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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1775
Agreeable to the order of yesterday the Congress was opened with prayers by the Revd. Mr. Duché.
After prayers the Congress according to adjournment proceeded to business.
The Delegates from the several Colonies produced their Credentials, which were read and approved, as follows:
Here insert.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Province of New Hampshire
At the Convention of Deputies appointed by the several Towns in the Province aforesaid, held at Exeter on the 25th day of January 1775.
Honble John Wentworth Esqr. In the Chair.
Voted, That John Sullivan and John Langdon Esqrs be Delegates to Represent this Province in the Continental Congress, proposed to be held at Philadelphia on the tenth day of May next, and that they and each of them in the Absence of the other, have full and Ample Power, in behalf of this Province, to consent and Agree to all Measures, which said Congress shall deem necessary to Obtain redress of American Grievances.
True Copy Attst
Meshech Weare
Clk to the Convention1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, New Hampshire, Credentials of Delegates.]
MASSACHUSETTS BAY
Province of the Massachusetts Bay
In Provincial Congress Cambridge
December 5th 1774.
Resolved, that the proceedings of the American continental Congress held at Philadelphia, on the fifth day of September last, and Reported by the honble Delegates from this Colony, have with the deliberation due to their high importance been considered by us; and the American Bill of rights therein contained, appears to be formed with the greatest Ability and Judgment; to be founded on the immutable
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Laws of Nature and reason, the principles of the English constitution, and respective Charters and constitutions of the Colonies, and to be worthy of their most vigorous support, as essentially necessary to liberty. Likewise the ruinous and eniquitous measures, which, in violation of these RIGHTS, at present convulse and threaten destruction to America, appear to be clearly pointed out, and judicious plans adopted for defeating them.
Resolved, That the most grateful acknowledgments are due to the truly honorable and patriotic Members of the Continental Congress, for their wise and able exertions in the cause of American Liberty; and this Congress, in their own Names, and in behalf of this Colony, do hereby, with the utmost Sincerity, express the same.
Resolved, That the Hon. John Hancock, Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esquires, Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, Esquires, or any three of them, be, and they hereby are appointed and authorized to represent this Colony, on the tenth of May next, or sooner if necessary, at the American Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, with full power, with the Delegates from the Other American Colonies, to concert, agree upon, direct and order such farther measures, as shall to them appear to be best calculated for the recovery and establishment of American rights and Liberties, and for restoring harmony between Great-Britain and the Colonies.
A true copy of record,
Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Massachusetts, Credentials of Delegates.]
Province of the Massachusetts Bay
In Provincial Congress, Cambridge
February 6, 1775.
Resolved, That the Hon. John Hancock, Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esquires, Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, Esquires, appointed by the last provincial Congress to represent this Colony, on the 10th of May next, or sooner if necessary, at the American Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, be, and they hereby are authorized and impowered, with the Delegates from the other American Colonies, to adjourn from time to time, and place to place, as shall be judged necessary, and to continue in being, as Delegates for this Colony, until the Thirty-first day of December next ensuing, and no longer.
A true copy of Record,Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary.1
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CONNECTICUT
In The House of Representatives
of the Colony of Connecticut,
November 3, A. Dom, 1774.
This House proceeded to nominate, choose, and appoint Delegates, to attend the General Congress, to be holden at Philadelphia, on the 10th day of May next; and made Choice of the Hon[ora]ble Eliphalet Dyer, and Roger Sherman, Esquires, Silas Deane, Titus Hosmer, and Jonathan Sturgess, Esqrs. to be their Delegates, any Three of Whom are authorized and empowered to attend said Congress, in behalf of this Colony, to join, consult and advise with the Delegates of the other Colonies in British America, on proper Measures for advancing the best Good of the Colonies.
William Williams, Speaker,
A true Copy, extracted from the Journals of the House.
Attested,Richard Law, Clerk.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Connecticut, Credentials of Delegates.]
NEW YORK
At a Provincial Convention formed of Deputies from the City and County of New York, the City and County of Albany, and the Counties of Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, West-Chester, King's and Suffolk, held at the City of New York, the twenty second day of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, for the purpose of appointing Delegates to represent the Colony of New York, in the next Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, on the tenth Day of May next, Philip Livingston, Esqr., James Duane, John Alsop, John Jay, Simon Boerum, William Floyd, Henry Wisner, Philip Schuyler, George Clinton, Lewis Morris, Francis Lewis, and Robert R. Livingston, junior, Esquires, were unanimously elected Delegates, to represent this Colony at such Congress, with full power to them, or any five of them, to meet the Delegates from the other Colonies, and to concert and determine upon such measures, as shall be judged most effectual for the preservation and re-establishment of American rights
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and priviledges, and for the restoration of harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies.
[Note 1: 1 The Assembly of New York had, in February, discountenanced the measures of the first Continental Congress, and refused to send delegates to the second Congress, It prepared a Petition to the King, a Memorial to the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and a Representation and Remonstrance to the Commons of Great-Britain in Parliament assembled. The three papers were dated March 25, 1775, and were signed by John Cruger, Speaker. Copies are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 75, folios 121--152. The paper on which they are written has the water-mark of J. Whatman & Co., save the outside sheet which has a water-mark "Liberty and Prudence."
The "Town and Country Magazine" for 1775 has the following:
"May 15th, 1775. Mr [Edmund] Burke produced and read in his place a Remonstrance to the Parliament of Great Britain from the General Assembly of New York; he then moved for Leave to bring it up to the Table, and the Question being put by the Speaker, that this Remonstrance be now brought up, Lord North paved the way for getting rid of the main Question by moving an amendment; that the Words 'which is derogatory to the Supreme Authority of the British Parliament' be added,
"Upon which a short Debate ensued, the House divided, for the Amendment 186, against it 67. Of course the main Question was lost."
The Duke of Manchester presented the Memorial in the House of Lords, where after a long debate, it was rejected. No answer to the Petition was given by the King.
Henry Cruger, writing to his son, Henry Cruger jr. on April 4, said: "The Assembly is adjourned for a month to prevent the troublesome party from endeavoring to consider the proceedings of the Continental Congress."]
We, the subscribers, do, in behalf of ourselves, and those Freeholders of Queen's-County, at whose request we attended the Convention, signify our assent to, and approbation of, the above Delegation.
[Note 2: 2 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, New York, Credentials of Delegates.]
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NEW JERSEY
In Assembly,
Perth-Amboy, Tuesday, January 24, 1775.
Resolved unanimously, That James Kinsey, Stephen Crane, William Livingston, John D'Hart, and Richard Smith, Esquires, or any Three of them, be, and they are hereby appointed to attend the Continental Congress of the Colonies, intended to be held at the City of Philadelphia, in May next, or at any other Time and Place; And that they report their Proceedings to the next Session of General Assembly.
A true Copy from the Journals,
Richard Smith,
Clerk of Assembly.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, New Jersey, Credentials of Delegates.]
PENNSYLVANIA
In Assembly,
December 15th, 1774, A. M.
Upon Motion,
Resolved, N. C. D. That the Hon[ora]ble Edward Biddle, Speaker, John Dickinson, Thomas Mifflin, Joseph Galloway, Charles Humphreys, John Morton, and George Ross, Esquires, be, and they are hereby appointed Deputies on the Part of this Province, to attend the General Congress, proposed to be held at the City of Philadelhis, on the 10 Day of May next; and that they, or any four of them, do meet the said Congress accordingly, unless the present Grievances of the American Colonies shall before that Time be redressed.
