Page:Constitution of the State of New York.djvu/19



6th February, 1778.

The Freedom, Sovereignty and Independence of the said State which, with a Magnanimity, Fortitude, Constancy and Love of Liberty, hitherto unparalleled, they have asserted and maintained against their cruel and unrelenting Enemies, the King and Parliament of the Realm of Great Britain, will for their lasting and unshaken Security, in a great measure depend, under God, on a wise, well-concerted, intimate and equal Confederation of the said United States; and whereas, the Honorable the Congress of the said United States have transmitted, for the Consideration of the Legislature of this State, and for their Ratification in case they shall approve of the same, the following Articles of Confederation, to wit:

The Delegates of the United States of America in Congress assembled did, on the fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, and in the second year of the independence of America, agree to certain articles