Volume I Part 51 (1/2)

Congregationalists--None other eligible for office, or allowed the elective franchise at Ma.s.sachusetts Bay. i. 63.

Congress (First General Congress)-- Met at Philadelphia, September, 1774. i. 409.

The word defined. i. 409.

Each day's proceedings commenced with prayer. i. 410.

Its members and their const.i.tuents throughout the Colonies thoroughly loyal, while maintaining British const.i.tutional rights. i. 410.

Its declaration of rights and grievances. i. 411.

Its loyal address to the King. i. 414.

Its manly and affectionate appeal to the British Nation. i. 416.

The address of its members to their const.i.tuents--a temperate and lucid exposition of their grievances and sentiments. i. 417.

Its proceedings reach England before the adjournment for the Christmas holidays in 1774, and produce an impression favourable to the Colonies. i. 420.

(Second Continental) meets in Philadelphia, September, 1775; number and character of its members. i. 442.

Its n.o.ble and affectionate pet.i.tion to the King; the King denies an audience to its agent, Mr. Penn, and answers the pet.i.tion by proclamation, declaring it ”rebellion,” and the pet.i.tioners ”rebels.” i. 443-445.

Its pet.i.tion to the House of Commons rejected, and its agent, Mr. Penn, not asked a question. i. 444.

A large majority (Oct. 1775) still opposed to independence, but unanimous in defence of British const.i.tutional rights. i. 448.

Divided on the question of _Independence_, which is first moved in Congress in May, 1776--deferred, after long debates, for three weeks, by a vote of seven to five Colonies. i. 483, 484.

Manipulation and agitation to prepare the members of Congress and the Colonies for separation from England. i. 482-485.

Proceeds with closed doors, and its members sworn to secrecy.

Votes by Colonies, and decides that each vote be reported unanimous, though carried by only a bare majority. i. 486.

After three days' debate, the six Colonies for and seven Colonies against independence; how a majority of one was obtained in favour of it. i. 486, 487.

Refuses to confer with British Commissioners with a view to reconciliation. ii. 2.

Feelings of the people of England and America different from those of the leaders of Congress. ii. 14.

Sycophancy of its leaders to France. ii. 13.

Its degeneracy in 1778, as stated by General Was.h.i.+ngton. ii. 29.

The depression of its credit. ii. 30.

It confiscates and orders the sale of the property of ”Tories.” ii. 30.