Then the congress adjourned to to-morrow morn-¡ as are required for the support of your government ing, at 9 o'clock. Tuesday, Oct 22d, 1765, A. M-The congress To the king's most excellent majesty, Most humbly sheweth, over them, and other public exigencies, and trials unreasonable impositions, and by the other from the by their peers. By the one they are secured from arbitrary decisions of the executive power. The conAmerica, we ardently implore, as absolutely neces tinuation of these liberties, to the inhabitants of sary to unite the several parts of your wide extend ed dominions, in that harmony so essential to the in these liberties, the emoluments Great Britain re preservation and happiness of the whole. Protected ceives from us, however great at present, are inconsiderable, compared with those she has the fairest prospect of acquiring. By this protection, she will forever secure to herself the advantages of conveying to all Europe, the merchandize which America furnishes, and for supplying, through the same chanThat the inhabitants of these colonies, unanimously devoted with the warmest sentiments these immense advantages, by the abridgement of nel, whatsoever is wanted from thence. Here opens of duty and affection to your sacred person and go those invaluable rights and liberties, by which our a boundless source of wealth and naval strength. Yet vernment, and inviolably attached to the present growth has been nourished, are in danger of being happy establishment of the protestant succession in forever lost, and our subordinate legislatures in efyour illustrious house, and deeply sensible of your fect rendered useless by the late acts of parliament royal attention to their prosperity and happiness, imposing duties and taxes on these colonies, and exhumbly beg leave to approach the throne, by repre tending the jurisdiction of the courts of admirality senting to your majesty, that these colonies were here, beyond its ancient limits; statutes, by which originally planted by subjects of the British crown; your majesty's commons in Britain undertake absowho, animated with the spirit of liberty, encourag-lutely to dispose of the property of their fellow subed by your majesty's royal predecessors, and confiding in the public faith for the enjoyment of all the enforcing whereof, they are subjected to the deter rights and liberties essential to freedom, emigrated mination of a single judge, in a court unrestrained jects in America without their cousent, and for the from their native country to this continent, and, by by the wise rules of the common law, the birthright their successful perseverance, in the midst of innu- of Englishmen, and the safeguard of their persons merable dangers and difficulties, together with a profusion of their blood and treasure, have happily added these vast and extensive dominions to the and properties. empire of Great Britain. - That, for the enjoyment of these rights and liberties, several governments were early formed in the said colonies, with full power of legislation, agreeably to the principles of the English constitution; that, under those governments, these liberties, thus vested in their ancestors, and transmitted to their posterity, have been exercised and enjoyed, and by the inestimable blessings thereof, under the favor of Almighty God, the inhospitable desarts of Amerca have been converted into flourishing countries; science, humanity and the knowledge of divine truths diffused through remote regions of ignor ance, infidelity, barbarism; the number of British subjects wonderfully increased, and the wealth and power of Great Britain proportionably augmen ted. by our peers, of which we implore your majesty's The invaluable rights of taxing ourselves and trial constitutional, but confirmed by the Great Charter protection, are not, we most humbly conceive, unof English liberties. On the first of these rights the honorable house of commons found their practice of originating money; a right enjoyed by the king. dom of Ireland, by the clergy of England, until reInquished by themselves; a right, in fine, which all other your majesty's English subjects, both within and without the realm, have hitherto enjoyed. indelible characters of gratitude to your majesty, With hearts,therefore, impressed with the most and to the memory of the kings of your illustrious house, whose reigns have been signally distinguish ed by their auspicious influence on the prosperity of the British dominions, and convinced by the most affecting proofs of your majesty's paternal love to That, by means of these settlements and the un- and benevolent desires to promote their happiness, all your people, however distant, and your unceasing paralleled success of your majesty's arms, a founda- we most humbly beseech your majesty that you will tion is now laid for rendering the British empire the be graciously pleased to take into your royal consid most extensive and powerful of any recorded in his- eration the distresses of your faithful subjects on tory; our connection with this empire we esteem this continent, and to lay the same before your ma our greatest happiness and security, and humbly jesty's parliament, and to afford them such relief, as conceive it may now be so established by your royal in your royal wisdom their unhappy circumstances wisdom, as to endure to the latest period of time; shall be judged to require. this, with the most humble submission to your majesty, we apprehend will be most effectually accomplished by fixing the pillars thereof on liberty and justice, and securing the inherent rights and liberties of your subjects here, upon the principles of the engrossed, was read and compared, and is as folEnglish constitution. To this constitution, these lows, viz: two