Memorial of the Propietors of Transylvania to the Continental Congress

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Resolved, That James Hogg, Esq˙, be appointed Delegate to represent the said Colony in the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia; and that the following Memorial be presented by him to that august body:

To the Honourable the Continental Congress, now sitting at PHILADELPHIA.

The Memorial for RICHARD HENDERSON, THOMAS HART, JOHN WILLIAMS, NATHANIEL HART, JOHN LUTTRELL, WILLIAM JOHNSTON, JAMES HOGG, DAVID HART, and LEONARD HENLY BULLOCK, Proprietors of Transylvania, sheweth:

That, on the Seventeenth day of March last, for a large and valuable consideration, your Menrorialists obtained from the Cherokee Indians, assembled at Watauga, a grant of a considerable territory, now called Transylvania, lying on the south side of the river Ohio.

They will not trouble the honourable Congress with a detail of the risks and dangers to which they have been exposed, arising from the nature of the enterprise itself, as well as from the wicked attempts of certain Governours and their emissaries; they beg leave, only, to acquaint them, that, through difficulties and dangers, at a great expense, and with the blood of several of their followers, they have laid the foundation of a Colony, which, however mean in its origin, will, if one may guess from present appearances, be one day considerable in America.

The Memorialists, having made this purchase from the Aborigines and immemorial possessors, the sole and uncontested owners of the country, in fair and open treaty, and without the violation of any British or American law whatever, are determined to give it up only with their lives. And, though their country be far removed from the reach of Ministerial usurpation, yet they Cannot look with indifference on the late arbitrary proceedings of the British Parliament. If the United Colonies are reduced, of will tamely submit to be slaves, Transylvania will have reason to fear.

The Memorialists by no means forget their allegiance to their Sovereign, whose constitutional rights and pre-eminences they will support, at the risk of their lives. They flatter themselves that the addition of a new Colony, in so fair and equitable a way, and without any expense to the Crown, will be acceptable to His Most Gracious Majesty, and that Transylvania will soon be worthy of his Royal regard and protection.

At the same time, having their hearts warmed with the same noble spirit that animates the United Colonies, and moved with indignation at the late Ministerial and Parliamentary usurpations, it is the earnest wish of the Proprietors of Transylvania to be considered by the Colonies as brethren, engaged in the same great cause of liberty and of mankind. And, as by reason of several circumstances, needless to be here mentioned, it was impossible for the Proprietors to call a convention of the settlers in such time us to have their concurrence laid before this Congress, they here pledge themselves for them, that they will concur in the measure now adopted by the Proprietors.

From the generous plan of liberty adopted by the Congress, and that noble love of mankind which appears in all their proceedings, the Memorialists please themselves that the United Colonies will take the infant Colony of Transylvania into their protection; and they, in return, will do every thing in their power, and give such assistance in the general cause of America, as the Congress shall judge to be suitable to their abilities.

Therefore, the Memorialists hone and earnestly request, that Transylvania may be added to the number of the United Colonies, and that James Hogg, Esq˙, be received as their delegate, and admitted to a seat in the honourable the Continental Congress.

By order of the Proprietors.

RICHARD HENDERSON, President.