54 MARYLAND.

do authorise our said delegates, to represent
and act for this province, in any one congress,
to be held by virtue of such adjournment.
Signed by order,

JOHN DUCKET, Clerk.
The congress met at Philadelphia, according-
ly, in May, 1775. Delegates attended for the
first time, from all the thirteen colonies. On
the 6th of July, of that year, they agreed to, and
published the memorable "declaration, setting
forth the causes and necessity of the taking up
arms," in which they state; that being "reduc-
ed to the alternative of choosing an uncondi-
tional submission to the tyranny of irritated
ministers, or resistance by force—THE LATTER

IS OUR CHOICE. WE HAVE COUNTED THE
COST OF THIS CONTEST, AND FIND NOTHING
SO DREADFUL AS VOLUNTARY SLAVERY"——

making the last appeal to the Sovereign of the
universe they declare their determination—
" TO DIE FREEMEN RATHER THAN
LIVE SLAVES."

This congress continued in session until the
1st of August, when they adjourned to meet
again on the 5th of September, ensuing.

The delegates from the several counties of
Maryland, held a session at Annapolis, which
continued from day to day, from the 26th July,
until the 14th August, 1775, and which

Resolved, That the honorable Matthew
Tilghman, esq. Thomas Johnson, jr. Rob-