The American Colonist's Library
A TREASURY OF PRIMARY
DOCUMENTS
Primary
Source Documents Pertaining to Early American History
An invaluable collection
of historical works which contributed to the formation of American politics,
culture, and ideals
The following is a massive collection of the literature and documents
which were most relevant to the colonists' lives in America. If it isn't
here, it probably is not available online anywhere.
ARRANGED IN CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE (500 B.C.-1800 A.D.)
(Use Your Browser's FIND Function to Search
this Library)
Classical Literature Having Significant
Influence Upon the American Colonists
Classic
Philosophers and Poets, Most of the founding fathers in America
were thorougly familiar with these Greco-Roman authors: e.g., Aristotle,
Plato, Cicero, Virgil.
The
Latin Library, (Cicero, Livy, Horace, etc.) Ability to read these sources
extemporaneously was an entrance requirement at colonial schools such as
Harvard.
The
Vulgate, The Holy Bible in Latin.
The
Bible, The best Bible online, which allows the user to immediately
discover the Hebrew and Greek words behind the English words.
The
Bible, This book was, of course, the most influential piece of literature
in Colonial America.
St.
Augustine, The church father of choice among American Puritans.
St.
Augustine, English translations of his works on predestination which
greatly influenced the Puritans.
Major Medieval Sources Having Significant
Influence Upon the American Colonists
Ordinance
of William the Conqueror Sowing the seeds of separation of Church and
State in the English world.
Laws
of William the Conqueror
Constitutions
of Clarendon (1164) Established rights of laymen and the church in
England.
Assize
of Clarendon (1166) Defined rights and duties of courts and people
in criminal cases. Foundation of the principle of "due process."
Assize
of Arms (1181) Defined rights and duties of people and militias.
Magna
Carta (1215) One of the American colonists' most revered documents,
the Magna Carta established the principle that no one, not even the king
or a lawmaker, is above the law of God.
De
Legibus Et Consuetudinibus Angliæ, Henry de Bracton (1268) This
text was the most important legal treatise written in England in the medieval
period as it organized, systematized, and explicated the principles of
English Common Law later embraced by the American colonists.
Summa
Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas (1265-1273) Pinnacle of Scholasticism.
Covering a wide range of topics, by the colonial times, most educated people
in the Western world were thoroughly familiar with this important text.
Marco
Polo's Travels [excerpt] (@1300), the description of the South Pacific
which inspired Columbus to attempt to go to India by way of the Atlantic.
The
First Manual of Parliamentary Procedure (@ 1350)
An
English Law Library, The sources studied by many of the lawyers who
founded the U.S.
The
Declaration of Arbroath (1320) Scotland's declaration of independence
from England. An early model for the U.S. Declaration, this document ends
with a phrase parallel to that of the U.S. Declaration: "and to Him as
the Supreme King and Judge we commit the maintenance of our cause, casting
our cares upon Him and firmly trusting that He will inspire us with courage
and bring our enemies to nought."
Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century Sources
Profoundly Impacting the History of America
Malleus
Maleficarum, Directions for witch hunting (1486)
Journal,
Christopher Columbus, (1492). This document begins with Columbus' statement
that the reason why Isabella sponsored his voyage was for the sake of going
to India to convert Khan to Roman Catholicism.
Epistola
De Insulis Nuper Inventis, Christopher Columbus (1493)
Letter
to the King and Queen of Spain, Christopher Columbus (1494)
Prince
Henry VII's Commission to John Cabot (1497) Cabot was the first Englishman
to discover New England.
The
Prince, Machiavelli (1513) Practical advice on governance and statecraft,
with thoughts on the kinds of problems any government must be able to solve
to endure.
Works
of Martin Luther, The father of the Protestant Reformation, his principles
were a major part of the American colonists' worldview.
Writings
of Martin Luther
On
Secular Authority, Luther (1523). This document started the political
discussion about religious liberty which led to the American Revolution.
In this document Luther sets forth the idea of "two kingdoms," one is political
and the other is spiritual, and the two ought be separate. President James
Madison commended this "due distinction, to which the genius and courage
of Luther led the way, between what is due to Caesar and what is due to
God." (Madison
to F.L. Schaeffer, December 3, 1821).
The
Bondage of the Will, Luther (1524). Luther claimed that this particular
document was the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation; it argues the
idea of predestination and God's sovereignty, two principles which were
paramount to many of the American colonists.
Complete
Works of Menno Simons, Founder of Anabaptism
The
Act of Supremacy, Henry VIII (1534). By this act, the English Reformation
began, and the pope was stripped of his jurisdiction over the English Church.
This allowed Lutheran principles to make their way into the English church,
and led to the birth of Puritanism.
Institutes
of the Christian Religion, John Calvin (1540). Calvin's magnum opus.
The most celebrated American historian, George Bancroft, called Calvin
"the father of America," and added: "He who will not honor the memory and
respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American
liberty." To John Calvin and the Genevan theologians, President John Adams
credited a great deal of the impetus for religious liberty (Adams, WORKS,
VI:313). This document includes a justification for rebellion to tyrants
by subordinate government officials; this particular justification was
at the root of the Dutch, English, and American Revolutions.
The
Complete Works of John Calvin
Coronado's
Report to Mendoza (1540)
Coronado
to the King of Spain (1541)
The
Journey of Alvar Nuñez Cabeza De Vaca (1542)
Brief
Account of the Devastation of the Indies, Bartolome de la Casas (1542)
On
the Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies, Copernicus (1543). This document
touched off the Scientific Revolution as it repudiated the Geocentric theory
and asserted a Heliocentric theory of the solar system.
The
Council of Trent (1545) The Roman Catholic responses to the Protestant
Reformation.
Spiritual
Exercises, Ignatius Loyola (1548). Rules for the Jesuits written by
the founder of the Jesuit Order.
The
Magdeburg Bekenntnis or Magdeburg Confession
(1550). A document written by followers of Luther stating a theological
justification for resisting tyranny.
A
Vindication of the Doctrine that the Sacrifice of the Mass is Idolatry,
John Knox (1550)
Treatise
on Prayer, John Knox (1553)
A
Faithful Admonition to the Professors of God's Truth in England, John
Knox (1554)
The
Genevan Book of Order (1556) The Form of Prayers and Ministration of
the Sacraments, etc. Used in the English Congregation at Geneva
A
Short Treatise on Political Power, John Ponet, D.D. (1556) President
John Adams credited
this Calvinist document as being at the root of the theory of government
adopted by the the Americans. According to Adams, Ponet's work contained
"all the essential principles of liberty, which were afterward dilated
on by Sidney and Locke" including the idea of a three-branched government.
(Adams, Works,
vol. 6, pg. 4). Published in Strassbourg in 1556, it is the first work
out of the Reformation to advocate active resistance to tyrannical magistrates,
after the Magdeburg Bekenntnis (the Magdeburg Confession).
