Declarations and Petitions of The Continental Congress

New York City, October 1765

[Part of American Independence in Verse.]

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I. Declaration of Rights and Grievances

We write to offer humble thoughts upon
Our rights, and to convey our grievances
Against some recent Acts. We owe the same
Allegiance to the crown as any subject
Born in the realm. But their inherent rights
Are ours as well. We too are a free people.
Taxes need consent; but these colonies
Are not, and by their nature cannot be
Represented in the House of Commons.
We thus with loyal duty ask you please:
Repeal the Stamp Act; restore our liberties.


II. To the King’s most Excellent Majesty

We the people of your colonies
Devoted ever to your sacred Person
With warmest sentiments of love and duty
Beg permission to approach the throne.

First planted here by subjects of the crown
In barren deserts and in barbarism
We built a flowering civilization
And spread humanity, and science, and knowledge.

And through the works and days of all our labor
A strong foundation laid on which your Empire
May yet become the largest and the greatest
Seen yet by history or by God above.

We ardently implore that you protect
The freedoms due to Englishmen by right.
If so, the riches you’ve received from us
Will pale beside the wealth you’ll yet acquire.

Immense advantages have now been placed
In danger of forever being lost,
And we implore your majesty’s protection,
Convinced by proofs of your paternal love.

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