We have several times promised to treat our readers with a correct copy of this venerable manuscript, detailing the first movements of the friends of freedom in the new world. It is an official copy, under the signature of John Cotton, Esq. clerk to that illustrious body; and, we have reason to believe, the only one extant. It was handed to the editor by his much respected friend, Caesar A. Rodney, Esq., of Delaware, who found it among the papers of his late revered uncle, the estimable and patriotic Caesar Rodney, one of the delegates, and for many years the great prop and stay of Whiggism in the lower parts of his native state. On a loose piece of paper, in the manuscript book, is a list of the members, with which we have preceded the journal itself, in the hand writing of Mr. C. R. We are thus particular to shew the entire authenticity of the document: which, we are informed, many of our sages have sought for in vain.

In this journal the reader will not find any thing to astonish or surprise him; but there is much to admire. In every line he will discover a spirit of decision and firmness totally irreconcilable with a state of servitude, and highly worthy of imitation at the present day. The difficulties the people encountered in forming this congress, unknown to the laws and opposed by the Royalists invested with power, are honorable to their cause and its agents. With an eye steadily fixed on freedom, they cast behind them the cold maxims of prudence, and nobly resolved to systematize an opposition to the growing tyranny of the "mother country." They did so, and therein generated a spirit of union, that finally brought about the independence of these states, and led to the establishment of our present happy constitution.--Niles’ Weekly Register, of July 25, 1812.

DELEGATES TO THE CONGRESS OF 1765

Massachusetts James Otis, Oliver Partridge, Timothy Ruggles.

Rhode Island Metcalf Bowler, Henry Ward.

Connecticut Eliphalet Dyer, David Rowland, William S. Johnson.

New York Robert R. Livingston, John Cruger, Philip Livingston, William Bayard, Leonard Lispenard.

New Jersey Robert Ogden, Hendrick Fisher, Joseph Borden.

Pennsylvania John Dickenson, John Morton, George Bryan.

Delaware Thomas M’Kean, Caesar Rodney.

Maryland William Murdock, Edward Tilghman, Thomas Ringgold.

South Carolina Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, John Rutledge.

New Hampshire, Were not represented in this Virginia, congress. But their assemblies North Carolina, and wrote that they would agree to Georgia, whatever was done by the congress.

THE JOURNAL

Boston, June, 1765

Sir—The house of representatives of this province, in the present session of general court, have unanimously agreed to propose a meeting, as soon as may be, of committees from the houses of representatives or burgesses, of the several British colonies on this continent, to consult together on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties to which they are and must be reduced by the operation of the acts of parliament, for levying duties and taxes on the colonies; and to consider of a general and united, dutiful, loyal and humble representation of their condition to his majesty and to the parliament, and to implore relief.

The house of representatives of this province have also voted, to propose that such meeting be at the city of New York, in the province of New York, on the first Tuesday in October next, and have appointed the committee of three of their members to attend that service, with such as the other houses of representatives or burgesses, in the several colonies, may think fit to appoint to meet them: and the committee of the house of representatives of this province, are directed to repair to the said New York, on the first Tuesday in October next, accordingly: if, therefore your honorable house should agree to this proposal, it would be acceptable, that as early notice of it as possible might be transmitted to the speaker of the house of representatives of this province.

SAMUEL WHITE, Speaker.

In consequence of the foregoing circular letter, the following gentlemen met at New York, in the province of New York, on Monday, the 7th of October, 1765, viz:

From the province of Massachusetts Bay JAMES OTIS, OLIVER PARTRIDGE, and

TIMOTHY RUGGLES, Esqrs.

Who produced their appointment as follows, viz:

To James Otis, Oliver Partridge, and Timothy Ruggles, Esquires.

Gentlemen,—The house of representatives of this province, have appointed you a committee to meet at New York on the first Tuesday in October next, such committees as the other houses of representatives or burgesses in the several colonies on this continent, may think fit to appoint, to consult together on the present circumstances of the colonies, on the difficulties to which they are, and must be reduced by the operation of the late acts of parliament. By this choice, the house has reposed in you a trust of singular importance, and have just reason to expect you will give your utmost attention to it. In case you should receive advice that the houses of representatives or burgesses of the other colonies, or any of them, agree to such committees, to join you in this interesting affair, you are directed to repair to New York at the time appointed, and endeavor to unite with them in sentiment. and agree upon such representations, as may tend to preserve our rights and privileges. And it is the opinion of this house, that no address or representation shall be esteemed the act of this house, unless it is agreed to and signed by the major part of their committee.

If it should be said, that we are in any manner represented in parliament, you must by no means concede to it; it is an opinion which this house cannot see the least reason to adopt.

Further, the house think that such a representation of the colonies as British subjects are to enjoy, would be attended with the greatest difficulty, if it is not absolutely impracticable, and therefore, you are not to urge or consent to any proposal for any representation, if such be made in the congress.

It is the expectation of the house, that a most loyal and dutiful address to his majesty and the parliament, will be prepared by the congress, praying as well for the removal of the grievances the colonies labor under at present, as for preventing others for the future; which petitions, if drawn up, as far as you shall be able to judge, agreeable to the mind of the house, you are empowered to sign and forward; and you are to lay a copy of the same before this house, and make report of your proceedings upon your return.

It is the hearty prayer of this house, that the congress may be endued with that wisdom which is from above, and that their councils and determinations may be attended with the divine blessing.

SAMUEL WHITE, Speaker.

From the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations METCALF BOWLER, and HENRY WARD, Esqrs.

Who produced the following appointment, viz:

By the honorable SAMUEL WARD, governor, captain general and commander-in-chief of and over the English colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England in America.

