a p p e ndix d
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity
of Taking Up Arms
July 6, 1775
If it was possible for men, who exercise their reason to believe, that the
divine Author of our existence intended a part of the human race to hold
an absolute property in, and an unbounded power over others, marked
out by his infinite goodness and wisdom, as the objects of a legal domination never rightfully resistible, however severe and oppressive, the inhabitants of these colonies might at least require from the parliament of
Great-Britain some evidence, that this dreadful authority over them, has
been granted to that body. But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all
those who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted to
promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for the
attainment of that end. The legislature of Great-Britain, however, stimulated by an inordinate passion for a power not only unjustifiable, but
which they know to be peculiarly reprobated by the very constitution of
that kingdom, and desperate of success in any mode of contest, where
regard should be had to truth, law, or right, have at length, deserting
those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of enslaving
these colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for
us to close with their last appeal from reason to arms.—Yet, however
blinded that assembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited
domination, so to slight justice and the opinion of mankind, we esteem
ourselves bound by obligations of respect to the rest of the world, to
make known the justice of our cause.
Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great-Britain, left their native land, to seek on these shores a residence for civil and religious freedom. At the expense of their blood, at the hazard of their fortunes, with176