Chapter XX
General Congress or Convention at Philadelphia, September and October, 1774. 409-421
The word Congress “defined” 409
Each day’s proceedings commenced with prayer; each Province allowed but one vote 410
The members of the Congress and their constituents throughout the Colonies thoroughly loyal,
while maintaining British constitutional rights 410
The declaration of rights and grievances by this Congress (in a note) 411
The explicit, loyal, and touching address and petition of this Congress to the King 414
Manly and affectionate appeal to the British nation 416
The address of the members of the Congress to their constituents—a temperate and lucid exposition
of their grievances and sentiments 417
Reasons for giving a summary and extracts of these addresses of the first General Congress 418
General elections in England hastened; adverse to the Colonies 419
The King’s speech at the opening of the new Parliament, the 30th of November, and answers of both
Houses 419
Opposition in both Houses; protest in the Lords 420
The proceedings of the first American Congress reach England before the adjournment of Parliament for
the Christmas holidays, and produce an impression favourable to the Colonies; hopes of a change of the
Ministerial policy in regard to the Colonies 420