Acceptance of the Declaration of Independence by Rhode Island General Assembly 


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Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England, 1862.
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations, at Newport, on Thursday, the 18th day of July, 1776.

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  The Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Governor 
  The Hon. William Bradford, Deputy Governor 

This Assembly, taking into the most serious consideration, the resolutions of the Most
Honorable the Continental Congress of the United States of America, of the 4th instant,
declaring the said states free and independent states, do approve the said resolution; and
do most solemnly engage, that we will support the said General Congress, with our lives and
fortunes. 

It is voted and resolved, that the resolution of the General Congress, declaring the United
Colonies free and independent states; and the act of this Assembly, approving said
resolution, be published by the secretary to-morrow, in Newport, at twelve o’clock, in the
presence of both houses of the General Assembly. 

That thirteen cannon be discharged at Fort Liberty, upon reading said proclamation; and
that the brigade be drawn up on the Parade, in thirteen divisions, and immediately after
the discharge of the cannon, make a discharge of musketry; each division firing one volley,
in succession. 

It is further voted and resolved, that the said resolution and act be published in
Providence, on Thursday next, at twelve o’clock, in such manner as His Honor the Governor
shall think fit, and that thirteen cannon be discharged on the occasion. 

It is further voted and resolved, that the said resolution and act be read in the several
town meetings, to be holden on the last Tuesday in August next; and that the secretary
seasonably furnish the necessary copies. 

It is voted on and resolved, that the captains of the two row gallies in the service of
this state, forthwith proceed with said gallies to the city of New York; and that on their
arrival there, they receive the orders of His Excellency Gen. George Washington, and
conduct themselves accordingly. 

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority therof, it is enacted, that
for the future, the style and title of this government, in all acts and instruments,
whether of a public or private nature, shall be the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations; and that this act, and the act of approving the United States of America free
and independent states, be published in the next Newport Mercury and Providence Gazette. 

It is voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the county of Newport be, and he is hereby,
ordered and directed forthwith to take into his custody Edward Thurston, of Newport; and
Messrs. George Sears, Jonathon Arnold, Jonathon Haszard, William Greene and Cromel Child,
be a committee, to proceed with said sheriff to the dwelling house of the said Edward
Thurston, and there to demand of him that he open to their view all desks, chests or other
suspected places, under lock or otherwise; and if he shall refuse to show and unlock the
same, that the said committee be, and hereby is, directed to break open the same, and
carefully inspect and make search for any and all letters of correspondence upon the
disputes between the independent states of America and Great Britain, or of a political
nature; and such letters or papers as they shall think proper to bring with them for the
inspection of this General Assembly. 

And that the said sheriff at the same time have the said Edward Thurston before this
Assembly. 

It is voted and resolved, that the sheriff for the county of Newport, together with Messrs.
George Sears, Jonathon Arnold, Jonathon Haszard, William Greene, and Cromel Child, proceed
to the dwelling house of Mr. John Coggeshall, then and there demand of him, that he open to
their view all desks, chests or other suspected places, under lock or otherwise; and if he
shall refuse to show and unlock the same, that the said committee be, and hereby is,
directed to break open the same, and carefully inspect and make search for any and all
letters of correspondence upon the disputes between the independent states of America and
Great Britain, or of a political nature; and such letters or papers as they shall think
proper to bring with them for the inspection of this General Assembly.