USA > Massachusetts > The journals of each Provincial congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of safety, with an appendix, containing the proceedings of the county conventions-narratives of the events of the nineteenth of April, 1775 > Part 70
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Zephaniah Leonard, Esq., was chosen chairman.
After having read the act of parliament for regulating the government of this province, and the resolves of the counties of Suffolk, Middlesex, &c., the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, our ancestors, of blessed memory, from a prudent care for themselves, and a tender concern for their descendants, did, through a series of unparalleled dangers and distresses, purchase a valuable inheritance in this western world, and carefully transmitted the same to us, tlicir poster- ity ; and whereas, for many years past, we have quietly enjoyed certain rights and privileges, stipulated by charter, and repeatedly confirmed by royal engagements, which rights and privileges are now unjustly invaded by the pretended authority of a British parliament, under pretext that it is inexpedient for us any longer to enjoy them ; and as the same persons who found out this incxpediency, will, no doubt, in time, discover that it is inexpe- dient for us to enjoy any rights, and even any property at all ; we cannot, in justice to ourselves and posterity, and in gratitude to our revered ancestors, tamely stand by, and suffer every thing that is valuable and dear to be wrest- ed from us ; but are resolutely determined, at the risk of our fortunes and lives, to defend our natural and compacted rights, and to oppose, to our ut- most, all illegal and unconstitutional measures, which have been, or may be hereafter, adopted by a British parliament or a British ministry. And thougli we deprecate the evils which are naturally consequent upon a breach of that mutual affection and confidence which has subsisted betwixt Great Britain and her colonies, yet we think it better to suffer those evils, than voluntari- ly submit to perpetual slavery. We are sensible that the important crisis before us demands the exercise of much wisdom, prudence, and fortitude, and we sincerely hope, that all our deliberations and actions will be guided by the principles of sound reason, and a hearty desire to promote the true interest of the British empire. Accordingly, we resolve in the following manner, viz .:
Resolved, That we freely recognize George the third, king of Great Bri- tain, &c., as our rightful sovereign, and as allegiance and protection are re- ciprocal, we are determined faithfully to yield the former as long as we are allowed the enjoyment of the latter.
Resolved, That the late acts of the British parliament, relating to the con- tinent in general, and this province in particular, are contrary to reason and
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the spirit of the English constitution, and, if complied with, will reduce us to the inost abjeet state of servitude.
Resolved, That all civil offieers in this province, considered as holding their respective ofliees by the tenure specified in a late aet of the British parliament, deserve neither obedience nor respect ; but we will support all eivil authority that is agreeable to the charter of the province granted by king William and queen Mary.
Resolved, That it is our opinion, that the several towns of this eounty should regulate themselves in all their publie proceedings, agreeably to the laws of this province.
Resolved, That we will use our utmost endeavors to diseountenanee and suppress all mobs, riots, and breaches of the peace, and will afford all the protection in our power to the persons and properties of our loyal fellow subjeets.
Resolved, That, in all things, we will regulate ourselves by the opinion and advice of the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia ; and as we place great confidence in the abilities of the gentlemen, members of that congress, we will cheerfully subscribe to their determinations.
Resolved, That our brethren of the town of Boston, who are now suffer- ing under the eruel hand of power in the common cause of America, are justly entitled to all that support and relief which we ean give, and are now ready to afford them.
Resolved, That whereas, our brethren of the county of Suffolk have, by their spirited and noble resolutions, fully made known our sentiments, we therefore think it unnecessary for us to be more particular, as we most cheerfully adopt their measures and resolutions.
Voted, 'That the above proceedings be inserted in the public papers.
Voted, That the committee for the town of Taunton, be empowered to eall a meeting of this body, whenever they think it necessary.
Voted, That the thanks of this body be given to the chairman, for his faithful serviees.
Voted, That this assembly be adjourned, and it was accordingly ad- journed.
DAVID COBB, Clerk.
CONVENTION OF WORCESTER COUNTY.
JOURNAL of a convention of the committees of correspondence and del- egates, of the several towns in the county of Worcester.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1774.
At a meeting of the committees of correspondence for the county of Woreester, in county Congress assembled, on the 9th day of August, A. D. 1774, at the house of Mrs. Mary Sternes, in Worcester, there were present :
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Worcester-William Young, Esq., Mr. Joshua Bigelow, Capt. Timothy Bigelow, Lieut. John Smith.
