Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution
- Thread starter Tidewater
- Start date
What strikes me is how beautifully these men wrote.
The last appeal to the people of Britain was drafted by Robert Livingston and edited by Richard Henry Lee.
The Declaration on taking up arms by Jefferson and revised by John Dickinson. So it was not just one writer.
The way they crafted the English language is amazing.
250 years ago today, Congress hears from a man acquainted with public sentiment in Quebec,
Then Congress decided to commission three to five agents per Department to ensure the friendliness of the Indians: a Northern Department to treat with the Six Nations, a Southern Department to treat with the Cherokees and Indians to the south of them, and a Middle Department for all the Indians in between. They are to look out for agents from the Crown trying to stir up the Indians and arrest any such agent. They also establish a school for Indian youth on the Connecticut River under Rev. Wheelock.
As of 1775, the colonies intend to not offend the Indians to the west, but this truce will not last.
Then Congress decided to commission three to five agents per Department to ensure the friendliness of the Indians: a Northern Department to treat with the Six Nations, a Southern Department to treat with the Cherokees and Indians to the south of them, and a Middle Department for all the Indians in between. They are to look out for agents from the Crown trying to stir up the Indians and arrest any such agent. They also establish a school for Indian youth on the Connecticut River under Rev. Wheelock.
As of 1775, the colonies intend to not offend the Indians to the west, but this truce will not last.
Dickinson is probably my favorite fore father that is almost lost in the story of the American Revolution. Granted the American mythology only works with larger than life heroes and doesn’t work with probably more measured people who truly wanted to exhaust every opportunity to prevent bloodshed.
Ironically he is one of only two members of the continental Congress to fight in the American Revolution. Truly a complex and interesting figure of the American Revolution.
250 years ago todaya, Congress adopts a speech to the Six Nations:
BROTHERS, SACHEMS, AND WARRIORS,
We, the Delegates from the Twelve United Provinces, viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, now sitting in general Congress at Philadelphia, send this talk to you our brothers. We are sixty-five in number, chosen and appointed by the people throughout all these provinces and colonies, to meet and sit together in one great council, to consult together for the common good of the land, and speak and act for them.
Brothers, in our consultation we have judged it proper and necessary to send. you this talk, as we are upon the same island, that you may be informed of the reasons of this great council, the situation of our civil constitution, and our disposition towards you our Indian brothers of the Six Nations and their allies.
(Three Strings, or a small Belt.)
Paternalistic, perhaps, but not hostile.
Also, note how they described the colony of Delaware: "the three lower counties."
BROTHERS, SACHEMS, AND WARRIORS,
We, the Delegates from the Twelve United Provinces, viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, now sitting in general Congress at Philadelphia, send this talk to you our brothers. We are sixty-five in number, chosen and appointed by the people throughout all these provinces and colonies, to meet and sit together in one great council, to consult together for the common good of the land, and speak and act for them.
Brothers, in our consultation we have judged it proper and necessary to send. you this talk, as we are upon the same island, that you may be informed of the reasons of this great council, the situation of our civil constitution, and our disposition towards you our Indian brothers of the Six Nations and their allies.
(Three Strings, or a small Belt.)
Paternalistic, perhaps, but not hostile.
Also, note how they described the colony of Delaware: "the three lower counties."
250 years ago today, Congress adopts the following reslution:
"Whereas, the government of Great Britain hath prohibited the exportation of arms and ammunition to any of the plantations, and endeavoured to prevent other nations from supplying us:
Resolved, That for the better furnishing these colonies with the necessary means of defending their rights, every vessel importing Gun powder, Salt petre, Sulphur, provided they bring with the sulphur four times as much salt petre, brass field-pieces, or good muskets fitted with Bayonets, within nine Months from the date of this resolution, shall be permitted to load and export the produce of these colonies, to the value of such powder and stores aforesaid, the non-exportation agreement notwithstanding; and it is recommended to the committees of the several provinces to inspect the military stores so imported, and to estimate a generous price for the same, according to their goodness, and permit the importer of such powder and other military stores aforesaid, to export the value thereof and no more, in produce of any kind."
Remember that there was a non-exportation resolution in effect. Bringing in guns, muskets, or powder would grant the importer a limited exception to it.
Note that, for the colonists, "arms and ammunition" are "the necessary means of defending their rights" threatened by their government.
"Whereas, the government of Great Britain hath prohibited the exportation of arms and ammunition to any of the plantations, and endeavoured to prevent other nations from supplying us:
Resolved, That for the better furnishing these colonies with the necessary means of defending their rights, every vessel importing Gun powder, Salt petre, Sulphur, provided they bring with the sulphur four times as much salt petre, brass field-pieces, or good muskets fitted with Bayonets, within nine Months from the date of this resolution, shall be permitted to load and export the produce of these colonies, to the value of such powder and stores aforesaid, the non-exportation agreement notwithstanding; and it is recommended to the committees of the several provinces to inspect the military stores so imported, and to estimate a generous price for the same, according to their goodness, and permit the importer of such powder and other military stores aforesaid, to export the value thereof and no more, in produce of any kind."
Remember that there was a non-exportation resolution in effect. Bringing in guns, muskets, or powder would grant the importer a limited exception to it.
Note that, for the colonists, "arms and ammunition" are "the necessary means of defending their rights" threatened by their government.
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On this day the Continental Congress adopted the following recommendations to the colonies in regards to the militia of the colonies:
Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants of all the united English Colonies in North America, that all able-bodied effective men (note that is does not differentiate by race), between sixteen (!) and fifty years of age in each colony, immediately form themselves into regular companies of Militia, to consist of one Captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four serjeants (sic), four corporals, one clerk, one drummer, one fifer, and about 68 privates.
That the officers of each company be chosen by the respective companies.
