Dutchess County (New-York) Association

v1:1164

We, the subscribers, being desirous to convince mankind that we are firmly attached to our most happy Constitution, and are disposed to support and maintain peace and good order under his Majesty' s Government, do therefore declare, that our Sovereign Lord King George the Third, is the only Sovereign to whom British America can, or ought to owe and bear true and faithful allegiance, and that there is no legal power or authority therein but what is only derived from them; that our Representatives, in General Assembly convened, are the only guardians of our Rights and Liberties; that without them no laws here can be made to bind us, and that they only are the channel through which our grievances can properly be represented for redress; and that, to support their right and authority, we do hereby associate and mutually covenant and engage to and with each other as follows, namely:

First. That we will upon all occasions stand by and assist each other in the defence of his life, liberty, and property, whenever the same shall be attacked or endangered by any bodies of men riotously assembled, upon any pretence, or under any authority whatsoever, not warranted by the laws of the land.

Second. That we will upon all occasions mutually support each other in the free exercise and enjoyment of our undoubted right to liberty in eating, drinking, buying, selling, communing, and acting what, with whom, and as we please, consistent with the laws of God, and the laws of the land, notwithstanding the Association entered into by the Continental Congress to the contrary.

Lastly, That we will endeavour to promote, encourage, and, when called upon, enforce obedience to the rightful authority of our most gracious Sovereign King George the Third, and the laws which can, do, or may constitutionally extend to, or in the British Colonies in America.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this eighteenth day of January, in the fifteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c˙, and in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and seventy five.

Signed by a number of Inhabitants of DUTCHESS County.