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Thomson, Charles (1729-1824) Resolution of Congress dealing with the British occupation of N.Y.

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05571 Author/Creator: Thomson, Charles (1729-1824) Place Written: Philadelphia Type: Autograph document signed Date: 1775/05/15 Pagination: 1 p. 23 x 18 cm Order a Copy

Notes: The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia on 10 May 1775. Several states beseeched the Congress for advice and assistance in preparing defenses against the British troops which were expected to arrive. This reply to New York was written two days before Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured Fort Tigonderoga. New York City would not fall into British hands until August - September 1776. Quoted in part in Robert Middlekauf, The Glorious Cause, pp. 279 - 80.

In Congress Monday May 15, 1775

The City & County of New York having through Delegates applied to Congress for their
advice how to conduct themselves with regard to the troops expected there, the Congress took the
matter into their most serious deliberation & came to the following Resolution,
"That it be recommended for the present to the inhabitants of New York, that if the troops which are expected should arrive the s[ai]d colony act on the defensive so long as may be consistent with their safety & security: that the troops be permitted to remain in the barracks so long as they behave peaceably & quietly, but that they be not suffered to erect fortifications or take any steps for cutting off the communications between the town & country: & that if they commit hostilities or invade private property the inhabitants should defend themselves & their property & repel force by force; that the warlike stores be removed from the town; that places of retreat in case of necessity be provided for the women & children of New York; & that a sufficient number of men be embodied & kept in constant readiness for protecting the inhabitants from insult & injury."
A true copy from the minutes
Chas. Thompson, Sec[retar]y.

Thomson, Charles, 1729-1824

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