May 16 & 17, 1776

On May 15, the Continental Congress issued a pivotal resolution. You can read more about its impact in Chapter 1 of When the Declaration of Independence Was News, but in short, the Congress recommended that each of the colonies should “adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the Representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general.” The preamble of this resolution marked the first time when the Congress publicly blamed King George III for failing to redress the colonists’ grievances and bring about a reconciliation with Great Britain. Instead, he was bringing “the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries,” against the colonists.

This resolution was first published in Philadelphia as the thirteen colonies were preparing for a day of fasting and prayer, ordered by the Continental Congress. The Congress had made this decision back in March, setting the date of May 17 to give enough time for the information to reach all of the colonies. They “earnestly” recommended “a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer,” seeking divine “assistance to frustrate the cruel purpose of our unnatural enemies” and “by inclining their hearts to justice and benevolence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood.” Because of the fast day, there were no newspapers printed on May 17.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne

Tomorrow is appointed by the Honorable Continental Congress to be kept as a day of Fasting and Prayer, throughout the Continent.

[…]

In CONGRESS, May 15, 1776.

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 irreconcilable 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 it be recommended to the respective Assemblies, and Conventions, of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the Representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general.

By order of Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.