How
Superior Powers Ought to Be Obeyed by Their Subjects, Christopher Goodman
(1558). Justifying a Christian's right to resist a tyrannical ruler. Goodman
indicated that he had presented the thesis of this book to John Calvin,
and Calvin endorsed it.
The
First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women,
John Knox (1558). A vigorous critique of the tyranny of "Bloody Mary's"
reign in England, and a call to resist. A large portion of the Americans
who fought in the American Revolution were adherents to Knox's doctrines
as set forth in this document.
The
Appellation from the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy:,
John Knox; Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland (1558)
Act
of Supremacy, Elizabeth I (1559). After the brief and bloody reign
of her sister, Mary I, who executed numerous Protestants for the cause
of Roman Catholicism, this document states Elizabeth's intention to reaffirm
the English Church's independence from Rome. Her beloved status among her
subjects caused the first settlers of America to name their colony "Virginia"
in honor of this virgin queen.
Complete
Works of Elizabeth I, Including her letters and her poems.
Book
of Common Prayer (1559)
Writings
and Speeches of Elizabeth I
Foxe's
Book of Martyrs (1563). Detailing the bloody persecutions of Puritans
during the reign of Mary I, this book was second only to the Bible in its
popularity in the American colonies.
Supralapsarian
Calvinism, Theodore Beza (1570) Laying out the principle that God willed
and predestined the fall of Adam and the existence of sin and evil. This
assertion became the most controversial philosophical conflict among American
colonists up through the 19th century.
The
Scholemaster (1570) Philosophy of Education among English people, particularly
with respect to the importance of learning Latin.
The
Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (1571) The official statement of faith
of the Church of England; this document formally adopts the Calvinistic
doctrine of predestination and repudiates common notion of "free will."
Treasons
Act (1571) Forbidding criticism of Queen Elizabeth.
The
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572)
The
Right of Magistrates Over Their Subjects, Theodore Beza (1574). Expanding
upon Calvin's political resistance theory set forth in the final chapters
of his Institutes, this work by Calvin's successor in Geneva, Theodore
Beza, was published in response to the growing tensions between Protestant
and Catholic in France, which culminated in the St. Bartholomew Day Massacre
in 1572. This text suggests that it is the right of a Christian to revolt
against a tyrannical King: a principle central to the American colonists'
cause.
Of
the Tabaco and of His Greate Vertues, Nicholas Monardes (1577)
The
Works of Sir Walter Raleigh, Sponsor of the First Settlements in Virginia
De
Jure Regni apud Scotos, George Buchanan (1579) Considered the most
important piece of political writing in the 16th century as it articulated
the doctrine of "the rule of law."
Vindiciae
Contra Tyrannos, or, A Vindication Against Tyrants (1579). This Calvinist
document is one of the first to set forth the theory of "social contract"
upon which the United States was founded. The idea was disseminated through
the English Calvinists to the pen of John Locke, and eventually into the
Declaration of Independence. John Adams reported the relevance of this
document to the American struggle.
The
Dutch Declaration of Independence (1581); This Calvinistic document
served as a model for the U.S. Declaration of Independence. In his Autobiography,
Jefferson indicated that the "Dutch Revolution" gave evidence and confidence
to the Second Continental Congress that the American Revolution could likewise
commence and succeed. Recent scholarship
has has suggested that Jefferson may have consciously drawn on this document.
John Adams said that the Dutch charters had "been particularly studied,
admired, and imitated in every State" in America, and he stated that "the
analogy between the means by which the two republics [Holland and U.S.A.]
arrived at independency... will infallibly draw them together."
A
Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia, Thomas Hariot.
Discourse
of Western Planting, Richard Hakluyt, (1584)
First
Voyage To Virginia, Arthur Barlowe (1584)
Adam
Winthrop's Commonplace Book (1586) Early diary of a Puritan whose family
eventually settled in America.
The
Colony of Roanoke, Ralph Lane (1586). The first English attempt at
colonizing the New World
Return
To Roanoake, John White (1590) Relating the surprise of the loss of
the Roanoake colony and the few clues left regarding their fate.
An
Act Against Papists (1593) Parliament's tough words against those who
would attempt to depose Elizabeth for her Protestantism.
Works
of Richard Hooker (1593) Anglican political commentator and major influence
upon John Locke.
Letter
of James VI to the Earl of Essex, 13 April 1594
Letter
of James VI to the Earl of Essex, 6 October 1595
Journey
of Coronado (1596)
A
Trew Law of Free Monarchs, James I Stuart (1598). Championed the doctrine
of "Divine Right of Kings." This oppressive political theory contributed
to the exodus of the Puritans to America in 1630, and resistance to it
was the ultimate goal of three revolutions: 1) the Puritan Revolution of
the 1640s, 2) the Glorious Revolution, and 3) the American Revolution.
The
Dutie of A King, Sir Walter Raleigh (1599) Promoting the doctrine of
"Divine Right of Kings."
The
Geneva Bible, 1599 update of the translation made by the Puritans in
Geneva 1560. This was the Bible of choice in New England. These are the
footnotes which provide a Calvinistic theological interpretation of the
Bible.
Seventeenth Century Sources Relating
to American History
Colonial
Documents, Precursors to the U.S. Constitution
Colonial
Maps
Charters
of all the Colonies
Original
Dictionaries of the 16th & 17th Centuries, six bilingual dictionaries
-- John Palsgrave (1530; English-French), Sir Thomas Elyot (1538; Latin-
English), William Thomas (1550; Italian-English), Thomas Thomas (1587;
Latin-English), John Florio (1598; Italian-English), and Randle Cotgrave
(1611; French-English) -- these give pairs of French, Italian, and Latin
dictionaries, each pair separated by 50-80 years; four English hard-word
dictionaries -- Edmund Coote (1596), Robert Cawdrey (1604; courtesy of
Raymond Siemens), John Bullokar (1616), and Henry Cockeram (1623) -- and
one English word-list by Richard Mulcaster (1582); the first full English-only
dictionary -- Thomas Blount (1656).
Colonial
Literature, Peter Force, editor
Letter
of James VI to various Scottish Lords, 1600(?)
Letter
of James VI to James Hamilton, 1600
Letter
of James VI to the Earl of Mar and Edward Bruce, early February 1601
Letter
of James VI to the Earl of Mar and Edward Bruce, mid-February 1601
Letter
of James VI to the Earl of Mar and Edward Bruce, 8 April 1601
Queen
Elizabeth's Farewell (1601)
The
Works of King James I
Politica,
Althusius (1603) This treatise of political philosophy by a Dutch Reformed
Protestant contains all the principles that were later embraced by the
founders of the United States.
Voyages,
Samuel de Champlain (1604)
Primary
Sources Pertaining to the Gunpowder Plot (1605)
The
First Virginia Charter (1606)
Instructions
for the Virginia Colony (1606)
Works
of Francis Bacon, Identified by Jefferson as one of his three most
profound influences.