That each soldier be furnished with a good musket, that will carry an ounce ball, with a bayonet, steel ramrod, worm, priming wire and brush fitted thereto, a cutting sword or tomahawk (I wish the army had issued me a tomahawk), a cartridge-box, that will contain 23 rounds of cartridges, twelve flints and a knapsack.
That the Companies be formed into Regiments or Battalions, officered with a Colonel, lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, an Adjutant, and Quarter Master.
That all officers above the Rank of a captain, be appointed by their respective provincial assemblies or conventions, or in their recess, by the committees of safety appointed by said assemblies or conventions.
That all officers be commissioned by the provincial Assemblies or conventions, or in their recess by the committees of safety appointed by said Assemblies or conventions. That all the Militia take proper care to acquire military skill, and be well prepared for defence by being each man provided with one pound of good gun powder, and four pounds of ball, fitted to his gun.
That one fourth part of the Militia in every Colony, be selected for minute men, of such persons as are willing to enter into this necessary service, formed into companies and Battalions, and their officers chosen and commissioned as aforesaid, to be ready on the shortest notice, to march to any place where their assistance may be required, for the defence of their own or a neighbouring colony; And as these minute men may eventually be called to action before the whole body of the militia are sufficiently trained, it is recommended that a more particular and diligent attention be paid to their instruction in military discipline.
That such of the minute men, as desire it, be relieved by new draughts as aforesaid, from the whole body of the Militia, once in four months.
As there are some people, who, from religious principles, cannot bear arms in any case, this Congress intend no violence to their consciences, but earnestly recommend it to them, to contribute liberally in this time of universal calamity, to the relief of their distressed breth ren in the several colonies, and to do all other services to their oppressed Country, which they can consistently with their religious principles.
That it be recommended to the assemblies or Conven tions in the respective colonies to provide, as soon as possible, sufficient stores of ammunition for their colonies; Also that they devise proper means for furnishing with Arms, such effective men as are poor and unable to furnish themselves.
That it be recommended to each Colony to appoint a committee of safety, to superintend and direct all matters necessary for the security and defence of their respective colonies, in the recess of their assemblies and conventions.
That each colony, at their own expence, make such provision by armed vessels or otherwise, as their respective assemblies, conventions, or committees of safety shall judge expedient and suitable to their circumstances and situations, for the protection of their harbours and navigation on their sea coasts, against all unlawful invasions, attacks, and depredations, from cutters and ships of war.
That it be recommended to the makers of arms for the use of the Militia, that they make good substantial muskets, with barrels three feet and half in length, that will carry an ounce ball, and fitted with a good bayonet and steel ram-rod, and that the making such arms be encouraged in these United Colonies.
Where in any colony a militia is already formed under regulations approved of by the convention of such colony, or by such assemblies as are annually elective, we refer to the discretion of such convention or assembly, either to adopt the foregoing regulations in the whole or in part, or to continue their former, as they, on consideration of all circumstances, shall think best.
I am not sure whether the failure to mention race was an intentional inclusion of black men or the members simply sidestepped the race issue. I do know that black men did serve in some units in the army, mostly from New England. I also know that, in the midst of the Stono Rebellion (a slave uprising in coastal South Carolina in 1739), Low Country gentry went to the Church of England on Sunday morning armed, then, before going inside, handed their guns to their slaves so they weren't packing inside church. One outside observers noted the irony of a church full of unarmed slave owners guarded outside by armed black men in the middle of a slave uprising.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants of all the united English Colonies in North America, that all able-bodied effective men (note that is does not differentiate by race), between sixteen (!) and fifty years of age in each colony, immediately form themselves into regular companies of Militia, to consist of one Captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four serjeants (sic), four corporals, one clerk, one drummer, one fifer, and about 68 privates.
That the officers of each company be chosen by the respective companies.
That each soldier be furnished with a good musket, that will carry an ounce ball, with a bayonet, steel ramrod, worm, priming wire and brush fitted thereto, a cutting sword or tomahawk (I wish the army had issued me a tomahawk), a cartridge-box, that will contain 23 rounds of cartridges, twelve flints and a knapsack.
That the Companies be formed into Regiments or Battalions, officered with a Colonel, lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, an Adjutant, and Quarter Master.
That all officers above the Rank of a captain, be appointed by their respective provincial assemblies or conventions, or in their recess, by the committees of safety appointed by said assemblies or conventions.
That all officers be commissioned by the provincial Assemblies or conventions, or in their recess by the committees of safety appointed by said Assemblies or conventions. That all the Militia take proper care to acquire military skill, and be well prepared for defence by being each man provided with one pound of good gun powder, and four pounds of ball, fitted to his gun.
That one fourth part of the Militia in every Colony, be selected for minute men, of such persons as are willing to enter into this necessary service, formed into companies and Battalions, and their officers chosen and commissioned as aforesaid, to be ready on the shortest notice, to march to any place where their assistance may be required, for the defence of their own or a neighbouring colony; And as these minute men may eventually be called to action before the whole body of the militia are sufficiently trained, it is recommended that a more particular and diligent attention be paid to their instruction in military discipline.
That such of the minute men, as desire it, be relieved by new draughts as aforesaid, from the whole body of the Militia, once in four months.
As there are some people, who, from religious principles, cannot bear arms in any case, this Congress intend no violence to their consciences, but earnestly recommend it to them, to contribute liberally in this time of universal calamity, to the relief of their distressed breth ren in the several colonies, and to do all other services to their oppressed Country, which they can consistently with their religious principles.
That it be recommended to the assemblies or Conven tions in the respective colonies to provide, as soon as possible, sufficient stores of ammunition for their colonies; Also that they devise proper means for furnishing with Arms, such effective men as are poor and unable to furnish themselves.
