The Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress, adopted on October 14, 1774, is the Continental Congress’s most important proclamation of principles and demonstrates the widening gap between the American colonists and their English motherland. Issued roughly six months before fighting broke out between the colonists and the British at Lexington and Concord, the document reflects the colonies’ continued attempts to remain loyal to the Crown while disputing the authority, or sovereignty, of Parliament to legislate for or tax the colonies without their representation.