most wealthy. Relate to them the various, unjust may, by the permission of Heaven, lay waste our and cruel statutes, which the British parliament, towns, and ravage our country, it can never claiming a right to make laws for binding the eradicate from the breasts of freemen, those princolonies in all cases whatsoever, have enacted; and ciples which are ingrafted in their very nature.➡ the many sanguinary measures which have been, Such men will do their duty, neither knowing, nor and are daily pursued and threatened, to wrest regarding consequences; but submitting them, from them those invaluable benefits, and to enforce with humble confidence, to the omniscient and such an unlimited and destructive claim. To the omnipotent arbiter and director of the fate of em most illiterate it must appear, that no power on pires, and trusting that his Almighty arm, which earth can, of right, deprive them of the hardly has been so signally stretched out for our defence, earned fruits of their honest industry, toil and will deliver them in a righteous cause. labor-even to them, the impious attempt to preThe eyes of Europe, nay of the whole world, are vent many thousands from using the means of on America. The eyes of every other colony are subsistence provided for man by the bounty of his on this; a colony, whose reputation for generosity Creator, and to compel them, by famine, to surand magnanimity, is universally acknowledged. I render their rights, will seem to call for Divine trust, therefore, it will not be diminished by our vengeance. The endeavors, by deceit and bribery, future conduct, that there will be no civil discord to engage barbarous nations to embrue their hands here; and that the only strife amongst brethren in the innocent blood of helpless women and child-will be, who shall do most to serve and to save an ren; and the attempts by fair but false promises, oppressed and injured country. to make ignorant domestics subservient to the most wicked purposes, are acts at which humanity must revolt. Shew your constituents, then, the indispensable necessity which there was for establishing some April 11, 1776. JOHN RUTLEDGE. To his excellency John Rutledge, esq. president and commander in chief in and over the colony of South Carolina. assembly. May it please your excellency We, the legislative council and general assembly of South Carolina, convened under the authority of the equitable constitution of government established by a free people in congress, on the 26th ult. beg leave, most respectfully, to address your excel. mode of government in this colony; the benefits The address of the legislative council and general of that, which a full and free representation has established; and that the consent of the people is the origin, and their happiness the end of government. Remove the apprehensions with which honest and well-meaning, but weak and credulous, minds may be alarmed, and prevent ill impressions by artful and designing enemies. Let it be known that this constitution is but temporary, till an ac-lency. commodation of the unhappy differences between Great Britain and America can be obtained; and that such an event is still desired by men who yet remember former friendships and intimate connections, though, for defending their persons and properties, they are stigmatized and treated as rebels. Nothing is better known to your excellency than the unavoidable necessity which induced us, as members of congress, on the part of the people, to resume the powers of government, and to establish some mode for regulating the internal polity of this colony; and, as members of the legislative council and general assembly, to vest you, for a Truth, being known, will prevail over artifice time limited, with the executive authority. Such and misrepresentation-In such case no man, who constitutional proceedings, on our part, we make is worthy of life, liberty, or property, will, or can, no doubt will be misconstrued into acts of the refuse to join with you, in defending them to the greatest criminality by that despotism, which, lost last extrmity, disdaining every sordid view, and to all sense of justice and bumanity, has already the mean paltry considerations of private interest pretended that we are in actual rebellion. But, and present emolument, when placed in competisir, when wè reflect upon the unprovoked, cruel, tion with the liberties of millions; and seeing that and accumulated oppressions under which Ame there is no alternative but absolute, unconditional rica, in general, and this colony in particular, has submission, and the most abject slavery, or a de-long continued; oppressions which, gradually infence becoming men born to freedom, he will not creasing in injustice and violence, are now, by the besitate about the choice. Although superior force inexorable tyranny perpetrated against the united Colonies, under the various forms of robbery, con-¡ Whereas, the honorable the continental congress flagrations, massacre, breach of public faith, and hath resolved, "that, in the present situation of open war; conscious of our natural and unalienable affairs, it will be very dangerous to the liberties rights, and determined to make every effort in our and welfare of America, if any colony should power to retain them, we see your excellency's separately petition the king or either house of elevation from the midst of us, to govern this parliament." And whereas no step should be left country, as the natural consequence of such out-unessayed to promote the general welfare: and rages. whereas the sending commissioners from Great Britain to treat with the different colonies, is dangerous to the stability of the liberties of America: Therefore By the suffrages of a free people you, sir, have been chosen to hold the reins of government, an event as honorable to yourself as beneficial to the public. We