Tag: history

On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 25, 1775

June 25th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago in Pennsylvania, Irish immigrant William Thompson was commissioned as Colonel of the rifle companies raised in western Pennsylvania which became known as the1st Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. Thompson would soon be promoted to Brigadier General but would be captured in early 1776 in Canada and would spend most of the War as a prisoner of the British albeit on parole rather than confinement. Also on this day 250 years ago in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a recent immigrant from Northern Ireland, James Dougherty, enlisted in Captain Matthew Smith’s Company of the 1st Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. Private Dougherty was also captured in Canada but was paroled after 4 months of confinement and immediately reenlisted serving through the end of the war in 1782.

Sources: https://founders.archives.gov/?q=%2225%20June%201775%22&s=1111311111&sa=&r=10&sr=; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Thompson_(general); https://patriotshistoryusa.com/teaching-materials/bonus-materials/james-dougherty-revolutionary-war-soldier/

On this day 250 years ago, General George Washington passed through Newark, New Jersey, on his way to New York City where among other duties he inspected militia in the City including a 25-man company of young volunteers commanded by a 20-year old immigrant from the West Indies named Alexander Hamilton. This evening, June 25, 2025, the Newark Public Library is hosting a commemoration of Washington’s journey through Newark.

Sources: https://www.npl.org/250th-anniversary-of-the-american-revolution-virtual-program/; http://daybyday.gwpapers.org/content/25-june-1775; https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hamilton-takes-command-74722445/

And on this day in Braintree, Massachusetts, Abigail Adams wrote a detailed report to her husband of the war effort in their town south of Boston:

We live in continual Expectation of Hostilities. Scarcely a day that does not produce some, but like Good Nehemiah having made our prayer with God, and set the people with their Swords, their Spears and their bows we will say unto them, Be not affraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and terible, and fight for your Breathren, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your houses.

. . .

Mr. Rice joins General Heaths regiment to morrow as adjutant. Your Brother is very desirous of being in the army, but your good Mother is really voilent against it. I cannot persuaid nor reason her into a consent. Neither he nor I dare let her know that he is trying for a place. My Brother has a Captains commission, and is stationd at Cambridge. I thought you had the best of inteligence or I should have taken pains to have been more perticuliar. As to Boston, there are many persons yet there who would be glad to get out if they could. Mr. Boylstone and Mr. Gill the printer with his family are held upon the black list tis said. Tis certain they watch them so narrowly that they cannot escape, nor your Brother Swift and family. Mr. Mather got out a day or two before Charlstown was distroyed, and had lodged his papers and what else he got out at Mr. Carys, but they were all consumed. So were many other peoples, who thought they might trust their little there; till teams could be procured to remove them. The people from the Alms house and work house were sent to the lines last week, to make room for their wounded they say. Medford people are all removed. Every sea port seems in motion.—O North! may the Groans and cryes of the injured and oppressed Harrow up thy Soul. We have a prodigious Army, but we lack many accomadations which we need. I hope the apointment of these new Generals will give satisfaction. They must be proof against calumny. In a contest like this continual reports are circulated by our Enimies, and they catch with the unwary and the gaping croud who are ready to listen to the marvellous, without considering of consequences even tho there best Friends are injured.—I have not venturd to inquire one word of you about your return. I do not know whether I ought to wish for it—it seems as if your sitting together was absolutely necessary whilst every day is big with Events.
Source: “Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 June 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/04-01-02-0155. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Adams Family Correspondence, vol. 1, December 1761 – May 1776, ed. Lyman H. Butterfield. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1963, pp. 230–233.]
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 24, 1775

June 24th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago at Samuel Getty’s Tavern in western York (but now Adams) County, Pennsylvania, men of the Marsh Creek settlement enlisted in Captain Michael Doudel’s company of riflemen. They would march from that location on July 1, 1775 to join the Continental Army at Boston and join the fight for American liberty. Exactly 88 years later the Confederate Army would sweep past Getty’s Tavern in the greatest threat to American liberty since the Revolution. Today, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 am the people of Gettysburg will commemorate the men who marched off to defend American liberty 250 years ago.