To Metcalf Bowler and to Henry Ward. esquires,

GREETING:

Whereas, the general assembly of this province have nominated and appointed you, the same Metcalf Bowler and Henry Ward, to be commissioners in behalf of this colony to meet such commissioners as are or shall be appointed by the other British governments in North America, to meet at New York the first Tuesday of October next,

I do, therefore, hereby authorize and empower, and commissionate you, the said Metcalf Bowler and Henry Ward, forthwith to repair to New York, and there, in behalf of this colony, to meet and join with the other commissioners in consulting together on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties to which they are and must be reduced by the operation of the act of parliament for levying duties and taxes upon the colonies; and to consider of a general and united, dutiful, loyal and humble representation to his majesty and the parliament, and to implore relief. And you are also hereby empowered to conclude and agree with the other commissioners, upon such measures as you shall think necessary and proper for obtaining redress of the grievances of the colonies, agreeably to the instructions given you by the general assembly of this colony.

Given under my hand and the seal of the said colony, this sixteenth day of September, 1765 and in the fifth year of his majesty’s reign.

SAMUEL WARD

By his honor’s command.

HENRY WARD, Secretary.

From the colony of Connecticut ELIPHALET DYER, DAVID ROWLAND, and

WM. SAML. JOHNSON, Esqrs.

Who produced the following appointment, viz:

At a general assembly of the governor and company of the colony of Connecticut, holden at Hartford, by special order of his honor the governor of said colony, on the nineteenth day of September, Anno Dom. 1765.

Whereas, it has been proposed that a congress be attended. by commissioners from the several governments on this continent, to confer upon a general, united, humble, loyal and dutiful representation to his majesty and the parliament, of the present circumstances of the colonies and the difficulties to which they are and must be reduced by the operation of the acts of parliament for laying duties and taxes on the colonies, and to implore relief.

Resolved by this assembly, That Eliphalet Dyer, David Rowland, and William Samuel Johnson, esqrs., or any two of them, be, and are hereby appointed commissioners, on behalf of this colony, to repair to New York to attend the proposed congress, in the matters above referred to; and his honor is hereby desired to commissionate them accordingly.

A true copy, examined by

GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.

At a general assembly of the governor and company of the colony of Connecticut, holden at Hartford, by special order of his honor the governor of the said colony, on the 19th day of September, Anno Dom. 1765.

Instructions to the commissioners of this colony, appointed to meet commissioners from the other colonies at New York, on the first Tuesday of October next:

Gentlemen.—You are to repair to the said city of New York, at the said time, or at the time which according to the intelligence you may receive of the convening of the other commissioners, it may appear to you seasonable and best, to consult together with them on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties to which they are and must be reduced, by the operation of the acts of parliament for levying duties and taxes on the colonies, and to consider of and prepare a general and united, dutiful, loyal and humble representation of their condition to his majesty and the parliament, and to implore relief, etc. In your proceedings you are to take care that you form no such junction with the other commissioners as will subject you to the major vote of the commissioners present.

You are to inform the governor and general assembly at the sessions in October next, of all such proceedings, as appear to you needful and convenient to be communicated for consideration; and to observe all such further instructions as you may receive; and you are to report your doings with the doings of the commissioners at such meeting, to the general assembly of this colony for acceptance and approbation.

A true copy, examined by

GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.

THOMAS FITCH, Esquire, governor and commander in chief of his majesty’s colony of Connecticut in New-England, in America,

To Eliphalet Dyer, David Rowland, and William Samuel Johnson, esquires,

GREETING:

Whereas, the general assembly of the said colony of Connecticut, at their session holden at Hartford on the nineteenth day of this instant, September, nominated and appointed you, or any two of you, to be commissioners on behalf of this colony, to repair to New-York to attend a congress proposed to be held there by commissioners from the several governments on this continent, to confer upon a general and united, loyal, humble and dutiful representation to his majesty and the parliament, of the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties to which they are and must be reduced by the operation of the acts of parliament, for levying duties and taxes on the colonies, and to implore relief, etc. and have desired me to commission you accordingly.

I do therefore, reposing a special trust and confidence in your loyalty, ability and good conduct, hereby constitute, and authorize and commission the said Eliphalet Dyer, David Rowland and William Samuel Johnson, esquires, or any two of you, for and on behalf of this colony, to repair to the said city of New York on the first day of October next, or at the time which, according to the intelligence you may receive of the convening of the other commissioners, may appear to you seasonable and best, to confer and consult with them or such of them as shall be present upon and convening, the matters and things before mentioned, for the purposes aforesaid; wherein you are to observe such instructions as you have received, or shall further receive from the general assembly of the said colony of Connecticut, agreeable to the important trust reposed in you.

Given under my hand, and the public seal of said colony of Connecticut, within the same the twenty-first day of September, in the fifth year of the reign of our sovereign lord George the third, of Great Britain, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith, etc. Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-five.

THOMAS FITCH.

By his honor’s command

GEORGE WYLLYS, secretary.

From the colony of New York ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, JOHN CRUGER,

PHILIP LIVINGSTON,

WILLIAM BAYARD, and

LEONARD LISPENARD, Esqrs.

Appeared, and informed the congress that since the above letter from the speaker of the house of representatives of Massachusetts Bay the general assembly of New-York have not had an opportunity of meeting, but that they confidently expect, from the general sense of the people, and such of the representatives as they have had an opportunity of speaking to that when the assembly does meet, (which will be probably very soon) the congress will be approved, and a regular committee for the purpose appointed; in the mean time they think themselves in some measure authorized to meet the congress, by the following vote, viz:

Extract from the votes and proceedings of the general assembly of the colony of New York.

DIE SABATI, 9h, A. M. the 4th April, 1761.

