JULY 6, 1775..Day of Reconciliation, Not of Independence

[Guest guest]

This Declaration was intended to explain to the Public why the Second British

Civil War started on April 19, 1775 was a dispute with Parliament over proper

colonial governance, and was not to be construed as a war against the Crown, ie,

not a revolutionary war designed for Independence.If Helen Boyd had quoted the

entire text of this Declaration in her book, instead of dishonestly redacting

that part which clearly disproves her contention, no one would have taken

seriously this historic date, July 6, 1775, as a likely time moment of birth of

the USA.Furthermore, in any case, the letters and Journal entries attached

herein clearly show that the adoption of this Declaration could not have been

concluded before 5:00 pm that day.Citations:Letters of Delegates to Congress:

Volume 1 AUGUST 1774 - AUGUST 1775

John Adams to William Tudor

Dear Sir Philadelphia July 6. 1775

 

We have Spent this whole Day in debating Paragraph by Paragraph, a Manifesto as

some call it, or a Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of our taking up

Arms.(1) It will be printed Tomorrow, and shall be transmitted as Soon as

possible. It has Some Mercury in it, and is pretty frank, plain, and clear. If

Lord North doesn’t compliment every Mothers Son of us, with a Bill of Attainder,

in Exchange for it, I shall think it owing to Fear.

..

Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume 1 AUGUST 1774 - AUGUST 1775

Roger Sherman to Joseph Trumbull

Dear Sir Philadelphia July 6th. 1775

The Congress are very diligent in making every needful provision in their power

for the Support of the American Cause at the Same time do not Neglect any

probable means for a reconciliation with Great Britain, tho' I have no

expectation that administration will be reconciled unless the Colonies submit to

their Arbitrary System, or convince them that it is not in their power to carry

it into execution. The latter, I hope will soon be done. Letters of Delegates to

Congress: Volume 1 AUGUST 1774 - AUGUST 1775

Thomas Lynch to Ralph Izard

 

 

Dear Sir: Philadelphia, July 7, 1775.

 

Can the friends of old England find no way to stop this fatal war going on--to

the certain destruction of that once great state? All America pants for

reconciliation; they dread, what may be easily prevented by government, a total

separation. Should war go on another year, a government must be formed here--it

is unavoidable; and when once that is done, it will be, I fear, impossible to

restore the connection. When America acts unitedly, she will feel herself too

strong to submit to such restrictions as she now does. In short, the time will

be past.

 

 

 

Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789

THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1775

 

The Congress met according to adjournment (JTWB: ie 9:00 am), and resumed the

consideration of the address to the Inhabitants of G-B, which after some debate,

was re-committed.

 

The committee, to whom the declaration was re-committed, brought in the same,

which being read, was taken into consideration, and being debated by paragraphs,

was approved and is as follows:

 

here insert the declaration

 

Full Text follows below, following this next excerpt showing that agreement on

the Declaration was not reached until the end of the working day, a moment in

the interval between 5:00 or 6:00pm. On motion, Resolved, That a letter be

prepared to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery of the city of London,

expressing the thanks of this Congress, for their virtuous and spirited

opposition to the oppressive and ruinous system of colony administration adopted

by the British ministry (JTWB’s note: This Declaration addressed to the “British

ministry”, ie the Legislature which is Parliament, not to the agency of the

Sovereign, the Privy Council, which is the Crown’s cabinet)

 

The committee appointed to drat a Letter to the people of G-B, to prepare this.

 

The order of the day was postponed, and the Congress adjourned till to Morrow at

9 o'Clock.

 

·

 

FINAL FORM OF THE DECLARATION:.

 

 

A declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America,

now met in General Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the causes and

necessity of their taking up arms.

 

If it was possible for men, who exercise their reason, to believe, that the

Divine Author of our existence intended a part of the human race to hold an

absolute property in, and an unbounded power over others, marked out by his

infinite goodness and wisdom, as the objects of a legal domination never

rightfully resistible, however severe and oppressive, the Inhabitants of these

Colonies might at least require from the Parliament of Great Britain some

evidence, that this dreadful authority over them, has been granted to that body.