Extract from the Journals,
Charles Moore,
Clerk of Assembly.2
[Note 2: 2 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Pennsylvania, Credentials of Delegates. The following paper was not entered in the Journals:
In Assembly,
May 12th., 1775, A. M.
Joseph Galloway Esqr. having repeatedly moved to be excused from serving as a Deputy for this Province at the Continental Congress, the House this Day took his Motion into Consideration, and do agree to execuse him from that service.
Extract from the Journals,
Chas. Moore,
Clk of Assembly.]
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In Assembly,
May 6, 1775, A. M.
Resolved, N. C. D. That Benjamin Franklin, Esqr., be, and he is hereby added to the Deputies appointed by this House, to attend the Continental Congress, expected to meet the 10th instant, in this City.
Resolved, N. C. D. That the Honble Thomas Willing of Philadelphia, and James Wilson Esqr. of Carlisle be also added to the said Deputies for this Province.
Extract from the Journals.
Charles Moore,
Clerk of Assembly.1
[Note 1: 1 See note 2, page 17.]
LOWER COUNTIES ON DELAWARE
In Assembly,
Thursday, March 16th, 1775, A. M.
On motion,
Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the Honorable Caesar Rodney, Speaker, Thomas M'Kean, and George Read, Esquires, be, and they are hereby appointed and authorized to represent this Government at the American Congress, proposed to be held at the City of Philadelphia, on the tenth day of May next, or at any other time or place, with full power to them, or any two of them, together with the Delegates from the other American Colonies, to concert and agree upon such further measures, as shall appear to them best calculated for the accommodation of the unhappy differences between Great-Britain and the Colonies, on a constitutional foundation, which the House most ardently wish for, and that they report their proceedings to the next Sessions of General Assembly.
I do certify the above to be a true copy of the Minutes of Assembly,
David Thompson, Clerk to the Assembly.2
[Note 2: 2 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Delaware, Credentials of Delegates.]
MARYLAND
At a Meeting of the Deputies, appointed by the several Counties of the Province of Maryland, at the city of Annapolis, by Adjournment, on the 8th day of December, 1774, and continued till the 12th Day of the same month,
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Resolved unanimously, That the Honourable Matthew Tilghman, and Thomas Johnson, jun., Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, Samuel Chase, John Hall, and Thomas Stone, Esqrs. or any three or more of them, be Delegates to represent this Province in the next Continental Congress, and that they, or any three or more of them, have full and ample power to consent and agree to all measures,. which such Congress shall deem necessary and effectual to obtain a redress of American grievances; and this Province bind themselves to execute, to the utmost of their power, all resolutions which the said Congress may adopt: And further, if the said Congress shall think necessary to adjourn, we do authorise our said Delegates, to represent and act for this province, in any one Congress to be held by virtue of such adjournment.
Signed by order,
John Duckett, Clerk.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is a printed broadside giving the proceedings of the meeting in full, of which this is only a paragraph. It is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Maryland, Credentials of Delegates.]
VIRGINIA
At a convention of delegates for the counties and corporations in the colony of Virginia, at the town of Richmond, in the county of Henrico, on Monday, the 20th of March, 1775;
The convention proceeded to the election of delegates, by ballot, to represent this colony in general Congress, to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the tenth day of May next, when the honorable Peyton Randolph, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, Benjamin Harrison, and Richard Bland, esqrs. were chosen for that purpose.
Peyton Randolph, President,
John Tazewell, Clerk of the Convention.
NORTH CAROLINA
At a General meeting of Delegates of the Inhabitants of this Province, in Convention, at New Bern, the 5th day of April, 1775;
Present; The Hon[ora]ble John Harvey, Esquire, Moderator, and sixty eight Members:
On Motion,
Resolved, That William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Richard Caswell, Esquires, be, and are hereby appointed Delegates to attend the
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General Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, on the tenth day of May next, or at any other time and place that shall be appointed for that purpose, and they are hereby invested with such powers as may make any Acts done by them, or any of them, or consent given in behalf of this Province, obligatory, in honor, upon every Inhabitant thereof.
A true Copy from the Minutes,
John Harvey, Moderator.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 59, Vol. 1, folio 9.]
Attested by Andrew Knox, Clk.
In the Assembly, 7th of April, 1775.
Resolved, that the House do highly approve of the Proceedings of the Continental Congress, lately held at Philadelphia, and that they are determined, as Members of the Community in General, that they will strictly adhere to the said Resolutions, and will use what influence they have, to induce the same observance in every Individual of this Province.
This House having received information, that William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Richard Caswell, Esquires, were appointed by the Convention, held at New Bern, as Delegates to attend the meeting of the Continental Congress, soon to be held at Philadelphia;
Resolved, That the House approve of the Choice made by the said Convention.
Resolved, That the Thanks of the House be given to William Hooper, Joseph Hewes and Richard Caswell, Esquires, for the faithful and Judicious discharge of the Important Trust reposed in them as Delegates for this Colony at the late Continental Congress.
John Harvey, Speaker
New Bern, North Carolina.
Above copy taken from the Journals of the House of Assembly for the Province aforesaid.
Jas. Green, Jun., Clk2.
[Note 2: 2 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 76, folio 1.]
SOUTH CAROLINA
In the Commons House of Assembly,
Friday, February 3, 1775.
Whereas the Continental Congress, held at the City of Philadelphia, in September last, amongst other things, recommended to the several
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Colonies in North America, to chuse Deputies as soon as possible, to hold another Congress at the same place, on the tenth day of May next; and whereas, this House being fully satisfied with the conduct and fidelity of their late Deputies at the Congress; do hereby nominate and appoint The Honorable Henry Middleton, Esquire, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, John Rutledge, and Edward Rutledge, Esquires, Deputies for and in behalf of this Colony, to meet the Deputies appointed, or to be appointed, on the part and behalf of the other Colonies, at the City of Philadelphia, or any other place, that shall be agreed on by the said Deputies in General Congress, with full power and authority to concert, agree to, and effectually prosecute such measures, as in the opinion of the said Deputies, and of the Deputies so to be Assembled, shall be most likely to obtain a redress of American Grievances.
Resolved, That the Deputies hereby appointed on the part and behalf of this Colony, are authorised and empowered to agree, That the Continental Congress may meet at any future time, and at such place, as shall be agreed on, and to adjourn from time to time; Provided it do not exceed Nine Months from the date of their meeting in May next.
Resolved, That this House will provide the sum of One thousand five hundred Pounds Sterling to pay the expence of the said Deputies, going to said Congress.
Attested,Thomas Farr, Junr., Clerk.
Extract from the Journals of the Provincial Congress of South Carolina, published by order of the Congress, 11th of January, 1775.
Resolved, That the Hon[ora]ble Henry Middleton, Esquire, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, John Rutledge, and Edward Rutledge, Esquires, or any three of them, be, and they are hereby appointed and authorized to Represent this Colony, on the 10th day of May next, or sooner, if necessary, at the American Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, or elsewhere; with full Power to Concert, agree upon, direct and order such further Measures, as, in the Opinion of the said Deputies, and the Delegates of the other American Colonies to be Assembled, shall appear to be necessary for the Recovery and Establishment of American Rights and Liberties, and for Restoring Harmony between Great Britain and her Colonies.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, South Carolina, Credentials of Delegates.]
