Town Meeting at Providence, Rhode -Island

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At a town meeting held at Providence, Rhode Island, on the 17th day of May, A˙ D˙, 1774, called by warrant: SAMUEL NIGHTENGALE, Esquire, Moderator.

Resolved, That this town will heartily join with the Province of the Massachusetts Bay and the other Colonies, in such measures as shall be generally agreed on by the Colonies, for the protecting and securing their invaluable natural rights and privileges, and transmitting the same to the latest posterity.

That the Deputies of this town be requested to use their influence at the approaching session of the General Assembly of this Colony, for promoting a Congress as soon as may be, of the Representatives of the General Assemblies of the several Colonies and Provinces in North America, for establishing the firmest Union, and adopting such measures as to them shall appear the most effectual to answer that important purpose, and to agree upon proper methods for executing the same.

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That the Committee of Correspondence of this town be desired to assure the town of Boston, that we do consider ourselves greatly interested in the present alarming conduct of the British Parliament towards them, and view the whole English American Colonies equally concerned in the event, and that we will, with the utmost firmness, act accordingly, whenever any plan shall be agreed on: in the mean time, we are of opinion that an universal stoppage of all trade with Great Britain, Ireland, Africa, and the West Indies, until such time as the port of Boston shall be reinstated in its former privileges, &c˙, will be the best expedient in the case; and that a proper time should be generally agreed on for the same universally to take place.

Whereas, the inhabitants of America are engaged in the preservation of their rights and liberties; and as personal liberty is an essential part of the natural rights of mankind, the Deputies of the town are directed to use their endeavours to obtain an act of the General Assembly, prohibiting the importation of negroe slaves in this Colony; and that all negroes born in the Colony should be free at attaining to a certain age.

Voted, That James Angell, Esquire, be added to the Committee of Correspondence of this town, and that he sign their letters as Clerk.