January 18, 1775

Dartmouth Urges Governors to Prevent Second Continental Congress

Lord Dartmouth attempts to forestall another Continental Congress with a circular letter to colonial governors that inform them of "His Majesty's Pleasure, that you use your utmost Endeavours to prevent any such appointment of Deputies within the Province under your Government; and that you do exhort all Persons to desist from such an unjustifiable Proceeding." The letter gives rise to mistaken rumors that delegates to Congress are to be arrested. No governor succeeds in preventing the appointments.