into execution, to extinguish the freedom of
these colonies, by subjecting them to a des-
potic government.
AT this unhappy period, we have been au-
thorized and directed to meet and consult to-
gether for the welfare of our common coun-
try. We accepted the important trust with
diffidence, but have endeavoured to discharge
it with integrity. Though the state of these
colonies would certainly justify other measures
than we have advised, yet weighty reasons
determined us to prefer those which we have
adopted. In the first place, it appeared to us
a conduct becoming the character, these colo-
nies have ever sustained, to perform, even in
the midst of the unnatural distresses and im-
minent dangers that surround them, every act
of loyalty; and therefore, we were induced
to offer once more to his Majesty
the peti-
tions of his faithful and oppressed subjects in
America. Secondly, regarding with the ten-
der affection, which we knew to be so uni-
versal among our countrymen, the people of
the kingdom, from which we derive our ori-
ginal, we could not forbear to regulate our
steps by an expectation of receiving full con-
viction, that the colonists are equally dear to
them. Between these provinces and that bo-
dy, subsists the social band, which we ardent-
ly wish may never be dissolved, and which can-
not be dissolved, until their minds shall be-
come indisputably hostile, or their inattention
shall permit those who are thus hostile to per-
sist in prosecuting with the powers of the