Mr. Speaker represented to this house, that his situation in the country rendered it vastly inconvenient to him alone to correspond with the agent of this colony, at the court of Great Britain, and more especially so, during the recess of the house.

Ordered, That the members of the city of New York, or the major part of them, be a committee of correspondence to correspond with the agent of this colony at the court of Great Britain during the recess of the house, concerning the public affairs of this colony; and that they lay before the house copies of all such letters as they may write to him, and also all such letters and advices as they may receive from him respecting the same.

DIE JOVIS, 9h, A. M. 9th December, 1762.

Alderman Livingston, from the committee appointed to correspond with the agent of this colony at the court of Great Britain, acquainted the house, that the committee conceived it expedient that one or more members should be added to the said committee to correspond with the said agent about the affairs of this colony.

Ordered, That Robert R. Livingston, esq. be added to, and be made one of the said committee of correspondence.

DIE JOVIS, 9h, A. M. the 18th October, 1764.

Ordered, that the said committee appointed to correspond with the said agent, be also a committee during the recess of the house, to write to and correspond with the several assemblies or committees of assemblies on this continent, on the subject matter of the act, commonly called the stamp act, of the act restraining paper bills of credit in the colonies, from being a legal tender, and of the several other acts of parliament lately passed, with relation to the trade of the northern colonies: and also on the subject of the impending dangers, which threaten the colonies of being taxed by laws to be passed in Great Britain.

Extract from compared and examined with the records of "the proceedings of the general assembly of the colony of New-York.

By ABRAHAM LOTT, Clerk.

From the colony of New Jersey ROBERT OGDEN, HENDRICK FISHER, and

JOSEPH BORDEN, Esqrs.

Who produced the following appointment, viz :

At a meeting of a large number of the representatives of the colony of New-Jersey at the house of Robert Sproul, October,3d, 1765:

At the desire of the speaker of the house of representatives as aforesaid, and at the earnest request of many of our constituents, to consider of some method for humbly, loyally and dutifully joining in a petition to his majesty, that he would be graciously pleased to recommend to the parliament of Great Britain to redress our grievances by repealing several of the late acts of parliament,affecting the northern colonies, particularly that called the stamp act.

Robert Odgen, esq. Hendrick Fisher, esq. and Joseph Borden, esq. were directed to attend at the congress now met at New-York, and join the measures there to be concluded, for the purposes aforesaid, and to make report of their proceedings therein, at the next meeting of the general assembly.

Signed by order, JOHN LAWRENCE.

From the province of Pennsylvania JOHN DICKINSON, JOHN MORTON, and

GEORGE BRYAN, Esqrs.

Who produced the following appointment in general assembly, September 11th, 1765, A.M.

The house resumed the consideration of their resolution of yesterday, to appoint a committee of three or more of their members, to attend the general congress of committees from the several assemblies on this continent, to be held at New-York on the first of October next, and, after some time spent therein,

Resolved, That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Bryan and Mr. Morton be, and they are, hereby, nominated and appointed to that service.

A true extract from the journals,

CHARLES MOORE.

Clerk of the assembly.

Extract from the journals of the house of representatives for the province of Pennsylvania:

Wednesday, September 11th, 1765, A.M.--

The committee appointed to prepare instructions for the deputies nominated by this house to attend the proposed congress at New-York on the first of next month, reported an essay for that purpose, which they presented to the chair; and the same being read and agreed to by the house, follows in these words, viz :

Instructions to the committee appointed to meet the committees of the other British continental colonies, at New-York:

It is desired by the house that you shall, with the committees that have been appointed by the several British colonies on this continent to meet at New-York, consult together on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties they are and must be reduced to, by the late acts of parliament for the levying duties and taxes upon these colonies; and join with the said committees in loyal and dutiful addresses to the king and to the two houses of parliament, humbly representing the condition of these colonies, and imploring relief, by a repeal of the said acts; and you are strictly required to take care that such addresses in which you join, are drawn up in the most decent and respectful terms; so also avoid every expression that can give the least offence to his majesty or to either house of parliament.

You are also directed to make report of your proceedings herein to the succeeding assembly.

A true extract from the journals,

CHARLES MOORE,

Clerk of the assembly.

September 26th, 1765.

From the government of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex,

on Delaware CAESAR RODNEY, and THOMAS M’KEAN, Esqrs.

Whose appointment are as follows, viz:

Ceasar Rodney and Thomas M'Kean, esqrs. appeared from the government of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware, and informed this congress, that the representatives of the said government could not meet in general assembly after the above letter was wrote, and before the first day of this instant: that the said assembly consists only of eighteen members, fifteen of whom have appointed the other three to attend here, &c. by three several instruments of writing, which are in the words following, to wit:

To all whom these presents may come:

KNOW YE, That we, the subscribers, five of the representatives of the freemen of the government of the counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware, sensible of the weighty and oppressive taxes imposed upon the good people of this government by divers late acts of parliament, and of the great infringement of the liberties and just established rights of all his majesty's colonies on this continent, occasioned by the late measures in England ; and being of opinion that the method proposed by the honorable house of assembly of the province of Massachusetts-Bay is the most likely to obtain a redress of these grievances ; and, taking into consideration the misfortune we, at present, labor under, in not having it in our power to convene, as a house, and, in a regular manner, to appoint a committee: yet, zealous for the happiness of our constituents, think it our duty, in this way, to serve them as much as in us lies, (assured of the hearty approbation of any future house of assembly of this government); and, therefore, do hereby nominate and appoint Jacob Kollock, Thomas M’Kean and Caesar Rodney, esqrs. three of the representatives of the same government, a committee, to repair to the city of New-York, on the first day in October next, and there to join with the committee sent by the other provinces, in one united and loyal petition to his majesty, and remonstrance to the honorable house of commons of Great Britain, against the aforesaid acts of parliament, therein dutifully, yet most firmly, asserting the colonies’ right of exclusion from parliamentary taxation; and praying that they may not, in any instance, be stripped of the ancient and most valuable privilege of a trial by their peers, and most humbly imploring relief.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, at New-Castle, the twenty-first clay of September, Anno que Domini, 1765.