Lancaster-Doct. William Dunsmore, Deacon David Wilder, Mr. Aaron Sawyer, Capt. Samuel Ward, Capt. Asa Whitcomb, Capt. Hezekiah Gates, Mr. John Prescott, Mr. Ephraim Sawyer.
Mendon-Capt. Nathan Tyler, Deacon Edward Rawson, Mr. James Sum- ner, Elder Nathaniel Nelson, Mr. Benoni Benson.
Rutland District-Mr. Asa Hapgood, Lieut. Nathan Sparhawk, Deacon John Mason, Lieut. Andrew Parker.
Brookfield-Jedediah Foster, Esq., Capt. Jeduthan Baldwin, Capt. Phine- has Upham.
Oxford-Capt. Ebenezer Learned, Doct. Alexander Campbell.
Charlton-Mr. Caleb Curtis, Capt. Jonathan Tucker.
Sutton-Mr. Amos Singletary, Capt. Henry King, Rev. Ebenezer Chap- lin.
Leicester, Spencer and Paxton-Col. Thomas Denny, Capt. William Hen- shaw, Capt. Josephi Henshaw, Rev. Benjamin Conklin.
Westborough-Capt. Stephen Maynard.
Shrewsbury-Hon. Artemas Ward, Mr. Phinehas Heywood.
Lunenburg-Doct. John Taylor.
Harvard-Rev. Joseph Wheeler.
Bolton-Capt. Samuel Baker, Mr. Jonathan Holman.
Petersham-Capt. Ephraim Doolittle, Col. Jonathan Grout.
Southborough-Capt. Jonathan Wood.
Hardwick-Capt. Paul Mandell, Mr. Stephen Rice, Lieut. Jonathan War- ner, Deacon John Bradish.
Holden-Mr. John Child.
Douglas-Mr. Samuel Jennison.
Princeton-Mr. Moses Gill.
A committee was appointed to sort and count the votes given in, for a chairman or president, and clerk, who reported that Williain Young, Esq., of Worcester, was elected chairman, and William Henshaw, Esq., of Lei- cester, clerk.
The Rev. Benjamin Conklin, being invited, opened the meeting with very earnest and solemn prayer.
Voted, To choose a committee of ten, to draw up some proper resolves to lay before the convention for their consideration.
Voted, That Mr. Timothy Bigelow, Capt. Joseph Henshaw, Capt. Ephraim Doolittle, Capt. Samuel Ward, Mr. John Smith, Mr. Luke Drury, Mr. Joshua Bigelow, Deacon Edward Rawson, Capt. Paul Mandell, Lieut. Jonathan Holman, be the committee.
The committee retired, and again returned, after some time, and reported that they had drafted a number of resolves, which were read.
After debate thereon, it was voted to lay the resolves upon the table for further consideration.
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Voled, To adjourn to to-morrow morning, at 7 o'clock, to meet at tlie same place.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1774.
Mct according to adjourument. In the absence of the president, Deacon Baker was chosen chairman pro tempore.
Voted, That the committee chosen yesterday, bc a committee to write a letter to the gentlemen chosen by this province to attend the Continental Congress, to inform them of the senso of the county respecting our public affairs.
A letter being reported, was considered and accepted.
Voted, That the committeo chosen yesterday, be a committee to send a letter to all of the towns and districts in this county, who have not chosen cominittces of correspondence, desiring them to choose such committecs, or send delegates to represent them at the adjournment of this convention.
The committee chosen to write to the several towns, after some timc, re- ported, that they were ready to read a letter; which was done, and the same was accepted, and is as follows :
WORCESTER, AUGUST 9, 1774.
FRIENDS AND BRETHREN :- The committees of correspondence from a majority of towns in this county, have now convened at Worcester, in order to consult and determine upon the most regular steps to be taken and re- commended to the several towns in this county, at this truly critical and alarming crisis, when it no longer remains a doubt, that the acts, annihila- ting our once free constitution, are actually come authenticated, attended with three more transports and a ship of war, and the council, appointed by his majesty, are about taking the oaths required for that office. In the first place, we beg leave to observe, that a considerable number of respectable towns in this county have not yet chosen committees, and by that means, may not have received the letters notifying this convention ; thercforc, wo earnestly recommend, as brethren and fellow sufferers, when all that is valu- able in this life is at stake, that you chooso committces of correspondence, or such other delegates as you may think proper, to meet this convention at tlicir adjournment, when the united wisdom and aid of the whole are want- ing, to oppose the torrent of tyranny rushing upon us. In order to avoid a second disappointment, by having our letters fall into unfriendly hands, and you thereby bc deprived of a proper notification, we shall be careful to havo tlicm transmitted by such of our members as live nearest those towns which have not sent their cominittecs.
