In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, December 23, 1776 Friends and countrymen, The pressing exigency of the times induces us once more to address you, while we can deplore the calamities of our country without restraint, and before the voice of truth and the exertions of tyranny are forced back into the bosom of the wretched sufferer. ... We call upon you, we entreat and beseech you to come forth to the assistance of our worthy General Washington and our invaded brethren in the Jerseys.