That it be recommended to each Colony to appoint a committee of safety, to superintend and direct all matters necessary for the security and defence of their respective colonies, in the recess of their assemblies and conventions.
That each colony, at their own expence, make such provision by armed vessels or otherwise, as their respective assemblies, conventions, or committees of safety shall judge expedient and suitable to their circumstances and situations, for the protection of their harbours and navigation on their sea coasts, against all unlawful invasions, attacks, and depredations, from cutters and ships of war.
That it be recommended to the makers of arms for the use of the Militia, that they make good substantial muskets, with barrels three feet and half in length, that will carry an ounce ball, and fitted with a good bayonet and steel ram-rod, and that the making such arms be encouraged in these United Colonies.
Where in any colony a militia is already formed under regulations approved of by the convention of such colony, or by such assemblies as are annually elective, we refer to the discretion of such convention or assembly, either to adopt the foregoing regulations in the whole or in part, or to continue their former, as they, on consideration of all circumstances, shall think best.
I am not sure whether the failure to mention race was an intentional inclusion of black men or the members simply sidestepped the race issue. I do know that black men did serve in some units in the army, mostly from New England. I also know that, in the midst of the Stono Rebellion (a slave uprising in coastal South Carolina in 1739), Low Country gentry went to the Church of England on Sunday morning armed, then, before going inside, handed their guns to their slaves so they weren't packing inside church. One outside observers noted the irony of a church full of unarmed slave owners guarded outside by armed black men in the middle of a slave uprising.
150 years ago today, Georgia, having agreed to the Association agreement, sent its first delegate to the Continental Congress. Other delegates would follow, but the colonies voted as colonies rather than Congress tallying individual votes. Georgia was now represented. Hereafter, where the Congress had referenced the twelve colonies, now it would reference thirteen.
Sir.
As we appear so late in the American Cause, We must introduce ourselves | with Expressions of Regret, that our Province has been so long divided, A Number of Incidents have Contributed thereto, which we think the less necessary to particularize as we hope they are pretty well got over.—
It gives us therefore pleasure to inform You, That a Provincial Congress being appointed to be held at Savannah, was accordingly opened on Tuesday the 4 Instant, to which every Parish has sent Delegates, except the two Small Parishes of St James and St Patrick,—These Parishes are Scarcely inhabited and we do not Suppose Contain a Score of Freeholders Inhabitants. Some Parishes that upon former Occasions seemed rather reluctant and even Protested against our Proceedings have manifested a very Laudable Zeal upon this Occasion. Several Gentlemen in this Place that have been hitherto neuter [neutral?] or declared against America, now Speak of the Proceedings of Parliament, as Illegal and Oppressive. We flatter ourselves for the future You may look upon Us as an United People.
The Congress addressed our Governor, that he would appoint a Day of Fasting and Prayer to obtain a Happy Reconciliation with the Parent State, To which he Sent a very Civil answer in writing, importing, that he could not look upon the Congress as a Constitutional Meeting, but would certainly comply with their request and issue his Proclamation accordingly—
We have also proceeded to the Choice of Delegates to represent Us in Continental Congress, when John Houstoun, Archibald Bullock, Esq. The Rev. Dr. Zubly, Lyman Halland Noble Wimberly Jones Esq. were duly Elected, One of these Gentlemen is with you, and three others have agreed to attend the Congress with all convenient Speed, And we doubt not will be received as their great Zeal for the Common Cause deserves.
We have already Resolved strictly to adhere to the Continental Association, and are heartily disposed Zealously to Enter into every measure that your Congress may deem necessary for the Saving of America,
We subjoin a Copy of the Resolve Entered into at tis time of Electing our Delegates, And have the Honor to be, Sir,
Your most Obedient Servants
By Order of the Congress, Archibald Bullock, president
Three things stand out.
Sir.
As we appear so late in the American Cause, We must introduce ourselves | with Expressions of Regret, that our Province has been so long divided, A Number of Incidents have Contributed thereto, which we think the less necessary to particularize as we hope they are pretty well got over.—
It gives us therefore pleasure to inform You, That a Provincial Congress being appointed to be held at Savannah, was accordingly opened on Tuesday the 4 Instant, to which every Parish has sent Delegates, except the two Small Parishes of St James and St Patrick,—These Parishes are Scarcely inhabited and we do not Suppose Contain a Score of Freeholders Inhabitants. Some Parishes that upon former Occasions seemed rather reluctant and even Protested against our Proceedings have manifested a very Laudable Zeal upon this Occasion. Several Gentlemen in this Place that have been hitherto neuter [neutral?] or declared against America, now Speak of the Proceedings of Parliament, as Illegal and Oppressive. We flatter ourselves for the future You may look upon Us as an United People.
The Congress addressed our Governor, that he would appoint a Day of Fasting and Prayer to obtain a Happy Reconciliation with the Parent State, To which he Sent a very Civil answer in writing, importing, that he could not look upon the Congress as a Constitutional Meeting, but would certainly comply with their request and issue his Proclamation accordingly—
We have also proceeded to the Choice of Delegates to represent Us in Continental Congress, when John Houstoun, Archibald Bullock, Esq. The Rev. Dr. Zubly, Lyman Halland Noble Wimberly Jones Esq. were duly Elected, One of these Gentlemen is with you, and three others have agreed to attend the Congress with all convenient Speed, And we doubt not will be received as their great Zeal for the Common Cause deserves.
We have already Resolved strictly to adhere to the Continental Association, and are heartily disposed Zealously to Enter into every measure that your Congress may deem necessary for the Saving of America,
We subjoin a Copy of the Resolve Entered into at tis time of Electing our Delegates, And have the Honor to be, Sir,
Your most Obedient Servants
By Order of the Congress, Archibald Bullock, president
Three things stand out.