principles are essential; the right of your faithful subjects freely to grant to your majesty such aids + South Carolina, we presume, is omitted in the copy-[ED. And your petioners will pray, &c. The memorial to the lords in parliament being To the right honorable the lords spiritual and tempo The memorial of the freeholders and other inhabi ral of Great Britain, in parliament assembled, tants of the Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and 1 Providence Plantations, New-Jersey, Pennsylva-¡future grievances, thereby promoting the united in. nia, the government of the counties of New-terest of Great Britain and America, as to your Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware, and pro-lordships, in your great wisdom, shall seem most vince of Maryland, in America, conducive and effectual to that important end. Most humbly sheweth, And your memorialists will pray, &c. Wednesday, Oct. 23d, 1765, A. M.-The congress met according to adjournment. That his majesty's liege subjects in his American colonies, though they acknow-ing, 9 o'clock. ledge a due subordination to that august body, the British parliament, are Entitled, in the opinion of your memorialists, to all the inherit rights and lib. erties of the natives of Great Britain, and have, ever since the settlement of the said colonies, ex ercised those rights and liberties, as far as their local circumstances would permit. That your memorialists humbly conceive that one of the most essential rights of these colonists, which they have ever till lately uninterruptedly en joyed, to be trial by jury. The petition to the house of commons being engrossed, was read and compared, and is as follows, viz: To the honorable the knights, citizens and burgesses The petition of his majesty's dutiful, loyal subjects, That your memorialists also humbly conceive another of these essential rights, to be the exemption from all taxes, but such as are imposed on the people by the several legislatures in these colonies, which rights they have also, till of late enjoyed. But your memorialists humbly beg leave to represent to your lordships, that the act for grant. ing certain stamp duties in the British colonies in That the several late acts of parAmerica, &c. fills his majesty's American subjects liament, imposing divers duties and taxes on the cowith the deepest concern, as it tends to deprive lonies, and laying the trade and commerce under them of the two fundamental and invaluable rights very burthensome restrictions, but, above all, the and liberties above-mentioned; and that several other act for granting and applying certain stamp duties late acts of parliament, which extend the jurisdic-in America, have filled them with the deepest contion and power of courts of admiralty in the plan-cern and surprize, and they humbly conceive the extations beyond their limits in Great Britain, there-ecution of them will be attended with consequen by make an unnecessary, unhappy distinction, as to ces very injurious to the commercial interest of the modes of trial between us and our fellow sub- Great Britain an ! her colonies, and must terminate jects there, by whom we never have been excelled in the eventual ruin of the latter. Your petitionin duty and loyalty to our sovereign. ers, therefore, most ardently implore the attention That, from the natural connection between Great of the honorable house, to the united and dutiful Britain and America, the perpetual continuance of representation of their circumstances, and to their which your memorialists most ardently desire, they earnest supplications for relief from their regulaconceive that nothing can conduce more to the in- tions, that have already involved this continent in terest of both, than the colonists free enjoyment anxiety, confusion and distress. We most sincereof their rights and liberties, and an affectionate in-ly recognize our allegiance to the crown, and actercourse between Great Britain and them. But knowledg all due subordination to the parliament your memorialists (not waving their claim to these of Great Britain, and shall always retain the most rights, of which, with the most becoming venera. grateful sense of their assistance and approbation; it tion and deference to the wisdom and justice of your is from and under the English constitution we delordships, they apprehend, they cannot reasonably rive all our civil and religious rights and liberties; be deprived) humbly represent, that from the pe- we glory in being subjects of the best of kings, culiar circumstances of these colonies, the duties having been born under the most perfect form of imposed by the aforesaid act, and several other government. But it is with the most ineffable and late acts of parliament, are extremely grievous and humiliating sorrow that we find ourselves of late, burthensome; and the payment of the several duties deprived of the right of granting our own proper. will very soon, for want of specie, become absolute-ty for his majesty's service, to which our lives and ly impracticable; and that the restrictions on rade by the said acts, will not only distress the colonies, but must be extremely detrimental to the trade and true interest of Great Britain. fortunes are entirely devoted, and to which, on his royal requisitions, we have been ready to contribute to the utmost of our abilities. We have also the misfortune to find, that all the Your memorialists, therefore, impressed with a penalties and forfeitures mentioned in the stamp just sense of the unfortunate circumstances of the act, and divers late acts of trade extending to the colonies, the impending destructive consequences plantations, are, at the election of the informers, which must necessarily ensue from the execution recoverable in any court of