Works
of Francis Bacon (facsimile)
Works
of Shakespeare
The
Settlement at Jamestown, John Smith (1607) Including the famous account
of Smith being saved by Pocahontas.
A
Discourse of Virginia, Edward Maria Wingfield (1608)
The
Foundation of Quebec, Samuel de Champlain (1608)
Full
Text of Robert Juet's Journal (1609)
The
Second Virginia Charter (1609)
John
Smyth's Confession (1609) the religion of a Baptist.
King
James' Speech on Divine Right (1610)
The
Church At Jamestown, William Strachey (1610)
The
Third Virginia Charter (1612)
Good
News From Virginia, Alexander Whitaker (1613)
An
Ordinance and Constitution of the Virginia Company in England for a Council
Pocahontas,
John Smith (1616)
The
Starving Time, John Smith.
Comprehensive
Laws of Virginia
Pory
to Carelton from Jamestown (1619)
Jamestown
Laws
Works
of Arminius Arminius was a Dutchman who dared to challenge Luther and
Calvin on the predestination issue. His writings led to a major controversy
in Holland while the "Pilgrims" were residing there. Arminius's views were
adopted by Archbishop Laud of England, which greatly contributed to the
English Calvinists' desire to leave England in 1630.
Canons
of Dort (1619). The Synod at Dort in the Netherlands was called to
respond to the views of the Arminians. Participating in this Synod moderated
by Gomarus was the leader of the Pilgrims, as well as William Ames (the
leading Puritan theologian of the day). As a result of this synod, the
"five points of Calvinism" were developed. The "five points," also called
TULIP, became a centerpiece of Puritanism and were ardently defended by
American Calvinists such as Jonathan Edwards. The conflict between Calvinists
and Arminians was perhaps the most explosive debate in America in the early
18th century. On the Calvinist side, Americans such as Benjamin Franklin
and Jonathan Edwards wrote philosophical defenses; on the Arminian side,
John Wesley was the premiere mouthpiece. While Madison wrote in defense
of Calvinism, Thomas Jefferson utterly repudiated it.
Charter
of New England (1620)
Mayflower
Compact (1620). The first political covenant of the New England migration.
Of
State and General Assembly, 24 July 1621.
Of
Plymouth Plantation (Written 1630-1654, first published 1854). This
is Governor William Bradford's history of Plymouth, the most comprehensive
primary source available on early Plymouth.
Of
Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford. An eyewitness history of the
first English settlers of New England.
Mourt's
Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth . (London, 1622). This
journal, written by several Pilgrims--namely William Bradford and Edward
Winslow--records events at Plymouth from the Mayflower's arrival in November
1620 through the First Thanksgiving in October 1621, and everything in
between.
The
Sin and Danger of Self-Love (1621) There were no clergymen among the
pilgrims at Plymouth when they first settled. This sermon was written and
given by a layman, Robert Cushman, to the Plymouth congregation in December
1621. Robert Cushman was a member of the Pilgrims church in Leyden, Holland,
and came on (and returned in) the ship Fortune.
Letters
of the Plymouth Settlers
Last
Wills and Testaments of the Settlers at Plymouth We can tell
a lot about a culture by looking at their wills.
Pratt's
Memoir of
the Wessagussett Plantation (1622/23)
Letter
Home (1623)
Good
Newes from New England (London, 1624). This book, authored by Edward
Winslow, continues the journal in Mourt's Relation, covering the years
1622 and 1623 at Plymouth.
An
Appeal for War Against Spain (1624)
Of
the Law of War and Peace, Hugo Grotius (1625) One of the first works
on international law.
Account
of the Purchase of Manhattan (1626) The source of the $24 dollar legend.
The
First Part of the Institutes of the Laws of England, Sir Edward Coke
(1628) Written by a Puritan leader of Parliament, this document was almost
the only textbook for lawyers (e.g., Jefferson) during the American Colonial
Period. Coke's influence over the minds of American politicians is inestimable.
Clear traces between Coke and the U.S. Constitution are apparent in this
work.
The
Petition of Right, Sir Edward Coke (1628). This document set forth
complaints of the members of Parliament to King Charles I regarding rights
of due process. Charles did not receive this complaint warmly. As a result,
Charles I shut down Parliament, which ultimately culminated in the English
Civil War, and contributed to the exodus of 20,000 Puritans to New England.
Protests
of the House of Commons, Documents showing the growth of Parliament's
hatred for King Charles I, first complaining against his closet Catholicism,
his Arminianism, and his presumptuousness in levying taxes without the
consent of Parliament.
The
King Dissolves Parliament (1628)
Experiencia,
John Winthrop. A Journal of Religious Experiences.
The
Library of John Winthrop's Father, A catalogue of the books available
for the Puritan Laywer who founded Boston.
Reasons
for the Plantation in New England
(circa 1628). This document states clearly and forcefully that the motivations
of the Puritans who came to New England @ 1630 were fundamentally religious.
Adventurers
who founded the Massachusetts Bay Commonwealth (1628-1630)
Savage's
Genealogical Dictionary of New England This comprehensive source lists
the entire families who lived in New England in the early 17th century.
Savage's
Genealogical Dictionary (facsimile of the original).
The
Salem Covenant (1629)
Charter
of Massachusetts Bay (1629). This document sets forth the Puritans'
commission in New England.
A
Short and True Description of New England, by the Rev. Francis Higginson
(1629)
The
Cambridge Agreement among the leaders of the settlement (1629)
History
of the First Settlements as told by Capt. John Smith, Admiral of New
England (1629)
The
Constitution of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay (1629)
Medulla
Theologica (The Marrow of Theology), William Ames (1629). The Medulla
was the principal required textbook in the Ivy League in the American Colonial
Period. One cannot adequately grasp the intellectual climate of New England
without understanding the concepts in this book. The following two sections
on the Decrees of God and Predestination highlight the central peculiarities
of Puritan theology. Ames was unequivocal in stating that God controls
the universe and that humans do not "change" or "determine" God's behavior
in any way.
The
Marrow of Theology, William Ames (1629), Excerpts.
A
Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop (1630). A sermon preached
aboard one of the ships carrying the Puritans to New England.
John
Winthrop's Letters
The
Boston Covenant (1630)
The
Watertown Covenant (1630)
The
Humble Request of the Puritan emigrants (1630)
The
Oath of a Freeman, including a list of men who took this oath (1630-36)
Advertisements
to Planters of New England, by Capt. John Smith (1631)
Advertisements,
continued, by Capt. John Smith (1631)
Letter
to William Pond (1631)
Dozens
of Documents Pertaining to the Colony of Maryland
Manuscripts,
Provincial Records, and Early Documents Pertaining to the Founders of Maryland
The
Indictment of Galileo (1633) The height of the conflict between religion
and science.
The
Glorious Work in Maryland, Andrew White, S.J. (1633)
Account
of A Maryland Jesuit (1634)
Excerpts
From Lion Gardiner's Journal (1635)
The
Constitution of Plymouth Colony (1636)
The
Salem Covenant (1636)
The
Dedham Covenant (1636)
Winthrop's
Testimony (1636), the Boston Governor's account of his Christian experience.