- The Continental Congress had sent feelers out to Canada, Bermuda, British Caribbean islands, all seeking unanimity amongst the British imperial possessions to cause Parliament to back down. Some had responded with vague statements of general support, but the reason that only thirteen colonies were declared independent in 1783 was that these were the only British possessions to agree to the Articles of Association and send delegates to the Continental Congress.
- Note the public embrace of religion. The Founders were not in favor of banishing religion from the public square. The I Amendment shows that they could not agree on which brand of Christianity would be established (i.e. state-supported) so they denied to the federal government the power to establish any one brand as the federally-sponsored church.
- Constitutionality of congresses was debated. When royal authority collapsed in the colonies in the spring of 1775, colonial legislatures resolved themselves into provincial congresses (or called for elections of delegate to one) with the power to legislate and to draft a written constitution. This power was contested, especially early on.
250 years ago yesterday, Congress received from Ben Franklin some proposed Articles of Confederation. (Note that this is the first draft, not the final adopted draft):
Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, entred into agre proposed by the Delegates of the several Colonies of New Hampshire, &c, ...
Art. I. The Name of this Confederacy shall henceforth be The United Colonies of North America.
Art. II. The said United Colonies hereby severally enter into a firm League of Friendship with each other, binding on themselves and their Posterity, for their common Defence; against their Enemies for the Security of their Liberties and Propertys, the Safety of their Persons and Families, and their mutual and general Welfare.
Art. Il. That each Colony shall enjoy and retain as much as it may think fit of its own present Laws, Customs, Rights, and Privileges, and peculiar Jurisdictions within its own Limits; and may amend its own Constitution as shall seem best to its own Assembly or Convention.
Art. V. That the Power and Duty of the Congress shall extend to the Determining on War and Peace, to sending and receiving ambassadors, and entering into Alliances, [the Reconciliation with Great Britain;] the Settling all Disputes and Differences between Colony and Colony about Limits or any other cause if such should arise; and the Planting of new Colonies when proper.
The Congress shall also make such general Regulations as thought necessary to the General Welfare, particular Assemblies cannot be competent to; viz. those that may relate to our general Commerce; or general Currency; to the Establishment of Posts; and the Regulation of our common Forces. The Congress shall also have the Appointment of all General Officers, civil and military, appertaining to the general Confederacy ...
Art. VI. All Charges of Wars, and all other general Expences to be incurr’d for the common Welfare, shall be defray’d out of a common Treasury, which is to be supply’d by each Colony in proportion to its Number of Male Polls between 16 and 60 Years of Age ...
Art. X. No Colony shall engage in an offensive War with any Nation of Indians without the Consent of the Congress, or great Council above mentioned, who are first to consider the Justice and Necessity of such War.
Art. XI. Any other and every Colony from Great Britain upon the Continent of North America and not at present engag’d in our Association shall may upon Application and joining the said Association be receiv’d into this Confederation, viz. [Ireland] the West India Islands, Quebec, St. Johns, Nova Scotia, Bermudas, and the East and West Floridas; and shall thereupon be entitled to all the Advantages of our Union, mutual Assistance and Commerce.
These Articles shall be propos’d to the several Provincial Conventions or Assemblies, to be by them consider’d, and if approv’d they are advis’d to impower their Delegates to agree to and ratify the same in the ensuing Congress. After which the Union thereby establish’d is to continue firm till the Terms of Reconciliation proposed in the Petition of the last Congress to the King are agreed to; till the Acts since made restraining the American Commerce and Fisheries are repeal’d; till Reparation is made for the Injury done to Boston by shutting up its Port; for the Burning of Charlestown; and for the Expence of this unjust War; and till all the British Troops are withdrawn from America. On the Arrival of these Events the Colonies {shall] return to their former Connection and Friendship with Britain: But on Failure thereof this Confederation is to be perpetual.
Again we see representation tied to taxation. Colonies would be entitled to representatives in the same proportion as they pay taxes.
The colonies were thinking big, including Ireland, what is now Canada and the British West Indies.
You can see the general outline of federalism taking shape here: the general government handles general (i.e. Union-wide) matters. The Colonies handle particular matters (pertaining to that colony alone). These were debated and tabled until 1777 and not finally adopted until 1781.
Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, entred into agre proposed by the Delegates of the several Colonies of New Hampshire, &c, ...
Art. I. The Name of this Confederacy shall henceforth be The United Colonies of North America.
Art. II. The said United Colonies hereby severally enter into a firm League of Friendship with each other, binding on themselves and their Posterity, for their common Defence; against their Enemies for the Security of their Liberties and Propertys, the Safety of their Persons and Families, and their mutual and general Welfare.
Art. Il. That each Colony shall enjoy and retain as much as it may think fit of its own present Laws, Customs, Rights, and Privileges, and peculiar Jurisdictions within its own Limits; and may amend its own Constitution as shall seem best to its own Assembly or Convention.
Art. V. That the Power and Duty of the Congress shall extend to the Determining on War and Peace, to sending and receiving ambassadors, and entering into Alliances, [the Reconciliation with Great Britain;] the Settling all Disputes and Differences between Colony and Colony about Limits or any other cause if such should arise; and the Planting of new Colonies when proper.
The Congress shall also make such general Regulations as thought necessary to the General Welfare, particular Assemblies cannot be competent to; viz. those that may relate to our general Commerce; or general Currency; to the Establishment of Posts; and the Regulation of our common Forces. The Congress shall also have the Appointment of all General Officers, civil and military, appertaining to the general Confederacy ...
Art. VI. All Charges of Wars, and all other general Expences to be incurr’d for the common Welfare, shall be defray’d out of a common Treasury, which is to be supply’d by each Colony in proportion to its Number of Male Polls between 16 and 60 Years of Age ...