EVAN RICE,

THOMAS COOK,

WILLIAM ARMSTRONG,

GEORGE MONROE,

JOHN EVANS.

Kent county, to wit:

WE, whose names are here underwritten, members of the general assembly of the government of the counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware. for the said county of Kent, though sensible of the impropriety of assuming the functions of assemblymen during the recess of our house, yet, zealous to concur in any measure which may be productive of advantage to this government and the other British colonies on this continent of America in general, have appointed, and, as much as in us lies, do appoint, Jacob Kollock, esq. Caesar Rodney, esq. and Thomas M'Kean, esq. members of said assembly, to be a committee to meet with the other committees already appointed, or to be appointed, by the several and respective assemblies of said other colonies, at the city of New-York, on the first Tuesday in October next, in conjunction with the other committees, to consider of the present distressful circumstances of the said colonies, occasioned, in some measure, (as we apprehend), by several late acts of parliament, and to join with them in an humble address to his most gracious majesty, and the parliament of Great Britain, for the redress of our grievances, or in any other expedient that shall be agreed on, by the said committees, which may tend to promote the utility and welfare of the British dominions in America.

JOHN VINING,

JOHN CATON,

JOHN BARNS,

WILLIAM KILLEN,

VINCENT LOCKERMAN.

September 13th, 1765.

Sussex county, to wit:

WE, whose names are here underwritten, members of the general assembly of the government of the counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware, for the said county of Sussex, though sensible of the impropriety of assuming the functions of assemblymen during the recess of our house, yet, zealous to concur in any measure which may be productive of advantage to this government and the other colonies on the continent of America in general, have appointed, and, as much as in us lies, do appoint Jacob Kollock, esq. Caesar Rodney, esq. and Thomas M'Kean, esq. members of the said assembly, to be a committee to meet with the other committees already appointed, or to be appointed, by the several and respective assemblies of the said other colonies, at the city of New-York, on the first Tuesday in October next, in conjunction with the said other committees, to consider of the present distressful circumstances of the said colonies, occasioned, in some measure, (as we apprehend), by several late acts of parliament; and to join with them in an humble address to his most gracious majesty and the parliament of Great Britain for redress of our grievances; or on any other expedient, that shall be agreed on by the said committees, which may tend to promote the utility and welfare of the British dominions in America.

DAVID HALL,

BNJ’N BURTON,

LEVIN CRAPPER,

THO’S ROBINSON,

JACOB KOLLOCK, jun.

September 17th, 1765.

From the province of Maryland WILLIAM MURDOCK, EDWARD TILGHMAN, and THOMAS RINGGOLD, Esqrs.

Instructions from the honorable the lower house of assembly of the province of Maryland.

To William Murdock, Edward Tilghman and Thomas Ringgold, esqrs. a committee appointed to join the several committees from the several colonies in America, at New-York :

Gentlemen—You are to repair immediately to the city of New-York, in the province of New-York, and there join with the committees from the houses of representatives of the other colonies, in a general and united, loyal and humble representation to his majesty and the British parliament, of the circumstances and condition of the British colonies and plantations, and to pray relief from the burthens and restraints lately laid on their trade and commerce, and especially from the taxes imposed by an act of the last session of parliament granting and applying certain stamp duties and other duties in the British colonies and plantations in America, whereby they are deprived, in some instances, of that invaluable privilege of Englishmen and British subjects—trials by juries, that you take care that such representation shall humbly and decently, but expressly, contain an assertion of the rights of the colonies to be exempt from all and every taxation and imposition upon their persons and properties to which they do not consent in a legislative way, either by themselves or by their representatives, by them freely chosen and appointed.

Signed by order of the house,

ROBERT LLOYD, Speaker.

From the province of South Carolina THOMAS LYNCH, CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN, and

JOHN RUTLEDGE, Esqrs.

Who produced the following appointment:

Thursday, 25th July, 1765.—The house, (according to order), took into consideration the letter from the speaker of the house of representatives of the----of Massachusetts-bay, laid before them on Friday last—and, debate arising thereon, and some time spent therein, Ordered, That the said letter be referred to a committee of the following gentlemen, viz:

capt. Gadsden, Mr. Wright, Mr. Gaillard, Mr. Wragg, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Pinckney, colonel Lawrence, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Manigault and Mr. Drayton.

Friday, 26th July, 1765.—Captain Gadsden reported, from the committee appointed to consider of the letter sent from the speaker of the house of representatives of the province of Massachusetts-bay to the speaker of this house, and to report their opinion thereupon of the expediency and utility of the measures therein proposed, and the best means of effecting the relief therein mentioned:

That they are of opinion the measure therein proposed is prudent and necessary, and therefore recommend to the house to send a committee to meet the committees from the houses of representatives or burgesses of the several British colonies on the continent, at New-York, on the first Tuesday in October next.

That the said committee be ordered to consult there, with those other committees, on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties which they are and must be reduced to, by the operation of the acts of parliament for levying duties and taxes on the colonies, and to consider of a general and united, loyal and humble representation of their condition to his majesty. and the parliament, and to implore relief that the result of their consultation shall, at their return, be immediately laid before the house, to be confirmed or not, as the house shall think proper.