John
Cotton Condemns Democracy (1636)
Transcript
of The Trial of Anne Hutchinson (1636)
Anne
Hutchinson's Trial (1636) Complete transcript
Records
of the Maryland General Assembly (1637-1683)
Revels
in New Canaan, Thomas Morton (1637)
Description
of Indians, Thomas Morton (1637)
Essay
Against the Power of the Church To Sit in Judgement on the Civil Magistracy,
John Winthrop, Esq. (1637) A treatise indicating an early desire among
the Puritans to keep church and state separate.
Officers
of the Commonwealth from 1630 to 1686.
Freemen
of the Commonwealth: the complete rolls from 1630 to 1636.
Sermons
of Thomas Shephard
Writings of Thomas
Shepard
Residents
of New Towne, (later
called Cambridge) from the original town Court records, 1632-1635, alphabetized.
The
Memoir of Capt. Roger Clapp (1609 -1691) Events in Massachusetts Bay
Colony to about the year 1640.
Records
of New Haven (1638-1649)
The
National Covenant (1639) Scotland's declaration of resistance to Charles
I.
Fundamental
Orders of Connecticut (1639) Acknowledged by scholars to be a prototype
of the U.S. constitution.
The
New Hampshire Compact (1639)
The
Exeter Covenant (1639)
Description
of New England Indians, William Wood (1639)
John
Winthrop's Journal, John Winthrop (excerpts), Tremendous and valuable
insights into the mind of the Puritan leader.
The
Wicked Capitalism of Robert Keayne, John Winthrop (1639) A merchant
named Robert Keayne was practicing capitalistic economics in Boston and
was squarely rebuked for it by John Cotton and Governor Winthrop.
Laws
Regulating the Price of Tobacco in Virginia (1639-40)
A
Brief Discourse Concerning the Power of Peers, John Selden (1640)
The
First Constitution of Rhode Island (1640) A document guaranteeing liberty
of conscience.
The
Bay Psalm Book (1640) With an Introduction written by Richard Mather.
New
England's First Fruits, The first written history regarding the founding
of Harvard College (@1640)
Records
of the English Civil War
Tracts
of the English Civil War, including many other political writings the
17th century Englishmen.
Records
of the Short Parliament (1640)
Records
of the Long Parliament (1640-1642)
Court
Records of Springfield, Massachusetts, Including information about
crimes and punishments.
Massachusetts
Body of Liberties (1641) Early written expression of the liberties
asserted by the colonists in reaction to the oppressions of European governments.
The
Citizen, Thomas Hobbes (1641-47) Discussion of the natural law foundations
of government.
Protestation
(1641) An oath taken by British citizens loyal to the Puritan interests
in Parliament.
Act
for the Attainder of the Earl of Strafford (1641)
Act
Against Dissolving Parliament Without its Own Consent (1641)
Act
Abolishing the Star Chamber (1641)
Declaration
to Justify Their Proceedings and Resolutions to Take Up Arms (1642)
Thomas Jefferson, in his Autobiography,said
that this Puritan "precedent" was an inspiration to the American cause.
Massachusetts
Bay School Laws (1642) Requiring that every father teach his children
the Catechism; if not, the children shall be taken from the home.
Harvard
College Admission and Graduation Requirements (1642-1700)
Jesuit
Encounters With the Indians (1642-43)
The
Establishment of the United Colonies of New England (1643) The first
attempt at a union of colonies, foreshadowing the United States. This document
combines several colonies together for the primary purpose of national
defense. This is the first document resembling a federal
constitution in America.
Religio
Medici, Thomas Browne (1643) The Religion of a Physician; showing the
link between religion and Enlightenment science in the 17th century.
The
Bloody Tenet of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience, Roger Williams
A
Plea for Religious Liberty, Roger Williams (1644) Early expression
of the principle of religious tolerance by the founder of the colony of
Rhode Island.
The
Solemn League and Covenant (1643-44) The document which allied the
Scotch Presbyterians and the Puritans in their struggle against Charles
I.
Letter
of Oliver Cromwell (1644)
Records
of Parliament (1644-1645)
Lex
Rex This treatise systematized the Calvinistic political theories which
had developed over the previous century. Rutherford was a colleague of
John Locke's parents. Most of John Locke's Second Treatise
on Government is reflective
of Lex Rex.
From Rutherford and other Commonwealthmen such as George Lawson, through
Locke, these theorists provided the roots of the Declaration of Independence.
This page provides the list of questions Lex Rex addresses.
Lex
Rex, Samuel Rutherford (1644).
Lex,
Rex, Samuel Rutherford (1644). This excerpt shows Rutherford's social
contract theory and includes the Puritan theory of resistance to a tyrant.
Areopagitica,
John Milton (1644). A treatise arguing that true Christianity can win its
own arguments, and does not need to worry about challenges from other points
of view, and therefore, the Government should not prevent the publication
of any ideas. This idea was later articulated by Locke in his Letters Concerning
Toleration, and picked up by Madison and Jefferson in their establishment
of religious liberty in the U.S.
A
Description of New Amsterdam by Isaac Joques (1644)
Description
of the Iroquois, Rev. John Megapolensis (1644)
Massachusetts
Government Vindicated, John Winthrop (1644)
On
Liberty, John Winthrop (1645) Discusses liberties demanded by the colonists.
Hypocricie
Unmasked (London, 1646). This is a religious treatise written by Edward
Winslow.
The
Character of A Puritan, John Geree (1646)
The
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) In addition to being the decree
of Parliament as the standard for Christian doctrine in the British Kingdom,
it was adopted as the official statement of belief for the colonies of
Massachusetts and Connecticut. Although slighlty altered and called by
different names, it was the creed of Congregationalist, Baptist, and Presbyterian
Churches throughout the English speaking world. Assent to the Westminster
Confession was officially required at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Princeton
scholar, Benjamin Warfield wrote: "It was impossible for any body of Christians
in the [English] Kingdoms to avoid attending to it."
The
Westminster Catechism (1646) Second only to the Bible, the "Shorter
Catechism" of the Westminster Confession was the most widely published
piece of literature in the pre-revolutionary era in America. It is estimated
that some five million copies were available in the colonies. With a total
population of only four million people in America at the time of the Revolution,
the number is staggering. The Westminster Catechism was not only a central
part of the colonial educational curriculum, learning it was required by
law. Each town employed an officer whose duty was to visit homes to hear
the children recite the Catechism. The primary schoolbook for children,
the New England Primer, included the Catechism. Daily recitations of it
were required at these schools. Their curriculum included memorization
of the Westminster Confession and the Westminster Larger Catechism. There
was not a person at Independence Hall in 1776 who had not been exposed
to it, and most of them had it spoon fed to them before they could walk.
