doc_id n="S5-V3-P03-sp02-D0007">

Vote of the towns of Haverhill, Lyman, Bath, Gunthwait, Landaff, and Morristown

v3:1227

At a meeting legally warned, in consequence of a precept from the Assembly at Exeter, for the purpose of choosing a Representative, as also to give in their votes for a Counsellor for the County of Grafton, having refused a compliance with said precept, have chosen us, the subscribers, a Committee to return the precept, together with the reasons of their non-compliance; which reasons are as follows, viz:

First. Because no plan of Representation has yet been formed in this State consistent with the liberties of a free people; and it is our humble opinion, that when the Declaration of Independency took place, the Colonies were absolutely in a state of nature, and the powers of Government reverted to the people at large, and of consequence annihilated the political existence of the Assembly which then was.

Secondly. Because the precept directs to have a number of different towns (who have an undoubted right to act by themselves separately) to unite for the purpose of choosing a Representative and Counsellors.

Thirdly. Because we are limited in our choice of a Representative to a person who has a real estate of two hundred pounds, lawful money; whereas we conceive that every elector is capable of being elected.

Fourthly. Because that no Bill of Rights has been drawn up, or form of Government come into, agreeable to the minds of the people of this State, by any Assembly peculiarly chosen for that purpose, since the Colonies were declared independent of the Crown of Great Britain.

Fifthly. We refuse to give our votes for a Counsellor, because we conceive that in a free State there ought not to be a Council invested with the power to negative the proceedings of the House of Representatives.

Sixthly. Because, if a Council is necessary, every elector ought to have a voice in the choice of each Counsellor, and not to be restricted to any particular limits within this State.

For which reasons we protest against a Counsellor being chosen in this County, as directed in the precept.

EPH' M WESSON,
JOHN YOUNG,
JOHN CLARK,
ELISHA CLEAVELAND,
JAMES BAYLEY,

Committee.

Haverhill, December 13th, 1776.