Principles and Acts

OF THE

Revolution in America.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. PATRIOTIC PROCEEDINGS AND ADDRESS TO

THE PEOPLE, 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1775. At the convention of the deputies appointed by the several towns in the province aforesaid, held at Exeter, on the 25th day of January, 1775. Present 144 members.

Hon. JOHN WENTWORTH, esq., president. Voted unanimously, That we heartily approve of the proceedings of the late grand continental congress respecting the just state of the rights and liberties of the British colonies; and of the means recommended to restore, secure, and protect the same; and that we return our most unfeigned thanks to the late members of that congress in general, and to those of this province in particular, for the faithful discharge of the important trust reposed in them.

To the inhabitants of the province of New Hampshire.

condition to which you and your American Brethren-When we consider the unhappy brethren are reduced ! when we reflect that, for near ten months past, you have been deprived of any share in your own government, and of those advantages, which flow to society from legislative assemblies; when we view the lowering clouds, charged with ministerial vengeance, fast spreading over this extensive continent, ready to burst on the heads of its inhabitants and involve the whole British empire in one common ruin-at this alarming juncture, duty to Almighty God, to our country, ourselves, and posterity, loudly demands our most strenuous exertions to avoid the impending danger.

wave its banners in your borders, and to threaten these once happy regions with infamous and detestable slavery!

Such are the measures adopted by the British ministry, for enslaving you, and with Voted, That John Sullivan, and John Lang- such incessant vigilance has their plan been don, esqrs., be delegates to represent this prov-prosecuted, that tyranny already begins to ince in the continental congress, proposed to be held at Philadelphia, on the tenth day of May next, and that they and each of them in the absence of the other, have full and ample power, in behalf of this province, to consent and agree to all measures, which said congress shall deem necessary to obtain redress of American grievances.

Voted, That two hundred and fifty pounds, lawful money, be raised for defraying the expenses of said delegates.

Shall we, knowing the value of freedom, and nursed in the arms of liberty, make a base and ignominious surrender of our rights, thereby consigning succeeding generations to a condition of wretchedness, from which perhaps, all human efforts will be insufficient to extricate them?

Duty to ourselves, and regard for our country, should induce us to defend our liberties, and to transmit the fair inheritance unimpaired to posterity.

Should our restless enemies drive us to arms in defence of every thing we hold dear. we should be reduced to a state, dreadful even in contemplation; for should we prove victo

Voted. That the hon. John Wentworth, col. Nath. Folsom, hon. Meseach Weare, esq. col. Josiah Bartlet, col. Christopher Toppan, Ebenezer Thompson, and William Whipple, esqrs. be a committee, in behalf of this province, to call a provincial convention of deputies, when they shall judge the exigencies of public affairs require it: And that they, together with Sam-rious, the blood of our brethren, shed in the uel Cutts and John Pickering, esqrs. be a committee of correspondence for this province. Voted, the following address:

unhappy contest, would cause the laurels to wither on our brows, and make the conquerors mourn with the vanquished: but should our

enemies be successful, they will thereby rivet | militia upon this continent, if properly discithe chains of slavery upon us and our posterity. Thus surrounded with dangers and distresses on every side, it behoves us to adopt and pursue such peaceable measures as, under God, will be most likely to prevent those dreadful calamities with which we are threatened.

Fully sensible that to point out, with any degree of certainty, the methods by which you may shun the threatening evils, would require more than human wisdom, we can only recommend such measures as appears to us most likely to answer that desirable end, best calculated to restore to you that peace and harmony, so ardently wished for by every good and honest American. We therefore earnestly recommend,

plined, would be able to do great service in its defence, should it ever be invaded by his majesty's enemies, that you acquaint yourselves with the manual exercise, particularly that recommended and enjoined by the captain general-the motions being natural, easy, and best calculated to qualify persons for real action; and also to improve themselves in those evolutions which are necessary for infantry in time of engagement.

10th. That, as your enemies are using every art to impoverish and distress you, in order to induce submission to their arbitrary mandates, you carefully shun those measures which may have a tendency to distress your brethren and fellow sufferers, and avoid all unnecessary law

1st. That you discountenance and discourage all trespasses and injuries against individ-suits, and endeavor to settle disputes between uals, and their property, and all disorders of every kind; and that you cultivate and maintain peace and harmony among yourselves.

you in the most amicable and least expensive manner. That all debtors exert themselves in discharging their just debts, and creditors exercise such lenity as their circumstances will

2d. That you yield due obedience to the magistrates within this government; and care-admit of. fully endeavor to support the laws thereof.

3d. That you strictly adhere to the association of the late continental congress, and deal with the violators of it, in the manner therein recommended.

4th. That you endeavor particularly to enforce the laws of the province against hawkers, pedlars, and petty chapmen.

5th. That you abstain from the use of East India tea, whenever, and by whatever means it has, or may be imported.

6th. That you encourage and support your several committees of correspondence and inspection, in discharging the very important trust you have reposed in them.

7th. That in case any inhabitant of the colonies should be seized, in order to be transported to Great Britain, or other parts beyond seas, to be tried for offences supposed to be committed in America, you conduct yourselves agreeable to the advice of the late continental congress.

8th. That, in your several stations you promote and encourage the manufactures of this country; and endeavor, both by precept and example, to induce all under you, and with whom you are connected, to practice economy and industry, and to shun all kinds of extravagance.

9th. That the officers of the several regiments strictly comply with the laws of this province for regulating a militia-And as the

11th. That as the inhabitants of the town of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, are now laboring under a load of ministerial vengeance, laid upon them to enforce obedience to certain arbitrary and unconstitutional acts, which, if once submitted to, must involve all America in slavery and ruin; conscious that all these colonies are largely indebted to the virtue and fortitude of those patriotic asserters of freedom, we heartily recommend a continuation of your contributions, for the relief of that oppressed people; and that you keep yourselves in constant readiness to support them in their just opposition, whenever necessity may require.

Lastly. We earnestly entreat you, at this time of tribulation and distress, when your enemies are urging you to despair; when every scene around is full of gloom and horror; that, in imitation of your pious forefathers, with contrition of spirit, and penitence of heart, you implore the Divine Being, who alone is able to deliver you from your present unhappy and distressing situation, to espouse your righteous cause, secure your liberties, and fix them on a firm and lasting basis. And we fervently beseech him to restore to you and your American brethren, that peace and tranquility, so ardently desired, and earnestly sought for, by every true friend to liberty and mankind.

By order of the convention,
J. WENTWORTH, president.