admiralty in America. of these acts, and animated with the warmest sen-This, as the newly erected court of admiralty has timents of filial affection for their mother country, a general jurisdiction over all British America, renmost earnestly and humbly entreat your lordships ders his majesty's subjects in these colonies, liable will be pleased to hear their council in support of to be carried at an immense expense from one end this memorial, and take the premises into your of the continent to the other. It always gives us most serious consideration, and that your lordships great pain to see a manifest distinction made therewill also be thereupon pleased to pursue, such in between the subjects of our mother country and measures for restoring the just rights and liberties the colonies, in that the like penalties and forfeiof the colonies, and preserving them forever invio. tures reaoverable there only in his majesty's courts Late, for redressing their present, and preventing of record, are made cognizable here by a court of ad miralty. By this means we seem to be, in effect, un law, and the regulations of trade and commerce, bappily deprived of two privileges essential to free- through the whole empire, and the exercise of dom, and which all Englishmen have ever considered that jurisdiction by imposing taxes on the colo as their best birth rights; that of being free from all nies. taxes but such as they have consented to in person, or by their representatives, and of trial by their tures have been moulded into forms as nearly reThat the several subordinate provincial legisla. peers. Your petitioners further shew, that the remote majesty's royal predecessors was thought convenisembling that of the mother country, as by his situation and other circumstances of the colonies, ent; and these legislatures seem to have been wise. render it impracticable that they should be repre- ly and graciously established, that the subjects in sented but in their respective subordinate legisla- the colonies might, under the due administration tures, and they humbly conceive that the parliament thereof, enjoy the happy fruits of the British govern adhering strictly to the principle of the constitution, ment, which in their present circumstances they have never hitherto taxed any but those who were cannot be so fully and clearly availed of any other therein actually represented: for this reason, we humbly apprehend, they never have taxed Ireland, way. nor any other of the subjects without the realm.- Under these forms of government we and our anBut were it ever so clear, that the colonies might incestors have been born or settled, and have had law be reasonably represented in the honorable our lives, liberties and properties protected; the house of commons, yet we conceive that very good people here as every where else, retain a great reasons from inconvenience, from the principles of fondness of their old customs and usages, and we true policy, and from the spirit of the British con- trust that his majesty's servce, and the interest of stitution, may be adduced to shew, that it would be the nation, so far from being obstructed, have for the real interest of Great Britain, as well as her been vastly promoted by the provincial legisla colonies, that the late regulations should be rescind-tures. ed, and the several acts of parliament imposing du ties and taxes on the colonies, and extending the jurisdiction of the conrts of admiralty here beyond their ancient limits, should be repealed. That we esteem our connection with and depen. dence on Great Britain, as one of our greatest bless. ings; and apprehend the latter will be sufficiently secure, when it is considered that the inhabitants We shall not attempt a minute detail of all the in the colonies have the most unbounded affection reasons which the wisdom of the honorable house for his majesty's person, family and government, as may suggest, on this occasion, but would humbly well as for the mother country, and that their subsubmit the followig particulars to their considera-ordination to the parliament is universally acknow. tion.ledged. That money is already very scarce in these colo- We, therefore, most humbly intreat that the honnies, and is still decreasing by the necessary expor-orable house would be pleased to hear our council tation of specie from the continent for the discharg-in support of this petition, and take our distressed ing of our debts to British merchants, that an im- and deplorable case into their serious consideration, mensely heavy debt is yet due from the colonies for and that the acts and clauses of acts so greviously British manufactures, and that they are still heav-restraining our trade and commerce, imposing du ily burthened with taxes to discharge the arrear- ties and taxes on our property, and extending the ages due for aids granted by them in the late war; jurisdiction of the court of admiralty beyond its that the balance of trade will ever be much against ancient limits, may be repealed; or that the honor the colonies, and in favor of Great Britain, whilst able house would otherwise relieve your petitionwe consume her manufactures; the demand of which ers as in your great wisdom and goodness shall seem must ever increase in proportion to the number of inhabitants settled here, with the means of purchasing them. We therefore humbly conceive it to be the interest of Great Britrin to increase rather than diminish those means, as the profit of all the trade of the colonies ultimately centre there to pay for her manufactures, as we are not allowed to pur chase elswhere, and by the consumption of which,at the advanced prices the British taxes oblige the makers and venders to set on them, we eventually contribute very largely to the revenues of the crown. mete, And your petitioners shall ever pray &c. Then the congress adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. Thursday, Oct. 24th, 1765, 4. M.