Overview
Following the enforcement of the Boston Port Act and the Massachusetts Government Act on June 1, 1774, Patriot leaders in Massachusetts organized political resistance. Although Town Meetings were restricted, delegates from four counties — Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Worcester — organized a County Meeting which is known as the Suffolk County Convention. The Convention issued resolutions on September 9, 1774, written by Joseph Warren, known as the Suffolk Resolves.
Key Points
- The delegates recognized the authority of King George III.
- The Intolerable Acts violated the rights and liberties of Americans, as British subjects.
- The citizens of Massachusetts were instructed to ignore the Intolerable Acts and British officials who tried to enforce them.
- It was recommended to form the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and hold the first meeting on October 11, 1774.
- Tax collectors were instructed to send their collections to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.
- General Thomas Gage had taken actions that appeared hostile to Boston.
- Towns were instructed to elect militia officers and conduct military drills once a week, for defensive purposes only.
- The Quebec Act was a threat to Americans.
- The Resolves called for the public resignation of Mandamus Councillors.
- A trade embargo should be organized against Great Britain.
- Supporters of the Patriot Cause should avoid violence.
- An Alarm System involving the Committees of Correspondence and Express Riders was established.
- The authority of the First Continental Congress was recognized.
The Suffolk Resolves Explained
The following text is taken from the Journals of the Continental Congress and was entered into the record for Saturday, September 17, 1774. We have added section headings and notes to make it easier for readers to scan the text and understand the context.
Background
The Resolutions entered into by the delegates from the several towns and districts in the county of Suffolk, in the province of the Massachusetts-bay, on Tuesday the 6th instant, and their address to his excellency Gov. Gage, dated the 9th instant, were laid before the congress, and are as follows:
Explanation — The document refers to a set of resolutions, or decisions, made by representatives from different towns and areas in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. These resolutions were created on Tuesday, September 6, 1774. The representatives also wrote a letter to Governor Thomas Gage on September 9, 1774, expressing their concerns. This information was then presented to the First Continental Congress.
Suffolk County Convention
At a meeting of the delegates of every town and district in the county of Suffolk, held on Tuesday, the sixth of September, 1774, at the house of Mr. Richard Woodward of Dedham, and, by adjournment, at the house of Mr. Daniel Vose of Milton, on Friday, the ninth instant, Joseph Palmer, Esq. being chosen moderator, and William Thompson, Esq., clerk, a committee was chosen to bring in a report to the convention, and the following, being several times read, and put paragraph by paragraph, was unanimously voted, viz.:
Explanation — The Suffolk County Convention met on September 6, 1774, and again on September 9, 1774. A committee was formed to prepare a report for the larger group, which was then read multiple times, discussed in parts, and ultimately agreed upon unanimously by everyone present.
Introduction — The Legacy of Americans
Whereas, the power, but not the justice; the vengeance, but not the wisdom of Great Britain, which of old persecuted, scourged, and exiled our fugitive parents from their native shores, now pursues us, their guiltless children, with unrelenting severity: and whereas this, then savage and uncultivated desert, was purchased by the toil and treasure, or acquired by the valor and blood of those, our venerable progenitors, who bequeathed to us the dear bought inheritance, who consigned it to our care and protection; the most sacred obligations are upon us to transmit the glorious purchase, unfettered by power, unclogged with shackles, to our innocent and beloved offspring.
Explanation — This section reflects the grievances of Americans against Great Britain. It explains that Britain drove their ancestors away and their ancestors worked hard to transform the undeveloped land into a “place worth living.” Current Americans believed it was their responsibility to protect their inheritance and pass it along to future generations.
Introduction — Involuntary Slavery
On the fortitude, on the wisdom, and on the exertions of this important day, is suspended the fate of this new world, and of unborn millions. If a boundless extent of continent, swarming with millions, will tamely submit to live, move, and have their being at the arbitrary will of a licentious minister, they will basely yield to voluntary slavery, and future generations shall load their memories with incessant execrations.
