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The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
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On January 19 in New York, Lieutenant Governor Cadwallader Colden opened the General Assembly session with a speech addressing the colonial crisis with Britain, urging the assembly to seek redress through constitutional means and promote reconciliation.
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Thus the General Assembly agreeable to his Honour the Lieutenant Governour's proclamation; but a sufficiency of members not appearing to make a house, they adjourned from day to day until Friday, when his Honour was pleased to open the session with the following Speech.
Gentlemen of the Council & Gen. Assembly,
I think it unnecessary, at this time, particularly to recommend to your attention the ordinary business of the legislature; whatever may be found conducive to the dignity of his Majesty's government, or the happiness of his people in this colony, I shall cheerfully promote.
Gentlemen of the General Assembly,
The support of his Majesty's government, and other allowances for his service, I doubt not you will readily provide for.
Gentlemen of the General Assembly,
We cannot sufficiently lament the present disordered state of the colonies. The dispute between Great Britain and her American dominions is now brought to the most alarming crisis, and fills every humane breast with the deepest affliction. It is to you, Gentlemen, in this anxious moment, that your country looks up for counsel; and on you, in a great measure, depends, to rescue her from evils of the most ruinous tendency. Exert yourselves then with the firmness becoming your important office. If your constituents are discontented and apprehensive, examine their complaints with calmness and deliberation, and determine upon them with an honest impartiality. If you find them to be well grounded, pursue the means of redress which the constitution has pointed out: Supplicate the throne, and our most gracious sovereign will hear and relieve you with paternal tenderness. But I entreat you, as you regard the happiness of your country, to discountenance every measure which may increase our distresses; and, anxious for the re-establishment of harmony, with that power with which you are connected by the ties of blood, religion, interest, and duty, prove yourselves, by your conduct on this occasion, earnestly solicitous for a cordial and permanent reconciliation.
Gentlemen of the Council & Gen. Assembly,
In the absence of our most worthy Governour in Chief, no less distinguished by his extensive abilities than his zeal for the honour of the Crown and his affection to the people of this province, and at so critical a conjuncture, it gives me great consolation that I can repose the utmost confidence in your wisdom, your attachment to the constitution, and your regard for the interest of the British empire; and you may be assured that my most strenuous efforts shall be exerted to co-operate with you in restoring that tranquillity which must be the ardent desire of every wise, virtuous, and loyal subject.
CADWALLADER COLDEN.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
New York
Event Date
January 19
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Event Details
The General Assembly convened per the Lieutenant Governor's proclamation but adjourned until Friday when Cadwallader Colden opened the session. In his speech, he addressed the ordinary business, support for government, lamented the colonial crisis with Britain, urged calm examination of complaints, constitutional redress via supplication to the throne, discountenancing distress-increasing measures, and cooperation for reconciliation and tranquility.