1774-09-26At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Beverly on Monday the
26th day of September 1774.
The Selectman set as Regulators as the law directs and Capt. Josiah Batchelder Jr. was elected and
deputed by a very great majority of votes to serve for and represent them in the Great and General
Court or assembly appointed to be convened, held and kept for his Majesty’s Service at the Court
House in Salem upon Wednesday the fifth day of October next and so during their session and
sessions.
Voted their representative the following instructions viz: to Capt. Josiah Batchelder Jr.- Sir whereas
we have this day chosen you to represent us in the Great and General Court to be held at Salem on
the fifth day of October next for his Majesty’s Service the Town always reserving to themselves the
right of instructing their representatives, do give you the instructions following.
1st. That in all things agitated in the said General Court you conform yourself to the Charter and
Laws of this Province.
2ly. That you in no case act anything that may have a tendency to carry the late act of Parliament for
altering the Constitution of the government of this Province into execution.
3ly. That when the said Great and General Court is convened you use your endeavors that the
members thereof form themselves into a Provincial Congress to meet at such place and time as they
shall think proper, to act on such matter and things as shall best promote the interests and welfare of
the Province at this most critical juncture of our political affairs resulting from the several oppressive
acts of Parliament lately made and now carrying into execution and enforced by a military exertion,
but with all, trusting in the wisdom, prudence and decisions of the grand American Congress.
Meeting dissolved.