Art. X. No Colony shall engage in an offensive War with any Nation of Indians without the Consent of the Congress, or great Council above mentioned, who are first to consider the Justice and Necessity of such War.
Art. XI. Any other and every Colony from Great Britain upon the Continent of North America and not at present engag’d in our Association shall may upon Application and joining the said Association be receiv’d into this Confederation, viz. [Ireland] the West India Islands, Quebec, St. Johns, Nova Scotia, Bermudas, and the East and West Floridas; and shall thereupon be entitled to all the Advantages of our Union, mutual Assistance and Commerce.
These Articles shall be propos’d to the several Provincial Conventions or Assemblies, to be by them consider’d, and if approv’d they are advis’d to impower their Delegates to agree to and ratify the same in the ensuing Congress. After which the Union thereby establish’d is to continue firm till the Terms of Reconciliation proposed in the Petition of the last Congress to the King are agreed to; till the Acts since made restraining the American Commerce and Fisheries are repeal’d; till Reparation is made for the Injury done to Boston by shutting up its Port; for the Burning of Charlestown; and for the Expence of this unjust War; and till all the British Troops are withdrawn from America. On the Arrival of these Events the Colonies {shall] return to their former Connection and Friendship with Britain: But on Failure thereof this Confederation is to be perpetual.
Again we see representation tied to taxation. Colonies would be entitled to representatives in the same proportion as they pay taxes.
The colonies were thinking big, including Ireland, what is now Canada and the British West Indies.
You can see the general outline of federalism taking shape here: the general government handles general (i.e. Union-wide) matters. The Colonies handle particular matters (pertaining to that colony alone). These were debated and tabled until 1777 and not finally adopted until 1781.
On this day, outside Boston, Dr. Benjamin Church—trusted patriot and member of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety—secretly writes to British intelligence, revealing American troop numbers, supply levels, and strategic positions. “Make use of every precaution or I perish,” he concludes.
250 years ago today, Congress sends an Address to the People of Jamaica which once again lays out the American cause in the words of the Americans. It reads (in part):
... these last twelve years, will discover ... a deliberate plan to destroy, in every part of the empire, the free constitution, for which Britain has been so long and so justly famed. With a dexterity, artful and wicked, they have varied the modes of attack, according to the different characters and circumstances of those whom they meant to reduce. In the East Indies, where the effeminacy of the inhabitants promised an easy conquest, they thought it unnecessary to veil their tyrannic principles under the thinnest disguise. Without deigning even to pretend a justification of their conduct, they sacrificed the lives of millions to the gratification of their insatiable avarice and lust of power. In Britain, where the maxims of freedom were still known, but where luxury and dissipation had diminished the wonted reverence for them, the attack has been carried on in a more secret and indirect manner: Corruption has been employed to undermine them. The Americans are not enervated by effeminacy, like the inhabitants of India; nor debauched by luxury, like those of Great Britain: It was, therefore, judged improper to assail them by bribery, or by undisguised force. Plausible systems were formed; specious pretences were made: All the arts of sophistry were tried to shew that the British ministry had by law a right to enslave us. The first and best maxims of the constitution, venerable to Britons and to Americans, were perverted and profaned. The power of parliament, derived from the people, to bind the people, was extended over those from whom it was never derived. It is asserted that a standing army may be constitutionally kept among us, without our consent. Those principles, dishonorable to those who adopted them, and destructive to those to whom they were applied, were nevertheless carried into execution by the foes of liberty and of mankind. Acts of parliament, ruinous to America, and unserviceable to Britain, were made to bind us; armies, maintained by the parliament, were sent over to secure their operation. The power, however, and the cunning of our adversaries, were alike unsuccessful. We refused to their parliaments an obedience, which our judgments disapproved of: We refused to their armies a submission, which spirits unaccustomed to slavery, could not brook. ...
We spurned a disgraceful subjection. ...
An appeal to the justice and humanity of those who had injured us, and who were bound to redress our injuries, was ineffectual: we next resolved to make an appeal to their interests. ...
We receive uncommon pleasure from observing the principles of our righteous opposition distinguished by your approbation: We feel the warmest gratitude for your pathetic mediation in our behalf* with the crown. ...
That our petitions have been treated with disdain, is now become the smallest part of our complaint: Ministerial insolence is lost in ministerial barbarity....
... The peculiar situation of your island forbids your assistance. But we have your good wishes. From the good wishes of the friends of liberty and mankind, we shall always derive consolation.
* In December 1774, the Jamaican Assembly had appealed to the Crown for the American cause.
... these last twelve years, will discover ... a deliberate plan to destroy, in every part of the empire, the free constitution, for which Britain has been so long and so justly famed. With a dexterity, artful and wicked, they have varied the modes of attack, according to the different characters and circumstances of those whom they meant to reduce. In the East Indies, where the effeminacy of the inhabitants promised an easy conquest, they thought it unnecessary to veil their tyrannic principles under the thinnest disguise. Without deigning even to pretend a justification of their conduct, they sacrificed the lives of millions to the gratification of their insatiable avarice and lust of power. In Britain, where the maxims of freedom were still known, but where luxury and dissipation had diminished the wonted reverence for them, the attack has been carried on in a more secret and indirect manner: Corruption has been employed to undermine them. The Americans are not enervated by effeminacy, like the inhabitants of India; nor debauched by luxury, like those of Great Britain: It was, therefore, judged improper to assail them by bribery, or by undisguised force. Plausible systems were formed; specious pretences were made: All the arts of sophistry were tried to shew that the British ministry had by law a right to enslave us. The first and best maxims of the constitution, venerable to Britons and to Americans, were perverted and profaned. The power of parliament, derived from the people, to bind the people, was extended over those from whom it was never derived. It is asserted that a standing army may be constitutionally kept among us, without our consent. Those principles, dishonorable to those who adopted them, and destructive to those to whom they were applied, were nevertheless carried into execution by the foes of liberty and of mankind. Acts of parliament, ruinous to America, and unserviceable to Britain, were made to bind us; armies, maintained by the parliament, were sent over to secure their operation. The power, however, and the cunning of our adversaries, were alike unsuccessful. We refused to their parliaments an obedience, which our judgments disapproved of: We refused to their armies a submission, which spirits unaccustomed to slavery, could not brook. ...