And the said report being delivered in at the clerk’s table and read a second time, the question was severally put, that the house do agree to the first, second and third paragraphs of this report ; It was resolved in the affirmative.

Friday, 2d August, 1765.—Motion being made, Resolved, that this house will provide a sum sufficient to defray the charges and expenses of a committee of three gentlemen on account of their going to, convening at, and returning from the meeting of the several committees proposed to assemble at New-York on the 1st Tuesday in October next, to consult there with those other committees on the present circumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties which they are and must be reduced to by the operation of the acts of parliament for levying duties and taxes on the colonies, and to consider of a general, united, dutiful, loyal, and humble representation of their condition to his majesty and the parliament, and to implore relief.

Ordered, That the public treasurer do advance out of any monies in his hands, to the said committee, a sum not exceeding six-hundred pounds sterling, for the purpose aforesaid.

Resolved, That this house will reimburse the treasurer the said sum.

Ordered That the following gentlemen be appointed a committee for the purpose aforesaid, viz : Mr. Thomas Lynch, Mr. Christopher Gadsden and Mr. John Rutledge.

Thursday, 8th August, 1765.—Ordered, That the said speaker inform Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden and John Rutledge, esquires, that they are appointed a committee to meet the committees of the several other colonies on the continent, on the first Tuesday in October next, at New York; and that he do acquaint them it is the desire of the house, that they repair to New York on the said first Tuesday in October next, for the purpose mentioned in the report of the committee, as agreed to by this house on Friday the 26th day of July last.

Ordered, That three copies of the proceedings of this house relative to the said matter, be made out and signed by the speaker, and that he deliver one of the said copies to each of the said gentlemen.

RAW. LOWNDES, Speaker.

Then the said committees proceeded to choose a chairman by ballot; and TIMOTHY RUGGLES, esq. on sorting and counting the votes, appeared to have a majority-and thereupon was placed in the chair.

Resolved, nem. con. That Mr. John Cotton, be clerk to this congress during the continuance thereof.

Then the congress took into consideration the several appointments of the committees from New-York, New Jersey, and the government of the lower counties on Delaware—and

Resolved, nem. con. That the same are sufficient to qualify the gentlemen therein named, to sit in the congress.

Resolved also, That the committee of each colony, shall have one voice only, in determining any questions that shall rise in the congress.

Then the congress adjourned until to morrow morning, 9 o’clock.

Tuesday, Oct. 8th, 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment. Upon motion, voted, that provinces be * is adjourned to. Voted, that Mr. justice Livingston, Mr. McKean and Mr. Rutledge be a committee to inspect the proceedings and minutes, and correct the same.

Then the congress took into consideration the rights and privileges of the British American colonists, with the several inconveniences and hardships to which they are and must be subjected by the operation of several late acts of parliament, particularly the act called the stamp act; and after some time spent therein, the same was postponed for further consideration.

Then the congress adjourned until to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock.

Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 1765, A.M.—Then the congress met according to adjournment. The congress resumed the consideration of the rights and privileges of the British American colonists, etc., the same was referred after sundry debates, for further consideration.

Then the congress adjourned until to morrow morning, 11 o’clock.

Thursday, Oct. 10th, 1765, A.M.—Then the congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday—and then adjourned to 10 o’clock, to-morrow morning.

Friday, Oct. 11th, 1765, A. M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday—and then adjourned to 10 o’clock, to-morrow morning.

Saturday, Oct. 12th, 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday—and then adjourned to Monday morning next, 10 o’clock.

Monday, Oct. 14th, 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as on Saturday last—and then adjourned to to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock.

Tuesday, Oct. 15th, 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc. as yesterday-and then adjourned to to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock. Wednesday, Oct. 16th, 1765, A.M.—The Congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday-and then adjourned o to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock,

Thursday, Oct. 17th, 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday-and then adjourned to to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock.

Friday, Oct. 18th, 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday-and then adjourned to to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock.

Saturday, Oct. 19th, 1765, A. M.—The congress met according to adjournment, and resumed, etc., as yesterday; and upon mature deliberation, agreed to the following declarations of the rights and grievances of the colonists in America, which were ordered to be inserted.

The members of this congress, sincerely devoted, with the warmest sentiments of affection and duty to his majesty’s person and government; inviolably attached to the present happy establishment of the protestant succession, and with minds deeply impressed by a sense of the present and impending misfortunes of the British colonies on this continent; having considered as maturely as time would permit, the circumstances of the said colonies, esteem it our indispensable duty to make the following declarations, of our humble opinion, respecting the most essential rights and liberties of the colonists, and of the grievances under which they labor, by reason of several late acts of parliament.

1st. That his majesty’s subjects in these colonies, owe the same allegiance to the crown of Great Britain, that is owing from his subjects born within the realm, and all due subordination to that august body, the parliament of Great Britain.

2d. That his majesty’s liege subjects in these colonies are entitled to all the inherent rights and privileges of his natural born subjects within the kingdom of Great Britain.

3d. That it is inseparably essential to the freedom of a people, and the undoubted rights of Englishmen, that no taxes should be imposed on them, but with their own consent, given personally, or by their representatives.

4th. That the people of these colonies are not, and from their local circumstances, cannot be represented in the house of commons in Great Britain.

5th. That the only representatives of the people of these colonies, are persons chosen therein, by themselves; and that no taxes ever have been, or can be constitutionally imposed on them, but by their respective legislatures.

6th. That all supplies to the crown, being free gifts of the people, it is unreasonable and inconsistent with the principles and spirit of the British constitution, for the people of Great Britain to grant to his majesty the property of the colonists.

7th. That trial by jury is the inherent and invaluable right of every British subject in these colonies.

