On this day 250 years ago in London, Lord Dartmouth wrote a circular letter to each of the governors of the American colonies informing them what they already knew about the First Continental Congress requesting that each colony appoint delegates to attend a Second Continental Congress scheduled to convene in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775. Dartmouth added that

I am commanded by the King to signify to you his Majesty’s pleasure, that you do use your utmost endeavours to prevent such appointment of deputies within the colony under your government.

Source: https://allthingsliberty.com/2019/01/the-earl-of-dartmouth-secretary-of-state-for-the-colonies-third-year-august-1774-november-1775/

Also on that day in Philadelphia, William Bradford wrote to his friend James Madison about what little he could learn of the secret proceedings of the First Continental Congress. Bradford said the delegates

of Virginia are highly celebrated for their zeal. Your province seems to take the lead at present; that silent spirit of Courage which is said to reign there has gained you more credit than you can imagine. One fleeson an Upholster[er] has made two Colours for the Fairfax Company; the Motto’s “Pro aris & focis” & “Aut Liber aut nullus. He has orders also to procure a number of Drums & 200 Muskets as speedily as possible. This is doing something to purpose; but Pennsylvania seems as if it had expended all its vigor in the time of the Stampt-act; or surely it would catch some of that martial spirit that is kindled all around it. 

Interestingly, Bradford was referring to the order for supplies for the Fairfax Independent Company that George Washington had placed when he was in Philadelphia attending the First Continental Congress. [see yesterday’s post] The Latin banners translate as “for our altars and firesides” and “either freedom or nothing” 

Source: “To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 January 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-01-02-0038. [Original source: The Papers of James Madison, vol. 1, 16 March 1751 – 16 December 1779, ed. William T. Hutchinson and William M. E. Rachal. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1962, pp. 131–134.] available at https://founders.archives.gov/?q=%224%20January%201775%22&s=1111311111&sa=&r=6&sr=