But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates

of common sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the subject, that

government was instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be

administered for the attainment of that end. The legislature

 

 

 

 

 

·

 

due Reverence a Reverence for our great Creator, Sentiments Principles of

Humanity and the Dictates of Reason have convinced the wise and good and the

Dictates of Common Sense, have must convince all those who will reflect upon the

Subject, that Government was instituted to promote the Welfare of Mankind, and

ought to be administered for the Attainment of that End, since these generous

and noble Principles have on no Part of the Earth been so well asserted

vindicated and enforced as in Great Britain, the Legislature of that Kingdom

hurried on by an inordinate passion for Power, of Ambition for a Power1

 

 

[Note 1: 1 An alternative phrase, also rejected, was here interlined: " Passion

for a Power manifestly unjust and which " ]

 

which their own most admired Writers and their very Constitution, demonstrate to

be unjust; and which they know to be inconsistent2

 

[Note 2: 2 " be reprobated by the very, " was here inserted, but struck out.]

 

with their own political Constitution the Legislature of Great Britain

stimulated by an inordinate Passion for a Power not only generally pronounc'd

held to be unjust, but unjustifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly

reprobated by the very Constitution of that Kingdom, and desperate of Success in

a Mode of Contest in any Mode of Contest, where any a Regard should be had to

Truth, or Justice, or Reason, have at last appeal'd length Law or

 

of Great Britain, however, stimulated by an inordinate passion for a

power, not only unjustifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly reprobated

by the very constitution of that kingdom, and desperate of success in any mode

of contest, where regard should be had to truth, law, or right, have at length,

deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of

enslaving these Colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for

us to close with their last appeal from Reason to Arms.--Yet, however blinded

that assembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to

slight justice and the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound, by

obligations of respect to the rest of the world, to make known the justice of

our cause.

 

 

 

 

 

·

 

Right, have at length attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic

Purpose by Violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to change

close with their last Appeal from Reason to Arms. Yet however blinded they that

Assembly may be by their intemperate Rage, yet we esteem ourselves bound by

Obligations of Respect to the rest of the World, to make known the Justice of

our Cause.

 

 

Our Forefathers, inhabitants of the Island of G. B. left their native Land, to

seek in the distant and inhospitable Wilds of America on inhospitable Wilds of

America on these Shores, a Residence for civil and religious Liberty Freedom. To

describe the Dangers, Difficulties and Distresses, the Expence of Blood and

Fortune, Treasure they were obliged to encounter in executing their generous

Resolutions, would require Volumes. It may suffice to observe, that, at the

Expence of their Blood, to the Ruin of their Fortunes, and every Prospect of

Advantage in their native Country without the least Charge to the Country from

which they removed, with by unceasing Labor and an unconquerable Spirit, they

effected Settlements in the distant and inhospitable Wilds of America, then

filled with numerous and warlike Nations of Barbarians. Societies of

Governments, vested with perfect legislatures

 

Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great Britain, left their

native land, to seek on these shores a residence for civil and religious

freedom. At the expence of their blood, at the hazard of their fortunes, without

the least charge to the country from which they removed, by unceasing labor, and

an unconquerable spirit, they effected settlements in the distant and

inhospitable wilds of America, then filled with numerous and warlike nations of

barbarians. Societies or governments, vested with perfect legislatures, were

formed under charters from the crown, and an harmonious intercourse was

established between the colonies and the kingdom from which they derived their

origin. The mutual benefits of this union became in a short time so

extraordinary, as to excite astonishment. It is universally confessed, that the

amazing increase of the wealth, strength, and navigation of the

 

 

 

 

 

within them, were formed under Charters from the Crown, and such an

harmonious Intercourse and Union was established between the Colonies and the

Kingdom from which they derived their Origin. The mutual benefits of this Union

that some occasional Assumptions of The mutual Benefits of this Union became in

a short Time so extraordinary as to excite the Astonishment of other Nations.

Every British Writer of Eminence, who has treated of the Subject Politics for

near a Century past, has uniformly asserted that the amazing Increase of the

Wealth, Strength and Navigation of that Kingdom the Realm, arose from this

Source; and the Minister who so gloriously presided ably wisely and successfully

directed the Councils, Affairs, Measures of Great Britain during in the last

War, publickly declared, that these Colonies had enabled enabled her to triumph

over her Enemies.

