The Earl of Dartmouth to the Governours of the Several Colonies

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[Circular.]

Whitehall, January 4, 1775.

SIR: Certain persons styling themselves Delegates of several of his Majesty' s Colonies in America, having presumed, without his Majesty' s authority or consent, to assemble together at Philadelphia, in the months of September and October; and having thought fit, among other unwarrantable proceedings, to resolve that it will be necessary that another Congress should be held at the same place, on the tenth of May next, unless redress for certain pretended grievances be obtained before that time, and to recommend that all the Colonies in North America should choose Deputies to attend such Congress, I am commanded by the King to signify to you his Majesty' s pleasure, that you do use your utmost endeavours to prevent any such appointment of Deputies within the Province under your government, and that you do exhort all persons to desist from such an unjustifiable proceeding, which cannot but be highly displeasing to the King. I am, sir, your most humble servant,

DARTMOUTH.