Whereas his Britannic Majesty,

in conjunction with the lords and commons of Great Britain,

has, by a late act of Parliament,

excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies

from the protection of his crown;

And whereas, no answer, whatever,

to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of grievances

and reconciliation with Great Britain,

has been or is likely to be given;

but, the whole force of that kingdom,

aided by foreign mercenaries,

is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies;

And whereas,

it appears absolutely irreconcileable to reason and good Conscience,

for the people of these colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations

necessary for the support of any government under the crown of Great Britain,

and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority

under the said crown should be totally suppressed,

and all the powers of government exerted,

under the authority of the people of the colonies,

for the preservation of internal peace,

virtue,

and good order,

as well as for the defence of their lives,

liberties,

and properties,

against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies;

therefore,

Resolved, That these United Colonies are,

and of right ought to be,

free and independent States,

that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown,

and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain

is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith

to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted

to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.