Page:Journal of the First Congress of the American Colonies (1765).djvu/11

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9

To James Otis, Oliver Partridge, and Timothy Ruggleg Esquires.

Gsurnznnn: The house of representatives of this pmpvince, have appointed you ia committee to meet at New-York on the first Tuesday in October next, such committees as the other houses of representatives or burgesses in the several colonies on this continent, may think fit to appoint, to consult together on the present circumstances of the colonies, on the difficulties to which they are, and must be reduced by the operation of the late acts of parliament. By this choice, the house has reposed in you a trust of singular importance, and have just reason to expect you will give your utmost attention to it. In case you should receive advide-that the houses of representatives or burgesses of the other colonies, or any of them, agree to such committees, to join you in this interesting affair, you are directed to repair to New-York at the time appointed, and endeavor to unite with them in sentiment, and agree upon such representations, as may tend to preserve our rights and privileges. And it is the opinion of this house, that no address or representation shall be esteemed the act of this house, unless it is agreed to and signed by the major part of their committee.

If it should he said, that we are in any manner represented in parliament, you must by no means concede to it; it is an opinion which this house cannot see the least reason to adopt.

Further, the house think that such a. representation of the colonies as British subjects are to enjoy, would be at-, tended with the greatest difficulty, if it is not absolutely impracticable, and therefore, you are not to urge or conf sent to any proposal for any representation, if such he made in the congress.

It is the expectation off the house, that a most loyal and