Explanation — The members of the Suffolk County Convention believed submission to British policies would lead to involuntary slavery for future generations.
On the other hand, if we arrest the hand which would ransack our pockets, if we disarm the parricide who points the dagger to our bosoms, if we nobly defeat that fatal edict, which proclaims a power to frame laws for us in all cases whatsoever, thereby entailing the endless and numberless curses of slavery upon us, our heirs and their heirs forever; if we successfully resist that unparalleled usurpation of unconstitutional power, whereby our capital is robbed of the means of life; whereby the streets of Boston are thronged with military executioners; whereby our coasts are lined, and the harbors crowded with ships of war; whereby the charter of the colony, that sucred barrier against the encroachments of tyranny, is mutilated, and in effect annibilated; whereby a murderous law is framed, to shelter villains from the hands of justice; whereby that unalienable and inestimable inheritance which we derived from nuture, the constitution of Britain, which was covenanted to us in the charter of the province, is totally wrecked, annulled, and vacated; posterity will acknowledge that virtue which preserved them free and happy; and while we enjoy the rewards and blessings of the faithful, the torrent of panegyric will roll down our reputations to that latest period, when the streams of time shall be absorbed in the abyss of eternity.
Explanation — If Americans failed to overcome British oppression, then the British Constitution was meaningless.
Resolution 1 — Authority of King George III
Therefore, we have resolved and do resolve:
1. That whereas, his majesty, George the third, is the rightful successor to the throne of Great Britain, and justly entitled to the allegiance of the British realm, and, agreeably to compact, of the English colonies in America; therefore, we, the heirs and successors of the first planters of this colony, do cheerfully acknowledge the said George the third to be our rightful sovereign, and that said covenant is the tenure and claim on which are founded our allegiance and submission.
Explanation — The Suffolk County Convention recognized King George III as the legitimate ruler of Great Britain and the English Colonies in America.
Resolution 2 — Rights and Liberties
2. That it is an indispensable duty which we owe to God, our country, ourselves, and posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power, to maintain, defend, and preserve those civil and religious rights and liberties, for which, many of our fathers fought, bled, and died; and to hand thein down entire to future generations.
Explanation — The delegates felt it was necessary to uphold their inherited rights and liberties, so their descendants could also have them.
Resolution 3 — Rights Violated by the Intolerable Acts
3. That the late acts of the British parliament, for blocking up the harbor of Boston, and for altering the established form of government in this colony, and for screening the most flagitious violators of the laws of the province from a legal trial, are gross infractions of those rights, to which we are justly entitled by the laws of nature, the British constitution, and the charter of the province.
Explanation — The delegates agreed the Intolerable Acts violated their rights and liberties, which they were entitled to by the British Constitution and the Massachusetts Charter.
Resolution 4 — Ignore the Intolerable Acts
4. That no obedience is due from this province, to either or any part of the acts abovementioned; but that they should be rejected as the attempts of a wicked administration to enslave America.
Explanation — The delegates agreed no Americans should abide by any of the provisions of the Intolerable Acts.
Resolution 5 — Ignore British Officials
5. That so long as the justices of our superior courts of judicature, court of assize, and general gaol delivery, and inferior courts of common pleas in this county, are appointed, or hold their places by any other tenure than that which the charter and the laws of the province direct, they must be considered as under undue influence, and are, therefore, unconstitutional oflicers, and as such, no regard ought to be paid to them by the people of this county.
Explanation — The delegates agreed any public officials involved in enforcing the Intolerable Acts should be ignored.
Resolution 6 — Recommendation to Settle Debts
6. That if the justices of the superior court of judicature, court of assize, &c., justices of the court of common pleas, or of the general sessions of the peace, shall sit and act during our present disqualified state, this country will support and bear harmless all sheriffs and their deputies, constables, jurors, and other officers, who shall refuse to carry into execution the orders of said courts; and, as far as is possible, to prevent the inconveniences that must attend the suspension of the courts of justice, we do earnestly recommend it to all creditors to exercise all reasonable and generous forbearance to their debtors; and to all debtors to discharge their just debts, with all possible speed; and if any disputes concerning debts or trespasses should arise, which cannot be settled by the parties, we recommend it to them to submit all such causes to arbitration; and if the parties, or either of them, shall refuse so to do, they ought to be considered as cooperating with the enemies of this country.