firmly trust that you will make the Resolved, That it is the opinion of this house, constitution the great rule of your conduct; and, that no measures should be left unessayed to in the most solemn manner, we do assure your establish the liberties of America, and to place excellency that, in the discharge of your duties, them as far as may be, out of the reach of fraudulent under that constitution which looks forward to an schemes to subvert them by negociation; and that accommodation with Great Britain (an event which, this colony should not enter into any treaty or corthough traduced and treated as rebels, we still respondence with the court of Great Britain, or earnestly desire,) we will support you with our lives with any person or persons under that authority, and fortunes. but through the medium of the continental congress. In the legislative council, the 3d day of April, 1776. GEORGE GABRIEL POWELL, Speaker. In the general assembly, the 3d day of April, 1776. By order of the house, JAMES PARSONS, speaker. Resolved also, That it is the opinion of this house, that if any person or persons sent from Great Britain to treat with the several colonies, shall arrive in this colony by water, such person or persons, and their retinue or company, should not, upon any pretence, be allowed to land, or to Mremain in the colony longer than forty-eight hours, wind and weather permitting; or while so remain His excellency's answer. Honorable gentlemen of the legislative council, Speaker, and gentlemen of the general assembly. My most cordial thanks are due, and I reques:ing, to hold any communication with any person în that you will accept them, for this solemn engage ment of support, in discharging the duty of the honorable station to which, by your favor, I have been elected. this colony, but through his excellency the presi dent; and if any such persons shall arrive by land, they should be forthwith escorted out of the colony, and not permitted to hold conference with any person not for that purpose authorized by the presiBe persuaded, that no man would embrace a just and equitable accommodation with Great Brident, and that for the mere purpose of accommoda tion. New Jersey. In Provincial congress. tain more gladly than myself; but, until so desirable an object can be obtained, the defence of my country, and preservation of that constitution Burlington, June 14, 1776. which, from a perfect knowledge of the rights, Resolved, That, in the opinion of this congress, and a laudable regard to the happiness of the peo- the proclamation of William Franklin, esq. late ple, you have so wisely framed, shall engross my governor of New Jersey, bearing date the thirtieth whole attention. day of May last, in the name of the king of Great Britain, appointing a meeting of the general assembly, to be held on the twentieth of this instant, June, ought not to be obeyed. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this congress, the said William Franklin, esq. by such, his declaration, has acted in direct contempt and violation of the resolve of the continental congress of the 15th day of May last. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this congress, all payments of money on account of salary or disunite their efforts by land, which are of necessity otherwise, to the said William Franklin, esq. as liable to interruption from the enemy's fleet by governor, ought from henceforth to cease; and that the treasurer or treasurers of this province, shall account for the monies in their hands to this congress, or to the future legislature of this colony. By order of the congress, SAMUEL TUCKER, president. WILLIAM PATTERSON, secretary. An address to the inhabitants of New Jersey. sea. It is scarce worth while to add, that this province, by its vicinity, would then be exposed to the cruel depredations of the enemy, who, hap. pily, hitherto have been able to do us little or no mischief but by theft and rapine. It would seem to carry unjust suspicion of you to say any more on our own private interest, as we hope every honest man is chiefly concerned for, and will strain every nerve in support of, the common cause of the united colonies. The This province has been requested by the conWe cannot help putting you in mind how signally tinental congress to send, without delay, from their Almighty God has prospered us hitherto, and militia, three thousand three hundred men to New. crowned our virtuous efforts with success. York, in consequence of authentic information that expulsion of the enemy from Boston, where they first took possession, and began their oppressive the grand attack of our common enemy this summer, which will probably prove the decisive canmeasures, was an event as disgraceful to them, as paign, is to be upon that city; and that their force it was advantageous to the public cause, and honorable to that brave and resolute army by may be expected there in a few days.-Your rewhich it was accomplished. It will certainly be presentatives in this congress have, with all the no small encouragement to those who shall now despatch in their power, and with the utmost unaproceed to the place of danger, that they shall nimity, prepared an ordinance for raising the numjoin with many of the same soldiers, who have ber called for, as equally from the different parts of the province as possible. They have determined gained immortal honor by their past conduct, as to raise the men by voluntary enlistment in the well as serve under that wise and able leader, several counties, in full confidence that, in this war, they will be raised most speedily, as well as consist of persons of the greatest spirit and alacrity for the important service. Filled with the same zeal for the defence of their country, they apply to you by this short address—and, in the most We must not forget the activity and success of earnest and