Connecticut Delegates at the First Meeting
The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on Monday, September 5, 1774. The delegates were introduced in geographical order, from North to South. The Connecticut delegates were the fourth group to introduce themselves and have their letter of introduction read. The delegates who attended the first meeting were:
- Silas Deane
- Eliphalet Dyer
- Roger Sherman
The Connecticut Letter of Introduction
In the House of Representatives of the Colony of Connecticut, June 3d, 1774.
Whereas a congress of commissioners from the several British colonies in America, is proposed by some of our neighbouring colonies, and thought necessary; and whereas it may be found expedient that such Congress should be convened before the next Session of this Assembly:
Resolved, by this house, that the committee of correspondence be, and they are hereby empowered, on application to them made, or from time to time, as may be found necessary, to appoint a suitable number to attend such congress, or convention of commissioners, or committees of the several Colonies in British America, and the persons thus to be chosen shall be, and they are hereby directed, in behalf of this Colony, to attend such Congress; to consult and advise on proper measures for advancing the best good of the Colonies, and such conferences, from time to time, to report to this house.
Attest, William Williams, Clerk
Colony of Connecticut, New London, July 13, 1774.
At a meeting of the Committee of Correspondence for this Colony: The Honourable Ebenezer Silliman, Esq. in the chair: The Hon. Eliphalet Dyer, the Hon. William Samuel Johnston, Erastus Wolcott, Silas Deane, and Richard Law, Esq. were nominated pursuant to the act of the honourable House of Representatives of the said Colony, at their session in May last, either three of which are hereby authorised and empowered, in behalf of this Colony, to attend the general Congress of the colonies proposed to be held at Philadelphia, on the first day of September next, or at such other time & place as shall be agreed on by the Colonies, to consult and advise with the Commissioners or Committees of the several English Colonies in America, on proper measures for advancing the best good of the Colonies.
Signed: Ebenezer Silliman, William Williams, Benjamin Payne, Erastus Wolcott, Joseph Trumbull, Samuel H. Parsons, Nathan! Wales, Jr. Silas Deane.
Colony of Connecticut, Hartford, August 1774.
At a Meeting of the Committee of Correspondence for this colony: Erastus Wolcott, Chairman.
The honourable William Samuel Johnston, Erastus Wolcott, and Richard Law, Esq. nominated by this committee at their meeting at New London, on the 13th of July last, as persons proper to attend the general congress, to be held at Philadelphia, on the 1st of September next, as by said appointment, being unable, by reason of previous engagements and the state of their health, to attend said Congress, on behalf of this colony; the Hon. Roger Sherman, & Joseph Trumbull, Esq. were nominated in the place of the aforesaid gentlemen, as persons proper to attend said Congress, in behalf of this Colony, either of which are empowered, with the Hon. Eliphalet Dyer, and Silas Deane, Esq. for that purpose.
(Signed)
William Williams, Benjamin Payne, Joseph Trumbull, Nathl Wales, Jun, Samuel H. Parsons, Samuel Bishop
Biographies
Silas Deane
Silas Dean was a merchant and politician. In 1776, Congress sent him to Europe to conduct secret negotiations with France. He was successful in this mission and also helped recruit key military officers, including Marquis de Lafayette. Deane was later joined by Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee in France. Despite Deane’s efforts, a dispute with Lee damaged his credibility.
Eliphalet Dyer
Eliphalet Dyer was a lawyer, politician, and judge from Connecticut. He was a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress, the First Continental Congress, the Second Continental Congress, and the Confederation Congress. He also served in the French and Indian War.
Roger Sherman
Roger Sherman is a Founding Father. He was a delegate from Connecticut to the Continental Congress, Confederation Congress, and Constitutional Convention. He served on the Committee of Five that produced the Declaration of Independence. Later, he helped develop the Great Compromise, which set up the bicameral legislature of the Federal Government.
Notes
- The letters announcing the Connecticut delegates were printed in the newspapers on August 3.
- The Connecticut Committee of Correspondence was appointed by the Connecticut House of Representatives, on May 21, 1773, in response to a suggestion of the Virginia House of Burgesses.