Sources: https://www.achs-pa.org/event/the-road-to-revolution-250th-anniversary-gathering-at-gettys-tavern/; https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=105372; https://www.facebook.com/dobbinhousetavern/photos/250th-revolutionary-war-lecture-at-the-dobbin-houseon-june-24-1775-several-men-m/1161007156069415/; https://pamarkers.blogspot.com/2023/11/gettys-crossroads-and-tavern-gettysburg.html

On this day 250 years ago in Williamsburg, Virginia, several young Patriots led by future US Congressman Theodorick Bland, and including future President James Monroe, George Nicholas and Benjamin Harrison VI raided the Governor’s Palace and seized more than 200 muskets and pistols and 300 swords. They then distributed the weapons from the Powder Magazine to any militia who needed arms. Bland, Monroe and Nicholas would soon become officers in the Continental Army and Harrison served as Deputy Paymaster General of the Army.

Sources: Selby, John E., The Revolution in Virginia 1775-1783, Williamsburg: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1998 at p. 46; https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/discover/moments-in-history/road-to-independence/dunmores-flight-and-the-seizure-of-the-governors-palace/

On this day 250 years ago in New Jersey, George Washington arrived in New Brunswick as he travels north to take command of the Continental Army besieging Boston. The same day, the Committee of Observation of Burlington County meets in Mansfield Township to organize the Revolution at the local level.

Sources: https://kevinsrevolutionarywarchronology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bc087-newjerseyamericanrevolutionchronologydennisryan.pdf; https://www.njssar.org/nj250

On this day 250 years ago in London the Admiralty wrote to Admiral Graves authorizing him to impress Americans against their will to man Royal Navy ships.

Source: https://daybydayamerica.com/day-by-day/year-1775/june-24-1775/
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 22, 1775

June 22nd, 2025

On this day 250 years ago outside of Tondee’s Tavern in Savannah, the people of Savannah elected 25 delegates to the Provincial Congress of Georgia and a “Committee for enforcing the Association” that would later be called the “Council of Safety.”

Source: Weeks, Carl Solana, Savannah In the Time of Peter Tondee, Columbia, South Carolina: Summerhouse Press, 1997 at 192-93.

On this day 250 years ago at Cambridge, Massachusetts, Col. John Glover, leading additional men he had been recruiting, rejoined his diverse regiment of fishermen, sailors, sailmakers, dock workers, merchants and goldsmiths from Marblehead that included 16-year-old Spanish immigrant Francis Grater, and multiple men of color including Manuel Soto, Caesar Glover, and Romeo.

Sources: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=176355; O’Donnell, Patrick K., The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware, New York: Grove Press, 2021 at pp. 55-58, 122

On this day 250 years ago in Providence, the Rhode Island Assembly’s Committee of Safety agreed to lease the Katy from John Brown as the first ship in the Rhode Island Navy.

Source: https://emergingrevolutionarywar.org/2025/06/05/captain-james-wallaces-tumultuous-june-1775-in-narragansett-bay/

And on this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress “Resolved, that a sum not exceeding two millions of Spanish mill’d dollars be emitted by the Congress in bills of credit for the defence of America” and thus created the first currency of the United States. The Congress also commissioned Irish immigrant Richard Montgomery, David Wooster of Connecticut, Seth Pomeroy, John Thomas, and William Heath of Massachusetts, Joseph Spencer of Connecticut, John Sullivan of New Hampshire and Nathanael Greene of Rhode Island as Brigadier Generals in the Continental Army. Half of these men would give their lives in the American Revolution — Montgomery and Wooster would be killed in action, and Pomeroy and Thomas would die of illness while serving.

Sources: https://www.loc.gov/item/90898111/; https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/siege-of-boston/
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 20, 1775

June 21st, 2025

On this day 250 years ago at Liberty Point in Cross Creek (present-day Fayetteville), North Carolina, 54 of the inhabitants

of Cumberland County, holding ourselves bound by that most sacred of all obligations, the duty of good citizens towards an injured Country, and thoroughly convinced that under our distressed circumstances we shall be justified before you in resisting force by force; do unite ourselves under every tie of religion and honour, and associate as a band in her defence against every foe; hereby solemnly engaging, that whenever our Continental or Provincial Councils shall decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety. This obligation to continue in full force until, a reconciliation shall take place between Great Britain and America, upon constitutional principles, an event we most ardently desire. And we will hold all those persons inimical to the liberty of the Colonies who shall refuse to subscribe to this Association; and we will in all things follow the advice of our General Committee, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individual and private property.

