May 20, 1776

The resolution that the Continental Congress passed on May 15 had an immediate impact in Pennsylvania. “A number of the inhabitants of the City and Liberties” wanted to meet to discuss whether Pennsylvania should create a new government, as recommended by the Congress. This notice, issued from the “COMMITTEE CHAMBER,” called for a meeting on Monday, May 20, at nine o’clock in the morning at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. According to Christopher Marshall, a committee member and diarist, “a request was brought to this Committee, from a large company of the City and Liberties, that a general call be made of the inhabitants of the City and Liberties.” By Marshall’s account, the committee debated this and, with “five dissenting voices,” agreed to call for a meeting.

Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet or, the General Advertiser
Printed by John Dunlap

PHILADELPHIA.
COMMITTEE CHAMBER,
Philadelphia, May 18, 1776.

ON application from a number of the inhabitants of the City and Liberties, requesting the Committee to call a meeting of the City and Liberties, to be held at the State-House, on Monday Morning, at Nine o’clock, to consider on matters contained in the Resolve of Congress of the 15th Inst.—This Committee, in compliance therewith, give notice, that a meeting of the inhabitants will be held at the aforesaid time and place, for that purpose.

JOHN BAYARD, Chairman.