affectionate manner, entreat you not the inhabitants of the southern colonies. They run to sully the reputation acquired on all former oc- to arms in thousands the moment they heard of an casions; but to give a new proof to the public of attack, both in Virginia and North Carolina. God your courage and intrepidity, as men, of your was pleased, in both cases, to reward their alacrity, unalterable attachment to the liberties of America, for they obtained a complete victory over their and the sincerity of your unanimous resolutions enemies with so little loss of blood, as was not from the beginning of this contest. Were there barely wonderful, but scarcely credible. At the time to draw up a long discourse in this hour of battle of Moor-Creek Bridge, there were but few danger, the arguments that might be used are men killed, and at Norfolk Great-Bridge we did innumerable; and as some of them are of the most not lose a single life. urgent, so (blessed be God) others are of the most encouraging and animating kind. whose prudence, firmness and attention to his great charge, have procured him the most unlimited confidence, both of those who direct the public counsels, and of those who are in arms under his command. Time does not permit us to enlarge on the past events of this war, in which the kindness of Pro The danger is not only certain, but immediate vidence is so clearly to be seen. We therefore only and imminent. It does not admit of a moment's further observe, that, by the preparations in Bridelay, for our unjust and implacable enemy is at tain for this campaign, and by all the intelligence hand. The place where the attack is expected received from Europe, it is plain that not honor is of the last importance; not only a city of great and advantage only, but absolute necessity requires extent, the interest of whose numerous inhabitants us to exert our utmost efforts, for our all is at must be exceedingly dear to us, but situated in stake. Every one now is obliged to confess what the middle of the colonies, and where the success many saw long ago, that entire and unconditional of the enemy would separate the provinces, and submission is the point to which our enemies are determined to bring us, if in their power; so that nothing remains for us but either the abject slavery of tributary states, or to maintain our rights and liberties by force of arms, and hand down the fair inheritance to our posterity, by a brave and deter-lony in the legislature:-but care should be taken mined defence. this choice is free, and the representation equal, it is the people's fault if they are not happy: we therefore instruct you to devise some means to obtain an equal representation of the people of this co that the assembly be not unwieldy; for this would be an approach to the evil meant to be cured by representation. The largest bodies of men do not always despatch business with the greatest expedition, nor conduct it in the wisest manner. We desire and expect, that, in such a situation of things, all particular difference of small mo. ment, arising from whatever cause, whether religious denominations, rivalship of different classes of It is essential to liberty, that the legislative, men, scarcity of some articles of commerce, or any judicial, and executive powers of government be, other, may be entirely laid aside. The present as nearly as possible, independent of, and separate danger requires the most perfect union. Let every from each other; for where they are united in the enemy perceive, that the representatives of the same persons, or number of persons, there would colonies, as soon as they determine upon any mea-be wanting that mutual check which is the princisure, are able to bring out the whole strength of this vast country to carry it into execution. pal security against the making of arbitrary laws, and a wanton exercise of power in the execution That you may be under no apprehension either of them. It is also of the highest importance, that of inequality in the burden, or that our own coasts every person in a judiciary department employ the will be left unguarded by the destination of this greatest part of his time and attention in the duties brigade, we have thought it best to inform you, of his office; we therefore further instruct you, ta that the continental congress have amply provided procure the enacting such law or laws, as shall for the defence of this province, and have made make it incompatible for the same person to hold such arrangement of the continental army for the a seat in the legislative and executive departments ensuing campaign, as lays an equal burden on the of government, at one and the same time: that shall inhabitants of the different colonies; in particular, render the judges, in every judicatory through the that a flying camp of ten thousand men is now colony, dependent, not on the uncertain tenure of forming for the protection of the middle colonies, caprice or pleasure, but on an unimpeachable which, we are credibly informed, is to have its deportment in the important duties of their station, chief station in this province. We add no more, for their continuance in office; and to prevent the but that we trust and hope, that, while every multiplicity of offices in the same person, that such province is making the most spirited efforts, New Jersey in its place and duty will be second to none. Signed in name, and by appointment of congress, at Burlington, June 15, 1776. SAMUEL TUCKER, president. WM. PATTERSON, secretary. Extract from the instructions to the representatives of salaries be settled upon them as will place them above the necessity of stooping to any indirect or collateral means for subsistence. We wish to avoid a profusion of the public monies on the one hand, and the danger of sacrificing our liberties to a spirit of parsimony on the other. Not doubting of