Extracts from the Olive Branch Petition, 5 July 1775 issued 8 June, Catalogue ref: CO 5/76 f.253
Following the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington and Concord in June 1775, the Second Continental Congress assembled to debate how best to respond to ongoing British hostilities. In July, they issued two documents, addressed to King George III of Great Britain. Firstly, on 5 July, they signed the Olive Branch Petition to prevent the growing hostilities and show George III that they were still loyal. This was sent to the King on 8 July. On 6 July they also issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, justifying their reasons for taking up arms against the British and outlining the grievances that they wanted to be addressed. The King did not respond directly to these petitions, but issued his own proclamation in August, criticising the colonists for their rebellion and treason. This led them to believe that there was no potential for reconciliation, and ultimately independence became the only course of action.
Transcript
Your Majesty’s Ministers, persevering in their measures, and proceeding to open hostilities for enforcing them, have compelled us to arm in our own defence, and have engaged us in a controversy so peculiarly abhorrent [strongly objected] to the affections of your still faithful Colonists, that when we consider whom we must oppose in this contest, and if it continues, what may be the consequences, our own particular misfortunes are accounted by us only as parts of our distress.
- What justification do the colonists have for taking up arms against the British?
- Comment on the language used in the document by colonists to justify their position.
- Why do you think the colonists issued this petition to George III?
- What is the significance of addressing it directly to the King?
- Why do you think this source is now held in the Colonial Office records?