition to the King rejected-The Colonies declared by Parliament in a state of rebellion-All trade with the Colonies prohibited, and the Colonists declared open enemiesTheir vessels and persons made liable to seizure-Royal Commissioners appointedTheir powers-Reprisals ordered by Congress-American ports opened to all the world except Great Britain-Congress recommend to the Colonies to form governments for themselves-Independence seriously contemplated-Delegates of Pennsylvania instructed against it-Recommended by North Carolina-Delegates of Virginia specially instructed to propose it in Congress-proposed by Richard Henry Lee-Subject postponed-Measures taken to procure the assent of all the Colonies-Declaration of Independence unanimously agreed to and signed by Delegates from all the Colonies-Produces a new political state in America-Allegiance now transferred to the States-Persons adhering to the King, or to the enemies of the States, or giving them aid, considered as guilty of treason-Royal Commissioners request a conference with some of the members of Congress-Committee appointed-The result of the conference-Terms rejected-Commissioners issue addresses and proclamations to the people of America-Counter address of the Convention of New York-Campaign of 1776 unfortunate for America-General Washington invested with unlimited military powers-Capture of the Hessians at Trenton and the battle of Princeton revive the drooping spirits of the Americans.

In this state of public affairs the general congress again convened at Philadelphia, on the 10th of May. Dr. Franklin, having returned from England, in the spring of this year, he, together with Thomas Willing and James Wilson were, on the 6th of May, added to the delegation of Pennsylvania. Peyton Randolph was again unanimously elected president, and Charles

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Thompson secretary. The parish of St. Johns, in Georgia, having acceded to the proceedings of the last congress, sent a delegate, and he was admitted to a seat. An official account of the hostilities at Lexington and Concord, with an address from the provincial congress of Massachusetts, was laid before this general meeting of the colonies, early in the session. The people of Massachusetts stated the measures, taken for their defense, and requested the direction and assistance of congress, in the truly alarming state of their affairs. The people of the city and county of New York, at the same time, asked the advice of congress, how to conduct themselves, towards the troops soon expected there. Congress recommended, that on the arrival of the troops at New York, the colony should act on the defensive, so long as it should be consistent with their safety and security; that the troops be permitted to remain in their barracks, while they behaved peaceably and quietly. That they be not suffered to erect fortifications, or cut off the communication between town and country; and in case they should commit hostilities, or invade private property, the inhabitants should repel force by force. They also, recommended, that warlike stores be removed from the city, and a place of retreat, in case of necessity, be provided, for the women and children of the city, and that a sufficient number of men be kept in constant readiness, to protect the inhabitants from insult and injury. The actual commencement of hostilities in Massachusetts required and received the immediate attention of congress. On the 26th of May, after stating the dangerous and critical situation of the colonies, from the attempts to carry into execution by force, several unconstitutional and oppressive acts of parliament, from the actual hostilities committed in Massachusetts, and from the large reinforcements of troops expected with the same hostile views, congress unanimously determined, "that, for the express purpose of securing and defending these colonies, and preserving them in safety, against all attempts to carry said acts into execution, by force of arms, the colonies be placed in a state of defense." They at the same time, expressed a most ardent wish, for a restoration of