Congress to Meet in Philadelphia
A meeting of representatives
or
rebel leaders?
The First Continental Congress will take place in September 1774.Preparations are being made in Philadelphia for a conference that will take place this September. This conference will be a first for the colonies—a meeting of representatives from all 13 colonies, providing that none fails to send a delegation.
The meeting has been arranged as a result of recent developments in the colonies. Relations between Britain and her American colonies have been deteriorating over the past few years as leaders on sides become more firm in their positions. Britain has reacted decisively to a growing sentiment of independence in the colonies, sending a clear message that it will not surrender its position of authority easily. The closing of the port in Boston and the increased military presence has convinced many to sympathize with rebel leaders, adopting a rather anti-British position. These actions were part of the so-called Intolerable Acts passed by British Parliament in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party.
The meeting set to take place in September will be less for the purpose of taking action than for discussion. Each colony is invited to send representatives. The topic will be the current state of the colonies. It is most likely that they are going to discuss the Intolerable Acts and determine the position of each colony on the present situation with Britain. The general belief is that the colonies will be looking for a way to restore the amicable relationship with England that existed before the French and Indian War.
The discussion won’t be that simple, however. These men are not all in agreement with each other. There are those whose anti-British stance would cause them to go as far as to say that it is time for the colonies to seek independence from Britain, to shake off the yoke of colonialism. Some would call them radicals. But then there are conservatives among the leaders, who will undoubtedly petition for a continued relationship with Britain. And of course, in between radicals and conservatives can always be found the moderates. They will most likely be looking for a way for the colonies to gain liberties without severing ties with the mother country. It is not unusual for the colonies to be in disagreement. Indeed, the fact that this meeting is taking place is an unusual show of accord among the 13 separate entities.
The choice of location—Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia—is fitting.The choice of location—Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia—is fitting. Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is in the center of the colonies, making it an ideal location. Carpenters’ Hall is also appropriate; built by the Carpenters’ Company for their meetings, it is the only privately owned meeting place available for rent in Philadelphia. It also houses Dr. Benjamin Franklin’s library. Moreover, it has a unique appeal to certain delegates—it is not official British property. Sources say that the State House was also under consideration but was deemed unacceptable, as it is the official seat of government. One does not meet inside a person’s house to talk about that very person!
Once the congress begins, news of the proceedings will not be readily available. The doors will be locked, and the delegates will be sworn to secrecy. But perhaps if one hangs around the City Tavern near Carpenters’ Hall, the gossip will be enough to satisfy curiosity for a time!
Sources
Fleming, Thomas. Liberty! The American Revolution. New York: Viking, 1997.
Neustadt, Katherine D. Carpenters’ Hall: Meeting Place of History. Philadelphia: Winchell Company, 1981.
Karsch, Carl G. The First Continental Congress: A dangerous journey begins. Carpenters’ Hall, Independence Hall Association. http://www.ushistory.org/carpentershall/history/congress.htm (accessed November 23, 2007)