At a meeting of the Committee.

Present: John Ancrum, Chairman; Wm. Wilkinson, Deputy

“I: A. B. do freely and voluntarily swear, that in my opinion and sincere belief, neither the Parliament of Great Britain, nor any Member or constituent branch thereof, has a right to impose Taxes upon the American Colonies, to regulate the internal policy thereof, and that all attempts by fraud or force to establish and exercise such claims and powers are violations of the peace and security of the people, and ought to be resisted to the utmost, and that the people of this Colony singly and collectively are bound by the acts of the Continental and Provincial Congresses, because in both, they are freely represented by persons chosen by themselves; and I do solemnly swear to support, maintain and defend all and every the acts, resolutions and regulations of the said Continental and Provincial Congresses, to the utmost of my power and abilities—so help me God.”

The Committee took the above Oath, and Resolved that the Captains of the two Companies shall muster their Men immediately, and tender the same to every Man in Wilmington, without exception, and whoever shall refuse or decline voluntarily to take the said Oath, shall, by the Militia Officers aforesaid, be disarmed as inimical to the liberties of America.