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Upon motion, Resolved, That the thanks of the Congress be given to the rev. Mr. Duché, for performing divine service, agreeable to the desire of the Congress, and for his excellent prayer so well adapted to the present occasion.
Ordered, That Mr. [Richard] Bland, Mr. [Thomas] Willing, and Mr. [John] Sullivan, be a committee to wait upon Mr. Duché, and return the thanks of the Congress, agreeable to the above resolution.
Circular letter from the Agents.
Upon motion, Resolved, That the doors be kept shut, during the time of business, and that the members consider themselves under the strongest obligations of honor to keep the proceedings secret, until the majority shall direct them to be made public.
A circular letter from the agents, William Bollan, Benjamin Franklin, and Arthur Lee, Esqrs., directed to the Speakers of several Assemblies, dated 5 Feby., 1775, with sundry papers therein referred to, was laid before the Congress and read; the letter is as follows:
[here insert it]
"London, February 5, 1775.
Sir,
Our last letter informed you, that the king had declared his intentions of laying the petition before his two houses of parliament. It has accordingly been laid before each house, but undistinguished among a variety of letters and other papers from America.
A motion made by lord Chatham, to withdraw the troops from Boston, as the first step towards a conciliating plan, was rejected; and the ministry have declared in both houses the determination to inforce obedience to all the late laws. For this purpose, we understand, that three regisments of foot, one of dragoons, seven hundred marines, six sloops of war, and two frigates, are now under orders for America.
We think it proper to inform you, that your cause was well defended by a considerable number of good and wise men in both
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houses of parliament, though far from being a majority: and that many of the commercial and manufacturing parts of the nation, concerned in the American trade, have presented, or, as we understand, are preparing to present, petitions to parliament, declaring their great concern, for the present unhappy controversies with America, and praying expressly, or in effect, for healing measures, as the proper means of preserving their commerce, now greatly suffering or endangered. But the treatment the petitions, already presented, have hitherto received, is such, as, in our opinion, can afford you no reliance on the present relief through their means.
As soon as we learnt that the petition of the Congress was before the house of commons, we thought it our duty to support it, if we might be permitted so to do, as there was no other opportunity for the numerous inhabitants of the colonies to be heard in defence of their rights: accordingly, we joined in a petition for that purpose. Sir George Saville kindly undertook to present it. But, on previously opening the purport of it, as the order is, a debate arose on the propriety of receiving it, and on a division, it was rejected by a great majority.
The following extract of a letter from general Gage to lord Dartmouth, as laid before parliament, we think it our duty to transmit, viz.
"Dec. 15, 1774. Your lordship's idea of disarming certain provinces, would doubtless be consistent with prudence and safety, but it neither is, nor has been practicable, without having recourse to force, and being masters of the country."
It was thrown out in debate by a principal member of administration, that it would be proper to alter the charters of Connecticut and Rhode-Island.
Inclosed, we send you a copy of the resolutions passed in a committee of the whole house, on Thursday last, which are to be reported on Monday. It is said that these resolutions are to be the foundation of several bills to be brought in, but the purport of those bills we have not yet learnt with sufficient certainty.
We send you likewise, a copy of lord Chatham's first motion in the house of lords, and of his plan of a bill for settling the troubles between Great-Britain and the colonies; both which were rejected on the first reading.
With great respect, we are, sir, your most obedient, humble servants,
(Signed)William Bollan,
Benjamin Franklin,
Arthur Lee.
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∥The papers referred to in the foregoing letter, being published in the newspapers, it is not necessary to insert them.∥
Mr. [John] Hancock produced and laid before the Congress a Letter from the provincial Congress of Massachusetts bay, together with certain resolutions formed by Sd. Congress, and a Copy of a letter, sent by Sd. Congress to their agent in England, and an address to the inhabitants of Gt.-Bn, on the late engagement between the troops under Genl. Gage, and the inhabitants of Massachusetts bay; on Wednesday 18 ult: also a number of depositions, duly attested, relative to the commencement of hostilities, all which were read, and are as follows:
[here insert them]
In Provincial Congress, Watertown, May 3, 1775.
To the Honorable American Continental Congress, to be conven'd at Philadelphia, on the tenth of May Instant.
May it please your honours,
The Congress of this colony, impressed with the deepest Concern for their Country, under the present critical and alarming state of its public Affairs, beg leave, with the most respectful submission, whilst acting in support of the Cause of America, to request the direction and assistance of your respectable Assembly.
The inclosed Packet, containing Copies of the Depositions, which we have despatched for London, also an Address to the Inhabitants of Great Britain, and a Letter to our Colony Agent, Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. are humbly submitted to your Consideration.
The sanguinary Zeal of the ministerial Army, to ruin and destroy the Inhabitants of this Colony, in the Opinion of this Congress, hath rendered the Establishment of an Army indispensably necessary. We have accordingly passed an unanimous Resolve for thirteen thousand six hundred Men, to be forth with raised by this Colony; and proposals are made by us to the Congress of New Hampshire, and Governments of Rhode Island and Connecticut Colonies, for furnishing men in the same proportion. The sudden Exigency of our public Affairs, precluded the possibility of waiting for your direction in these important measures; more especially, as a considerable Reinforcement
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from Great Britain is daily expected in this Colony, and we are now reduced to the sad alternative of defending ourselves by arms, or submitting to be slaughtered.
With the greatest deference, we beg leave to suggest, that a power full Army, on the side of America, hath been consider'd, by this Congress, as the only mean left to stem the rapid Progress of a tyrannical Ministry. Without a force, superior to our Enemies, we must reasonably expect to become the Victims of their relentless fury: With such a force, we may still have hopes of seeing an immediate End put to the inhuman Ravages of mercenary Troops in America, and the wicked authors of our Miseries, brought to condign punishment, by the just Indignation of our Brethren in Great Britain.
We hope that this Colony will, at all Times, be ready to spend and be spent in the Cause of America. It is, nevertheless, a Misfortune greatly operating to its Disadvantage, that it has a great Number of Sea Port Towns, exposed to the approach of the Enemy by Sea; from many of which, the Inhabitants have removed, and are now removing their Families and Effects, to avoid Destruction from Ships of War: These, we apprehend, will be generally distressed from want of subsistence, and disabled from contributing Aid for supporting the Forces of the Colony; but we have the greatest Confidence in the wisdom and ability of the Continent to support us, so far as it shall appear necessary for supporting the common cause of the American Colonies.
We also inclose several Resolves for impowering and directing our Receiver General to borrow the Sum of one hundred thousand Pounds, Lawful Money, and to issue his Notes for the same; it being the only measure, which we cou'd have recourse to, for supporting our Forces; And we request your assistance in rendring our measures effectual, by giving our Notes a currency through the Continent.
Joseph Warren, President, P. T.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 65, vol. I, folio 1.]
The papers inclosed, and referred to, in the above, are as follows:
In Provincial Congress, Watertown, May 3, 1775.
