Chapter 19

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