The Conference met, June 24, 1776 P.M.
The Committee appointed for that Purpose brought in a Draft of a Declaration, on the Subject of the Independence of this Colony, on the Crown of Great-Britain, which was ordered to be read by special Order, the same was read a second Time, and being fully considered, it was with the greatest Unanimity of all the Members agreed to and adopted, and is in the Words following, viz.
Whereas George the Third, King of Great-Britain, &c. In violation of the Principles of the British Constitution; 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 the 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 unpracticed 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 Colonies, by the Despotism of the said King, insomuch, that it now appears 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 public Virtue of this Colony (so essential to it's Liberty and Happiness) must be endangered by future political Union with or dependence 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, do in this public Manner in behalf of Ourselves and which 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 Sates, 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 great Arbiter and Governor of the Empires of the World, to witness for us, that the[S1]is 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 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-Gallies, &c. made their report, which was read, and is in the following words; That they had proceeded to said Flaws in order to execute their Appointment, and wait 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 any wife incapacitate them from serving the public in the most effectual Manner for the support, Safety, and Defense of this Province, further then that they would not submit to, but would ever protect against the Advancement of Cap; Davidson , whom the Committee of Safety have appointed Commodore of said Fleet, and farther 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.
J. Blewer
Robert Loller
T. Levis
John Colhoon
M. Bird