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C. J.
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justifiable to repel Force by Force, do approve of the opposi-
tion by arms to the British Troops employed to enforce obedi-
ence to the late acts and statutes of the British Parliament, for
raising a Revenue in America, and altering and changing the
Charter and Constitution of the Massachusetts Bay, and for
destroying the essential securities for the Lives, Liberties and
properties of the Subjects in the United Colonies.
And We do unite and associate, as one Band & firmly and
solemnly engage and pledge ourselves to each other and to
America, that we will, to the utmost of our power, promote
and support the present opposition, carrying on as well by
Arms, as by the Continental Association restraining our Com-
merce. —
And as in these times of Public danger, and until a Recon-
cilliation with Great Britain on Constitutional Principles is
effected (an event, we most ardently wish may soon take
place) the energy of Government may be greatly impaired, so
that even Zeal unrestrained may be productive of Anarchy &
confusion; We do in like manner unite, associate and solemnly
engage, in maintenance of good order, and the public peace,
to support the civil power in the due execution of the Laws,
so far as may be consistent with the present plan of opposi-
tion, and to defend with our utmost power all persons from
every species of outrage to themselves or their property, and
to prevent any punishment, from being inflicted on any offend-
ers, other than such, as shall be adjudged by the Civil Magis-
trate, the Continental Congress, our Convention, Council of
Safety, or Committees of observation.
That the Committees of Observation, in every County, as
soon as conveniently may be, appoint persons in each Parish,
or Hundred, to offer or carry the said Association to all Free-
men resident within their County, (the Household of His Ex-
cellency the Governor excepted) and require their subscription
to the same, which Associations, when subscribed shall be
returned by the Committees to the Convention. And in case
any Freeman within their County, shall not subscribe upon
application, or within ten days thereafter, his name shall be
returned by the said Committee to the next Convention, to the
end that the Convention may take order therein.
Resolved, That there be forty Companies of Minute men
enrolled in this Province, as soon as may be, each of which
companies to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants one En-
sign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer
and 68 privates; and that the said forty companies be enrolled
in the Counties and proportions following, to wit:
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