Explanation — The delegates agreed that if the courts continued to function, they would support law enforcement officials who refused to enforce court orders related to the Intolerable Acts. The delegates encouraged anyone who owed debts to pay them as soon as possible. Further, if there were any disputes over debts, they should be mediated through arbitration and paid. Anyone who failed to comply with the request to settle debts would be considered as “enemies of this country.”
Resolution 7 — Pay Taxes to the Provincial Congress
7. That it be recommended to the collectors of taxes, constables, and all other officers, who have public moneys in their hands, to retain the same, and not to make any payment thereof to the province or county treasurers, until the civil government of the province is placed upon a constitutional foundation, or until it shall otherwise be ordered by the proposed provincial congress.
Explanation — The delegates suggested all taxes should be paid to a representative of the “proposed provincial congress” instead of the British government of Massachusetts.
Resolution 8 — Resignations of Mandamus Councillors
8. That the persons who have accepted seats at the council board, by virtue of a mandamus from the king, in conformity to the late act of the British parliament, entitled an act for regulating the government of the Massachusetts bay, have acted in direct violation of the duty they owe to their country, and have thereby given great and just offence to this people.
Therefore,
Resolved, That this county do recommend it to all persons who have so highly offended by accepting said department, and have not, already, publicly resigned their seats at the council board, to make public resignations of their places at said board, on or before the twentieth day of this instant September; and that all persons neglecting so to do, shall, from and after that day, be considered by this county as obstinate and incorrigible enemies to this colony.
Explanation — The delegates set a deadline of September 20, 1744, for the Mandamus Councillors to resign. If they failed to do so, they would be considered “enemies to this colony.”
Resolution 9 — Governor Gage’s Hostile Intentions
9. That the fortifications began and now carrying on upon Boston neck, are justly alarming to this county, and give us reason to apprehend some hostile intention against that town; more especially as the commander in chief has, in a very extraordinary manner, removed the powder from the magazine at Charlestown, and has also forbidden the keeper of the magazine at Boston, to deliver out to the owners, the powder which they lodged in said magazine.
Explanation — The delegates warned that the removal of gunpowder from the storehouse in Charlestown and the fortification of Boston Neck indicated “hostile intention” against Boston.
Resolution 10 — Threat of the Quebec Act
10. That the late act of parliament, for establishing the roman catholic religion and the French laws in that extensive country now called Canada, is dangerous in an extreme degree, to the protestant religion, and to the civil rights and liberties of all America; and therefore, as men and protestant christians, we are indispensably obliged to take all proper measures for our security.
Explanation — The delegates found the Quebec Act offensive and a threat to all Americans because it supported Roman Catholic laws in the Province of Quebec.
Resolution 11 — Elect Militia Officers and Militia Drills
11. That, whereas, our enemies have flattered themselves that they shall make an easy prey of this numerous, brave, and hardy people, from an apprehension that they are unacquainted with military discipline; we, therefore, for the honor, defence, and security of this county and province, advise, as it has been recommended, to take away all commissions from the officers of the militia: that those who now hold commissions, or such other persons, be elected in each town as officers in the militia, as shall be judged of sufficient capacity for that purpose, and who have evidenced themselves to be inflexible friends to the rights of the people: and that the inhabitants of those towns and districts, who are qualified, do use their utmost diligence to acquaint themselves with the art of war as soon as possible, and do for that purpose appear under arms at least once every week.
Explanation — The delegates recommended that each town should elect new militia officers who were “friends to the rights of the people.” The delegates also suggested the militia forces should drill at least once a week.
Resolution 12 — Defense Only
12. That during the present hostile appearances on the part of Great Britain, notwithstanding the many insults and oppressions which we most sensibly resent; yet, nevertheless, from our affection to his majesty, which we have at all times evinced, we are determined to act merely on the defensive, so long as such conduct may be vindicated by reason and the principles of self-preservation, but no longer.
