The sudden and abrupt departure of his Excellency John Wentworth Esq., our late Governour, and several of the Council, leaving us destitute of Legislation ; and no Executive Courts being open to punish criminal offenders, whereby the lives and properties of the honest people of this Colony, are liable to the machinations and evil designs of wicked men :
Therefore, for the preservation of peace and good order, and for the security of the lives and properties of the inhabitants of this Colony, we conceive ourselves reduced to the necessity of establishing a form of Government, to continue during the present unhappy and unnatural contest with Great Britain ; protesting and declaring that we never sought to throw off our dependance upon Great Britain, but felt ourselves happy under her protection, while we could enjoy our constitutional rights and privileges, and that we shall rejoice if such a reconciliation between us and our parent state, can be effected as shall be approved by the Continental Congress, in whose prudence and wisdom we confide.
Accordingly, pursuant to the trust reposed in us, we do
Resolve, That this Congress assume the name, power, and authority of a House of Representatives or Assembly, for the Colony of New-Hampshire. And that said House then proceed to choose twelve persons, being reputable freeholders and inhabitants within this Colony, in the following manner, viz : Five in the County of Rockingham ; two in the County of Strafford; two in the County of Hillsborough ; two in the County of Cheshire ; and one in the County of Grafton, to be a distinct and separate branch of the Legislature, by the name of a Council for this Colony, to continue as such until the third Wednesday in December next ; any seven of whom to be a quorum to do business.
That such Council appoint their President ; and in his absence, that the senior Counsellor preside.
That a Secretary be appointed by both Branches, who may be a Counsellor, or otherwise, as they shall choose.
That no act or resolve be valid, and put into execution, unless agreed to and passed by both branches of the Legislature.
That all publick officers for the said Colony, and each County, for the current year, be appointed by the Council and Assembly, except the several Clerks of the Executive Courts, who shall be appointed by the Justices of the respective Courts.
That all Bills, Resolves, or Votes for raising, levying, and collecting Money, originate in the House of Representatives.
