unequal powers being given by different Parishes and Districts, viz:

GEORGIA.

The affairs of the Continent of America being now brought to a truly alarming and critical situation, and there being no other method left but that the whole body of the people unite as one, in opposing such acts as tend utterly to destroy the liberty, property, and birthright of America; and it having been thought necessary and convenient, in order to consult on proper ways and means for our mutual security, to assemble and convene the people in each Colony and Province, by their representatives, into one body or Council, styled a Provincial Congress, who shall act in all cases whatsoever for the good of the common cause. Now, therefore, be it known, that we, the inhabitants of . . . . . Parish, (or District,) being met together in order to choose such men as are capable of the important trust, do choose A, B, C, D, &c., being the number determined on in the Provincial Congress, held at Savannah, 4th July, 1775, to represent us in the Provincial Congress to be held at said Town of Savannah on the fourth December next. And we do require you, the said A, B, &c., to do, transact, join, and concur with the other Delegates of this Province, so sitting as above recited, in all things as shall appear eligible and fit at this alarming time, for the preservation and defence of our rights and liberties; and we further empower you to choose other Delegates, if in your wisdom you think proper, or if any requisition in that case should be made by the Grand Continental Congress, in order to join or succeed the Delegates in that Congress, now chosen by the people of this Province. And we do bind ourselves solemnly, under the sacred ties of religion, virtue, honour, and love of our Country, to abide by, enforce, and carry into execution, or endeavour so to do, at the risk and peril of our lives and fortunes, whatsoever you, with the other Delegates, shall resolve and agree upon to be necessary for the well-doing and preservation of the violated rights of this Province, and the Continent in general.

Signed by us this . . . day of . . . . . . ., 1775.

Saturday, July 15, 1775.

A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee be appointed to report their opinion with respect to the better governing the Militia of this Province; which being agreed to, a Committee was appointed accordingly, to wit: Stephen Draylon, Samuel Elbert, Dr. Brownson, and Peter Tarlin.

A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee be appointed to communicate to the inhabitants of this Province, an account of the disputes subsisting between Great Britain and the Colonies, and also the proceedings of this Congress; and the same being agreed to, it was

Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. Zubly, Noble Wimberly Jones, William Young, and George Walton, be a Committee for that purpose.

Resolved, That the Congress shall expire on the twentieth day of August next; that a new election be made at such times between the said twentieth day of August and first of September, as the inhabitants of the several Parishes and Districts (except the Town and District of Savannah) shall think fit, respectively, and that the members so elected, with those who shall afterwards be chosen for the Town and District of Savannah, do meet in General Congress at Savannah, on the fourth day of December next, or sooner, if the Council of Safety shall think it expedient to summon them.

Resolved, That the Members of this Congress use every endeavour to give as publick notice of elections as possible; and that each Parish and District shall, at the time of such elections, likewise choose a sufficient number as a Parochial or District Committee, to enforce the different Resolves of the Continental and Provincial Congresses.

Resolved, That the inhabitants of the Town and District of Savannah do meet at Savannah on Friday, the fifteenth day of September next, to choose seventeen Delegates to represent them in Provincial Congress.

Resolved, That the several Delegates for the Town and District of Savannah, or a majority of them, together with all other Delegates who shall happen to be in Town, shall be a General Committee for the Province; that they shall have power to superintend, direct, and advise all the Parochial or District Committees, and, in case of difficulty, to inform them of their duty. And any person who shall apprehend himself aggrieved by the decision of any of the Parochial or District Committees, may appeal to the said General Committee, who shall hear his case, and do justice according to the spirit and intention of this Congress. And in case such appellant shall still be dissatisfied, he may lay his case before the next Congress, provided there be no delay occasioned by any such appeal, but the sentence of each Committee shall take effect immediately after being pronounced.

Monday, July 17, 1775.

Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Haddon Smith, by twice refusing to comply with the request of this Congress, and to join on a day of Fasting and Prayer, appointed by the Continental Congress to be observed throughout all America, besides the day appointed by his Excellency the Governour, at the request of this Congress, has given too much reason to believe he does not wish that the happy event, mentioned in the American Proclamation, may take place, and that the said Mr. Haddon Smith has thereby incurred the censure of this Congress, and ought to be considered as unfriendly to America.

Resolved nemine contradicente, That the Delegates appointed by this Congress to go to Philadelphia, do apply to the Continental Congress to incorporate this Province with the other united Provinces of North America, and that they pledge the faith of us and our constituents, to contribute an adequate part of the expenses which have or may accrue, in the defence of the violated rights of America.

Resolved, That the Council of Safety have full power, upon every emergency, during the recess of Congress, to give such information and propose such measures, by way of advice to our Continental Delegates, as the circumstances of the case may require, and they shall think conducive to the publick good.

Resolved, That it be strongly recommended to the friends of America in this Province, that they use their utmost endeavours to preserve peace and good order, and to cultivate harmony with one another, and always to avoid national reflections, which can only tend to produce divisions and jealousies among the inhabitants.

Resolved, That this Congress do adjourn to the nineteenth day of August next, and that the General Committee have power to call it to sit at Savannah sooner, if they, upon any emergency, shall deem it expedient for the good of the Province. By order of the Congress.

A true copy from the Minutes:

GEORGE WALTON, Secretary.

Savannah, July 25, 1775.

To the Inhabitants of the Province of GEORGIA:

FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN; We are directed to transmit to you an account of the present state of American affairs, as well as the proceedings of the late Provincial Congress. It is with great sorrow we are to acquaint you, that what our fears suggested, but our reason thought impossible, is actually come to pass. A civil war in America is begun. Several engagements have already happened. The friends and foes of America have been equally disappointed. The friends of America were in hopes British Troops could never be induced to slay their brethren. It is, however, done, and the circumstances are such as must an everlasting blot on their character for humanity and generosity. An unfeeling commander has found means to inspire his troops with the same evil spirit that possesseth himself. After the starving, helpless, innocent inhabitants of Boston delivered up their arms, and received his promise that they might leave that virtuous devoted Town, he is said to have broke his word, and the wretched inhabitants are still kept, to fall a prey to disease, famine, and confinement. If there are powers that abhor injustice and oppression, it may be hoped such perfidy cannot go long unpunished. But the enemies of America have been no less disappointed. Nothing so contemptible in their eyes like the rabble of an American Militia, nothing more improbable than that they would dare to look Regulars in the face, or stand a single fire. By this time they must have felt how much they