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Open Anthology of The American Revolution: Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America

Open Anthology of The American Revolution
Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America
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table of contents
  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Table Of Contents
  5. Introduction
  6. Questions to Guide Your Reading
  7. The Virginia Settlement
    1. Starving Time
    2. An Indentured Servant’s Letter Home
    3. Bacon’s Manifesto
  8. The Puritans of New England
    1. Early Education Laws
    2. Limits of Toleration
    3. Prologue to “The Tenth Muse”
    4. Connecticut’s “Blue Laws”
    5. Records of the Trial and Execution of Sarah Good
    6. Two Letters of Gov. William Phips
  9. The Old Colonial System
    1. Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England
    2. The Navigation Act of 1660
    3. Commission of Sir Edmund Andros for the Dominion of New England
    4. Boston Revolt of 1689
    5. Bars Fight
    6. Albany Plan of Union
    7. The Way to Wealth
  10. The Revolution
    1. Second Treatise of Government
    2. Chart of Battles, Leaders, and Congresses During the Revolutionary War
    3. Petition from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to the House of Commons (in response to the Sugar Act)
    4. Patrick Henry’s Resolutions Against the Stamp Act
    5. Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, To the Inhabitants of the British Colonies
    6. After the Boston Tea Party: Cartoons
    7. Continental Congress’s Declaration of Rights and Grievances against Great Britain
    8. Articles of Association
    9. The Alternative of Williamsburg
    10. Petition of the New York Assembly to George III
    11. Address from Joseph Warren
    12. The Charlotte Town Resolves
    13. The Olive Branch Petition
    14. His Excellency General Washington
    15. Oath of Allegiance to the King George III
    16. Letter from George Washington to John Hancock
    17. Common Sense
    18. Resolve of the Continental Congress Regarding State Governments
    19. Richard Henry Lee Resolution for Independence
    20. Appointment of Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams to Draft the Declaration of Independence
    21. Adoption of the Lee Resolution
    22. The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America
    23. The American Crisis
    24. Draft Notice
    25. Treaty of Alliance with France
    26. Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America
    27. Establishment of the American Army
    28. Marquis de Lafayette’s Oath of Allegiance
    29. Letter of John Adams to the President of Congress
    30. Details from a Providence (RI) Town Meeting About Quartering of Troops
    31. Letter from Elizabeth Burgin to Reverend James Calville
    32. Letter from General George Washington to Congress Announcing the Victory at Yorktown, Virginia
    33. Benjamin Franklin’s Draft of Preliminary Articles of Peace
    34. Treaty of Paris
    35. Minutes of a Conference between George Washington and Guy Carleton
    36. Letter from Joseph Warren to Benjamin Franklin
    37. Articles of Confederation
    38. Northwest Ordinance
    39. Thomas Walke’s Account of Capturing his Runaway Slaves in New York City
    40. General Washington’s Instructions to Commissioners of Embarkation
    41. Letter from Embarkation Commissioners to General Washington
    42. An Address to the Negroes In the State of New-York
    43. Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery
    44. Testimony of Deborah Sampson Gannett
  11. Appendix 1: More Readings

42

Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America

May 9, 1778

Henry Laurens

Background

In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of the British government’s intention to offer “terms of accommodation” that would have satisfied all American demands, except independence. After three years of war, Congress feared that the resolve of even the most ardent revolutionaries might buckle under such generous terms. To counter calls for reconciliation with Great Britain, Congress published this impassioned broadside “to the inhabitants of the United States of America” and urged ministers of all denominations to read it to congregations nationwide.

Background Courtesy: “Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United Sates of America” from the National Archives, Original License CC 4.0 BY NC SA

Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America

FRIENDS AND COUNTRYMEN,

Three Years have now passes away, since the Commencemment of the present War. A War without Parallel in the Annals of Mankind. It hath displayed a Spectacle, the most solemn that can possibly be exhibited. On one Side, we behold Fraud and Violence labouring in the Service of Desptism; on the other, Virtue and Fortitude supporting and establishing the Rights of human Nature.

You cannot bur remember how reluctantly we were dragged into this arduous Contest; and how repeatedly, with the Earnestness of humble Intreaty, we supplicated a Redress of our Grievances from him who ought to have been the Father of his People. In vain did we implore his Protection: In vain appeal to the Justice, the Generosity, of Englishmen–of Men, who had been the Guardians, the Assertors and Vindicators of Liberty thro’ a Succession of Ages: Men, who, with their Swords, had established the firm Barrier of Freedom, and cemeted it with the Blood of Heroes. Every Effort was vain. For, even whilst we were prostrated at the Foot of the Throne, that fatal Blow was struck, which hat separated us for ever. Thus spurned, contemned, and insulted–thus driven by our Enemies into Measures, which our Souls abhorred–we mad a solemn Appeal to the Tribunal of unerring Wisdom and Justice. To that Almighty Ruler of Princes, whose Kingdom is over all.

