To The Inhabitants of Massachusetts-Bay

v2:699

In Provincial Congress, Watertown,

May 24, 1775.

Friends and Fellow-Countrymen:

With great satisfaction we bear publick testimony of your disposition to serve the glorious cause in which America is now engaged, evidenced by your readiness to supply on the credit of the Colony many necessary articles for the use of the Army, and in various other ways; by which you have given convincing proofs that you are heartily disposed to maintain the publick liberty. The cause, we have not the least doubt, if you continue to exert yourselves in conjunction with our sister Colonies, will finally prevail.

This Congress have opened a subscription for one hundred thousand Pounds, lawful money, for which the Receiver-General is directed to issue notes on interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum, payable in June, 1777; and as it is of the utmost importance that the money be immediately obtained, that the publick credit may not suffer, we most earnestly recommend to such of you as have cash in your hands, which you can spare from the necessary supplies of your families, that you would lend the same to the Colony; by which you will put it in our power to carry into effect the measures undertaken for the salvation of the Country.

That the Army should be well supplied with every article necessary for the most effectual military operations, you must all be sensible, and that if we should fail herein it may prove ruinous and destructive to the community, whose safety (under God) depends upon their vigorous exertions.

As you have already, in many instances, nobly exerted yourselves, this Congress have not the smallest doubt but that you will with great cheerfulness crown all by furnishing as much cash as will be necessary for the good purposes aforementioned; especially when it is considered that there are now no ways of improving money in trade, and that there is the greatest probability the other Colonies will give a ready currency to the notes, which will render them in one respect at least on a better footing than any other notes heretofore issued in this Colony.

If you should furnish the money that is now needed you will perform a meritorious service for your Country, and prove yourselves sincerely attached to its interests. But if an undue, caution should prevent your doing this essential service to the Colony, the total loss both of your liberties and that very property which you by retaining it affect to save, may be the unhappy consequence; it being past all controversy that the destruction of individuals must be involved in that of the publick.