A
Petition to Establish the Laws of England in America (1646)
A
Moderate and Safe Expedient to Remove Jealousies and Fears, of Any Danger,
or Prejudice to This State, by the Roman Catholicks of this Kingdome
(1646)
New
England's Salamander Discovered (London, 1647). This is another religious
treatise written by Edward Winslow.
The
Old Deluder Act (1647)
The
Simple Cobbler of Aggawamm in America, Nathaniel Ward (1647).
An
Agreement of the People (1647) A proposal for a republican government
in England.
The
Laws of Massachusetts (1648)
The
Treaty of Westphalia (1648) An attempt at religious peace in Europe,
concluding the Thirty Years War..
Blue
Laws, New Haven
The
Original Indian Deed for East-Hampton (1648)
The
Cambridge Platform (1649)
The
Maryland Toleration Act (1649)
A
Law of Maryland Concerning Religion (1649)
King
Charles I's Speech at His Trial (1649); Including Judge Bradshaw's
response appealing to social contract theory.
The
Charges against King Charles I (1649)
The
Death Warrant for Charles
King
Charles I's Speech Just Before His Execution (1649)
Of
the Non-Compelling of Heathens, Samuel Rutherford (1649) Exploring
the extent to which a government can coerce religious conformity.
An
Agreement of the Free People of England (1649) The manifesto of the
Levellers, the leaders of the 1649 English Civil War that deposed Charles
I and brought a period of parliamentary rule. It expresses many of the
ideals that later inspired the American Revolution.
Act
Abolishing the Kingship (1649)
History
of New England, John Winthrop (1649)
The
Tenure of Kings and Magistrates (1650) by John Milton in defense of
the execution of Charles I by the British Parliament a few days after its
occurance. It includes an excellent evaluation and summation of the political
literature produced on the Continent in the 16th Century. Charles I was
the first monarch executed in Europe by his subjects, setting the stage
for a religious struggle which would grip Britain for several decades to
come. The language and spelling of this edition has been done directly
from the 1650 edition.
Works
of John Milton
Leviathan,
Thomas Hobbes (1651) Laid basis for social contract theory, providing branching
point for the theories of constitutionalism and fascism.
Salem
Residents to the year 1651
The
Gospel Covenant, Rev. Peter Bulkely (1651)
Sumptuary
Laws in New England (1651) Laws regarding what one may and may not
wear.
The
Deed Assignment to the Inhabitants of East-Hampton (1651)
Navigation
Act (1651)
The
Lord Baltimore's Case, Concerning the Province of Avalon in Newfoundland,
an Island in America (1651)
Act
to Settle Protestants in Ireland (1652), A major watershed that led
to the Catholic-Protestant conflict which has ensued in Northern Ireland
for hundreds of years.
Works
of John Owen, Teacher of John Locke
Letters
and Speeches of Oliver Cromwell
The
Instrument of Government (1653); The Constitution of the English Commonwealth
under Oliver Cromwell. Many of the founders, such as Samuel Adams, considered
Oliver Cromwell their hero, and considered the Commonwealth as the glory
years of England.
The
Laws of Harvard College (1655)
Healing
Question, Sir Henry Vane (1656) Expounding the principles of civil
and religious liberty, and proposed that method of forming a constitution,
through a convention called for the purpose, which was actually followed
in America after the Revolution.
The
Commonwealth of Oceana, James Harrington (1656) Outline of a plan for
republican government.
The
Flushing Remonstrance (1657) Proclamation granting liberty to "Jews,
Muslims, and Quakers" on Long Island, New York, on the grounds of New Testament
graciousness. Extremely progressive for the American colonies.
Goody
Garlick Testimony in Witchcraft Trial (1657)
Forward
to the Revision of the New Plymouth Laws (1658)
A
Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes; Showing That it Is Not
Lawful For Any Power on Earth to Compel in Matters of Religion, John
Milton (1659). A formative influence upon the ideals of religious toleration
adopted by John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
The
Declaration of Breda, King Charles II Stuart (1660), As the Stuart
King was to be restored to the throne after the end of the reign of the
Puritan Protectorates, one of his first decisions was to attempt to avoid
another religious war, by granting religious liberty to "tender consciences,"
so long as they did not disturb the peace.
The
Restoration of Charles II to the Throne of England (1660); A Declaration
of Both Houses of Parliament.
Excerpts
from the Navigation Acts, 1660-1696, The first Parliamentary legislation
toward the colonies which would lead to the colonial rebellion of the eighteenth
century.
Institutes
of Elenctic Theology, [excerpt on predestination] Francis Turretin
(1660) The principle textbook used by students in American colleges in
the 18th century (used at Princeton into the late 19th century).
Institutes
of Elenctic Theology, Francis Turretin (1660). Excerpts.
Narrative
of the Pequot War, Lion Gardiner (1660)
Narrative
of the Pequot War, John Mason
The
Status of Religion in Virginia (1661)
Court
Records Dealing with Runaway Slaves in Virginia
The
Book of Common Prayer (1662) As the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell
came to an end and Charles II was restored to the throne of England, the
Church of England once again introduced a new Book of Common Prayer. This
was the guiding document for many throughout the American colonies, particularly
in Virginia
The
Anglican Catechism (1662) The document which provided the religious
training for many of the founding fathers of the U.S. (e.g., Washington,
Madison, Henry, Wythe, Mason).
Connecticut
Colony Charter (1662)
Deposition
of Phineas Pratt (1662) Recounting the settlement at Plymouth
The
Day of Doom and other Poems, Michael Wigglesworth (1662)
Death
Penalties in Maryland (1664)
Fines
and Punishments in Massachusetts (1664-1682)
Witchcraft
Trials in New York (1665)
Excerpts
From The Duke of York's Laws (1665-75)
A
Description of Carolina, Robert Horne (1666)
The
Nicolls Patent (1666)
Paradise
Lost, John Milton (1667)
Fundamental
Constitutions of Carolina, John Locke (1669)
Theologico-Political
Treatise, Baruch de Spinoza (1670) Discussed the ultimate source of
legitimate political power.
Groton
in Witchcraft Times, Samuel Green, ed. (c.1671)
De
Jure Naturae, Samuel Puffendorf (1672, tr. Basil Kennett 1703)
On
The Law of Nature and Nations, Samuel Pufendorf (1672) Based law and
right on natural law.
De
Officio Hominis Et Civis Juxta Legem Naturalem Libri Duo,
Samuel
Pufendorf (1673). The political theorist of choice among American Puritans
in the early 18th century.
Works
of John Bunyan, According to Ben Franklin's Autobiography, Bunyan was
his "favorite author."
Quaker
Documents I A tremendous library of 17th and 18th century Quaker writings.
Quaker
Documents II
First
Thanksgiving Proclamation (1676)
A
Compleat Body of Divinity, Samuel Willard. The primary textbook used
at Harvard College.
The
New England Primer, The best-selling textbook used by children in the
colonial period. Millions of copies were in print. Filled with Calvinist
principles, the influence of this little document is inestimable.
Memoir...
