On this day 250 years ago, the Boston Committee, joined by the committees of ten other nearby towns, writes to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress to request “some immediate and effectual Measures . . . for the publick security” due to “the Insults and Depredations of a lawless and hostile Band of armed Soldiers” occupying Boston and their “wanton Cruelty and Mischief.” The Committees added “were the Constitution not unhinged thro’ the Machinations of a tryannic Minister” the towns would not need security.
Source: Norton at 333-34 quoting Wroth, L. Kinvin, et al., eds. Province in Rebellion: A Documentary History of the Founding of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1774-1775, Cambridge, Mass., Harvard University Press (1975) at 2130-31.
On this day 250 years ago in London, King George III signs the New England Restraining Act. The Act prohibited the New England colonies — Massachusetts, New Hamphshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut from trading with any country but Great Britain.
On this day 250 years ago in Massachusetts, the First Brigade of the British Army, four regiments totalling about 1200 men, marches from Boston nine miles through Roxbury and Brookline to the Watertown Bridge over the Charles River. Instead of crossing they then turn around and march back to Boston. In response to this march, before the end of the day the Massachusetts Provincial Congress in Concord issues the following resolution :
Whenever the army under command of General Gage, or any part thereof to the number of five hundred, shall march out of the town of Boston, with artillery and baggage, it ought to be deemed a design to carry into execution by force the late acts of Parliament, the attempting of which, by the resolve of the late honourable Continental Congress, ought to be opposed; and therefore the military force of the Province ought to be assembled, and an army of observation immediately formed, to act solely on the defensive so long as it can be justified on the principles of reason and self-preservation.
On this day 250 years ago in Montreal, Canada, John Brown prepares a report to Samuel Adams and Joseph Warren of the Massachusetts Committee of Correspondences. Brown was a lawyer from Pittsfield, Massachusetts who had traveled to Montreal to assess the status of sentiments in Canada. Brown writes that Governor-General Guy Carleton of Canada is “a strong friend to Administration and the late Acts of the British Parliament which respect America, particularly the Quebeck Bill; has restrained the liberty of the Press, that nothing can be printed without examination and license” and that British soldiers in “this Province are ordered to hold themselves in readiness for Boston, On the shortest notice. Four or five hundred snow-shoes are prepared, for what use they know not.” Critically, he added
One thing I must mention, to be kept as a profound secret. The Fort at Ticonderoga must be seized as soon as possible, should hostilities be committed by the King’ s Troops. The people on New-Hampshire Grants have engaged to do this business, and in my opinion they are the most proper persons for this job. This will effectually curb this Province, and all the Troops that may be sent here.
On this day 250 years ago, in Williamsburg, Virginia Governor Lord Dunmore issued a proclamation prohibiting the Second Virginia Convention from electing delegates to the Second Continental Congress. He was too late, the Virginia Convention had already elected its full delegation to Congress and had adjourned the day earlier, not that they would have heeded Dunmore’s proclamation anyway.
Also on this day 250 years ago from the Long Island on the Holston River (present-day Kingsport, Tennessee), after concluding its purchase from the Cherokee Nation, Richard Henderson led 30 men on horseback following the Wilderness Road blazed by Daniel Boone into Kentucky.
And on the same day in Charles Town, South Carolina, John Stuart, Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Southern District, wrote Lord Dartmouth about the proclamations issued by Governors Martin and Dunmore for the arrest of Henderson and his associates for violating the British Government’s prohibition on settlements west of the Appalachians in territory reserved for the Native Americans. Stuart also wrote that he would work to keep the Indians attached to the King “and in a temper to be always ready to act in the Service.” Unfortunately for Stuart, this letter would come back to haunt him. Cashin at pp.128-29; https://www.npshistory.com/publications/usfs/region/8/daniel-boone/history/chap8.htm
On this day 250 years ago in Richmond, the Second Virginia Convention adjourns, but as one of its final acts it elects Thomas Jefferson as an alternate delegate to replace Peyton Randolph if he was unable to attend the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Randolph had needed to resign from the First Continental Congress due to illness and if the Virginia House of Burgesses was called into session, Randolph intended to return to Williamsburg to preside as Speaker of the Virginia House. So the delegates to the Virginia Convention expected Jefferson to serve in the Continental Congress at some point, and as we know well today, he did.