We spurned a disgraceful subjection. ...
An appeal to the justice and humanity of those who had injured us, and who were bound to redress our injuries, was ineffectual: we next resolved to make an appeal to their interests. ...
We receive uncommon pleasure from observing the principles of our righteous opposition distinguished by your approbation: We feel the warmest gratitude for your pathetic mediation in our behalf* with the crown. ...
That our petitions have been treated with disdain, is now become the smallest part of our complaint: Ministerial insolence is lost in ministerial barbarity....
... The peculiar situation of your island forbids your assistance. But we have your good wishes. From the good wishes of the friends of liberty and mankind, we shall always derive consolation.
* In December 1774, the Jamaican Assembly had appealed to the Crown for the American cause.
Also on this date, Congress resolved to "emit" an additional million more dollars on the credit of the United States (On June 22, 1775, they had already emited 'two millions of Spanish milled dollars" and resolved "that the twelve confederated colonies be pledged for the redemption of the bills of credit.")
This endless "emission" of paper dollars will eventually prove ruinous and the phrase "not worth a Continental" will become common. Congress would employ increasingly draconian measure to force the acceptance of Continentals for payment of debts public and private, even though Comngress itself had rendered them worthless by issuing too many of them.
People would borrow "good money" (gold coins, British pounds, French Livres). Then Congress declared that worthless paper dollars must be accepted as payment.
In the not too distant future, John Witherspoon would report on "creditors running away from their debtors, and the debtors pursuing them in triumph, and paying them without mercy." (Witherspoon, Works, vol. 4, p. 223)
This endless "emission" of paper dollars will eventually prove ruinous and the phrase "not worth a Continental" will become common. Congress would employ increasingly draconian measure to force the acceptance of Continentals for payment of debts public and private, even though Comngress itself had rendered them worthless by issuing too many of them.
People would borrow "good money" (gold coins, British pounds, French Livres). Then Congress declared that worthless paper dollars must be accepted as payment.
In the not too distant future, John Witherspoon would report on "creditors running away from their debtors, and the debtors pursuing them in triumph, and paying them without mercy." (Witherspoon, Works, vol. 4, p. 223)
250 years ago today, Congress, casting about far and wide for allies, sent an address to the people of Ireland:
Friends and Fellow-subjects!
… We are peculiarly desirous of furnishing you with a true state of our motives and objects; the better to enable you to judge of our conduct with accuracy…
The leaders of a nation, … attempt to establish an arbitrary sway over the lives, liberties, and property of their fellow subjects in America, …
These colonies … peaceably enjoyed those very rights, of which the Ministry have, for ten years past, endeavoured, by fraud and by violence, to deprive them. … After a long, though glorious war, … a black and horrid design was formed, to convert us from freemen into slaves, from subjects into vassals, and from friends into enemies.
Taxes, … were, …imposed upon us; an unconstitutional edict to compel us to furnish necessaries for a standing army, … and the legislature of New York suspended for refusing … Trial by jury was, in many instances, abolished; and the common law of the land made to give place to Admiralty jurisdictions. Judges were rendered, … entirely dependent on the will of a Minister. … Dutiful petitions, … were branded with the opprobrious appellation … Attempts have been made … to seize Americans, and carry them to Great Britain to be tried for offences committed in the Colonies. Ancient charters have no longer remained sacred; that of the Massachusetts Bay was violated; …
A Congress, … laid their grievances at the foot of the throne; … They also agreed to suspend all trade with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies; … it was with the utmost reluctance we could prevail upon ourselves, to cease our commercial connexion with your island. … The labor and manufactures of Ireland … served only to give luxury to those who neither toil nor spin. …
The unhappy people of Boston were requested by the Congress to submit with patience to their fate; … abstain from every species of violence. … Our trade with foreign states was prohibited; … even fishing on our own coasts. Our peaceable Assemblies, … were declared seditious; and our asserting the very rights … stiled rebellion. … The wild and barbarous savages of the wilderness have been solicited, … to take up the hatchet against us; and instigated to deludge our settlements with the blood of innocent and defenceless women and children. …
The Ministry, … endeavoured to erect the standard of despotism in America; … A detachment of the army … fired upon, and killed several of the inhabitants. … The troops surrounded the town of Charlestown, [and] set fire to the town, and reduced it to ashes. …
When we perceive our friends and kinsmen massacred, our habitations plundred, our houses in flames, and their once happy inhabitants fed only by the hand of charity; Who can blame us for endeavouring to restrain the progress of desolation? …
Though vilified as wanting spirit, we are determined to behave like men. Though insulted and abused, we wish for reconciliation. Though defamed as seditious, we are ready to obey the laws. And though charged with rebellion, will cheerfully bleed in defence of our Sovereign in a righteous cause. What more can we say? What more can we offer?
… The humble boon of being permitted to possess the fruits of honest industry, and to enjoy that degree of Liberty, to which God and the Constitution have given us an undoubted right.
… In defence of our persons and properties, under actual violation, we have taken up arms; When that violence shall be removed, and hostilities cease on the part of the aggressors, they shall cease on our part also. For the atchievement of this happy event, we confide in the good offices of our fellow-subjects beyond the Atlantic. Of their friendly disposition, we do not yet despond; aware, as they must be, that they have nothing more to expect from the same common enemy, than the humble favour of being last devoured.
