The Rise of the Republic of the United States ... Sixth edition

Preface

. Thirty-five years ago I prepared, con amore, a series of papers on " The History of Charlestown," my native place, designed for the local newspaper ; but they were published in pamphlet form. The: first number appeared in 1845, and six additional! numbers brought the history down to the period oi the battle of Bunker Hill. In the same spirit I then made collections relative to the opening scenes of the war of the Revolution ; and, as there was no complete narrative of these events, I published in 1849 the " History of the Siege of Boston, and of the Battles of Lexington, Concord, •and Bunker Hill." In these researches I became familiar with the political career of Joseph Warren, and began to frame a narrative of the transactions in which he figured as a political leader ; and this was the occasion of the preparation of "The Life and Times of Joseph War ren,'' published in 1865.

I also furnished articles more or less elaborate to a Boston daily newspaper, on points of American his tory, as an occasional contributor from 1838 to 1852, VI

PREFACE.

. and for the succeeding thirteen years as one of the proprietors and editors. An article on the Declara tion of Independence, dealing with principles, printed on the Fourth of July, 1842, — another, on the succeeding anniversary relating facts, — and a third on the 2d of March, 1854, on the first covenant of the country, — fill several columns, and would make a considerable pamphlet. These papers, to say nothing of others, relate to the formative process of the na tion.1 These circumstances, with others not necessary to be stated, led me to historical research having in view the one clear and distinct object of tracing the de velopment of the national life; a theme separate from the ordinary course of civil and military transactions, and requiring events to be selected from their relation to principles, and to be traced to their causes.

The theme, as I went on, seemed to grow beyond my reach. I well knew that it was only by patient labor, that I could hope to justify the attempt to deal with it. I tried to form in my mind a picture of the many streams that met and united in the current which ter- 1 It is said that there has not been a single writer " who has attempted to distinguish between the History of the United States and the Political Literature of the country; that is, in giving an account of the facts, of a public or private nature, that controlled the events of any era or epoch, almost all have altogether failed to look to the inner influence, so to speak, of the writings, the proceedings of public bodies, the state papers, that in each case preceded and moulded and accompanied every important occurrence of the different phases of our national existence.

They have confined their attention too much to the effect of the development of both the political and social progress of our earlier existence, and have paid too little heed to the causes of the gradual expansion of political opinions and the origin of our steady and successful advance to independence and constitutional government." — The Penn Monthly, for August, 1871, vol. ii. 379.

PREFACE.

. VII minated in the broad expanse of a nation. I also endeavored to form an idea of the spirit of the men of the past, from their own words uttered in the midst of their labors, and wet as it were with the sweat of their brows, — of the conservatives who tried to stay the current, as well as of the men of progress who recognized it and were borne onward by it. Yet the attainment of the ideal is but the commencement of the work. The difficulty is to make the page alive with the moving waters. I feel conscious that this is but imperfectly done. I am indebted to Eev. Edwin H. Chapin, D.D., for files of Philadelphia newspapers during the Revolu tionary period ; and to Hon. Charles H. Warren, for the original letter of John Adams, printed in the Ap pendix. For valuable aid in preparing the work for the press, I express grateful acknowledgments to Wil liam F. Poole, Esq., Rev. Chandler Robbins, D.D., and Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, D.D. RICHARD FROTHINGHAM.