your zeal and abilities in the common cause of our country, we leave your discretion to prompt such exertions, in promoting any military operations, as the exigencies of our public affairs may require: and in the same confidence of your fervor and attachment to the public weal, we readily submit all other matters of public moment, that may require your consideration, to your own wis dom and discretion, At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Malden, [Mass.] May 27, 1776, it was voted unanimously, that the following instructions be given to their representative, viz. stituent body be satisfied that they are fairly and fully represented. The right to legislate is origi nally due to every member of the community; which right is always exercised in the infancy of a state: but, when the inhabitants are become numerous, it is not only inconvenient, but impracticable, for all to meet in one assembly; and hence arose the necessity and practice of legislating by a few, freely chosen by the many. When sentatives, calling upon the several towns in this To Mr. Ezra Sargeant. colony to express their minds with respect to the that the sword of their country should avenge their important question of American independence, is wrongs. We long entertained hopes that the spirit the occasion of our now instructing you. The of the British nation would once more induce them time was, sir, when we loved the king and the peo- to assert their own and our rights, and bring to ple of Great Britain with an affection truly filial; condign punishment the elevated villains who have we felt ourselves interested in their glory; we trampled upon the sacred rights of men, and shared in their joys and sorrows; we cheerfully affronted the majesty of the people. We hoped poured the fruit of all our labors into the lap of in vain; they have lost their love to freedom; they our mother-country, and without reluctance ex- have lost their spirit of just resentment; we therepended our blood and our treasure in their cause. fore renounce with disdain our connexion with a kingdom of slaves; we bid a final adieu to Britain. These were our sentiments towards Great Bri tain while she continued to act the part of a parent state; we felt ourselves happy in our connection with her, nor wished it to be dissolved; but our sentiments are altered, it is now the ardent wish of cur souls that America may become a free and independent state. Could an accommodation be now effected, we have reason to think that it would be fatal to the liberties of America; we should soon catch the endangered. contagion of venality and dissipation, which hath subjected Britons to lawless domination. Were we placed in the situation we were in 1763: were the powers of appointing to offices, and commandA sense of unprovoked injuries will arouse the ing the militia, in the hands of governors, our arts, resentment of the most peaceful. Such injuries trade and manufactures would be cramped; nay, these colonies have received from Britain. Un- more than this, the life of every man who has justifiable claims have been made by the king and been active in the cause of his country would be his minions to tax us without our consent; these claims have been prosecuted in a manner cruel and unjust to the highest degree. The frantic policy of administration bath induced them to send fleets and armies to America; that, by depriving us of our trade and cutting the throats of our brethren, they might awe us into submission, and erect a systeam of despotism in America, which should so far enlarge the influence of the crown as to enable it to rivet their shackles upon the people of Great Britain. For these reasons, as well as many others which might be produced, we are confirmed in the opinion, that the present age will be deficient in their duty to God, their posterity and themselves, if they do not establish an American republic. This is the only form of government which we wish to see established; for we can never be willingly subof infinite wisdom, goodness and rectitude, is alone ject to any other King than he who, being possessed fit to possess unlimited power. This plan was brought to a crisis upon the ever We have freely spoken our sentiments upon this memorable nineteenth of April. We remember important subject, but we mean not to dictate; we the fatal day! the expiring groans of our country-have unbounded confidence in the wisdom and men yet vibrate on our ears! and we now behold uprightness of the continental congress: with pleathe flames of their peaceful dwellings ascending sure we recollect that this affair is under their to Heaven! we hear their blood crying to us from direction: and we now instruct you, sir, to give the ground for vengeance! charging us, as we value them the strongest assurance that, if they should the peace of their manes, to have no further con- declare America to be a free and independent renection with —, who can unfeelingly hear of the public, your constituents will support and defend slaughter of —, and composedly sleep with their the measure, to the last drop of their blood, and ́ blood upon his soul. The manner in which the the last farthing of their treasure. war had been prosecuted hath confirmed us in these sentiments; piracy and murder, robbery and breach of faith, have been conspicuous in the con Attest. SAM. MERLIT, town-clerk. of South Carolina. duct of the king's troops: defenceless towns have Extracts from the Journal of the Provincial congress been attacked and destroyed: the ruins of Charlestown, which are daily in our view, daily reminds us of this: the cries of the widow and the orphan Resolved, That Mr. President do signify the demand our attention; they demand that the hand approbation of this congress, and present their of pity should wipe the tear from their eye, and thanks to the hon. Henry Middleton, and John |