-The congress met according to adjournment. The congress took into consideration the manner in which their several petitions should be preferred and solicited in Great Britain, and thereupon came to the following determination, ziz: That, from the nature of American buisness, the multiplicity of suits and papers used in matters of small value, in a country where freeholds are so mi nutely divided, and property so frequently transferIt is recommended by the congress to the several red, a stamp duty must be ever very burthensome colonies to appoint special agents for soliciting reand unequal. lief from their present grievances, and to unite their That it is extremely improbable that the honora-utmost interest and endeavors for that purpose. ble house of commons should at all times be tho roughly acquainted with our condition, and all facts Voted unanimously, that the clerk of this conrequisite to a just and equal taxation of the colo-gress sign the minutes of their proceedings, and deliver a copy for the use of each colony and pro nies. It is also humbly submitted whether there be not a material distinction, in reason and sound policy at vince. least, between the necessary exercise of parliamen tary jurisdiction in general acts, and the common A copy of the proceedings of the province of New- Province of S In the house of representatives, Mr. Speaker laid before the house a letter from the honorable speaker of the honorable representatives of the province of the Massachusetts Bay, to the speaker of this assembly, proposing a meeting of committees from the several assemblies of the British colonies on the continent, at New-York, to consider of a general, united, dutiful, loyal and hum. ble representation of our committees, and for imploring his majesty and the parliament for relief; which being read, patch of the ordinary buisness of the province; and I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble To Samuel White, esqr. speaker of the The two foregoing letters, are true copies from Attest, Resolved, That, notwithstanding we are sensible that such a representation ought to be made, and approve of the proposed method for obtaining the original. thereof, yet the present situation of our governmental affairs, will not permit us to appoint a committee to attend such meeting; but shall be ready to join in any address, to his majesty and the parliament we may be honored with the knowledge of, probable to answer the proposed end. A. CLARKSON, clerk. JOHN COTTON, clerk. NEW JERSEY. The following instructions, from the legislature of this state to its delegates in congress, 1777, will A copy of a letter received from Georgis, during be perused with pleasure by all who cherish the the sitting of the congress: principles and revere the worthies of the revolu- in joint meeting, To the hon. John Witherspoon, Abraham Clark, Savannah, in Georgia, September 6th, 1765. SIR-Your letter dated in June last, acquainting me that the house of representatives of your province, had unanimously agreed to propose a meet-meeting. ing at the city of New-York, of cominittees from the houses of representatives of the several British co- The council and assembly of the state of New-Jersey, lonies on this continent, on the first Tuesday in October next, to consult together on the present cir. cumstances of the colonies, and the difficulties to which they are and must be reduced by the opperation of the acts of parliament, for laying duties and taxes on the colonies, and to consider of an humble representation of their condition to his majesty and the parliament, and to implore relief, came to hand at an unlucky season, it being in the recess of the general assembly of this province. Nevertheless, immediately upon the receipt of your letter, I dispatched expresses to the several representatives of this province, acquainting them with the purport thereof, and requesting them to meet at this place without delay. We have called you to the important and interesting service of representing this state in the congress of the United States of North America. A higher proof cannot be given of the confidence we repose in your abilities and integrity; and we rest assured your best endeavors will, at all times, be exerted to promote the freedom, independence. and happiness of the whole union, particularly to that part to which you stand in more immediate relation. Numerous and diversified as the objects of your attention will be, we attempt not to point out either And according they met here on Monday last, to the number of sixteen, being a large majority of the representatives of this province; the whole consist ing of twenty-five persons, but his excellency our governor, being applied to, did not think it expedient to call them together on the occasion; which is the reason of not sending a committee as proposed by your house, for you may be assured, no representatives on this continent can more sincerely concur the line or the extent of your mission. Keep in in the measures proposed, than do the representa- constant view the cause of your delegation, and let tives of the province now met together; neither all your conduct be directed to the general good can any people, as individuals more warmly espouse the common cause of the colonies, than do the people of this province. and the prosperity of your country. We cannot, however, omit the following particulars, suggested by the present posture of affairs, and to which we require you carefully to attend. The gentlemen now present, request it as a favor, you'll be pleased to send me a copy of such