Charlestoww, Mass., Sept. 12, 1872. CONTENTS. CHAPTEK I. Introduction. — Ideas of Local Self-government and op National Union. PAOB Introduction 1 Territory which became the United States 1 Designed by Providence to be the Abode of a Great Nation ... 2 Growth of the Population .... 3 Their Relation of Union .... 4 Character of the Aborigines ... 4 The Land awaiting a New Civilization 5 Preparation in the Old World for Colonization 5 Pagan Idea of Man 6 Christian Idea of Man 6 Transformation of Society effected by Christianity 6 Its Political Consequences .... 7 Pioneers of the Republican School : — George Buchanan 7 Hubert Lanquet 8 John Milton 8 John Locke 8 Algernon Sidney 9 International Law respecting Rights to the Soil 9 Migrations, Individual 10 Ancestry of the American Race . . 10 Motives of the Colonists .... 11 Their Boldness in applying Principles 11 PAGB Polity of the United States peculiar 11 "EPluxibusUnum" 11 Circumstances that created Diversity 12 Ideas that produced Union ... 13 Local Self-government and Union the Elements of the Polity of the United States 13 Local Self-government 14 Among the Germans .... 14 Among the Saxons .... 14 Undermined by the Crown . . 15 Applied by the Colonists . . 15 Ib Municipal Government . . 16 In Representation 17 The Formation of Assemblies . . 18 The Formation of Municipalities . 19 The Elective Franchise .... 25 The Public Meeting 27 Product of Local Self-government . 28 Idea of National Union .... 28 Early Conception of Union ... 28 Embodiments of Union during the Colonial Period 29 Urged in a Spirit of Allegiance to the Crown 30 Union at the Revolution urged in the view of forming an Independent Nation 30 Foundations of the Republic ... 31 b CONTENTS, X

CHAPTER IL

The Combination of Local Self-government and Union is iii New England Confederact. 1643 to 1684.

FAOE Society in the Colonies, developed first under the Law of Diversity . 33 Settlements in North America in 1643 33 Maps of the Country 34 Progress of Colonization .... 34 How directed by England .... 35 General Assault by the Indians . . 36 New England in 1643 36 Charged with aiming at Sovereignty 37 Protestations of Loyalty .... 38 Appeal of Edward Winslow for Aid 38 The Colonies cast on themselves . 38 They aim at Union 39 Confederation of 1643 39 Congratulation of Thomas Hooker . 40 Articles of the Confederation ... 40 Character of the Confederation . . 42 Qualification of Church Membership 43 Benefits of the Confederation . . 44 Long Parliament and New England 44 Jealousy of New England ... 45 Lords of Trade and Plantations . . 45 Appeals to this Board 45 Answer of Massachusetts .... 46 Magna Charta cited 46 Charge of aiming at Sovereignty . 46 Answer of Edward Winslow ... 47 Appeals disallowed 47 The Colonies and the Long Parliament 47 The Colonies and Cromwell ... 48 New England Confederation prosperous 48 Eliot's Christian Commonwealth . 49 Restoration of Charles II 49 Clarendon and Republicanism . . 49 Council for Foreign Plantations . . 60 PAGE Complaints against New England . 51 The Colonies and the Sovereignty . 51 Charge of aiming at Independence . 51 Charters of Charles II 52 Subordination to the Sovereignty . 53 Grant to the Duke of York ... 53 Creation of a Special Commission . 54 Empowered to regulate the Internal Affairs of New England . . 54 Commissioners' Arrival in Boston . 54 Reduction of New Netherland . . 55 Geographical Unity 55 Massachusetts and the Commission 55 The Commissioners and Three Colonies 55 In Massachusetts 56 Aid the General Election . . 57 Confer with the General Court 57 The Commission asserts its Authority 58 The General Court nullifies its Acts 59 The Commissioners charge the General Court with denying the Sovereignty 59 Answer of the General Court ... 60 Illegality of the Commission ... 62 Decline of the Confederacy ... 63 Meetings of the Commissioners . . 63 Public Mind not ripe for Union . . 64 Loyalty of New England .... 65 Views of the Confederacy ... 66 Absurdity of the Charge of Independence 66 Affection for England 67 Prophecies concerning America . . 68 Seneca's Venient Annis .... 68 Lines on America by Paid ... 70 Herbert 70 Cowley CONTENTS, XI CHAPTER HI.

