Formation of the Union, 1750-1829 by Albert Bushnell Hart
page 82 of 305 (26%)
page 82 of 305 (26%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
Patrick Henry and George Washington. The general participation in this
congress was an assurance that all America felt the danger of parliamentary control, and the outrage upon the rights of their New England brethren. [Sidenote: Declaration of Rights.] This feeling was voiced in the action of the Congress. Early resolutions set forth approval of the action of Massachusetts. Then came the preparation of a "Declaration of Rights" of the colonies, and of their grievances. They declared that they were entitled to life, liberty, and property, and to the rights and immunities of free and natural born subjects within the realm of England. They denied the right of the British Parliament to legislate in cases of "taxation and internal polity," but "cheerfully consent to the operation of such Acts of the British Parliament as are _bona fide_ restrained to the regulation of our external commerce." They protested against "the keeping up a standing army in these colonies in times of peace." They enumerated a long list of illegal Acts, including the coercive statutes and the Quebec Act. [Sidenote: The Association.] The only action of the First Continental Congress which had in any degree the character of legislation was the "Association,"--the only effective non-importation agreement in the whole struggle. The delegates united in a pledge that they would import no goods from England or other English colonies, and particularly no slaves or tea; and they recommended to the colonies to pass efficient legislation for carrying it out. The Revolutionary "congresses" and "conventions," and sometimes the legislatures themselves, passed resolutions and laid penalties. A more |
|