By order of the Congress,
John Hancock President
Friends and Fellow-subjects!
… We are peculiarly desirous of furnishing you with a true state of our motives and objects; the better to enable you to judge of our conduct with accuracy…
The leaders of a nation, … attempt to establish an arbitrary sway over the lives, liberties, and property of their fellow subjects in America, …
These colonies … peaceably enjoyed those very rights, of which the Ministry have, for ten years past, endeavoured, by fraud and by violence, to deprive them. … After a long, though glorious war, … a black and horrid design was formed, to convert us from freemen into slaves, from subjects into vassals, and from friends into enemies.
Taxes, … were, …imposed upon us; an unconstitutional edict to compel us to furnish necessaries for a standing army, … and the legislature of New York suspended for refusing … Trial by jury was, in many instances, abolished; and the common law of the land made to give place to Admiralty jurisdictions. Judges were rendered, … entirely dependent on the will of a Minister. … Dutiful petitions, … were branded with the opprobrious appellation … Attempts have been made … to seize Americans, and carry them to Great Britain to be tried for offences committed in the Colonies. Ancient charters have no longer remained sacred; that of the Massachusetts Bay was violated; …
A Congress, … laid their grievances at the foot of the throne; … They also agreed to suspend all trade with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies; … it was with the utmost reluctance we could prevail upon ourselves, to cease our commercial connexion with your island. … The labor and manufactures of Ireland … served only to give luxury to those who neither toil nor spin. …
The unhappy people of Boston were requested by the Congress to submit with patience to their fate; … abstain from every species of violence. … Our trade with foreign states was prohibited; … even fishing on our own coasts. Our peaceable Assemblies, … were declared seditious; and our asserting the very rights … stiled rebellion. … The wild and barbarous savages of the wilderness have been solicited, … to take up the hatchet against us; and instigated to deludge our settlements with the blood of innocent and defenceless women and children. …
The Ministry, … endeavoured to erect the standard of despotism in America; … A detachment of the army … fired upon, and killed several of the inhabitants. … The troops surrounded the town of Charlestown, [and] set fire to the town, and reduced it to ashes. …
When we perceive our friends and kinsmen massacred, our habitations plundred, our houses in flames, and their once happy inhabitants fed only by the hand of charity; Who can blame us for endeavouring to restrain the progress of desolation? …
Though vilified as wanting spirit, we are determined to behave like men. Though insulted and abused, we wish for reconciliation. Though defamed as seditious, we are ready to obey the laws. And though charged with rebellion, will cheerfully bleed in defence of our Sovereign in a righteous cause. What more can we say? What more can we offer?
… The humble boon of being permitted to possess the fruits of honest industry, and to enjoy that degree of Liberty, to which God and the Constitution have given us an undoubted right.
… In defence of our persons and properties, under actual violation, we have taken up arms; When that violence shall be removed, and hostilities cease on the part of the aggressors, they shall cease on our part also. For the atchievement of this happy event, we confide in the good offices of our fellow-subjects beyond the Atlantic. Of their friendly disposition, we do not yet despond; aware, as they must be, that they have nothing more to expect from the same common enemy, than the humble favour of being last devoured.
By order of the Congress,
John Hancock President
250 years ago today, the Continental Congress agreed that states would start paying off the debts incurred during the war, the first payments due November 30, 1779. Each state would be apportioned debt based on the ratio of "the number of Inhabitants, of all ages, including negroes and mulattoes in each colony." (Note that African-Americans, slave or free, count as a full person for purposes of tax apportionment among the several states.)
Until an enumeration could be accomplished, the ratio of inhabitants would be based on this formula:
New Hampshire, 124,069
Delaware, 37,219
\Massachusetts bay, 434,244
Maryland, 310,174
Rhode Island, 71,959
Virginia, 496,278
Connecticut, 248,139
North Carolina, 248,139
New York, 248,139
South Carolina, 248,139
New Jersey, 161,290
Pennsylvania, 372,208
Total: 3, 000, 000
In other words, Virginia would make 496,278/3,000,000 (or about 1/6th) of the payments starting on Nov. 30, 1779. Until then, the United States would operate on credit.
Until an enumeration could be accomplished, the ratio of inhabitants would be based on this formula:
New Hampshire, 124,069
Delaware, 37,219
\Massachusetts bay, 434,244
Maryland, 310,174
Rhode Island, 71,959
Virginia, 496,278
Connecticut, 248,139
North Carolina, 248,139
New York, 248,139
South Carolina, 248,139
New Jersey, 161,290
Pennsylvania, 372,208
Total: 3, 000, 000
In other words, Virginia would make 496,278/3,000,000 (or about 1/6th) of the payments starting on Nov. 30, 1779. Until then, the United States would operate on credit.
250 years ago today, General Gage and Washington exchange insults the eighteenth century way, with politely worded letters.
It seems some Britiah prisoners in American hands had been put to work to earn their keep. On the British side, American officers and enlisted men were being housed together, in violation of the laws of war, which required offices and enlisted men to be kept separately. Gage said he does not count American officers as officers.
Here is their exchange:
From Lieutenant General Thomas Gage
Sir
To the Glory of Civilized Nations, humanity and War have been compatible; and Compassion to the subdued, is become almost a general system. ...
