[c.7 - 8 October 1774]
The Congress are of opinion that it is inconsistent with the honor and safety of a free people to live within the Controul and exposed to the injuries of a Military force not under government of the Civil Power, and as General Gage has thought proper to take possession of the Town of Boston with an armed force, and is converting that once free City into a Military Garrison The Congress advise from every motive of honor safety and wisdom that the Free Citizens of Boston no longer expose themselves to the dangerous consequences of these Military Manouvres, but quit their Town and find a safe asylum among their hospitable Countrymen, who we doubt not will on this trying occasion, display that virtuous humanity which may be so deservedly exercised1 towards their brave oppressed Fellow Citizens. And again we earnestly recommend it to all British America that they do from time to time plentifully supply these their distressed and diserving Countrymen.2
Manuscript, University of Virginia Library. In the hand of Richard Henry Lee, and endorsed by Lee: "Motion for Quitting Town of Boston."
1 Lee wrote "extended" over the word "exercised" but did not line out the latter.
2 Ford states that this motion was rejected but offers no documentation for the statement. JCC, 1:59n.