Robert Rowan organized the meeting and signed first and would go on to serve as a Captain in the Continental Army and a Colonel in the North Carolina Militia, as well as an elected official in the County, throughout the War. I have not researched the biographies of all the signers but one was French immigrant Joseph De Lespine who would serve as a surgeon treating militia during the War. All of the signers of the Liberty Point Resolves should be honored for risking their lives and fortunes to defend the freedom, safety and constitutional principles of America. Tomorrow, June 21, 2025, the people of Cumberland County will honor their patriotism and commitment.

Sources: https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/entertainment/11544-liberty-point-resolves-celebrated-in-fayetteville; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Point_Resolves; https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=24431; https://revwarapps.org/sc1897.pdf; https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/patriot_leaders_nc_robert_rowan.html

On this day 250 years ago, Thomas Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia as the youngest Virginia delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

Source: https://www.loc.gov/collections/thomas-jefferson-papers/articles-and-essays/the-thomas-jefferson-papers-timeline-1743-to-1827/1774-to-1783/

On that same day in Philadelphia, John Adams wrote to James Warren that General Washington had reviewed

the three Battalions of this City. I believe there never was two thousand Soldiers created out of nothing so suddenly, as in this City. You would be surprised to behold them, all in Uniforms, and very expert both in the Manual and Maneuvres. They go through the Wheelings and Firings in sub-divisions, grand Divisions, and Platoons, with great Exactness. Our accounts from all Parts of the Continent are very pleasing. The Spirit of the People is such as you would wish.

Source: https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-june-20-1775/

And also on this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress instructed General Washington

This Congress having appointed you to be General and Commander in chief of the Army of the united Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof, you are to repair with all expedition to the colony of Massachusetts bay and take charge of the army of the united colonies.

. . .

And . . . you are . . . to order and dispose of the said Army under your command as may be most advantageous for the obtaining the end for which these forces have been raised, making it your special care in discharge of the great trust committed unto you, that the liberties of America receive no detriment.

Sources: Journals of the Continental Congress at 100-01 accessed at https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=msu.31293020542571&seq=106

From its very beginning, the Army of the United States has been under orders that “the liberties of America receive no detriment.”
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — May 30, 1775

May 30th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, Delegate Thomas Willing of Pennsylvania read a letter to the Continental Congress written by a British government official supposedly on behalf of Prime Minister Lord North. The letter asserted that the British would make no further concessions to American demands and threatened “to use the whole force of the Kingdom . . . to reduce the rebellions and refractory provinces and colonies.”

Sources: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/contcong_05-30-75.asp; https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-may-30-1775/.

On that same day in London, British newspapers published the accounts of the Battles of Lexington and Concord that the Massachusetts Provincial Congress had gathered and dispatched to London on board the fast schooner Quero. In response to the American reports, Lord Dartmouth published in the Government’s official newspaper Gazette that

A report having been spread, and an account having been printed and published, of a skirmish between some of the people in the Province of Massachusetts Bay and a detachment of His Majesty’s troops, it is proper to inform the publick that no advices have as yet been received in the American Department of any such event. There is reason to believe that there are dispatches from General Gage on board the Sukey, Captain Brown, which, though she sailed four days before the vessel that brought the printed accounts, is not arrived.

Sources: https://www.historynet.com/the-pr-battle-after-lexington-and-concord/;

A Fast Ship from Salem: Carrying News of War

And on this day 250 years ago in New Hampshire, 30 to 40 British sailors and marines from the HMS Scarborough landed on Great Island and dismantled breastworks and other defenses at Fort William and Mary.

