by Robert Nelson

“ That from this day forward, the PEOPLE OF LOWER CANADA are absolved from all allegiance to Great Britain, and that the political connexion between that Power and Lower Canada, is now dissolved. That a REPUBLICAN form of Government is best suited to Lower Canada, which is this day declared to be a REPUBLIC. That under the Free Government of Lower Canada, all persons shall enjoy the same rights: the Indians shall no longer be under any civil disqualification, but shall enjoy the same rights as all other citizens in Lower Canada. ”

“ But as there are currently a lot of people who repent their conduct and the vandalism of their associates, acts which forced us to raise the flag of war, and as our sense of humanity, justice and honour, was shaped in a different mould than that of our oppressors, we can reconcile with our principles or with the morality of our actions all the people other than those who, in the English government of Canada, cannot discern the age in which we live and in which they exert their cruel passions. ”

“ That all lands said to be of the Crown, as well as those called reserves of the clergy, and those which are nominally under the possession of a certain company of speculators in England called "British North America Land Company", become in full right, property of the State of Lower Canada, except those portions of the said lands that could be possessed by farmers who own them in good faith for which we guarantee titles under the terms of a law which will be passed in order to legalize the possession of such land lots, located in the Townships that are currently being farmed on. ”

“ That the French and English languages shall be used in all public affairs; and for the fulfilment of this declaration, and for the support of the patriotic cause in which we are now engaged, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Almighty, and justice of our conduct, WE, by these present, solemnly pledge to each other our lives and fortunes, and our most sacred honour. ”

“ We, therefore, solemnly promise to afford Security and PROTECTION, both in PERSON and PROPERTY, to ALL SUCH AS SHALL LAY DOWN THEIR ARMS, AND OTHERWISE CEASE TO OPPRESS US - a promise, which our Character, and the known Moral and Peaceable habits of our native people, sufficiently guarantees. ”

“ That to assure honesty and elective liberty, elections shall be conducted using the BALLOT. That as soon as as circumstances will allow it, the People will choose Delegates following the current division of the country in the Cities, Burgs and Counties which will instate a Convention, or a Legislative Body, in order to establish a Constitution, according to the needs of the country, and shall comply to the dispositions of this Declaration, subject to future modifications following the will of the People. ”

“ That any person barring or who will bare arms, or who will furnish means to assist the Canadian People in its emancipation struggle is relieved of all debts real or presumed, towards the landlords, for obligations under the landlord terms hereby referred to. ”