8th. That the late act of parliament, entitled, an act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, and other duties in the British colonies and plantations in America, etc., by imposing taxes on the inhabitants of these colonies, and the said act, and several other acts, by extending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty beyond its ancient limits, have a manifest tendency to subvert the rights and liberties of the colonists.

9th. That the duties imposed by several late acts of parliament, from their peculiar circumstances of these colonies, will be extremely burthensome and grievous, and from the scarcity of specie, the payment of them absolutely impracticable.

10th. That as the profits of the trade of these colonies ultimately centre in Great Britain, to pay for the manufactures which they are obliged to take from thence, they eventually contribute very largely to all supplies granted there to the crown.

11th. That the restrictions imposed by several late acts of parliament, on the trade of these colonies, will render them unable to purchase the manufactures of Great Britain.

12th. That the increase, prosperity and happiness of these colonies, depend on the full and free enjoyment of their rights and liberties, and an intercourse, with Great Britain, mutually affectionate and advantageous.

13th. That it is the right of the British subjects in these colonies, to petition the king or either house of parliament.

Lastly, That it is the indispensable duty of these colonies to the best of sovereigns, to the mother country, and to themselves, to endeavor by a loyal and dutiful address to his majesty, and humble application to both houses of parliament, to procure the repeal of the act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, of all clauses of any other acts of parliament, whereby the jurisdiction of the admiralty is extended as aforesaid, and of the other late acts for the restriction of the American commerce.

Upon motion, voted, that Robert R. Livingston, William Samuel Johnson and William Murdock, Esqrs. be a committee to prepare an address to his majesty, and lay the same before the congress on Monday next.

Voted also, that John Rutledge, Edward Tilghman and Philip Livingston, Esqrs. be a committee to prepare a memorial and petition to the lords in parliament, and lay the same before the congress on Monday next.

Voted also, that Thomas Lynch, James Otis and Thomas McKean, Esqrs. be a committee to prepare a petition to the house of commons of Great Britain, and lay the same before the congress on Monday next.

Then the congress adjourned to Monday next, at twelve o’clock.

Monday, Oct. 21st, 1765, A.M.—The committee appointed to prepare and bring in an address to his majesty, did report, that they have essayed a draught for that purpose, which they laid on the table, and humbly submitted to the correction of the congress.

The said address was read, and, after sundry amendments, the same was approved of by the congress, and ordered to be engrossed.

The committee, appointed to prepare and bring in a memorial and petition to the lords in parliament did report that they had essayed a draught for that purpose, which they laid on the table, and humbly submitted to the correction of the congress.

The said address was read, and after sundry amendments, the same was approved of by the congress, and ordered to be engrossed.

The committee appointed to prepare and bring in a petition to the house of commons of Great Britain, did report that they had essayed a draught for that purpose, which they laid on the table, and humbly submitted to the correction of the congress.

The said address was read, and after sundry amendments, the same was approved of by the congress, and ordered to be engrossed.

Then the congress adjourned to to-morrow morning, at 9 o’clock.

Tuesday, Oct. 22d 1765, A.M.—The congress met according to adjournment. The address to his majesty being engrossed, was read and compared, and is as follows, viz:

To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty,

The petition of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the government of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware, and province of Maryland,

Most humbly sheweth,

That the inhabitants of these colonies, unanimously devoted with the warmest sentiments of duty and affection to your sacred person and government, and inviolably attached to the present happy establishment of the protestant succession in your illustrious house, and deeply sensible of your royal attention to their prosperity and happiness, humbly beg leave to approach the throne, by representing to your majesty, that these colonies were originally planted by subjects of the British crown: who, animated with the spirit of liberty, encouraged by your majesty’s royal predecessors, and confiding in the public faith for the enjoyment of all the rights and liberties essential to freedom, emigrated from their native country to this continent, and, by their successful perseverance in the midst of innumerable dangers and difficulties, together with a profusion of their blood and treasure, have happily added these vast and extensive dominions to the empire of Great Britain.

That, for the enjoyment of these rights and liberties, several governments were early formed in the said colonies, with full power of legislation, agreeably to the principles of the English constitution;—that under those governments, these liberties, thus vested in their ancestors, and transmitted to their posterity, have been exercised and enjoyed, and by the inestimable blessings thereof, under the favor of Almighty God, the inhospitable deserts of America have been converted into flourishing countries; science, humanity and the knowledge of divine truths diffused through remote regions of ignorance, infidelity, barbarism; the number of British subjects wonderfully increased, and the wealth and power of Great Britain proportionably augmented.

That, by means of these settlements and the unparalleled success of your majesty’s arms, a foundation is now laid for rendering the British empire the most extensive and powerful of any recorded in history; our connection with this empire we esteem our greatest happiness and security, and humbly conceive it may now be so established by your royal wisdom, as to endure to the latest period of time; this with the most humble submission to your majesty, we apprehend will be most effectually accomplished by fixing the pillars thereof on liberty and justice, and securing the inherent rights and liberties of your subjects here, upon the principles of the English constitution. To this constitution these two principles are essential; the right of our faithful subjects freely to grant your Majesty such aids as are required for the support of your government over them, and other public exigencies, and trials by their peers. By the one they are secured from unreasonable impositions, and by the other from the arbitrary decisions of the executive power. The continuation of these liberties, to the inhabitants of America, we ardently implore, as absolutely necessary to unite the several parts of your wide extended dominions, in that harmony so essential to the preservation and happiness of the whole. Protected in these liberties, the emoluments Great Britain receives from us, however great at present, are inconsiderable, compared with those she has the fairest prospect of acquiring. By this protection, she will forever secure to herself the advantages of conveying to all Europe, the merchandise which America furnishes, and for supplying, through the same channel, whatsoever is wanted from thence. Here opens a boundless source of wealth and naval strength. Yet these immense advantages, by the abridgement of those invaluable rights and liberties, by which our growth has been nourished, are in danger of being forever lost, and our subordinate legislatures in effect rendered useless by the late acts of parliament imposing duties and taxes on these colonies, and extending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty here, beyond its ancient limits; statutes, by which your majesty’s commons in Britain undertake absolutely to dispose of the property of their fellow subjects in America without their consent, and for the enforcing whereof, they are subjected to the determination of a single judge, in court unrestrained by the wise rules of the common law, the birthright of Englishmen, and the safeguard of their persons and their properties.