Source: https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/New_Hampshire/Fort_Constitution/history.html
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — May 29, 1775

May 29th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago, Royal Governor Josiah Martin of North Carolina fled the colony’s capital of New Bern eventually making his way to Fort Johnston at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the safety of British ships. With his flight from New Bern, Martin left the governmnent of North Carolina in the hands of the Patriots.

Source: Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., “‘With Such Great Alacrity’: The Destruction of Fort Johnston and the Coming of the American Revolution in North Caarolina”, The North Carolina Historical Review, Vol. 94, No. 2 (Apr 2017), pp. 150, 155-56 accessed at

https://www.jstor.org/stable/45184827?read-now=1&seq=6#page_scan_tab_contents

On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress approved a letter to the “Oppressed Inhabitants of Canada” proclaiming that:

Alarmed by the designs of an arbitrary Ministry to extirpate the Rights and liberties of all America, a sense of common danger conspired with the dictates of humanity, is urging us to call your attention, by our late address, to this very important object.

. . . we have been happy in considering you as fellow-subjects, and from the commencement of the present plan for subjugating the continent, we have viewed you as fellow-sufferers with us. As we were both entitled by the bounty of an indulgent creator to freedom, and being both devoted by the cruel edicts of a despotic administration, to common ruin, we perceived the fate of the protestant and catholic colonies to be strongly linked together, and therefore invited you to join with us in resolving to be free, and in rejecting, with disdain, the fetters of slavery, however artfully polished.

. . .

When hardy attempts are made to deprive men of rights, bestowed by the Almighty, when avenues are cut thro’ the most solemn compacts for the admission of despotism, when the plighted faith of government ceases to give security to loyal and dutiful subjects, and when the insidious stratagems and manoeuvres of peace become more terrible than the sanguinary operations of war, it is high time for them to assert those rights, and, with honest indignation, oppose the torrent of oppression rushing in upon them.

. . .

We, for our parts, are determined to live free, or not at all; and are resolved, that posterity shall never reproach us with having brought slaves into the world.

. . .

We yet entertain hopes of your uniting with us in the defence of our common liberty, and there is yet reason to believe, that should we join in imploring the attention of our Sovereign, to the unmerited and unparalleled oppressions of his American subjects, he will at length be undeceived, and forbid a licentious Ministry any longer to riot in the ruins of the rights of Mankind.

Source: “Letter from Congress to the “Oppressed Inhabitants of Canada,” 29 May 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jay/01-01-02-0078. [Original source: The Selected Papers of John Jay, vol. 1, 1760–1779, ed. Elizabeth M. Nuxoll. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2010, pp. 116–118.]
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — May 26, 1775

May 26th, 2025

On this day in New York City, the New York Provincial Congress adopted the General Association that declared

Persuaded that the salvation of the Rights and Liberties of America, depends under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants, in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of Government, We the Deputies of the different Counties of the Colony of New-York in Provincial Congress convened, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the Ministry, to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts – Bay, DO in the most solemn manner resolve never to become Slaves, and do associate under all the ties of Religion, Honour and Love to our Country, to adopt and endeavour to carry into execution whatever measures may be recommended by the Continental-Congress or resolved upon by this Provincial Congress for the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles, (which we most ardently desire), can be obtained; and that will in all things, follow the advice of our respective County Committees, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of Peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and private Property.

Source: https://www.cnyhistory.org/2015/05/general-association/

On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopted four resolutions:

The Congress adopted four resolutions introduced by Samuel Ward of Rhode Island:

1. That his Majesty’s most faithful subjects, in these colonies, are reduced to a dangerous and critical situation, by the attempts of the British Ministry to carry into execution, by force of arms, several unconstitutional and oppressive acts of the British parliament for laying taxes in America; to enforce the collection of those taxes, and for altering and changing the constitution and internal police of some of these colonies, in violation of the natural and civil rights of the colonists.

2. Hostilities being actually commenced in the Massachusetts bay, by the British troops, under the command of General Gage, and the lives of a number of the inhabitants of that colony destroyed, the town of Boston having not only been long occupied as a garrisoned town in an enemy’s country, but the inhabitants thereof treated with a severity and cruelty not to be justified even towards declared enemies; large re-inforcements too being ordered and soon expected, for the declared purpose of compelling these colonies to submit to the operation of the said acts; Resolved, therefore, that for the express purpose of securing and defending these colonies, and preserving them in safety against all attempts to carry the said acts into execution by force of arms, these colonies be immediately put into a state of defense.