 

 

At Towards the Conclusion of that War, it pleased our Sovereign to make a Change

in his Counsels. From that fatal Moment, the Affairs of the British Empire began

to slide fall into Confusion, that since has been continually encreasing and now

has produced the most alarming Effects and gradually declining sliding from that

splendid Summit of glorious Prosperity to which they had been carried

 

realm, arose from this source; and the minister, who so wisely and

successfully directed the measures of Great Britain in the late war, publicly

declared, that these colonies enabled her to triumph over her enemies.--Towards

the conclusion of that war, it pleased our sovereign to make a change in his

counsels.--From that fatal moment, the affairs of the British empire began to

fall into confusion, and gradually sliding from the summit of glorious

prosperity, to which they had been advanced by the virtues and abilities of one

man, are at length distracted by the convulsions, that now shake it to its

deepest foundations. The new ministry finding the brave foes of Britain, though

frequently defeated, yet still contending, took up the unfortunate idea of

granting them a hasty peace, and of then subduing her faithful friends.

 

 

 

 

 

advanced by the Virtues and Abilities of one Man, are at Length distracted

by the present most most alarming Convulsions, that now shake it to its lowest

deepest Foundations. The new Ministry finding the brave brave Foes of Britain

subdued, took up the unfortunate Idea of defeated bravely1

 

 

[Note 1: 1 Another line, illegible, is here inserted but was stricken out. The

words " struggle, " " contending " and " defeated " may be deciphered.]

 

the frequently defeated, yet bravely still contending, took up the unfortunate

Ideas of granting them a hasty Peace and these to them, and then of subduing her

faithful Friends.

 

They judged those devoted Colonies were judged to present to then

 

[A paragraph of some nine lines incomplete and not legible is omitted. The sense

and a good part of the very words seem to have been used in the next paragraph.]

 

These devoted Colonies were judged to be in such a State as to present a

Prospect Victories without Bloodshed, and all the easy Emoluments of statutable

Plunder. The uninterrupted tenor of their peaceable and respectful Behaviour

from the Beginning of Colonization, their dutiful, zealous and useful services

during the War, that has been mentioned, tho so recently and amply acknowledged

in the most honorable Manner by his Majesty, by the late King, and by

Parliament, could not avail to

 

These devoted colonies were judged to be in such a state, as to present

victories without bloodshed, and all the easy emoluments of statuteable

plunder.--The uninterrupted tenor of their peaceable and respectful behaviour

from the beginning of colonization, their dutiful, zealous, and useful services

during the war, though so recently and amply acknowledged in the most honorable

manner by his majesty, by the late king, and by Parliament, could not save them

from the meditated innovations.--

 

 

 

 

 

save them from the meditated Innovations. Parliament was influenced to

adopt the pernicious Project, and to facilitate its Execution by assuming a new

Power over them, have in the Course of eleven Years, given such decisive

Specimens of the Spirit and Consequences attending this Power, as to leave no

Doubt concerning the Effects of Acquiescence under it. Statutes have been passed

for taking our Money from us without our own Consent, tho every Colony on this

Continent has from its Beginning always we have ever exercised an exclusive

Right to dispose of our own Property; for extending the Jurisdiction of Courts

of Admiralty and Vice admiralty beyond their antient Limits; for depriving us of

the accustomed and inestimable Priviledge of Trial by Jury in Cases affecting

both Life and Property; for interdicting all Commerce to one1

 

 

[Note 1: 1 Some words that are illegible were interlined at this point.]

 

of our principal Towns; for exempting the Murderers of colonists from legal

Punishment, for suspending the Powers of Legislature of one of the Colonies; for

interdicting all Commerce2

 

[Note 2: 2 Although the manuscript shows no omission here, the words " to the

capital " were printed.]

 

of another; and for altering fundamentally the Form of Government in one of the

Colonies, a Form secured established by Charter, and confirmed

 

Parliament was influenced to adopt the pernicious project, and assuming a

new power over them, have, in the course of eleven years, given such decisive

specimens of the spirit and consequences attending this power,as to leave no

doubt concerning the effects of acquiescence under it. They have undertaken to

give and grant our money without our consent, though we have ever exercised an

exclusive right to dispose of our own property; statutes have been passed for

extending the jurisdiction of courts of Admiralty and Vice-Admiralty beyond

their ancient limits; for depriving us of the accustomed and inestimable

privilege of trial by jury, in cases affecting both life and property; for

suspending the legislature of one of the colonies; for interdicting all commerce

to the capital of another; and for altering fundamentally the form of government

established by charter, and secured by acts of its own legislature solemnly

confirmed by the crown; for exempting the " murderers " of

colonists from legal trial, and in effect, from punishment; for erecting in a

neighboring province, acquired by the joint arms of Great Britain and America, a

despotism dangerous to our very existence; and for

 

 

 

 

 

secured by Acts of its own Legislature solemnly and assented to confirmed

by the Crown; for erecting in a neighbouring for exempting the " Murderers " of

colonists from legal Punishment; for erecting in a neighbouring Province,

conquered acquired by the joint Arms of Great Britain and America, a Tyranny

Despotism dangerous to the our very existence of the Colonies and for quartering

Officers and Soldiers upon the Colonists in time of profound Peace. It has also

been declared resolved in Parliament that Colonists charged with committing

certain Offences, shall by Virtue of a Statute made before any of be transported

to England to be tried.

