Tag: revolutionary-war

On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — July 3, 1775

July 3rd, 2025

On this day 250 years ago, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, General George Washington took command of the New England Army of Observation which then became the Continental Army. General Washington and General Charles Lee reviewed a parade of their new troops that included “one & twenty Drummers & as many feffors a Beting and Playing Round the Prayde,” according to a letter written by Lt. Joseph Hodgkins to his wife Sarah in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Sources: https://daybydayamerica.com/day-by-day/year-1775/july-3-1775/; https://boston1775.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-did-washington-do-on-3-july-1775.html

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the National Park Service and Historic Cambridge will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of Washington’s command at the Longfellow’s House — Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site in Cambridge, Massachusetts. https://boston1775.blogspot.com/2025/06/headquarters-of-revolution-in-cambridge.html

Also on this day 250 years ago in Cambridge, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety authorized the distribution of small arms to militia companies encamped around Boston and also recorded that

Henries Vomhavi, an Indian, having represented to this committee, that he had taken two horses at Noddle’s island, one a little horse, which he is desirous of retaining as some recompense for his fatigue and risk in that action, in which, it is said he behaved with great bravery ; it is the opinion of this committee, that said Indian should be gratified in his request, which will be an encouragement to others in the service, provided, the honorable Congress should approve thereof.

Source: https://archive.org/details/journalsofeachprma00mass/page/586/mode/2up

On the morning of this day 250 years ago in Bedford, New Hampshire, farmer/fisherman/jack-of-all-trades Matthew Patten, a 56-year old immigrant from Northern Island and member of the Bedford Committee of Safety, made a pail to use for fishing. In the afternoon, Patten “met John Bell at Adam Dickeys And took his Wifes Deposition aud james Mathies aud his son Roberts of some discourse Mr Houston had to them Relating the cruel acts of Parliament.” As one of his duties as a member of the Committee of Safety, Patten was investigating Rev. John Houston as a suspected Tory.

Source: Diary of Matthew Patten at https://archive.org/details/diaryofmatthewpa00patt/page/344/mode/2up [originally posted yesterday but I reread the diary and saw I had the wrong date]
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 27, 1775

June 27th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago in New Rochelle, New York, Major General Philip Schuyler left General Washington’s party to head to return to New York City to command the Continental Army troops in New York. Generals Washington, Lee and their staff proceeded to Massachusetts to join the Continental Army besieging Boston.

Source: http://daybyday.gwpapers.org/content/27-june-1775

On this day in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress issued the following orders to General Schuyler:

Resolved, That Major General P Schuyler be directed to repair as soon as conveniently he can to the posts of Ticonderoga and Crown point, to examine into the state thereof, and of the troops now stationed there, and how they are supplied with provisions and necessary stores ー into the state also of the sloop and other navigation on the lakes ー also to obtain the best intelligence he can of the disposition of the Canadians and Indians of Canada. . . . And that he give orders for the necessary preparation of boats and stores for securing to the United Colonies the command of those waters adjacent to Crown point and Ticonderoga.

Resolved, That as Governor Carlton is making preparations to invade these colonies and is instigating the Indian Nations to take up the Hatchet against them, Major Genl Schuyler do exert his utmost power to destroy or take all vessels, boats or floating batteries, preparing by sd Govr or by his order, on or near the waters of the lakes.

Resolved, That if General Schuyler finds it practicable, and that it will not be disagreeable to the Canadians, he do immediately take possession of St Johns, Montreal, and any other parts of the country, and pursue any other measures in Canada, which may have a tendency to promote the peace and security of these Colonies.

Source: https://navydocs.org/node/1422

On this day 250 years ago in Boston, Admiral Graves ordered HMS Glasgow to depart Boston harbor to patrol from Nantucket to the western end of Long Island to escort transports. After that he was to place himself and his ship under Captain Wallace’s command patrolling Narrangansett Bay of Rhode Island. On that same day, the acting governor of Rhode Island, Deputy Governor Nicholas Cooke wrote the Massachusetts Committee of Safety that

if there were a few Vessels properly armed and mannd along the Coast in different parts it would be a great means of proteckting our own trade and allso of picking up many of the provision Vessels that they the Men of War take this way and send round to Boston.

Source: https://emergingrevolutionarywar.org/2025/06/05/captain-james-wallaces-tumultuous-june-1775-in-narragansett-bay/
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 — June 19, 1775

June 19th, 2025

On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress delivered to George Washington his Commission that read:

We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint 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 And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the service.

And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders & diligent in the exercise of their several duties. And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in the army and that the soldiers are duly exercised an provided with all convenient necessaries.

And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to observe and foll⟨ow⟩ such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.

This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this or a future Congress.

Source: “Commission from the Continental Congress, 19 June 1775,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-01-02-0004. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 1, 16 June 1775 – 15 September 1775, ed. Philander D. Chase. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1985, pp. 6–8.]

Also on that day in Philadelphia, the Congress commissioned Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler and Israel Putnam as Major Generals in the Continental Army. Lee was a recent immigrant to America, arriving only in 1773 although he had served in the British Army in America during the French and Indian War.

Source: Journals of Congress at 98-99 accessed at https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=msu.31293020542571&seq=105

And on that day in Wilmington, North Carolina an Association was “unanimously agreed to, by the inhabitants” of New Hanover County that declared

We do unite ourselves under every tie of religion and honor and associate as a band in her defense 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. . . . under our present circumstances, we shall be justified … in resisting force by force.

Source: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=226258
On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 3, 1775

June 3rd, 2025

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.”

1775: Key Events in the Charleston Area

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.

Battle of Machias: First Naval Battle of the American Revolution
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.]