3. But, as we most ardently wish for a restoration of the harmony formerly subsisting between our Mother country and these colonies, the interruption of which must, at all events, be exceedingly injurious to both countries, Resolved, that with a sincere design of contributing by all the means in our power, not incompatible with a just regard for the undoubted rights and true interests of these colonies, to the promotion of this most desirable reconciliation, an humble and dutiful petition be presented to his Majesty.

4. Resolved, That measures be entered into for opening a Negotiation, in order to accommodate the unhappy disputes subsisting between Great Britain and these colonies, and that this be made a part of the petition to the King.

As a result of the third resolution a committee of Congress began drafting the “Olive Branch Petition” — the last attempt by Congress to reconcile with Britain short of war and independence.

Sources: https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-may-26-1775/; https://250andcounting.com/2025/05/26/may-26-1775-one-more-attempt-at-peace/

Although this day would be celebrated as Memorial Day only by future generations, 250 years ago, Congress’s second resolution shows that Americans were memorializing “the lives of a number of the inhabitants of” Massachusetts lost at Lexington and Concord in the fight to secure American liberty.
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — May 25, 1775

May 25th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia the Continental Congress adopted these resolutions:

1. Resolved, that a post be immediately taken and fortified at or near King’s bridge in the colony of New York, that the ground be chosen with a particular view to prevent the communication between the city of New York and the country from being interrupted by land.

2. Resolved, that a post be also taken in the highlands on each side of Hudson’s River and batteries erected in such manner as will most effectually prevent any vessels passing that may be sent to harass the inhabitants on the borders of said river; and that experienced persons be immediately sent to examine said river in order to discover where it will be most advisable and proper to obstruct the navigation.

3. Resolved, That the militia of New York be armed and trained and in constant readiness to act at a moments warning; and that a number of men be immediately Embodied and Kept in that city and so disposed of as to give protection to the inhabitants in case any insult should be offered by the troops, that may land there, and to prevent any attempts that may be made to gain possession of the city and interrupt its intercourse with the country.

4. Resolved, That it be left to the provincial congress of New York to determine the number of men sufficient to occupy the several posts above mentioned, and also that already recommended to be taken at or near lake George, as well as to guard the City, provided the whole do not exceed the number of three thousand men, to be commanded by such officers as shall be thereunto appointed by said provincial congress; and to be governed by such rules and regulations as shall be thereunto appointed by said provincial congress; and to be governed by such rules and regulations as shall be established by sd Congress until farther order is taken by this Congress; Provided also that if the sd provincial congress should be of opinion that the number proposed will not be sufficient for the several services above recommended, that the said Congress report their sentiments upon this subject to this Congress as soon as may be.

Source: https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-may-25-1775/

On this day 250 years ago in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Williamsburg Volunteer Company

Resolved, that every member in this company oblige themselves, by the ties of honour and duty to their country, to march, on the smallest warning, to any part of the continent, where the general cause of American liberty may demand their attendance, provided that they do not by such a step leave their own country in a defenceless state. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this company, that landing of any foreign troops in this country will be, at the present critical juncture of affairs, a most dangerous attack on the liberties of this country; and that this company will, therefore, keep the most watchful eye on any movement from this quarter, that they will consult their fellow countrymen in the different parts of this province on that head, and, should they find an unanimity of sentiment to prevail throughout this country respecting that particular, they are determined, with the aid and assistance of their fellow subjects, to resist all such arbitrary measures, at the expence of life and fortune.

Source: https://research.colonialwilliamsburg.org/todayIn1770s/index.cfm?SelectedMonth=05&SelectedDay=25

And on this day 250 years ago in Boston, the HMS Cerberus arrived carrying General William Howe, General Henry Clinton, and General John Burgoyne with orders for Howe to eventually replace General Gage in command of the British Army in Boston.