Resolved, That the Receiver, General be, and hereby is impower'd and directed to borrow the Sum of One Hundred Thousand Pounds, lawful money, and issue Colony Security for the same, payable, with Annual Interest, at six [???] cent. June 1st, 1777, and that the Continental
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Congress be desired to recommend to the several Colonies, to give a currency to such Securities.
A true extract from the minutes,
Samuel Freeman, Secretary, P. T.
In Provincial Congress, Watertown, May 3, 1775.
Resolved, That the Securities given by the Receiver General for the Monies borrowed by him, in pursuance of the aforegoing Resolve, be in the form following, viz.
Colony of the Massachusetts Bay.
No. TheDay ofA. D. 177 Borrowed and received of A. B. the Sum oflawful money, for the Use and Service of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay; and in behalf of said Colony, I do hereby promise and oblige myself, and successors in the Office of Treasurer, or Receiver General, to repay to the saidor to his Order, the first Day of June, 1777, the aforesaid Sum of, lawful Money, in Spanish Milled Dollars, at six shillings each, or in the several Species of Coined Silver and Cold, enumerated in an Act made and passed in the 23d Year of his late Majesty, King George the Second, intituled "An act for ascertaining the Rates at which coined Silver and Gold, English half pence and farthings, may pass within this Government:" and according to the Rates therein mentioned, with Interest, to be paid annually, at six per Cent. Witness my hand
A. B.
C. D.
E. F.
And whereas, Inconveniencies may arise by the Receiver General's issuing Notes for small Sums: Therefore,
Resolved, That the Receiver General be, and he hereby is directed, not to issue any Notes for a less Sum than four Pounds, lawful money.
A true extract from the Minutes,
Samuel Freeman, Secretary, P. T.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 74, folio 53.]
To the Hon. Benjamin Franklin, Esq. at London.2
[Note 2: 2 Franklin was on his way to America when this letter was written; and it was given to Arthur Lee, acting agent in London.]
In Provincial Congress, Watertown, April 26, 1775.
Sir,
From the entire Confidence we Repose in your faithfulness and Abilities, we consider it the happiness of this Colony, that the important
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trust of Agency for it, in this day of unequalled Distress, is devolved on your hands, and we doubt not, your Attachment to the Cause and liberties of Mankind, will make every possible Exertion in our behalf, a Pleasure to you; altho' our circumstances will compell us often to Interrupt your repose, by Matters that will surely give you Pain. A singular instance hereof is the Occasion of the present letter. The Contents of this Packet, will be our Apology for Troubling you with it.
From these, you will see, how and by whom we are at last Plunged into the horrors of a most unnatural war.
Our enemies, we are told, have despatched to G[reat] Britain a fallacious Account of the Tragedy they have begun; to prevent the operation of which, to the Publick injury, we have engaged the Vessel that conveys this to you, as a Packet in the service of this Colony, and we Request your Assistance in supplying Captain Derby,1 who commands her, with such Necessaries as he shall want, on the Credit of your Constituents in Massachusetts Bay.
[Note 1: 1 Richard Derby.]
But we most ardently wish, that the several papers herewith Inclosed, may be immediately printed, and Disperced thro' every Town in England, and especially communicated to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the city of London, that they may take such Order thereon, as they may think Proper. And we are Confident your fidelity will make such improvement of them, as shall convince all, who are not determined to be in everlasting blandness, that it is the united efforts of both Englands, that must save either. But that whatever Price our Brethren in the one, may he pleased to put on their constitutional liberties, we are authorized to assure you, that the inhabitants of the other, with the Greatest Unanimity, are inflexibly resolved to sell theirs only at the Price of their lives.
Sign'd by order of the Provincial Congress,
Joseph Warren, President, P. T.
A true Copy from the original Minutes,
Samuel Freeman, Secretary, P. T.2
[Note 2: 2 "Ordered, that Mr President, Doct. Taylor, Mr. Freeman, [Henry] Gardner, Esq. and Col. Stone, be a committee to draught a letter to our agent in Great Britain." Provincial Congress, 26 April, 1775. The letter was brought in and signed the same day. The version printed is taken from the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 65, Vol. I, folio 9.]
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The depositions relative to the commencement of hostilities, are as follows:1
[Note 1: 1 On April 22d. the Massachusetts Congress appointed a committee to collect testimony on the conduct of the British troops in their route to Concord, to be sent to England by the first ship from Salem. Mr. Gerry, Colonel Cushing, Colonel Barrett, Captain Stone, Dr. Taylor, Messrs. Sullivan, Freeman and Watson, and Esquire Jonas Dix contstituted this committee; and on the 23d, Gerry and Cushing were joined with Dr. Church to draw up an account of the "massacre" of the 19th. The report and narrative were submitted on the 26th, and a number of seribes named to make duplicate copies. One set was entrusted to Captain Richard Derby, who was to hasten to London and deliver them to Franklin. On May 2d, Gerry, Warren, Dexter, Col. Warren and Gerrish were ordered to send a second set to the Southern colonies, to be transmitted to London, and a third set to the Continental Congress. The copies sent to the Congress are in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 65, vol. I, folios 11--51.
These depositions were printed in the following pamphlet:
A / Narrative, / of the / Excursion and Ravages / of the / King's Troops / Under the Command of General Gage, / On the nineteenth of April, 1775. / Together with the / Depositions / Taken by Order of Congress, / To support the Truth of it. / Published by Authority. / Massachusetts-Bay: / Worcester, Printed by Isaiah Thomas, by order / of the Provincial Congress. / [1775.]. 8°. pp. 23. Copies are in the American Antiquarian Society.]
No. 1.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
We, Solomon Brown, Jonathan Loring, and Elijah Sanderson, all of lawful Age, and of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, and Collony of the Massachusett Bay, in New England, do testifie and declare, that on the evening of the Eighteenth of April, Instant, being on the Road between Concord and Lexington, and all of us mounted on Horses, we were, about ten of the Clock, suddenly surprized by nine Persons, whom we took to be Regular Officers, who Rode up to us, mounted and armed, each having a Pistol in His Hand, and after Putting Pistols to our Breasts, and seizing the Bridles of our Horses, they swore, that if we stirred another step, we should be all Dead Men, upon which we surrendered our selves. They Detained us until Two o'Clock the next morning, in which time they searched and greatly abused us; having first enquired about the Magazine at Concord, whether any Guards were posted there, and whether the bridges were up, and said four or five Regiments of Regulars would be in Possession of the stores soon; they then brought us back to Lexington, eat the Horses Bridles and Girts, turned them Loose, and then Left us.
Solomon Brown,
Jonathan Loring,
Elijah Sanderson.
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Middlesex, ff. April 25, 1775.
Jonn Loring, Solomon Brown, and Elijah Sanderson, being duly cautioned to Testify the whole Truth, made solemn Oath to the Truth of the above Deposition by them subscribed.
Coram
Lexington, April 25, 1775.
I, Elijah Saunderson, above named, do further testifie and declare, that I was on Lexington Common, the Morning of the Nineteenth of April, aforesaid, having been dismissed by the Officers abovementioned, and saw a Large Body of Regular Troops advancing toward Lexington Company, many of whom were then dispersing. I heard one of the Regulars, whom I took to be an officer, say, "Damn them, we will have them," and immediately the Regulars shouted aloud, Run and fired upon the Lexington Company, which did not fire a Gun before the Regulars Discharged on them; Eight of the Lexington Company were killed while they were dispersing, and at a Considerable Distance from each other, and Many wounded, and altho' a spectator, I narrowly Escaped with my Life.
