Proclamation of Continental Congress May 26, 1779 John Jay President [Raising Battalions by Appealing to the Supreme Ruler]

By the Congress of the United States of America

A Proclamation

      The circumstances attending the violation of the rights of America, by Great Britain, and the events of the present war in consequence of that violation, have manifested, that the supreme ruler of Heaven and earth, led these United States out of bondage; and that it is he who hath made them Independent.  A situation  in which only, they can be secure against their enemies; and from which mankind can receive those blessings, which, the great father of all, hath designed they should enjoy from the civilization of this new world.

     The United efforts of these states under the favor of heaven have hitherto rendered vain, the mighty exertions against them by the King of Great Britain, by arms; and have frustrated the destructive designs of that prince, by negotiations.  Happily the United States by experience know, that such efforts are capable of securing them against his power; and that their duty to God, to themselves, to their posterity, and to mankind, impels them to exert those efforts to the utmost of their ability.

     The present season for military operations, furnishes them with an opportunity of discharging this duty.  The smiles of their creator upon their past actions, furnishes them with an opportunity of discharging this great duty.  The smiles of their creator upon their past actions must inspire them with religious confidence in their future exertions; the hardships they have suffered, enable them to encounter new difficulties; and their great ally regarding their Cause as his own, and taking part in the war, must warm their affections, excite their emulation, and invigorate their proceedings.

May 26, 1779

The President [John Jay]


The Continental Congress, with John Jay as its President, saw that the way of getting the states to raise battalions was to appeal to the supreme ruler of Heaven and earth who led the United States out of bondage.