April 24, 1776

In Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Andrew Noble cursed the Continental Congress. After being called before the local committee, he publicly apologized for saying “Damn the Congress and their orders, or words to such effect.” Noble asked for forgiveness from both the committee and his “countrymen, friends to the cause of the United Colonies,” and promised “good behaviour generally in future.”

Noble was described as a “yeoman” in Tyrone Township, and tax records suggest he remained a farmer in that township for decades. From one year to the next through the 1780s, he was listed as owning one or two cows. In fact, it seems as though Noble died at a tavern in Lititz, Pennsylvania, in 1802 after he became sick while driving cattle.

The Pennsylvania Journal; and the Weekly Advertiser
Printed by William and Thomas Bradford

In COMMITTEE, Carlisle, March 28, 1776.

A certain ANDREW NOBLE being brought, and charged before the Committee of having contemptuously cursed the Congress and their orders; the facts being proven, he submitted to the Committee, asked pardon, and signed the following recantation, which was deemed satisfactory.

I, Andrew Noble of Tyrone Township, Cumberland County, yeoman, do hereby confess and acknowledge myself guilty of having expressed these words, viz. Damn the Congress and their orders, or words to such effect, and do beg forgiveness of this Committee, for that my inimical conduct to the liberties of America, and of my countrymen, friends to the cause of the United Colonies; and I do hereby promise good behaviour generally in future, and I do promise to maintain and support the liberties of America for time to come, to the utmost of my power; and I pray to be restored to the friendship of my countrymen again. Witness my hand, in open Committee.

ANDREW NOBLE.

A true Copy from the Minutes. By order of the Committee.
JOHN WORK, Clerk. JOHN BYERS, Chairman.