How Aggression on tI e Principle of Local Self-government lew to Revolution and Intercolonial Correspondence, and how a Common Peril occasioned a Congress. 1684 to 1690. PAGE Pi eparati Tin for a Congress ... 72 North America in 1688 72 Maps of the Country 73 Numbers of the French and English 73 The Twelve English Colonies . . 73 Their General Characteristics . . 75 Spirit of the Local Governments . 76 Privy Council order American Affairs 77 Debates in this Board 78 Consolidation of the Colonial Governments resolved on .... 78 Accession of James II 79 Question of American Taxation . . 79 Edward Randolph 79 Reign of Despotic Power .... 80 Opposition roused in the Colonies . 81 Overthrow of Andros 81 Results of Popular Action .... 82 Accession of William and Mary . . 83 Rise of Jacob Liesler 83 Opposition to his Authority ... 84 PAGE Intercolonial Correspondence ... 84 Designs of France in America . . 85 The Five Nations desire Peace . . 86 Conference of Four Colonies at Albany 86 Increasing Danger from France . . 87 Call for the New England Confederacy 87 Factions in New York 88 Burning of Schenectady .... 88 Massachusetts invites a Congress . 89 Replies of the Colonies 90 Meeting of Commissioners . ... 91 Agreement to raise a Military Force 92 Result of Military Operations . . 93 Execution of Jacob Liesler ... 93 Career of Simon Bradstreet ... 95 Enthusiasm for William and Mary . 96 Charge of Independence .... 97 Absurdity of this Charge .... 98 Prosperity of the English Colonies . 99 Prophecy of Thomas Browne . . 99

CHAPTER IV.

The Ideas of Local Self-government and of Union for Seventy Years, and their Combination in the Plan adopted by the Albany Convention. 1690 to 1760.

The Law of Diversity paramount for Seventy Years 101 North America in 1760 .... 101 General Maps 102 Races of the Colonists .... 103 Governments of Thirteen Colonies 104 Their Population and Political Weight 104 Characteristics of the New-Englanders 105 The Colonies a Great American Asylum 106 Traits of an American .... 107 Spirit of British Administrations . 107 The Lords of Trade and Plantations 108 French and Indian W irs . . . . 108 Common Danger suggested Union 109 Need of an American Constitution 110 Plan of Union, by William Kenn . 110 By Charles Davenant ■ • • 111 Contemporary Criticism on these Plans 112 Plan of Union by Daniel Coxe . . 113 The Popular Party and Union . . 114 The Prerogative Party and Union CONTENTS XII PAGE Speech of Washington .... 133 Royal Governors commend the Convention 134 Condition of the Colonies .... 136 Meeting of the Convention . . . 137 Character of its Members . . . 138 Nature of the Commissions . . . 139 Conferences with the Indians . . 139 Resolve that Union is a Necessity . 140 The Committee to report a Plan . 140 Franklin's Plan 141 Report of the Committee .... 142 Albany Plan of Union 142 Referred to the Assemblies . . . 144 Commended in the Press .... 145 Recommended by Royal Governors 146 Rejected by the Assemblies . . . 146 Neglected by Lords of Trade . . 148 Character of the Albany Plan . . 148 Franklin's Conception of a Self-sustaining Government .... 14S Fatal Objection to the Plan . . . 15C Discussion of Plans of Union . . 151 Predictions that Union was Impossible 151 Conquest of Canada 152 General Rejoicing 153 Charge of aiming at Independence 153 Prophecies of the Future . . . . 155 Description of America .... 156 Love of Liberty 157 PAGE Scheme of Robert Livingston . . 115 Us Archibald Kennedy ... 116 Proposal of Governor Dinwiddie . 116 Objects of the Two Parties compared .... 117 Congresses and Conventions . . 118 Congresses from 1684 to 1751 . . 118 Speech of Governor Clinton . . . 120 Intercolonial Correspondence . - 121 Jealuu"-y by the Crown of American Action 121 Development of Self-government . 121 Fidelity to its Principles .... 123 The Crown regarded as a Protector 123 Royal Governors and Self-government 124 The Privy Council and Local Government 125 The Lords of Trade and the Prerogative 125 Illegal Exercise of the Prerogative 125 Resisted by the Assemblies . . . 125 Claims of the Prerogative . . . 127 State Papers circulated by the f Press 128 The Newspaper in America . . . 129 Encroachments of the French . . 130 Inefficiency of the Lords of Trade . 131 Views of Halifax and Townshend . 131 The Crown decide to resist France 131 Call of a Convention at Albany . 132 The Colonists and the French . . 133

CHAPTER V.

