The Olive Branch Petition

The Olive Branch Petition

The Olive Branch Petition was drafted by John Dickenson during the Second Continental Congress on July 5 1775. The American Revolution had already started with the Battles of Concord, Lexington and Bunker Hill. The members of the Continental Congress disagreed about what steps to take in order to dissolve the confrontation with the King. Some wanted Independence even if it meant war.
The Loyalists did not want to betray King George III, even though they disagreed with taxation without representation. They met a compromise to plea with the King one last time to reach a reasonable solution. They called it the Olive Branch Petition after an ancient symbol of light and peace. According to biblical reference, the oil from the fruit of one olive tree can supply the needs for one family for a long time. The petition declared the colonies loyal to the King and said they only want peace with England.
On July 8, 1775, the members of t...