Your Prisoners, … have hitherto been treated with care and kindness, and more comfortably lodged then the King’s Troops … [but as for segregating officers,] I Acknowledge no Rank that is not derived from the King. …
There are of the King’s faithfull Subjects, taken sometime since by the Rebels, labouring like Negro Slaves, to gain their daily Subsistence, or reduced to the Wretched Alternative, to perish by famine, or take Arms against their King and Country. …
Those under whose usurped Authority you Act, … dare to call severity retaliation, … I trust that British Soldiers Asserting the rights of the State, the Laws of the Land, the being of the Constitution, will meet all Events with becoming fortitude. …
I am, Sir,
Your most Obedient humble Servant
To Lieutenant General Thomas Gage
… I remonstrated with you, on the unworthy Treatment shewn to the Officers, and Citizens of America, whom the Fortune of War, Chance, or a mistaken Confidence had thrown into your Hands. … whether our virtuous Citizens whom the Hand of Tyranny has forced into Arms, to defend their Wives, their Children, & their Property; or … Whether the Authority under which I act is usurp’d, or founded on the genuine Principles of Liberty, were altogether foreign to my Subject. I purposely avoided all political Disquisition; nor shall I now avail myself of those Advantages, which the sacred Cause of my Country, of Liberty, and human Nature give me over you. Much less shall I stoop to Retort, & Invective. But the Intelligence, you say, you have received from our Army requires a Reply. I have taken Time, Sir, to make a strict Inquiry, and find it has not the least Foundation in Truth. Not only your Officers, and Soldiers have been treated with a Tenderness due to Fellow Citizens, & Brethren; but even those execrable Parricides, whose Counsels & Aid have deluged their Country with Blood, have been protected from the Fury of a justly enraged People. Far from compelling, or even permitting their Assistance, I am embarassed with the Numbers who crowd to our Camp animated with the purest Principles of Virtue, & Love of their Country…
You affect, Sir, to despise all Rank not derived from the same Source with your own. I cannot conceive any more honourable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted Choice of a brave and free Poeple—The purest Source & original Fountain of all Power. …
Those who influence the Councils of America, and all the other Inhabitants of these united Colonies, at the Hazard of their Lives, are resolved to hand down to Posterity those just & invaluable Privileges which they received from their Ancestors.
I shall now, Sir, close my Correspondence with you, perhaps forever. If your Officers who are our Prisoners receive a Treatment from me, different from what I wish’d to shew them, they, & you, will remember the Occasion of it.
I am Sir, Your very Hbble Servant
In other words, Washington was telling Gage that British officers in American hands would receive the same treatment that American officers in British hands did, so be careful what you do.
It is ironic that the Americans, which became the classless society, was taking to task the British, the class-conscious society, for holding officers and enlisted men together.
It seems some Britiah prisoners in American hands had been put to work to earn their keep. On the British side, American officers and enlisted men were being housed together, in violation of the laws of war, which required offices and enlisted men to be kept separately. Gage said he does not count American officers as officers.
Here is their exchange:
From Lieutenant General Thomas Gage
Boston 13th August 1775.
Sir
To the Glory of Civilized Nations, humanity and War have been compatible; and Compassion to the subdued, is become almost a general system. ...
Your Prisoners, … have hitherto been treated with care and kindness, and more comfortably lodged then the King’s Troops … [but as for segregating officers,] I Acknowledge no Rank that is not derived from the King. …
There are of the King’s faithfull Subjects, taken sometime since by the Rebels, labouring like Negro Slaves, to gain their daily Subsistence, or reduced to the Wretched Alternative, to perish by famine, or take Arms against their King and Country. …
Those under whose usurped Authority you Act, … dare to call severity retaliation, … I trust that British Soldiers Asserting the rights of the State, the Laws of the Land, the being of the Constitution, will meet all Events with becoming fortitude. …
I am, Sir,
Your most Obedient humble Servant
Thos Gage
To Lieutenant General Thomas Gage
Head Quarters Cambridge Augt 19th 1775.
Sir… I remonstrated with you, on the unworthy Treatment shewn to the Officers, and Citizens of America, whom the Fortune of War, Chance, or a mistaken Confidence had thrown into your Hands. … whether our virtuous Citizens whom the Hand of Tyranny has forced into Arms, to defend their Wives, their Children, & their Property; or … Whether the Authority under which I act is usurp’d, or founded on the genuine Principles of Liberty, were altogether foreign to my Subject. I purposely avoided all political Disquisition; nor shall I now avail myself of those Advantages, which the sacred Cause of my Country, of Liberty, and human Nature give me over you. Much less shall I stoop to Retort, & Invective. But the Intelligence, you say, you have received from our Army requires a Reply. I have taken Time, Sir, to make a strict Inquiry, and find it has not the least Foundation in Truth. Not only your Officers, and Soldiers have been treated with a Tenderness due to Fellow Citizens, & Brethren; but even those execrable Parricides, whose Counsels & Aid have deluged their Country with Blood, have been protected from the Fury of a justly enraged People. Far from compelling, or even permitting their Assistance, I am embarassed with the Numbers who crowd to our Camp animated with the purest Principles of Virtue, & Love of their Country…
You affect, Sir, to despise all Rank not derived from the same Source with your own. I cannot conceive any more honourable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted Choice of a brave and free Poeple—The purest Source & original Fountain of all Power. …
Those who influence the Councils of America, and all the other Inhabitants of these united Colonies, at the Hazard of their Lives, are resolved to hand down to Posterity those just & invaluable Privileges which they received from their Ancestors.
I shall now, Sir, close my Correspondence with you, perhaps forever. If your Officers who are our Prisoners receive a Treatment from me, different from what I wish’d to shew them, they, & you, will remember the Occasion of it.
I am Sir, Your very Hbble Servant
Go: Washington
In other words, Washington was telling Gage that British officers in American hands would receive the same treatment that American officers in British hands did, so be careful what you do.
It is ironic that the Americans, which became the classless society, was taking to task the British, the class-conscious society, for holding officers and enlisted men together.
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