Selectmen of Scarborough to the Massachusetts Congress

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To the Honourable Representatives in Congress assembled, the 31st of MAY, 1775:

The Selectmen of the Town of SCARBOROUGH, for and in behalf of said Town, humbly showeth:

That the said Town of Scarborough thought themselves not able to support the charge of a Member in said Congress at present, said Town having no money to pay any tax whatever. Our lumber was our chief trade in this Town; that being done, we are in great distress for want of money and provisions. Our crops are very short the last year, and under present circumstances, little or no supplies brought from the Southern Colonies, makes it distressing.

But we doubt not of your Honours' great wisdom in consulting the good of the whole Colony; and though this Town has no Representative in Congress, we look upon ourselves in duty bound to conform to the Resolves of the honourable Congress, and shall ever be willing to exert ourselves to the utmost to support good government and defend our just rights and privileges. We have only to add our prayers that God may bless and prosper your counsels, and in the end confirm to us that liberty which our forefathers came into these regions to enjoy.

We beg leave to subscribe ourselves, as in duty bound, your obedient humble servants,

REUBEN FOGG,
PETER LIBBEE,
JOSHUA FABYAN,
Selectmen.