The convention stands adjourned to the last Tuesday of August instant, at the house of Mrs. Mary Sternes, innholder, at Worcester, at 10 o'clock, before noon.
By order of the committees of correspondence in convention,
TIMOTHY BIGELOW.
The consideration of the resolves reported yesterday, was resumed : the
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same were severally read, considered, debated, and each accepted without one dissentient vote : and it was Ordered, that the same be signed by the chairman and clerk, and printed, and circulated in handbills. They are as follow :
1. Resolved, That we bear all true allegiance to his majesty king George the third, and that we will, to the utmost of our power, defend his person, crown, and dignity, but at the same time, we disclaim any jurisdiction in the commons of Great Britain over his majesty's subjects in America.
2. Resolved, That the charter of this province is the basis of our allegi- ance to his majesty, wherein, on his part, the royal faith is plighted, to pro- tect and defend us, his American subjects, in the free and full enjoyment of each and every right and liberty enjoyed by his subjects in Great Britain ; his American subjects likewise bear him true allegiance.
3. Resolved, That we have, within ourselves, the exclusive right of origi- nating each and every law respecting ourselves, and ought to be on an equal footing with his majesty's subjects in Great Britain.
4. Resolved, That an attempt to vacate said charter, by either party, with- out the consent of the other, has a tendency to dissolve the union between Great Britain and this province, to destroy the allegiance we owe to the king, and to set aside the sacred obligations he is under to his subjects here.
5. Resolved, That the right lately assumed, by the parliament of Great Britain, over this province, wherein they claim a disposal of our lives and properties, and to alter and disannul our charter without our consent, is a great and high-handed claim of arbitrary power.
6. Resolved, That as parliament have not only adopted the aforementioned principle, but have actually put it into practice, by taxing the Americans, and most cruelly blocking up the harbor of Boston, in order to force this province to submission to such power, and have farther proceeded to pass several acts to change our free constitution in such manner, which, if effect- ed, will render our lives and properties wholly insecure : Therefore,
7. Resolved, That it is the indisputable duty of every American, and more especially in this province, to unite in every virtuous opposition that can be devised, in order to save ourselves and posterity from incvitable ruin. And, in the first place, we greatly approve of the agreement entered and entering into through this and the neighboring provinces, for the non-consumption of British goods. This, we apprehend, will have a tendency to convince our brethren in Britain, that more is to be gained in the way of justice, from our friendship and affection, than by extortion and arbitrary power. We apprehend that the balance of our trade with Britain lias been greatly in their favor; that we can do much better without it than they can; and that the increase of such trade heretofore, was greatly occasioned by the regard and affection borne by the Americans to their brethren in Britain. Such an agreement, if strictly adhered to, will greatly prevent extravagance, save our money, encourage our own manufactures, and reform our manners.
8. Resolved, That those justices of the court of general sessions, and com- mon pleas, for this county, who, in a late address to his excellency Gover-
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mor Gage, aspersed the good people of this county, have thereby discovered that they were destitute of that tender regard which we might justly ex- pect in our present distressed situation.
Voted, That we most earnestly recommend it to the several towns in this county, (and if it should not be thought too arrogant,) to every town in the provinee, to meet and adopt some wise, prudent, and spirited measures, in order to prevent the execution of those most alarming aets of parliament, respecting our constitution.
Voted, That the meeting be adjourned to the last Tuesday of August in- stant, to meet at the house of Mrs. Mary Sternes, innholder, in Woreester, at 10 o'clock of the forenoon, and it was adjourned.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1774.
At a meeting of the committees of correspondence from each and every town and district within the county of Worcester, convened in Congress, at Worcester, on 'Tuesday, the 30th day of August, A. D. 1774, there were present one hundred and thirty members, together with a number of dele- gates and gentlemen from several towns.
William Young, Esq. was president. .
