Articles of Association for the District East of the Wateree River, June 3, 1775

South Carolina. __ Association __

The actual commencement of Hostilities against this Continent, by the British Troops in the bloody Scene on the 19th of April last, near Boston—the Increase of arbitrary Impositions from a wicked and despotic Ministry—and the Dread instigated Insurrections in the Colonies, are Causes sufficient to drive an oppressed People to the use of Arms: We therefore the Subscribers, Inhabitants of South Carolina, holding ourselves bound by that most Sacred of all Obligations, the Duty of good Citizens towards an injured Country, and thoroughly convinced, that, under our present distressed Circumstances, we shall be Justified before God and Man, in resisting Force by Force; Do unite our selves under every Tie of Religion and Honour and associate as a Band in her Defence against every Foe: Hereby solemnly engaging that, whenever our Continental or Provincial Councils shall decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice our Lives and Fortunes to secure her Freedom and Safety. This obligation to Continue in full Force until a Reconciliation shall take place between Great-Britain and America, upon constitutional Principles—an Event which we most ardently desire. And we will hold all those Persons inimical to the Liberty of the Colonies, who shall refuse to subscribe this Association __