Declaration of Rights

01 - Declaration of Rights by Stamp Act Congress

On June 8, 1765, James Otis, with the backing of the Massachusetts Assembly, sent a powerful call to action to each colony, urging a general meeting of delegates. This significant assembly took place in New York City in October, where representatives from nine colonies convened, despite New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia not sending delegates. Nevertheless, the assemblies from these absent colonies pledged their support for the Congresss initiatives. Held in the historic Federal Hall, the delegates gathered on October 2 and engaged in fervent discussions for less than two weeks. By their conclusion on October 19, 1765, they had adopted the Declaration of Rights and sanctioned its use in petitions to the King and two letters to Parliament. This pivotal document articulated thirteen points of colonial protest, laying the groundwork for future resistance. (Summary from Wikipedia.org)