Sources: https://www.revolutionary-war.net/siege-of-boston/; https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/bunker-hill.html
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — May 21, 1775

May 21st, 2025

On this day 250 years ago, two British sloops and an armed schooner with about 100 soldiers sailed out of Boston to Grape Island on the southern end of Boston Bay to gather hay from the farm of the Loyalist who owned the island. Nearly 2000 militia from Hingham and surrounding towns, including John Adams’ brothers from Braintree, gathered on the mainland shore across from the island. Although they were at the edge of the range of muskets, they began firing at the British. When the tide came in the Americans crossed to the island on small boats and British boarded their ships to depart with the hay they had gathered. While sailing away the British ships exchanged fire with the militia. Despite a lot of gunfire over several hours the British reportedly had only three men wounded and the Americans none. The Americans did, however, burn about eighty tons of hay that the British had not been able to remove, as well as the Loyalist’s barn, and removed his livestock from the island.

Following this skirmish, the Patriots began raiding the islands in Boston Harbor in the “Provision War” to remove livestock and hay needed by the British Army in Boston.

Sources: https://www.patriotledger.com/story/opinion/columns/2008/05/17/a-forgotten-battle/40205911007/; https://www.nps.gov/places/grape-island.htm; https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/before-bunker-hill/; https://guides.bpl.org/c.php?g=800717&p=10418669; https://revolutionarywar.us/year-1775/

Last weekend the Town of Hingham commemorated the 250th anniversary of “Battle of Grape Island” https://hinghamhistorical.org/battle-of-grape-island/. But next weekend in Boston there will be commemorations of the next, and much more significant, engagements in the Provision War. https://www.revolution250.org/; https://www.revolution250.org/; https://www.revolution250.org/; https://www.revolution250.org/
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — May 16, 1775

May 16th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago in Hanna’s Town, Pennsylvania, “a general meeting of the inhabitants of the County of Westmoreland” adopted the Hanna’s Town Resolves that:

Resolved unanimously, That the Parliament of Great Britain, by several late acts, have declared the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay to be in Rebellion, and the ministry, by endeavoring to enforce those acts, have attempted to reduce the said inhabitants to a more wretched state of slavery than ever before existed in any state or country. Not content with violating their constitutional and chartered privileges, they would strip them of the rights of humanity, exposing lives to the wanton and unpunishable sport of licentious soldiery, and depriving them of the very means of subsistence.

Resolved unanimously, That there is no reason to doubt that the same system of tyranny and oppression will (should it meet with success in Massachusetts Bay) be extended to every other part of America: It is therefore become the indispensable duty of every American, of every man who has any public virtue or love for his country, or any bowels for posterity, by every means which God has put in his power, to resist and oppose the execution of it; that for us we will be ready to oppose it with our lives and fortunes. And the better to enable us to accomplish it, we will immediately form ourselves into a military body, to consist of companies to be made up out of the several townships under the following association, which is declared to be the Association of Westmoreland County.

. . . animated with the love of liberty, it is no less our duty to maintain and defend our just rights (which, with sorrow, we have seen of late wantonly violated in many instances by a wicked Ministry and a corrupted Parliament) and transmit them to our posterity, for purpose which we do agree and associate together:

1st. To arm and form ourselves into a regiment or regiments, and choose officers to command us in such proportions as shall be thought necessary.

2nd. We will, with alacrity, endeavor to make ourselves masters of the manual exercise, and such evolutions as may be necessary to enable us to act in a body with concert; and to that end we will meet at such times and places as shall be appointed either for the companies or the regiment, by the officers commanding each when chosen.

3rd. That should our country be invaded by a foreign enemy, or should troops be sent from Great Britain to enforce the late arbitrary acts of its Parliament, we will cheerfully submit to military discipline, and to the utmost of our power resist and oppose them, or either of them, and will coincide with any plan that may be formed for the defense of America in general, or Pennsylvania in particular.

Source: https://westmorelandhistory.org/history-of-the-hannas-town-resolves/ (omitting the obligatory but facetious pledge of loyalty to King George III)

Tomorrow, May 17, 2025, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania will reenact the Hanna’s Town Resolves.

America’s 250th in Westmoreland County!