Elijah Saunderson.
Middlesex, ff. April 25, 1775.
Elijah Saunderson, above named, being Duly Cautioned to Testify the whole Truth, made Solemn Oath to the Truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed.
Coram.
[Note 1: 1 Each deposition is sworn to before justices of the peace, and duly attested before Nathaniel Gorham, notary and Tabellion public. I[give only the names of the justices in each case, and at the end of the depositions give an example of Gorham's attestation.]
No. 2.Lexington, April 23, 1775.
I, Thomas Rice Willard, of lawful age, do Testify and Declare, that being in the House of Daniel Harrington,2 of said Lexington, on the Nineteenth Instant, in the morning, about half an hour before sunrise,
[Note 2: 2 Harrington's House is noted on plan in Drake's Middlesex, II, 10.]
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[I] looked out at the window of said house, and saw (as I suppose) about four hundred Regulars in one Body, coming up the road, and marched toward the north part of the Common, back of the meeting-house of said Lexington; and as soon as said Regulars were against the east end of the meeting-house, the Commanding Officer said something, what I know not; but upon that the Regulars ran till they came within about eight or nine rods of about an Hundred of the Militia of Lexington, who were collected on said Common, at which time the Militia of Lexington dispersed; then the Officers made an huzza, and the private Soldiers succeeded them: Directly after this, an officer rode before the Regulars to the other side of the body, and hallooed after the Militia of said Lexington, and said, "Lay Down your Arms, Damn you, why Don't you lay Down your arms?" and that there was not a Gun fired till the Militia of Lexington were Dispersed; and further saith not.
Thomas Rice Willard.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Jonathan Hastings and Duncan Ingraham.]
No. 3.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
Simon Winship, of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, and province of Massachusetts Bay, New England, being of lawful age, testifieth and saith, that on the Nineteenth of April Instant, about four o'Clock in the Morning, as he was passing the Publick Road in said Lexington, peaceably and unarmed, about two miles and an half distant from the meeting-House in said Lexington, he was met by a Body of the Kings regular Troops, and being stop'd by some Officers of said Troops, was Commanded to Dismount; upon asking why he must dismount, he was obliged by force to Quit his Horse, and ordered to march in the midst of the Body, and being Examined whether he had been Warning the Minute Men, he answered No, but had been out, and was then returning to his fathers. Said Winship further testifies, that he marched with said Troops, untill he came within about half-a-Quarter of a Mile of said meeting-House, where an Officer commanded the Troops to halt, and then to prime and load: this being done, the said Troops marched on till they came within a few Rods of Captain Parkers Company, who were partly collected on the place of parade, when said Winship observed an Officer at the head of said Troops, flourishing his Sword, and with a Loud Voice, giving the word fire, fire, which was instantly followed by a Discharge of Arms from said
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regular Troops, and said Winship is positive, and in the most solemn manner declares, that there was no Discharge of arms on either side, till the word fire was given, by the said Officer as above.
Simon Winship.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed and Josiah Johnson.]
No. 4.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
I, John Parker, of lawful Age, and Commander of the Militia in Lexington, do testify and declare, that on the 19th Instant in the Morning, about one of the Clock, being informed that there were a Number of Regular Officers, riding up and down the Road, stopping and insulting People as they passed the Road; and also was informed that a Number of Regular Troops were on their March from Boston in order to take the Province Stores at Concord, ordered our Militia to meet on the Common in said Lexington to consult what to do, and concluded not to be discovered, nor meddle or make with said Regular Troops (if they should approach) unless they should insult or molest us; and, upon their sudden Approach, I immediately ordered our Militia to disperse, and not to fire:--Immediately said Troops made their appearance and rushed furiously, fired upon, and killed eight of our Party without receiving any Provocation therefor from us.
John Parker.2
[Note 2: 2 Sworn to before William Reed, Josiah Johnson, and William Stickney.]
No. 5.Lexington, April 24, 1775.
I, John Robins, being of lawful Age, do Testifye and say, that on the Nineteenth Instant, the Company under the Command of Captain John Parker, being drawn up (sometime before sun Rise) on the Green or Common, and I being in the front Rank, there suddenly appear'd a Number of the Kings Troops, about a Thousand, as I thought, at the distance of about 60 or 70 yards from us Huzzaing, and on a quick pace towards us, with three Officers in their front on Horse Back, and on full Gallop towards us, the foremost of which cryed, throw down your Arms ye Villains, ye Rebels! upon which said Company Dispersing, the foremost of the three Officers order'd their Men, saying, fire, by God, fire! at which Moment we received a very heavy and close fire from them, at which Instant, being wounded, I fell, and several of our men were shot Dead by me. Captain Parker's men I believe had not then fired a Gun, and further the Deponent saith not.
John Robins.1
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No. 6.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
We, Benjamin Tidd, of Lexington, and Joseph Abbot, of Lincoln, in the County of Middlesex, and Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, of lawful age, do testify and Declare that, on the morning of the Nineteenth of April Instant, about 5 o'Clock, being on Lexington Common, and mounted on Horses, we saw a Body of regular Troops Marching up to the Lexington Company, which was then dispersing: Soon after, the regulars fired, first, a few guns, which we took to be pistols from some of the Regulars who were mounted on Horses, and then the said Regulars fired a Volley or two before any guns were fired by the Lexington Company; our Horses immediately started, and we rode off. And further say not.
Benjamin Tidd,
Joseph Abbot.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Josiah Johnson and William Stickney.]
No. 7.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
We, Nathaniel Mullikin, Phillip Russell, Moses Harrington, jun. Thomas and Daniel Harrington, William Grimes, William Tidd, Isaac Hastings, Jonas Stone, jun. James Wyman, Thaddeus Harrington, John Chandler, Joshua Reed, jun. Joseph Simonds, Phineas Smith, John Chandler, jun. Reuben Lock, Joel Viles, Nathan Reed, Samuel Tidd, Benjamin Lock, Thomas Winship, Simeon Snow, John Smith, Moses Harrington the 3d, Joshua Reed, Ebenezer Parker, John Harrington, Enoch Wellington, John Hosmer, Isaac Green, Phineas Stearns, Isaac Durant, and Thomas Headley,2 jun. all of Lawful age, and Inhabitants of Lexington in the County of Middlesex, and Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, do testify and declare, that on the 19th of April instant, about one or two o'Clock in the morning, being Informed that several officers of the Regulars had, the evening before, been riding up and down the Road, and had detained and Insulted the Inhabitants passing the same; and also understanding that a body of Regulars were marching from Boston towards Concord, with intent (as it was supposed) to take the Stores, belonging to the Colony, in that town, we were alarmed, and having met at the place of our Company's Parade, were dismissed by our Captain, John Parker, for the Present, with orders to be ready to attend at the beat of the drum. We further testify and declare, that about five o'Clock in
[Note 2: 2 Or Hadley.]