 

 

But why should we enumerate our Injuries in Detail? By one Act of Parl Statute

it is declared, that Parliament can " of right make Laws to bind us IN ALL Cases

WHATSOEVER. " What is to defend us against such so enormous a Power so enormous,

so unlimited a Power? The persons assuming them Not one of a single Man of those

who assume it, is chosen by us; or is subject to our Controul or Influence; but

on the contrary is they are all of them exempt from the Operations of such Laws,

and actually lighten their own Burdens, in exact proportion to those the Burdens

they impose on us. These Temptations might put

 

quartering soldiers upon the colonists in time of profound peace. It has

also been resolved in parliament, that colonists charged with committing certain

offences, shall be transported to England to be tried.

 

 

But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail? By one statute it is

declared, that parliament can " of right make laws to bind us IN ALL CASES

WHATSOEVER. " What is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a power? Not

a single man of those who assume it, is chosen by us; or is subject to our

controul or influence; but, on the contrary, they are all of them exempt from

the operation of such laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted from the

ostensible purposes for which it is raised, would actually lighten their own

burdens in proportion as they increase ours. We saw the misery to which such

despotism

 

 

 

 

scarce are too great to be offered to Characters of the severest

 

 

Administration, sensible that we should regard these oppressive Measures as

Freemen ought to do, sent over Fleets and Armies to enforce them. The

Indignation of the colonies was rous'd by their Virtue Americans was rous'd, it

is true: but it was the Indignation of a virtuous, peaceable, loyal, subjects

and affectionate People. A Congress of Delegates from the United Colonies was

assembled at Philadelphia on the fifth Day of last September. We felt saw the

Weapons levell'd at our Brea Bosoms, but we perceiv'd them at the same Time held

in grasp'd by a Parent's Hands. We cast ourselves upon our Knees prostrate at

the Foot of the Throne our Sovereign. Tho for ten years we had fatigued the

besieged the Throne Ears of Authority with Petitions, Supplications,1

 

[Note 1: 1 The words " ineffectual and despis'd " are here interlined.]

 

yet the ineffectually besieged the Throne as Suplicants, yet we resolved again

to offer an humble and dutiful Petition to the King, and agreed also to send an

Address to our Fellow Subjects in Great Britain, informing them of our agreement

at a certain Days to break off all our Commercial Intercourse with our

 

would reduce us. We for ten years incessantly and ineffectually besieged

the Throne as supplicants; we reasoned, we remonstrated with parliament, in the

most mild and decent language. But Administration, sensible that we should

regard these oppressive measures as freemen ought to do, sent over fleets and

armies to enforce them. The indignation of the Americans was roused, it is true;

but it was the indignation of a virtuous, loyal, and affectionate people. A

Congress of Delegates from the United Colonies was assembled at Philadelphia, on

the fifth day of last September. We resolved again to offer an humble and

dutiful petition to the King, and also addressed our fellow-subjects of Great

Britain. We have pursued every temperate, every respectful measure: we have even

proceeded to break off our commercial intercourse with our fellow-subjects, as

the last peaceable admonition, that our attachment to no nation upon earth

should supplant our attachment to liberty.--This, we

flattered ourselves, was the ultimate step of the controversy: But subsequent

events have shewn, how vain was this hope of finding moderation in our enemies.

 

 

 

 

 

Fellow Subjects in Great Britain as the last peaceable them as a peaceable

Admonition, that our Attachment to no Nation upon the Earth should supplant our

Attachment to Liberty. This, we flattered ourselves, was the ultimate Step of

the Controversy: But subsequent Events have shewn, how vain was this last Hope

of Moderation in the Ministry our Enemies.

