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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 --WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1776
Resolved, That the committee of safety of Pensylvania be desired to write to the committee of safety of Delaware government, to suspend the execution of the resolve of Congress, for exchanging Lieutenant Ball for Captain Budden, till farther orders.
The Congress took into consideration the draught of the preamble brought in by the committee, which was agreed to as follows:
Whereas his Britannic Majesty, in conjunction with the lords and commons of Great Britain, has, by a late act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown; And whereas, no answer, whatever, to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been or is likely to be given; but, the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign
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mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies; And whereas, it appears absolutely irreconcileable to reason and good Conscience, for the people of these colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the crown of Great Britain, and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted, under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies; therefore, resolved, &c.
Ordered, That the said preamble, with the resolution passed the 10th instant, be published.1
[Note 1: 1 This preamble was drawn up by John Adams. Autobiography,Works, III, 46. It is printed in thePennsylvania Gazette, 22 May, 1776.]
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sell to Edward Keasby, 100 lb. of powder, for the use of the inhabitants of Salem county, in New Jersey.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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