Whereas, His Britannic Majesty, in conjunction
with the Lords and Commons of Great Britain, has, by a late Act of Parliament, excluded
the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his Crown; and
whereas, no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of
grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain has been or is likely to be given; but
the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the
destruction of the good people of these colonies; and whereas, it appears absolutely
irreconcileable to reason and good conscience for the people of these colonies now to take
oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the Crown of
Great Britain, and it is necessary that every kind of authority under the said Crown
should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted, under the
authority of the people of these colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue,
and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties
against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies; therefore
Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and
Conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to the exigencies of
their affairs have been hitherto established, to adopt such a government as shall, in the
opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of
their constituents in particular, and America in general.