The invaluable rights of taxing ourselves and trial by our peers, of which we implore your majesty’s protection, are not, we most humbly conceive, unconstitutional, but confirmed by the Great Charter of English liberties. On the first of these rights the honorable house of commons found their practice of originating money; a right enjoyed by the kingdom of Ireland, by the clergy of England, until relinquished by themselves: a right, in fine, which all other your majesty’s English subjects, both within and without the realm, have hitherto enjoyed. With hearts, therefore, impressed with the most indelible characters of gratitude to your majesty, and to the memory of the kings of your illustrious house, whose reigns have been signally distinguished by their auspicious influence on the prosperity of the British dominions, and convinced by the most affecting proofs of your majesty’s paternal love to all your people, however distant, and your unceasing and benevolent desires to promote their happiness, we most humbly beseech your majesty that you will be graciously pleased to take into your royal consideration the distresses of your faithful subjects on this continent, and to lay the same before your majesty’s parliament, and to afford them such relief, as in your royal wisdom their unhappy circumstances shall be judged to require.

And your petitioners will pray, etc.

The memorial to the lords in parliament being engrossed, was read and compared, and is as follows, viz:

To the Right Honorable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of Great Britain, in parliament assembled.

The memorial of the freeholder and other inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the government of the counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware, and province of Maryland, in America.

Most humbly sheweth,

That his majesty’s liege subjects in his American colonies, though they acknowledge a due subordination to that august body, the British parliament, are entitled, in the opinion, of your memorialists, to all the inherent rights and liberties of the natives of Great Britain, and have, ever since the settlement of the said colonies, exercised those rights and liberties, as far as their local circumstances would permit.

That your memorialists humbly conceive that one of the most essential rights of these colonists, which they have ever till lately uninterruptedly enjoyed, to be trial by jury.

That your memorialists also humbly conceive another of these essential rights, to be the exemption from all taxes, but such as are imposed on the people by the several legislatures in these colonies, which rights they have also, till of late enjoyed. But your memorialists humbly beg leave to represent to your lordships, that the act for granting certain stamp duties in the British colonies in America, etc., fills his majesty’s American subjects with the deepest concern, as it tends to deprive them of the two fundamental and invaluable rights and liberties above mentioned; and that several other late acts of parliament, which extend the jurisdiction and power of courts of admiralty in the plantations beyond their limits in Great Britain, thereby make an unnecessary, unhappy distinction, as to the modes of trial between us and our fellow subjects there, by whom we never have been excelled in duty and loyalty to our sovereign.

That, from the natural connection between Great Britain and America, the perpetual continuance of which your memorialists most ardently desire, they conceive that nothing can conduce more to the interest of both, than the colonists’ free enjoyment of their rights and liberties, and an affectionate intercourse between Great Britain and them. But your memorialists (not waiving their claim to these rights, of which, with the most becoming veneration and deference to the wisdom and justice of your lordships, they apprehend they cannot reasonably be deprived) humbly represent, that from the peculiar circumstances of these colonies, the duties imposed by the aforesaid act, and several other late acts of parliament, are extremely grievous and burthensome; and the payment of the several duties will very soon, for want of specie, become absolutely impracticable: and that the restrictions on trade by the said acts, will not only distress the colonies, but must be extremely detrimental to the trade and true interest of Great Britain.

Your memorialists, therefore, impressed with a just sense of the unfortunate circumstances of the colonies, the impending destructive consequences which must necessarily ensue from the execution of these acts, and animated with the warmest sentiments of filial affection for their mother country, most earnestly and humbly entreat your lordships will be pleased to hear their council in support of this memorial, and take the premises into your most serious consideration, and that your lordships will also be thereupon pleased to pursue such measures for restoring the just rights and liberties of the colonies, and preserving them forever inviolate, for redressing their present, and preventing future grievances, thereby promoting the united interest of Great Britain and America, as to your lordships, in your great wisdom, shall seem most conducive, and effectual to that important end.

And your memorialists will pray, etc.

Then the congress adjourned to to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock.

Wednesday, Oct. 23d, 1765, A. M.—The congress met according to adjournment.

The petition to the house of commons being engrossed, was read and compared, and is as follows, viz :

To the Honorable the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled.

The petition of his majesty’s dutiful, loyal subjects, the freeholder and other inhabitants of the colonies of the Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the government of the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex upon Delaware, and province of Maryland, in America,

Most humbly sheweth,

That the several late acts of parliament, imposing divers duties and taxes on the colonies, and laying the trade and commerce under very burthensome restrictions, but above all, the act for granting and applying certain stamp duties in America, have filled them with the deepest concern and surprise, and they humbly conceive the execution of them will be attended with consequences very injurious to the commercial interest of Great Britain and her colonies, and must terminate in the eventual ruin of the latter. Your petitioners, therefore, most ardently implore the attention of the honorable house to the united and dutiful representation of their circumstances, and to their earnest supplications for relief from their regulations that have already involved this continent in anxiety, confusion, and distress. We most sincerely recognize our allegiance to the crown, and acknowledge all due subordination to the parliament of Great Britain, and shall always retain the most grateful sense of their assistance and approbation; it is from and under the English constitution we derive all our civil and religious rights and liberties; we glory in being subjects of the best of kings, having been born under the most perfect form of government. But it is with the most ineffable and humiliating sorrow that we find ourselves of late, deprived of the right of granting our own property for his majesty’s service, to which our lives and fortunes are entirely devoted, and to which on his royal requisitions, we have been ready to contribute to the utmost of our abilities.

