Primary Document Reflections

Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 13, 1774

-----As I was reading this primary document, I had a few questions about it. I was confused by who the "inhabitants" were. Was the author meaning Indians? A quote that really brought my attention to was, "Now therefore is the time when all should be united in opposition to this violation of the liberties of all." I like how the author said that because when people work together they achieve more. This letter was put together in a friendly way. For example, "Your friends and fellow countrymen." It shows that they have respect for each other.



Letter from the New York Committee of Fifty-One to the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 23, 1774

-----Seems to me that history earlier had no respect for each other. As I was reading this document I noticed that the people want to help each other; New York helping Boston. The citizens thought it was necessary to assemble a large committee of fifty-one people. I thought it was interesting that they chose the number "fifty-one." Why not just fifty? They also thought that a congress should be assembled in the colonies without delay. This congress is formed for fatal emergency, and for security of common rights. It shows how they really care about their rights and wanting more freedom.


Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress; October 14, 1774

-----I found this document less interesting to read. It was a dull straight forward tone. At times I would get confused on what is being said. In this document it discusses the rights that have been resolved for the inhabitants of the English constitution. I am still unclear about what this document is stating. One of the acts was entitled," An act for the better regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts-Bay in New England[.]," and at the end it stated that the statues are impolitic, unjust, and cruel. What does that mean because when I read this act I thought it was good for them to regulate the government.