Record #:

22952

Author(s):

Kammerer, Roger

Abstract:

Pitt County made a Declaration of Independence before Jefferson's, but was it the first? In early days of the Revolution 1774-75, 18 NC counties and four towns set up a Safety Committee. On August 15, 1774, the Pitt County Safety Committee declared that no man could be taxed without his consent. The Safety Committee was a group that raised militia, provided for the army's salt, gave relief to the poor, and handled education. They also tried people for offenses, routed out Tories, and appointed patrols to regulate slaves. They made a similar statement on July 1, 1775 and Aug. 23, 1775. However, the Pitt County Declaration of Independence was dated a month later than the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which is regarded as the first Declaration of Independence in America.

Source:

Greenville Times / Pitt's Past (NC Microforms), Vol. Issue , Jul 10-23 1985, p8-9

Subject(s):

Pitt County--History--Declaration of Independence