We were then quite defenceless. Without Arms, without Ammunition, without Cloathing, without Ships, without Money, without Officers skilled in War; with no other Reliance but the Bravery of our People and the Justice of our Cause. We had to fontend with a Nation great in Arts and in Arms, whose Fleets covered the Ocean, whose Banners had waved in Triumph thro’ every Quarter of the Globe. However unequal this Contest, our Weakness was still farther increased by the Enemies which America had nourished in her Bosom. Thus exposed, on the one Hand, to external Force and internal Divisions; on the other, to be compelled to dring of the bitter Cup of Slavery, and to go sorrowing all our Lives long; in this sad Alternative, we chose the former. To this Alternative we were reduced by Men, who, had they been animated by one Spark of Generosity, would have disdained to take such mean Advantage of our Situation; or, had they paid the least Regard to the Rules of Justice, would have considered with Abhorence a Proposition to injure those, who had faithfully fought their Battles, and industriously contributed to rear the Edifices of their Glory.

But, however great the Injustice of our Foes in commencing this War, it is by no Means equal to the Cruelty with which they have conducted it. The Course of their Armies is marked by Rapine and Devastation. Thousands, without Distinction of Age or Sex, have been driven from their peaceful Abodes, to encounter the Rigours of inclement Seasons; and the Face of Heaven hath been insulted by the wanton Conflagration of defenceless Towns. Their Victories have been followed by the cool Murder of Men, no longer able to resist; and those who escaped from the first Act of Carnage have been exposed, by Cold, Hunger, and Nakedness, to wear out a miserable Existence in the tedious Hours of Confinement, or to become the Destroyers of their Countymen, of their Friends, perhaps, dreadful Idea! of their Parents or Children. Nor was this the Outrageous Barbarity of an Individual, bu a System of deliberate Malice, stamped with the Concurrence of the British Legislature, and Sanctioned with all the Formalities of Law. Nay, determined to dissolve the closest Bonds of Society, they have stimulated Servants to slay their Masters in the peaceful Hour of domestic Security. And, as if all this were insufficient to slake their Thirst of Blood, the Blood of Brothers, of unoffending Brothers, they have excited the Indians against us; and a General, who calls himself a Christian, a Follower of the merciful Jesus, hath dared to proclaim to all the World his Intention of letting loose against us whole Hosts of Savages, whose Rule of Warfare is promiscuous Carnage, who rejoice to murder the Infant smiling in its Mother’s Arms, to inflict on their Prisoners the most excruciating Torments, and exhibit Scenes of Horror from which Nature recoils.

Were it possible, they would have added to this terrible System, for they have offered the Inhabitants of these States to be exported by their Merchants to the sickly, baneful Climes of India, there to perish. An offer not accepted of, merely from the Impracticability of carrying it into Execution.

Notwithstanding these great Provocations, we have treated such of them as fell into our Hands with Tenderness, and studiously endeavored to alleviate the Afflictions of their Captivity. This Conduct we have pursued so far, as to be by them stigmatized with Cowardice, and by our Friends with Folly. But our Dependence was not upon Man. It was upon Him, who hat commanded us to love our Emenies, and to render Good for Evil. And what can be more wonderful than the Manner of our Deliverances? how often have we been reduced to Distress, and yet been raised up? When the Means ot prosecute the War have been wanting to us, have not our Foes themselves been rendered instrumental in providing them> This hath been done in such a Variety of Instances, so peculiarly marked almost by the direct Interposition of Providence, that not to feel and acknowledge his Protection, would be the Heighth of impious Ingratitude.

At length that God of Battles, in whom was our Trust, hath conducted us thro’ the Paths of Danger and Distress to the Thresholds of Security. It hat now become morally certain, that, if we have Courage to persevere, we shall establish our Liberties and Independence.—The Haughty Prince, who spurned us from his Feet with Contumely and Disdain, –and the Parliament which proscribed us, now descend to offer Terms of Accommodation. Whilst in the full Career of Victory, they pulled off the Mask, and avowed their intended Despotism. But, having lavished in vain the Blood and Treasure of their Subjects in Prusuit of this execrable Purpose, they now endeavor to ensnare us with the insidious Offers of Peace. Tehy would seduce you into a Dependence, which necessarily, inevitably leads to the most humiliating Slavery. And do they believe that you will accept these fatal Terms? Because you have suffered the Distresses of War, do they suppose that you will basely lick the Dust before the Feet of your Destroyers? Can there be an American so lost to the Feelings which adorn human Nature? To the generous Pride, the Elevation, the Dignity of Freedom! Is there a Man who would not abhor a Dependence upon those, who have deluged his Country in the Blood of its Inhabitants? We cannot suppose this; neither is it possible that they themselves can expect to make many Converts. What then is their Intention? Is it not to lull you with the fallacious Hopes of Peace, until they can assemble new Armies to prosecute their nefarious Designs? If this is not the Case, why do they strain every Nerve to levy Men throughout their Islands? Why do they meanly court each little Tyrant of Europe to sell them his unhappy Slaves? Why do they continue to embitter the Mids of the Savages against you? Surely this is not the Way to conciliate the Affections of America. Be not, therefore, deceived. You have still to expect one severe Conflich. Tour foreign Alliances, tho’ they secure your Independence, cannot secure your Country from Desolation, your Habitations from Plunder, your Wives from Insult or Violation, nor your Children from Butchery. Foiled in their principal Design, you must expect to feel the Rage of disappointed Ambition. Arise then! To your Tents! And gird you for the Battle. It is Time to turn the headlong Current of Vengeance upon the Head of the Destroyer. They have filled up the Measure of their Abominations, and like ripe Fruit must soon drop from the Tree. Altho’ much is done, yet much remains to do. Expect not Peace, whilst any Corner of America is in Possession of your Foes. You must drive them away from this Land of Promise, a Land flowing indeed with Milk and Honey. Your Brethren, at the Extremities of the Continent, already implore your Friendship and Protection. It is your Duty to grant their Request. They hunger and thirst after Liberty. Be it yours to dispense to them the heavenly Gift. And what is there now to Prevent it?