Explanation — The delegates were clear that military preparations were for defensive purposes.
Resolution 13 — Retaliation for Arrests
13. That as we understand it has been in contemplation to apprehend sundry persons of this county, who have rendered themselves conspicuous in contending for the violated rights and liberties of their countrymen, we do recommend, should such an audacious measure be put in practice, to seize and keep in safe custody every servant of the present tyrannical and unconstitutional government, throughout the county and province, until the persons so apprehended be liberated from the hands of our adversaries, and restored safe and uninjured to their respective friends and families.
Explanation — The delegates were concerned that people could be arrested for defending the rights and liberties of their fellow countrymen. If this happened, the delegates suggested capturing and detaining government officials and holding them as prisoners until an exchange could be arranged.
Resolution 14 — Trade Embargo
14. That until our rights are fully restored to us, we will, to the utmost of our power, (and we do recommend the same to the other counties,) withhold all commercial intercourse with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and abstain from the consumption of British merchandize and manufactures, and especially of East India teas and piece goods, with such additions, alterations, and exceptions, only as the grand Congress of the colonies may agree to.
Explanation — The delegates agreed to withhold all business transactions with Great Britain.
Resolution 15 — American Manufactures
15. That under our present circumstances, it is incumbent on us to encourage arts and manufactures amongst us, by all means in our power; and that Joseph Palmer, Esq., of Braintree, Mr. Ebenezer Duer, of Roxbury, Mr. James Boice and Mr. Edward Preston, of Milton, and Mr. Nathaniel Guild, of Walpole, be, and hereby are appointed a committee, to consider of the best ways and means to promote and establish the same, and report to this convention as soon as may be.
Explanation — The delegates organized a committee to determine how to establish manufacturing.
Resolution 16 — Establishment of a Provincial Congress
16. That the exigencies of our public affairs demand that a provincial congress be called, to concert such measures as may be adopted and vigorously executed by the whole people; and we do recommend it to the several towns in this county, to choose members for such a provincial congress, to be holden at Concord, on the second Tuesday of October next ensuing.
Explanation — The delegates called for the organization of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and the first meeting to be held on October 11, 1774.
Resolution 17 — Submission to the First Continental Congress
17. That this county, confiding in the wisdom and integrity of the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, will pay all due respect and submission to such measures as may be recommended by them to the colonies, for the restoration and establishment of our just rights, civil and religious, and for renewing that harmony and union between Great Britain and the colonies, so earnestly wished for by all good men.
Explanation — The delegates agreed to submit to the decisions of the First Continental Congress.
Resolution 18 — Abstain from Violence
18. Whereas, the universal uneasiness which prevails among all orders of men, arising from the wicked and oppressive measures of the present administration, may influence some unthinking persons to commit outrages upon private property: we would heartily recommend to all persons of this community, not to engage in any routs, riots, or licentious attacks upon the property of any persons whatsoever, as being subversive of all order and government; but by a steady, manly, uniform, and persevering opposition, to convince our enemies, that in a contest so important, in a cause so solemn, our conduct shall be such as to merit the approbation of the wise, and the admiration of the brave and free of every age and of every country.
Explanation — The delegates asked people to abstain from violence.
Resolution 19 — Alarm System
19. That should our enemies, by any sudden invasion, render it necessary for us to ask the aid and assistance of our brethren in the country, some one of the committee of correspondence, or a selectman of such town, or the town adjoining where such hostilities shall commence, or shall be expected to commence, shall despatch couriers with written messages to the selectmen or committees of correspondence of the several towns in the vicinity, with a written account of such matters, who shall despatch others to committees or selectmen more remote, till proper and sufficient assistance be obtained; and that the expense of said couriers be defrayed by the county, until it shall be otherwise ordered by the provincial congress.
Explanation — In the event of an attack by British forces, the Committees of Correspondence were instructed to write messages to warn the other towns and send Express Riders. When a message was received, it was to be forwarded to the surrounding towns.
