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Subject: [GM-L] History of the Town of Concord, Mass - Rev. War. Ch. VI, Part 2 - p.78
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2002 13:45:56 EDT

Subject: Chapter VI - Part 2 - p.78 American Revolution
Source: History of the Town of Concord, Mass. by Lemuel
Shattuck 1835.
Part 2
Concord, Mass.
American Revolution
p.78

"We cannot possibly view with indifference the past and
present obstinate and unwearied endeavours of the enemies of this, as well as
the mother country, to rob us of our inestimable rights, that are the
distinguishing glory and felicity of this land - rights
that we are obliged, to no power under heaven for the enjoyment of, as they
are primarily the sole purchase, and glorious product of the heroic
enterprise of the first settlers of these American colonies, under the smiles
of Heaven. And though we cannot but be alarmed at the great majority in the
British Parliament, for the imposition of unconstitutional taxes upon the
colonies,
yet it gives life and strength to every attempt in opposing such despotic
measures, that not only the people of this but the neighbouring provinces (a
few only excepted) are remarkably united in the important and interesting
opposition, which, as it succeeded before in some measure, by the blessing of
Heaven, so we cannot but hope will be attended with still greater success for
the future. Animated with such a prospect, we cheerfully come into the
following resolves.

"Resolved, 1. That these colonies have been and are still illegally and
unconstitutionally taxed by the British Parliament, as they are not really or
virtually represented there.

"2. That purchasing commodities subject to such illegal taxation is an
implicit, though an impious and sordid, resignation of the liberties and
privileges of this free and happy people.

"3. That as the British Parliament, in addition to repeated incroachments on
our liberties, have empowered
the East India Company to export their tea into America, subject to a duty
for the sole purpose of raising a revenue, which we view as a new invention,
inadvertently to catch us in those chains of slavery that have long been
forged for the purpose, therefore, - We, to render such vile designs
abortive, absolutely and determinately resolve,

p.79

"4. That we will not, either by ourselves or any from, or under us, buy sell,
or use any of the East India Company's tea, imported from Great Britian; or
any other tea, while there is a duty thereon, affixed by act of Parliament
for raising a revenue in America; neither will we suffer any such tea to be
made use of in any of our families. Also resolved, that all such persons as
shall purchase, or sell, or use any such tea, shall be for the future deemed
unfriendly, and inimical to the happy constitution of this country.

"5. That we will, in conjunction with our brethren in
America, risk our fortunes, and even our lives, in defence of his Majesty
King George the Third, his person, crown, and dignity; and will also, with
the same resolution, as his free-born subjects in this country, to the utmost
of our power and ability, defend all our charter rights, that they may be
transmitted inviolate to the latest posterity.

"6. That if any person or persons whatsoever, inhabitants of this province,
shall for the future, so long as there is a duty on tea, import any from the
India House in England, or shall be factors for the East India Company, we
will treat them as enemies to their country, and with contempt and
destestation.

"7. That we think it our duty, at this critical time of our public affairs to
return our hearty thanks to the town of Boston, for every rational measure
they have taken for the preservation or recovery of our invaluable rights and
liberties. And, should the watchful, vigilant, and persevering, with a
steady zeal, to espy out every thing that shall have a tendency to subvert
our happy constitution."

Signed by the Committee

Ephraim Wood, Jr.
John Flint
Timothy Wheeler, Jr.

Concord, January 24, 1774."

To be continued - Chapter 6 - Part 3 - p. 79
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth

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