The commissioners of the customs are empowered to break open and enter houses, without the authority of any civil magistrate, founded on legal information.

Judges of courts of common law, have been made entirely dependent on the crown for their commissions and salaries.

A court has been established at Rhode-Island, for the purposes of taking colonists to England to be tried.

Humble and reasonable petitions, from the representatives of the people, have been frequently treated with contempt: and assemblies have been repeatedly and arbitrarily dissolved.

From some few instances, it will sufficiently appear, on what pretences of justice those dissolutions have been founded.

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The tranquillity of the colonies having been again disturbed, as has been mentioned by the statutes of the year 1767, the earl of Hillsborough, secretary of state, in a letter to governor Bernard, dated April 22, 1768, censures the presumption" of the house of representatives for "resolving upon a measure of so inflammatory a nature, as that of writing to the other colonies, on the subject of their intended representations against some late acts of parliament," then declares, that "his majesty considers this step as evidently tending to create unwarrantable combinations, to excite an unjustifiable opposition to the constitutional authority of parliament:"-and afterwards adds, "It is the "king's pleasure, that as soon as the general court is again assembled, at the "time prescribed by the charter, you should require of the house of representa"tives, in his majesty's name, to rescind the resolution which gave birth to the "circular letter from the speaker, and to declare their disapprobation of, and "dissent to, that rash and hasty proceeding."

"If the new assembly should refuse to comply with his majesty's reasonable "expectation, it is the king's pleasure that you should immediately dissolve "them."

This letter being laid before the house, and the resolution not being rescinded, according to order, the assembly was dissolved. A letter of a similar nature was sent to other governors to procure resolutions, approving the conduct of the representatives of Massachusetts-Bay, to be rescinded also; and the houses of representatives in other colonies, refusing to comply, assemblies were dissolved.

These mandates spoke a language, to which the ears of English subjects had for several generations been strangers. The nature of assemblies implies a power and right of deliberation; but these commands, proscribing the exercise of judgment on the propriety of the requisitions made, left to the assemblies only the election between dictated submission, and threatened punishment: A punishment too, founded on no other act, than such as is deemed innocent even in slaves-of agreeing in petitions for redress of grievances, that equally

affect all.

The hostile and unjustifiable invasion of the town of Boston, soon followed these events, in the same year; though that town, the province in which it is situated, and all the colonies, from abhorrence of a contest with their parent state, permitted the execution, even of those statutes, against which they so unanimously were complaining, remonstrating, and supplicating.

Administration, determined to subdue a spirit of freedom, which English ministers should have rejoiced to cherish, entered into a monopolizing combination with the East-India company, to send to this continent vast quantities of tea, an article on which a duty was laid by a statute, that, in a particular manner, attacked the liberties of America, and which, therefore, the inhabitants of these colonies had resolved not to import. The cargo sent to South-Carolina was stored, and not allowed to be sold. Those sent to Philadelphia and NewYork, were not permitted to be landed. That sent to Boston was destroyed, because governor Hutchinson would not suffer it to be returned.

On the intelligence of these transactions arriving in Great Britain, the public spirited town last mentioned, was singled out for destruction, and it was determined the province it belongs to should partake of its fate. In the last session of parliament, therefore, were passed the act for shutting up the port of Boston, indemnifying the murderers of the inhabitants of Massachusetts-Bay, and changing their chartered constitution of government. To enforce these acts, that province is again invaded by a fleet and army.

To mention these outrageous proceedings, is sufficient to explain them. For though it is pretended that the province of Massachusetts-Bay, has been particularly disrespectful to Great-Britain, yet, in truth, the behaviour of the people in other colonies, has been an equal opposition to the power assumed by parliament." No step, however, has been taken against any of the rest. This artful conduct conceals several designs. It is expected that the province of Massachusetts-Bay will be irritated into some violent action, that may displease the rest of the continent, or that may induce the people of GreatBritain to approve the meditated vengeance of an imprudent and exasperated ministry. If the unexampled pacific temper of that province shall disappoint this part of the plan, it is hoped the other colonies will be so far intimidated, as to desert their brethren, suffering in a common cause, and that thus disunited, all may be subdued.

To promote these designs, another measure has been pursued. In the session of parliament, last mentioned, an act was passed for changing the government of Quebec, by which act the Roman Catholic religion, instead of being tolerated, as stipulated by the treaty of peace, is established; and the people there are deprived of a right to an assembly, trials by jury, and the English laws, in civil cases, are abolished, and instead thereof the French laws are established, in direct violation of his majesty's promise by his royal proclamation, under the faith of which many English subjects settled in that province, and the limits of that province, are extended so as to comprehend those vast regions, that lie adjoining to the northerly and westerly boundaries of these colonies.

The authors of this arbitrary arrangement flatter themselves, that the inhabitants, deprived of liberty, and artfully provoked against those of another religion, will be proper instruments for assisting in the oppression of such as differ from them in modes of government and faith.

From the c'etail of facts, herein before recited, as well as from authentic intelligence received, it is clear beyond a doubt, that a resolution is formed, and now carrying into execution, to extinguish the freedom of these colonies, by subjecting them to a despotic government.

At this unhappy period, we have been authorized and directed to meet and consult together, for the welfare of our common country. We accepted the important trust with diffidence, but have endeavoured to discharge it with integrity. Though the state of these colonies would certainly justify other measures than we have advised, yet weighty reasons determined us to prefer those which we have adopted. In the first place, it appeared to us a conduct becoming the character these colonies have ever sustained, to perform, even in the midst of the unnatural distresses and imminent dangers that surround them, every act of loyalty, and therefore, we were induced once more to offer to his majesty, the petitions of his faithful and oppressed subjects in America. Secondly, regarding with the tender affection, which we knew to be so universal among our countrymen, the people of the kingdom, from which we derive our origin, we could not forbear to regulate our steps by an expectation of receiving full conviction, that the colonists are equally dear to them. Between these provinces and that body subsists the social band, which we ardently wish may never be dissolved, and which cannot be dissolved, until their minds shall become indisputably hostile, or their inattention shall permit those, who are thus hostile, to persist in prosecuting, with

the powers of the realm, the destructive measures already operating against the colonists, and, in either case, shall reduce the latter to such a situation, that they shall be compelled to renounce every regard, but that of self-preservation. Notwithstanding the violence with which affairs have been impelled, they have not yet reached that fatal point. We do not incline to accelerate their motion, already alarmingly rapid; we have chosen a method of opposition, that does not preclude a hearty reconciliation with our fellow-citizens, on the other side of the Atlantic. We deeply deplore the urgent necessity, that presses us to an immediate interruption of commerce, that may prove injurious to them. We trust they will acquit us of any unkind intentions towards them, by reflecting, that we are driven by the hands of violence, into unexperienced and unexpected public convulsions, and that we are contending for freedom, so often contended for by our ancestors. The people of England will soon have an opportunity of declaring their sentiments concerning our cause. In their piety, generosity, and good sense, we repose high confidence; and cannot, upon a review of past events, be persuaded, that they, the defenders of true religion, and the asserters of the rights of mankind, will take part against their affectionate Protestant brethren in the colonies, in favour of our open and their own secret enemies, whose intrigues, for several years past, have been wholly exercised in sapping the foundations of civil and religious liberty.

Another reason, that engaged us to prefer the commercial mode of opposition, arose from an assurance, that the mode will prove efficacious, if it be persisted in with fidelity and virtue; and that your conduct will be influenced by these laudable principles, cannot be questioned. Your own salvation, and that of your posterity, now depends upon yourselves. You have already shewn that you entertain a proper sense of the blessings you are striving to retain. Against the temporary inconveniencies you may suffer from a stoppage of trade, you will weigh in the opposite balance, the endless miseries you and your descendants must endure, from an established arbitrary power. You will not forget the honour of your country, that must, from your behaviour, take its title in the estimation of the world, to glory, or to shame; and you will, with the deepest attention, reflect, that if the peaceable mode of opposition, recommended by us, be broken and rendered ineffectual, as your cruel and haughty ministerial enemies, from a contemptuous opinion of your firmness, insolently predict will be the case, you must inevitably be reduced to chuse, either a more dangerous contest, or a final, ruinous, and infamous submission.

Motives thus cogent, arising from the emergency of your unhappy condition, must excite your utmost diligence and zeal, to give all possible strength and energy to the pacific measures calculated for your relief: But we think ourselves bound in duty, to observe to you, that the schemes agitated against these colonies, have been so conducted, as to render it prudent, that you should extend your views to mournful events, and be, in all respects, prepared for every contingency. Above all things, we earnestly intreat you, with devotion of spirit, penitence of heart, and amendment of life, to humble yourselves and implore the favour of Almighty God: and we fervently beseech his divine goodness, to take you into his gracious protection.

Resolved, That an address be prepared to the people of Quebec, and letters to the colonies of St. John's, Nova-Scotia, Georgia, East and West Florida, who have not deputies to represent them in this Congress.

to

Ordered, That Mr Cushing, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Dickinson, be a committee prepare the above address and letters.

The address to the king being brought in, was read, and after some debate, Ordered, That the same be re-committed, and that Mr. J. Dickinson, be added to the committee.

Upon motion,

Resolved, That the seizing, or attempting to seize, any person in America, in order to transport such person beyond the sea, for trial of offences, commit

ted within the body of a county in America, being against law, will justify, and ought to meet with resistance and reprisal.

SATURDAY, October 22, 1774.

The hon. Peyton Randolph, esq. being unable to attend, on account of indisposition, the hon. Henry Middleton, esq. was chosen to supply his place, as president.