Voted, 'That the Rev. Mr. Chaplain be desired to attend this meeting, and to pray: who came in, and the meeting was opened with prayers.
Voted, By reason of the straitness of the place, and the many attending, to adjourn to the county court house.
The Congress met in the county court house, according to adjournment ; debated on many things, and adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.
Afternoon.
Met according to adjournment, at the court house.
Voted, To choose a committee of nine persons, to take into consideration the state of public affairs, and prepare resolves to lay before the convention.
Voted, That Capt. Joseph Henshaw, Mr. Phinchas Heywood, Capt. Eph- raim Doolittle, Capt. Ilenry King, Mr. Timothy Bigelow, Mr. Samuel Jen- nison, Capt. Samuel Ward, Mr. Luke Drury, and Capt. Joseph Gilbert, be a " committee for the purpose aforesaid.
Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Chaplain be desired to attend the Congress to- morrow.
Voted, That this inceting be adjourned till to-morrow, at 7 o'clock, A. M. to this place.
The meeting was closed with prayer.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1774.
The Congress met according to adjournment.
Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Chaplain open the meeting with prayer ; which was done.
Voted, That every person who speaks in this meeting shall rise up, and, after he is done speaking, shall sit down, and not speak more than twice on the same subject, without obtaining leave, and shall not speak irrelevantly.
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WORCESTER CONVENTION.
The committee appointed yesterday, returned, and informed that they were ready to report resolutions.
The resolves prepared by the committee were read.
Voted, To adjourn to 2 o'clock, P. M.
Afternoon.
Met according to adjournment.
Voted, To accept of the introduction of the resolves brought in by the committee, and the same were amended.
Voted, The first resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The second resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The third resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The fourth resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The fifth resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The sixth resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The seventh resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, The eighth resolve in the affirmative :
Voted, That the whole of the resolves be accepted, which are as follow :
Whereas, the charter of this province, as well as laws enacted by virtue of the same and confirmed by royal assent, liave been, by the parliament of Great Britain, without the least color of right or justice, declared in part null and void ; and in conformity to an act of said parliament, persons are appointed to fill certain offices of government, in ways and under influen- ces, wholly unknown before in this province, incompatible with its charter, and forming a complete system of tyranny : and whereas, no power on earth hath a right, without the consent of this province, to alter the minu- test title of its charter, or abrogate any act whatsoever, made in pursuance of it, and confirmed by royal assent, or to constitute officers of government in ways not directed by charter, and as we are assured that some officers of the executive courts in this county, have officially conducted in compliance with and in conformity to the late acts of parliament altering our free con- stitution ; and as the sittings of such courts may have a tendency to affect the good people of this county, in such manner as may insensibly lead them to submit to the chains of slavery forged by our enemies ; therefore,
1. Resolved, That it is the indispensable duty of the inhabitants of this county, by the best ways and means, to prevent the sitting of the respective courts under such regulations as are set forth in a late act of parliament, en- titled, an act for regulating the civil government of the Massachusetts Bay.
2. Resolved, That in order to prevent the execution of the late act of par- liament, respecting the courts, that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this county, to attend, in person, the next inferior court of common pleas and general sessions, to be holden at Worcester, in and for said county, on the sixth day of September next.
3. Resolved, That it be recommended to the several towns, that they choose proper and suitable officers, and a sufficient number, to regulate the
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movements of each town, and prevent any disorder which might otherwise happen ; and that it be enjoined on the inhabitants of each respective town, that they adhere strictly to the orders and directions of such officers.
4. And whereas, the courts of justice will necessarily be impeded by the opposition to the said aets of parliament, therefore, Resolved, that it be re- commended to the inhabitants of this provinee in general, and to those of this eounty in particular, that they depute fit persons to represent them in one general provincial convention, to be convened at Concord, on the see- ond Tuesday of October next, to devise proper ways and means to resume our original mode of government, whereby the most dignified servants were, as they ever ought to be, dependant on the people for their existence as such ; or some other which may appear to them best calculated to regain and seeure our violated rights. The justice of our complaints and the modes of redress, we subinit to the determination of our sister colonies, being, in our opinion, the only just tribunal we can appeal to on earth.
5. Resolved, That it be recommended, that such innholders and retailers, who shall be approbated by the selectrnen in their respeetive towns, contin- ue and exereise their respective functions ; provided, they strictly adhere to the law of this provinee respeeting innholders and retailers.
