Je ét vrimmed by ba autturių aioresaid, That the resolutions of the 23d of April, 2764, relative to the subjem of this ardtance, be and the same are hereby repeated and decisred pull and Toid CHAPTER XXV. THE HISTORY OF THE UNION BEFORE THE CONSTI TUTION. THE brief sketch which we have given of the early history of the thirteen English colonies in America has shown the great diversity Tendencies to that existed, not only in origin, but in the character of the people. This diversity was the cause of mutual jealousies. Local prejudices abounded; and frequently disputes about territory and boundaries brought open hostilities. Though the people were all British subjects, yet only common dangers led them very gradually to see that, as Americans, they had common interests. Colonial union was not accomplished by any one act or succession of acts. It developed, under the pressure of circumstances, as a sentiment in the minds of the people, before it existed as a fact in their history. It was foreshadowed in the New England confederacy, and promoted by the constant aggressions of the French. As early as 1690, the General Court of Massachusetts, by letters addressed to the other New Early Colonial England colonies and New York, invited Conferences. them to unite in a meeting of commissioners to consult and determine for their common safety. In this conference four colonies were represented, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New York. They agreed upon measures for raising a joint army, and devised the various plans which were carried into execution during what is known as King William's war. It was a common occurrence for commissioners from several of the colonies to meet to treat with the Indian tribes ; and there was frequent official correspondence between them relating to the common defence. two Parties. The idea of a permanent union was advocated about Union favored by this time, and various plans were suggested; one by William Penn. Union was favored by two opposite classes. One party desired to promote the interests of the colonies, and strengthen them in their free organization. The other, friends of royalty, wished to check the spirit of freedom by subjecting all to the control of one central authority directed by the crown. vention. In 1754, by request of the British Government, a The Albany Con- Convention was held at Albany, consisting of delegates from seven of the colonies. The object of the meeting was twofold: first, to form a treaty of alliance with the chief of the Six Nations; second, to enter into a union, or confederation, with each other for mutual defence. This convention adopted a plan of confederation prepared by Benjamin Franklin. This scheme proposed to leave the government of each colony in its existing form, giving to the local legislatures the power to choose members of a grand council, which should be the legislature of the union. This body was to meet annually, and was to have power to deal in all matters with the Indians, to provide for the common defence, and to levy taxes within the colonies to meet necessary expenses. Its laws were L |