We have also the misfortune to find, that all the penalties and forfeitures mentioned in the stamp act, and divers late acts of trade extending to the plantations, are, at the election of the informers, recoverable in any court of admiralty in America. This, as the newly erected court of admiralty has a general jurisdiction over all British America, renders his majesty’s subjects in these colonies, liable to be carried at an immense expense from one end of the continent to the other. It always gives us great pain to see a manifest distinction made therein between the subjects of our mother country and the colonies, in that the like penalties and forfeitures recoverable there only in his majesty’s courts of record, are made cognizable here by a court of admiralty. By this means we seem to be in effect, unhappily deprived of two privileges essential to freedom, and which all Englishmen have ever considered as their best birth-rights; that of being free from all taxes but such as they have consented to in person, or by their representatives, and of trial by their peers.

Your petitioners further shew, that the remote situation and other circumstances of the colonies, render it impracticable that they should be represented but in their respective subordinate legislatures, and they humbly conceive that the parliament adhering strictly to the principle of the constitution, have never hitherto taxed any but those who were therein actually represented: for this reason, we humbly apprehend, they never have taxed Ireland, nor any other of the subjects without the realm.—But were it ever so clear, that the colonies might in law be reasonably represented in the honorable house of commons, yet we conceive that very good reasons from inconvenience, from the principles of true policy, and from the spirit of the British constitution, may be adduced to shew, that it would be for the real interest of Great Britain, as well as her colonies, that the late regulations should be rescinded, and the several acts of parliament imposing duties and taxes on the colonies, and extending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty here beyond their ancient limits, should be repealed. We shall not attempt a minute detail of all the reasons which the wisdom of the honorable house may suggest, on this occasion, but would humbly submit the following particulars to their consideration:

That money is already very scarce in these colonies, and is still decreasing by the necessary exportation of specie from the continent for the discharging of our debts to British merchants, that an immensely heavy debt is yet due from the colonies for British manufactures, and that they are still heavily burthened with taxes to discharge the arrearages due for aids granted by them in the late war; that the balance of trade will ever be much against the colonies, and in favor of Great Britain, whilst we consume her manufactures; the demand of which must ever increase in proportion to the number of inhabitants settled here, with the means of purchasing them. We therefore humbly conceive it to be the interest of Great Britain to increase rather than diminish those means, as the profit of all the trade of the colonies ultimately centre there to pay for her manufactures, as we are not allowed to purchase elsewhere, and by the consumption of which, at the advanced prices the British taxes oblige the makers and venders to set on them, we eventually contribute very largely to the revenues of the crown.

That, from the nature of American business, the multiplicity of suits and papers used in matters of small value, in a country where freeholds are so minutely divided, and property so frequently transferred, a stamp duty must be ever very burthensome and unequal.

That it is extremely improbable that the honorable house of commons should at all times be thoroughly acquainted with our condition, and all facts requisite to a just and equal taxation of the colonies.

It is also humbly submitted whether there be not a material distinction, in reason and sound policy at least, between the necessary exercise of parliamentary jurisdiction in general acts, and the common law, and the regulations of trade and commerce, through the whole empire, and the exercise of that jurisdiction by imposing taxes on the colonies.

That the several subordinate provincial legislatures have been moulded into forms as nearly resembling that of the mother country, as by his majesty’s royal predecessors was thought convenient; and these legislatures seem to have been wisely and graciously established, that the subjects in the colonies might, under the due administration thereof, enjoy the happy fruits of the British government, which in their present circumstances they cannot be so fully and clearly availed of any other way.

Under these forms of government we and our ancestors have been born or settled, and have had our lives, liberties and properties protected; the people here as every where else, retain a great fondness of their old customs and usages, and we trust that his majesty’s service, and the interest of the nation, so far from being obstructed, have been vastly promoted by the provincial legislatures.

That we esteem our connection with and dependence on Great Britain, as one of our greatest blessings; and apprehend the latter will be sufficiently secure, when it is considered that the inhabitants in the colonies have the most unbounded affection for his majesty’s person, family and government, as well as for the mother country, and that their subordination to the parliament is universally acknowledged.

We, therefore, most humbly entreat that the honorable house would be pleased to hear our council in support of this petition, and take our distressed and deplorable case into their serious consideration, and that the acts and clauses of acts so grievously restraining our trade and commerce, imposing duties and taxes on our property, and extending the jurisdiction of the court of admiralty beyond its ancient limits, may be repealed; or that the honorable house would otherwise relieve your petitioners as in your great wisdom and goodness shall seem meet.

And your petitioners shall ever pray, etc.

Then the congress adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o’clock.

Thursday, Oct. 24th 1765, A. M.—The congress met according to adjournment.

The congress took into consideration the manner in which their several petitions should be preferred and solicited in Great Britain, and thereupon came to the following determination, viz:

It is recommended by the congress to the several colonies to appoint special agents for soliciting relief from their present grievances, and to unite their utmost interest and endeavors for that purpose.

Voted unanimously, that the clerk of this congress sign the minutes of their proceedings, and deliver a copy for the use of each colony and province.

By order of the congress,

JOHN COTTON, Clerk.