Instructions of the Assembly

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Moved, That the Instructions given by the House of Assembly to their Delegates in Congress be read. And the same were read accordingly, as follow:

"November 9, 1775.

"GENTLEMEN: The trust reposed in you is of such a nature, and the modes of executing it may be so diversified in the course of your deliberations, that it is scarcely possible to give you particular instructions respecting it. We there fore, in general, direct that you, of any four of you, meet in Congress the Delegates of the several Colonies now assembled in this city, and any such Delegates as may meet at Congress next year; that you consult together on the present critical and alarming state of publick affairs; that you exert your utmost endeavours to agree upon, and recommend such measures as you shall judge to afford the best prospect of obtaining redress of American grievances, and restoring that union and harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies, so essential to the welfare and happiness of both countries.

"Though the Oppressive measures of the British Parliament and Administration have compelled us to resist their violence by force of arms, yet we strictly enjoin you that you, in behalf of this Colony, dissent from and utterly reject any propositions, should such be made, that may cause or lead to a separation from our mother country, or a change of the form of this Government.

"You are directed to make report of your proceedings to this House.

"Signed by order of the House:

"JOHN MORTON, Speaker."