EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE. SATURDAY, JULY 16, [1774.] THE committee for the [province of Pennsylvania] met according to adjournment. JOHN DICKINSON, Doctor WILLIAM SMITH, JOSEPH READ, JOHN KIDD, ELISHA PRICE, WILLIAM ATLEE, JAMES SMITH, JAMES WILSON, DANIEL BROADHEAD, JOHN OKELY, and WILLIAM SCULL, are appointed to prepare and bring in a draught of instructions. Monday, July 18. * The committee appointed to bring in instructions, reported, that they had made a draught, which they laid upon the table. Moved, That they be read-which was done. Tuesday, July 19. Upon a motion made and seconded, agreed that the draught of instructions brought in by the committee, and which were read, be re-committed to the same committee. Wednesday, July 20. The committee having brought in a draught of instructions, the same were debated, amended and agreed to. Thursday, July 21. The instructions were signed by the chairman.--The committee in a body, waited on the assembly then sitting, and presented the same. Ir having been moved, that the essay of the instructions first proposed to be given to the honour * The committees of the counties having been invited, by the committee for the city and county of Philadelphia, to meet them at Philadelphia on the 15th of July; this committee thought it their duty, to make some preparation in the business, that was to be laid before the provincial committee by them. On the 4th of July they appointed a committee for this purpose; and this measure enabled those appointed by the provincial committee to bring in a draught so soon. able assembly of Pennsylvania, by the provincial committee assembled at Philadelphia, the 18th instant, might be abridged, leaving out the argumentative part, so as to be more proper for instructions, the same was agreed to; but resolved at the same time, that the whole work ought to be published, as highly deserving the perusal and serious consideration of every friend of liberty within these colonies. Agreed unanimously, That the thanks of this † committee be given from the chair to JOHN DICK ‡ Mr. Dickinson being absent this day, on account of the funeral of a relati on, the next day the chairman, in a very obliging manner, delivered to him from the chair the thanks of the committee; to which he replied: "Mr. CHAIRMAN, "I heartily thank this respectable assembly for the honour they have conferred upon me, but want words to express the sense I feel of their kindness. The merc accidents of meeting with particular books, and conversing with particular men, led me into the train of sentiments, which the committee are pleased to think just; and others, with the like opportunities of information, would much better have deserved to receive the thanks, they now generously give. I consider the approbation of this company as an evidence, that they entertain a favourable opinion of my good intentions, and as an incouragement for all to apply themselves, in these unhappy times, to the service of the public, since even small endeavours to promote that service, can find a very valuable reward. I will try, during the remainder of my life, to remember my duty to our common country, and, if it be possible, to render myself worthy of the honour for which I now stand so deeply indebted. “I thank you, sir, for the polite and affectionate manner, in which you have communicated the sense of the committee to me." |