An address from Christopher Tully was read, and ordered to lie on the table. Ordered, That the Journal of the proceedings of the Congress, as corrected, be sent to the press, and printed under the direction of Mr. Biddle, Mr. Dickinson, and the secretary.

Resolved, as the opinion of this Congress, that it will be necessary, that another Congress should be held on the tenth day of May next, unless the redress of grievances, which we have desired, be obtained before that time. And we recommend, that the same be held at the city of Philadelphia, and that all the colonies, in North-America, chuse deputies, as soon as possible, to attend such Congress.

The committee appointed to prepare a letter to the colonies of St. John's, &c. reported a draught, which was read, and being amended, the same was approved, and is as follows:

"GENTLEMEN,

PHILADELPHIA, October 22, 1774.

"The present critical and truly alarming state of American affairs, having been considered in a general Congress of deputies, from the colonies of NewHampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, with that attention and mature deliberation, which the important nature of the case demands, they have determined, for themselves and the colonies they represent, on the measures contained in the enclosed papers; which measures they recommend to your colony to be adopted with all the earnestness, that a well directed zeal for American liberty can prompt.

"So rapidly violent and unjust has been the late conduct of the British administration against the colonies, that either a base and slavish submission, under the loss of their ancient, just, and constitutional liberty, must quickly take place, or an adequate opposition be formed.

"We pray God to take you under his protection, and to preserve the freedom and happiness of the whole British empire.

"By order of the Congress,

" HENRY MIDDLETON, President."

MONDAY, October 24, 1774.

The address to the people of Quebec, being brought in, was read, and after some debate was re-committed,

The committee, to whom the address to the king was re-committed, reported a draught, which was read, and ordered to be taken into consideration to

morrow.

TUESDAY, October 25, 1774.

The Congress resumed the consideration of the address to his majesty, and the same being debated by paragraphs, was, after some amendments, approved and ordered to be engrossed.

Resolved, That the address to the king, be enclosed in a letter to the several colony agents, in order that the same may be by them presented to his najesty; and that the agents be requested to call in the aid of such noblemen and gentlemen as are esteemed firm friends to American liberty.

Ordered, That Mr. Lee, and Mr. Jay, prepare a letter to the agents.

Resolved, That this Congress, in their own names, and in behalf of all those whom they represent, do present their most grateful acknowledgments to those truly noble, honourable, and patriotic advocates of civil and religious liberty, who have so generously and powerfully, though unsuccessfully, espoused and defended the cause of America, both in and out of parliament.

WEDNESDAY, October 26, 1774.

The letter to the agents, being brought in by the committee, was read, and approved as follows:

"GENTLEMEN,

PHILADELPHIA, October 26, 1774.

"We give you the strongest proof of our reliance on your zeal and attachment to the happiness of America, and the cause of liberty, when we commit the enclosed paper to your care.

"We desire you will deliver the petition into the hands of his majesty, and after it has been presented, we wish it may be made public through the press, together with the list of grievances. And as we hope for great assistance from the spirit, virtue, and justice of the nation, it is our earnest desire, that the most effectual care be taken, as early as possible, to furnish the trading cities, and manufacturing towns, throughout the united kingdom, with our memorial to the people of Great Britain.

"We doubt not, but your good sense and discernment, will lead you to avail yourselves of every assistance, that may be derived from the advice and friendship of all great and good men who may incline to aid the cause of liberty and mankind.

"The gratitude of America, expressed in the enclosed vote of thanks, we desire may be conveyed to the deserving objects of it, in the manner you think will be most acceptable to them.

"It is proposed, that another Congress be held on the tenth of May next, at this place, but in the mean time, we beg the favour of you, gentlemen, to transmit to the speakers of the several assemblies, the earliest information of the most authentic accounts you can collect, of all such conduct and designs of ministry, or parliament, as it may concern America to know.

"We are, with unfeigned esteem and regard, Gentlemen, &c.

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By order and in behalf of the Congress,

tr

"HENRY MIDDLETON, President."

To Paul Wentworth, esq. Thomas Life, esq.
Doctor Benj. Franklin, Edmund Burke, esq.
William Bollen, esq. Charles Garth, esq.
Doctor Arthur Lee.

The committee, to whom the address to the inhabitants of Quebec was recommitted, reported a draught, which was read, and being debated by paragraphs and amended, was approved, and is as follows:

To the Inhabitants of the Province of Quebec.

FRIENDS AND FELLOW-SUBJECTS,

WE, the delegates of the colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, NewJersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, deputed by the inhabitants of the said colonies, to represent them in a general Congress, at Philadelphia, in the province of Pennsylvania, to consult together, concerning the best methods to obtain redress of our afflicting grievances; having accordingly assembled, and taken into our most serious consideration, the state of public affairs on this continent, have thought proper to address your province, as a member therein deeply interested.