In 1774, as a response to the worsening situation in Boston, the British Parliament passed the "Coercive Acts".  These measures, commonly referred  to as the "Intolerable Acts," were roundly condemned throughout British North America, where they were and seen as a threat to personal freedom and autonomy.  Ultimately these acts would prove to be the catalyst that brought long simmering tensions in the colonies to a boil.

Such sentiments were certainly shared by the citizens of Bucks county, who generally considered themselves faithful subjects of the crown.  The county's political leaders called a public meeting at Newtown, on July 9, 1774, for the purpose responding to these measures and appointing a committee to represent Bucks at a provincial meeting to be held on this very issue at Philadelphia, on July 15^th.  After a brief address by the meeting's chairman, Gilbert HICKS, presiding judge of the Court of Quarter Sessions, the following men were chosen to represent the county:

In the autumn of that same year the (First) Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, committed itself to the idea of Continental Association, an agreement to use collective economic action in an effort to influence the crown.  On November 27, 1774, Bucks county's leadership held another public meeting, to explain the Continental Association its citizenry and call for the election of a committee to "observe the Conduct of all persons touching" on the boycott.  Finally, on December 15^th, at a meeting in Newton, the following men were appointed to a "Committee of Observation":

This body, also occasionally referred to as the "Committee of Inspection", was commonly known as the "Committee of Safety."  On January 16, 1775, this committee met at Newtown, unanimously choosing Joseph HART as Chairman and John CHAPMAN as Clerk.  The Committee adopted a number of resolves supporting the American cause and elected a Committee of Correspondence, which would serve as the body's de facto leadership. This sub-committee included:

For the next year and a half the Committee of Safety would oversee Bucks county's transition from economic resistance to armed rebellion. 

Proceedings, Correspondence, etc.

October 20, 1774
The articles of Continental Association, or Association of 1774, adopted by the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia.

January 16, 1775
Election of officers; action on recommendations of the Continental Congress; appointment of Committee of Correspondence.

May 8, 1775
Recommendation of military "associations"; appointment of delegates to the Provincial Convention; on the collections for relief of Boston.

July 21, 1775
Restrictions on formation of second "associated companies" within townships; recommendations for replacement of non-attending members of the committee.

August 4, 1775 (i)
Order to compile return of associators and non-associators.

August 4, 1775 (ii)
Repentance of Thomas Meredith.

September 11, 1775
Repentance of Thomas Smith.

December 26, 1775
Republication of the Ninth Article of the Continental Association - the prohibition of shop-keepers & retailers taking advantage of scarcity of goods necessary to the cause of Liberty.

January 21, 1776
Appointment of representatives to attend the Saltpetre Works.

January 24, 1776
Correspondence to Pennsylvania Committee of Safety regarding appointments to the Saltpetre Works.

February 27, 1776
Request to Pennsylvania General Assembly to impose penalties on "non-associators".

March 23, 1776
Resolution from Provincial Council of Safety regarding purchase of arms of non-associators.

March 26, 1776
Appointment of committee members to purchase arms, per Provincial Council of Safety's instruction of March 21, 1776.

May 22, 1776
On election of additional persons to collect arms of non-associators.

June 10, 1776
Appointment of delegates to the Provincial Convention.

July 10, 1776
Appointment of militia officers; appointment of Collectors of Arms; powers of Collectors of Arms.

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