I am now convinced that the political sentiments therein contained, were founded on the grossest error; more especially that malignant insinuation, that "if the king's standard were now erected, nine out of ten would repair to it," could not have been suggested, but from the deepest infatuation. True indeed it is, the people of this county have ever shewn a zealous attachment to his majesty's person and government, and whenever he raised his standard in a just cause, were ready to flock to it: but let the severe account I now render to an injured people, witness to the world, that none are more ready to oppose tyranny or to be first in the cause of liberty, than the inhabitants of Kent county.
Conscious that I can render no satisfaction adequate to the injury I have done my country, I can only beg the forgiveness of my countrymen, upon those principles of humanity, which may induce them to consider the frailty of human nature—and I do profess and promise, that I will never again oppose those laudable measures, necessarily adopted by my countrymen, for the preservation of American freedom: but will cooperate with them to the utmost of my abilities, in their virtuous struggle for liberty (so far as is consistent with my religious principles).
R. H.
Resolved unanimously, that the committee do think the above recantation fully satisfactory.
THO'S. NIXON, Jr. Clerk.
May 9th, 1775.
143. An Oath of Allegiance to a New State, 1777
A facsimile from Scharf and Westcott's History of Philadelphia, I, 338.
Oath of Allegiance A.D. 1777.
PRINTED BY JOHN DUNLAP.