To the first of these committees Mr. Hewes was added very soon after he took his seat, and contributed his assistance to the preparation of their report.

The report of this committee which was made after a very short delay, will be found at large in the appendix; it comprises an elaborate enumeration of the wrongs already sustained by the colonies, and a temperate but clear declaration of the rights which were to be considered as guaranteed to them by the immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English constitution, and the several charters or compacts.

The long list of wrongs was followed by a simple but distinct project of the measures proposed to obtain redress. To these grievous acts, says the report, "Americans cannot submit, but in hopes their fellow subjects in Great Britain will, on a revision of them, restore us to that state in which both countries found happiness and prosperity, we have for the present only resolved to pursue the following peaceable measures: 1. To enter into a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreement or association; 2. To prepare an address to the people of Great Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants of British America; and s. To prepare a loyal address to his majesty, agreeable to resolutions already entered into."

The non-importation agreement thus recommended and determined to be adopted, was a very remarkable event in the annals of the revolution. It could only have been thought of by men having the most perfect confidence in the integrity and patriotism of the people, without whose universal and strict resolution to maintain it, such a measure would be palpably unavailing. A system of privation not enforced by any law, nor guarded with any penal sanctions, but resting

entirely on the deep and general sense of wrongs inflicted, and of the necessity of a united effort to obtain redress; it evinced a steady resolution, a sober patriotism, and a generous sacrifice of selfish views to the common good, unequalled in the history of the world.

If any class of people more than the rest were entitled to particular praise for the patriotic ardour which induced them to join in this combination, it was unquestionably the mercantile part of the community, who sacrificed not only many of the comforts and enjoyments of life, but gave up also the very means of their subsistence, in relinquishing the importing trade to which they had been accustomed to devote their ca pital and labour.

Mr. Hewes was a merchant, and a successful one. He had been for more than twenty years engaged in the sale of merchandise imported chiefly from England and the British de pendencies; but he did not hesitate on this occasion to assist in the preparation of the plan, to vote for it, and to affix his own name to the compact.

The association recited, in the first place, the injuries inflicted on the colonies by the various acts of the British government, against which the report of the committee had. been directed, and then declares, that to obtain redress for these grievances, a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreement, faithfully adhered to, would prove the most speedy, effectual, and peaceable measure, and "therefore" it proceeds, "we do, for ourselves, and the inhabitants of the several colonies whom we represent, firmly agree and associate under the sacred ties of virtue, honour, and love of our country, as follows:

First. That from and after the first day of December next, we will not import into British America, from Great VOL. V.-S

Britain or Ireland, any goods, wares, or merchandise whatsoever, or from any other place, any such goods, wares, or merchandise, as shall have been exported from Great Britain or Ireland; nor will we, after that day, import any East India tea from any part of the world; nor any molasses, syrups, paneles, coffee, or pimento, from the British plantations or from Dominica; nor wines from Madeira, or the Western Islands; nor foreign indigo.

Second. We will neither import, nor purchase any slave imported after the first day of December next; after which time, we will wholly discontinue the slave trade, and will neither be concerned in it ourselves, nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our commodities or manufactures to those who are concerned in it.

Third. As a non-consumption agreement, strictly adhered to, will be an effectual security for the observation of the non-importation, we as above, solemnly agree and associate, that from this day, we will not purchase or use any tea imported on account of the East India company, or any on which a duty hath been or shall be paid; and from and after the first day of March next, we will not purchase or use any East India tea whatever; nor will we, nor shall any person for or under us, purchase or use any of those goods, wares, or merchandise, we have agreed not to import, which we shall know, or have cause to suspect, were imported after the first day of December, except such as come under the rules and directions of the tenth article hereafter mentioned.

Fourth. The earnest desire we have not to injure our fellow subjects in Great Britain, Ireland, or the West Indies, induces us to suspend a non-exportation, until the tenth day of September, 1775; at which time, if the said acts and parts

of acts of the British parliament herein after mentioned, are not repealed, we will not, directly or indirectly, export any merchandise or commodity whatsoever to Great Britain, Ireland, or the West Indies, except rice to Europe.

Fifth. Such as are merchants, and use the British and Irish trade, will give orders, as soon as possible, to their factors, agents, and correspondents, in Great Britain and Ireland, not to ship any goods to them, on any pretence whatsoever, as they cannot be received in America; and if any merchant, residing in Great Britain or Ireland, shall directly or indirectly ship any goods, wares, or merchandise, for America, in order to break the said non-importation agreement, or in any manner contravene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well attested, it ought to be made. public; and on the same being so done, we will not from thenceforth have any commercial connexion with such merchant.

Sixth. That such as are owners of vessels will give positive orders to their captains, or masters, not to receive on board their vessels any goods prohibited by the said non-importation agreement, on pain of immediate dismission from their service.

Seventh. We will use our utmost endeavours to improve the breed of sheep, and increase their number to the greatest extent; and to that end, we will kill them as seldom as may be, especially those of the most profitable kind; nor will we export any to the West Indies or elsewhere; and those of us, who are, or may become overstocked with, or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose of them to our neighbours, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms.

Eighth. We will in our several stations encourage frugality, economy, and industry, and promote agriculture,

arts, and the manufactures of this country, especially that of wool; and will discountenance and discourage every species of extravagance and dissipation, especially all horse racing, and all kinds of gaming, cock fighting, exhibitions of shows, plays, and other expensive diversions and entertainments; and on the death of any relation or friend, none of us, or any of our families will go into any further mourning dress than a black crape, or ribbon on the arm or hat for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and necklace for ladies, and we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarfs at funerals.

Ninth. Such as are venders of goods and merchandise will not take advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by this association, but will sell the same at the rates we have been respectively accustomed to do, for twelve months last past. And if any vender of goods or merchandise shall sell any such goods on higher terms, or shall in any manner, or by any device whatsoever, violate or depart from this agreement, no person ought, nor will any of us deal with any such person, or his, or her factor or agent, at any time thereafter, for any commodity whatever.

Tenth. In case any merchant, trader, or other persons shall import any goods or merchandise after the first day of December, and before the first day of February next, the same ought forthwith, at the election of the owner, to be either re-shipped or delivered up to the committee of the county, or town wherein they shall be imported, to be stored at the risk of the importer, until the non-importation agreement shall cease, or be sold under the direction of the committee aforesaid; and in the last mentioned case, the owner or owners of such goods shall be reimbursed (out of the sales) the first cost and charges, the profit, if any, to be applied towards relieving and employing such poor inhabitants of