Second Continental Congress meets and assumes many powers of an independent government. Dunmore's Proclamation in Virginia promises freedom to slaves and indentured servants fleeing to British ranks. Prohibitory Act embargoes American goods. George III proclaims Americans in open rebellion. 1776 Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense .
British troops evacuate Boston.
Declaration of Independence. Colonial Foundations of the American Political System 1606 Virginia companies of London and Plymouth granted patents to settle lands in North America. First elected colonial legislature meets in Virginia. The council in Virginia deports Governor John Harvey for exceeding his power, thus asserting the rights of local magistrates to contest authority of royally appointed governors. The colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven draw up articles of confederation and form the first intercolonial union, the United Colonies of New England.