How the Assertion bt Parliament of a Right to tax the Colonies by the Stamp Act evoked a Sentiment of Union, and occasioned a General Congress. 1760 to 1766.

An Epoch in History 158 The American Revolution . . . 158 The Thirteen Colonies 159 George III. and Lord Bute ... 160 Policy respecting America . . . 161 Embodied in Instructions on the Acts of Trade 162 In the Declaratory Resolves . . . 163 Formation of Parties 164 Whigs based on the Christian Idea of Man 165 Tories based on the Supremacy of Law . : 165 Effect of the Declaratory ResoWes 166 Boston and Samuel Adams . . . 167 Instructions enjoining United Effort 168 The General Court and James Otis CONTENTS, XIII PAGE His Rights of the British Colonies 169 Committees of Correspondence • • 171 Petitions of the Assemblies . . . 172 Tone of the Press 174 Passage of the Stamp Act . . . 175 Speech of Isaac Barre' 176 Resistance of the Sons of Liberty . 177 James Otis on Union 177 Call by Massachusetts of a Congress 178 Response of the Colonies .... 178 Virginia and Pat' ick Henry . . 179 Resolves on the Stamp Act . . . 180 Fame of the Resolves 181 Response of Providence to Massachusetts and Virginia .... 181 South Carolina and Christopher Gadsden 182 Thirteen Colonies express Sympathy with a Congress .... 182 Associations to resist the Stamp Act 183 PAGE Popular Uprisings and Outrages . 183 Political Excitement in New York 181 The Stamp-act Congress .... 185 Declaration of Rights 186 Resolves and Petition .... 187 Sentiments of its Members . . . 188 Speech of Christopher Gadsden . 188 Signing of the Petition .... 188 Reception of the Proceedings . . 189 Sentiment of Union 189 Embodied by the Assemblies . . 190 The Prerogative Party and Union 191 The Popular Party and Union . . 192 Terms America and Country . . 192 Assertion of the Rights of Labor . 193 Growth of Union 195 Joy on the Repeal of the Stamp Act .196 Tory Charge of Independence . . 197 Whig Resolve to defend American Liberty 198 Prophecies concerning America . 199

CHAPTER VI.

How the Assertion by Parliament, in the Townshend Revenue Acts, of Absoldte Power over the Colonies, was met by a Constitutional Opposition, and how an Arbitrary Royal Order elicited Action in a Similar Spirit by Thirteen Assemblies, in Defence of their Local Self-government. 1766 to 1770.

