Category Archives: Historical American Documents

Shall Liberty or Empire be Sought? Patrick Henry, 1788 THIS, sir, is the language of democracy–that a majority of the community have a right to alter government when found to be oppressive. But how different is the genius of your … Continue reading →

We have no other alternative than independence.’ Samuel Adams, August 1, 1776 We are now on this continent, to the astonishment of the world, three millions of souls united in one cause. We have large armies, well disciplined and appointed, … Continue reading →

Thomas Paine (1776) – Common Sense ~ INTRODUCTION ~ PERHAPS the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial … Continue reading →

Partisan Ranger Act, Confederate States Congress, April 21, 1862 Section 1. The congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the president be, and he is hereby authorized to commission such officers as he may deem proper with … Continue reading →

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 20 Stat. L., 145 June 18, 1878 CHAP. 263 – An act making appropriations for the support of the Army for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine, and for other … Continue reading →

Gettysburg Address “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, … Continue reading →

Emancipation Proclamation; January 1, 1863 Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the … Continue reading →

Tryon Resolves, August 14, 1775 The unprecedented, barbarous and bloody actions committed by British troops on our American brethren near Boston, on 19th April and 20th of May last, together with the hostile operations and treacherous designs now carrying on, … Continue reading →