6. Resolved, That it be recommended to the several towns, that they in- demnify their constables for neglecting to return lists of persons qualified to serve as jurors.
7. Resolved, That as the ordinary course of justice must be stayed, in con- sequence of the late arbitrary and oppressive aets of the British parliament, we would earnestly recommend to every inhabitant of this eounty, to pay his just debts as soon as may be possible, without any disputes or litiga- tion.
8. Resolved, That as the dark and gloomy aspeet of our public affairs has thrown this province into great convulsions, and the minds of the people are greatly agitated with the near view of impending ruin ; we earnestly re- eominend to every one, and we engage ourselves, to use the utmost influ- enee in suppressing all riotous and disorderly proceedings in our respective towns.
.
It was Moved, That whereas, it is generally expected, that the governor will send one or more regiments to enforce the execution of the aets of par- liament, on the 6th of September, that it be recommended to the inhabi- tants of this county, if there is intelligence, that troops are on their march to Worcester, to attend, properly armed, in order to repel any hostile force which may be employed for that purpose.1
The motion, after some debate being withdrawn ;
(1) That the expectation of the visit of the royal troops was not without foundation, will appear by the following extracts of the official despatch of General Gage to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated, Salem, August 27, 1774.
" Since the unwarrantable impeachment of the chief justice [ Oliver, ] I understand he has never
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Voted, That if there is an invasion, or danger of an invasion, in any town in this county, then such town as is invaded, or being in danger thereof, shall, by their committees of correspondence, or some other proper persons, send letters, by express posts, immediately, to the committees of the adjoin- ing towns, who shall send to other committees in the towns adjoining them, that they all come properly armed and accoutred to protect and defend the place invaded.
Voted, That it be recommended to the towns in this county, to pay no re- gard to the late act of parliament, respecting the calling town meetings, but, to proceed in their usual manner ; and also, that they pay no submission to any acts altering our free constitution.
Voted, That it be reconimended to each town of the county, to retain in their own hands, what moneys may be due from them severally to the prov- ince treasury, till public tranquillity be restored, and more confidence can be reposed in the first magistrate and his council.
Voted, To postpone the consideration of the petition of Doct. William Paine, respecting the establishment of a hospital for the small pox, to the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, That each member will purchase at least two pounds of powder in addition to any he may have on hand, and will use all his exertions to sup- ply his neighbors fully.
Voted, That the members and delegates endeavor to ascertain what num- ber of guns are deficient to arm the people in case of invasion.
taken his seat upon the bench, but he has promised me to attend the superior court at Boston, to- wards the end of the month, and I hope also, he will preside in said court to be held at Worcester, in September, notwithstanding the threats thrown out against him. I have engaged to meet him at Boston, to prevent violence, which, from the present system, I dont expect to meet with there ; I believe, that I must attend liim also at Worcester, where I am to expect it."
" By the plan lately adopted, forcible opposition and violence is to be transferred from the town of Boston to the country."
" In Worcester, they keep no terms ; openly threatening resistance by arms ; have been pur- chasing arms ; preparing them ; casting balls ; and providing powder ; and threaten to attack any troops who dare to oppose them. Mr. Ruggles, of the new council, is afraid to take his seat as judge of the inferior court, which sits at Worcester, on the 6th of next month ; and, I apprehend, that I shall soon be obliged to march a body of troops into that township, and perhaps into others, as occasions happen, to preserve the peace."
In reference to the mandamus councillors, General Gsge writes, " your lordship judged right, that art would be practised on this occasion, to intimidate and prejudice ; even force was attempted on Mr. Ruggles, by a number of people collected on the road, near Worcester, with intent to stop him, but he made his way throughı them."
On the second of September following, Gov. Gage writes to the Earl of Dartmouth, as follows :
" I came here to attend the superior court, and with the intention to send a body of troops to Wor- cester, to protect the court there ; and if wanted, to send partics to the houses of the councillors who dwell in that county ; but finding, from undoubted authority, that the flames of sedition had spread universally throughout the country, beyond conception ; the councillors already driven away ; and that no court would proceed on business ; I waited the event of tbe sitting of the superior court here, on the 30th ultimo ; the judges met, but could get neither grand nor petit jury."
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