On this day 250 years ago in Trenton, the New Jersey Provincial Congress
taking into consideration the cruel and arbitrary measures adopted and pursued by the British Parliament and present Ministry, for the purpose of subjucating the American Colonies to the most abject servitude; and, being apprehensive that all pacific measures for the redress of our grievances will prove ineffectual, do think it highly necessary that the inhabitants of this Province be forthwith properly armed and disciplined, for defending the cause of American freedom. And further considering that, to answer this desirable end, it is requisite that such persons be entrusted with the command of the Militia, as can be confided in by the people, and are truly zealous in support of our just rights and privileges
Accordingly, the Provincial Congress recommended that
one or more companies . . . be immediately formed in each Township . . . of male inhabitants . . . from the age of sixteen to fifty, who are capable of bearing arms . . . consisting as near as may be of eighty men each
The Provincial Congress also gave approval to “the spirited exertions of the Counties of Morris, Sussex and Somerset, in raising of minute-men” and effectively incorporated those companies in the New Jersey Militia. Furthermore, the Congress directed that “the sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, Proclamation Money, be immediately . . . raised” for “the safety of the people” and apportioned this sum to each New Jersey county to collect the taxes. Before adjourning the Congress named a Committee of Correspondence to govern New Jersey until the Provincial Congress reconvened.
https://www.njssar.org/chronology; https://archive.org/details/minutesofprovinc00newj/page/178/mode/2up
On this day 250 years ago in Charlestown (now Charleston), the South Carolina Provincial Congress formed an Association pledged to defend American liberties against British oppression and to “unite ourselves, under every tie of religion and honour, and associate, as a band in her defence, against every foe.”
On this day 250 years ago, the HMS Margaretta (50 tons with a crew of around 40) armed with four 4-pounder cannon and a dozen swivel one-pounders, under the command of Midshipman James Moore, and the schooners Unity and Polly owned by Loyalist merchant Ichabod Jones, were anchored off Machias, Massachusetts (now Maine). The people of Machias were expecting to purchase pork and flour from Ichabod Jones, and that he would buy firewood and lumber for the return trip to Boston. However, Rev. James Lyons, the Chairman of the Machias Committee of Safety, later reported that when Jones and his crew came ashore
a paper was handed about for the people to sign, as a prerequisite to their obtaining any provisions, of which we were in great want. The contents of this paper, required the signers to indulge Capt Jones in carrying Lumber to Boston, & to protect him and his property, at all events
Many people signed the paper, but Rev. Lyons and the Sons of Liberty refused and scheduled a meeting at the Burnham Tavern for the Town to vote a few days later on how to respond to Ichabod Jones.
On This Day In The Revolution 