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the morning, hearing our drum heat, we proceeded towards the Parade, and soon found that a Large body of troops were marching towards us: Some of our Company were coming up to the Parade, and others had reached it; at which time the Company began to disperse: Whilst our backs were Turned on the Troops, we were fired on by them, and a number of our men were Instantly killed and wounded. Not a Gun was fired, by any Person in our Company, on the Regulars, to our knowledge, before they fired on us, and they continued Firing untill we had all made our Escape.
[Signed by each of the above deponents.]1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Josiah Johnson and William Stickney.]
No. 8.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
We, Nathanael Parkhurst, Jonas Parker, John Munroe, jun. John Winship, Solomon Pierce, John Muzzy, Abner Meeds, John Bridge, jun. Ebenezer Bowman, William Munroe the 3d, Micah Hager, Samuel Saunderson, Samuel Hastings, and James Brown, of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, and Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, and all of Lawfull age, do Testify and Say, that, on the Morning of the Nineteenth of April Instant, about one or two o'Clock, being informed, that a Number of Regular Officers had been Riding up and down the Road the evening and night preceding, and that some of the Inhabitants, as they were passing, had been Insulted by the Officers, and stopped by them; and being also Informed, that the Regular Troops were on their March from Boston, in order (as it was said) to take the Colony Stores, then Deposited at Concord, we met on the Parade of our Company in this town; After the Company had Collected, we were Ordered, by Captain Parker, (who Commanded us) to Disperse for the Present, and to be Ready to attend the beat of the Drum, and Accordingly the Company went into houses near the place of Parade. We further Testify and Say, that, about five o'Clock in the morning, we attended the beat of our Drum, and were formed on the Parade; we were faced towards the Regulars then marching up to us, and some of our Company were comeing to the parade with their backs towards the Troops, and Others on the parade, began to Disperse when the Regulars fired on the Company, before a Gun was fired by any of our company on them. They killed eight of our company, and wounded several, and continued their fire, untill we had all made our escape.
[Signed by each of the deponents.]1
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No. 9.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
I, Timothy Smith, of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, and Colony of Massachusetts bay, in New England, being of lawful age, do testify and declare, that, on the morning of the nineteenth of April instant, being at Lexington Common, as a spectator, I saw a large body of regular troops marching up towards the Lexington company, then dispersing, and likewise saw the regular troops fire on the Lexington company, before the latter fired a gun; I immediately ran, and a volley was discharged at me, which put me in imminent danger of losing my life; I soon returned to the Common, and saw eight of the Lexington men who were killed, and lay bleeding at a considerable distance from each other; and several were wounded: And further saith not.
Timothy Smith.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Josiah Johnson and William Stickney.]
No. 10.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
We, Levi Mead and Levi Harrington, both of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, and Colony of the Massachusetts bay, in New England, and of lawfull age, do Testify and Declare, that on the morning of the Nineteenth of April, being on Lexington Common, as spectators, we saw a Large body of Regular Troops marching up towards the Lexington Company, and some of the Regulars, on Horses, whom we took to be officers, Fired a Pistol or two on the Lexington Company, which were then dispersing: These were the First Guns that were Fired, and they were immediately followed by several volleys from the Regulars, by which Eight men, belonging to said Company, were killed, and several wounded.
Levi Harrington,
Levi Mead.1
No. 11.Lexington, April 25, 1775.
I, William Draper, of lawful Age, and an Inhabitant of Colrain, in the County of Hampshire, and Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, do testify and Declare, that, being on the Parade of said Lexington, April 19th Instant, about half an hour before sunrise, the King's Regular Troops appeared at the meeting House of Lexington. Captain Parkers Company, who were drawn up back of said meeting house on the Parade, turned from said Troops, making their escape,
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by dispersing; in the mean time, the Regular Troops made an huzza, and ran towards Captain Parkers Company, who were dispersing, and, immediately after the huzza was made, the Commanding Officer of said troops (as I took him) gave the command to the said troops, "fire! fire! damn you, fire!" and immediately, they fired before any of Captain Parkers Company fired, I then being within three or four Rods of said Regular Troops: And further say not.
William Draper.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Josiah Johnson and William Stickney.]
No. 12. Lexington, April 23, 1775.
I, Thomas Fessenden, of Lawful age, testify and Declare, that, being in a Pasture near the meeting house, at said Lexington, on Wednesday last, at about half an hour before sunrise, I saw a number of Regular troops pass speedily by said meeting house, on their way towards a Company of Militia of said Lexington, who were assembled to the number of about one hundred in a company, at the Distance of eighteen or twenty rods from said meeting house; and after they had passed by said meeting house, I saw three Officers, on horseback, advance to the front of said Regulars, when one of them, being within six rods of the said Militia, cryed out, "Disperse, you Rebels, immediately," on which he Brandished his sword over his head three times; meanwhiles the second Officer, who was about two rods behind him, fired a Pistol, pointed at said Militia, and the Regulars kept huzzaing till he had finished brandishing his sword, and when he had thus finished brandishing his sword, he pointed it Down towards said Militia, and immediately on which the said Regulars fired a Volley at the Militia, and then I ran off as fast as I could, while they continued firing, till I got out of their reach. I further testify, that as soon as ever the officer Cryed "Disperse, you rebels," the said Company of Militia dispersed every way, as fast as they could, and, while they were Dispersing, the regulars kept firing at them incessantly: And further saith not.
Thomas Fessenden.1
No. 13. Lincoln, April 23, 1775.
I, John Bateman, belonging to the fifty-second regiment, commanded by Colonel Jones, on Wednesday morning, on the nineteenth Day of April instant, was in the Party marching to Concord, being at
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Lexington, in the County of Middlesex, being nigh the meeting house in said Lexington, there was a small party of men gathered together in that place, when our said troops marched by, and I Testify and Declare, that I heard the word of command given to the Troops to fire, and some of said Troops Did fire, and I saw one of said small party lay Dead on the ground nigh said meeting house; and I testify, that I never heard any of the Inhabitants so much as fire one gun on said Troops.
John Bateman.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before John Cummings and Duncan Ingraham.]
No. 14.Lexington, April 23, 1775.
We, John Hoar, John Whithead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Munroe, Isaac Parks, William Hosmer, John Adams, Gregory Stone, all of Lincoln, in the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay, all of lawfull age, do testify and say, that, on Wednesday last, we were assembled at Concord, in the morning of said Day, in Consequence of information received, that a Brigade of Regular Troops were on their march to the said town of Concord, who had killed six men at the Town of Lexington; About an hour afterwards we saw them approaching, to the Number, as we Apprehended, of about Twelve hundred, on which we retreated to a Hill about Eighty Rods back, and the said Troops then took Possession of the Hill, where we were first Posted; presently after this, we saw the Troops moving towards the North Bridge, about one Mile from the said Concord Meeting House; we then immediately went before them and passed the Bridge just before a party of them, to the Number of about two hundred, arrived; They there left about one half of their two hundred at the Bridge, and proceeded, with the rest, towards Col. Barretts, about two Miles from the said Bridge; we then seeing several fires in the Town, thought the Houses in Concord were in danger, and Marched towards the said Bridge; and the Troops that were stationed there, observing our approach, marched back over the Bridge and then took up some of the Plank; we then hastened our March towards the Bridge, and when we had got near the Bridge, they fired on our men, first three Guns, one after the other, and then a Considerable Number more; and then, and not before (having orders from our Commanding Officers not to fire till we were fired upon) we fired upon the Regulars and they Retreated.
