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Signed Copy of Journal of the Proceedings of the Congress, Held at Philadelphia, May 10, 1775. Philadelphia: William Bradford and Thomas Bradford, 1775. 4, iv, 239 pp., 5 x 7 3/4 in. "The Legislature of Great Britain.desperate of success in any mode of contest where regard should be had to the truth, law, or right, have at length, deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of enslaving these Colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to close with their last appeal from reason to arms." ["Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms"]The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia following the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Huntington must have used this book to familiarize himself with the actions of the First Session after he was selected as a delegate to the Second Session, which convened just a month after the First Session adjourned. Historical BackgroundThe Second Continental Congress convened on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, with representatives from twelve colonies; Georgia's delegates arrived in mid-July. The Congress functioned as the de facto national government at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, raising and organizing armies, directing strategy, appointing diplomats, and writing petitions to Great Britain and to other British colonies that might join the confederation.In July 1775, the Second Continental Congress again attempted to reach out to their fellow British subjects with an address to the inhabitants of Great Britain. Even after preparing a declaration describing why they had to take up arms, the delegates sent one last petition to the King, who refused to read this final "olive branch" petition and declared in August 1775 that the colonies were in rebellion.This volume, covering the period of May 10 to August 1, 1775, includes the texts of several key documents:Letter Address "To the Inhabitants of Great Britain" (April 26, p43-46) Address "To the oppressed Inhabitants of Canada" (May 29, p67-70) Resolutions establishing the Continental Army (June 14, p89-90) Appointment of George Washington as Commander in Chief of "all the Continental Forces, raised or to be raised for the defence of American liberty" (June 15, p92) Washington's Speech accepting the appointment and declining pay (June 16, p93) Commission to George Washington (June 17, p97-98) Rules and regulations for government of Continental Army (June 30, p112-132) Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms (July 6, p140-150) Olive Branch Petition (July 8, p151-157) Address "To the Inhabitants of Great Britain" (July 8, p157-171) Speech to the Six Nations (Mohawks, Oneidas, Tuscaroras, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas) (July 13, 179-188) Address to the Assembly of Jamaica (July 25, p201-205) Establishment of postal service with Benjamin Franklin as first postmaster general (July 26, p208-209) Address to the People of Ireland: "they have nothing more to expect from the same common enemy, than the humble favour of being last devoured" (July 28, p213-222)Samuel Huntington (1731-1796) was born into a large Connecticut farming family, left home at age 22, taught himself enough law to pass the bar, and was appointed King's attorney for Connecticut in 1765. He resigned to join the Revolutionary cause, and in 1775, represented his state as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. Huntington signed the Declaration of Independence, and in 1779, members elected him as the 7th president of the Continental Congress. Under Huntington's presidency (1779-1781), the states ratified the Articles of Confederation as America's first constitution, and the Congress of the Confederation replaced the Continental Congress. Afterward, Huntington briefly retired from public life, hoping to revive his law practice and fortune. In 1784, voters elected him as lieutenant governor, a post that also made him Chief Judge of t. (See website for full description).
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