North Carolina Delegates to the First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on Monday, September 5, 1774. However, the North Carolina delegates were still traveling. They were:
- Richard Caswell
- Joseph Hewes
- William Hooper
The North Carolina Letter of Introduction
North-Carolina, at a general meeting of deputies of the Inhabitants of this province, New Bern, the 25th day of August, Anno Domini 1774:
Resolved, That we approve of the proposal of a general Congress, to be held in the City of Philadelphia, on the twentieth day of September next, then and there to deliberate upon the present state of British America, and to take such measures, as they may deem prudent, to effect the purpose of describing with certainty the rights of Americans, repairing the breaches made in those rights, and for guarding them for the future from any such violations done under the sanction of public Authority.
Resolved, That William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Richard Caswell, Esquires, and every of them, be deputies to attend such Congress, and they are hereby invested with such powers, as may make any acts done by them, or consent given in behalf of this province, obligatory in honour upon every inhabitant hereof, who is not an alien to his country’s good, and an apostate to the liberties of America.
Signed, John Harvey, Moderator
Attested, Andrew Knox, Clerk
Biographies
Richard Caswell
Richard Caswell was a lawyer, soldier, and politician. He served in the First Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association, establishing the Continental Association. Caswell led American forces to victory at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge (February 27, 1776) and later served as the First Governor of North Carolina.
Joseph Hewes
Joseph Hewes is a Founding Father. As a member of the First Continental Congress, he signed the Articles of Association. Hewes was elected to the Second Continental Congress and was a member of the Naval Committee, which established the Continental Navy. Although he had reservations about independence, he signed the Declaration of Independence.
William Hooper
William Hooper is a Founding Father. As a member of the First Continental Congress, he signed the Articles of Association. Hooper returned to Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress but missed the vote on independence because he was tending to duties in North Carolina. However, he signed the document on August 2.
Notes
- William Hooper and Joseph Hewes took their seats in Congress on Wednesday, September 14.
- Richard Caswell took his seat on Saturday, September 17.
