Beschreibung:

THOMSON, CHARLES, 1729-1824, Secretary of the Continental Congress . Autograph document signed ("Cha Thomson") as Secretary of the Continental Congress, [Philadelphia], 15 May 1776. 1 page, 4to, 230 x 180mm. (9 1/4 x 7 1/8 in.), tipped at corners to another sheet, the corners browned, a clean tear at right-hand margin repaired withour loss . CONGRESS ADVISES NEW YORKERS ON HOW TO MEET BRITISH AGGRESSION: "IF THEY COMMIT HOSTILITIES...THE INHABITANTS SHOULD DEFEND THEMSELVES...& REPEL BY FORCE" A scant seven weeks before the Declaration of Independence, Thomson transcribes (probably for official tranmission) "a true copy from the minutes" of Congress. The resolution concerns the anticipated arrival of British troops to occupy rebel New York: "The City & County of New York having through delegates applied to the Congress for their advice how to conduct themselves with regard to the troups expected there, the Congress took the matter into their most serious deliberation & came to the following Resolution: 'That it be recommended for the present to the inhabitants of New York, that if the troops which are expected should arrive the s[ai]d colony act on the defensive so long as may be consistent with their safety & security: that the troops be permitted to remain in the barracks so long as they behave peaceably & quietly, but that they be not suffered to erect fortifications or take any steps for cutting off the communications between the town & country: & that if they commit hostilities or invade private property the inhabitants should defend themselves & their property & repel by force; that the warlike stores be removed from the town; that places of retreat in case of necessity be provided for the women & children of New York; & that a sufficient number of men be embodied & kept in constant readiness for protecting the inhabitants from insult & injury..." Charles Thomson the Irish-born orphan who emigrated to America at the age of 10, was one of the most radical among the Philadelphia patriots. John Adams dubbed him the "Sam Adams of Philadelphia." He served as the Secretary of the Continental Congress longer than any other, and was considered "the chief surviving link between the old government [under the Articles of Confederation] and the new [under the Constitution]..." ( Dictionary of American Biography ).