Hancock, John, 1737-1793 to the Convention of Maryland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00639.12 Author/Creator: Hancock, John, 1737-1793 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: June 4, 1776 Pagination: 4 p. : address : docket ; 32 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Hancock as President of the Continental Congress. Begins by saying "Our affairs are hastening fast to a Crisis; and the approaching Campaign will in all Probability, determine for ever the Fate of America." Says the king and Parliament has left no measure unemployed to accomplish their destruction. Says he they are blockading the coast and about to pour in foreign troops. Says the affairs in Canada have "a melancholy Aspect" to them. Says it is likely the colonies will have to deal with Canada and the northern Indians as well as Great Britain. Sends resolves of Congress (not included) which calls "upon the Militia at this alarming Crisis." Tries to strike a positive tone by saying they are currently at great disadvantages, but time and progress in the art of war will remove those disadvantages. Congress makes the appeal to the militia that "they are called upon to say, whether they will live Slaves, or die Freemen. They are requested to step forth in Defence of their Wives, their Children, their Liberty, and every Thing they hold dear." Attempts to rally the patriotism of the people of Maryland.
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