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On their Retreat through the Town of Lexington to Charlestown, they Ravaged and destroyed private property, and burnt three Houses one Barn and one Shop.
[Signed by each of the above dependents.]1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, John Cummings, Jonathan Hastings and Duncan Ingraham.]
No. 15.Lexington, April 23, 1775.
We, Nathan Barrett, Captain; Jonathan Farrar, Joseph Butler, and Francis Wheeler, Lieutenants; John Barrett, Ensign; John Brown, Silas Walker, Ephraim Melvin, Nathan Buttrick, Stephen Hosmer, Junr. Samuel Barrett, Thomas Jones, Joseph Chandler, Peter Wheeler, Nathan Peirce, and Edward Richardson, all of Concord, in the County of Middlesex, in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, of Lawfull Age, Testify and Declare, that on Wednesday, the Nineteenth Instant, about an Hour after sun rise, we Assembled on a Hill near the meeting House, in Concord aforesaid, in consequence of an information, that a number of regular Troops had killed six of our Countrymen, at Lexington, and were on their march to said Concord; and about an Hour afterwards, we saw them approaching, to the number, as we Imagine, of about Twelve Hundred; on which we retreated to a Hill about Eighty rods back, and the aforesaid Troops then took possession of a Hill where we were first posted. Presently after this, we saw them moving towards the North Bridge, about one mile from the said meeting House; we then immediately went before them, and passed the bridge just before a party of them, to the number of about Two Hundred, arrived. They there left about one half of these two Hundred at the bridge, and proceeded with the rest towards Colonel Barret's, about two miles from the said bridge. We then seing several fires in the Town, thought our houses were in Danger, and immediately march'd back towards said bridge, and the troops who were station'd there, observing our approach, march'd back over the bridge, and then took up some of the planks. We then hastened our Steps towards the bridge, and when we had got near the bridge, they fir'd on our men, first three guns, one after the other, and then a Considerable number more; upon which, and not before, (having orders from our Commanding Officer not to fire till we were fired upon) we fir'd upon the regulars, and they retreated. At Concord, and on their retreat thro' Lexington, they plunder'd many houses, burnt three at Lexington,
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together with a shop and barn, and committed damage, more or less, to almost every House from Concord to Charlestown.
[Signed by the above deponents.]
We, Joseph Butler, and Ephraim Melvin, do testify and declare, that when the regular troops fir'd upon our people, at the North Bridge, in Concord, as related in the foregoing depositions, they shot one, and we believe two, of our people before we fir'd a single gun at them.
Joseph Butler,
Ephraim Melvin.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before Jonathan Hastings, John Cummings and Duncan Ingraham.]
No. 16.Concord, April 23, 1775.
I, Timothy Minot, Junr. of Concord, on the ninteenth day of this Instant, April, after that I had heard of the regular troops firing upon Lexington men, and fearing that hostillities might be Committed at Concord, thought it my incumbent Duty to Secure my family. After I had Secured my family, some Time after that, returning towards my own Dwelling, and finding that the bridge on the Northern part of said Concord, were guarded by regular troops, being a Spectator of what had happened at said bridge, declare, that the regular troops Stationed on [said] bridge, after they saw the men that were collected on the westerly side of said Bridge, marched towards said bridge, then the Troops returned towards the easterly side of said bridge, and formed themselves, as I thought, for regular fight: after that they fired one gun, then two or three more, before the men that were stationed on the westerly part of said bridge fired on them.
Timothy Minot, Jun.
No. 17.Lexington, April 23, 1775.
I, James Barrett of Concord Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in the County of Middlesex Do testify and say that on Wednesday Morning last about Day-break I was informed of the approach of a number of the Regular Troops to the Town of Concord where was some Magazines belonging to this Province, when there was assembled some of the Militia of this and the neighbouring Towns, when I order'd them to march to the North Bridge (so called) which they had passed and were taking up, I ordered said Militia to march to said bridge and pass
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Jonathan Hastings, John Cummings and Duncan Ingraham.]
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the same, but not to fire on the King's Troops unless they were first fired upon. We advanced neer said bridge, when the said troops fired upon our Militia, and killed two Men dead on the Spot and wounded several others, which was the first firing of Guns in the town of Concord. My Detachment then returned the fire which killed and wounded several of the King's Troops.
James Barrett.1
[Note 1: 1 Sworn to before William Reed, Jonathan Hastings and Duncan Ingraham. A facsimile of this deposition is in Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, VI, 177.]
No. 18.Lexington, April 23, 1775.
We, Bradbury Robinson, Samuel Spring, Thaddeus Bancroft, all of Concord; and James Adams, of Lexington, all in the County of Middlesex, all of Lawful age, do testifie and say, that on Wednesday morning last, near ten of the Clock, we saw near one Hundred of the Regular Troops, being in the Town of Concord, at the North Bridge in said Town (so called) and having passed the same, they were taking up said bridge, when about three Hundred of our Militia were advancing toward said bridge, in Order to pass said Bridge, when, without saying any thing to us, they Discharged a Number of guns on us, which killed two men Dead on the spot, and wounded several others; when we returned the fire on them, which killed two of them, and wounded several, which was the Beginning of hostilities in the Town of Concord.
Bradbury Robinson,
Samuel Spring,
Thaddeus Bancroft,
James Adams.2
[Note 2: 2 Sworn to before William Reed, William Stickney and Jonathan Hastings.]
Worcester, April 26, 1775.
Hannah Bradish, of that part of Cambridge, called Menotomy, and daughter of timothy Paine, of Worcester, in the county of Worcester, esq. of lawful age, testifies and says, that about five o'clock on Wednesday last, afternoon, being in her bed-chamber, with her infant child, about eight days old, she was surprised by the firing of the king's troops and our people, on their return from Concord. She being weak and unable to go out of her house, in order to secure herself and family, they all retired into the kitchen, in the back part of the house. She soon found the house surrounded with the king's
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troops; that upon observation made, at least seventy bullets were shot into the front part of the house; several bullets lodged in the kitchen where she was, and one passed through an easy chair she had just gone from. The door of the front part of the house was broken open; she did not see any soldiers in the house, but supposed, by the noise, they were in the front. After the troops had gone off, she missed the following things, which, she verily believes, were taken out of the house by the king's troops, viz: one rich brocade gown, called a negligée, one lutestring gown, one white quilt, one pair of brocade shoes, three shifts, eight white aprons, three caps, one case of ivory knives and forks, and several other small articles.
Hannah Bradish.
Province of the Massachusetts Bay,
Worcester, ss. April 26, 1775.
Mrs. Hannah Bradish, the above deponent, maketh oath before us, the subscribers, two of his majesty's justices of the peace, for the county of Worcester, and of the quorum, that the above deposition, according to her best recollection, is the truth. Which deposition is taken in perpetuam rei memoriam.
Thomas Steel,
Timothy Paine.1
[Note 1: 1 The Papers of the Continental Congress do not contain this deposition.]
No. 19.Concord, April 23, 1775.