Dangers That Threaten Canada and the Means to Remedy Them, January
1687
Bacon's
Declaration in the Name of the People, 30 July 1676
On
Bacon's Rebellion, Governor William Berkely, 19 May 1676
The
Captivity of Mary Rowlandson (1676)
Political
Treatise, Baruch de Spinoza (1677) Constitutional considerations of
various forms of government, including ideas that later influenced the
Founders.
Anne
Bradstreet's Poetry (1678)
Poems
for Her Husband, Anne Bradstreet (1678)
Edward
Taylor's Poems
Habeas
Corpus Act (1679) English Parliament established key right which was
embraced in America.
Findings
of the New England Synod (1679), a "Jeremiad."
Patriarcha,
Robert Filmer (1640; Repubished 1680). A treatise defending the "divine
right of Kings." This was the document which Locke and Sydney both had
in mind as they wrote their political tracts which formed the American
founders' political theory. Although this was written around 1640 in defense
of Charles I's divine right, it was not published until 1680.
Bill
to Exclude the Duke of York (1680), Attempts by the Whig Party to keep
James II off the throne.
The
Pueblo Revolt (1680)
Proposals
for the Carrying on the Negro's Christianity, Morgan Goodwyn (1681).
Plato
Redivivus, Henry Neville (1681)
Frame
of Government of Pennsylvania, William Penn (1682) Early model for
written constitutions.
Some
Fruits of Solitude In Reflections And Maxims, William Penn (1682)
William
Penn to His Family (1682)
Petition
for a Democratic Government (1682)
A
letter from the Chancellor of Maryland (1682)
Condemnation
of the Massachussetts Bay Company, Edward Randolph, 12 June 1683
The
Original Constitution of New York (1683)
Algernon
Sydney's Speech before his Execution (1683)
Records
of the Maryland General Assembly (1684-1692)
Causes
of King Phillip's War, Edward Randolph (1685)
Rules
and Statutes at Harvard College (1686)
Instructions
to Sir Edmund Andros (1686)
Charter
of East Hampton (1686)
Scottish
Declaration of Toleration (1686)
Commercial
Orders to Governor Andros (1686-1687)
Principia,
Isaac Newton (1687) One of the three most significant influences upon Jefferson.
James
II Creates the Dominion of New England, April 7, 1688
Parliament
Invites William of Orange to England (1688)
Declaration
of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal (1688) Parliament pledges its loyalty
to William and Mary.
The
Full Text of Huntington's Declaration of Rights
Orders
For Sending Sir Edmund Andros To England (1689)
The
King's Oath (1689) Established the requirement that the monarch uphold
"the Protestant reformed religion"
English
Bill of Rights (1689) Early model for recognizing natural rights in
writing. Much of its language appeared later in the Declaration of Independence
and U.S. Constitution.
Works
of John Locke
Second
Treatise on Government John Locke (1689) Principal proponent of the
social contract theory which forms the basis for modern constitutional
republican government.
A
Letter Concerning Toleration, John Locke (1689) Classic statement of
the case for toleration of those holding different views.
The
Reasonableness of Christianity, John Locke.
Toleration
Act of William and Mary (1689)
The
Boston Uprising, Samuel Prince (1689)
The
London Confession of Faith (1689) Drawn from the Westminster Confession,
this document set for the beliefs of English Baptists during this era.
The
Address of the Representatives of Their Majestyes Protestant Subjects
(August 26, 1689)
The
Re-Establishment of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland (1690)
Journal
of George Fox, Founder of the Quakers.
Transcripts
of the Salem Witch Trials (1692) This is one of the web's best and
most complete primary source documents, containing all of the court records
of the Salem Witch trials. An invaluable resource.
Wonders
of the Invisible World (excerpts), Cotton Mather (1693)
Wonders
of the Invisible World Cotton Mather
Cases
of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits, Increase Mather (1693)
The
Character of a Good Ruler, Samuel Willard (1694)
The
Case of the Lord Baltimore (1696)
Penn's
Plan for a Union (1697)
Judge
Samuel Sewall Repents His Participation in the Salem Witch Trials (1697)
Memorable
Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions, Cotton Mather
(1698)
Discourses
Concerning Government, Algernon Sidney (1698) Built principles of popular
government from foundation of natural law and the social contract. This
book has been considered by scholars the "textbook of the American Revolution."
The
Story of Squanto, Cotton Mather (1698)
The
Execution of Hugh Stone, Cotton Mather (1698)
An
Account of West Jersey and Pennsylvania, Gabriel Thomas (1698)
Fairfax
Family Correspondence
Eighteenth Century
Sources Which Profoundly Impacted American History
One
Hundred Documents Pertaining to Africans and Slavery in America Massive
collection of primary sources regarding slavery in America.
The
Selling of Joseph, Samuel Sewall (1700) An argument against the slave
trade.
His
Excellency's Speech to the Honourable General Assembly (April 26, 1700)
The
General Assembly's Answer to His Excellency's Speech (April 27, 1700)
A
Memorial Representing the Present State of Religion on the Continent of
North America, Thomas Bray, D.D. (1700) Documenting the Anglican view
of the colonists and appended with a proposition to found the SPG (Society
for Progating the Gospel).
King
William Addresses Parliament on the French Question, 31 December 1701
A
Christian At His Calling, Cotton Mather (1701)
Magnalia
Christi Americana, Cotton Mather (1702)
Lewis
Morris letter to John Chamberlayne (1704)
Robert
Beverley on Bacon's Rebellion (1704)
Laws
of Her Majesty's Plantations (1704)
Money
and Trade Considered With a Proposal for Supplying the Nation with Money,
by John Law (1705)
Slave
Laws in Virginia (1642-1705)
The
Repentance of a Salem Witchcraft Accuser, Ann Putnam (1706)
Act
of Union (1707) The document creating "Great Britain"
Philosophical
Commentary, Pierre Bayle (1708) A writer recommended by Thomas Jefferson,
Bayle criticised French Catholic persecution of Protestants; and argued
for toleration as a matter of Biblical principle.
His
Excellency's Speech to the General Assembly (Nov. 29, 1708)
The
Assembly's Answer to His Excellency's Speech (Dec. 2, 1708)
William
Byrd's Diary [excerpt] (1709)
William
Byrd's Diary [excerpts regarding slave punishments] (1709)
Theopolis
Americana ("God's City: America"), Cotton Mather (1709) This excerpt
from Mather's sermon shows how Mather, with other Puritans, believed that
America was truly the "Promised Land." This thinking led ultimately to
the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, whereby Anglo-Americans believed that
it was their divine commission to spread their culture from Atlantic to
Pacific.
Awakening
Truths Tending to Conversion, Increase Mather (1710). A sermon wrestling
with the paradox between predestination and man's effort toward salvation.
Mather appears nearly contradictory throughout.
