Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1845-11-01
FROM rur snrrsssono, q. a., PATRIOT, ocrourn IL

below, found among the old papers of gentleman Of a
neghbong county, was perhaps the earliest declaration of
the American Colonial Congress Of the and necessity
OF taking up arms Dated before the Declaration Of
Independence. il is noble sample Of the spirit of the times
Not being embodied in any Of popular histories Of the
Revolution, any Of editorial brethren who could procure
entire, might by giving II space, do their countrymen
service, and crafty their patriotic pride The fragment in our
hands Is printed slip by ITSELF unconnected with the
newspaper and from its shape in condition. judge
we have about eefourths Of the document"
The document which accompanies the above
paragraph in the Patriot is signed by JOHN HAN
COCK, President attested by CHARLES THOMSON,
Secretary, and dated Philadelphia, July 8, l775.
1t is entitled "A Declaration by the Representa-
ives of the United Colonies Of North America,
now met in General Congress at Philadelphia,
setting forth the causes and necessity Of their
taking up arms
As the Editor of the Patriot appears to be una
ware Of the origin and occasion of this ancient
document, it may be acceptable to him, and per-
haps TO others, to learn something of its history.
This Declaration of july l775, was the most i'm
porant and one Of the best known public papers of
its time. Ii is to be found in many collections of
Revolutionary documents, in one of which it now
lies before us in extenso, belonging to the valuable
antiquarian library of our friend and neighbor p.
FORCE, Esq, to whom we indebted for some
historical notes connected with the paper in ques-
ton, which may refresh the memories Of many Of
our readers in relation to some important incidents
of that heroic age.
On the 18th of June, l775, the Continental Con-
gress Resolved that General be appointed to
command all the Continental forces raised or to
be raised for the defence of American liberty"
General WASHINGTON was appointed the same day,
and received his commission of General and Com
mander-in-chef on the 18th. He left Philadelphia
on the 21st of June; arrived at Cambridge, Mas
sachusetts, and assumed the command there on
the 3D. of July, which date his first General Order
bears. The Provincial army, previously under the
command of General WARD, before Boston, now
became the Continental army. 1t was in justifca-
ton of this that the Congress published the De-
claration now brought to notice by the Greensbo-
rough Patriot.
On the Odd of June a committee of five mem
bers of the Congress (Mr. J. RuTLEDcE, Mr.. w.
LIVINGSTON, Mr.. Franklin, Mr.. LAY, and Mr..
JoHNsoN) was appointed :" 10 draw up Declare
ton TO be published by General WASHINGTON on
his arrival at the camp before Boston," The COM
mittee the next day reported Declaration, which
was read and debated, and after some time referred
for further consideration till Monday next" the
26th, when il again considered, and after some
debate, recommitted and Mr.. DICKINSON and Mr..
JEFFERSON were added to the committee. The
Declaration was again reported on Thursday, the
9th of July; when, after further debate, il was
adopted and entered at length the Journal of the
Congress. 1t was read before the Army at Cam
bridge on Saturday, the 18th Of July.
The reading of this Declaration at Cambridge
and at Prospect Hill was thus noticed at the time
"Las Saturday, July l5th the several regiments quar-
tered in this town. Cambridge being assembled upon the
parade, the Reverend Dr. Langon, President Of the College,
tad to them "A Declaration by the Representatives the
United Colonies of North America General Con-
sess Philadelphia, setting forth the and necessity
II their taking up II received great applause
and the appreciation Of the Army with that of great num-
Der Of other people, Immediately answered by three huz-
His exceency the General with several other general
officers, &c present on the occasion.
"On Tuesday morning, the 18TH according to orders
issued the day before by Major General Putnam all the Con-
tnonsl troops under his immediate command assembled
Prospect Hill when the Declaration Of the Continental Con-
gress read after which animated and pathetic address
vas made by the Rev Mr.. Leonard, Chaplain General
Punams regiment and succeeded by pertinent prayer,
when General Putnam gave the signal and the whole army
shouted their loud by three cheers Immediately upon
which fired from the fort and the standard late
" General Putnam exhibited Aourishug the
III, bearing side this motto, An APPEAL HE.-
vKs, and on the other side, Qui frunsut Sustiret
The whole was conducted with the deccncy good
dcr and regularity and the acceptance Of all pre-
sent and Philsunes Bunkers Hill heard the shout Of
he Israete and being very fearful psraded themselves in
battle array"
This Declaration was circulated throughout Anne.
rica in newspapers and pamphlets. An answer to
he 1 sclaration appeared, in pamphlet of ninety
two pages, entitled "The Rights of Great Britain
asserted against the Claims of America being an
Answer TO the Declaration of the General Con
gress." This Answer printed and literally
distributed both in Great Britain and America, at
the instance, il was said, of the British Govern
ment AT least eight editions of the Answer were
printed in England and one in America, in I776.
AT late special meeting Of the Board of Direc-
tors, the Hon. LOUIS Mcl.ANE was unanimously re-
elected President of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road Company and, in consequence Of his abb
sencc as Minister to England, SAMUEL JONES, jr.
ESQ, was unanimously reelected President pro tenn.
The proposition for reduction of fare to Cum
berland and intermediate places, il is expected,
will be finally acted upon at the next meeting Of the
Directors.
The Union OF oath instant says il is now reported
and believed that Mr.. CALHOUN will return 10 The
Senate NJ tho limited States NJ Tho No., aaaa:.. n