When the second Continental Congress convened in May 1775, the battles of Lexington and Concord had already been fought, and an informally organised American army was besieging General Gage's troops in Boston. It now became imperative either to plan and justify further operations or to give in. The Americans chose continued resistance. In the declaration of the causes and necessity of taking up arms, of July 6, 1775 they stated their case as it stood after the beginning of hostilities. Seven men were assigned to write this document, but it was chiefly the work of Thomas Jefferson and John Dickenson.