About
the Duties of Husbands and Wives, Benjamin Wadsworth (1712)
Curriculum
of the Boston Latin Grammar School (1712)
The
History of the Common Law of England, Matthew Hale (1713)
Documents
Concerning the Jacobite Rebellion
The
North Carolina Biennal Act (1715)
Vindication
of the Government of New England Churches, John Wise (1717) A Puritan
political sermon which included most of the principles of government embraced
by the founders of the U.S.
Works
of Joseph Addison
The
Angel of Bethesda, Cotton Mather. Here, as a watershed in the history
of medical science in America, Mather takes a position in favor of inoculation.
Selections
from Cato's Letters, John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon (1720-23) English
newspaper articles advocating Whig principles, which much influenced the
American colonists.
Constitution
of the Iroquois Confederacy A model for a federal system of government
for several Native American nations, Franklin lauded the Iroquois for their
ability to confederate.
Statutes
of the College of William and Mary (1727) The rules governing the college
where Thomas Jefferson received his training.
Massachusetts
House of Representatives on the Governor's Salary, 11 September 1728
Governor
Burnet of Massachusetts on the Governor's Salary, 17 September 1728
The
Maryland Gazette (1728-1800)
The
Adopting Act of the Presbyterian Church
The
Story of Venture Smith (1729-1809)
Lord
Baltimore's Receipt Book (1729-1750)
Plain
Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting, Andrew Clarkson (1731); arguing
against unconditional submission to the National Church and magistrates.
History
of the Puritans, Daniel Neal (1731)
Dissertation
Upon Parties, Henry St. John Bolingbroke (1733). A heavy influence
upon Jefferson.
Documents
Connected With the Early History of Georgia
Founding
Vision for Georgia, General James Oglethorpe (1733)
Negotiations
Regarding the Settlement of the Georgia Colony, Count Zinzendorf (1733)
Transcript
of the Trial of Peter Zenger (1735)
Letters
on the Study and Use of History, Henry St. John Bolingbroke (1735)
On
Patriotism, Bolingbroke (1736)
Governor
Gabriel Johnston's request to repeal the Biennal act, 18 October 1736
Letters
and Papers Relating to the Provincial History of Pennsylvania
Disposition
of the North Carolina Biennal Act (1737)
The
Idea of a Patriot King, Bolingbroke (1738)
Discourse
on the Five Points [Of Calvinism], Daniel Whitby. The text which incited
Jonathan Edwards to write his most important book, The Freedom
of the Will.
Works
of John Gill, John Gill (1738) Defense of Calvinism by a celebrated
English Calvinist.
Intentions
of the SPG (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) (1740) The desire
of this group to land an Anglican Bishop in the American colonies ignited
the American Revolution.
The
True Scripture-Doctrine Concerning Some Important Points of the Christian
Faith, Jonathan Dickinson (1741) Jonathan Dickinson was the first President
of the College at Princeton, New Jersey. In this excerpt, Dickinson states
that atheism is pure "stupidity" and "madness." Dickinson's opinion in
this regard represented the consensus in America. Subsequently all of the
founders of the United States were certain of the existence of a Deity.
On the other hand, Dickinson here emphasizes the doctrine of Predestination,
which was the central controversy of the eighteenth century in the Colonies.
Colonists' opinions were divided in this regard. Earlier in the century
predestination was the majority view, but by the end of the century a belief
in "free-will" had become prevalent among many such as Methodists.
The
Works of Jonathan Edwards, Enlightenment Philosopher, Theologian, Orator,
Scientist; Edwards was the most important American-born Great Awakening
preacher and defender of orthodox Calvinism.
Sermons
of George Whitefield, Known for his supreme oratory skills, Whitefield
was the most famous inter-colonial celebrity during the Great Awakening.
The inter-colonial nature of Whitefield's ministry was an important step
in the development of the intercolonial union which commenced in the 1760's
and 70's. A strong advocate of predestination, Whitefield entered into
a bitter dispute with his Methodist colleague, John Wesley over the issue,
and the movement was split.
The
Complete Works of John Wesley, An English preacher, Wesley developed
the practice of itinerant preaching: out of doors, traveling long distances
on horseback. Wesley was a strong opponent of the Calvinism which was prevalent
in America. Wesley visited America.
The
Works of John Wesley, founder of Methodism.
The
Essential Rights and Liberties of Protestants, Elisha Williams (1744)
a Boston minister who vigorously promoted liberty of conscience.
Regulations
at Yale College (1745) Showing the centrality of Calvinism and the
Westminster Confession in colonial higher education.
The
Presence of Great God in the Assembly of Political Rulers, John Barnard
(1746) A early warning against tyranny from one of Boston's ministers.
Narrative
of the Deliverance of Briton Hammond, An account of an African-American
taken captive by Native Americans (1747)
The
Principles of Natural Law, J. Burlamaqui, tr. Thomas Nugent (1748,
tr. Thomas Nugent 1752) This was the textbook on political theory used
at Harvard. It was this book that gave James Otis, John Hancock, Samuel
Adams, Joseph Warren, and John Adams their understanding of political science.
The
Principles of Politic Law, J. Burlamaqui, tr. Thomas Nugent (1748,
tr. Thomas Nugent 1752) Sequel to The Principles of Natural
Law carrying natural law
into constitutional law. Commentary on the ideas of Grotius, Hobbes, Puffendorf,
Barbeyrac, Locke, Clarke, and Hutchinson.
The
Spirit of Laws, Charles de Montesquieu, (1748, tr. Thomas Nugent 1752)
Laid the foundations for the theory of republican government, particularly
the concepts of the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and
judicial, a federal republic, representatives elected from political subdivisions,
a bicameral legislature, and a system of checks and balances. Montesquieu
was the most frequently cited political theorist during the founding of
the U.S.
An
Inquiry into the Principles of Political Economy, James Steuart. Recommended
by Jefferson as one of the best books on political science.
History
of Massachusetts Bay, Thomas Hutchinson, excerpt regarding coinage.
Remarks
on the Fable of the Bees, Frances Hutcheson (1750)
Indian
Captivity Narrative, Mary Jemison (1750)
A
Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher
Powers, Jonathan Mayhew (1750) About this document, John Adams wrote,
"It was read by everybody; celebrated by friends, and abused by enemies...
It spread an universal alarm against the authority of Parliament. It excited
a general and just apprehension, that bishops, and dioceses, and churches,
and priests, and tithes, were to be imposed on us by Parliament." This
sermon has been called the spark which ignited the American Revolution.
This illustrates that the Revolution was not only about stamps and taxes
but also about religious liberty.
Petition
to Parliament: Reasons for Making Bar, as well as Pig or Sow-iron (ca.
1750)
Petition
to Parliament: Reason Against a General Prohibition of the Iron Manufacture
in Plantations
Memoir
on the English Aggression, October 1750
Memoir
on the French Colonies in North America, December 1750
Adams,
Franklin, and Madison: Accounts of Their Original Plans to be Christian
Clergymen
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR:
William Livingston
"No.
XVIII. A Continuation of the Same Subject" (March 29, 1753)
"No.