 

 

Our Petition was treated with Contempt. Without the least Mention of its our

Application several threatening Expressions against the Colonies were inserted

in his Majesty's Speech to both the two Houses of Parliament; and afterwards the

Petition was huddled into the House of Commons the last amongst a neglected

Bundle of American Papers. The Lords and Commons in their Address to his

Majesty, in the Month of February, said, that " a Rebellion at that Time actually

existed within the Province of Massachusetts Bay; and that those concerned in

it, had been countenanc'd and encouraged by unlawful Combinations and

Engagements entered into by his Majesty's Subjects in several of the other

Colonies; and therefore they besought his Majesty, that he would take the most

effectual Measures to enforce due Obedience to the Laws and Authority of the

Supreme Legislature. " Soon after the commercial Intercourse of whole Colonies

 

Several threatening expressions against the colonies were inserted in his

Majesty's speech; our petition, though we were told it was a decent one, and

that his Majesty had been pleased to receive it graciously, and to promise

laying it before his Parliament, was buddled into both houses amongst a bundle

of American papers, and there neglected. The Lords and Commons in their address,

in the month of February, said, that " a rebellion at that time actually existed

within the province of Massachusetts bay; and that those concerned in it, had

been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful combinations and engagements,

entered into by his Majesty's subjects in several of the other colonies; and

therefore they besought his Majesty, that he would take the most effectual

measures to enforce due obedience to the laws and authority of the supreme

legislature. " --Soon after, the commercial intercourse of whole colonies, with

foreign countries, and

 

 

 

 

 

with foreign Countries was cutt off by an Act of Parliament; and by

another, several of them were entirely prohibited from the Fisheries in the

neighbouring Seas near their coasts, on which they always depended for their

Sustenance; and large Reinforcements of Ships and Troops were immediately sent

over to General Gage.

 

 

With such a headlong heedless Rage fury were these outrageous Proceedings huried

on,1

 

[Note 1: 1 Some Illegible words here interlined.]

 

that all the Prayers Fruitless were all the Entreaties, Arguments and Eloquence

of the a very considerable an illustrious Band of the most distinguished Peers

and Commoners, who nobly confest and strenuously asserted the Justice of our

Cause, to stay or even to mitigate the heedless Fury of with which these

accumulated and unexampled Outrages were rapidly hurried on. Equally fruitless

was the interference of that the august City of London, supplicating of Bristol,

and many other respectable Towns in our Favor. A Plan of Reconciliation digested

by the patriotic Cares of that great and good man beforementioned, and which

might easily have been improved to produce every Effect his generous Heart

desired, was contemptuously rejected, to give way to an insidious Ministerial

Maneuvre, calculated to divide us, to establish a perpetual Auction of Taxation,

 

with each other, was cut off by an act of Parliament; by another, several

of them were entirely prohibited from the fisheries in the seas near their

coasts, on which they always depended for their sustenance; and large

re-inforcements of ships and troops were immediately sent over to General Gage.

 

 

Fruitless were all the entreaties, arguments, and eloquence of an illustrious

band of the most distinguished Peers, and Commoners, who nobly and strenuously

asserted the justice of our cause, to stay, or even to mitigate the heedless

fury with which these accumulated and unexampled outrages were hurried

on.--Equally fruitless was the interference of the city of London, of Bristol,

and many other respectable towns in our favour. Parliament adopted an insidious

manoeuvre calculated to divide us, to establish a perpetual auction of taxations

where colony should bid against colony, all of them uninformed what ransom would

redeem their lives; and thus to extort from us, at the point of the bayonet, the

unknown sums that should be sufficient to gratify, if possible to gratify,

ministerial rapacity, with the miserable indulgence left to us of raising, in

our own mode, the prescribed tribute. What terms more rigid and humiliating

could have been dictated

 

 

 

 

where Colony should bid against Colony, all of them uninform'd what Ransom

would redeem their Lives, and thus to extort from us at the Point of the Bayonet

Sums the unknown Sums that should be sufficient to gratify, if possible to

gratify, ministerial Rapacity, with the miserable Indulgence left to us of

raising in our own Modes the prescribed Tribute.

 

 

When the Intelligence of these Proceedings arrived on this Continent, we

perceived it appeared evident, that our Destruction was determined upon, and

that we had no Alternative or choice to make but of. Our choice must be either

an " unconditional Submission, " as one of the Ministry express'd himself, or of

Resistance.

