Background
In January 1775, the Second Provincial Congress of New Hampshire established a committee to call new sessions whenever needed. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, the Committee of Correspondence immediately called for the Third Provincial Congress to meet in Exeter, New Hamphire. Their mission was to assess the situation and decide on the necessary next steps.
The Third Provincial Congress – A call to Action
The Third Congress opened on Wednesday, April 21, 1775, in Exeter. John Wentworth was elected President, and Ebenezer Thompson served as Clerk. Their first order of business was military planning. After the fighting at Lexington and Concord, more than 2,000 New Hampshire militiamen had gathered near Boston. These forces needed organization and supplies. Colonel Nathaniel Folsom was appointed to command the New Hampshire troops heading to Boston, and Congress began arranging to send supplies.
To coordinate efforts, a committee was sent to meet with the Massachusetts Provincial Congress in Concord, Massachusetts, to gather intelligence and discuss how New Hampshire could assist. Congress then adjourned until the following Tuesday.
When Congress reconvened on April 25, Meshech Weare was named President pro tempore due to Wentworth’s illness. After reviewing updates from Massachusetts, Congress agreed to send a letter pledging New Hampshire’s full support. A committee was formed to handle the procurement of firearms, ammunition, and other critical supplies. Towns that lacked sufficient defenses were urged to form and equip militia units ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice.
On Wednesday, Congress appointed Colonel Folsom, Colonel Josiah Bartlett, and Major Samuel Hobart to a committee to exchange formal communications with Massachusetts. However, Congress decided that an official Army of Observation could not be authorized until after the upcoming Fourth Congress elections on May 17. They believed taking military action without public approval would undermine their legitimacy.
Later that day, Congress instructed delegates to return to their hometowns to collect their share of £500 (in New Hampshire currency) for purchasing flour and pork for the expedition to Boston. Delegates were also tasked with informing their communities about the upcoming Fourth Congress. Congress adjourned again until May 2.
The Third Congress met for the final time on Tuesday, May 2. Colonel Matthew Thornton served as President pro tempore. After receiving letters from Massachusetts thanking New Hampshire for its support, Congress voted not to discourage men from enlisting in the Massachusetts militia or army. Folsom, Giddings, and Bartlett were appointed to a new committee to gather more intelligence from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, including updates on Connecticut and Rhode Island’s responses.
The Third Provincial Congress officially adjourned on May 2, 1775, with plans to reconvene on May 4.
Sources
Bouton, Nathaniel. New Hampshire State Papers, vol. 7, Documents and Records Relating to the Province of New Hampshire, from 1764 to 1776 (Nashua, NH: Orren C. Moore, 1873), 442, 452- 455, 462, 466.
Walker, Joseph B., New Hampshire’s Five Provincial Congresses: July 21, 1774–January 5, 1776 (Concord, NH: Rumford Printing, 1905), 16–20.
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