I, James Marr, of Lawful age, Testify and Say, that in the evening of the Eighteenth Instant, I Received Orders from George Hutchinson, Adjutant of the fourth Regiment of the Regular Troops Stationed at Boston, to prepare and march: to which Order I attended, and marched to Concord, where I was ordered by an officer with about one Hundred Men, to guard a certain Bridge there; while attending that service, a Number of People came along, in Order, as I suppose, to Cross said Bridge, at which Time a Number of the Regular Troops first fired upon them.
James Marr.2
[Note 2: 2 Sworn to before Duncan Ingraham and Jonas Dix.]
No. 20.Medford, April 25, 1775.
I, Edward Thoroton Gould, of his Majesty's own Regiment of Foot, being of lawful Age, do testify and declare, that on the Evening of
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the 18th. Instant, under the Orders of General Gage, I embarked with the Light infantry and Grenadiers of the Line, commanded by Colonel Smith, and landed on the Marshes of Cambridge, from whence we proceeded to Lexington; On our arrival at that place, we saw a Body of provincial Troops armed, to the Number of about sixty or seventy Men; on our Approach, they dispersed, and soon after firing began, but which party fired first, I cannot exactly say, as our Troops rush'd on shouting, and huzzaing, previous to the firing, which was continued by our Troops, so long as any of the provincials were to be seen. From thence we marched to Concord. On a Hill near the Entrance of the Town, we saw another Body of provincials assembled; the light Infantry Companies were ordered up the Hill to disperse them; on our approach, they retreated towards Concord; the Grenadiers continued the Road under the Hill towards the Town. Six Companies of light Infantry were ordered down to take possession of the Bridge, which the provincials retreated over; the Company I commanded was one: three Companies of the above Detachment went forwards about Two Miles; in the mean Time, the provincial Troops returned, to the number of about three or four hundred: We drew up on the Concord side [of] the Bridge, the provincials came down upon us, upon which we engaged and gave the first Fire; This was the first Engagement after the one at Lexington; a continued firing from both parties lasted thro' the whole Day; I myself was wounded at the Attack of the Bridge, and am now treated with the greatest Humanity, and taken all possible Care of by the provincials at Medford.
Edward Thoroton Gould,
Lieut. King's own Regiment.
Province of Massachusetts Bay,
Middlesex County, April 25, 1775.
Lieut. Edward Thoroton Gould, aforenamed, personally made Oath to the Truth of the foregoing Declaration by him subscribed, before us.
Thad. Mason,
Josiah Johnson,
Simon Tufts,
Justices of the peace, for the County aforesaid, quorum unus.
Province of Massachusetts-Bay, Charlestown, ss.
I, Nathaniel Gorham, Notary and tabellion Publick, by lawful Authority duly admitted and sworn, hereby certify, to all whom it
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doth or may concern, That Thadeus Mason, Josiah Johnson, and Simon Tufts, Esqrs. are three of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace (quorum unus) for the County of Middlesex; and that full faith and Credit is, and ought to be given to their Transactions, as such, both in Court and Out. In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my name and seal, this twenty-sixth day of April, Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred and seventy five.
Nathaniel Gorham, Notary Public. (L. S.)
In Provincial Congress, Watertown, April 26th, 1775.
To the Inhabitants of Great Britain.
Friends and Fellow Subjects,
Hostilities are at length commenced in this Colony by the Troops under the Command of General Gage, and It being of the greatest Importance, that an early, true, and authentic Account of this inhuman proceeding should be known to you, the Congress of this Colony have transmitted the same, and from Want of a Session of the hone. continental Congress, think it proper to address you on this alarming Occasion.
By the clearest Depositions, relative to this Transaction, It will appear that, on the Night preceding the nineteenth of April instant, a Body of the King's Troops, under the Command of Colonel Smith, were secretly landed at Cambridge, with an apparent Design to take or destroy the military and other stores, provided for the Defence of this Colony, and deposited at Concord: that some Inhabitants of the Colony, on the Night aforesaid, whilst travelling peaceably on the Road between Boston and Concord, were seized and greatly abused by armed Men, who appeared to be Officers of General Gage's army: that the Town of Lexington, by these Means, was alarmed, and a Company of the Inhabitants mustered on the Occasion: that the regular Troops, on their Way to Concord, marched into the said Town of Lexington, and the said Company, on their Approach, began to disperse: that, notwithstanding this, the Regulars rushed on with great Violence; and first began Hostilities, by firing on said Lexington Company, whereby they killed eight and wounded several others: that the regulars continued their Fire, untill those of said Company, who were neither
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killed nor wounded, had made their Escape: that Colo. Smith, with the Detachment, then marched to Concord, where a Number of provincials were again fired on by the Troops, two of them killed and several wounded, before the provincials fired on them: and that these hostile Measures of the Troops, produced an Engagement that lasted thro' the Day, in which many of the provincials, and more of the regular Troops, were killed and wounded.
To give a particular Account of the Ravages of the Troops, as they retreated from Concord to Charlestown, would be very difficult, if not impracticable. Let it suffice to say, that a great Number of the Houses on the road were plundered, and rendered unfit for Use; several were burnt; Women in child bed were driven, by the Soldiery, naked into the Streets: old Men, peaceably in their Houses, were shot dead; and such Scenes exhibited as would disgrace the annals of the most uncivilized Nation.
These, Brethren, are Marks of ministerial Vengeance against this Colony, for refusing, with her Sister Colonies, a Submission to Slavery: but they have not yet detached us from our royal Sovereign. We profess to be his loyal and dutiful Subjects, and so hardly dealt with as we have been, are still ready, with our Lives and Fortunes, to defend his person, Family, Crown, and Dignity. Nevertheless, to the persecution and Tyranny of his cruel Ministry, we will not tamely submit. Appealing to Heaven for the Justice of our Cause, we determine to die or be free.
We cannot think that the Honour, Wisdom, and Valour of Britons, will suffer them to be longer inactive Spectators of Measures, in which they themselves are so deeply interested: Measures pursued in Opposition to the solemn protests of many noble Lords, and [the] express'd sense of conspicuous Commoners, whose Knowledge and Virtue have long characterized them as some of the greatest Men in the Nation: Measures executing contrary to the Interest, Petitions and Resolves of many large, respectable and opulent Counties, Cities and Boroughs in Great Britain: Measures highly incompatible with Justice, but still pursued with a specious pretence of easing the Nation of its Burthens: Measures which, if successful, must end in the ruin and Slavery of Britain, as well as the persecuted American Colonies.
We sincerely hope, that the great Sovereign of the Universe, who hath so often appeared for the english Nation, will support you in
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every rational and manly Exertion with these Colonies, for saving it from ruin, and that, in a constitutional Connection with the Mother Country, we shall soon be altogether a free and happy people.
Per order,Joseph Warren, President, P. T.1
[Note 1: 1 The original, in the writing of Elbridge Gerry, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 65, I, folio 5.]
Ordered, That the Secretary have the above depositions and affidavits and the address to the inhabts of G B published in the newspapers.2
[Note 2: 2 They appear in the Pennsylvania Packet, 15 May, 1775.]
Resolved, un. That the Congress will, on Monday next, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of America.
Ordered, That the Letter from the pro: Congress of Massachusetts bay be referred to that committee.
Adjourned till to Morrow at ten o'Clock.
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