The Independent State Of West Florida Circa 1810

A Lake In The Florida Panhandle

From the Magazine Of American History:


By quoting further from the instrument we may see in what terms independence was declared :


"We therefore, the representatives aforesaid, appealing to the Supreme Being of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do solemnly publish and declare the several districts composing the territory of West Florida to be a free, independent state; and that they have a right to institute for themselves such form of government as they may think conducive to their safety and happiness; to establish commerce; to provide for the common defence; and to do all acts which may of right be done by a sovereign and independent nation: at the same time declaring all acts within the said territory of West Florida after this date, by any tribunal, or authority not deriving their powers from the people agreeable to the provisions established by this convention, to be null and void; and calling upon all foreign nations to respect this our declaration, acknowledge our independence, and give us such aid as may be consistent with the laws and usages of nations."