 

Soon after the Intelligence of these Proceedings arrived on this Continent,

where General Gage, who in the Course of the last Year, had taken Possession of

the Town of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and still occupied it

as a Garrison, Plans, on the 19th. Day of last April last, sent out of from that

Place a large Detachment of his Army, who made an unprovoked Assault on the

Inhabitants of the said Province, at the Town of Lexington, as appears by the

Affidavits of a great Number of Persons, some of whom were Officers and Soldiers

of that Detachment, murdered Eight of the Inhabitants, and wounded many

 

by remorseless victors to conquered enemies? In our circumstances to

accept them, would be to deserve them.

 

 

Soon after the intelligence of these proceedings arrived on this continent,

General Gage, who in the course of the last year had taken possession of the

town of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, and still occupied it as a

garrison, on the 19th day of April, sent out from that place a large detachment

of his army, who made an unprovoked assault on the inhabitants of the said

province, at the town of Lexington, as appears by the affidavits of a great

number of persons, some of whom were officers and soldiers of that detachment,

murdered eight of the inhabitants, and wounded many others. From thence the

troops

 

 

 

 

others. From thence the Troops proceeded in warlike array to the Town of

Concord, where they set upon another party of the Inhabitants of the same

Province, killing several and wounding others more, until compell'd to retreat

by the People suddenly assembled to repell this cruel Aggression. Hostilities

thus commene'd by the British Troops, have been since prosecuted by them without

Regard to Faith or Reputation. The Inhabitants of Boston being confined within

that Town by the General their Governor and having in order to procure their

Dismission entered into a Treaty with him, it was stipulated between the that

the said Inhabitants having deposited their arms with their own Magistrates,

should have free Liberty to depart, out of the said Town, taking with them their

other Effects. They accordingly delivered up their Arms, but in open violation

of Honor, in Defiance of the Obligations of a Treaties, which even savage

Nations esteem sacred, General Gage the Governor ordered the

Arms deposited as aforesaid that they might be preserved for their Owners, to

be seized by a Body of armed men, soldiers, detained the greater Part of the

Inhabitants in the Town, and compelled the few who were permitted to retire, to

leave their most valuable Effects behind. By this perfidy, wives are separated

from their

proceeded in warlike array to the town of Concord, where they set upon

another party of the inhabitants of the same province, killing several and

wounding more, until compelled to retreat by the country people suddenly

assembled to repel this cruel aggression. Hostilities, thus commenced by the

British troops, have been since prosecuted by them without regard to faith or

reputation.--The inhabitants of Boston being confined within that town by the

General their Governor, and having, in order to procure their dismission,

entered into a treaty with him, it was stipulated that the said inhabitants

having deposited their arms with their own magistrates, should have liberty to

depart, taking with them their other effects. They accordingly delivered up

their arms, but in open violation of honor, in defiance of the obligation of

treaties, which even savage nations esteemed sacred, the Governor ordered the

arms deposited as aforesaid, that they might be preserved for their owners, to

be seized by a body of soldiers; detained the greatest part of the inhabitants

in the town, and compelled the few who were permitted to retire, to leave their

most valuable effects behind.

 

 

By this perfidy wives are separated from their husbands, children

 

 

 

 

husbands, children from their Parents, the aged and sick from their

Relatives and Friends who wish to attend and relieve take care of them; and

those who have been used to live with Elegance in Plenty and even Elegance, are

reduced to deplorable Distress.

 

 

The General further emulating the his ministerial Masters, by a Proclamation

bearing Date on the 12th Day of June, after venting the grossest Falsehoods and

Calumnies against the good People of these Colonies, proceeds to " declare them

all either by Name or Description to be Rebels and Traitors, to supercede the

Course of the Common Law, and instead thereof to publish and order the Use and

Exercise of the Law Martial. " His Troops have butchered our Countrymen; have

burnt Charlestown, besides a considerable Number of Houses in other Places; our

Ships and Vessels are seized; and the necessary supplies of Provisions are

stopp'd intercepted; and he is now spreading Destruction and Devastation around

him as far as he can, all the complicated Cal and he is exerting the utmost

Power to spread Destruction and Devastation around him. We have received certain

Intelligence that Governor General Carleton, the Governor of Canada, by Orders

from the Ministry is instigating the People of that

Province and

 

from their parents, the aged and the sick from their relations and

friends, who wish to attend and comfort them; and those who have been used to

live in plenty and even elegance, are reduced to deplorable distress.