A Constitutional Opposition and Public Opinion 201 Repeal of the Stamp Act — In America 201 In England 202 Charles Townshend on America . 203 The Townshend Revenue Acts . . 204 Their Object political 204 Their Aggression on the Right to make the Local Law .... 205 Death of Townshend 206 Lord North and Lord Hillsborough 206 A New Political Movement on the Basis of Social Order .... 206 James Otis on Mobs 206 Jonathan Mayhew on Union . . 207 The Farmers' Letters 208 The Non-importation Agreement . 208 Meeting of the Assembly of Massachusetts 209 Their Letter to their Agent in London 210 Their Petition to the King ... 211 Their Circular Letter suggesting Concurrent Action 212 Reply of the Assembly of New Hampshire 213 Of Virginia 213 Of New Jersey 214 Of Connecticut 214 Royal Order to rescind the Circular Letter 214 Communicated by Governor Bernard CONTENTS, XIV PAGE Denunciation by James Otis . ' . 217 The Assembly refuses to rescind the Letter 218 The Vote of Ninyty-two .... 219 Bernard dissolves the Assembly . 220 Profound Sensation in the Colonies 221 Royal Order to treat the Circular Letter with Contempt .... 221 The Press on this Order .... 222 Question of the Circular Letter and Royal Order in Maryland ... 223 In South Carolina .... 223 In Georgia 224 In Rhode Island 225 In Pennsylvania 225 In Delaware 226 In New York 226 In North Carolina .... 227 Popular Approval of the Assemblies 227 The Action new in the Political World 228 " Ninety-two " and " Forty-five " 229 The Prayer of the Colonies to the Sovereignty 230 Fate of the Petitions 231 The Arraignment of Massachusetts 231 The Colonists charged with Treason 232 Decision to transport the Popular Leaders to England 232 Attitude of Virginia 233 Lord Botetourt 233 Meeting of the Burgesses . . . 234 PAGE Thomas Jefferson 234 Resolves of the Burgesses . . . 235 Their Reception in the Colonies . 237 Their Endorsement by the Assemblies 238 Virginia gives an Impulse to the Non-importation Agreement . . 238 Rise of an American Spirit . . . 240 Partial Repeal of the Townshend Acts 210 Effect of the Attempt to check Republicanism 211 Progress in Political Science . . 2 11 Disclaimer of the Aim of Independence 212 Propositions for a Union .... 242 Union Movement of the Presbyterians 243 Prophecy of Thomas Hutchinson . 244 Of William Livingston of an American Constitution . . 24i_ Prophecies of Independence: — Us Samuel Adams .... 241 Of the French Agents ... 245 Of Chatelet 245 Of Turgot 245 Of Choiseul 245 The Embodiment of Public Opinion elicited by the Townshend Acts 246 European Sympathy with the American Cause 246 The Cause of Humanity .... 247 The Rising Glory of America . . 241

CHAPTER VII.

How the Patriots advanced from an Embodiment of Public Opinion to a Party Organization, by forming Committees of Coc- RESPONDENCE. March, 1770, to August, 1773. From an Embodiment of Public Opinion to Organization . . . 249 The Tory Party attain Power . . 249 Its aim to check Republicanism . 250 Its Ideas embodied in the Declaratory Act ......... 250 Its Design to undermine the Local Governments 251 By the Method of Royal Instructions 251 Law accepted by the Whigs . . . 251 Instructions under the King's Signmanual claimed to have the Force of Law 252 Effectually resisted by the Whigs . 253 Ability of their Argument . . .

CONTENTS, XV PAGE Reliance on the Non-importation Agreement 256 Failure of this Agreement . . . 257 Dissension and War between the Colonies 258 Political Agitation subsides . . . 259 Fidelity of Samuel Adams . . . 261 Proposes Union and Organization 262 By the Method of Municipal Committees of Correspondence . . 263 Lcrd Dartmouth the Head of the American Department .... 264 Issues fresh Royal Instructions . . 265 The Occasion selected by Adams to effect Organization .... 265 Boston chooses a Committee of Correspondence 266 Character of the Committee . . . 267 Their Report on the American Cause 268 Faith of its Authors 270 The Response of the Towns . . . 271 Passionate Appeal for Union . . 272 Condemnation of the Movement by Governor Hutchinson .... 274 General Apathy outside of Massachusetts 275 A bold Royal Instruction . . . 276 Spontaneous Burst of Indignation 277 The Commission relative to the Destroyers of the Gaspee . . . 278 PAGB Tameness of the Rhode Island Assembly 279 Resolution of the Virginia House of Burgesses 279 They choose a Committee of Correspondence 280 Dabney Carr and Thomas Jefferson 281 Response to the Virginia Action . 281 Five Assemblies adopt the Virginia Plan 283 Call for Union and a Congress . . 284 Failure of the Rhode Island Commission 286 Design of transporting the Popular Leaders abandoned 286 Political Agitation subsides . . . 287 Massachusetts and Virginia . . . 288 Inactivity of the Six Legislative Committees 288 Activity of the Municipal Committees 289 Speculation on the Future of America 290 Dawning of a Sentiment of Nationality 291 Determined Spirit of the Americans 292 Urged to prepare for a Grand American Commonwealth .... 292 CHAPTER Vm.

