[October 3, 1774] 1
Resolved That as we find the reason declared in the preamble to the Acts of Parliament for raising a Revenue in America to be for "suporting the Civil Government Administration of Justice and for protecting defending and securing" the Colonies, The Congress recommend it to the Colonies where it is not already done, to provide a constitutional honorable, and compitent support for the purposes of Government and Administration of Justice. And since it is quite unreasonable that the Mother Country should be at the expence of maintaining Standing Armies in North America for its defence and that Administration may be convinced that this is unnecessary and improper as North America is able, willing, and under Providence determined to Protect Defend and Secure itself, The Congress do most earnestly recommend it to the several Colonies that a Militia be forthwith appointed and well disciplined And that they be well provided with Ammunition and Proper Arms.
Manuscript, American Philosophical Society. In the hand of Richard Henry Lee and endorsed by Lee: "Motion made in Congress Oct. 1774 by R.H.L. to apprize the pub. of danger & to put the Colonies in a State of [. . .]"
1 Silas Deaneâs Diary, October 3, 1774, makes it clear that Lee offered this motion as an amendment to James Duaneâs proposed resolution of October 1. Leeâs attempt to strengthen Congressâ commitment to military defense was opposed by a majority of the delegates. Instead, Congress passed the milder resolution that is recorded in the journals. JCC, 1:54.