Also on this day 250 years ago in Boston, a Loyalist minister writes to the Bishop of London that “it is hardly conceivable what a spirit of phrenzy reigns [in Massachusetts.] England must either resign the Govmt of the Colonies or subdue them.”
On this day 250 years ago an anonymous writer in Northampton County, Virginia wrote a letter complaining of harassment by “Captain Collins” (actually Lieutenant Henry Collins) of the 6-gun schooner HMS Magdalen that was published in the next edition of the Virginia Gazette. Four days earlier Collins had searched a sloop at Hungars Harbour in Northampton County of Eastern Shore Virginia looking for contraband. The next day he ordered his crew to board the sloop again and seized a young apprentice of the sloop’s owner and held him captive for three days to interrogate the apprentice in an unsuccessful effort to find evidence of smuggling.
A month later Collins and the crew of the schooner Magdalen would seize gunpowder in Williamsburg, starting the armed conflict between the Crown and the Patriots in Virginia.
Source: “The Virginia Gazette. Williamsburg: Printed by John Pinkney for the benefit of Clementina Rind’s children. March 30, 1775” accessed at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.rbc/rbpe.1750130e
In the early morning hours before daylight on this day 250 years ago on Silver Creek in Kentucky, a party of Native Americans attack the encampment of Daniel Boone’s trailblazing party while they were constructing the Boone Trace. Captain William Twitty (sometimes spelled Twetty) was mortally wounded, and his slave, Sam, was killed instantly. Felix Walker was severely wounded but eventually survived. The Native Americans captured a couple of horses and then disappeared into the night.
Boone and other members of the party were not injured in the assault but the injuries to Twitty and Walker were so severe that they could not be moved safely. Boone’s company built a log shelter as a protective defensive position for the entire party while Twitty and Walker recovered. Within a few days Twitty died and was buried with Sam at the site. The wooden structure became known as “Twitty’s Fort” or “The Little Fort” and was occupied for many years afterwards as the first white settlement in Kentucky.
And on this day 250 years ago in Richmond, the Virginia Convention resolved to close the official courts authorized by the British government and that
the lawyers, suitors, and witnesses, ought not to attend the prosecution or defence of civil suits at the next General Court; and it is recommended to the several courts of justice not to proceed to the hearing or determination of suits on their dockets . . . . And during this suspention of the administration of justice, it is earnestly recommended to the people to observe a peaceable and orderly behaviour, to all creditors to be as indulgent to their debtors as may be, and to all debtors to pay as far as they are able; and where differences may arise which cannot be adjusted between the parties, that they refer the decision thereof to judicious neighbours, and abide by their determination.
The Virginia Convention also adopted a resolution organizing the Militia drafted by a committee that included Thomas Jefferson and George Washington:
that it be recommended to the inhabitants of the several counties of this colony that they form one or more Voluntier companies of infantry and troops of horse in each county and be in constant training and readiness to act on any emergency.
. . .
That each company of infantry consist of sixty eight rank and file to be commanded by one captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four serjeants, four corporals and that they have a drummer and be furnished with a drum and colors: that every man be provided with a good Rifle if to be had, or otherwise with a common firelock, bayonet and cartouch box; and also with a tomahawk, one pound of gunpowder, and four pounds of ball at least fitted to the bore of his gun; that he be cloathed in a hunting shirt by way of uniform; and that all endeavor as soon as possible to become acquainted with the military exercise for infantry appointed to be used by his majesty in the year 1764.
That each troop of horse consist of thirty exclusive of officers: that every horseman be provided with a good horse, bridle, saddle with pistols and Holsters, a carbine or other short firelock with a bucket, a cutting Sword or tomahawk, one pound of gunpowder and four pound of ball at the least, and use the utmost diligence in training and accustoming his horse to stand the discharge of firearms, and in making himself acquainted with the military exercise for Cavalry.
That in order to make a further and more ample provision of ammunition it be recommended to the Committees of the several counties that they collect from their constituents in such manner as shall be most agreeable to them, so much money as will be sufficient to purchase half a pound of gun-powder, one pound of lead, necessary flints and cartridge paper for every titheable person in their county, that they immediately take effectual measures for the procuring such gunpowder, lead, flints and cartridge paper, and dispose thereof when procured in such place or places of safety as they may think best. And it is earnestly recommended to each individual to pay such proportion of the money necessary for these purposes as by the respective committees shall be judged requisite.