How Events developed the American Union, and how the Demand for a General Congress was accompanied by Pledges to abide by its Decisions. August, 1773, to August, 1774. From Organization to Union . . 294 Public Sentiment in Favor of a Connection with Great Britain . . 294 The Popular Leaders and Sovereignty 295 George III. and his Advisers . . 295 They devise the Tea Act . . . . 296 Character of this Act 296 Designed to establish the Principle of the Declaratory' Act .... 297 Peas consigned to Four Ports . . 298 Reception of the News in the Colonies 298 Nature of the Resistance contemplated by the Patriots .... 299 Their General Organization defective 300 Their Organization in Massachusetts Efficient 300 The Act met by an Intelligent Public Opinion CONTENTS.

XVI PAGE Action of the Patriots of Philadelphia 302 Its Endorsement in Boston, New York, and Charleston .... 302 Refusal of the Consignees in Boston to resign 303 Circulars of Legislative Committees 303 Public Meetings in Boston . . . 304 Arrival of Three Ships with Teas . 304 Spirit of the People 305 Meeting of the Sixteenth of December 306 Speech of Josiah Quincy . . . 306 The Boston Tea Party .... 307 Destruction of the Tea .... 308 The General Joy and Exultation . 309 Judgment of Gordon and Ramsay 310 The Nature of Popular Movements 311 Six Assemblies choose Committees of Correspondence 311 Inaction of the Twelve Legislative Committees 312 Extension of Municipal Committees 313 The Nullification of the Tea Act thorough 314 Revival of a Spirit of Union . . 314 Hopes indulged of a Congress . . 314 Suggestion of an American Commonwealth 314 Political Agitation not general . . 315 Four Months of Suspense . . . 315 Insight and Faith of Samuel Adams 316 Feeling roused in England by the Destruction of the Tea . . . . 317 Ministers judge Real Union of the Colonies impossible 318 FASS The King's Speech foreshadowing Penal Measures 319 The Boston Port Act 319 Its Reception in the Colonies . . 320 Circulars of the Massachusetts Committees of Correspondence . . 321 Response to these Circulars . . . 322 Spectacle on the First of June . . 324 Boston in its Hour of Trial ... 325 Contributions for its Poor . . . 325 Letters embodying the Fraternal Spirit 326 The Whigs complete their Organization 327 Tory View of this Organization . 328 The Demand for a Congress . . . 329 Arrival of General Gage from England 329 His Dealing with the Massachusetts Assembly 330 The Call for the Congress of 1774 331 Town Meeting in Boston .... 332 John Adams enters Political Life . 334 Acquiescence in the Call for a Congress 335 Pledges to abide by its Decisions . 336 The Solemn League and Covenant 336 The Determination that the Recommendations of Congress should have the Force of Laws . . . 33'/ The Tories denounce this Action . 339 Union and Liberty 340 History presented in this Development 342 Enthusiasm created by Union . . 342 Ezra Stiles predicts a Runnymede in America 343

CHAPTER IX.

How a General Congress formed the Association of the United Colonies, and how Support was pledged to the Inhabitants of Massachusetts in resisting the Alteration of their Charter. August, 1774, to 1775, Union from Sentiment to Association 344 The King proposes to alter the Massachusetts Charter .... 344 Speeches of Lords North and Germain 344 Passage of the Regulating Acts . 346 Their Character and Reach . . . CONTENTS, XVII PAGE Known first through the Bills . . 348 Samuel Adams disclaims a Spirit of Rebellion 349 Condemnation of the Acts . . . 349 Massachusetts enjoined to refuse Obedience to them 350 .

