Clymer, George, 1739-1813 to Committee of Correspondence of the County of Berks

Also signed by Joseph Reed, John Cadwalader, Thomas Mifflin, Jonathan B. Smith, John Benezet, James Mease, John Nixon, and Samuel Meredith. Circular to the committees of Pennsylvania encouraging the formation of military associations in each county; this letter was sent to Berks County. This is an answer to the letter of Berks County from April 15, 1775. Says now that "Ministerial violence" - meaning attacks by British troops under Parliament's orders - has occurred they need to act and not deliberate. Says their "despotic" intentions are "beyond doubt." Says word came that the Houses of Parliament were passing bills to deprive Massachusetts of its fisheries and to stop all trade in the colonies except New York, Carolina, and Quebec. Claims a body of troops and a fleet of men at war are on their way to America. Says a moment cannot be lost in forming military associations. Starting to stockpile gunpowder, lead, flint, and brass field pieces. Describes precautions taken with regard to ammunition and supplies. Says if a convention was called they would be doing what is already being doing. Says the Continental Congress will know under what spirit they operated. Tells them to use the remaining time to prepare for war.