Signatories
Voted, That Joseph Warren, Esq. and Doct. Benjamin Church, of Boston, Deacon Joseph Palmer and Col. Ebenezer Thayer, of Braintree, Capt. Lemuel Robinson, William Holden, Esq. and Capt. John Homans, of Dorchester, Capt. William Heath, of Roxbury, Col. William Taylor and Doct. Samuel Gardner, of Milton, Isaac Gardner, Esq, Capt. Benjamin White and Capt. Thomas Aspinwall, of Brookline, Nathaniel Sumner, Esq. and Mr. Richard Woodward, of Dedham, be a committee to wait on his excellency the governor, to inform him that this county are alarmed at the fortifications making on Boston neck, and to remonstrate against the same, and the repeated insults offered by the soldiery to persons passing and repassing into that town, and to confer with him upon those subjects.
William Thompson, Clerk
Correspondence Between the Suffolk County Convention and Governor Thomas Gage
AHC Note — After the Suffolk Resolves were approved by the County Convention, the committee sent a letter to Governor Thomas Gage. It was drafted on September 10 and the committee presented it to Gage on September 12.
Suffolk County Convention — Letter to Thomas Gage
To his Excellency Thomas Gage, Esq., Captain General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty’s province of Massachusetts Bay.
May it please your Excellency: — The county of Suffolk, being greatly, and in their opinion, justly alarmed, at the formidable appearances of hostility, now threatening his majesty’s good subjects of this country, and more particularly of the town of Boston, the loyal and faithful capital of this province, beg leave to address your excellency, and to represent, that the apprehensions of the people are more especially increased by the dangerous design now carrying into execution, of repairing and mantling the fortification at the south entrance of the town of Boston, which, when completed, may, at any time, be improved to aggravate the miseries of that already impoverished and distressed city, by intercepting the wonted and necessary intercourse between the town and country, and compel the wretched inhabitants to the most ignominious state of humiliation and vassallage, by depriving them of the necessary supplies of provisions, for which they are chiefly dependant on that communication.
We have been informed, that your excellency, in consequence of the application of the selectmen of Boston, has, indeed, disavowed any intention to injure the town in your present manœuvres, and expressed your purpose to be for the security of the troops and his majesty’s subjects in the town. We are at a loss to guess, may it please your excellency, from whence your want of confidence in the loyal and orderly people of this country could originate. A measure so formidable, carried into execution from a preconceived though causeless jealousy of the insecurity of his majesty’s troops and subjects in the town, deeply wounds the loyalty, and is an additional injury to the faithful subjects of this country, and affords a strong motive for this application.
We therefore entreat your excellency, to desist from your design, assuring your excellency, that the people of this county are by no means disposed to injure his majesty’s troops; they think themselves aggrieved and oppressed by the late acts of parliament, and are resolved, by divine assistance, never to submit to them; but have no inclination to commence a war with his majesty’s troops; and beg leave to observe to your excellency, that the fer- ment now excited in the minds of the people, is occasioned by some late transactions, by seizing the powder in the arsenal at Charlestown, by withholding the powder lodged in the magazine of the town of Boston from the legal proprietors, insulting, beating, and abusing passengers to and from the town by the soldiery, in which they have been encouraged by some of their officers, putting the people in fear, and menacing them in their nightly patrols into the neighboring towns, and more particularly, by fortifying the sole avenue by land to the town of Boston.
In duty, therefore, to his majesty, and to your excellency, and for the restoration of order and security in this county, we, the delegates from the several towns in this county, being commissioned for this purpose, beg your excellency’s attention to this our humble and faithful address, assuring you, that nothing less than an immediate removal of the ordnance, and restoring the entrance into that town to its former state, and an effectual stop of all insults and abuses in future, can place the inhabitants of this county in that state of peace and tranquillity, in which every free subject ought to live.
By order of the committee,
JOSEPH WARREN, Chairman
Boston, Sept. 10, 1774.