The Crisis of August, 1774 ... 353 Hutchinson's Conversation with the King 353 Lord Dartmouth's Instructions to execute the Acts 354 General Gage proceeds to carry them into Effect 355 The Uprising against them . . . 356 Their Nullification thorough . . 357 Words of Joseph Warren .... 357 Presentiment that Arms must decide the Question 358 The Congress of 1774 359 Character of the Members . . . 360 The Communities represented . . 361 Organization of the Congress . . 364 Reception of the Suffolk Resolves. 366 Approval of the Attitude of the People of Massachusetts . . . 366 Opposition of Joseph Galloway . 367 His Scheme of Union 367 Application for Advice from Massachusetts 368 Congress state to Gage that the Approbation of the People of Massachusetts was universal . . 368 And pledge them the Support of all America 369 Washington disclaims Independence 369 Advice to Massachusetts on Government 370 Declaration of Rights 371 Association of the United Colonies 372 Address to the People of Great Britain 374 Address to the People of the Colonies 375 Addresses to the Unrepresented Colonies 375 PAGE Petition to the King; 376 Eulogy on Congress by the Whigs 377 Denunciation of Congress by the Tories 378 Judgment on it of History ... 379 Praise awarded to its Papers . . 380 Its Pledge to Massachusetts reflected Public Opinion .... 381 As embodied in Letters accompanying Donations for the Poor of Boston 381 Extracts from Letters from — New Hampshire 382 Connecticut 383 Rhode Island 385 New York 386 New Jersey 386 Pennsylvania 387 Delaware 387 Maryland 387 Virginia 388 North Carolina 38;i South Carolina 3911 Georgia 390 Characteristics of this Record . . 3911 Massachusetts conforms to the Advice of Congress 391 Military Preparation in Massachusetts 391.

Appeal of its Provincial Congress in behalf of Order ...'.. 393 Military Preparation in other Colonies 393 Letter of Charles Lee 394 Ratification and Execution of the Association 395 Unity of Sentiment 39!< Union attains the Strength of Law 39V Importance of this Result . . . 398 View of Union by Galloway and Henry 399 Just Estimate of Union by the Popular Leaders 400 Prophecies concerning America . 401 An American urges Independence CONTENTS

CHAPTER X.

WnEN the Popular Leaders recognized the Fact of Revolution, and began to aim at independence, and how they met the Question of Sovereignty. 1775. — January to November.

PAGE From Association to Revolution . 403 Population of the United Colonies 403 The Legal Relations of the People 404 Development in Thirteen Communities 405 In the Relation of Union .... 405 And growing into Independent States in Union 406 Their Plea to the Sovereign . . . 406 George III. and America . . . 407 His Speech to Parliament . . . 408 His Reception of the Petition of Congress 408 The Privy Council decide to issue a Proclamation declaring a Rebellion 409 The Petition in Parliament . . . 409 Declaration of both Houses . . . 410 The Coercive Measures popular . 410 Lord North proposes a Plan of Conciliation 411 His Ultimatum addressed to Franklin 412 Remarkable Words sent by Franklin to Lord North 413 The Popular Party on receiving the Warlike News 413 Hostilities at Lexington and Concord 414 Their Effect in the Colonies ... 415 Reception of Lord North's Plan . 417 Answer of the Assembly of Pennsylvania 417 Of New Jersey 418 Of Virginia 418 All the Assemblies defer to Congress Questions of War and Peace 419 The Congress of 1775 .... 419 Applications from Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Mecklenburg County, N. C. . 422 The alleged Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence .... 422 PAGE The Applications force on Congress the Issue of Sovereignty . . . 424 American Solution of the Question of Sovereignty 424 Public Mind not ripe for Independence 427 Congress decline to deal with the Point of Sovereignty .... 428 Assume the Army before Boston 429 Washington chosen Commander-in-chief 429 Thomas Jefferson enters Congress . 431 Congress aim at a Redress of Grievances 432 Its Papers 432 Franklin submits a Plan of Confederation . 433 Congress answer Lord North's Plan 434 Second Petition to the King . . 435 Work of Congress to the Adjournment in August 437 Examination of the Charge of Hypocrisy 437 Situation of the Colonies . . . 439 Submission of Massachusetts to the Advice of Congress 440 Congress re-assemble 441 Thirteen Colonies represented . . 441 State of Public Opinion .... 442 Congress hesitate to advise the Formation of Local Governments 443 The Second Petition in England . 444 The King's Proclamation declaring a Rebellion in the Colonies . . 445 No Answer given to the Second Petition 446 Effect of the Intelligence in Congress 447 It advises New Hampshire and South Carolina to form Governments 448 Samuel Adams on this Action .