Congress to meet the following May. Georgia was not represented in this Congress.

NOTE.-It was in the First Congress that Patrick Henry used these memorable words:

"British oppression has effaced the boundaries of the several Colonies: the distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I AM NOT A VIRGINIAN BUT AN AMERICAN."

SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.

When did the Second Continental Congress meet?

The Second Continental Congress consisted of fiftysix delegates, and it met at "Independence Hall," Philadelphia, May 16, 1775, and existed as a Congress until March 4, 1789 The members of this Congress adopted and signed the Declaration of Independence, in which for the first time the colonies received the name of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

What did Virginia ask Congress to do?

Virginia, May 15, 1776, instructed her delegates in Congress to propose a Declaration of the Independence of the colonies.

What did Congress then do?

Congress solemnly approached that great subject and resolved to appoint, and DID, on the 11th of June, 1776, appoint the following persons-Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benj. Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, to draft a Declaration of Independence.

Who wrote the Declaration?

Thomas Jefferson wrote it at the request of his associates. Two or three alterations, verbal only, were suggested by Franklin and Adams.

What did they say in the Preamble to the Declaration?

"A decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to this separation." See page 191.

What was the resolution introduced into Congress by Richard Henry Lee, and how was it disposed of?

On the 7th day of June, 1776, Mr. Lee introduced into Congress the following resolution, which was seconded by John Adams. A stormy debate followed from the 7th to the 10th: it was then postponed to July 1st. After discussion, Congress agreed to meet in "Committee of the Whole" the following day (July 2,) at which time the Committee of the Whole reported and the resolution was adopted in the following words:

Resolved, THAT THESE UNITED COLONIES ARE, AND, OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES: THAT THEY ARE ABSOLVED FROM ALL ALLEGIANCE TO THE BRITISH CROWN, AND THAT ALL POLITICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THEM AND THE STATE OF GREAT BRITAIN, IS, AND OUGHT TO BE, TOTALLY DIS

SOLVED.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted and signed? The resolution of Mr. Lee was adopted July 2d by a vote of twelve colonies. (The delegates from New York, pending the decision of the question by the people of that colony, did not vote.)

July 4, 1776, the entire Declaration was adopted by the same vote. On the same day it was authenticated by the President and Secretary of Congress and published, but not then signed by the members.

Having been engrossed on parchment, it was signed August 2, 1776, by fifty-four delegates, and subsequently

by two others, making fifty-six in all, representing the thirteen colonies, the New York convention having approved the act July 9, 1776.

NOTES.-The story has come down to us, more than a hundred years old, that during these anxious hours while members were hesitating and debating on the 4th of July, the old bell-man had his hard on the bell-rope, and his little grandson standing where he could catch the first words of assurance that the Declaration was adopted, at the proper time shouted, "RING, GRANDFA, RING, OH RING FOR LIBERTY."

This prophetic bell (now called Independence Bell) was cast in England in 1752. It was rung long and loud to proclaim the Declaration, but was subsequently fractured, and now hangs in honored repose, as a sacred relic of the past. It was taken to New Orleans in 1885, and was on exhibition at the 'Exposition" held there.

The following inscription was cast in the metal. "PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND, AND TO THE INHABITANTS THEREOF."

The following story in regard to Charles Carroll is worth remembering. His name was among the first written, and as he affixed his signature a member observed, "THERE GO A FEW MILLIONS: " but adding, "however, there are many Charles Carrolls,and the British will not know which one it is.” Carroll immediately added to his name "of Carrollton," and was afterward known as CHARLES CARROLL OF CARROLLTON.

Mr.

Mr. Carroll, the last of the signers of the Declaration, died Nov. 13, 1832.

CONFEDERATION.

With what body of men did the Articles of Confederation originate? They originated with the second Continental Congress. When were they adopted?

The various resolutions and amendments that had been proposed were consolidated into thirteen articles, and adopted by Congress, Nov. 15, 1777, as the Articles of Confederation.

How many departments of government existed under the Confederation?

One, vested in a Congress in which no State should be represented by less than two or more than seven members: and each State had only a single vote.

There was no Judiciary.

There was no Executive.

What has been said of the Confederation?

"The United States in Congress" said a native critic. of the Articles of Confederation, "have exclusive power for the following purposes without being able to execute one of them."

1. "They make and conclude treaties, but can only recommend the observance of them."

2. "They may appoint ambassadors, but cannot defray even the expenses of their tables."

3. "They may borrow money in their own name on the faith of the Union, but cannot pay a dollar.”

4. "They may coin money, but cannot buy an ounce of bullion."

5. "They may make war, and determine what number of troops are necessary, but cannot raise a single soldier."

6. "In short they may declare everything but do nothing."

NOTE.-Maryland was the last to ratify the Articles of Confederation in 1781, at which time they became binding upon all the States.

SESSIONS.

Where were the sessions of the Continental Congress held? The First Continental Congress was held at Philadelphia, (Carpenter's Hall) ........ Sept. 5, 1774. The Second Continental Congress was held at

Philadelphia, (Independence Hall)..

Baltimore..

Philadelphia,.

Lancaster, Pa.

York, Pa...
Philadelphia..

.. May 10, 1775.

.Dec. 20, 1776. . .March 4, 1777.

.Sept. 27, 1777.

.Sept. 30, 1777.

...July 2, 1778.

NOTE.--This Congress adjourned to meet at these different places for certain reasons, some members retiring from the office, others being elected to take their places, but it retained the name,"Second Continental Congress" until the Constitutional organization.

PRESIDENTS.

Who were the Presidents of the Continental Congresses and when elected?

On the 2d day of March, 1781, Congress assembled under the Confederation, the Articles having been rati