About 45 days before this historic set of resolves were written, a successful battle between Loyalist forces, comprised mainly of about 1500 displaced Scottish Highlanders, and Rebel forces took place near Wilmington, North Carolina at a small bridge crossing Moore’s Creek. The Highlanders, in full regatta made a fierce and traditional highland charge armed with Claymore Swords at the bridge which had been stripped and greased. One thousand rebels easily scattered them with musket fire from a relatively close range behind a hastily constructed redoubt on high ground just beyond the bridge. These Highlanders were under the impression they were fighting their way to the coast to meet the British Navy but in fact, General Clinton and the Navy were still over two months from even thinking about landing there.
Halifax Assembly
The 4th North Carolina Provincial Congress met in Halifax, NC from April 4-May 14, 1776. Samuel Johnston and Allen Jones presided over the meetings. The importance of these meetings was heightened and highlighted by the success of the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. The Independency movement had gained a great following after that victory and there was a growing consensus that the Colony ought to unabashedly join those who wanted to break free from Great Britain's rule. The major accomplishment of this assembly was to pass what became known as the Halifax Resolves that were unanimously approved by 83 members. It's major component included the following resolution on April 12, 1776:
"Resolved that the delegates for this Colony in the Continental Congress be impowered to concur with the delegates of the other Colonies in declaring Independency"
Halifax Resolves
The justification this assembly used for these resolves included several abuses by the British Government. They blamed “usurpations and violences” perpetrated by both King and Parliament. They also took exception to “unlimited and uncontrouled” measures taken by these two entities over “property and people”. The resolves pointed out that many “humble Petitions for Peace, Liberty and safety” had been ignored. They accused the British Military structure of daily “destroying the People and committing the most horrid devastations”. They even stated that the Crown was encouraging slaves to revolt.
Continental Congress
These resolves gave the three North Carolina representatives to the Continental Congress the power to vote for a Declaration of Independence. Those three representatives were Joseph Hewes, William Hooper and John Penn. Hewes not only signed the Declaration he went on to be America’s first Secretary of the Navy under the John Adams administration. Hooper, who was not present to vote for it did show up in time to sign the Declaration. Penn stayed in the Continental Congress long enough to also be one of the signers of the Articles of Confederation.
Sources
Address Delivered at the Celebration of the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge by Joshua G. Wright,Fulton & Price Steam Power Printers 1857
The American Revolution in the Southern Colonies by David Lee Russell McFarland & Co. 1947
North Carolina: A Study in English Colonial Government by Charles Lee Raper 1904
Roger Saunders - Roger Saunders is a 9th generation American. On his father’s side, his 6th Great Grandfather came to Fairfax Co. VA in the Early ...
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