 

 

The General, further emulating his ministerial masters, by a proclamation

bearing date on the 12th day of June, after venting the grossest falsehoods and

calumnies against the good people of these colonies, proceeds to " declare them

all, either by name or description, to be rebels and traitors, to supersede the

course of the common law, and instead thereof to publish and order the use and

exercise of the law martial. " --His troops have butchered our countrymen, have

wantonly burnt Charles-Town, besides a considerable number of houses in other

places; our ships and vessels are seized; the necessary supplies of provisions

are intercepted, and he is exerting his utmost power to spread destruction and

devastation around him.

 

We have received certain intelligence that General Carleton, the Governor of

Canada, is instigating the people of that province and the Indians to fall upon

us; and we have but too much reason to

 

 

 

 

the Indians to fall upon us; and that Schemes have been form'd to excite

domestic Enemies against us. In brief, a Part of the Colonies now feels, and all

of them are sure of feeling, as far as the Vengeance of Administration can

inflict them, all the complicated Calamities of Fire, Sword and Famine. By our

The Suggestions of Duty and Affection can no longer lull us into a lethargic

Notion, too lately relinquished, that Armies and Fleets are only design'd to

intimidate us. We are reduced to the Alternative of chusing an unconditional

Submission to the Tyrannic Vengeance of irritated Ministers who know we despise

them and that they deserve to be thus despised are therefore implacable Tyranny

of irritated ministers, or Resistance by Force. The latter is our Choice.

 

 

We know, that by an infamous Surrender of the Freedom and Happiness of ourselves

and our Posterity, we might obtain that wretched Honor, Justice and Humanity

forbid us basely to surrender that Freedom Liberty and Happiness which we

receiv'd from our gallant Ancestors, and which it is our Duty to transmit

undiminished to our Posterity. Called upon by the Law of self preservation

implanted in our Nature by our all wise Creator, with prepared

 

apprehend, that schemes have been formed to excite domestic enemies

against us. In brief, a part of these colonies now feels, and all of them are

sure of feeling, as far as the vengance of administration can inflict them, the

complicated calamities of fire, sword, and famine.--We are reduced to the

alternative of chusing an unconditional submission to the tyranny of irritated

ministers, or resistance by force.--The latter is our choice.--We have counted

the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary

slavery.--Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that

freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent

posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt

of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits

them, if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon them.

 

 

 

 

 

Hands We have counted the Cost of this Contest, and being perfectly

convinced, that it is infinitely find nothing so dreadful and resolved Hearts we

will in our Computation, as Infamy and voluntary Slavery united, Honor, Justice

and Humanity forbid us tamely to surrender that Freedom which we receiv'd from

our gallant Ancestors, and which our innocent Posterity have a Right to receive

from us. We cannot endure the Infamy and Guilt of resigning succeeding

Generations to that Wretchedness which inevitably awaits them, if we basely

entail hereditary Bondage upon them.

 

 

Our Cause is just. Our Union is perfect. Our hearts are resolved. Our Hands are

prepared. Our preparations are nearly completed. Our internal Resources within

our own Country are many great; and our Assurance of foreign Assistance is

certain. We gratefully acknowledge as a singular Instance of the Divine Goodness

Favor and consider it as a singular mark of his Favor towards us, in not

permitting us to be that his Providence would not permit us to be called into

the severe Controversy, until our we were grown up to our present Strength, was

had been previously exercised in warlike Operations, to which some Years ago we

were almost entire Strangers, and that we were possest

 

Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great,

and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable.--We gratefully

acknowledge, as signal instances of the Divine favour towards us, that his

Providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy, until

we were grown up to our present strength, had been previously exercised in

warlike operation, and possessed of the means of defending ourselves.--With

hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God

and the world, declare, that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which

our beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, the

 

 

 

 

 

of the Means for defending ourselves, of which till lately we were in

Want. With Hearts fortified by these animating Reflections, We do most solemnly

before God and the World declare, that, exerting the utmost Energies of those

Powers, which our beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, the Arms

we have been thus compell'd by our Enemies to assume for our just Defence, we

will in Defiance of every Hazard with unabating Firmness and perseverance, in

Defiance of every Hazard, now we will employ for the preservation of our

Liberties, deeming it infinitely preferable being with one Mind resolved to dye

free men rather than to live Slaves.

 

 

Least this Declaration should disquiet the Minds of our Friends and fellow

subjects in any part of the World Empire, we assure them, that we mean not in

any Manner to dissolve that Union with them in which we have has so long and so

happily lived subsisted between us, and which we so ardently much sincerely wish

to see restored. The Necessity must be hard indeed has not yet driven us into

that desperate Measure, or to excite their other Nations to war against them. We

have not rais'd armies from with ambitious Designs of separating from Great

Britain and establishing independent

 

arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance

of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the

presevation of our liberties; being with our [one] mind resolved to dye Free-men

rather than live Slaves.