representation as may be agreed upon by the several 1. We hope you will habitually bear in mind that committees at New-York, and acquaint me how, and in what manner the same is to be laid before the king and parliament; whether by any person partic. the success of the great cause in which the United ularly authorized for that purpose, or by the colony States are engaged, depends upon the favor and agents? The general assembly of this province stands prorogued to the 224 day of October next, blessing of Almighty God, and, therefore, you will which is the time it generally meets for the dis-neglect nothing which is competent to the assem A bly of the states, for promoting viety and good motion, well qualified in point of capacity, and of unrals among the people at large. But, especially, we suspected attachment to the liberties of America. desire that you may give attention to this circum- We need not urge the reasons for calling your stance in the government of the army, taking care attention to this object, they are daily before your that such of the articles of war as forbid profane- eyes. ness, riot and debauchery, be observed and enforc5. We recommend the immediate completing of ed with all due strictness and severity. This, we the establishment for wounded and disabled solapprehend, is absolutely necessary for the encou- diers and seamen, by extending it to the militia in ragement and maintenance of good discipline, and the continental service, and making some provision will be a means of recruiting the army with men of for the widows and children of those who fall in credit and principle-an object ardently to be battle, or die in the service, whether in the regu wished, but not to be expected, if the warmest lar or militia troops. The necessity of a law, in this friends of their country should be deterred from as well as the several states in the union, grounded Bending their sons and connections into the service, upon such establishment, requires that it be attendlest they should be tainted with impious and im-ed to as speedily as possible. moral notions, and contract vicious habits. 6. You are to take the earliest opportunity of hav2. We have no doubt that, as guardians of the ing some effectual mode adopted for negociating state of New-Jersey, you will be particularly atten- the exchange of citizens and civil prisoners, no ade. tive to its interests; but we also expect you will quate provisions being, as we conceive, made for be watchful to guard against every thing which will this end in the cartel now subsisting. Numbers of be hurtful to the general union, or injurious to the civil officers, inhabitants and subjects of this state, common interests of the United States. Extinguish, in captivity, and, we doubt not, the case is similar by all means in your power, the least appearance in other states, where the operations of war have of jealousy in its earliest rise. Discountenance all extended, not being taken in arms, and, therefore, local and partial reflections in every instance, and reprove, by your example, and suppress, as far as your authority extends, party feuds and factions, be the offenders who they may. not within the description of prisoners of war, are languishing in gaols and chains, under the power of the enemy, without the means or hope of relief. As their sufferings are in consequence of their zeal and activity in the common cause, they are entitled to the most vigorous exertions of their country in their behalf. 3. Let the wants of the soldiery be amply supplied and due provision made for their health and comfort; and, as we think this can be done, so we wish it always may, in such manner as to guard the civil 7. The great irregularities and abuses which have rights of the people against military encroachment, been, and continue to be, committed in this state, and the arbitrary oppression of officers of the army, and, probably, in others where the army hath been, or of persons employed in the commissary's, quar- or now is, by the impressing horses, teams and carter-master's or hospital departments. We contem-riages, and taking provisions, forage and fuel for plate with concern, the slighest appearance of the troops on march or in camp, and in delaying, such an evil, and wish you to take proper pains to neglecting, or totally refusing, upon the application prevent it. This state is forwardedly disposed to of the inhabitants, with their receipts or certifi use every exertion in behalf of their troops, and, as cates, to those whose duty it is to make satisfacfar as can reasonably be expected, of the army in tion, have given rise to such universal uneasiness general; but we desire, when a requisition for this and complaint, that it cannot have escaped your effect is necessary, it may be seasonably made, notice. The ill consequences of such a grievance, without waiting till the very hour of necessity, not only to individuals, but to the cause in general, when it is impossible to take due and legal means are so obvious, we need only remind you of it, and of complying with it so as to answer any good pur. desire you would use your endeavors to procure a pose. speedy remedy. 4. We desire you may be cautious of multiplying 8. We wish you to consider whether it may not be offices, or the number of the officers in the several advisable, and even necessary, that congress digest continental departments, and thereby unnecessarily and recommend to the several states, some general increasing the public expense. Especially, you will plan for a treason law, lest inconveniences and dif use your utmost influence that the departments be ficulties should arise from such laws being drawn filled with men of probity, principle, and discre-in different forms and settled on different princi |