After the unremitted Efforts of our Enemies, we are stronger than before. Nor can the wicked Emissaries, who so assiduously labor to promote their Cause, point out any one Reason to suppose that we shall not receive daily Accessions of Strength. They tell you, it is true that your Money is of no Value; and your Debts so enormous they can never be paid. But we tell you, that if Britain prosecutes the War another Campaign, that single Campaign will cost her more than we have hitherto expended. And yet these Men would prevail upon you to take up that immense Load, and for it to sacrifice your dearest Rights. For, surely, there is no Man so absurd as to suppose that the least Shadow of Liberty can be preserved in a dependent Connexion with Great-Britain. From the Nature of the Thing it is evident, that the only Security you could obtain, would be, the Justice and Moderation of a Parliament, who have sold the Rights of their own Constituents. And this slender Security is still farther weakened, by the Consideration that it was pledged to Rebels (as they unjustly call the good People of these States) with whom they think they are not bound to keep Faith by any Law whatsoever. Thus would you be cast bound among Men, whose Minds (by your virtuous Resistance) have been sharpened to the keenest Edge of Revenge. Thus would your Children, and your Childrens Children, be by your forced to a Participation in all their Debts, their Wars, their Luxuries, and their Crimes. And this mad, this impious System they would lead you to adopt, because of the Derangement of your Finances. It becomes you deeply to reflect on this Subject. Is there a Country on Earth, which hat such Resources for the Payment of her Debts as America? Such an extensive Territory? So fertile, so blessed in its Climate and Productions? Surely there is none. Neither is there any, to which the wise Europeans will sooner confide their Property. What then are the Reasons that your Money hath depreciated? Because no Taxes have been imposed to carry on the War. Because your Commerce hath been interrupted by your Enemy’s Fleets. Because their Armies have ravaged and desolated a Part of your Country. Because their Agents have villainously counterfeited your Bills. Because Extortioners among you, inflamed with the Lust of Gain, have added to the Price of every Article of Life. And because weak Men have been artfully led to believe that it is of no Value. How is this dangerous Disease to be Remedied? Let those among you, who have Leisure and Opportunity, collect the Monies which Individuals in their Neighborhood are desirous of placing in the Public Funds. Let the several Legislatures sink their respective Emissions, that so, there being but one Kind of Bills, there may be less Danger of Counterfeits. Refrain a little while from purchasing shose Things which are not absolutely necessary, that so those who have engrossed Commodities may suffer (as they deservedly will) the Loss of their ill-gotten Hoards, by Reason of the Commerce with foreign Nations, which their Fleets will protect. Above all, bring forward your Armies into the Field. Trust not to Appearances of Peace or Safety. Be assured that, unless you persevere, you will be exposed to every Species of Barbarity. But if you exert the Means of Defence which God and Nature have given you, the Time will soon arrive, when every Man shall sit under his own Vine, and under his own Fig-tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.

The Sweets of a free Commerce with every Part of the Earth will soon reimburse you for all the Losses you have sustained. The full Tide of Wealth will flow in upon your Shores, free from the arbitrary Impositions of those, whose Interest, and whose declared Policy it was, to check your Growth. Your Interests will be fostered and norurished by Governments, that derive their Power from your Grant, and will therefore be obliged, by the Influence of cogent necessity, to exert it in your Favor.

It is to obtain these Things that we call for your strenuous, unremitted Exertions. Yet do not believe that you have been or can be saved merely by your own Strength. No! It is by the Assistance of Heaven, and this you must assiduously cultivate, by Acts which Heaven approves. Thus shall the Power and the Happiness of these Sovereign, Free and Independent States, founded on the Virtue of their Citizens, increase, extend and endure, until the Almighty shall blot out all the Empires of the Earth.

By Order of Congress,

HENRY LAURENS, President.[1]


  1. Accessed at https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/address-to-inhabitants ↵

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