Liberty Point Resolves facts for kids
The Liberty Point Resolves, also known as "The Cumberland Association", was an important document signed by fifty people in Cumberland County, North Carolina, early in the American Revolution. It showed their strong feelings about what was happening with Great Britain.
On June 20, 1775, these brave Americans, called Patriots, met at a place called Lewis Barge's tavern in Cross Creek. This area is now part of Fayetteville, North Carolina. They gathered to sign a paper that protested the actions of Great Britain. This was right after the first battles of the war, the battles of Lexington and Concord.
The people who signed hoped that Great Britain and the American colonies could still become friends again. But they also promised that if they had to, they would "go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety." This means they were ready to fight and give everything for their freedom. The Resolves were not a declaration of independence, which came later in 1776.
During the American Revolution, people in Cumberland County had different ideas about who to support. Many people, especially the Highland Scots who had moved there, were very loyal to the British King. One famous person among them was the Scottish hero Flora MacDonald. The Liberty Point document was signed just one month after the similar Mecklenburg Resolves and about a year before the United States Declaration of Independence.
What the Document Said
The short document said:
At a general meeting of the several Committees of the District of Wilmington, held at the Court-House in Wilmington, Tuesday, the 20th June, 1775
Resolved, That the following Association stand as the Association of this Committee, and that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this District to sign the same as speedily as possible.
THE ASSOCIATION. The fighting that started against America by British soldiers on April 19, near Boston; the unfair rules and taxes from a bad and controlling government; and the fear of planned uprisings in the Colonies, are reasons enough to make an oppressed people use weapons.
We, the signers from Cumberland County, believe we are bound by the most important duty of good citizens to an injured country. We are sure that given our difficult situation, we are right to fight back with force.
So, we unite ourselves with all our religious and honorable ties, and join together as a group to defend our country against any enemy. We promise that whenever our Continental or Provincial leaders decide it's necessary, we will go out and be ready to give our lives and money to protect our freedom and safety.
This promise will stay in effect until Great Britain and America can make peace based on fair rules, which is something we really want to happen. We will consider anyone who refuses to sign this Association as an enemy to the liberty of the Colonies. And we will follow all the advice of our General Committee about these goals: keeping peace and order, and protecting everyone's property.
Robert Rowan, who seemed to organize the group, was the first to sign. Other signers came from families who were very important in the Cape Fear area for a long time. These include families like Barge, Powell, Evans, Elwell, Green, Carver, Council, Gee, Blocker, and Hollingsworth. Today, a memorial and a plaque in downtown Fayetteville, near Bow and Person Streets, remember this important event.
Who Signed It
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