PROCLAMATIONS.

By His Excellency WILLIAM HOWE, &c.

"Whereas it [has] become the indisputable duty of every loyal and faithful citizen, to contribute all in his power for the preservation of order and good government within the town of Boston, I do hereby recommend, that the inhabitants do immediately associate themselves, to be formed into companies, under proper officers, selected by me, from among the associators, to be solely employed within the precincts of the town, and the purposes abovementioned.

"That this association be opened in the Council-chamber, under the direction of the Hon. Peter OLIVER, Foster HUTCHINSON, and W. BROWN, Esqrs. on Monday the thirtieth day of October, 1775, and continued for four days following, that no man may plead ignorance of the same.

"Out of the number of persons voluntarily entering into this association, all such as are able to discharge the duty required of them, shall be properly armed, and an allowance of fuel and provisions be made to those requiring the same, equal to what is issued to his Majesty's troops within the garrison.

"Given at head quarters at Boston, October 28, 1775."

An ASSOCIATION proposed to the LOYAL
AMERICANS.
Agreeable to the PROCLAMATION issued by
his Excellency the Hon. Major General
HOWE, Commander in Chief of his Maje-
sty's Forces, &c.

"WE, his Majesty's Loyal Subjects of the Town of Boston, being sensible of the duty incumbent on us to do every thing in our power to support order and good government, as well as to contribute our aid to the internal security of the town; now take this opportunity to profess a firm allegiance to his Majesty, and entire obedience to his government and laws.

"From a disposition to continue quiet and obedient subjects, we have generally neglected the use of arms, while those of different characters and sentiments have been diligently endeavouring to improve themselves in that art.

"Upon these principles we have remained in, or fled to this town. Neither do we wish or design to leave it now.

"WE consider it as our strongest duty to contribute our aid in promoting the peace, order, and security of the town, and are willing to be employed to these good purposes, in the ways and means suited to our capacities.

"To that end chearfully accept the offers of His Excellency, and now voluntarily associate for the purposes mentioned in his proclamation, hereby promising, 'That such of us as he shall think proper, or able to perform the duties therein required, will be formed into companies as therein mentioned, and will, to the utmost of our power, faithfully perform those services, and punctually discharge the trust reposed in us.'

"And that such as are not able to go through those duties, will freely contribute our proportions, according to our abilities, to raise a sum of money for promoting this salutary purpose, to be applied to the use of those who are able, in such manner, as the General, or those he may appoint, may think proper."

The Middlesex Journal, and Evening Advertiser, (London), Thursday, January 4, to Saturday, January 6, 1776.

Click here for ---> Regimental History Main Page

                               More Loyal American Association History

                               Top of Page

The On-Line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies
For information please contact Todd Braisted

Updated 12/15/99