|
|
About The Mecklenburg declaration:
The Mecklenburg Declaration was actually the predecessor to the
Declaration of Independence. It was developed by a group of Scotch-Irish
Presbyterians who had gathered together in Charlotte, North Carolina out of
concern over the growing conflict with Britain. The document was then sent
to the Continental Congress and is believed to have been the source of some of
the language used in the Declaration of Independence. |
|
May 20, 1775 (More than a
year before the Declaration of Independence) |
1. That whosoever directly or indirectly abetted or in any way, form or manner
countenanced to unchartered & dangerous invasion of our rights as claimed by G.
Britain is an enemy to this County - to America & to the inherent & inaliable
rights of man.
2. We the Citizens of Mecklenburg County do hereby desolve the political bands
which have connected us to the Mother Country & hereby absolve ourselves from
all allegiance to the British crown & abjure all political connection, contract
or association with that nation who have wantonly trampled on our rights &
liberties & inhumanely shed the innocent blood of American patriots at
Lexington.
3. We do hereby declare ourselves a free and independent people - are & of right
ought to be a sovereign & self-governing association, under the controul of no
power other than that of our God & the general government of the congress, to
the maintainence of which independence civil & religious we solemnly pledge to
each other our mutual cooperation, our lives, our fortunes & our most sacred
honor.
4. As we now acknowledge the existence & controul of no law or legal officers,
civil or military, within this County, we do hereby ordain & adopt as a rule of
life, all, each & every of our former laws - wherein nevertheless the crown of
great britain never can be considered as holding rights, privileges, immunities,
or authority therein.
5. It is also further decreed that all, each & every military officer in this
County is hereby reinstated in his former command & authority, he acting
conformably to these regulations. And that every member present of this
delegation shall henceforth be a civil officer, viz. a Justice of the peace in
the character of a 'Committee-man' to issue process, hear & determine all
matters of controversy according to sd. adopted laws - to preserve peace, union
& harmony in sd. County & to use every exertion to spread the love of country &
fire of freedom throughout America until a more general & organized government
be established in this province. A selection from the members present shall
constitute a Committee of public safety for sd. County.
6. That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by express to the President
of the Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, to be laid before that
body.
Ephraim Brevard
Hezekiah J. Balch
John Phifer
James Harris
William Kennon
John Foard
Richard Barry
Henry Downs
Ezra Alexander
Charles Alexander
Zaccheus Wilson
Waightstill Avery
Benjamin Patton
Matthew McClure
Neil Morrison
Robert Irwin
John Flennegin
David Reese
William Graham
John Queary
Hezekiah Alexander
Adam Alexander
John Davidson
Richard Harris
Thomas Polk
Abraham Alexander
John McKnitt Alexander |
|
|
