fieldston american reader volume i – fall 2007 - Ethical Culture ...

To these grievous acts and measures Americans cannot submit,but in hopes that their fellow subjects in Great Britain will, ona revision of them, restore us to a state in which both countriesfound happiness and prosperity, we have for the present onlyresolved to pursue the following measures: First, To enter intoa non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportationagreement or association; Second, To prepare an address tothe people of Great Britain... Third, To prepare a loyal addressto his Majesty....Second Continental Congress,“Declaration of the Causes of the Necessityof Taking Up Arms,” (1775)By the time the Second Continental Congress convened inPhiladelphia, fighting had already taken place at Lexington andConcord. In this document, the Congress explains its reasons forresorting to violence against the British, and the conditions underwhich they would be willing to put down their arms. As you read,see if you can pinpoint how this document differs, in tone and inpurpose, from previous petitions to the Crown. By July, 1775, howdo the colonists perceive themselves and their relationship withGreat Britain?A reverence for our great Creator, principles of humanity, andthe dictates of common sense, must convince all who reflectupon the subject, that government was instituted to promotethe welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered forthe attainment of that end. The legislature of Great Britain,however, stimulated by an inordinate passion for power, notonly unjustifiable, but which they know to be peculiarlyreprobated by the very constitution of that kingdom, anddeparture of success in any mode of contest, where regardshould be had to truth, law, or right, have at length, desertingthose, attempted to affect their cruel and impolitic purpose ofenslaving those colonies by violence, and have thereby renderedit necessary for us to close with their last appeal from Reasonto Arms. Yet, however blinded that assembly may be, by theirintemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to slight justiceand the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound, byobligations of respect to the rest of the world, to make knownthe justice of our cause.Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great Britain,left their native land, to seek on these shores a residence forcivil and religious freedom. At the expense of their blood, atthe hazard of their fortunes, without the least charge to thecountry from which they removed, by unceasing labour, and anunconquerable spirit, they effected settlements in the distantand inhospitable wilds of America, then filled with numerouswarlike nations of barbarians. Societies or governments, vestedwith perfect legislatures, were formed under charters from thecrown, and an harmonious intercourse was established betweenthe colonies and the kingdom from which they derived theirorigin. The mutual benefits of this of this union became soextraordinary, as to excite astonishment. It is universallyconfessed, that the amazing increase of the wealth, strength,and navigation of the realm, arose from this source, and theminister, who so wisely and successfully directed the measuresof Great Britain in the late war, publicly declared, that these100 fieldston american reader volume i – fall 2007