And on this day in New York City, in contrast to the preparations for War by the Virginia Convention, the General Assembly of the Colony of New York adopted a “humble petition” that asked the King to hear their “Prayer of your faithful Subjects, and while we are pleading our own Cause, and the Course of Liberty and Humanity, deign to consider us as Advocates for our Sister Colonies also.” The petition then politely asked the King to repeal each of the Intolerable Acts.
On this day 250 years ago at the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond, the Committee formed by Patrick Henry’s resolutions on the previous day presents its recommendations to the Convention for the formation of the Virginia militia. Patrick Henry is chairman of the Committee and the other members are Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Lewis, William Christian, Adam Stephen, George Washington, Isaac Zane, Jr., Robert Carter Nicholas, Lemuel Riddick, Edmund Pendleton, and Benjamin Harrison.
All of these delegates except Zane and Riddick served in prominent roles in the Revolution and have already been mentioned in this blog and will be mentioned again. Lemuel Riddick of Suffolk had represented Nansemond County in the House of Burgesses for thirty-nine years and was Clerk of the Nansemond County Court, but died in December1775. Isaac Zane represented Frederick County in the Virginia Conventions and Virginia Assembly throughout the Revolution, but his most important contribution to American Independence was his ownership and management of the Marlboro Iron Works, one of the largest suppliers of ordnance — producing six- and four-pound cannon, shot, swivel balls, chain shot, kettles, salt pans, and stoves — for the Virginia Militia and Continental Army.
On this day 250 years ago in Concord, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress resolves that
measures . . . for the purpose of putting this colony into a complete state of defense, be still most vigorously pursued by the several towns, as well as individual inhabitants, and that any relaxation would be attended with the utmost danger to the liberties of this colony and of all America
On this day 250 years ago at the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond, Patrick Henry introduced three resolutions modeled after the Fairfax Committee’s resolution to form an independent company of militia.
The first resolution stated:
that a well regulated Militia composed of Gentlemen and Yeomen is the natural Strength and only Security of a free Government: that such a Militia in this Colony would forever render it unnecessary for the Mother Country to keep among us for the purpose of our Defense any standing Army of mercenary Forces, always subversive of the Quiet, and dangerous to the Liberties of the People; and would obviate the Pretext of taxing us for their Support.
His second stated:
that the Establishment of such a Militia is at this Time peculiarly necessary by the State of our Laws for the protection and Defence of the Country, some of which are already expired and others will shortly do so; and that the known Remissness of Government in calling us together in a Legislative Capacity renders it too insecure in this time of Danger and Distress to rely; that Opportunity will be given of renewing them in General Assembly, or making any provision to secure our inestimable Rights & Liberties from those further Violations with which they are threatened.
The third resolution stated:
Resolved therefore that his Colony be immediately put into a posture of Defence [and that a Committee be appointed] to prepare a Plan for embodying, arming, and disciplining such a Number of Men as may be sufficient for that purpose.
Richard Henry Lee seconded Henry’s resolutions. Several delegates to the Convention rose to speak against Henry’s third resolution arguing that it was a “prophesy of war” and “would place Virginia in the false position of appearing not to resist armed conflict but to invite it.” In response to these arguments Patrick Henry delivered his most famous speech, which was recorded years later as follows:
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free² if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Following Patrick Henry’s speech, the Virginia Convention voted 65 to 60 to adopt Henry’s resolutions forming a militia in Virginia independent of Royal authority.
Today, March 23, 2025, VA250 will have a live reenactment of Patrick Henry’s speech at St. John’s Church in Richmond that will be livestreamed here https://va250.org/patrick-henrys-speech/
On this day 250 years ago in Harford County, Maryland, 34 men sign the Bush Declaration:
We, the Committee of Harford County, having most Seriously and maturely Considered the Resolves and Association of the Continental Congress, and the Resolves of the Provincial Convention, do most heartily approve of the same, and as we Esteem ourselves in a more particular manner intrusted by our Constituents to see them carried into Execution, we do most solemnly pledge ourselves to each other, and to our country, and engage ourselves by every tie held sacred among mankind, to perform the same at the risque of our lives and fortunes.
Today, March 22, 2025, at 9:30 am at Bel Air, Maryland, the people of Harford County will commemorate these brave men who risqued their lives and fortunes for American rights.
On this day 250 years ago in Concord, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress reconvened and would remain in session for almost a month, adjourning on April 15, 1775, only four days before the War would begin at Concord.
On This Day In The Revolution 