 

 

Lest this declaration should disquiet the minds of our friends and

fellow-subjects in any part of the empire, we assure them that we mean not to

dissolve that Union which has so long and so happily subsisted between us, and

which we sincerely wish to see restored.--Necessity has not yet driven us into

that desperate measure, or induced us to excite any other nation to war against

them.--We have not raised armies with ambitious designs of separating from Great

Britain, and establishing independent states. We fight not for glory or for

conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle

 

 

 

 

as. We have fight not invaded that Island proffering to its Inhabitants

Death or Slavery for Glory or for Conquest. We exhibit to Mankind the remarkable

Spectacle of a People charged till attack'd without any Imputation or even

Suspicion of Offence by unprovoked Enemies, who proffer to them the not milder

Forms Conditions than Death or Slavery boast of their Freedom Priviledges and

Civilization, and yet proffer no milder Conditions than Death or Slav Servitude

or Death.

 

 

In our Native Land, in Defence of Liberties the Liberty Freedom that is our

Birthright, and which we ever enjoyed till the late Violations of it,--for the

Protection of our Property acquired, solely by the honest Industry of our

Forefathers and ourselves, against we have taken up arms, solely to oppose and

repell the violence actually offered to us Violence actually offered, we have

taken up Arms. We shall We shall lay them down when Hostilities shall cease on

the Part of the Aggressors, and all Danger of their being renewed, shall be

removed, and not before.

 

With an humble Confidence in the divine Mercies of the supreme and impartial

Judge and Ruler of the Universe, we most devoutly implore Almighty God his

divine Goodness to conduct us happily thro' this great Conflict,

 

of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even

suspicion of offence. They boast of their privileges and civilization, and yet

proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death.

 

 

In our own native land, in defence of the freedom that is our birth-right, and

which we ever enjoyed till the late violation of it--for the protection of our

property, acquired solely by the honest industry of our fore-fathers and

ourselves, against violence actually offered, we have taken up arms. We shall

lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, and

all danger of their being renewed shall be removed, and not before.

 

With an humble confidence in the mercies of the supreme and impartial Judge and

Ruler of the universe, we most devoutly implore his divine goodness to protect

us happily through this great conflict, to dispose our adversaries

 

 

 

 

to dispose our Adversaries to Reconciliation on Reasonable Terms, and

thereby to relieve the Empire from the Evils Calamities of Civil War.

to reconciliation on reasonable terms, and thereby to relieve the empire

from the calamities of civil war.

 

 

[Note 2: 2 These two papers are found in the Jefferson Manuscripts in the

Library of Congress. The second, or later, draft contains some suggested changes

in the writing of John Dickinson, and bears on the last page the following

memorandum by Jefferson:

" 1775. June 23. Congress appointed a commee to prepare a Declaration to be

published by Genl. Washington on his arrival at the camp before Boston, to wit,

J. Rutledge, W. Livingston, Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Johnson.

" June 24, a draught was reported.

" June 26. being disliked, it was recommitted and Mr Dickinson and T. Jefferson

added to the committee. the latter being desired by the commee to draw up a new

one, he prepared this paper. on a meeting of the commee J. Dickinson objected

that it was too harsh, wanted softening, & c., whereupon the commee desired him

to retouch it, which he did in the form which they reported July 6, which was

adopted by Congress. "

Although the Jefferson drafts were never actually laid before Congress they are

essential to a proper understanding of the Declaration as finally accepted.]

 

By order of Congress,

John Hancock,

President.

 

Attested,

Charles Thomson,

secretary.1

 

[Note 1: 1 This address was printed in the Pennsylvania Packet, 10 July, 1775. A

contemporary translation of this paper into the Italian is in the Jefferson

Papers: " Dichiarazione dei Rappresentanti delle Colonie unite dell' America

settentrionale adunati in Congresso Generale in Filadelfia, che espone le

ragioni della loro necessità di prender l' armi. " It bears annotations by the

translator, but I have not identified the writer.]

 

Philadelphia, July 6th, 1775.

 

PREVIOUS SECTION .. NEXT SECTION .. NAVIGATOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS

 

NEXT

 

NEW SEARCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving house? Beach bar in Thailand? New Wardrobe? Win £10k with Mail to

make your dream a reality.