, 1857-11-20

MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEfEN-
DENCE.-The late commemorative celebra-
tion Of the Mecklenburg Declaration of In
dependence, which preceded that of the
United Colonies by more than year, and
which many think Mr.. Jefferson made in
some measure the model of his memorable
and immortal State paper, Gan allegation
which he repelled, however, in the most
pointed and unqualified manner) may rem
der our readers anxious to see the elder
document. Here it is, as it emanatcd from
the pen Of DR.. Epraim Brevard, and was
adopted by the bold Mecklenburghers:
The Original Declaration Of Independence
1t is not known to many of our people
Of the present generation that more than a
year previous to the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, which will this day I've read TO so
many enthusiastic millions Of freemen, the
citizens Of Mecklenburg, n c., had issued
declaration, embodying substantially, and
with more terscness, the ideas and princi-
pies set forth by Mr. Jefferson in the more
celebrated instrument. This was before
the battle at Bunker Hill, and followed the
skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, which
were no doubt the stimuant to this move
ment. The reproduction of this manifesto
is dHc to history. 1t will serve 70 illustrate
the catholic aud fraternal patriotism which
pervaded the population Of these colonies,
then separate sovcreigntics, but so cordially
bound to one another by common ties and
sympathes that the North Carolinans
who had not been practically invaded in
any of their rights, no sooner heard cf the
wrongs done to their brethren Of MaSSa-
chusetts than they proclaimed the independ-
ence of the people of these colonies of
British rule. And here is the document in
which this sentiment was avowed:
"Dcclaration of Independence By The citiscns
of MecEienJurg County, North Carolina,
May 20, l775.
In conformity to an orler issued by the
Colonel of Mecklenburg County, North
Carolina, Convention, invested with un
limited powers met at Charlotte, in said
county, on the 10Th day of May, l775,
when Abraham Alexander was chosen
Chairman and John McKnitt Alexander,
Secretary. After free and full discussion
Of the objects Of the Convention, it was
unanimously resolved
81. That whosoever. directly or Indirect
y, abetted, or in any way, form or manner,
coun,enanccd the unchartered and danger
GUS invasion of our rights, as claimed by
Great Britain, is an enemy to this country,
to America, and to the inherent and inalien-
able rights of man.
"2. Resolrsd, That we, the citizens of
Mecklcnburg county, do hereby dissolve
the political bands which have connected
US to the mother country, aud hereby alb
solve ourselves from all allegiance to the
British crown, and abjure all political con-
nection, contract or association with that
nation, who have wantonly trampled on our
rights and liberties, and inhumanly shed
the blood Of American Patriots at Lexing-
ton.
"3. Resolrcd, That We do hereby declare
ourselves q free and independent people
are, and of right ought to be a sovereign
and selfgoverning association, under the
control of no other power than that of our
God and the general government of Con-
gress; to the maintenance Of which inde-
pendence we sOlemnly pledge to each other
our most sacred honor.
ABRAHAM ALEXANDER,
Chairman.
J. NJ. ALEXANDER, Secretary.