XIX. The Same Subject Continued," (April 5, 1753)
"No.
XX. A Farther Prosecution of the Same Subject," (April 12, 1753)
"No.
XXI. Remarks on the College, Continued," (April 19, 1753)
"No.
XXII. The Same Subject Continued and Concluded," (April 26, 1753)
Of
Party Divisions, William Livingston (1753)
Patriotism
A
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1754)
Discussion on political inequality, its origins and implications.
Advertisements
of the Beginning of Tuition at King's College (1754) Samuel Johnson
Complete
Correspondence of Samuel Johnson
Extracts
from the Original Charter of King's College (1754)
Objections
to the Formation of King's College (1754)
A
Discourse on Political Economy, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1755) Discussion
on the economic principles affecting the politics of a society.
Dictionary,
Samuel Johnson (1755) This was the standard dictionary of the late 18th
century.
The
Value and Purpose of Princeton College, Samuel Davies and Gilbert Tennent
(1754); an appeal to British citizens to support the seminary which became
Princeton University.
Religion
and Patriotism the Constituents of a Good Soldier, Samuel Davies (1755).
Davies, a Presbyterian preacher and president of the College at Princeton,
here interprets the French and Indian war as a religious war. In this excerpt
from a sermon preached in Virginia, Davies rouses the anti-Catholic sentiment
of his hearers to rally them to arms against the French in the Ohio country.
Jonathan
Edwards to the Trustees of the College of New Jersey
Military
Documents of the French and Indian War
Primary
Sources Pertaining to the French and Indian War
Robertson's
History of Scotland
A
Complete Poem by Jupiter Hammon (1760)
The
Social Contract, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1762) Discussed legitimate
government as the expression of the general will.
The
Statutes of King's College (1763)
The
Curse of Cowardice, Samuel Davies (1758)
Against
the Writs of Assistance, James Otis (1761)
The
Role of the Indians in the Rivalry Between France, Spain, and England,
Governor Glen (1761)
Elements
of Criticism, Lord Kaims [Henry Homes] (1762), Highly recommended by
Jefferson, in this excerpt Kaims discusses the problems with fiction.
Treaty
of Paris (1763) Ended the French and Indian War and gave the English
control of all the land east of the Mississippi River.
Acts of Parliament concerning
the American Colonies
-
The
Royal Proclamation of 1763 Forbid colonists from crossing the Appalachians.
-
The
Currency Act, 1764
-
The
Sugar Act, 1764
-
The
Quartering Act, 1765
-
The
Stamp Act, 1765 Precipitated the "Stamp Act Crisis" which fomented
rebellion throughout the colonies
-
The
Declaratory Act, 1766 The English Parliament repealed the Stamp Act,
but couldn't leave well enough alone, and adopted this statement of parliamentary
supremacy over the British colonies.
-
The
Townshend Act, 1767
-
The
Tea Act, 1773
-
The
Administration of Justice Act, 1774
-
The
Boston Port Act, 1774
-
The
Massachusetts Government Act, 1774
-
The
Quebec Act, 1774
-
The
Quartering Act, 1774
The
Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved, James Otis (1764)
John
Jay vs. President Myles Cooper (1764)
Laws
of Maryland (1765)
Blackstone's
Commentaries (1765) Considered the book that "lost the colonies" for
England. This text delineates the legal principles of common law which
ensure the fundamental rights of Englishmen. Blackstone was quoted by the
colonists twice as often as they quoted Locke.
Blackstone's
Contents (1765)
Offenses
Against God and Religion, William Blackstone (1765). Showing the common
understanding that the integrity of the judicial system depends upon the
participants' belief in God.
On
Husband And Wife, William Blackstone (1765)
Considerations,
Daniel Dulany, October 1765
The
Objections to the Taxation Consider'd, Soame Jenyns (1765)
Massachusetts
Assembly to Governor Bernard (1765)
The
Resolutions of the Stamp Act Congress, October 19, 1765
The
Declaration of Rights of the Stamp Act Congress (1765) Developed the
concept that people could not legitimately be taxed except by their elected
representatives.
The Presbyterians
Are at the Head of the Stamp Act Riots (1766), a letter from a Stamp
Collector to London.
William
Pitt's Speech on the Stamp Act, January 14, 1766
Letters
of Horace Walpole
Examination
of Benjamin Franklin in the House of Commons (1766)
On
Crimes and Punishments, Cesare Beccaria (1766) Set out rights of the
accused in criminal proceedings. Argues for crime prevention over punishment,
and against the death penalty and torture.
On
the History of Civil Society, Adam Ferguson
John
Dickinson's Letter 2, from Letters from a Farmer, 1767-1768
John
Dickinson's Letter 4, from Letters from a Farmer, 1767-1768
On
the Misfortune of Indentured Servants, Gottlieb Mittelberger
An
Election Sermon, Daniel Shute; Delivered in Boston, Massachusetts-Bay,
26 May 1768.
Charter
of Dartmouth College (1769)
Virginia
Nonimportation Resolutions (1769)
Excerpts
From Mary Cooper's Diary (1769)
Daniel
Boone's Journal
The
Boston Massacre, The Boston Gazette, 12 March 1770
Anonymous
Account of the Boston Massacre, 5 March, 1770
Captain
Thomas Preston's account of the Boston Massacre, 13 March 1770
The
Hymnbook of Isaac Watts, After the Bible and the Catechism, this was
the third most commonly used book in colonial New England.
The
Rights of the Colonists, Samuel Adams (1772) John Adams indicated that
all the concepts which Jefferson later set forth in the Declaration of
Independence were first introduced here.
An
Oration on the Beauties of Liberty, Reverend John Allen (1772)
Manuscripts
of the Earl of Darmouth, British Secretary of American Affairs
Oration
Deliverd at Boston, Joseph Warren (1772)
Journal
of John Woolman
An
Election Sermon, Simeon Howard (1773) Demonstrating that an armed war
against a tyrant was a Christian's duty.
The
Sovereign Decrees of God, Isaac Backus (1773)
Eyewitness
Account of the Boston Tea Party, George Hewes (1773)
Resolution
of the Virginia House of Burgesses for Establishing an Intercolonial Committee
of Correspondence (1773)
Early
Virginia Religious Petitions (1774-1802) Thomas Jefferson, a member
of the Virginia Committee on Religion, was greatly impacted by these petitions
in developing his thoughts about religious liberty.
Boston
Massacre Oration, John Hancock (1774)
A
Plea Before the Massachusetts Legislature, Isaac Backus (1774)
Considerations
on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament,
James Wilson (1774)
To
the Inhabitants of the Several Anglo-American Colonies, William Livingston
(1774)
Sons
of Liberty: the Presbyterian Junto, a letter from New York (1774)
Facsimile
of the Above Letter
Declaration of Colonial
Rights of the Continental Congress (1774) John Adams said that the
Declaration of Independence was not much more than a recapitulation of
the Resolves
of the Continental Congress
First
Prayer Given in