1 Reply Latest reply on Dec 6, 2019 12:55 PM by Jason Atkinson

    Seeking a copy of the Fincastle Resolutions

    Newbie
    Bo Hagen Nov 24, 2019 10:28 AM

      The Fincastle Resolutions was a statement adopted on January 20, 1775 by thirteen elected representatives of Fincastle County, Colony of Virginia. It was the first adopted statement by the colonists which promised resistance to the death to the British crown to preserve political liberties. A transcription was published in the Virginia Gazette (of Williamsburg) in February 1775. A copy of the document was sent to the Continental Congress. To my knowledge, no one has ever published a copy of the hand written document. It should be in the National Archives with the papers from the Continental Congress; however, it remains elusive ... hiding in plain site I am sure. So where can I find a copy (image) of that original hand written document that was so important to the foundation of the United Sates of America.

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        • Re: Seeking a copy of the Fincastle Resolutions
          Jason Atkinson Ranger
          Jason Atkinson Expert Dec 6, 2019 12:55 PM (in response to Bo Hagen)

          Dear Mr. Hagen,

           

          Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

           

          We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1765 - 1821 (Record Group 360) which includes the record series Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774 - 1789.  This series has been microfilmed and published as Microform Publication M247. Record Group 360 also includes Miscellaneous Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774 - 1789 which has been microfilmed and published as Microform Publication M332. In order the preserve these historical valuable documents, the original paper records for both series can not be served to researchers.

           

          For more information about Microform Publications M247 and M332, please https://www.archives.gov/shop and click on "Request & Order Reproductions Online." Select "microfilm." Type in the microfilm publication number and click on "search." A listing of the publication title(s) will appear. Click on the name of the publication.  That will take you to a summary page. On the right hand side of the page will be a pdf file. Click on "View Important Publication Details." This is a listing of the contents of the microfilm rolls. Under the heading “Viewing Locations” is a list of National Archives facilities with copies of the microfilm.

           

          Both M247 and M332 been digitized and made available online by our partner, Fold3.com. The digitized records available under the titles Continental Congress - Papers and Continental Congress - Misc respectively.  There may be a fee for this service, however you may view Fold3 free of charge at any National Archives location. Some libraries also make Fold3 available to their patrons.

           

          The record series Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774 - 1789 is indexed by the five volume publication Index, The Papers of the Continental Congress by John P. Butler which is available online at multiple websites, to include HaithiTrust. Also, the National Archives published A Guide to Pre-federal Records in the National Archives which is available online through Google Books.

           

          The Library of Virginia may be able to recommend sources concerning the Fincastle Resolutions. You also may be interested in the article about the Fincastle Resolutions by Jim Glanville.

           

          We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research!