and of the laws of justice and humanity, hath, by an accumulation of oppressions unparalleled in history, excluded the inhabitants of this, with the other American Colonies, from his protection; and whereas he hath paid no regard to any of our numerous and dutiful petitions for a redress of our complicated grievances, but hath lately purchased foreign troops to assist in enslaving us, and hath excited the savages of this country to carry on a war against us, as also the negroes to imbrue their hands in the blood of their masters, in a manner unpractised by civilized nations; and hath lately insulted our calamities, by declaring that he will show us no mercy until he has reduced us: And whereas the obligations of allegiance (being reciprocal between a King and his subjects) are now dissolved on the side of the Colonists, by the despotism of the said King, insomuch that it now appears that loyalty to him is treason against the good people of this country: And whereas not only the Parliament, but, there is reason to believe, too many of the people of Great Britain, have concurred in the aforesaid arbitrary and unjust proceedings against us: And whereas the publick virtue of this Colony (so essential to its liberty and happiness) must be endangered by a future political union with, or dependance upon, a Crown and nation so lost to justice, patriotism, and magnanimity:—We, the Deputies of the people of Pennsylvania, assembled in full Provincial Conference, for forming a plan for executing the Resolve of Congress of the 15th of May last, for suppressing all authority in this Province derived from the Crown of Great Britain, and for establishing a Government upon the authority of the people only, now, in this publick manner, in behalf of ourselves, and with the approbation, consent, and authority of our constituents, unanimously declare our willingness to concur in a vote of the Congress declaring the United Colonies free and independent States, provided the forming the Government, and the regulation of the internal police of this Colony, be always reserved to the people of the said Colony; and we do further call upon the nations of Europe, and appeal to the great Arbiter and Governour of the Empires of the World, to witness for us that this declaration did not originate in ambition, or in an impatience of lawful authority, but that we were driven to it, in obedience to the first principles of nature, by the oppressions and cruelties of the aforesaid King and Parliament of Great Britain, as the only possible measure that was left us to preserve and establish our liberties, and to transmit them inviolate to posterity.”

Ordered, That this Declaration be signed at the table, and that the President deliver it in Congress.

The Committee appointed to wait on the Captains of the Row-Galleys, &c., made their Report; which was read, and is in the following words:

“That they had proceeded to said Fleet in order to execute their appointment, and waited on said Captains, (the Commodore being gone to Philadelphia,) who declare solemnly that they would pursue no measure that would involve the Fleet in confusion, or in anywise incapacitate them from serving the publick in the most effectual manner for the support, safety, and defence of this Province, further than that they would not submit to, but would ever protest against, the advancement of Captain Davidson, whom the Committee of Safety have appointed Commodore of said Fleet; and further requested to be heard by this Board, or the Convention, respecting the premises, as will appear by a declaration of said Captains to said Board.

The Committee also delivered a written Report of the Captains of the Provincial Galleys; which was read, and is in the following words, viz:

“We, the said Commanders, do resolve to abide by the determination set forth in our Remonstrance of the 18th instant to the Committee of Safety, respecting the appointment of a Commodore. We do therefore warmly remonstrate against any such appointment, and declare to this Board that we will not submit to it. We do also report to the sub-Committee that the reports which have prevailed in town about our going on board the Province ship, to strike the broad pennant, with boats manned and armed, are false, and without the least foundation. There was not a single fire-arm in one of the boats, neither the smallest appearance of hostility or design on our parts. Even orders were given to our men not to stir out of their boats, or attempt to come on board the ship. We do pray, when convenient, that we may have a hearing before the honourable the Committee of Conference, or Convention. In the interim, your Committee may rest assured that we will constantly remain in the line of our duty, for the defence of our River and Province, and that no differences of whatsoever kind shall interfere with the good of the publick, and the glorious cause in which we are engaged.

Ordered, That the above Reports lie on the table for perusal of the Members.

On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the same Committee be appointed to wait on the Committee of Safety, and desire a conference on the subject-matter of their Report from their conversation with the Captains of the Row-Galleys, &c., in the service of this Province, and to make report of their proceedings in the premises.

Resolved, That Messrs. Bayard, Rush, and Smith, be a Committee to prepare a draft of an Address to the Associators of this Province, on the subject of imbodying four thousand five hundred men.

The Committee appointed to devise ways and means, &c., made their Report; which, being read, was referred to to-morrow.

The Committee appointed to wait on the Committee of Safety, reported in the following words:

“That, in conversation, they found they were willing to agree to anything with this Conference, in reason, that would promote harmony and good order; and, further, that any of the Conference was welcome to examine any of their accounts or proceedings.

Tuesday, June 25, 1776.

The Conference met.

The Conference resumed the consideration of the Report on the ways and means, &c.; and after full consideration,

Resolved, unanimously, That it be recommended to the Associators of the City of Philadelphia, and the several Counties, to imbody themselves in the following proportion, viz:

Resolved, unanimously, That the four thousand five hundred Militia recommended to be raised, be formed into six Battalions; each Battalion to be commanded by one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Major; the Staff to consist of a Chaplain, a Surgeon, an Adjutant, a Quartermaster, and a Surgeon’s Mate; and to have one Sergeant-Major, one Quartermaster-Sergeant, a Drum-Major, and a Fife-Major; and to be composed of nine Companies, viz: eight Battalion Companies, to consist of a Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, a Drummer, a Fifer, and sixty-six Privates, each; and one Rifle Company, to consist of a Captain, three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and eighty Privates—excepting that for the Chester County Battalion; one Company of Artillery is to be raised in the City of Philadelphia, instead of a Rifle Company.