Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/427

] independency." This, according to Pitkin, was the first direct public act of any colonial Assembly or Convention, in favor of the measure.

On the 15th of May,—we quote from the same authority—the Convention of Virginia went still farther, and unanimously instructed their delegates in Congress, "to propose to that respectable body, to declare the United Colonies, free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance or dependence upon the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain; and to give the assent of that colony, to such declaration, and to whatever measures might be thought proper and necessary, by Congress, for forming foreign alliances, and a confederation of the colonies, at such time, and in such manner, as to them should seem best: provided the power of forming governments for, and the regulation of the internal concerns of, each colony, be left to the respective colonial legislatures." They, at the same time, appointed a Committee, "to prepare a declaration of rights, and such a plan of government, as would be most likely to maintain peace and order in the colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people."

On the 10th of May, the General Assembly of Massachusetts, directed that the people of that colony, at the then approaching election of new representatives, should give them instructions on the subject of independence. In consequence of this, the inhabitants of Boston, on the 23d of May, instructed their representatives, to use their endeavors, that their delegates in Congress be advised, "that in case Congress should think it necessary, for the safety of the United Colonies, to declare themselves independent of Great Britain, the inhabitants of that colony, with their lives, and the remnants of their fortunes, would most cheerfully support them in the measure."

The Assembly of Rhode Island, during their session in May, not only directed the oath of allegiance to be taken to the colony; but also, instructed their delegates in Congress to join with the other colonies, "upon the most proper measures, for promoting and confirming the strictest union and confederation between the colonies, for exerting their whole strength and force to annoy the common enemy, and to secure to the said colonies, their rights and liberties, both civil and religious; whether by entering into treaties with any prince, state, or potentate; or by such other prudent and effectual ways and means, as should be devised and agreed upon; and, in conjunction with the delegates from the United Colonies, to enter upon and attempt all such measures—taking the greatest care, to secure to this colony, in the most perfect manner, its present forms, and all the powers of government, so far as relates to its internal police, and conduct of affairs, civil and religious."

The great question of independence was brought directly before Congress, by Richard Henry Lee, one of the delegates from Virginia. On the 7th of June, 1776, he submitted a resolution, declaring, "that the United Colonies are and ought to be free and independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown;