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 6CA"i<-
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^merican ^rc|)itie0:
CONSISTING OF

A COLLECTION OF AUTHENTICK RECORDS, STATE PAPERS, DEBATES, AND LETTERS AND

OTHER NOTICES OF PUBLICK AFFAIRS,

THE WHOLE FORMING

A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OF

THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES;

CAUSES AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

AND OF

THE CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES,

THE FINAL RATIFICATION THEREOF.

IN SIX SERIES.

FIRST SERIES. FOURTH SERIES.

From the Dirscovery and Settlement of the North American From the King's Message, of March 7th, 1774, to the Decla-

G)lonies, t6 the Revolution in Eng-land, in 1688. ration of Independence, by the United States, in 1776.

4 SECOND SERIES. FIFTH SERIES.

From the Revolution in England, in 1688, to the Cession of From the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, to the De-

Canada to Great Britain, by the Treaty at Paris, in 1763. finitive Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, in 1783.

THIRD SERIES. SIXTH SERIES.

From the Cession of Canada, in 1763, to the King's Mes- From the Treaty of Peace, in 1783, to the final ratification

sage to Parliament, of March 7th, 1774, on the Proceed- of the Constitution of Government for the United States,

ings in North America. proposed by the Convention, held at Philadelphia, in 1787.

PREPARED AND PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS.

i4i
^
^
AMERICAN AR€HITE8t
dPourtj) giertcs.

CONTAINING

A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY

OF

THE ENGLISH COLONIES IN NORTH AMERICA,

FKOM

THE KING'S MESSAGE TO PARLIAMENT, OF MARCH 7, 1774,

TO

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

BY

THE UNITED STATES.

VOLUME I.

PUBLISHED BY M. ST. CLAIR CLARKE AND PETER FORCE,

UNDER At;THOBlTY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED ON THE SECOND OF MARCH, 1833.

«ie<tmjJJ>e

WASHINGTON, DECEMBER, 1837.

«l^«
£
m
 PEEFACE

We noAv submit to the People of the United Stales, the first fruits of our long
and arduous lahoui'S. We oflier the present Volume as a specimen of tlie manner in
Mhich our Work will he accomplished. The undertaking in which we have embarked
is, emphatically, a J^ational one : National in its scope and object, its end and aim.
The tendency of the present age has been justly and philosophically designated as
historick. At no former period of the world has this characteristick been so strikingly
manifested. The learning, the industry, and the sagacity of the most profound intellects
have been devoted in exploring the deepest recesses, and in gathering the most widely
scattered rays, for the purpose of pouring their concentrated lights upon the history
of the past. The Annals of the remotest ages, and the most distant countries, have
been examined with equal diligence and learning, and new and valuable lights have
been thrown even upon the antiquities of Egypt, of Greece, and of Borne.
The same tendency has been exhibited in developing the early history of existing
Nations. Ancient records have been disinterred from tlie dust of ages, the most
obscure receptacles of historick materials have been explored, almost obliterated records
have been restored, scattered documents have been collected, and forgotten writers have
been republished. A combined and vigorous effort appears to be making, throughout
tlie civilized Avorld, together, to preserve and to scrutinize all the memorials w Inch can
rescue the history of the past from the obscurity in which time has en^ eloped them.
Nor has this important subject been allowed to depend, exclusively, upon individual
means and private enterprise. In England, and in France especially, the Government
has long since perceived and recognized the truth, that the national character and the
national interests, are intimately connected Avith the success of these undertakings. 'I'he
Publick Offices have been laid open and their rich treasures submitted to the inspection
of the inquirer after historick truth. With a liberality deserving of the highest com-
mendation, this privilege has been extended as well to foreigners as to natives, and
Brequigny and Von lieaumer aie not the only instances in which the records of one
Nation have been employed by the historian of another. This liberty has, in several
instances, been accorded to our own citizens, and the Publick Offices in London have
been opened, and Documents allowed to be transcribed, for the purpose of verifying the
general history of the United States.
Nor has this publick interest been confined within these limits. Large pecuniary
expeuditm'es have been made with the view to promote these objects, and to aid in publi-
cations for the completion of w hich the resources of individuals were inadequate. In some
instances Governments have, themselves, undertaken the work, and by the instrumentality
of their own agents, and the employment of their own means, have laboured in the dis-
semination of such information as was calculated to illustrate their past history. The
Record Commission of England, and that oi-ganized in France, under the supervision of
the Minister of Publick Instruction, in conformity with the recommendation of 31. Gni-
zot, are too well known to require more than this general allusion to them.
If in Europe there exist sufficient motives to prompt to such undertakings, how infi-
nitely more weiglity and more efficient ought they to be among us. These inquiries, ori-
ginating in the liberal and inquisitive cliaracter of the age, may be expected to be most
zealously pursued in those countries where freedom prevails. Designed, as they are, to
exhibit the fundamental principles of government, tlie^^ might naturally be expected to be
the most warmly cherished, where free institutions exist. Independently of this, all our
historical memorials are of comparati> ely recent date, they are written in a language fa-
miliar to all, they tend to illustrate existing institutions, and a bistorj^ w hich still retains all
its personal interest. A complete collection of the materials for a history of this country
would not only be a proud monument to the memory of our ancestors, w hose deeds they
commemorate and whose opinions they embody, but would serve as an invaluable guide
to us and to our posterity, by exhibiting the vital spirit w hich has pervaded the past, the
 PREFACE
principles upon which
true foundations upon m liicli our institutions rest, and the essential
their existence and perpetuity depend. It would furnish an ample vnidication of those
Mho have preceded us upon this sta-e,from the imputations Mhich ignorance and prejudice
institutions, hy hav-
have lal)oure(l to cast upon their motives and their acts ; and our free
their structure exhi-
ing their foundations laid open to the world, and the whole plan of
will recommend tliemselves, more and more, to the philosophical
inquirer, and to
bifed,
the aflVction and imitation of mankind.
If history he philosophy teaching hy example, how infinitely instructive must be the
history of such a country as this. The example which it presents is the purity of prin-
cipk', the singleness of effort, the stern adherence to constitutional right, the
manly sub-
ordination to law, tile indignant hostility to usurpation, which are manifested in every page
of our past history ; the philosophy it inculcates is — that the same purity of motive, the
same respect for lawful authority, the same opposition to tyranny, the same vigilance in
detecting the first insidious approaches of despotism, the same stem resolution in resist-
ing its progress, which made us a Nation, are equally essential, as the means of preserving
those liberties our fathers beciueathed to us, and those institutions which they framed.
Even to this day much ignorance and much misapprehension prevail as to the princi-
ples of the American Revolution, and the true character and tendency of our institutions.
Nor is this ignorance altogether confined to foreigners, it exists, to a great extent, among
ourselves. By many superficial persons, it is supposed that the American Revolution
began with the battle of Lexington, and terminated with the evacuation by the British
Troops of these Unileil Stales. It seems to be the opinion of such, that the whole his-
tory of that IJevolution is to be found in the narrative of the campaigns of that War.
Widely diflerent from this is the truth, as developed by history; widely different was the
opinion of those who mainly aided in severing the connexion with Great Britain. " What
do we mean by the American Revolution ?" asks one of the most prominent actors in
those days :
" Do we mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the
" War commenced. The Revolution was in the mind and heart of the people. The
"i-adical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was
" the real American Revolution."
Even this language may, without due reflection, be understood in a sense not contem-
plated by its illustrious author. A full and careful examination of the history of the
times will abundantly show, that so far as regards the nature and extent of their rights,
and the foundations upon which they were claimed, there was, substantially, no revolution
or change in the principles of the American People. The first emigrants to these shores
brought with them, in their full vigour, in their original purity, and in their complete deve-
lopment, the principles of the American Revolution. They abandoned their native homes,
they crossed the ocean, braved the horrours of an inhospitable clime, encountered the
perils of the tempest, of war, and of famine, to escape the burthen of governmental op-
pression. They braved all, and encountered all, in the same cause for wliich their sons
sul)sequently fought and bled. From the moment they placed their feet upon the soil
of this Western Hemisphere, they asserted and maintained their independency of the
Parliamentary power of taxation, and denied, to that extent, the authority of a Legisla-
ture in which they Avere not, themselves, represented. Although the Colonies were, ori-
ginally, settled by individual enterprise, and by insulated rather than combined efforts,
yet the Colonists, at a very early period, perceived the advantages of union in repelling or
resisting a common foe.
The Colonial history is replete with evidence of the truth of the preceding remarks.

-
u deeply rooted and how Avidely diffused,
even at these remote periods, were the true and essential principles which, subsequently
expanding into maturity, produced the fruits of the American Revolution. In 1696 a
pamphlet was published, recommending the imposition of taxes in the Colonies by au-
thority of Parliament. It did not escape the notice of the vigilant friends of American
Liberty. Two answers to this publication appeared, which seem to have attracted
gene-
ral attention, and in which the docu-iuewas broadly asserted and maintained, that no
such right existed in Parliament, because the Colonies were not represented
in that body,
riie idea of combining their efforts in matters of
common interest to all may be traced
iKick to a period nearly as remote. In 1690 a communication was addressed by the
General Court ot\MassucliU8elts to the Governours of the
neighbouring Colonies, desiring
them to appoint Commissioners "to meet, advise, and conchide upon suitable
methods
 PREFACE.

in assisting each other, for the safety of the whole land." Such a meeting was, accord-
ingly, held, and evidence exists inducing the belief, tliat it was styled by the now familiar
and revered name of Congress.
Nor did the principles for which the Colonists contended originate on this side of the
Atlantick. The doctrine that representation and taxation -were essentially and indissolu-
bly connected, was claimed as a portion of English Liberty, as interwoven in the very
structure of the English Constitution, and as recognised among the most ancient and
firmly established principles of the Common Law. It was no innovation, serving as a
cloak for rebellion and revolution. It was drawn from the most ancient and pure foun-
tains of Liberty, and sanctioned by the authority of the most eminent judicial characters
in the British Parliament.
It is a source of honest pride, in reverting to the contemporaneous history of England,
to contrast the characters of the individuals who, at times, it is true, with some modifica-
tions, yet concurring in the great and essential principles upon which our ancestors placed
themselves, sustained the doctrines which were designated as .fimerican, with those Avho
originated and defended those measures of the Ministry which drove the Colonists first
to resistance, and, finally, to a dissolution of the political connexion by which tbey had
so long been bound to the Mother Country. Such an examination will conduct to the
conclusion, that had the questions upon Avhich the controversy turned, assumed a judicial
instead of a political character, and been carried for decision before the English Courts,
tlie same eminent Judge, who first decided against the legality of general warrants, a\ ould
have pronounced it to be the law of the land that tliese Colonists were not subject to the
taxing power of Parliament.
The Work, of which the present volume is a specimen, will cleai'ly imfold and develop
the whole foundation of American principles, and will exhibit to the Avorld the most conclu-
sive evidence that they were, without exception, grounded in strict right, based upon con-
stitutional Law, and upon the well settled doctrines of the English Government that there
:

was no taint or tinge of anarchy, of insubordination to all authority, no novelty, no inno-

vation. The important, practical truth will be clearly deducible from these premises,
that if such be the foundations they must ever constitute the support of our institutions.
Their beautiful simplicity, their fair proportions, their majestick symmetry, and their
stable grandeur, will equally recommend them to our love and veneration, and to the
respect and imitation of others.
In the examination of the contents of these Volumes, a casual observer may, perhaps,
at the first view, be struck with the character of much of the material which Ave have col-
lected. A more mature consideration will satisfy, we apprehend, every mind, that al-
though much of it has been drawn from perishable and ephemeral sources, no faithful
portrait of the times could be presented, formed from other ingredients.
A distinguished foreign jurist has said, that laws are not to be created, but must create
themselves ; and the observation is equally true in its application to all that comes within
the scope of legislation, whether political or municipal in its immediate character. Biirlie
has, with his accustomed philosophical sagacity, remarked, that " to follow, not to force,
"the publick inclination, to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specifick sanc-
" tion to the general sense of the community, is the true end of legislation."
If this be true in any country, and under any institutions, most emphatically is it true,
and ever has been true, among us. Without concurring altogether in the observation of
De Tocqueville, iha.i the journals are the only historical monuments of the United States^
it may, without fear of contradiction, be asserted, that there exist no sources of histori-

cal information in a free and enlightened country, so rich and so valuable, as its publick
journals, and the proceedings and debates of its publick bodies and associations. It is
peculiarly the case, at such times as those comprehended within the scope of our Work.
Constitutions were to be formed, the whole frame of Government to be constructed, legis-
lative bodies to be organized, and in this preliminary action, as well as in the movements of
tlie machine when brought into life, publick opinion was to be the efficient and vital prin-
ciple. This publick opinion must, necessarily, be created, as well as manifested, through
the instrumentality of the means which have been indicated.
It was urged on more than one occasion and by high authority in England, that the Ame-
rican contest originated in, and was sustained by, the selfish or ambitious designs of a few
leading individuals. That personal interest gave it birth, and sustenance, and support. This
was only one of the palpable misrepresentations and gross delusions of the times. The pre-
sent Work will show, beyond the possibihty of future rational doubt, that the roots of Ame-
rican freedom had penetrated into every corner of our land and drew their active and living
nourishment from every family fountain. Every reader of this compilation will perceive as
 PREFACE.

the American Revolution

oue of the most distinctly marked facts which it establishes, that
was the act of the whole American People, and that all our institutions are the w^ork of the
same creator. This we esteem as one of the most precisely taught lessons of our history, and
if properly appreciated and applied, the most valuable which it inculcates. Weshall learn

that unless the People, as such, had worked out their own rescue from the oppression, which
was rather seen in perspective than actually endured, all the personal influence and intellect
of the great men of the day would have failed to accomplish this result. Happy will it be
for our beloved country, if, drawing the obvious inference from this history of the past, every
American citizen shall be impressed with the conviction that as he is individually interested,
in the blessings which freedom confers, so there is imposed upon him the personal duty and
sacred trust of vigilantly watching and manfully sustaining that liberty which has been trans-
mitted to him.
It would be unnecessary, on this occasion, to enter into a minute detail of the sources from
which we have drawn the materials of this compilation. It may not be unnecessary, how-
ever, to observe that, in the prosecution of eur labours, we have, personally, examined the
publick records in each of the thirteen original States. We regret to say, that we have found
these, in some instances, in a lamentable state of deterioration, confusion, and decay ; many
important documents and publick proceedings appear to be irretrievably lost. We have,
however, the satisfaction of believing, that the inquiries and examinations we have instituted,
have, in some instances, been instrumental in rescuing many of inestimable value from the
very jaws of destruction and, in others, in awakening a feeling of interest in the memorials
:

of our past history, which promises to result in a more persevering search for such as may
still remain in existence, and a more careful preservation of such as have survived the haz-

aids to which they have been exposed. No doubt is entertained, but that there still exist,
not only in publick places of deposite, but in family archives, papers of great importance as
illustrating the history of the times, and we would earnestly press upon individuals, in whose
possession such documents may be found, a minute examination among them, and a careful
preservation of such as possess general interest ; more particularly, the correspondence of
the members of the various Committees, Conventions, Assemblies, and Congresses. Any
communication made to the Editor of copies of such documents, or a notification of their
existence, with the liberty of inspecting and using them, will confer not only a personal
favour, but promote the general good. Papers belonging to the period of time embraced by
the present Volume, which may be obtained hereafter, will be inserted in a Supplement to
this Series of the work.
Washington, December, 1837.
 —

CONTENTS.

PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT ON THE KINGS MESSAGE OF March Motion by Lord North for leave to bring in Bos-
THE 7th OF MARCH, 1774. 14, ton Port Bill, 39

House of Lords.
Debate —Mr. Grosvenor, 39
1774. Governour Johnstone, 39
March The King's Message relating to the Disturbances Lord North, 39
7. in America, and requesting Parliament to make Mr. Dempster, 39
provision for better securing the execution of Mr. Sawbridge, 39
the Laws, and the just dependence of the Col- Mr. Byng, 39
onies upon the Cron-n and Parliament, - Mr. R. Fuller, 39
Papers, relating to the Disturbances in America, Mr. Dowdeswell, 39
laid before the House by the Earl of Dart- Mr. Henry Cavendish, 39
mouth Captain Phipps, 39
From Massachusetts Bay, Lord George Cavendish, 39
From New- York, Colonel Barr^, 40
From South Carolina, Motion agreed to, 40
From New-Hampshire, Committee to bring in the Bill, 40
From the Admiralty, Further consideration of Message and Papers re-
From the War Office, ferred to Committee of the Whole House, on
From the East India Company, Friday next, the 18th, . . . . 40
From the Treasury, 18, Lord North presented the Bill, 40
Address to the King ordered. Read the first time, 41
11, More Papers submitted by the Earl of Dartmouth, Second reading ordered on the 21st, - 41
Papers relating to the Disturbances in America, Motion to print the Bill rejected. 41
to be considered on the 17th, Consideration of Message and Papers postponed
16, Consideration postponed to the 24th, to the 23d, 41
23, Consideration further postponed, 21, The Bill read the second time, 41
30, Committee ordered to inquire into the Proceed- To be considered in Committee of the Whole, on
ings of Massachusetts Bay, the 23d, 41
Papers relating to the Disturbances in Massachu- 23, Order for Committee of the Whole on the Mes-
setts Bay referred to the Committee, sage and Papers discharged. 41
Lords who formed the Committee, • Message and Papers referred to Committee of the
April Address to the King for all Papers relating to Whole on the Bill, 41
14, Disturbances in Massachusetts Bay, received
from Officers in his Majesty's service there,
from July 7, 1766, which have not already
—
Debate Mr. Fuller,
Mr. Herbert,
.....
House in Committee of the Whole on the Bill, 41
41
41

15,
been laid before the House,
Papers called for in the Address of yesterday,
sent by the King's command.
11

11
Lord North,
Mr.
Mr.
Gascoigne,
Montague,
....
....
42
43
43

20,
of March,
Report of the Committee,
....
Referred to the Committee appointed on the 30th
.

-
12
12-31
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Byng,
Stanley,
Dempster, ....
44
44
44
Lord North, 44

larch
7,
The King's Message,
House of Commons.

Papers presented by Lord North, •

- 32
32
Mr. Ward,
Mr. Jenkinson,
General Conway, .
.... - - -
44
44
45
Lord North's Speech on presenting the Papers, 222 Mr. Fuller, - - - - •
-
45
Motion for an Address to the King,
Debate — Lord Clare,
Mr. Dowdeswell,
-

.
32
33
33
Mr. Charles James Fox,
Captain Phipps,
Lord North,
.... - 45
45
45
Governour Pownall,
Mr. E. Burke,
Mr. Solicitor General,
- •
-

.
'
33
33
34
Mr. Van,
Colonel Barr^,
Bill reported to the House,
.... 45
46
46

..--•--
. . - -

Mr. E. Burke, - 34 24, Third reading of the Bill ordered for to-mor-
Lord George Germain, . 34 row, 46
General Conway, - • 35 25. Petition from William Bollan, Agent for Massa-
Colonel Barre, . • 36 chusetts, offered by Mr. Crosbie,
- 46
Address ordered, - . . . - • 36 House refuse to receive it, . . . - 46
Notice of the rejection of this Petition, (Note,) - 46
Petition of several Natives of North America,
ON THE BOSTON PORT BILL. 47
against the Bill, presented and read.
House of Commons. Bill read the third time, - - - - - 47
and Papers presented Motion of Mr. Charles James Fox, to strike out
March The King's Message,
7
11
day, to be considered on the 1 1th,
Papers presented by Lord North,
Message and Papers considered, and ordered for
this
35
35 Rejected
Motion of Mr. Charles
-------
a clause of the Bill, -

Fox
-

to strike out
- -

another
- 48
48

further consideration on the 14th, - 35 clause of the Bill, 48

Petition from William Bollan, Agent for Massa- Rejected, - - - '
"
48
14, .,,

chusetts, presented, . - - . . 35 (Question on the passage of the Bui, 49

Gallery of the House cleared, . - . . 36 Debate — Mr. Dowdeswell, - • - - 49
49
Message and Papers considered, 37 Mr. Welbore Ellis, - - - -

37 Mr. Edmund Burke, 50

Speech of Lord North,
Fourth Series.
 CONTENTS. XX
XIX
1774.
1774.
Address to the King, for copies of Acts of the
May Debate — Mr. Grey Cooper, - 51
5'2
April
19, General Court of Massachusetts Bay, for sum-
11. Mr. Anthony Ikcon,
Governour Pownall, 52 moning, returning, and regulating the choice
Lord John Cavendish,
5-2 of Grand and Petit Jurors, and copies of all
52 other Acts of the said General Court, for the
Mr. T. Towmshend, -
52 regulation of Townships and Town Meetings, 70
Mr. Sawbridge,
Lord Norili, 52 Address to the King, for Letters and other Pa
53 pers, 70
Governour Johnstone,
Mr. Sawbridge, 57 21. The Letters and other Papers presented by Lord
07 North,
"
70
Lord North,
57 C)rdor of the Day, for the second reading of the
The Bill passed, ' " "
71
Johnstone's
,
Speech Bill, read,
Remarks ou Governour 71
(Note,) 56 Debate—Mr. Fuller,
Sir George Savile, - 71
House of Lonls. 71
Mr. Wel'bore Ellis, -
March Boston Port Bill received from the Commons, •
General Conway, 72
26, Read the first time, - - - " "
Lord North, 72

Lords summoned, ''''.'

Second reading ordered on the 28th, and the
58
Sir George Yonge,
Governour Johnstone,
- 73
73
28, Petition of Suphrn Sayre and others. Natives of Mr. C. Jenkinsoii, 73
America, presented by Lord Wycombe,
- 58 74

read, -------
Papers relating to the Disturbances in America,

Bill read the second time, . . - -

59
59
Mr. Harris,
Sir Edward
Mr. Ward,
Governour Pownall,
Astley, - • 74
74
74
Motion to commit the Bill, after long debate, 76
Mr. Rigby,
agreed 59 76
to, Governour Pownall,
Committed to a Committee of the Whole House Mr. Charles James Fox, 77
forto-morrow, 60 77
Sir Gilbert Elliot, -

29, Considered in Committee of the Whole, - 60 77

Sir Richard Sutton, -

Reported to the House, 60 77

The Bill read the second time.
Third reading ordered to-morrow, 60 Whole
To be considered in Committee of the
30, Petition of William Bollan, Agent of Massachu- House, on the 27th, 77
setts, presented by the Earl of Stair,
60
25, Acts of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, pre
Mr. Bollan heard at the Bar of the House against sented to the House pursuant to the Address to
the Bill, 60 77
....---
-
the King, of the 19th,
Bill read the third time, 60
27, House in Committee on the Bill, 79
Passed, 60
Report of Committee to be received to-morrow, 79
Royal assent to the Bill, 60
31, 28, Petition of William Bollan, Agent for Massachu
Petition of Natives of North America, to the
79
setts Bay, offered by Mr. Dowdeswell,
King, against the Bill, . . . -
61
—
Debate Mr. Dowdeswell, 79
" An Act to discontinue in such manner, and for

such time, as are therein mentioned, the land-

ing and discharging, lading or shipping, of The House
Sir George Savile,
Lord North, ....
refuse to receive the Petition, -
80
80
80
Goods, Wares, and Merchandise, at the Towti, Entries in the Journals of the House, of 9th of
and within the Harbour of Boston, in the Prov- November, 1696, 19th of March, 1722, and 22d
ince of Massachusetts Bay, in North Ame- 81
of March, 1722, read,
rica," 61-66
Motion the Report of the Committee of the Whole
House be received this day four months,
81
ON THE BILL FOR BETTER REGULATING THE GOVERNMENT Rejected,
OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
House of Commons.
ceived, .......
Report of the Committee of the

Bill ordered to be engrossed, . -

Whole House

.
re-

-
81
81
March Committee of the Whole House ordered on the 29, Third reading of the Bill ordered for Monday
25, King's Message of March 7, and Papers pre- next,
sentwi by Lord North, - - - - 65 May 2, Petition of several Natives of America, presented
Papers presented November 28, and December 7, by Sir George Savile, 81
1768, January 20, 1769, and May 7, 1770, re- Motion for the third reading of the Bill, 83
lating to his Majesty's Colonies in North Ame- Debate —Mr. Dunning, - 83
i rica, referred to the Committee, - - - 65 SirWilliam Meredith, 84
Massachusetts Bay Charter, granted by King Mr. Stanley, 84
William and Q,ueen Mary, presented to the Mr. T. To\vnshend, - 85
House on the 22d of January, 1740, referred Colonel Barre, - 85
to the Committee, 65 Mr. Stephen Fox, 87
28, House
pers,
in

Lord North's Speech,

--..-.-65
Committee on the Message and Pa-

65
Marquis of Carmarthen,
Mr. St. John,
Mr. Byng,
-
- 87
87
88
His motion for leave to bring in a Bill for better Mr. Rigby, 88
regulating the Gtovemment of Massachusetts General Conway, 89
Bay, 66 Lord George Germain, 89
—
Debate Mr. Byng, 66 Mr. Charles Fo.x, 90
Sir. F. Norton, (Speaker,) - - 67 Mr. Attorney General Thurlow, 90
Lord North, 67 Mr. Edmund Burke, 90
Mr. Stephen Fox, - - - - 67 Lord North, 91
Lord George Germain, - - - 67 Sir George Savile, 91
Lord North, 68 Bill read the third time, and passed, - 91
Mr. Pownall,
Lord North's motion agreed to,
Committee to prepare and bring in the
... Bill, -
68
Qg
68 May 3,
House of Lords.
Bill for the better regulating the Government of
April The Bill presented by Lord North, - • - 68 Massachusetts Bay, received from the Com-
15, —
Debate Lord North, 68 mons, 92
Mr. R. Fuller, 69 Read the first time, 92
Mr. Dempster, 69 6, Read the second time. 92
Lord North, 69 9, Considered in Committee of the Whole, 92
Mr. Dowdeswell, - - - - 69 10, Reported, with Amendments, - 92
Governour Pownall, - - - 69 Amendments agreed to, - 92
The Bill read the first time, - - • - 70 Third reading ordered for to-morrow. 92
Second reading ordered for the 22d, - - • 70 11, Petition from several Natives of America pre-
Bill ordered to be printed, - • • - 70 sented, 92
 1

w
XXI CONTENTS. XXIt
1774. 177-1.
May
11.
Petition from
chusetts Bay, presented,
Motion that Mr. Bollan be called
....
William Bollan, Agent of Massa-

in, and heard

92
May
4.
Debate —Mr. Charles Fox,
Captain Phipps,
George Savile, -
Sir
-

-
.

-
-

-
-
-
123
123
- - - 123
at the Bar, 92 Mr. Sk}-nner, 123
After debate, Rejected, 93 Motion to amend, by Mr. Wallace, wthdrawn,

....... 123
-

Bill read the third time, and, after long- debate, Standing rule for exclusion of strangers strictly
passed, 93 enforced, (Note,) 123
Protest, 93 Engrossment of the Bill ordered, - - - 124
Notice of the proceedings of the Lords on the Motion to print the Bill negatived, - - - 124
Bill, (Note,) 93 Third reading of the Bill ordered for the 6th, - 124
10, Amendments agreed to by the House of Com- G, Order read, for third reading of the Bill, - - 124
mons, on the 13th, 96 Debate —
Mr. Dempster, - - . - 124
19. Petition from Natives of America, in London, Mr. Grey,

20,
the King, --....
against the passage of the Bill, presented to

The King's assent to the Bill,

9G
96
Mr. Paulet,
Mr. Sawbridge,
Colonel Barr6,
- -

- -
-

-
-

-
125
125
125
125
Speech of the Bishop of St. Asaph, intended to Bill read the third time, - - - - 126
have been spoken on the Bill, 97 Amendment adopted, on motion of Mr. Pultney, 126
"An Act for the better regulating the Govern- Debate — Mr. Fuller, 126
ment of the Province of the Massachusetts Mr. H. Cavendish, - - - - 126
Bay, in New England," - - - 104-112 The Bill passed, 126
House of Lords.
ON THE BILL FOR THE IMPARTIAL ADMINISTRATION OP JUS- May 9, Bill for Impartial
Administration of Justice in
TICE IN THE PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS DAY. Massachusetts Bay, received from the House
of Commons, 126
House of Commons.
Read the first time, 127
March The King's Message of March 7th, and sundry 13, Read the second time, 127
28, other Papers, to be considered in Committee 16, Considered in Committee of the Whole, - - 127
of the Whole, on the 13th of April, - - 111 Third reading ordered for the 18th, and the
April Order for Committee of the Whole postponed to Lords summoned, 127
13, the 15th, Ill 17, Papers presented by the Earl of Dartmouth, - 127
Papers presented by Lord North, - - - 1 1
18, The Bill read the third time, - - - - 127
House in Committee on the Message and Papers,
Lord North's Speech,
His motion for leave to bring in a Bill for the
1

112
12 Petition from William Bollan, Agent for Massa-
chusetts Bay, presented, ....
Motion, that Mr. Bollan be heard at the Bar, af-
127

Impartial Administration of Justice in Massa- ter debate, rejected, 127

chusetts Bay, Motion, that the Bill do pass, - - - - 127
113
Debate —
Colonel Barr^, - - - - 113 Debate —Earl of Buckinghamshire, - - 127
Mr. Solicitor General Wedderbum, - 115 Lord Shelburne, - - - - 127
Captain Phipps, - - - - 116 Duke of Manchester, - - - 127
Mr. T. Townshend, - - - 116 Marquis of Rockingham, - - - 127
Mr. Dowdeswell, - - - - 117 Duke of Richmond, - - - - 128
Lord Carmarthen, - - . - 117 The Bill passed, 128
Lord North, Protest, 128
117
Captain Phipps, - - - .
- 117 Notice of the Debates on this Bill, (Note,) - 128
General Conway, - • - - 117 20, The King's assent to the Bill, - - - -
128
Mr. Van, 118 "An Act for the Impartial Administration of
Lord North's motion agreed to, Justice in the cases of Persons questioned for
- - - 118
Committee appointed to prepare and bring in any acts done by them in the Execution of the
the Bill, 118 Law, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tu-
21. The
Debate
Bill presented
—Mr. Sawbridge,
Lord North,
by Lord North,
-
-

- -
• -

-
118
118
118
in New England," ....
mults, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay,
129-132

Sir Thomas Frankland, - - - 1 19 ON THE MOTION FOR THE REPEAL OF THE PUTY ON TEA.
Mr. Byng, 119 House of Commons.
Lord Beauchamp, - - - - 119
April Mr. Fuller's motion for a Committee of the Whole
Mr. Sawbridge, - - - - 1 19
19, to take into consideration the Repeal of the Du-
Second reading of the Bill ordered on the 25th, -
119 '
ty of three pence per potmd on rea. - 133
25, The Order, for the second reading of the Bill,
read,
Debate— Mr. Fuller, - 133
120
Debate —Mr. Dowdeswell, - - - - 120
Mr. Pennant,
Mr. Rice,
- -

-
133
133
Mr. Dyson, . . . , . 120
Captain Phipps, - - 133
Lord North, 120
Mr. Cavendish, Mr. Stephen Fox, - 134
- - - - 120
Mr. Cornwall, - 134
Colonel Barre, - - - - 120
The Bill read the second time,
Mr. Edmund Burke, - 135-163
- - - 120
Committee of the Whole House Mr. Wedderbum, - 163
on the Bill, or-
dered for the 29th, Mr, E. Burke. - 164
120
The Bill considered in Committee of the Whole, Mr. Charles Fox, - - 164
29, 120
Report of the Committee to be received on Mon- Lord Beauchamp, - 164
(May General Burgoyne, - - 164
day next, 2,) 120
Mr. T. Townshend, • 164
May 2, Petition of several Natives of America, presented
Lord Clare, - - 165
by Sir George Sa-vdle, - . - - 120
Report of Committee of the Whole postponed,
Mr. Buller, - - 165
- 120
Mr. Frederick Montague - 165
4, Report of Committee of the Whole received, - 120
Colonel Barr^, - 165
Amendment proposed by Mr. Wallace, - - 120
—
Debate Mr. Dunning, - . . - 121
Lord North, -
Mr. Dowdeswell, -
-

-
166
166
Mr. Wedderbum, - . . - 121
Mr. Fuller's motion rejected, - - 166
Mr. Edmund Burke, - - -121
Mr. W.Burke, - - . - 121
Mr. Stanley, ON THE BILL FOR QUARTERING TROOPS IN AMERICA.
121
Mr. T. Townshend, - - . . 122 House of Commo-ns.
Mr. Cornwall, 122 April Leave granted, and Committee appointed, to pre-
Mr. Moreton, 122 29, pare and bring in a Bill providing suitable
Mr. Phipps, 122 Quarters for Troops in America, - - 165
Mr. Skynner, 122 ilfay 2, The Bill presented by Lord Barrington, - - 165
Sir Richard Sutton, - - - -123 Read the first time, 165
XXIII
CONTENTS. XXIV
1774,
1774.
165 May Debate— Lord North, 187
May 4, Read the second time, . - - •
187
Considered in Committee of the Whole,
- 166 31, Mr. T. Townshend, - - -
5,
Colonel Barre, 187
6, Report of Committee of the Whole received, 167 - - - -

1 87
9, Bill read the third time, and passed, 167 Mr. Altorney General Thurlow, -

Mr. Edmund Burke, - - - 187

Home of Lords. Mr. Mackworth's motion rejected, - - - 188
Jfay9,Bill for in America, received
Guartering Troops Address to the King for copies of Reports from
from the House of Commons, • - - 167 the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plan-
Read the first time, 167 tations, relating to the Province of Cluebeck, 188
12, Read the second time, 167 House in Committee on the Bill, - - - 188
16, Considered in Committee of the Whole, • - 167 The Committee addressed by Mr. Mansfield,
Third reading ordered for the 18th, - - 167 coiuisel for the Petitioners, against the Bill, 188
18, Third reading postponed to the 26th, - -167 Edward Watts examined before the Committee, 188
26, Rf>ad the third time, 167 Samuel Morin examined, - - - -188
Lord Chatham's Spi>ech against the passage of June 1, Copies of Representations of the Lords Commis-
the Bill, 167 sioners for Trade and Plantations, of Septem-
The Bill passed, 169 ber 2, 1765, and July 10, 1769, and Repre-
J»»e 2, The King's assent to the Bill, - - - 170 sentation of the Board of Trade, of January 9,
" An Act providing suitable Quar-
for the better 1765, presented by Lord North, - - 188
ters for Officers and Soldiers in his Majesty's Copies of Memorials from Quebeck, presented
service in North America," - • • 170 by Lord North, - - - - - 189
2, Petition from the Inhabitants of Quebeck to the
King, presented by Lord North, - - 1 89
ON THE BILL FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF QUEBECK. House Committee of the Whole on the Bill,
in 189
Hoiist of Lords. Examination of General Carleton before the Com-
mittee, 189
May 2, Bill for the government of Quebeck, presented
by the Earl of Dartmouth, - - - 169 Examination of Mr. Maseres, late Attorney Gen-
Read the first time, 169 eral of Quebeck, - - - - -191
Examination of Mr. Hey, Chief Justice of the
3,

4,
Address to the King for copies of Instructions
to Governours in America,
Second reading of the Bill ordered, and the
... 170
3,
Province of Quebeck,
Petition of the
- - -

Common Cotmcil of the City of

- 193

Ijords smmnoned, 170 London, against the Bill, presented at the Bar
6, Copies of Instructions to Governours of Cluebeck,
Nova Scotia, New- Hampshire, New- York, House in Committee on the Bill,
Examination of M. De Lotbiniere, .
...
of the House, by the Sherifl^s of the City, -

.
194
194
194
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,

12,
Georgia, East Florida, and
before the House,
Bill read the second time,
West

-
Florida, laid

- - -
171
171
ty's Advocate General, ....
Examination of Dr. James Marriott, his Majes-

Motion by Mr. Baker, that General Murray,

195

late Governour of Canada, do attend the Com.

13, Considered in Committee of the Whole, - - 171
16, Report of Committee of the Whole received, • 171 mittee, 202
17, Bill read the third time, - - - - 171 Debate— Mr. T. To^\-nshend, - - - 203
Amendment to limit the duration of the Act, of- Lord North, 203

....
,

fered and rejected, 171 Mr. T. Townshend, - - - 203

Bill passed,

House of Commons,
171 Colonel Barre,
Captain Phipps,
Mr. Charles Fox,
....
. - - -
203
203
203
.203
May
18,
Bill for the

Read the first

government of Quebeck, received
from the House of Lords,
time,
- - - - 171
171 6, House
Lord North,
Mr. Baker's motion rejected,
Committee on the Bill,
in
.

...
-

...
-

203
203
Ordered to be printed, 171 Governour Johnstone's objections to the Bill, - 203
20, Address to the King, for copies of the Proclama- Mr. E. Burke's motion to amend, fixing the

26,
tion of 1763,
sion,
Presented by Lord North,
and General Murray's Commis-

- - - -
172
172
agreed to, ......
Boundary between Canada and New. York,

Further Debate on the Boundaries of Quebeck,

204
204
Proclamation, of October 7, 1763, - - 172 7, The Bill further considered in Committee of the
Greneral Murray's
eral
Commission as Captain Gen-
and Governour of Quebeck, -

Order read, for second reading of the Bill,

-
-
175
180
8,
Whole House,
House
Debate
in
—
Committee on the Bill,
Mr. Burke,
... 204
205
205
Debate— Mr. T. Townshend, - - -180 Lord North, 205
Lord North, 181 Mr. T. Townshend, . - .205
Mr. Dunning,

Colonel Barr^,
-

-
•

Mr. Attorney General Thurlow,

-

- -
-

-
182
183
184 New
Mr. Edmund Burke,
Colonel Barre, .... -

form of oath proposed by Mr. Jenkinson,

• .

to
205
205

Lord John Cavendish,

Mr. Serjeant Glynn,
-

-
-

-
-

-
184
184
be inserted in the Bill,
Agreed to by the Committee,
.

...
- - . 205
205
Mr.
Solicitor General Wedderbum, •
Charles James Fox, -
Mr.
Mr.
Dempster, - -
-

-
-

-
184
184
184
10, The
mittee of the Whole, ....
Bill reported to the House, from the

T. Penn, Esq., declined being heard by Counsel

Com-
207

Mr.
Sawbridge, - - - - 185 on his Petition, presented on the 31st of May, 207
The Bill read the second time, - -

Committed to a Committee of the Whole House,

- 185 Amendment to
ern Boundary of Canada, ...
the Bill, in relation to the South-
207

31,
on the 31st,
Petition of Thomas Penn, on behalf of himself
and John Penn, true and absolute Proprietors
185
by Jury in Canada,
—
Debate Lord North,
.....
Mr. Mackworth's motion, to provide for Trials
207
207
of the Province of Pennsylvania, and the Mr. Serjeant Glynn, - . . 208
Three Lower Counties on Delaware, present-
ed by Mr. Baker,
Petitioners to be heard by their Counsel, if they
185 Mr. Dunning, ....
Mr. Attorney General Thurlow,

Mr. Solicitor General Wedderburn,

- 208
208
209
think fit,

Petition of Merchants of
beck, presented
London trading
by Mr. Mackworth,
to
-
Que-
-
186

186
Mr. Byng,
Governour Johnstone,
Mr. T. Townshend, - .
... .
209
209
209
Mr. Mack worth's motion for copies of Reports Mr. Edmund Burke, . . .209
from Major General Carleton, Governour, Mr. Mackworth's motion rejected, . - 211
William Hey, Chief Justice, and Francis Ma- Motion by Mr. T. Townshend, to make tempo-
seres, late Attorney General, of the Province rary that part of the Bill which relates to the
of Quebeck; and from his Majesty's Advo- Legislative Council, rejected, - . .211
cate General, Attorney General, and Solicitor Motion by Mr. Dempster, for establishing rules
General, relating to the said Province, - 186 to be observed in making Ordinances, rejected, 211
 — 1

XXV CONTENTS. XXVI

1774.
1774
June Motion by Mr. Charles Fox, to secure to tlie with Lord Temple. The Earl of Stair the first
10, Religious orders, their rights and properties, who spoke in favour of the Colonies in the
rejected, 211 House of Lords. Lord Stair refers him to the
Motion by Mr. Dempster, to give the Canadians Duke of Richmond to present his Petition.

13,
claiming it,

Bail, rejected,
Bill read the third time,
------
the benefit of Habeas Corpus and

- - - -
211
211
The Duke of Richmond refers him to the
Earl of Dartmouth.
of Dartmouth.
Interview with the Earl
Petition presented by Lord
Mr. Cooper's motion
Debate —Mr. Charles Fox,
that the Bill
.... do pass. 211
211
Stair. Mr. Bollan heard at the Bar of the
House, in support of his Petition. The Lords

The
Mr. Cooper,
Mr. Ho^vard,
Bill passed,
..... 211
211
211
April
2,
pass the Bill,
Letter from Dr. Franklin, London, to Thomas
Cushing. After his treatment at the Council
231-235

Board he had ceased to act as Agent. Greater

House of Lords. opposition to the Boston Port Bill in the House
June Motion agree to the Amendments
to made by the of Lords than in the House of Commons. Pe-
17, House of Commons, - - . . - 211 titionsof the Natives of America dravvTi up
Debate —
Lord Chatham, .

.... . . - 211 by Mr. Lee. Encloses a Letter from Leeds,

Lord Dartmouth,
.... 212 dated March 20 —
alarm of the Manufacturers
Lord Lyttelton, 212 —Emigrations to America, - - - 235
Amendments agreed to,
Lords in the minority, .... - 214
214
2, Letter from Arthur Lee, Loudon, to Francis L.
Lee. Punishment of Boston first step towards
22, Petition of the City of London
against the Bill,
The King's assent to
.....
the Bill, -
to

.
the King,

- -
215
216
reducing all America to an acknowledgement
of the right of Parliament to Tax the Colonies,
and to a submission to the exercise of that right.
The King's Speech to both Houses of Parlia- General Gage appointed Governour of Mas-
ment, 216 sachusetts to reduce the people to entire obedi-
" An Act for making more effectual provision for ence. Recommends a General Congress of

"
the government of the Province of Quebeck, in
North America,"
An Act to prevent the E.xportation to Foreign
216
4,
of Exports and Imports,
Letter from Samuel Adams, to
....
the Colonies, at Annapolis, and a suspension

Arthur Lee. Pro-

237

made use of in the Cotton,

parts of Utensils ceedings of the Assembly, in relation to the
Linen, Woollen and Silk Manufactures of this Judges' salaries. Judge Oliver refuses to re-
Kingdom," 220 nounce the salary from the Crown Contro- —
versy between the Governour and the Assem-
bly. Policy of the British Government, if
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. persisted in, will bring about the entire separa-
March Letter from Mr. Bollan, Agent, to the Hon. John tion and Independence of the Colonies, - 238
1 1, Erving, and others. Committee of the Council 5, Importance of the Commerce of the Colonics
of Massachusetts. The King's Message of to the Trade and Manufactures of Great Bri-
—
March 7 the publication of his late Petition tain. Value of Exports from the West India
to the King
of
— prepares a Petition for the Hotise
Commons — General Conway and Sir
Islands and the Northern Colonies compared.
Troops furnished by the Colonies in the last
George Savile decline presenting it — the Lord war, 240
Mayor consents to present it, - - - 225 5, Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-
15, Letter from Mr. Bollan to the Committee. His York. The wisdom and firmness of the Uni-
Petition presented by Sir Joseph Mawbey. ted Continent of America must be summoned
The right of Parliament to Tax the Americans to support their liberty. If Boston is not sus-
denied by Lord Camden, - - - - 227 tained, all the rest will fall the easy victims of
17, Letter continued. Lord North's policy in re- Tyranny. The Sheriffs of London headed the
gard to the Colonies. —
Interview with Lord Petitions to Parliament; they were the first

Camden, 228 in proposing, and active in getting them uj), 24

18, Letter from Arthur Lee, London, to Richard 7, An Apology for the late conduct of America, 241-245
Henry Lee. Order of the House of Com- 9, Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Governour
mons for leave to bring in the Boston Port Bill. Gage. Sends his Commission, as Captain-
Recommends prudence and firmness to the Co- General and Governour-in- Chief of Massachu-
lonies. Lord North's declaration, that he would setts Bay, with his Instructions He must en-
;

not listen to complaints from America, until force due obedience to the Boston Port Bill if —
she was at his feet. Character of Lord North, 228 necessary, must use the King's Troops with
22, Letter from Mr. Bollan to the Committee. Re- effect. The Governour to reside in Salem, and
fused a hearing by the House, on hi.s Petition. the General Court to be held there, until the
The Port Bill read a second time. The Lord King shall authorize their return to Boston.
Mayor and Sir Joseph Mawbey offer to pre-
sent another Petition, .... 229
His Majesty expects the offenders
struction of the "Tea) to be punished,
(in the de-
- - 245
23, Letter from Mr. Bollan to the Committee.
prepared his second Petition. Sir Jos. Maw-
Has March Copy
31,
-.••'
of a Minute of the Treasury Board, (en.
X ..
•
V
closed in the foregoing Letter.)
T ..
Listructions
.

bey took it to present to the Hou.se. Objec- to the Officers of the Customs, on removing the
tions of the Speaker and Clerk. The presen- Port from Boston to Salem, - - - - 246
tation deferred, 230 April Letter from London. Advises the Colonies to
31, Letter from a Gentleman in London to his friend 27, imite in defence of American Liberty. Power
at Annapolis, Md. Encloses the Boston Port —
of the Ministry their hatred of liberty. Lords
Bill. Little opposition to it in the House of Chatham, Camden, and Rockingham, are
Commons. The rise or fall of America now friendly to America, . - - - . 248
depends on the deliberations of a General Con- May 4, Letter from Lieutenant Governour Colden to the
gress from the Colonies. A suspension of
Exports and Imports recorMnended. If Bos-
ton acquiesces the whole will be forced to sub- April
Earl of Dartmouth.
New- York, ------
Account of the Proceedings
Destruction of Tea at

at New- York, on
248

mission, 230 28, the arrival of Captains Chambers and Lock-

April Letter from Mr. Bollan to the Committee. After yer, with the Tea, (enclosed in the preceding
2, various difficulties his Petition to the House Letter,) 249
of Lords was presented, and he was called in May Account of all the Proceedings in New- York, in
and heard in support of it. General Gage 12, relation to the Tea, (Note,) - - 251 -256
appointed Governour of Massachusetts Bay, 231
Letter from Mr. Bollan to the Committee. Re-
sumes his account of the proceedings on the COTJNCII, OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Port Bill. His second Petition to the House March Governour submits a Letter from Lord Dim-
of Commons presented by Alderman Crosby. 16, more, 252
Large majority against receiving it. The Bill 3, Letter from Lord Dunmore, Governour of Vir-
passed by the House of Commons. Interview ginia, to Governour Penn. Claims Pittsburgh,
 ——

CONTENTS. XXVIII
XXVil
1774.
1774. be under
County of Augusta, to crnment of Virginia has the power to raise
OS within the
revoke Militia, and there is no such in Pennsylvania,
the jurisdiction of Vi'rsriniu— Refuses to with them in the
it will be vain to contend
the Commissions to Officers he has appointed
The Magistrates are, therefore,
there — Di>mands amplereparation for the in- way of force.
advised to conduct themselves \vith caution,
sult on his Majesty's CJovernment in Virginia,
a and not to proceed with criminal prosecutions
in the imprisonment of Mr. John Connollj', of
252 asrainst persons acting under the authority
Magistrate appointed by him, . . -
266
Virginia, - - - * "
of Governour Penn, to the Earl of Dun-
-
March Answer to Jo-
more. Review of the respective claims of Jan'ry Letter from Arthur St. Clair, Ligonier,
31,
seph Shippen. Petition for a Court House
Pennsylvania and Virginia, in regard to the 15,
266
Claims Pittsburgh to be and Jail, in Westmoreland County,
disputtxl Botmdary. Gov
Feb'ry Letter from Arthur St. Clair, Ligonier, to
within the Charter limits of Pennsylvania- by his
Penn. Dr. Connolly arrested

24,
justifies the
soning Connolly, ...
conduct of Mr. St. Clair, in impri-
-

Letter from Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire, Gov-

255-260
2, ernour
orders, for requiring the Militia to meet.
ous conduct of persons under arms. Mr. Con-
R-iot-

nolly has a Military Commission from Lord

ernour of Connecticut, to Governour Penn. 266
Connecticut Umds West of the River Dela-
Dunmore, and his Subalterns are appointed.
—
ware requests Governour Penn to prevent Paper enclosed in the foregoing Letter, read to a
party assembled in arms, after Connollys arrest
settlements under claim of the Proprietaries of 267
Pennsylvania. Has employed persons to take by the Magistrates of Westmoreland County,

^\•are,
...----
the lautudes of certain places beyond the Dek-

April Letter from Governour Penn to Governour

261
Letter from Arthur St. Clair, Ligonier, to Jo-
seph Shippen, Junior.
creasing. The
Disturbances are in-
People, principally, in favour
of Virginia. Intends to remove his office to
11. Trumbull, written by advice of the Council. 269
Pittsburgh,
Denies the claim of Connecticut to Lands be-
yond the Delaware. Protests against the send- 23, Letter from Joseph Spear to Arthur St. Clair.
take latitudes of places with- Virginians have had several musters \ait\y,
ing of persons to
in the jurisdiction of Pennsyh'ania, and denies one at Red Stone, Old Fort. Connolly has just
gone Red Stone, . . - -
.
- 269
the authority of the Assembly of Connecticut to
261 April Letter from TEneas Mackay, Pittsburgh, to Gov.
to do so.

8, Letter from William Crawford, Westmoreland 4, Penn. Since Comiolly's return from Virginia,
County, Mr. Penn. Connolly sworn in a
to on the 28th of March, Pittsburgh has become a
scene of confusion. Connolly arrested on the
Magistrate of Augusta County, Virginia he :

was furnished with blank Commissions for 24th of January, and in prison a few days,
several gentlemen near Pittsburgh. num- A when he prevailed upon the Sheriff to let him
ber of Militia Officers appointed there by out to see his friends; instead of returning to
Lord Dunmore. Several musters of Militia Jail, as he had promised, he assembled a party

have been held. Connolly constantly sur- of armed men, who guarded him from Red
rounded with a body of armed men and — Stone to the frontiers of Virginia. Connolly, on
obstructs the execution of legal process under the 30th of March, read to the Militia, assem-
the authority of Pennsylvania. Disturbances bli:>d at Fort Pitt, Letters from Lord Dunmore,

there —
arrest and confinement of Pennsylvania approving his conduct, and promising him as-
Magistrates —
Connolly surrounds the Court sistance. The men were assembled in obedi-
House with Troops— places Centinels at the ence to Lord Dunmore's positive orders, to hear
door —has a private interview with the Magis- the Letters read. Connolly arrested the Sheriff
trates. Further disturbances. Persons arrest- the next day, by a King's Warrant, and has
ed by Connolly. Mr. Crawford recommends to had, ever since, armed parties in pursuit of the

line, ...----
the Governour to fix a temporary Boundary

Dr. Connolly's Address to the Magistrates of

262
Deputy SherifT and the Constables; he is now
in acUial possession of the Fort,
invested with Ci\'il and Military
with a guard,
power to en-
Westmoreland County, at his interview with force the laws of Virginia Lord — Dunmore has
them, referred to in the preceding Letter, 263 enclosed him Commissions to fill up, at his dis-

Answer of the Magistrates of Westmoreland cretion, for Militia Officers. Indians alarmed
County to the foregoing Address, 263 at seeing parties of armed men daily. - 270
Deposition of Henry Read, relative to the Distur- Letter from GJeorge Croghan to David Sample

..----
7. 4,
bances made in Westmoreland County by the has long been convinced that Fort Pitt, and its

Virginians, 263 dependencies, are without the limits of Penn-

11, Governour advised by the Council to take no steps sylvania —
will no longer submit to the laws of
in relation to the Disturbances, until the return tiiat Province Virginia having, last Winter,
;

of an Express sent to the Earl of Dunmore, - 264 extended the laws of that Government to this

21, Express sent to Virginia returned without any part of the country, 271
Answer from the Governour, . . - 264 7, Letter from Thomas Smith Joseph Shippen.
to

9, Letter from ^Eneas Muckoy, Pittsburgh, to the Disturbances in Westmoreland County. Con-
Governour. Taken prisoner by Dr. Connolly, nolly's proceedings —
Officers appointed by

to Staunton,
Letter from
......
and, on refusing to give bail, ordered to be sent

Devereux Smith, Pittsburgh, one of

264
him, under Lord Dunmore's authority,
Representation of the Commissioners and Asses-
sors of Westmoreland County to Gov. Penn,
271

273
the Magistrates of Westmoreland County, ar. 13, Letter from Tliomas Smith, Bedford, to Joseph
rested on a King's Warrant issued by Dr. Con. Shippen, Jun. Continued outrages of the Vir-
nolly. Will go to Jail at Staunton this day. 264 ginians. Three Magistrates of Westmoreland
21, The Council, after considering the foregoing Let-
ters, advise the Governour to send Commis-
sioners to the Governour of Virginia to con-
County
way to
arrestedby Connolly, and now on their
Augusta Jail, .... 273

fer with that Government on the means of re-

storing peace and good order, and the establish- VIRGINIA ASSEMBLY.
ment of a temporary line of jurisdiction. 265 May 5, Virginia Assembly, convened by the Governour, 274
Letter from Governour Penn to /Eneas Mnckay, Speech of Lord Dunmore to CTeneral Assembly, 274
Devereux Smith, and Andrew M'Farlane. Address of the Council to Lord Dunmore, . 274
Will apply to Lord Dunmore for their enlarge- Address of the House of Burgesses to Lord Dun-
—
ment and has instructed Colonel Wilson to more, 275

22,
ton,
Letter from
.......
give bail, to release them from Prison at Staun-

Governour Penn William Craw-

to
265
12,

1 3,
Shawanese, ......
Information, by Express, of skirmishes with the

Petition from the Inhabitants on the Waters of the

275

ford, and his Associates, of Westmoreland f )hio, to the Governour and Assembly. Prefer
County. Will send Commissioners to expos- the Government of Virginia to that of Peim-
tulate with Lord Dunmore on the behaviour sylvania. State their grievances, their fears of
of the persons he has invested with power to
disturb the peace of the country. As the Gov-
the neighbouring Indians,
sembly to extend to them relief, ...
and request the As-
275
XXIX CONTENTS. XXX
1774. 1774.
May Address of the House of Burgesses to the Govern- Maij Litter from David Zeisburgcr, Missionary at
13, our on the foregoing- Petition. Disapprove the 24, Schonbrunn. Movements of the Indians: Pre-
imprisoning Officers by either Government. paration for war with the Whites, - - 285
Recommend a temporary boundary until the 27, Letter from Mr. Zeisburger. Two parties of the
King shall direct a proper line to be fixed upon. Shawanese gone against the settlements. The
Request the Ciovernour to exercise the powers Shawanese at Woaketameka, only want war.

March "
turbances,
A
...--.
he is invested with to suppress the Indian dis-

Virginian," approving the conduct of Lord

276 24,
Lower Shawanese peaceable yet,
Letter from the Cosh, alias John Bull.
Cherokees have killed a trader. Mingoes kil-
Three
- - 285

3, E>unmore,(Note,) 277 led by Virginians under Cresap, at the mouth

26, Letter from Pittsburgh. No disturbances with the of Yellow Creek. The day following they
Indians this Winter. More to be dreaded from killed a Shawanese and a Delaware. Same
the Pennsylvanians than the Indians, (Note,) - 277 party killed a Shawanese woman, and a Shaw-
24, "Virginius" to Lord Dunmore. An Indian war anese Chief; soon after fled, and left the settlers
inevitable. Urges the Governour to make pro- victims to the Indians. Indian Council at
vision for the security of the frontier inhabi- Woaketameka — Delaware Chief informed the

April
7,
tants, and be ready to meet the Indians, (Note,)
Connolly will be at Pittsburgh till the middle of
June to dispose of lots in a new Town, to be
277

29,
Shawanese and Mingoes
would not assist them,
Letter from Arthur St.
....
that the

Clair, Ligonier, to
Delawares

Gov-
285

laid out, at the Falls of the Ohio, (Note,) - 278 ernor Penn. The Shawanese inclined to peace
with the Pennsylvanians. The Virginians
have struck them and they will have satisfac-
COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tion. Met several Chiefs of the Delawares and
May 7, Mr. Tilghman and Mr. Andrew Allen appointed the Deputy of the Six Nations, at Pittsburgh;
Commissioners to treat \vith Virginia, on the they gave assurances of their desire for peace.
Disturbances in Westmoreland County, - 277 Number of Indians killed by Cresap and (Jreat-
7,

7,
Commission to Mr. Tilghman and Mr. Allen,
Commissioners to Virginia,
Instructions to the Commissioners,
...
... 278
279
house, thirteen. Cresap lately at Pittsburgh,
with intention to pursue the blow he had
struck; but Connolly forbid his attempting any
7, Letter from Governour Penn to Lord Dimmore. thing against the Indians. Cresap declares
Informs him of the appointment of the Commis- what he did before was by Connolly's orders.
sioners, and expresses his hopes that tranquil- An Indian war, if not a Virginia plan, is cer-
lity may be restored between the Governments, 280 tainly Connolly's plan. Country about Pitts-
1 8, Letter from Doctor Richard Peters to Henry Wil- burgh harassed by the Virginia Militia. Sev-
mot, London. History of the purchsise, by eral at Pittsburgh have associated and raised,
Pennsylvania, imderthe Indian Deed of 1754, and pay a company of one hundred Rangers.
of the Lands west of the Delaware, claimed Inhabitants of Pittsburgh propose to stockade
by Connecticut. The Pennsylvania purchase
made openly in Council the Susquehannah ;

purchase, by private individuals, from Connec-

the Town.
Hinckson, and others, ....
Delaware Indian killed by John

Speech of the Shawanese, directed to Alexander

286

ticut, made secretly. The Indians, in Council, McKee, George Croghan, and the Comman.
refused to sell any land to Connecticut, and re- dant at Pittsburgh, Captain John Connolly, . 288
fused to sell the Wyomink Country to either Speech to the Chiefs of the Delawares and a few
Pennsylvania or Connecticut. Treaty at Fort of the Six Nations, by Arthur St. Clair, at
Stanwix, in 1768, 280 Pittsburgh, May, 1774, . - . .283
April Letter from Arthur St. Ben-
Clair, Carlisle, to
28, jamin Chew. Colonel Stephens censured by
the Council of Virginia, in 1 764, for sending
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE.
the Militia out of that Government, when he May Letter from General Haldimand, New- York, to

sent relief to Fort Pitt, then besieged by the 15, the Earl of Dartmouth. The
accounts receiv.
Indians, 282 ed, had made known the plan of operation in-
May 5, Letter from iEneas Mackay, Staunton, to Gov- tended to bring Boston to a sense of order and
ernour Penn. Interview with Lord Dunmore decency, so that when General Gcage arrives
in relation to the claim of Virginia to Pitts- they will know what to expect if they prove
burgh, and the proceedings of Connolly. Lord refractory. Many believe in New. York, that
Dunmore
authority.
justified who acted by
Connolly,
Gave Mr. Mackay a Letter to
Sheriff of Augusta, directuig the discharge of
his
the
April
the people of Boston vnU. acknowledge their
fault, and pay for the Tea,
Extracts of private Let ers from London, printed
... 289

the Pennsylvania Magistrates imprisoned by 7, on the back of the Boston Port Bill, and circu-
Connolly, 282 lated in New- York, on the 1 4th of May, en-
April Letter from Lord Dunmore, Williamsburg, to closed to the Earl of Dartmouth, in the prece-
26, Daniel Smith, Sheriff of Augusta, directing ding Letter, 289
the discharge of the Pennsylvania Magistrates, 283 May A " British American," New- York, proposes to

25, Lord Dunmore's Proclamation Directs the Mi- — 16, raise by subscription money to pay for
the Tea,
litia of Pittsburgh, and its dependencies, to be ready to General Gage, on his
be tendered to

embodied to repel any attacks from Pennsylva- arrival. Hostile opposition to the Naval and
nia, or the Indians and orders all the inhabi-
;
Military Force coming out with General Gage,
tants to pay and all publick dues, to
quit-rents, absurd, (Note,) 289
Officers appointed by Virginia, - - - 283
30, Extract of a Journal of the United Brethren's
KEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
Mission, on Muskingum —
Shawanese Chief
killed by the Whites, on the Ohio Indian war — May New- York Committee of Correspondence, - 293
expected Virginians, on the Ohio, threaten to
;

fall on the Shawanese settlements, and destroy

their Towns. White people on the Ohio had
16,

17,
the Exchange, ....
Committee nominated at a Publick Meeting at

Meeting called for the 19th, to approve of the

. 293

killed nine Mingoes. At Pittsburgh it is not Committee nominated on the 1 6th, 294
believed this was done by authority of the Gov- ir, Express from Boston, with Letters from the Com-
ernour of Virginia. Indian Council at Geke- nrittee of Correspondence there, suggesting the
lemuckepuck: Shawanese and Mingoes left it suspension of all Exports to, and Imports irom.
dissatisfied, and threatened to kill all the White Great Britain and the West Indies, (Note,) 293
people they met. Messenger from Mr. Crogh- 19, Meeting of the Inhabitants at the Coiiee House, 294
an, at Pittsburgh, to the Delawares, Shawa- Address of Mr. Low to the meeting. 294
nese, and Mingoes, advising them to be quiet. The nomination of the fifty gentlemen for a Com-
The people there will endeavour to apprehend
the Whites who committed the murder. Hopes
mittee,
Lewis added, ..----
on the 16th, confirmed, and Francis
295

May
21,
entertained of a continuance of peace,
Letter from a Missionary
cd,
-

—More Traders arriv-

283

284 20,
Address to the
Boston, (Note,)
....
People, urging them to sustain

Dialogue on the Boston Port Bill— Conduct of

- 295
 ; ;

CONTENTS. XXXII
XXXI
1774. The strongest determination
1774. the Continent.
the Bostonians justified— Procerdings of the
Ministry condemned — Non-Importation Agree- 295
exists through all
defend their rights, (Note,) .
America
. -
to maintain and
302
ment recommended, f Note,) - - -

Isaac Low chosen Chairman of the Committee

June The Committee order a Letter to be written to
May 302
295 6, the Boston Committee, . . - -
23. John Alsop Deputy Chairman, - - -
Anniversary of his Majesty's birth-day. Cele-
LeUer from Jonathan Blake, Chairman of the 4.
brated by the King's Officers. Few of the
Committee of Mechanicks, exprcssinsrtheir con-
295 people participated in the rejoicing, (Note,) - 303
currence in the appointment of the Committee,
Letter from the CommitteeBoston Committee
to
23, Letters from Boston Committee of the 13th, and 7,
295 of Correspondence. In their former Letter did
a Letter from the Philadelphia Committee read,
not propose a suspension of Trade. Left that
Committee appointed to prepare an Answer to the
295 and every other resolution for the discussion
Boston Letter, and to report this evening.
Letter to the Boston Committee reported and ap-
of the proposed General Congress adhering —
to that measure as most conducive to promote
proved. EHfficult to determine what course
Cannot give a decisive the grand system of politicks we all have in
ought be pursued.
to
view. Ready to meet at any time and place that
opinion. Congress of Deputies from all the
may be appointed, giving sufficient time for
Colonies ought to be convened without delay.
The Committee cannot express any opinion on
the exp.<lient proposed
mittee,
by the Boston
"
Com-
- 297 10,
semble,
Letter received
..-----
Deputies as far south as the Carolinas to as-

from the Committee of Correspon-

303

dence for Connecticut, dated June 4, - 304

Copy of this Letter ordered to be sent to Philadel-
phia, ackjiowledging the receipt of a copy
of 3, Copy of a Letter from the Connecticut Commit-
sen- tee to the Boston Committee, enclosed in the
their Letter to Boston, and approving the
timents contaim-d in it,
298 preceding Letter to New- York. A Congress
- - '

Letter from Mr. Low, Chairman, to Philadelphia

.*
absolutely necessary —
Should meet by the first
24,
Committee, " * " ' j i'
298 week in August — New- York a convenient
298 place, but prefer Fairfield or Norwalk, 304
30, Rules of proceeding for the Committee adopted,
Joseph Allicocke appointed Secretary, 299 10, Committee direct Letters to be written to the
Committee appointed to write a Circular Letter to Committee at Hartford, and to the Committee
Supervisors of Counties, recommending the ap- of South Carolina, - . - - - 305
pointment of persons to correspond with this 11, Letter to the Conunittce of Connecticut — Ap-
Committee, - - - - 299 prove of the Congress, chosen to speak the
Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Lon- sentiments, and to pledge themselves for the
30,
don. Many of the principal people of the Co- conduct of the Colonies they represent, 305
lony are sorry for embarking in the cause so 11, I^etter to Mr. Bernard Lentot, of Branford, 306
far, and are ready to join the friends of the 24, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence of
Ministry. The Minister, with a few Ships-of- the Assembly of New- York, to the Connecti-
War, could carry his designs into execution, cut Committee. A
Congress the best means
(Note,) 299 of restoring peace and harmony with Great
31, Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Lon- Britain but this Committee have no power to
;

don. General Gage hissed at a publick dinner take any steps in relation to the subject. If a

in Boston, for giving Governour Hutchinson as Congress should meet in or near New- York,
a toast. Respect shown to General Gage on will assist with their advice, . . - 306
his landing, all hypocrisy. The Presbj-terian Appointment of the Committee by the Assem-
Junto, or self-constituted Committee of Sons of bly of New- York, (Note) - - - - 306
Liberty of New- York, who have stood ever 20, Mr. Allicocke, for particular reasons, resigned,
since the Stamp Act, offered the assistance of and John Blagge appointed Secretary to the
this City to Boston, in resisting the Parliament Committee in his place, - . . . 307
in consequence of this Letter the gentlemen of 27, Letters received from Easthampton, dated June
property met and formed the new Committee of
Fifty. There is little doubt but all will be
quiet in the Colonies in a short time the most ;
17; from Philadelphia, dated June 21; and
from Boston, dated Jime 16,
Mr. M'Dougall's motion on the most eligible
... 307

bitter pill will be the acknowledgement of the mode of appointing Deputies to the Congress,
right of Taxation in the Parliament. The debated and postponed to the 29th, 307
Presbyterians are to blame for all the violent 29, Letters from Tryon County, dated June 22, and
American Proceedings. The Government at from Southampton, dated June 22, received. - 307
home, can only rely upon the professors of the Mr. M'Dougall moved, and was seconded by Mr.
Church of Englandi. The Ministry have only Broome, that the Committee proceed imme-
an entire stop to smuggling, and make an
to put diately to nominate five Deputies for the City
example of some of the factious ringleaders in and County of New- York, to represent them

31,
every principal city then America will give
but little
;

trouble, (Note,)
Letter received from Charles Thomson, Phila-
... - 299
in a Convention of the Colony, or in the Gen-
eral Congress, and that their names be sent to
the Committee of Mechanicks for their concur-

in that city, dated

Copies of Mr.
May 29,
Thomson's Letter furnished to
...
delphia, in behalf of the several Congregations
300
rence; to be proposed to the Inhabitants on
Tuesday next, for their approbation,
Postponed to Monday next, July 4, ' •
307
307
the Clergymen of New- York, . - - 300 Juhj 4, Letters from Annapolis, dated June 26, with Re-
June
I,

3.
Thomson, ...--.
Letter from Isaac Low, Chairman, to Charles

Letter from the Committee to the Supervisors of

300
solves from Shelter Island, dated June 7, with

25 ;
;

Resolves; from Suffolk County, dated June

from the Committee of Mechanicks of
the Counties, 300 New- York, dated July 4 also from Dutchess
;

Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Scot- County, dated June '29, received, 308
land. The power thrown into the hands of the Mr. Booth's motion, seconded by Mr. De Lancey,
Mob at the Stamp Act, was not extinguished by for the Previous Question on Mr. M'Dougall's
the repeal of that Act. It was the leaders of motion, referring the nomination of Delegates
the Mob. who associated to prevent the landing
of the Tea here, and for returning it
they deliberately effected.
which
The Committee of
— currence, ......
to the Committee of Mechanicks for their con-

...
Yeas and Nays on the question,
308
308
Fifty was elwAed in opposition to these leaders, Mr. Bache moved, seconded by Mr. De Lancey,
with some difficulty. The management of that the Committee now proceed to nominate
affairs is now hands of men opposed to
in the
precipitate measures, and the Ministry will meet
with little opposition, unless the Bill for the
Congress, ......
five persons as Delegates to meet in General

Captain Sears moved, seconded by Mr. P. V. B.

308

Administration of Justice in Massachusetts Bay Livingston, that Isaac Low, James Duane,
should be passed, (Note,) - . . . 302 Philip Livingston, John Morin Scott, and
Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Eng- Alexander M'Dougall, be nominated, - - 308
land. The pretensions of Great Britain will be
treated with resentment and disdain throughout
Yeas and Nays on
Captain Sears's motion.
the
....
Previous Question, on
308
 5 8

xxxin CONTENTS- XXXIV

1774.
1774.
Jidyi, Mr. De Lancey moved, seconded by Mr. Booth, Resolutions adopted by the Committee: 1. The
that the Committee immediately proceed to King of Great Britain is our rightful Sove-
nominate five persons to be held up to the City reign it is our duty to support his Crown and
;

in a General Congress, ....

and County, proper to serve them as Delegates

Philip Livingston, John Alsop, Isaac Low, James

308
dignity. 2. All Acts of Parliament for taxing
the Colonies, unjust and unconstitutional, par-
ticularly the Boston Port Act. 3. Enforcing
Duane, and John Jay, nominated, - - 308 the Taxation in the Colonies, the true motive
A Publick Meeting ordered to be called at the and main design of that Act. 4. It is the
City Hall, on the 7th, to concur in the nomina- duty of all the Colonies to assist any one ao
tion, or to choose others in their stead, - 309 oppressed. 5. The meeting of the proposed

5, Address to the Publick. ©bjections to a Con- Congress the most prudent measure in this
gress —
Advises an humble Address from each alarming crisis. 6. It is premature for one
General Assembly to the King, for permission Colony now to resolve what ought to be done
to send some of their own bodies to England by the Congress, who should be left free to de-
to fi.x upon a Constitution, (Note,) - - 309 cide on what they think best 7. Nothing but
Answer to the foregoing Address, (Note,) - 309 dire necessity can justify the Colonies in uni-
7, Letter from Jacob Lansing, dated Albany, June ting on any measure that may injure our
29, received, 309 brethren in Great Britain. 8. If a Non- Im-
Committee appointed to meet a Committee of the portation Agreement should be adopted, it
Mechanicks to-morrow, to take the vote of the ought to be general, and faithfully observed.
City on the five Delegates nominated by this 9. The Delegates to Congress should be so

mittee of Mechanicks, ....

Committee, and the five nominated by the Com-

Mr. Thurman's motion, to disavow the Proceed-

309
chosen as to pledge themselves for the good
conduct of the People they represent, - -

Mr. Jay's motion, to provide for the distresses of

315

ings of the Meeting held in the Fields, yester- the Poor of Boston. 316
day, of which Mr. M'Dougall was Chairman, Committee to consider of the means for their re-
as evidently calculated to throw an odium on lief and to report with all convenient speed, - 317
the Committee, and to create jealousies and Committee to prepare Answers to the Letters re-
suspicions of their conduct, - - - 310 ceived, - - - - - - -317
Mr. M'Dougall moves for the Previous Ques- Committee appointed to request the Committee of
tion on Mr. Thurman's motion, - - - 3 II Mechanicks to appoint persons to join those
Yeas and Nays on Mr. M'Dougall's motion, - 311 appointed by this Committee, to take the sense
Yeas and Nays on Mr. Thurman's motion, - 311 of the Inhabitants on the Resolutions and the
Mr. Lewis's motion, for a Committee to prepare Delegates, - - - - - -317
Resolutions to be submitted to the People, - 312 July Address of Mr. Alsop, Mr. Low, and Mr. Jay,
Committee appointed, - - - - - 312 20. to the Publick. The sense of the City so un-
Mr. M'Evers's motion, for the publication of the certain, that they do not consider themselves,
Proceedings on the motion of Mr. Thurman, 312 or any others, duly chosen as Delegates to the
Yeas and Nays on this question, - - - 312 Congress, - 317
6, Resolutions adopted by the Meeting in the Fields, 20. Address of Mr. Moore, Mr. Low, Mr. Remsen,
referred to by Mr. Thurman. 1. That Boston and Mr. Jay, to the Publick. After the rejec-
is suffering in the common
cause of the Colo- by the Commit-
tion of the Resolutions offered
nies. 2. An invasion of the rights of one Col- tee of Correspondence to the Meeting at the
ony is an attack upon the liberties of all. 3. Coffee-House, on the 19th, they were appoint-
The shutting up an American Port, to exact a ed on another Committee to prepare new Re-
submission to Parliamentary Taxation, is un- solutions. Their appointment irregular, and
constitutional. 4. Suspension of Trade with decline serving. They approve, with few ex-
Great Britain till the Boston Act is repealed, ceptions, of the rejected Resolutions, - - 317
will save America. 5. Delegates from New- 25, Letter, dated Boston, July, 1774, received, - 318
York to the General Congress instructed to Mr. Remsen's motion, that a Poll be opened in
unite in a Non- Importation Agreement. 6. each Ward, on the 28th, for the election of five
The Meeting will support every measure of Deputies to the Congress, - - - - 31
the Congress for securing the objects mention- Unanimously agreed to, - - - - 318
ed in these Resolutions. 7. Provincial Con- Committee to carry it into effect, - - - 318
vention recommended to choose Deputies to the Amendment of the third Resolve, - - - 318
Congress. 8. That Subscriptions be immedi- 30. Queries from Ulster County, (Note,) - - 318
ately set on foot for the relief of the Poor of 26. Note from the Committee, at Mr. Marriner's. to
Boston. 9. The City Committee instructed to the Delegates nominated, desiring a pledge
carry these Resolutions into execution, - 312 that they will support a Non-Importation
8, Address of Francis Lewis and other Members of
the Committee to the Inhabitants —
their reasons
for opposing Mr. Thurman's and Mr. M'Evers's 27.
Agreement in the Congress, until the Ameri-
can Grievances are redressed,
Reply of Mr. Livingston, Mr. Low, Mr. Alsop,
... 319

motion. Withdraw from the Committee, - 313 and Mr. Jay. They believe a general Non-
9, Answer of " One of the Committee" to the fore- Importation Agreement would prove the most
going Address —
Defence of the Committee, - 314 efficacious means to procure a redress of Grie-
Mr. M'Dougall declines a nomination to the Con- vances, - - - - - - -319
gress, (Note,) 315 27. In answer to this Reply, the Committee, at Mr.
Publications relative to these Proceedings,( Note,) 31 Marriner's, agree to support the nominated
13, Committee, appointed on the 7th instant, report Delegates, 319
Resolutions, - - - - - -315 Letter from Charles Thomson, Philadelphia,
Ordered be printed and distributed in handbills
to dated July 25, with Resolves, received, - 320
for the consideration of the Publick, who are 28. Publication of Proceedings of yesterday, ordered,
requested to meet at the Coffee-House on the to correct a mistake in Mr. Holt's Paper, - 320
19th, to express their opinion on them, - 315 The Publication of Mr. Holt, referred to by the
The five Gentlemen nominated by the Committee Committee, (Note,) 320
as Delegates to the General Congress, to be Philip Livingston, Isiac Low, John Jay, John
proposed to the Citizens for their approbation, Alsop, and James Duane, mianimously elected
at the same time and place, - - - 315 Delegates to the Congress, - 320
Letter from Charlestown, South Carolina, dated Committee on the distresses of the Poor in Bos-
19,

At
July
the
with Resolves, received, -
8, -

this day at the Coffee-House, a

Meeting
small portion of the Citizens only attending,
- 315

26,
mittee,
Letter to the
.-.----
ton will report at next meeting of the Com-

Committee of Correspondence at
320

the sentiments of the majority not ascertained Charlestown, South Carolina. Resolutions of
on the Resolutions, - - - - - 315 South Carolina much approved of Nothing
Committee appointed to take the sense of the Free- but a strict union among all the Colonies
holders, Freemen, and Tax Payers in each can effect a restoration of the just rights of
Ward, on the Resolutions and the nomination America. Will concur in every constitutional
of the Delegates, 315 measure for obtaining a redress of Grievances.

FOUBTB SeBIES.
 —

CONTENTS. XXXVI
XX XT
1774.
1774, New- Importation : will discourage all Engrossers;
Three sets of Resolutions published in
320 and will dtcline dealing with all who attempt
York, by ilie Chairman, adopt»>d.
that si|?n«l
to defeat their Resolutions, . . - 328
July Letter Committee of Correspondence at
to the
iVw. 7, Committee appointed to inquirewhat progress
28. Philadelphia. After various contests on the
has been made in Collections for the Poor of
appointment of Delegates, regular polls have
Boston, - - 328
been opened in each Ward in the Guy, which
- - - -

has given imiversal satisfaction. Letters sent Meeting of the Citizens called to appoint Com-
mittees of Inspection, agreeably to the Conti-
to the several Comities of the Province re-
Resolves and nental Association, . - - - - 329
questing their co-operation.
Instructions of the Provincial Committee of
Committee appointetl to write to the several
Pennsylvania, much approved, - - 321 Counties, recommending the appointment of
Com- Committees of Inspection, . . - 329
23, Letter to Matthew Tilghman, Chairman of
Resolutions of Mary- 14, Letter to Daniel Dmiscomb, Chairman of the
mittee for Maryland.
land much approved. 1st of September
The Committee of Mechanicks. Requests a Con-
ference with that Committee on the appoint-
proposed by Massachusetts for the meeting of
ment of Committees of Inspection, 329
Congress, agreed to by Eastern Colonies,
except New- Hampshire, from whence no com- Contributors for the Poor of Boston, in the seve-
mmiication has been received on the present ral Counties, requested to transmit their Do-

. 321 nations as speedily as possible to New- York, 329

state of affairs, . - - -

Letter sent to the Committee or Treasurer of the 15, Committee, after their Conference with the Com-
29,
different Counties in the Province. Suggests mittee of Mechanicks, consider their body dis-
the e.xpediency of electing Delegates to Con- solved on the election of a Committee under
the Association of Congress, 330
gress m
the several Counties speedily or to ;
. . -

express their confidence in the Delegates elect- Election of new Committee of Sixty ordered, on
ed in the City, . . . - - 322 the 22d instant, . . - . - 330
Letter from Elizabethtovvn. dated August 5th. 22, The new Committee of Sixty elected. 330
Augt
7, received, . . . - - - 322
Conmiittee appointed to answer a Letter from
Boston, ancf to wait on the Chairman of the CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Mechanicks' Committee, to request the Boston May
Letter to them, . . - . - 322 10, The Port Bill received at Boston, (Note,) 331
Committee appointed to procure Collections to 13, General Gage arrived at Boston, (Note,) 331
relieve the poor of Boston and to request the
;
13, —
To\vn Meeting in Boston Advise the stoppage
assistance of the Coumuttee of Mechanicks in
making the subscriptions,
Election of Delegates in Orange and Albany
... 322
of all Imports from, and all Exports to, Great

is repealed, ...-.-
Britain and the West Indies, till the Port Bill
331
Counties, (Note,) . - - - - 322 This vote ordered to be sent to 11 the Colonics, 331
Letter to the Committee of Correspondence, of Committee appointed to consider what measures
Boston. Explain the cause of their omission are proper for the Town to adopt, in the pre-
to write, and express their regret that the rec- sent emergency, . . . - . 331
titude of their intentions are doubted. Appeal
to their Acts, Letters, and Resolves, to show Marblehead, ......
Committee appointed to consult with Salem and
331
their attachment to the general cause. Defend
the Merchants against the charge of want of
patriotism, made against them, in the Letter to
14,

16,
Paul Revere despatched with Letters to the
Southern Colonies, (Note,)
Election of Committee of Fifty at New- York, to
... 331

the Committee of the Mechanicks. Request

to be furnished with copies of the Letters that
have given rise to the suspicions. The dis- 17,
moment, ......
correspond with the Colonies, on all matters of

General Gtage landed in Boston. Sworn into

293

tresses of the Poor of Boston have engaged office as Governour, and invited to a publick
the earnest attention of tlie Committee, 323 entertainment at Faneuil Hall, (Note,) 331
Letter to the several Counties of the Province. 18. Meeting at Faneuil Hall, Boston, recommend
Urges them to contribute for the relief of the to the People patience, fortitude, and a firm
Poor of Boston. The interest and welfare of a
whole Contment requires that provision should
be made for all sufferers in the common cause. 323 17,
trust in God, -

Votes passed at this Meeting,

Letter received in Boston from Philadelphia.
... 331
332

22. Letter from Suffolk County, dated August 11, Boston need not expect general support from
received. Colonel William Floyd elected a
Delegate for that County, -
Busine.ss of the ensuing Congress discussed, in
- 324
18,
the other Colonics.
will find none,
Letter from
.....
In Pennsylvania they

Samuel Adams, Boston, to Arthur

332

presence of the Delegates, (Note,) - 324 Lee, London. Injustice and barbarity of the
Letter to Zephaniah Piatt, Dutchess Coimty. Port Bill. The Inhabitants view it with in-
Delegates chosen in the City approved. 324 dignation. Have resolved upon a Non-Im-
29, Letters received from Kingston, August, 19 ; portation. Calmness, courage, and unanimity
New- Windsor, August 26; Bedford, August 9; prevail. Suspect studied insult in the appoint-
Mamaroneck, August 7 and White Plains,
; ment of General Gage, 332
August 27 approving the Delegates chosen
; 19, Letter from General GageEarl of Dart-
to the
for the City, 325 mouth. Occurrences at Boston, on his arrival.
Sept. 3. Reported attack on Boston, on the 2d, (Note,) 325 The Committee from Boston to Salem and
5, Letters from Albany, August 27, and Pough- Marblehead received little encouragement.
keepsie, August 31, approving the Resolves The Port Bill has staggered the most presump-
and Delegates for New- York, - • . 326 tuous. The Assembly may be more inclined
19, Letter from Isaac Low, Philadelphia, received. 326 tocomply with the King's expectation at Sa-
Committee appointed to write to Richmond, Kings,
Q.uefns, and Tryon Counties, requesting them
to send Delegates to the Congress now sitting,
17,
June, --.....
lem, where they will be moved after the first of

TowTi Meeting at Providence, Rhode- Island.

333
or to approve of those now tliere, for the Will unite with the other Colonies in measures
Province of New- York, - - . . 326 for protecting and securing their rights. Re-
29, Representation from a number of Inhabitants, commend a Congress of all the Colonies and
signed by Joseph Totten, their President, - 326 Provinces, for establishing the firmest union
30. Conmiittee call a Meeting of the Inhabitants at between tliem. All the English American
tlie City- Hall, this day, to consider Mr. Tot- Colonies equally interested in the Proceedings
ten's Representation, - - - . 326 of Parliament against Boston. Recommend
Conduct of the persons complained of in the Re- the stoppage of all Trade with Great Britain,
presentation, condemned, -
327
- Ireland, Africa, and the West Indies, - 333
Oct. 5, Meeting of Importers called to consider advances 18, Meeting Chestertown, Maryland, on the i»r-
at
upon Goods imported, 328 portation of Dutiable Tea in the Geddes.
-
ImportiTs agree not to put unreasonable advances
No
7 Taxes or Duties can be constinitionally im-
on Goods, from the apprehension of a Non posed without our consent. The Duty on
 — ; 11

xxxni CONTENTS. XXXVIII

1774. 1774.
Tea Whoever imports, buys,
unconstitutional. by a vessel yesterday for London. The friends
or sells stigmatized as enemies to America,
it, 334 of Government, in Boston, procuring signers
May Address to the Freemen of America. Conduct to an Address to Governour Hutchinson, and
18, of Great Britain towards America, a system of are endeavouring to raise money to pay for
oppression. Life, liberty, and property, are the Tea, 344
now but names in America. New- York, May Intelligence received at Philadelphia from Pitts-
Philadelphia, and Charlestown, cannot escape 23, burgh. On the 26th of April, two Indians
the fate of Boston. An union of the Colonies killed on the Ohio, near Wheeling. Michael
will render harmless British vengeance and Cresap believed to be concerned in the murder.
tyranny. Virtue, unanimity, and persever- Cresap had previously declared he would kill
ence, are invincible, - - - - 335 every Indian he met on the River and if he ;

19, Pablick Meeting at Farmington, Coimecticut. could get a sufficient number of men, he would
Liberty Pole erected, and Boston Port Bill mark a Village on Yellow Creek. Another
burnt by the common hangman, - - 336 party of Indians attacked by Cresap. Great-
19, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence, at house and Baker cut off a party at Yellow
Westerly, to the Committee of Boston. Treat- Creek, 34.5
ment of Boston by Great Britain worse than 23. Letter from the New- York Committee to the
that of Carthage by Rome. The attack upon Boston Committee. Advise a General Con-
Boston, an attempt upon the whole Continent. gress of all the Colonies, to be assembled
The other Colonies will unite with the friends without delay; and some unanimous resolution

19,
cause,
Letter from the
.-.--.-
of liberty, in Boston, in support of the common

Committee of Portsmouth, New-

336
formed, not only respecting the deplorable cir-

our common rights, ....

cumstances of Boston, but for the security of
297
Hampshire, to the Boston Committee. The 23, Address of the Episcopal Ministers and Wardens,
British Ministry are endeavouring to disunite in Boston, to Governour Hutchinson, - 346
the Colonies, that they may put down their op- Governour Hutchinson's Answer, - - 346
position. A
firm union of all the Colonies 24, Address of the Justices of the Court of General
will prevent the cruel effects of the Port Bill, 337 Sessions of the Peace, for the County of Suf-
Letter to Lord North, attributed to Edmund folk, Massachusetts, to Governour Gage, - 346
Burke. The rights of the Crown, and the The Governour's Answer, - - - . 347

20,
and Grants,
Letter from a
..-.-.
rights of the Colonies, under various Charters

Member of the
Virginia Assembly,
337
24, Letter from Philadelphia to the Boston Commit-
tee. The cause of Boston the cause of all the
Colonies. Must be supported against the
Williamsburg, to his Correspondent in Lon- whole strength of Great Britain. By sea
don. Resentment in Virginia, on account of they will beat us by land they will not at-
;

die War sent to Boston. It is the universal tempt us. We

must suspend all Trade with
determination to stop the principal Exports to, Great Britain and the West Indies, and with-
and all the Imports from. Great Britain. The hold Flax-seed from Ireland. Stopping our
Assembly, now in session, will agree on mea- Ports entirely, contemplated. We shall try to
sures to be adopted, before they adjourn, - 340 convene a Congress as soon as possible, - 347
20, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Philadelphia. 24, Meeting at Talbot Court House, Maryland, to
Committee of Correspondence appoint^!, - 340 consider the distresses of Boston. Determined
21, Letter from the Committee of Philadelphia to the to pursue every constitutional measure to avert
Boston Committee. It is difficult to collect the the evils threatened by the Boston Port Bill
sense of the People, or to advise what ought to to support the common rights of America, and
be done, on this crisis. The general sense of
this Province, and of all the Colonies, should
be obtained. If satisfying the East India Com- 24,
Britain and the Colonies, ...
to promote union and harmony between Great

Letter from the New- York Committee to the

- 347

pany for the Tea would end the controversy, Philadelphia Committee, - . - . 298
there would be no hesitation on what ought to 24, Letter I, Colo-
to the Inhabitants of the British
be done. A
Congress from all the Colonies, nies in America, on the present disputes with
preferred by the People of Pennsylvania, to a Great Britain, 348
Non-Importation and Non-Exportation Agree-
ment. Will endeavour to collect the sense of
Pennsylvania, and the neighbouring Colonies,
HOUSE OF BURGESSES OF VIRGINIA.
on these important points, - - - - 341 May Resolution of the House of Burgesses of Virgi-
20, Cluestions and Answers, on paying for the Tea, 24, nia, setting apart the first day of June
be ob- to

(Note,) 295 served, by the Members of the House, as a day

20, Letter from Gouverneur Morris, New- York, of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, - 350
to Mr. Penn, Philadelphia. Proceedings in 26, Assembly of Virginia dissolved by Lord Dun-
New- York, on the appointment of the Com- more, - - 350
mittee. His opinions on the state of parties in 27, Association agreed to and signed by eighty-nine
New- York. A safe compact for re-union
with the parent state, is to leave internal Tax-
ation to the Colonics, and to vest the regula- 29,
Virginia, ......
Members of the late House of Burgesses of

Members of the late House of Burgesses remain-

350

tion of Trade in Great Britain. His reasons ing in Tovm convened by Peyton Randolph ;

for this as the only possible mode of re-union, 343 who, on considering the important Letters re-
20, To^^^l Meeting at Newport, Rhode- Island. ceived this day, by express, from Boston, Phil-
The Boston Port Bill subversive of American adelphia, and Annapolis, ordered the other
Liberty. The same authority may destroy Members near the City to be called together, 35
the Trade of every other Colony. Will unite 30, Twenty-five Members met, and unanimously
with the other Colonies, in all proper mea- agreed to postpone the further consideration of
sures, to place the rights of each on a perma- the subject to the first of August when; it is

nent foundation, and particularly in a stoppage expected a Non- Importation Agreement will
of all Trade with Great Britain and the West be entered into, and Resolutions to suspend, at
Indies, 343 some future day, Exports to Great Britain, - 35
Company Ne\vport for carrying on Woollen
at Juru 1, Divine Service, at Williamsburg, in compliance
Manufactures in the Colony. Wool enough with the Resolution of the Burgesses, of the
raised to clothe all the Inhabitants, (Note,) - 344 24th of May, (Note,) - - - - 351
20, Letter from General Gage to Governour Trum-
bull. Informs him of his appointment as
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Governour of Massachusetts, and expresses
his readiness to co-operate for the good of his May Letter fromLord Dunmore, Williamsburg, to

344 the Earl of Dartmouth. Resolution of the

Majesty's service, . - - . . 29,
21, Letter from the Boston Committee, in reply to House of Burgesses to deny and oppose the
one from sundry Gentlemen in New- York. authority of Parliament offered by Robert
Thanks for their unsolicited offer of assistance. Carter Nicholas, Treasurer of the Province.
Letters countermanding orders for Goods sent Dissolved the Assembly, with the unanimous
 . ;

XXX IX CONTENTS. XX.

1774.
1774.
consent of the Council. Will not call another May Committee appointed by the Assembly of New-
till he hears from the Earl of Dartmouth. Ma- 28, Hampshire, to correspond with the Committees
in the other Colonies, - 361
ny of the dissolved Members state that if the - - -

full force of the Resolution had been adverted The Speaker directed to answer such Letters as
to, it would have met with strong opposition, 352 he may receive from the other Colonies rela-
May Meetiiip; at Annapolis, Maryland. The suffer- between Great Britain
tive to the Difficulties

26, inp of Boston, the common cause of America. and the Colonies, and to assure them that this
A stoppage of Trade with Great Britain will Assembly will join them in all measures for
preserve North America and her Liberties. saving the rights of America, - - - 361
Gentlemen of the Law in the Province should The Govemour authorized to enlist five Men for

bring no suit for the recovery of a debt due to Fort William and Mary, - - - - 361
Hn Inhabitant of Great Britain, until the Boston
Port Act be repealed. The Inhabitants of
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Annajiolis will, and the Province ought, im-
mediately to break offall Trade with the Colo- May Address of Merchants and Traders of the Town
ny or Province which shall refuse to adopt 28, of Boston, presented to Govemour Hutchinson, 361
similar Resolutions with a majority of the Answer of Govemour Hutchinson, - - 362
Colonies. Committee appointed to unite with 24, Protest of the Merchants and Traders of the
others of the Province, to effect an Association TowTi of Boston, unanimously votfd, at a full
to secure American Liberty, . . - 352 Meeting, against a Paper called an Address
2G,

27,
Annapolis, on the 24th, ...
Objections to the Proceedings at the Meeting at

Another Meeting, held at Annapolis, confirmed

- 353
29,
to Govemour Hutchinson, handed about, and
signed, in a private manner, - -

Address presented to Govemour Hutchinson, by

- 362

the Resolutions passed on the 24th, - - 353 several Gentlemen of the Law, . . - 363
30, Protest of a number ofInhabitants of Annapolis Answer of Govemour Hutchinson, - - 363
against the Resolution adopted on the 27th, 30, Letter from Bedford, Pennsylvania. Alarms on
A
residing in Great Britain, ...
asrainst bringing suits for debts due to Persons

Letter from Daniel Dulany, Jim., Annapolis, to

- 353
the Frontiers on account of the Indians.
ty of the Shawanese
tack some part of Virginia,
out, it
par-
is
...
supposed to at-
364
Arthur Lee. Notice of the Proceedings on 30, "Join or Die!" An
Appeal to the People to unite
the 24th. He opposed one of the Resolutions. in resisting the Parliament, and supporting Bos-
TheResolutions are not to be obligatory until ton, 364
they are agreed to by a majority of the Colo- 30, Address from the Magistrates of Middlesex Coun-
nies, and the several Counties of this Province,
Resolutions adopted by the House of Representa-
tives of the English Colony of Connecticut,
354

355 30,
Mr. Hutchinson's Answer, ....
ty, Massachusetts, to Govemour Hutchinson,

A Meeting of a number of Persons of all societies,

364
365

1 The King of Great Britain recognised as their in Philadelphia, determine to suspend all busi-
lawful Sovereign, - . . - . 355 ness on the first of June, the day the Boston
2. The Lihabitants of the Colony have all the Port Bill takes effect, (Note,) - - - 365

Realm of England,
the ....
rights and privileges of Subjects bom within
355
30, Committee of the Society of Quakers inform the
Publick that no person was authorized to repre-
3.

4.
The Assembly of the Colony
Representatives thereof, ....
the only lawful

It is the right of the Inhabitants of the Col-

356 ness on the first of Jime, ....
sent them at the Meeting for suspending busi-

June 1, People of Philadelphia, except the Friends, sus-

365

ony to be governed only by their own Assem- pend all business nine-tenths shut up their
;

bly, in Taxing and Internal Police, - - 356 houses. The Bells were rang muffled; and
5. Admiralty Courts, with extraordinary powers, Vessels in the Port had their Colours half
destructive of the rights of the People of the hoisted, (Note,) 365
Colony, 356 6, Rector of Christ's Church, Philadelphia, ac-
6. Carrj-ing Persons beyond the Sea, for Trial, quaints the Publick that the Bells of that

7.
unconstitutional,
of the Colony,
A
-.--..
and subversive of the rights

Port can only be shut up by the Legisla-

356
Church were not rang, on the 1st, with his
knowledge or approbation: he specially
rected there should be no observance of that
di-

ture of the Colony in which it is situated, - 356 day in any of the Churches under his care,
8. Closing the Port of Boston, by Act of Parlia- (Note,) 365

...
ment, inconsistent with the rights and liberties
of the Colonies in America,
9. Whenever his Majesty's service shall require
355
May Queen Anne County, Maryland, Resolutions. The
30, cause of Boston, the common cause of America
all legal means should be adopted to procure
the aid of this Colony, it wll be granted, - 356 the repeal of the Boston Port Bill. All com-
10. The well-being and security of the Colony mercial intercourse with Great Britain should
depends on its connection with Great Britain, 356 be stopped until that Act is repealed, and the
11. It is our duty, by all lawful means, to defend right assumed by Parliament, for taxing Ame-
and preserve our rights and liberties, - - 357 rica, in all cases whatsoever, be given up. Com-
25,

26,
Counsellors elected, .....
Meeting of Assembly of Massachusetts,

Counsellors rejected by the Govemour, -

-

-
357
357
357 30,
mittee of Correspondence and Intercourse ap-
pointed,
Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Lon-
366

Govemour's Speech to both Houses. Informs don, (Note,) 299

them that after the first of June, in compliance 31, Bakimore County, Maryland, Resolutions. The
with the King's particular commands, the Gen- duty of every Colony in America to' imite to
eral Court will be held at Salem, - - 357 obtain a repeal of the Boston Port Bill. This
25, Address presented to Govemour Hutchinson, by County will join with the Province to stop
sundry Gentlemen of Marblehead, - - 358 Trade with Great Britain and the West Indies.
Govemour Hutchinson's Answer, - - - 358 Provincial Ccngress recommended; to be held
JuHC 3, Declaration of Marblehead, relative to the Ad- at Annapolis. Maryland should break offall
dress from sundry Inhabitants of the Town to intercourse with any Colony who shall refuse
Govemour Hutchinson; unanimously
a legal Town Meeting, .... voted at
359
to come into similar
jority of the Colonies.
pondence appointed,
Resolutions with a ma-
Committee of Corres-
365
31, Letter from Govemour Perm to the Earl of
NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASSEMBLY.
Dartmouth. An Express despatched to Phil-
May Assembly of New-Hampshire authorize the en- adelphia, from Boston, with a proposal to stop
27, listment of three Men,be posted at his Ma-
to all "Tradi' with Great Britain. In consequence

mand of one Officer, ....

jesty's Fort, William and Mary, under the com-

Message from Govemour Wentworth to the As-

^qq
of this a Meeting was held, where the matter
was considered and debated. It was resolved
to petition the Govemour to convene the Gen-
sembly. He does not think it safe to entrust so eral Assembly on the occasion. Should so af-
important a Fortress to the care and defence of frontive an application be made, will treat it as
three Men and one Officer, , . . 350 it deserves, 367
xr.i CONTENTS. XLII
1774.
1774.
Miy Letter from Governour Franklin, Burlington, to erally agreed on. Have requested the Govern-
31, the Earl of Dartmouth. Difficult to foresee our to convene the Assembly before the first of
what will be the consequences of the Boston August, 380
Port Act. The Merchants of New- York and June 2, Letter received in Philadelphia from a Gentleman
Philadelphia, though inclined to co-operate in Boston. Closing the Port. Proposition to
with Boston, unwilling to enter into a Gen- pay for the Tea. General Gage ordered the
eral Non-Importation and Non-Exportation removal of the Province Money from Boston
Agreement. A Congress has been proposed, to Salem. Treasurer refused to comply, - 380
but whether it will take place is uncertain, - 368 2, Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Eng-
31, Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Lon- land, 302
don, (Note,) 299 2, Letter from the Committee of Norfolk, Virginia,
31 , Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart- to the Baltimore Committee. The late Acts of
mouth. Doubtful whether the other Colonies Parliament viewed as fatal to the liberties of
will give Boston any thing but good words. the Colonies, and as a publick robbery of our
The violent seem to break, and the People to rights. The policy of attacking a Town or
fall off from them. The Assembly hurrying Province singly, will never so delude, as to dis-
through their business, to avoid meeting at unite us from a joint and universal opposition
Salem, were suddenly adjourned by him to meet of all British America, - - - - 371
there on the 7th of June. The Officers of 3, Letter from the Committee of Norfolk, Virginia,
the Customs leave Boston to-morrow, and the to the Boston Committee. Are not indifferent
Admiral has stationed his Ships. No design spectators of the distresses of Boston, under the
has yet appeared of opposing the Act. Many cruel exertion of British power. Observed the
wish for the arrival of the Troops People will
; first of June as a day of fasting and prayer.

speak openly then, which they now dare not Consider Boston as suffering in the common
do, 368 cause, and feel bound by the most solemn and
31, Letter from John Scollay, Boston, Arthur Lee.
to sacred ties to support them in every measure to
Injurious effects that will be felt by the whole regain their rights and privileges, - - 371
Province from the Boston Port Bill. Although 3, Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to General
it was intended to ruin the Town, yet out of Gage. Encloses Acts for the better govern-
this management of Lord North's, instead of ment of, and the administration of Justice in,
despotism and tyranny over the Colonies, a Massachusetts Bay. The King has nominated
foundation for peace and harmony with Great thirty-six persons for the Council of Massachu-
Britain will be laid. The Colonies do not setts. Mr. Oliver, of Cambridge, appointed
wish for Independence, and they are too valu- Lieutenant Governour. Instructions. Vio-
able for the Crown to part with, - - 369 lences must be resisted with firmness. The Acts
31,

31,
Information of the Boston Port Bill received
with indignation at Charlestown, S. Carolina,
Letter from the Norfolk, Virginia, Committee, to
370
3,
whole Empire, .....
of Parliament must he obeyed throughout the

Letter from the Committee of Correspondence for

38O

the Committee at Charlestown, South Carolina. Connecticut to the Committee of Correspond-

The time has come when the closest union is ence for Boston. The Assembly at their ses-
necessary. The Boston Port Bill is an attack sion, which closed this day, came to Resolu-
upon the liberties of us all. We
look to Charles- tions relative to their and privileges.
rights
town as among those to take the lead in the gen- Resolves of Colonies will have more weight
eral establishment of the rights of the Colonies. than those of the Merchants of separate Towns;
Fear Boston will sink under the weight of and measures recommended by the whole
their misfortunes. Approve of the expediency tmited Colonies will have still greater weight
of a Congress. If, after all, the India Com- and influence, - . . - . 304
pany must be reimbursed, every freeman will 4, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence for
cheerfully join in the general expense, - 370 Connecticut to the New. York Committee, en-
June 1, Letter from Lieutenant Governour Colden, New- closing a copy of the preceding Letter, which
York, to the Earl of Dartmouth.
time the Boston Port Bill was received in
New- York, the men who called themselves the
At the

4,
Hampshire, ......
they have also sent to Rhode-Island and New-

The King's birth-day. Not a house illuminated

304

Committee, were, many of them, of the lower at Charlestown; no demonstrations of joy,

rank, and all the warmest zealots of those called (Note,) 382
the Sons of Liberty. The principal Inhabi- 4, Address to the People of Charlestown, South
tants, at a meeting held after the Port Act was Carolina, 382
published, dissolved this Committee and appoint- 4, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Resolutions.
ed a new one, of the prudent people of the city. Duty of all the Colonies to unite for obtaining
No Resolutions have yet been adopted by this a repeal of the Boston Port Bill. A stoppage
Colony, 372 of Trade with Great Britain and the West
1, Letter from Major General Haldimand, New- Indies the most effectual means to obtain a
York, to the Earl of Dartmouth. Since the repeal. Provincial Congress recommended;
latevigorous measures of Parliament, the loyal Members for Anne Arundel County appointed, 384
Inhabitants fear not to disapprove the rash pro- Questions submitted to the consideration of the
ceedings of their Countrymen. This has pre- Committee for Anne Arundel County, (Note,) 385
vented the passage of Resolutions to stop Trade 4, Letter received at New-York from a Gentleman
with Great Britain and the West Indies, - 373 of Philadelphia. Some of the friends of Bos-
1, Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Scot- ton here are too warm, and wish to push all
land, (Note,) - 302 things into confusion. Our Letter, (of May
I, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Resolutions. Will 21,) moderate, yet warm and firm enough, - 386
concur in every proper measure adopted by 4, Letter from Joseph Johnson, an Indian of the

I,
the Colonies respecting Boston.
of Correspondence appointed, -
Committee
. .

Letter II, to the Inhabitants of the British Colo-

373
6,
Mohegan Tribe, to Jonathan Trumbull, Gov-
ernour of Connecticut,
Letter from the Earl of Dunmore, Williamsburg,
.... 386

nies in America. An examination of the Acts to the Earl of Dartmouth. Cannot tell to what
relating to America, - - - - - 374 lengths the People of Virginia will be indu.
1, An Address to all the English Colonies of North ced to proceed. Members of the late House of
America. Effects and consequences of the Burgesses, after the arrival of the Boston mes-
Boston Port Bill, 377 senger, called a meeting of the People, and pro.
2, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Kent County, Ma- posed to them to agree to the violent measures
ryland. Committee of Correspondence ap- adopted at Annapolis, which, that they may be
pointed. Delegates to the Provincial Con- more solemnly entered into, have deferred the
gress at Annapolis, chosen. Collections made execution of it to the first day of Aiigust,
for the suffering Poor of Boston, - - 379 when all the Members of the late House of
2, Letter from a Member of the Assembly of New- Burgesses are required to attend, . - 387
Jersey. Meeting of a Committee at New- G, Meeting of the Freeholders, Merchants and
Brunswick. Will do whatever may be gen- other Inhabitants of the County of Prince
 —

CONTENTS. XLIV
XLIII

1774.
William, and
of Virginia, •*".'"
Town of Dumfries, in the Colony
388
1774.
per for the consideration of a General Congress
of Deputies from the different Colonies what
can or will be done, must be submitted to the
;

June

6,
6, Letter
ton.
the Tea, --.•"
from Philadelphia to a Gentlenwn in Bos-
Reasons why Boston should not pay fof

Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the

388
wisdom of their united Councils,
Jvne Letter from Norwich, in England, to a Gentleman
13. in New- York. Distresses of Manufacturers
- - 306

Township of Lower Freehold, in the County

of Monmouth, in New-Jersey, . - - 390
in England, in consequence of the measures of
Parliament towards America, ...
Virginia. War
404
Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Nor- 13, Intelligence at W'illiamsburg,

....
6,
with the Indians, 405
wich, in the Colony of Connecticut, legally
wamtxl and convened, 390 13, Meeting of Mechanicks at Philadelphia, held on
Thursday evening, the 9th, - - - 405
7, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Essex County,
New- Jersey, called, . - - - -
- 391 13, Letter from George Clymer, Philadelphia, to

7, Letter from the Committee of New- York to the Josiah Quincy, Jim. New- York and Penn-
Committee of Correspondence in Boston, 303 sylvania object to the suspension of Tr.ide pro-
Offer by the Merchants and Traders of Marble- posed by Boston. Pennsylvania appears de-
7,
terminetl on the Congress. General Subscrip-
head, of their Stores and Wharves, to their op-
pressed brethren of Boston, during the opera- tion opened for relief of Boston, - - 406
tion of the Boston Port Bill, . . - 391 13, Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Parish of
Petition ofsundry Inhabitants of the Province of Soutifi-Haven, in theCounty of Suffolk, New-
8,
Pennsylvania to Governour Penn, to call to- York, - - - - - - - 407
gether the Assembly, on occasion of the late 13, Meeting of the General Committee, Charlestown,

Boston,
Answer
...
Act of Parliament respecting the Town of

of the Governour.
- ". .*

Does not think it

391
South Carolina. General Meeting of the Col-
ony called, to consider of the steps proper to
be taken in consequence of the late hostile Act
expedient or consistent with his duty, - - 391 of the British i'arliament against Boston, - 408
8, Meetmg of the Freeholders and other Inhabit- 13, Letter from CharlestowTi, South Carolina, to a
ants of the County of Frederick, in Virginia, Gentleman of New- York. Merchants now

8,
Winchester,
Letter from
...---
and Grentlemen practising at the Bar, held in

Governour Wentworth to the

-

Earl
392 14.
generally in favour of Non- Importation,

adelphia.
-

Letter from Charlestown, South Carolina, to Phil-

Charlestown will join in whatever
408

of Dartmouth. Took pains to prerail upon New-York and Philadelphia may adopt, - 408
tlie Assembly not to enter into extra Provincial 14, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Charles County,
measures yet Committees of Correspondence Maryland, 409
;

were appointed. They were adjourned imme- 15, Letter IV, to the Inhabitants of the British Colo-
diately, and, since then, kept under short ad- nies in America, - - - - - 41
journments, in hopes to obtain a suspension of 15, Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Borough of
their votes. Dissolved the Assembly this day, 393 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, - - - - 415
8, Message from Governour Wentworth to the As- 15. Resolutions of the General Assembly of the Eng-
sembly of New-Hampshire. Measures en- lish Colony of Rhode-Island and Providence
tered into by the House inconsistent with his Plantations. Firm and inviolable union of all
Majesty's service. His duty to prevent any the Colonies absolutely necessary for the pre-
detriment that might arise from such Proceed- servation of their rights and liberties. Dele-

8,
ings therefore dissolves the Assembly,
;

Expressat Williamsburg from Pittsburgh. Shaw-

anese have declared war against the Whites,
394

394 16,
gates to the Continental Congress appointed
Instructions to the Delegates,
Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit-
... 416

8,
onies in America,
Letter to the
.....
Letter III, to the Inhabitants of the British Col-

Author of the Letters to the Inhab-

394 16,
17.
ants of the County of Dunmore, Virginia,
The British American, No. 4, ...
-

Writs for an election of a new Assembly ordered

417
418

of the British Colonies in America,

itants 395 by the Governour and Council of Virginia, - 419
Address of the Boston Committee sent to the Peo- Address to the Gentlemen, Freeholders, and

......
8, 17,
ple of every Town in the Province, with the others, in the County of New-Castle, upon
Covenant, 397 Delaware. Enumeration of Grievances. Meet-
Form
Massachusetts, .....
of the Covenant sent to every

Address of Merchants, Traders, and others, of

Town in
397 mended, ......
ing of the Inliabitants of the Coimty recom-

Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of East-

419

.......
8, 17,
Boston, presented to Governour Gage, at Sa-
lem,
....
CJovernour Gage's Answer,
398
399 17,
York, .......
Hampton, in the County of Suffolk, New-

Resolutions of the House of Representatives of

420

8, Resolutions of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts. A

Congress highly expedient
Massachusetts. Convening the General As- and necessary, to consult upon the present
sembly at any other place than Boston, uime- state of the Colonies. Delegates on the part
cessarily, a great Grievance, - 399 of the Province appointed. Discontinuance
9, Answer of the House of Representatives to the of the use of India Teas, and of the use of all

the Session, ......

Speech of Governour Gage, at the opening of
400
Goods and Manufactures imported from the
East Indies and Great Britain, recommended.
9, Answer
Speech, .......
of the Council to the Governour's
400
Encouragement of American Manufactures,
recommended, - - - - - 421
13, Committee of the Covuicil presented the Address
to the Governour. The Chairman
.... not permit-
17.
Gage, .......
The General Assembly dissolved by Governour
422

13,
ted to read it

Messageof Governour Gage

through,
to the Coimcil. His
reason for refiising to receive the Address.
401 17. Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit-
ants of the
None at the
Town
Meeting
of Boston,
in fiivour of
...
paying for the
423

front to himself, .....

Considers it an insult to the King, and an af-
401
Tea, (Note,)
All the Colonies in motion. Subscriptions for
423

1 1, Address of Merchants and others, Inhabitants of

Salem, to Governour Gage, ...
.... 401 18,
support of Boston Poor, (Note,) -

....
Address of Merchants and Freeholders of Salem,
- 423

11,
Answer of the Governour,

......
Meeting of the Inhabitants of Harford County,
402 to Governour Gage,
Answer of the Governour, .... 424
425

11,
Maryland,
Meeting of the Freemen in the lower part of
Frederick County, Maryland, ...
402

403
18,

18,
Maryland, ......
Meeting of the Inhabitants of Caroline County,

Meeting of the Freeholders and Freemen of the

425

11, Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of City and County of Philadelphia, - - 426

11,
the County of Essex, New-Jersey,
Letter from the New- York Committee to the
Committee of Correspondence for Connecticut, 305 18,
Meeting, - ....
SpeecL of the Reverend William Smith at the

Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of

407

1 1 Letter from the New- York Committee to Bernard the County of Chester, Pennsyh-ania,
,
- - 428
Liutot. The hints he has furnished very pro- 18. Letter from Governour Franklm, Burlington, to
 1
1

CONTENTS. XLVI
1774.
1774.
the Earl of Dartmouth, Transmits a copy June Extracts of Letters received in Philadelphia, from
of the Resolutions adopted at the Meeting in
Essex County. Has refused to convene the
Assembly in August. The other Counties are
24,

24,
Pittsburgh.
tl»e Pennsylvanians, ....
Connolly's proceedings against

Letter from the Committee of Correspondence

449

expected to follow the example of Essex but ;

appointed by the Assembly of New- York, to
doubtful whether they will agree to a gen-
it is the Committee of Correspondence for Connec-
eral Non-Importation.
seems to be a Congress, ....
Their principal aim
428 25,
ticut, - -

Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of

306

June Letter from Fort Pitt to Philadelphia. Connolly

19. refused protection to three Shawanese who had
escorted the Traders in with their Peltry; 26,
---...
the County of Bergen, in the Province of
New-Jersey,
Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
450

Sent a party to cut them off. Logan returned mouth. The General Court dissolved by Proc-
to the Shawanese Towns with thirteen Scalps, 428 lamation outside of the door. Several Gentle-
Letter from Boston to New- York. Attempts men, encouraged by the late Resolutions of

......
19,
to procure an Agreement to pay for the Tea, Government, are endeavouring to procure a
defeated, 430 compliance with the Boston Port Bill. Nei-
20, Address to the Lrhabitants of the Province of ther New- York, Philadelphia, nor Boston will
South Carolina, . . . . - 430 agree to a Non-Importation, though a Con-
20, Letters from southern parts of North Carolina. gress of some sort may be obtained. The ar-
Inhabitants there, recommend
be set on foot throughout the Continent for re-
lief of the most distressed in Boston,
that Collections

433 27,
ri\'al

of Government, .....
of Troops has given spirits to the friends

Peace Talk from the Creek Indians sent to Au-

450

20, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Frederick Coun- gusta, Georgia. General Meeting of all the
ty, iVIaryland, - . . - - - 433 Warriors of the Creek Nation called. The
20, Letter from
Quincy, Jun.
Jolm Dickinson,

in favour of a Congress,
The
Fairhill, to Josiah

....
Colonies very unanimous
434 27,
in case of War, .....
Cherokecs have engaged to join the Creeks

Meeting of the Committee of Correspondence of

451

20, "An
relief, .......
American." On the means of obtaining
434 27,
Norfolk and Portsmouth, in Virginia,
Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of
- 45

21,

21,
Letter from Cave Cumberland.
caused by Cresap and Greathouse,
Indian War

Meeting of the Justices, Gentlemen of the Bar,

435
27,
New-Jersey, -

Letter from Huntington, to a

.....
the County of Morris, in the Province of East

Gentleman in New-
452

22,
and principal Inhabitants of Northampton
County, Pennsylvania,
Letter from England to a Gentleman in New-
.... 435
21,
York. Enclosing Resolutions unanimously
adopted in Tovvti Meeting,
General Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of
... 453

York. State of affairs in England, 436 Huntington, in Suffolk Coimty, New- York, 453
22, Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit- 27, Letter from Captain John Connolly, Pittsburgh,
ants of the County of Westmoreland, in Vir- to a Gentleman in Philadelphia. Has sent a
ginia, 437 detachment to protect the Settlements about
22, Maryland Convention. Delegates to the Con- Red Stone from the Shawanese, - - - 454
vention. Resolutions. —
Duty of every Colony
to unite against Boston Port Bill. Should
stop Trade with Great Britain if the Act is COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.
not repealed. Instructions to Deputies to the June
Congress. Subscriptions to be opened in the 27, Meeting of the Council, at Philadelphia, - 454
several Counties for distressed Inhabitants of 17, Report of James Tilghman and Andrew Allen,
Boston. Deputies to the Congress appointed. Commissioners appointed by the Honourable
Will break off Trade with the Colony, Prov- John Penn, Esq., Governour of Pennsylvania,
ince or Tovra, that shall refuse to unite in such to treat with the Right Honourable the Earl of
measures as may be adopted by the Congress, 438 Dunmore, Governour of Virginia, on sundry
22, Reflections on appointing Delegates to the Gen- publick matters, - - - - - 454
eral Congress. Different modes of appointing May Letter from James Tilgliman and Andrew Allen,

22,
examined. The appointment by Provincial
Conventions recommended,
Letter from the General Association of Congre-
... 441
23,
24,
Williamsburg, to Lord Dunmore,
Letter from Lord Dunmore, Williamsburg, to
James Tilghman and Andrew Allen,
- -

-
455

456
gational Ministers in Connecticut, to the
Clergymen in Boston,
Answer to the preceding Letter prepared but not
....
;
442
25,

26,
Letter from James Tilghman and Andrew Allen,
Williamsburg, to Lord Dunmore,
Letter from Lord Dunmore, Williamsburg, to
- - 457

sent, through the confusion of the times. 443 James Tilghman and Andrew Allen, - - 459
22, Address of the Justices of the County of Wor- 27, Letter from James Tilghman and Andrew Allen,

23,
cester, in Massachusetts, to Governour Gage,
Answer of the Governour,
Letters from Fort Pitt. White
....Inhabitants killed
444
445
28,
Williamsburg, to Lord Dmimore, -

June Letter from Governour Penn, Philadelphia, to

Sir William Johnson. Requests his interposi-
- 461

by the Indians, 445 tion and influence to induce the Six Nations to
23, Extract from the Proceedings of the Town of become mediators between Pennsylvania and
Windham, in Connecticut. Addresses to Gov- the Shawanese and Delawares, - - - 461

23,
Boston,
Letter from
.......
ernour Hutchinson, an insult to the Town of

Richard Henry Lee to Samuel

445
28, Letter from Governour Penn to Lord Dunmore.
Danger of a general Indian War, unless Peim-
sylvania and Virginia prevent further progress
Adams. His Resolutions prepared to be of- of hostilities. Conduct of Doctor Connolly;
fered the day before the Assembly was dissolv- his Military operations dangerous to the peace
ed by Lord Dunmore. After the dissolution, of the Colonies in general. Hopes Lord Dun-
proposed to the Members the plan of a Con- more does not encourage Connolly in the out-
gress. Indian War has compelled the Govern- rages laid to his charge, - - - - 46
our a new Assembly.
to call When they 28, Letter from Governour Penn to Arthur St. Clair.
meet, will adopt measures for redress of Griev- Measures should be taken to prevent the re-
ances, 445 moval of the White Inhabitants from the Fron-
Letter from Samuel Adams to Richard Henry tiers, and to induce those who have gone to re-

Lee. Inhabitants of Boston encouraged to turn. Has convened the Assembly, who will
persevere by intelligence from every part of adopt measures to afford effectual relief; in the
the Continent. Lord North has made no pre- mean time he will send further supplies of Am-
paration for the effects of such an union. 447 mmiition, 462
24, Address to the Publick, from the Committee of May Letter from Arthur St. Clair, Ligonier, to Gov-
Charlestown, South Carolina, appointed to re- 29, ernour Penn. Alarm among the People. A

24.
ceive and forward Donations for the
Boston,
Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of
Poor of
448 defence of Frontiers,
June 3 Letter from John Montgomery, Carlisle, to Gov-
,
....
company of one hundred Rangers formed for
453

Spottsylvania County, Virginia, - 448 ernour Penn. People in Westmoreland Coun-

 1

JXVII
CONTENTS. XLVIII
1774.
1774.
ty in great conftision
Ammunition; unless
; in want of Arms and
specxlily furnished they
- 4G3
May Message
21,
21,
Newcomer's Town, ....
received from the Delaware Chiefs at

Answer to the Message of the Delaware Chiefs,

478
478
must leave the Country, * " '
.

June Letter from John Montgomery, Carlisle, to Wil- 25, Answer of the Delawares to the Condolence
Speeches, . . . . - - 479
liam Allen. Distresses of the Country. Dela-
3,
ware Indians well disposed, but Shawanese de-
ttrmint-d on war. Chie hundred Men raised to Speeches, ......
Answer of the Shawanese to the Condolence
479
ran^e from Fort Pitt to Ligonicr. Other pre-
parations for Defence,
Indian Intellis'ence. Traders on the Muskingum
. . . - 4G4
26,

26,
and Delawares, ....
Speech of Arthur St Clair to the Six Nations
-

Speech to the Delawares, on receiving their An-

480
5,
safe the ShawTinese had taken preat pains in swer to the Condolence Speeches, 480

...
;

protecting them. Shawanese quiet. party A Reply of Captain White Eyes, . . - 481
of Mingoes out; gone agamst that part of June 1, Arrival of Moravian Indians, 481
Virginia where their friends were killed,
Letter'from Arthur
ernour Penn.
St. Clair,
Has hitherto thought there
Liiurel Hill, to Gov-
464 5,

May
Messengers from Newcomer, with intelligence.
Answer sent by the Messengers,
Answer of Lord Dunmore, at Williamsburg, to
... 481
482

would be no war, now thinks otherwise, 4G5 29, the Speech of the Six Nations and Delawares,
Letter from Arthur St. Clair, Ligonier,to Govem- at Pittsburgh, May 9th, 482
our Penn.
an, ..-.-.-
Encloses Letter from Mr. Crogh-
465
Ja-«« 9, Message Lord Dunmore's Speech to
sent with
the Six Nations and Delawares, 483
Letter from George Croghan to Arthur St. Clair.
Employing the Rangers, in Pennsylvania, has
22, Letter from William Thompson, in Cumberland
Coimty, to Governour Penn, ... 483

10,
alanned Connolly.
prevent settlement of disputes,
Letter from Ale.xander
Measures of Connolly

M'Kee, Agent
... for Indian
to
465
26, Letter from Arthur St. Clair, at Ligonier, to Gov-
ernour Penn. Connolly has sent in pursuit of
the Shawanees who escorted the Traders, 483
Affairs at Fort Pitt. Hostilities between In- 25, Memorial from the Inhabitants of Pittsburgh, !»
dians and Virginians. Indians have given Governour Penn. Request relief from their
proof of their pacifick disposition. Reason to sufferings under the arbitrary proceedings of
tear the war will become general, - - 466 Doctor Connolly, . . . . - 483
12, Letter from Arthur St. Clair, Ligonier, to Gov- 25, Statement of the Grievances of the People of
ernour Penn. Inhabitants of the Frontiers
alarmed, and retire to the Forts, or leave the
Country. In the Valley they still make a
duct of Doctor Connolly, ...
Pittsburgh, occasioned by the tyrarmical con-
484

stand.
be known, ......
The intention of the Indians will soon
466 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
12,

10.
ernour Penn, ......
Letter from Devereux Smith, Pittsburgh, to Gov-

Letter from Devereux Smith, Pittsburgh, to Dr.

467
June Letter from the Committee of Correspondence of
28, the Assembly of Pennsylvania, to the Commit-
tee of Correspondence of Massachusetts Bay.
Smith. Extension of the Virginia Settlements The great cause of American Rights should
the cause of the dissatisfaction of the Indians. be left to the Representatives in every Colony.
Account of the origin and progress of the In- Until this shall be fairly tried and fail, no other
dian hostilities. Connolly determined on a mode should be attempted. A
Congress, con-
war with the Indians. His violent proceedings stitutionally chosen, to ascertain our rights, and
against the Pennsylvania Magistrates, - - 467 establish a political union between Great Bri-
14, Letter from .(Eneas Mackay, Pittsburgh, to Gov- tain and the Colonies, would effectually secure
ernour Penn. - - - - • -471 to Americans their future rights and privileges, 485
16, Letter from Clair to Governour Penn.
Arthur St. Remarks on the preceding Letter, (Note,) - 486
A further account of the proceedings of Con- 27, Address to the People of Boston, on paying for
nolly, and of the Indian War. Delawares still the Tea, 487
friendly to Pennsylvania, - - . - 47 27, Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit-
19,

20,
Letter from William Thompson, Cumberland
County, to Governour Penn,
Letter from Lord Dunmore, at Williamsburg, to
... 473
ants of the Town of Boston, at Faneuil Hall.
Correspondence of the Committee ordered to be
produced and read. Motion to censure and an-
Captain John Connolly. Approves his build- nihilate the Committee. Gentlemen in favour
ing a Fort at Wheeling, and of marching into of the motion patiently heard at their request
;

the Shawanese Towns. Ad\nses him to make the Meeting adjourned tmtil to-morrow morn-
prisoners of as many Women and Children as ing. The qtiestion then taken, and the mo-

22,
he can; and not to make peace mitil the Indians
are effectually chastised,
Letter from Arthur St.
....
Clair, at Ligonier, to Gov-
473
29,
the Committee approved, ....
tion rejected by a vast majority. Conduct of

Protest against the Proceedings of the Town

439

ernour Perm. Two of the principal Traders Meeting in Boston, held on the 27th of June;
arrived safe at Pittsburgh, under protection of against the doings of the Committee of Cor-
Sliawanese Chiefs.
party to
Chiefs.
make prisoners
Those about Fort
Connolly ordered out a
of the
Pitt,
Shawanese
(now Fort Dun- 29,
and Covenant, .....
respondence, and against the Solemn League

Proclamation by Governour Gage, for discour-

499

more,) intent on a war. Has had a meeting with aging of certain illegal Combinations. The
some Six Nations and some Delawares, and League and Covenant an unlawful instrument,
made them a present, in the name of the Gov- and the Letter of the Committee accompany-
ernour. Logan returned with thirteen Scalps ing it, scandalous, traitorous, and seditious.

18,
to the Chiefs, ......
and one Prisoner, and says he will now listen

Proclamation by John Connolly, at Fort Dun-

473
All persons cautioned against signing the Co-
venant,
Remarks upon
- - - - .

the Proclamation, (Note,)

- -491
- 492
more. Prohibits intercourse with the Indians, 475 29, Meeting of the Freeholders and Freemen of the

Transactions, .....
Extracts from Mr. M'Kee's Journal of Indian
475-483
County of Richmond, in Virginia, - -

Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of

492

JMay

3,
1, Message King Custologa, Captains White
to
Eyes, Pipe, and other Chiefs, - 475
Conference, at Colonel Croghan's, between seve^
30,
July 1,
The
Prince George's County, Virginia,
British American, No. 5, ...
Letter from London, received in Philadelphia.
- - 493
495

ral Chiefs and Captain Connolly, and others, 475 Men in power in England wish for an Indian
4, Arrival of several Delaware Chiefs, 476 war, as a means of humbling and reducing the
."i. A Condolence held with the Six Nations, Dela- rebellious Colonies. Policy of Great Britain

9,
Twightwees, ....
wares, Shawanese, Munsies, Mohegans, and

Speech delivered by several Chiefs, Six Nations

- 476
in regard to the Colonies, is to divide and con-
quer. Nothing but an union of the Colonics
to stop Trade will save America, - - 498

16,
and Delawares, to the Governour of Viririnia,

.....
Message from Custologa, by five principal Men
477 1,

ty, Virginia, ---...

Meeting of the Freeholders of James City Coun-
499

17,
of the Delawares,
Answer to Custologa's Message, ... 473
473
1, Tea, at Portsmouth, in
ped by order of the
New- Hampshire,
Town, -
re-ship-
. , 499
 —

XL IX CONTENTS.
1774.
1T74.
CONSTITCTIONAL POST omCB. new American Post Office has been executed
Jvly 2, Mr. Goddard's Proposal for establishing an Ame- throughout the New England Governments.
rican Post Office has been warmly patronized Mr. Goddard will leave here for Williams-
in the Eastern Colonics, and preparations have burg, to lay his plan before the Convention,
been made for the conveyance of the Mail, - 500 (Note,) 504
Plan for the establishing a new American Post Aug. Mr. Goddard's Plan for establishing an Ameri.
Office, 500 1 1, can Post Office was agitated at the Convention
lU'ry Letter to Lord North. Dismissing Dr. Frank- in Virginia, \vho considered it worthy the at-
5, lin from the Post Office one of the most for- tention of the General Congress, and, as such,
tunate events for America. The Americana particularly recommended it to the Delegates
will set up a Post Office of their own, and put from Virginia, (Note,) . - . -504
aji end to the precedent, so often referred to, for
Taxing them, (Note,) - . . . 500
28, Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Bos-
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
ton. Our tame submission to the Post Office
Establishment has been constantly urged as a July 3, Letter from Boston, received in New. York.
precedent for all other unconstitutional Acts. Distresses of the People there ; their patience,
If we oppose it now, with manly firmness, we resolution, and firmness. The League and
cannot fail of success. Mr. Goddard's Plan is Covenant very generally signed, notwthstand-
well calculated to save the cause of Liberty, ing the Governour's Proclamation, - . 505
Letter from Carlisle, received in Philadelphia.
« Mr. Goddard
March.,J^°'®') at Boston. He
has received the
500 4,
Connolly's attack on the Shawanese, who pro.
17, greatestencouragement from all the Colonies tected the Traders. Letter of thanks from
through which he has passed. At a Meeting
in Boston, it was determined to unite with the
Southern Colonies in support of this measure 4,
quarrel with the Indians, ....
Ijord Dunmore to Cresap, who first began the

Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of

505

for the recovery of American Liberty, (Note,)

500 Orange To\vn, in the Province of New. York, 506
Heads of a Subscription Paper, for the establish- 4, Opinions in London of the state of affairs in the
ment of an American Post Office, laid before Colonies. The faction in Boston composed of
the Committee of Correspondence at Boston, Smuggling Companies, Mechanicks, Mer-
(Note,) 501 chants indebted in England, and those who
29, Mr. Goddard Salem, on the subject of estab-
at are fascinated with the extravagant notion of
lishing a Post Office independent of the un- Independency. Seditious Committees appoint-
constitutional Laws of a British Parliament, ed to influence the other Colonies. From Let-
(Note,) 501 tersand other intelligence, it is evident that no
April Mr. Goddard at Portsmouth At a Meeting of :
permanent or vigorous measures of resistance
15, the Committee of Merchants, Traders, and can be adopted to support the Boston Rebels, 507
other Inhabitants, a Subscription to support the 4, Address to the Inhabitants of the Province of
American Post Office, unanimously agreed South Carolina, about to assemble on the 6th
upon, (Note,) 502 of July, 508
21, Letter from Philadelphia to a Gentleman at Wil- 4, Letter from Governour Wentworth, in New-
liamsburg. The Post Office as established is Hampshire, to the Earl of Dartmouth. Twen-
an infringement of American Liberties but the ;
Tea landed and stored at the
ty-seven chests of
new one proposed can scarcely succeed under Custom- House. The Consignee agreed with
Mr, Goddard. The Merchants of Philadel- the Committee of Portsmouth to re-ship it.
phia have preferred Mr. Bradford for the pri- Mob prevented from destroying the Tea. Ves-
vate Post set up between that place and Phil- sel with the twenty.seven chests sailed for Hali-
adelphia, (Note,) 502 fax, June 30, 512
21, Mr. Goddard with Letters from To\vns
at Boston, 5, Letter from a Gentleman in London, to his Cor-
to the Eastward, expressing their concurrence respondent in Philadelphia, . - - 513
in the establishment of a Post Office, on consti- 5, Letter from Governour Penn, Philadelphia, to
tutional principles, throughout the Continent. the Earl of Dartmouth. Temper of the Peo-
The removal of Dr. Franklin from the Post pie very warm. They consider Boston as suf-

May 5,
of this salutary plan, (Note,)
The Subscription for establishing an American
...
Office has added fresh spirit to the promoters
503 5,
fering in the

in America, (Note,) -
common

-
cause,
Address to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies
. - .
- 514

300
Post Office has been liberally patronized. Reply to the preceding Address, (Note,) . 399
Mr. Goddard homeward, rejoicing
will return 5, Letter from Governour Grage, at Salem, to the
in the great success which has attended his en. Earl of Dartmouth. A number attended the
deavours to rescue the channel of publick and late Town Meeting, to make a push to pay for

19, The
private intelligence from the horrid fangs of
Ministerial despotism, (Note,)
report that the Post Rider
Constitutional
... 503
the Tea, and annihilate the Committee of Cor-
respondence, but were out-voted by a great
majority of the lower class. Has done all in
between Philadelphia and Baltimore, with a his power to spirit up every friend to Govern-
large sum of money entrusted to his care, had ment and there is now an open opposition to
;

June 2,
absconded, is untrue, (Note,)
Mr. Goddard
- - -

at New- York, with important de-

503 the faction.
the Press is becoming free, ...
The terrour of Mobs is over, and
514
spatches for all the Southern Colonies, the plan
for establishing a Constitutional American Post
Office having met with the greatest success in
6, Address of the Justices of the County of Ply.
mouth, to Governour Gage,
The Governour's Answer,
...
.... 515
516

16,
ern Colonics, (Note,) ....
all the great Commercial Towns ia the North-

Information of the proceedings in the Colonies for

503
6, Letter from Governour Wentworth to the Earl of
Dartmouth. Went with the Council and the
Sheriff and dispersed an illegal Meeting, held
the establishment of an American Post Office
received in London. When General Gage ar-
rives in America, he will stop the career of the 6,
for the purpose of appointing Delegates to a
General American Congress,
Letter from Lieutenant Governour Golden to the
... 516

new Post Riders and their employers, (Note,) 503 Earl of Dartmouth. After a continual strug-
July 6, Letter from Philadelphia to a Gentleman in Wil. gle of many weeks in the New. York Commit-
liamsburg. Objections to Mr. Goddard. At a tee, they have carried the nomination of Depu-
Meeting of the Mechanicks, they refused to ties to the Congress. These transactions are
hear read Letters relating to the establishment dangerous and illegal, but cannot be prevented.

16,
to do already, (Note,) ....
of the Post Office, as the Americans had enough

The Deputy Postmasters General of North Ame^

503
6,
The Province every where, except in the City
of New- York, perfectly quiet, - - -

Meeting of the Inhabitants of the City of New-

517

25,
a new Post Office, (Note,)
Letter from Baltimore to a Gentleman in Wil.
...
rica alarmed at the progress making to establish
504 6,
York, convened in the Fields,

tleman in Boston.
- - -

Letter from Alexandria, in Virginia, to a Gen-

Subscriptions for the relief
312

liamsburg. A
complete plan of establishing a of the Poor in Boston, - - - - 517
FouETH Series.
 '

CONTENTS. Ui
lA 1774.
appointed at Portsmouth,
1774. July Committee of Inspection 534
Mminffofthe Freeholders, Merchants. 1
raders,
July
of the County and Bo-
U'. in New-Hampshire, ",',,
Inhabitants
*
.
7
ol
6. and other U»habitants
518 12. Meeting of the Freeholders and
Virginia, - - - 535
rouffh of Norfolk, in theCounty of New-K.nt, in Virginia
Letter from the Earl of
Dartmouth to Governour Wentworth to the ii-arl
6. 13. Letter from Governour
Requires him to exert every power
the
Ponn of Dartmouth. The Meeting of Representa-
his hands to defeat
Constitution has placed in
tives atPortsmouth, dispersed. At a private
to insult the authority
of Great to meet at Exeter,
any attempt 519 meeting a Convention cnlled
Britain, - • - ",',.' on the 21st, to appoint Delegates
to the Con-
to Lieutenant 536
Letter from the Earl of Dartmftuth gress, -
-
.',,"
ew- T, *r
Governour Golden. Hopre the People of IN Express at Williamsburg, with
intelligence of
ex- 14,
York by their rash proceedings, Militia ordered

The
liament,
--•""""
will not,
pose themselves to the just

British American, No. 6,

resentment of

" -^.
l^r-
510
519 14,
skirmishes with the Indians.
out by the Governour, - -

Meeting of the Freeholders, and others,

Virginia,
,"
Inhabit-
-
, ,
.
536

537
7, ,
Inhabitants ants of Chesterfield County,
7. Meeting of the Freeholders and other General and Meiting of the Inhabitants ol
full
Virginia, 522 14,
538
the County of Culpepper, in
of
-
Gloucester County, Virginia, - '
-
'

Prorogues the
8, Proclamation of Lord Dunmore. General Meeting of the Freeholders and
Inhabit
Ihursday 14,
Assembly from August U, to first ants of Caroline County, Virginia,
539
523 541
in November, - - - " "
The British American, No. 7, - • '

I^ndon, to a 14,
8. Letter from Governour Hutchinson,
Friend in Boston. Urges the payment
for the

Town of Boston, ' '^ " 524 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Tea, by the ,

the Free-
8. Resolutions unanimously adopted by July
County, Meeting of the Council at Philadelphia,
545
holders and Inhabitants of Hunterdon 14
524 favour-
in the Province of New-Jersey, June Letters laid before the Board, containing
Indians, 545
8, Letter from Charlestown, in South
Carolina, re-
29, able accounts of the disposition of the
ceived in New- York. Account of the Meet- Conclusion of Extract from Mr. M'Kee's Journal
Charlesto^vn, on the 6th, - - 525 of Indian AfUiirs, (see page 483.)
Conference
ing held in
the In- with the Indians at Pittsburgh. Address
from
8. Resolutions unanimously entered into by
habitants of South Carolina, at a CJeneral
Meet- the Chiefs of the Delawares. Speech of Cap-
Colony, on White Eyes, 546
ing held at Charlestown, in said tain
to
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 6th. 30, Letter from John Montgomery, at Carlisle,
and 8th days of July, - - - 525 Governour Penn. Shawanese seem well dis-
7th,
British Subjects in America owe the same Logan returned with thirteen scalps.
allegi- posed.
ance to the CrowTi, and are entitled to the same Says he is now satisfied, and will set still until
rights with Subjects born in Great Britain, - 525 he hears what the Long Knife will say, 546
No
their own consent, ""'","
Taxes can be imposed on the People, but

of his Majesty s Sub-

by
525
July 2, Letter from Richard Lee, President of the Mary-
land Council, to Governour Penn,
Letter from Arthur St. Clair, at Ligonier, to Gov-
546
It is a fundamental right 4,
jects, that no Man shall sufTer, in person
or pro- ernour Penn. Large body of Virginians m
perty, without a fair trial, - - ' ." 525 motion. Colonel Henry Lewis ordered to
, .

Sending a person beyond the Sea to be tried is Kenhawa; Major M' Donald to Wheeling;
oppressive, illegal, and highly derogatory to
British Subjects, . -

The Statute of Thirty-fifth of

- -
Henry Eighth,
" . ,
for
" 525
8,
Cresap. and three others,
Companies, ''"''',
Letter from .^neas Mackay, Joseph Spear, and
to raise Ranging
547

Trial of Treasons committed out of the IGng's Devereux Smith, at Pittsburgh, to Joseph
Dominions, does not extend to the Colonies, - 525 Shippen, Junior. Captain White Eyes has
The Boston Port Act, and the Acts relating to returned, with assurances of friendship from
the Government of Massachusetts Bay, are of the Shawanese, Delawares, Wyandots, and
the most alarming nature to all America, Dr. Connolly continues his au-

It
Boston, """""]
though levelled immediately at the People of

is the duty of all the Colonies

to assist and
526
Cherokees.
thority.

and their
persons of the Magistrates are
The
daily insulted, their property forcibly taken,
lives threatened.
.... Various instances
support the People of Boston, by all lawful of his outrages, - 547
ways in their power, - - - - 526 Letter from Arthur St. Clair, at Hanna's Town,
12,
Delegates to the General Congress appointed, to Governour Penn, 548
and instructed, . . . - - 526 Letter from Arthur St. Clair, at Ligonier, to
17,
While the oppressive Acts relative to Boston are Governour Penn. Virginians determined to
enforced, will contribute towards their relief. 526 put a stop to the Indian Trade with Virginia.
Will, by all means, endeavour to preserve har- Connolly and two others have an exclusive
mony and union amongst all the Colonies, 526 privilege to carry it on, on the Frontiers of
Committee of Ninety-Nine appointed, as a Gene-
ral Committee of Correspondence,
Names of the Committee for Charlestown,
526
5'26
Virginia.
proposed.
The
......
laying out of a new Town
549

8, Address of Francis Lewis, and other Members of

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

9.
the Committee, to the Inhabitants of tlie City
and Coimty of New- York,
Reply to the Address, by " One of the Commit-
... 313 July Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Province of
14, Georgia called, to be held at the Liberty Pole,
tee," - 314 at Savannah, on the 27th, . . - 549
Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants 14, Chiefs of the Six Nations on their way to hold a
9.
of Esaex County, in Virginia, . - . 527 Congress with Sir William Johnson, 550
9,

II,
General Meeting of the Freeholders of the Coun-
ty of Fauquier, in Virginia,
General Meeting of the Freeholders and Liliabi-
... 528
15, Meeting of the loyal and patriotick People of the

15,
County — *-
^""••"j of Henrico,
--, in Virginia,
-,

Meeting of the Freeholders of the County of Mid-

, 550

lants of the County of Naiisemond, iu Virginia, 529 dlesex, in Virginia, 551

11, Letter from Charlestown, in South Carolina, to a 15, Meeting of the Inhabitants of the County of Din
Correspondent in Boston. Proceedings on the widdie, in Virginia, . - . - - 552
Resolutions adopted in Charlestown, 531 15, Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
Account of the Meeting held in Charlestown, on County of Middlesex, in New-Jersey, . 55J
the 6th. 7th, and 8th days of July, (Note,) 531 15, Delegates to the General Congress of Commis-
Death of Sir William Jolmson, (Note,) - 645 sioners of the English American Colonies, ap-

......
11,
12, Letter from MiUs Brewton, Charlestown, South pointed by the Committee of Correspondence of
Carolina, to Josiali Q,uincy, Jun. Massachu- ConiKclicut, . 554
setts willnot fall for want of friends if Boston ; Three of the Delegates having resigned, others
does but persevere, her sisters will work out appointed on the 3d August, Note,) ( 554
her salvation without the Musket. Sloop A 15, Proclamation by General Gage. Deserters who

more, .......
load of Rice sent to Boston, and will soon send
534
return by the 10th of August, to be pardoned
on failure of so doing, to expect no mercy,
;

555
LIII CONTENTS. LIV
1774. 1774.
July Provincial Meeting of Deputies, chosen by the July Resolution, that there is an absolute necessity for
15, several Counties in Pennsylvania, held at Phil- 22, a General Congress, to consult together on the
adelphia, July 15, and continued, by adjourn- state of the Colonies, unanimously adopted. 606
ments, to the 21st,
List of the Members, ..... 555
555
Delegates to the Congress appointed.
Committee to
-...---
prepare Instructions for the Dele-
607

sidered, .--..--
Letters from Boston, of May 13th, read and con-
555 21,
gates,
Paper signed "
a Freeman," handed about among
607

Alleg-iance to the
ledged, -------
King of Great Britain acknow-

Unconstitutional Independence on the parent state

555
the Members of the House on the 21st, against
the appointment and proceedings of the Con-
vention, (Note,) . . . - - 607
is abhorrent to our principles and our desire ; 23, Letter received from Major Hamilton, command
is, that harmony may be restored. 555 ing officer of the Barracks, - . - 607
Inhabitants of the Colonics entitled to the same Committee to examine the Barracks, 608
rights that British born Subjects are.
The power assumed by Parliament to bind the
556
the Congress, --.--.
Instructions to the Delegates appointed to attend
608

tional,
The Acts
-...-.
Colonies, in all cases whatsoever, imconstitu-

of Parliament relating to Massachu-

- 556
Letter to the Speakers of the several Assemblies
of the Colonies, . .

Answer to the Governour's Message,

. . . 609
609
setts, unconstitutional, oppressive, and danger- Adjourned to Monday, the 19th September, 610
ous : and the People of Boston are suffering
in the common cause, . . . - 550
A Congress should immediately assemble, to CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

-..-..
form a general plan of conduct for all the
Colonies,
Suspension of Trade will be agreed to by this
July
19,
19,
Resolutions adopted and published by the
York Committee, - -
Meeting of a majority of the Committees from
- -
New-
- 315

Province but a statement of Grievances and the several Townships in the County of Mon-

......
;

claim for Redress, in the first place, would be mouth, of the Colony of New- Jersey, - 610
preferred, 556 19, Address of the Justices of the County of Suffolk,
If any proceedings of Parliament shall, in the in Massachusetts, to Governour Gage, - 613
opinion of the Congress, render other steps The Governour's Answer, - - - - 613
necessary, this Province will adopt and carry 19, Address of the Freeholders and Tradesmen of
them into execution,

tage of a
.

Venders of Merchandise ought not

Non- Importation ; but
to
-

sell
-

take advan-
for the
. 556
our Gage,
The Governour's Answer,
------
Easton, in the County of Bristol, to Govern-

- - - -
613
614
same prices as heretofore, - - - - 556 20. Letter from a Gentleman in Bristol, England, to
People of this Province will break 03*311 dealing his friend in Philadelphia. Publick opinion
of any kind with any Colony that shall not in England strong against America. No-

in Congress, --...-
adopt such general plan as may be agreed to

Subscriptions for the distressed Inhabitants of

557
20.
thing but firmness on the part of the Ameri-
cans will ensure them the victory,
Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of
- - 614

Boston
ince,
Thanks to
to
.......
be set on foot throughout the Prov-

Mr. Dickinson, - . . -
557
557
Dartmouth. Merchants have not repeated
their attempts to comply with the Port Bill,
with the spirit he hopal for. Some disaffected
Mr. Dickinson's Reply, (Note,) - - - 557 persons in Charlestown, have sent some Rice
Instructions from the Convention to the Repre- for the support of Boston and a few Sheep
;

sentatives in Assembly, - - . - 558 have been sent from some other places. When
Argumentative part of the Instructions, 564 the Congress assembles, the Boston Faction . .

16, Meeting of a respectable body of the Freeholders will probably pay the other Colonies the com-
and other Inhabitants of the County of Surry, pliment of taking their advice. The virulent
in Virginia, 593 party at New- York is routed. Philadelphia
16, Contributions from Maryland, for the relief of is moderate. The Fast Day appointed by the
Boston, - - 593 Faction was kept as generally in Boston, as if
1 5, Meeting of a number of Freeholders and Inhabit- it had been appointed by authority, - - 615

16,
ants of the County of Sussex, in New-Jersey,
Letter from the Committee of Boston to the Com-
mittee of Baltimore, - - . .
594

594
20,
Virginia, -....-
Meeting of the Freeholders of Hanover County,

Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants

615

1 8, Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Stafford County, Virginia, - - - 617
of York County, in Virginia, - - - 595 21, General Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Dis-
IS, General Meeting of the Freeholders and other trict of Wilmington, in the Province of North
Inhabitants of the
ginia, ....... County of Fairfax, in Vir-
597
Carolina, - - - - -

Circular Letter from the Wilmington Committee

to the Freeholders of the several Counties of
-618

the Province of North Carolina, - - 619

PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY. 21, The British American, No. 8, - - - 620
July Assembly, convened by the Governour, met this 21, General Meeting of the Committees of the several
18, day, - 602 Counties in the Province of New-Jersey, at

19,
Message from the Governour.
affairs,
Committee of
-.-....
Correspondence lay before the
State of Indian
602 days of July, -.-..-
New-Brunswick, on the 21st, 22d, and 23d

The Inhabitants of New-Jersey are firm and

624

House Letters from Massachusetts Bay, unshaken in their loyalty to the King, and
Rhode-Island, and Virginia,
Letters to be considered on the 21st,
. .

The Convention now sitting, may be admitted, to

- 603
604 Crown,
The claim
--....
detest all thoughts of an Independence on the

of the Parliament to make Laws to

624

hear the debates of the House, on that day, - 604 bind the King's American Subjects in all cases
Petition from Northumberland County, 604 whatsoever, unconstitutional, and oppressive,

the House,
Governour's Message considered,
------
Ninth Resolution of the Convention laid before

. - -
605
605
tional means,
The late
------
and we are bound to oppose it by all constitu-

Acts of Parliament relative to Massa-

624

20, Letters from Benjamin Franklin, with some chusetts, subversive of the rights of his Ma-
papers on publick affairs, communicated to the jesty's American Subjects, - . - 624
House by the Speaker, - .. - - 605 The most eligible method to procure a redress of
Payment of the Rangers raised by the Magis- Grievances, is to appoint a Congress from all
trates of Westmoreland County, authorized, 605 the Colonies, empowered to pledge, each to the
21, The Convention waited on the House, and sub- rest, the honour and faith of their constituents,

22,
mitted their Resolves and Instructions,
Letters from Massachusetts Bay, Rhode- Island,
606
Congress, --..--
inviolably to adhere to the determinations of the
624
and Virginia, considered in Committee of the
Whole, 606
General Non- Importation and Non-Exportation
Agreement recommended, ... 624
 1 — :

LV CONTENTS. LVI
1774. 1774.

July
21. for relief of Boston, ...
Collections to be made throughout the Proriuce,
- 625
July
28,
Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit-
ants of the County of Buckingham, in Vii'
643
... gmia, -
Delegates to the General Continental Congress
appointed, and instructed, - 626 28, Proclamation of the Governour of Pennsylvania,
Proclamation by Governour Gage, for the en- for the apprehension of John Hinckson and
21,
James Cooper, - . . - - 644
couragement of Pirty and Virtue, and for pre-

Inamoraliiy, ------
venting and punishing Vice, Profanity, and
625
22, Letter from Guy Johnson to Governour Penn.
Death of Sir William Johnson. Has had a
21,

23,
Address to
of Boston, -..---
the worthy Inhabitants of the Town

Letter from London to a Gentleman in Philadel-

626
Conference with the Si.x Nations, who will send
Deputies
matters, ....---
to the southward to accommodate
645
piiia. The storm against Doctor Franklin Account of the death of Sir William Johnson,
Opinions in England on the on the 11th instant, (Note,) - - - 645
much abated.
late measures against America. Many per- 28, Governour Penn advisinl by the Council to write
to the Earl of Dartmouth, and inform him of

23,
sons in favour of the Colonies.
Sharp warmly on their side,
Letter from Governour Gage to Governour
... Granville
G28 all the late proceedings in Pennsylvania, by
the Committees and the Assembly, 645
Trumbull. Encloses him affidavits relating 28, Letter from Boston, received in New- York.

to the treatment of Mr. Green. Expects tlie Firmness of the People there. Encouraged to
accused persons will be apprehended and persevere from all the Colonies, - - - 646
brought to trial, 629 28, Address to the Gentlemen of the General Con-
Affidavit of Caleb Scott, - - - - 629 vention of Virginia. Stoppage of Trade with
20,
20, Affidavit of Francis Green, - - • - 630 Great Britain will not procure a redress of
Representation of Hezekiah Bissell, Benjamin Grievances. It is better to throw aside all tem-
5, Lothrop, Timothy Liirrabee, and Ebenezer porizing methods. Let the Congress demand
Backus, to Governour Trumbull, of the treat- a ratification of our claims from the King and
ment of Mr. Green, - - - - 631 Parliament. If denied, we shall be prepared

10. Letter from Governour Trumbull to Governour for the ahernative. With the Sword our fore-
Ghige. inquired into Mr. Green's com-
Has fathers obtained their rights —by the Sword it
plaint and finds others put a very different face is our duty to defend them, . . - 647
upon the transaction. Full provision is made 28, The British American, No. 9. If Great Britain

by Law for such offences, and Mr. Greenmay should attempt to enforce the legislation of Par-
obtain the satisfaction his cause may merit, - 633 liament in America, the Americans must draw
July Letter from Governour Sir James Wright to the their Swords in a just cause, and rely on that
25, Earl of Dartmouth. Carolina in great wrath God who assists the righteous. Thomson Ma-
about the Acts of Parliament relative to Mas- son avows himself the author of these Letters, 648
sachusetts Bay; and have come to some very Address to the People of Pennsylvania. Rea-
indecent Resolutions. There are in Georgia sons why the Tea should not be paid for. 654
some malecontents and Liberty People, whose 28, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence, of
conduct he cannot answer for, . - . 633 New-Jersey, to the Committee of Boston, 657
25. Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit- 28. A Brief Examination of American Grievances
ants of the County of Elizabeth City, and being the heads of a Speech at the General
To\vn of Hampton, in Virginia, - - 634 Meeting at Lewestown, on Delaware, - 658
25, Reflections on the measures proper to be adopted 28, Letter from the Committee of New- York to the
by the Congress and suggestions for the con-
; Committee of Correspondence at Philadel))hia, 321
sideration of the Delegates, . . - 634 28, Letter from the New- York Committee to Mat-
26, Town Meeting in Boston. Circular Letter to thew Tilghman, Chairman for Maryland, 321
the Tovms relative to the Bills for vacating 29, Letter from the New- York Committee, to the

26,
the Charter of Massachusetts,
Meeting of the Freeholders of the County of
Albemarle, in Virginia, . . -
-

.
- - 637

637 30,
ties,

Letter
-.---..
Committee or Treasurer of the different Coim-

from Governour Penn to the Earl of

322

26, Letter from the New- York Committee, to the Dartmouth. The Resolutions of the Assem-
Committee of Correspondence, at Charlesto wn. bly rather a check, than an encouragement, to
South Carolina. 320 the Proceedings of the Convention, 661
27, Letter from Governour Grage to the Earl of Dart- 30, Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-
mouth, 638 York. The prevailing opinion in England is,
27, General Meeting of the Inhabitants of Georgia, that the Colonies mean nothing they must —
held in Savannah, . . - . . 638 be divided by the arts of the Administration.
Account of the Meeting, (Note,)

Colonies, (Note,)
- .

Paper by Josiah Martin, in behalf of the Sugar

. 639

639 30,
ous,
Letter from
.-..-.
Their opposition should be early and vigor-

London a Gentleman in New-

to
- 661

27, Meeting of a very respectable body of the Free- York. Fears there will be a want of union

27,
...
holders and other Inhabitants of the County
of Accomack, in Virginia,
Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit-
639
among the Colonies. Without this, any expe-
dients they may adopt will avail little,
Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-
661

ants of the County of Princess Aime, in Vir- York. Ageneral suspension of Commerce,
ginia, - 640 until our grievances are redressed, is the only
27, Letter received in Philadelphia from London. safe and sure measure. I'he Ministry believe
Resolutions of Philadelphia, Maryland, and that the terror of their measures will make all
Virginia, esteemed very inoffensive, and as the America silent and submissive, . . - 662
mere ebullitions of a set of angry men. Mr. 30, Queries relatitig to the Resolutions of some
Hutchinson is much courted by the Adminis- Gentlemen, styling themselves a Committee
tration. Americans, both at Court and in Lon- of the City of New- York, (Note,) 318
don, daily ridiculed. The Congress must 31, Letter from Lieutenant Governour Bull to the
agree not to purchase or use the Manufac- Earl of Dartmouth. An universal spirit of
tures of Great Britain until the Acts are re- jealousy is raised against Great Britain. Ex-
pealed, as the only means of preserving the emption from Taxation claimed, but by their
is
Liberty of the Coimtry, - . . - 64 own Representatives. This spirit of opposi-
27. Address the Inhabitants of New-Jersey.
to De- tion to Taxation so violent and universal, that
fence of the measures of Parliament, a denial it will not be soon or easily appeased, - 663
of the authority of Great Britain to impose a AU!^. 1 , Convention of the Representatives of the Freemen
Duty on Tea, absurd. Cautions the People of the Government of the Counties of New-Cas-
against the madness of some men,
inflaming their minds and hurrying them into
an open rupture with the Mother Comitry;
who are

List of the Members,

---...
tle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, meet at

New-Castle,
. - . . ,
663
663
when, involved in the horrours of a Civil War Resolutions adopted at a General Meeting of the

pelled to submit by force, ....

to the ruin of their liberty, they may be com-
Q42
Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of
New-Castle, on Delaware, on the 29th of June, 664
 1

LVIt CONTENTS. LVIII

1774.
1774.
July Resolutions adopted at a Meeting of the Free- Complains of the depredations of the Indians.
20. holders and other Inhabitants of Kent County, Will no longer be a dupe to their amicable pro-
on Delaware, on the 2()th of June, - 664 fessions, but will pursue every measure to offend
Resolutions adopted at a General Meetings of the them, 678
Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Coun- July Letter from Arthur Clair to John Connolly.
St.
ty of Sussex, on Delaware, on the 23d of July, 665 22, Ample reparation ought to be made to the In-
Letters from the Committees of Correspondence dians, and an honest intercourse established
of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, the with them this would be a more cheap and
;

Dominion of Virg^inia, the Colonies of Rhode- easy manner of re-establishing peace than any
Island, South Carolina, and Maryland, read, 666 offensive operations whatever, - . . 078

Parliament, ...--.
Grievances of the Colonies, under the Acts of

Deputies to the Cong-ress appointed,

667
667
26, Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn.
Further account of Indian affairs. No pros-
pect of accommodation between the Shawa-
Instructions to the Deputies, . . - - 667 nese and the Virginians, . . - . 679
Aug. 1, Letter from London a Gentleman in New-
to 24, Deposition of David Griffey. Indians near
York. Act of Parliament prohibiting the Hanna's Town, 680
shipping of Utensils used in the manufacture 23, Speech of the Delawares to Mr. Croghan, - 680
of Cotton, Wool, or Silk, - - - . 668 Intelligence from Captain White Eyes, - - 681
1, Condition of the Town of Boston, - - . 669 Address from Mr. Croghan to Captain White
2, Letter from Lieutenant Governour Golden to the Eyes, 681
Earl of Dartmouth. The Deputies from New- Answer of Captain White Eyes to Col. Croghan, 68
York, to the General Congress, moderate men. 25, Letter from iEneas Mackay to Arthur St. Clair, 682
Though great pains have been taken in the Aug.%, Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn.
several Colonies to uiduce the People to enter Favourable accounts from the Indian Nations

2.
folk Coimty, -----
into Resolves, they have succeeded only in Suf-

Letter from Wilmington, in North Corolina, to

-

a
669
25,
about the Lakes. Most of them disposed to
continue in friendship with the English,
Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn.
- 682

Gentleman in Boston. Subscriptions for the It is impossible to tell what will be the conse-

relief of Boston. At a meeting of six Counties quence of the Virginia operations. Lord Dun-
in Wilmington, it was unanimously resolved more must soon see the necessity of a peace.

3,
to
sure, .....--
assist Massachusetts by every legal mea-

Letter from Wilmington, in North Carolina, to a

670
27,
Goods seized by Connolly's orders, and per-
sons confined in the common Guard-House,
Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn.
683

Gentleman in Boston. Two thousand Pounds Mr. Butler was not only made a prisoner, but
subscribed for Boston very considerable will
: treated with insult and abuse. I'his has been
be contributed at Newbem and Edenton; Sub- done by Mr. Campbell, Connolly having gone
scriptions on foot in every County. The Ves- to meet Lord Dunmore, - - - - 685
sel, with a load of Provisions for Boston, goes
freight free, and the Master and Mariners navi-
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
gate her without receiving one farthing wages. 670
2, South Carolina Assembly meet at eight o'clock Aug. Address to the People of Virginia. Urged to

in the morning, . . . . - 671 4, unite their utmost endeavours, by all means in

Ratify and confirm the Proceedings of the Gene-
ral Meeting of Inhabitants on the
8th of July,
6th, 7th, and
- 671 I,
ened with, ......
their power, to prevent the ruin they are threat-

Convention of Delegates from the different Coun-

685

Message from the Assembly to Lieutenant Gov- ties in the Colony and Dominion of Virginia,

ernour Bull. Request him to distribute among begun at Williamsburg, on the 1st day of Au-
the poor Settlers. Arms and Ammunition to gust, and continued, by adjournments, to the
protect them against the Indians, 671 6th, 686-690
Assembly prorogued by the Lieutenant Govern- After the day of November, will import no
first

our at half past eight o'clock, - - . 672 Goods, Wares, or Merchandise, from Great
Notice of the Proceedings of the Assembly at the Britain, nor British Manufactures from any
3,

3,
Session held yesterday, . - -

Letter from Lieutenant Governour Bull to the

Earl of Dartmouth. The Assembly met pri-
. 672 other place; nor purchase
imported, ......
Will neither import any Slave, nor purchase any
any that may be
637

vately and punctually at eight yesterday morn- that may

be imported after the 1st November 687
ing. I immediately went fo the Council Cham- No Tea be imported hereafter and that which
to ;

ber and prorogued them to September 6, but is on hand, not permitted to be used, - - 687
they had, previously, passed their Resolutions, 672 No Tobacco to be exported after the 10th of
3, Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Lieuten- August next, unless American Grievances are
ant Governour Colden. Encloses an Order sooner redressed and the Inhabitants of the
;

in Council disallowing certain Acts, - 672 Colony advised to refrain from the cultivation
Representation of the Board of Trade to the of it, 687
King, of the 12th of May, with reasons for dis- The breed of Sheep be improved, and their
to

allowing certain Acts passed by the Assembly number increased, to the utmost extent, - 687
of New- York, 673 Merchants are not to take advantage of the scarci-
Order in Council, of the 6th of July, declaring ty of Goods, but to sell at the present prices, 688
the Acts void, and of no efiijct, - 673 No Merchant or Trader to be dealt with, after
the first of November ne.xt, who will not sign
this Association, - - - . . 688
COUNCIL OP PENNSYLVANIA. If any person 10th of August
shall, after the
Aug.
4,
Letters

New
the Governour, .....
and Papers submitted to the Council, by

Town to be laid out at Kittaning, for accom-

(374
next, export Tobacco, contrary to this Asso-
ciation, he shall be considered an approver of
American Grievances, .... 688
modation of Traders and Inhabitants of Pitts- All alterations of these Resolutions that may be
burgh, 674 made by the General Congress, with the con-
6, Letter from Governour Penn to Arthur St. Clair,
Message from Governour Penn to the Chiefs and
Warriors of the Shawanese Indians, - -
674

675
sent of the Delegates for Virginia, shall be

The
binding upon the Colony,
Inhabitants of the Colony requested
... to make
688

July
Message from Governour Penn to the Chiefs and
Warriors of the Delaware Indians, -

Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn.

- 676 tressed in Boston, .....
liberal Contributions for the relief of the dis-

Instructions for the Deputies appointed to meet in

688

22, Friends of Pennsylvania determined to abandon

Pittsburgh.
a new Town, --.-..
Kittaning most suitable place for
677
Virginia,
A Summary View of the
......
General Congress on the part of the Colony of

Rights of British Ame-

689

13,

19,
by one of Connolly's parties, ...
Deposition of William Wilson, a Trader, taken

Letter from John Connolly to Arthur St. Clair,

(577
rica, set forth in some Resolutions intended
the inspection of the present Delegates of the
People of Virginia, now in Convention, -
for

690
 CONTENTS. m>
1774. 1774.
Aug. Proclamation by Governour James Wright, Aug. The Rev. Samuel Peters of Hebron, Connecticut.
5. doclaring the Meeting of
Sir
the Inhabitants of
be held at Savannah, on
14,
Liberty, .....
Account of an attack on him by the Sons of
- 711
Georgia, proposed to
the lOlh inst, under the pretence of consulting
together for redress of grievances, or imaginary
grie^-anccs, unconstitutional, illegal, and pun-
18,
Committee, ......
Statement of Mr. Peters's affair, by the Bolton

Resolves drawn up by Mr. Peters,

712
713
699 Mr. Peters's Declaration, . . . - 714

.....
ishable by law, 15,

Letter from the New- York Committee to the Oct. Letter from Thaddeus Burr, in Boston, to Govern-
9.
323 13. our Trumbull, 714
Boston Committee of Correspondence,
Nov. 3, Further account of Mr. Peters, " ' 715
9. Letter from the New- York Conunittee to several ."

Counties of the Province, - - - - 323 Letter from the Reverend Samuel Peters, in Bos-
ton, to his mother, in Hebron, " " 715
10, Resolutions enterwl into at Savannah, in Georgia, ."

at a General Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Oct. 1, Letter from the Reverend Samuel Peters, in Bos-
Province, assinibled to consider the state of the ton, to the Reverend Doctor Auclimuty, at
700 New- York, 716
Colonies in America,

....
. . . -

His Majesty's Subjects in America owe the same Nor. Saul Aylford and others, to Governour Trumbull,
on Mr. Peters's affair, 716
allegiance, and are entitled to the same rights, 29,
with their ft^Uow-subjects in Great Britain, - 700 Dec. 6 Hezekiah Huntington and others, to Governour
Trumbull, on Mr. Peters's affair, 717
As protection and allegiance are reciprocal, the
Americans have an indisputable right to peti- Aug. Address to the People of Pennsylvania. The
tion the Throne on every emergency. 700 17, opposition in the Colonies to the measures of
The Boston Port Act is unconstitutional. 700 Parliament condemned. The principal diffi-
The Act for abolishing the Charter of Massachu- cultieshave been caused by the influence of the
700 Smuggling interest in the Colonies, - 718
setts Bay, is subversive of American Rights,
The British Parliament has not the right to Tax 18, Letter from a Gentleman, at Red Stone, to Wil-
his Majesty's American Subjects, 700 liamsburg. Wagatomica and five other Shaw-
contrary to the Law of the Land to take any
It is anese Towns on the Muskingum, destroyed in
person to Great Britain, to be tried for an of- July, by four hundred Virginia Troops, under
fence committfxl in any of the Colonies, 700 the command of Major M'Donald, 722
Will concur with the other Colonies in every 18, Courts at Great Barrington prevented from pro-

Grievances, ...---
constitutional measure to obtain a redress of

Committee of Correspondence appointed.

701
701
20,
ceeding with business,
Letter
.

from Matthew Griswold to Governour

Trumbull. Account of an attack on Mr. In-
. . - 724

10, Letter from London to a Gentleman in Boston. gersoU, of Great Barrington, . 724
The Ministry, by their emissaries, will try to 20, Letter from Josiah Quincy, Jun., to John Dick-
bring about disunion when the Congress meets. inson. Defends Massachusetts on the charge
It is not prudent to rely on any support in of breaking the line of opposition. At the re-
England the Colonies must depend on their
;
quest of many warm friends to the country, he
o\\n» unanimity and steadiness. Massachusetts will soon embark for England, in the hope that
should not enter into any violent measures
without concert with other Colonies, particu-
Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas,
larly 701 20,
he may do some good the ensuing Winter, at
the Court of Great Britain,
Letter from John Dickinson to Arthur Lee. The
... 725

10, Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Colonists now know what is designed against
Poughkeepsie Precinct, in Dutchess County, them. All classes arc united in sentiment. The
New- York. Refijse to comply with the re- People in general look forward to extremes
quest of the New- York Committee of Corres- with resolution, . . - . - 726
pondence, to elect Delegates, . . - 702 20, Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
10, Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Borough Town of West-Chester, in New.
Township of Rye, in West-Chester Comity, York, - - - - - - - 726
New- York, 703 22, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Norfolk, Virginia,
10, Meeting of the Committee of Charles County, on information received that nine chests of Tea
Maryland. Tea shipped in the Mary and Jane, were imported in the Mary and Jane, 727
Captain George Chapman, now lying in St. 22, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence of
Mary's River, to be returned to London, - 703 Boston, to the Committee for New- Jersey, 728
11, Meeting of the Committee for Frederick County, 23, Address to the inhabitants of New-Jersey. This
in Maryland. Resolutions in relation to the Country was settled for the sole purpose of
Tea stripped in the Mary and Jane, 704 Trade and an absolute submission to the Laws
;

12, Town Meeting at Providence, in Rhode-Island. of the Mother Country was one of the terms

12,
Instructions to the Deputies from the
the General Assembly, ....
Comicil of North Carolina. Address of Govern-
Town in
705
under which our forefathers settled. Under
these terms they lived and prospered; and we
have grown rich and lived happily. Should
our Martin. Considers it his duty to advise the Congress listen to the folly of the times,
with the Coimcil on the measures to be taken and think the Colonies were not planted nor
to prevent the assembhesof the People, 705 protected for the extension of Commerce, but
13, Proclamation of Governour Martin. Requires for a new Empire, then will our Country be-
all persons, as far as in them lies, to

meeting of certain Deputies, appointed to be

held at Newbern, on the '25th, ...
prevent the

70G 23,
come a scene of blood and distraction; we can
have no recourse but in Arms,
Proclamation of Governour Gage, to prohibit all
... 728

13, Letter from Colonel William Preston, atFincastle, persons from attending a Town Meeting at
in Virginia. Incursions of the Indians. A Salem, on the 2.5th, 729
number of the Inhabitants on the Frontiers 25, Town Melting at Salem. Governour Gage or-
killed, 707 ders the Meeting to be dispersed, and brings
13, Letter from Governour Sir James Wright to the Troops to the Town. Members of the Com-
Earl of Dartmouth. Two meetings of the Li- mittee of Correspondence arrested, for calling
berty Folks have been held in Savannah. Ho the Meeting without the permission of the Gov-
will transmit all the particulars, 708 ernour, . 7,30
14, Letti'r from a Gentleman, in London, to his Cor- 24, Governour Sir James Wright to the
Letter from
respondent in Williamsburg. Policy of the Earl of Dartmouth. Every thing was done
Ministry to attack one Colony at a time. Ame- that could be thought of to frustrate the at.
rica has no friends in Great Britain. Nothing tempt of the Liberty People in Georgia, but
but an Association strictly observed and enfor- could not totally prevent it. If the meetings
ced, to stop Exports and Imports, will procure are suffered, there will be nothing but cabals
a repeal of the Acts, - . . - . 708 and combinations in the Province. The Ex-
14, John Hancock, Colonel of the Company of Cadets, ecutive power is too weak to rectify such
having been dismissed by Governour Gage, abuses. Prosecutions would only be laughed
tlie Company agreed to return their Standard at. No Grand Jury would find a Bill of In.
to the Governour and disband themselves, 709 dictment and persons attempting it would,
;

16, Letter from Silas Deane to Governour Trumbull, 710 probably, be insulted and abused, - .731
 ——

Lxr CONTENTS. LXII

1774. 1774.
Aug. Abijah Willard, one of the Mandamus Counsel- May Letter from Govemour Penn to Governour Eden.
25, lors for Massachusetts, compelled to resign, - 731 16, Mr. Harford's Guardians have refused to give
List of the Mandamus Counsellors appointed by any instructions on the subject of the Boundary
the King, (Note,) - - - - - 731 run and marked by the Commissioners; he
24, Letter from Taunton, in Massachusetts. Daniel will, therefore, issue a Proclamation himself,
Leonard, a Mandamus Counsellor, fled to extending the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, - 738

25,
neighbours, ......
avoid the friendly cautions of his incensed

Letter from Taunton, in Massachusetts. Two or

732
21. Letter fromGovernour Eden to Governour Penn.
The Guardians of the Proprietor of Maryland
having declined signing the Return of the
three thousand person* will be assemblixl to- Commissioners, can do nothing in relation to it, 738
morrow to request Colonel Gilbert not to ac- Sept. Letter from Governour Penn Richard Lee.
to
cept the office of High Sheriff, under the new 26, Has made official notification of the lines run
Act ; and to desire Brigadier Ruggles, a Man- by Mason and Dixon: and the jurisdiction of
damus Counsellor, to quit the Coimty imme- Pennsylvania will be extended to those lines, 739
diately. It is more dangerous being a Tory Aug. Letter from General Brattle, at Cambridge, to
here than in Boston, - - - - 732 26, General Giage. Military preparations in the
24, Proceedings of the first Provincial Convention of Province. Minute Companies. Medford Pow-
North Carolina, held at Newbern, - 733-737 der removed from the Arsenal, - . - 739
List of the Delegates to the Convention, - 733 27, Letter from Colonel Adam Stephen to Richard
Letters from the Committees in the other Colo- Henry Lee. Ordered to the Ohio, by Lord
nies,with the Answers, presented by Mr. Dunmore, which prevents his attending the
Hewes, and considered by the Convention, - 733 General Congress. Procuring a supply of

pointed,
Allegiance
-------
Three Delegates to General Congress to be ap-

due to the King of Great Britain,

is
733
Arms and Ammunition of the utmost impor-
tance. —
This should be privately considered
by the Congress, 739
as the rightful Sovereign of this Province, - 734 27, Resolutions adopted by the Inhabitants of Pala-
We claim no more than the rights of English- tine District, Tryon County, New- York, - 740
men, and it is our duty to maintain those 27, Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of
rights, 734 Dartmouth. The whole Province in commo-
To be taxed without our own consent, is a gross tion popular fury never greater than at pre-
;

violation of the Grand Charter of our Liber- sent. In Worcester they keep no terms, and
ties, 734 openly threaten resistance, - - - 741
As the British Subjects in North America cannot 29, An account of the manner in which the Donations
be represented in Parliament, any Act of Par-
liament to Tax them is illegal, - -
Duties imposed by Act of Parliament for raising
- 734
29,
applitd,
Letter from
--..--.
for the support of the Poor of Boston has been

Boston. The new Counsellors

743

a Revenue, illegal and oppressive, - - 734 driven into Boston. The Judges at Great
The cause in which the Inhabitants of Massa- Barrington turned off the Bench. The Pro-

American,
The
-...--
chusetts now suffer, is the cause of every honest

Boston Port Act is a cruel infringement of

734
testers and Addressers to Mr. Hutchinson have
Boston for refuge.
fled to The Province will
soon be declared in open rebellion, and the
the rights and privileges of the People of Bos- King's Standard hoisted, - - - . 744
ton, 734 27, Timothy Paine, a Mandamus Counsellor, com-
The Act of Parliament for regulating the Police pelled to resign, 745
of Massachusetts, is an infringement of the 29, Letter from Governour Wentworth to the Earl
Charter of that Province, . - . 735 of Dartmouth. Delegates to the Congress,
Trial by Juries of the vicinity, is the only lawful from New- Hampshire, elected. State of affairs
Inquest that can pass upon the life of a British in the Province, 745
Subject, 735 30, Town Meeting at Providence, in Rhode-Islandl
No British or East India Goods permitted to be Arms for the County to be made fit for use.
imported after the first of January, 1775. No Providence ought not to become an asylum for
Slaves to be imported after the first of Novem- persons who have made themselves obnoxious
ber next and no East India Tea to be used
; to the people in any other part of America.
after the 10th of September next, - - 735 The Town Council requested to remove and
No Tobacco, Pitch, Tar, Turpentine, or any eject all such persons, . - - - 745
other article, to be exported to Great Britain, 31, Town Meeting at Providence, in Rhode- Island.
after the first of October, 1775, unless Ameri- Magistrates required to preserve the Peace of
can Grievances are redressed before that time, 735 the Town, 747
Venders of Merchandise are not to raise the 30, County Court, at Springfield, sign an engagement
prices of their Goods in consequence of their not to do any thing whatsoever, under any au-
Resolves for Non-Importation, - - . 735 thority, derived or pretended, by the Act of Par-
The People of North Carolina will break off all liament, for the better regulating the Govern-
Trade with any Colony on the Continent, ment of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, 747
which shall refuse to adopt and carry into ex- 30, On the meeting of the Superiour Court at Bos-
ecution such general plan as may be agreed ton, Chief Justice Peter Oliver on the Bench,
to in the Continental Congress, - - 735 the Jurors refuse to be sworn, - - - 747

...-.-.
-,.

Deputies to the Congress appointed, - - 735 Reasons of the Grand Jurors for refusing to be
The attempts made by the Minister upon the sworn, 748
Town

Committees
of Boston, a prelude to a general attack
upon the rights of the other Colonies,
be appointed in the several Coun-
to
- 736
30,
sworn, ..-.-..
Reasons of the Petit Jurors for refusing to be

Meeting of the Committees from every Town and

749

ties, to see that the Resolutions of this Conven- District, in the County of Middlesex, and Prov-
tion are properly observed, - - - 73(3 ince of Massachusetts Bay, - - - 750
Instructions to the Deputies appointed to meet in Committee appointed to consider the Act for the
General Congress on the part of North Caro-
lina,
Proceedings signed by the Members of the Con-
736 ince of Massachusetts Bay,
Report of the Committee, - - .
...
better regulating the Government of the Prov-

-
7.50
750
vention, 737 Adopted by the Meeting, - - . - 752
25, E.tpressat Williamsburg, from Pittsylvania Coun- Towns in the County recommended to elect Dele-
ty. Lidian Intelligence. Lord Dunmore, with gates to a Provincial Congress, to meet at Con-
fifteen himdr(;d Men and Colonel Lewis and
;
cord, on the second Tuesday in October, - 752
Colonel Preston, with twelve hundred, against 30, Address to the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania.
the Indians, 737 Petitions and Remonstrances to the King and
26, Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Govemour Parliament will have no effect. We should
Penn. Directs him to desist from extending not implore, but demand our liberty, - - 754
the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania up to the new 31, Address to the Delegates appointed to meet in

Maryland line, during the minority of the Heir the General Congress, - - . . 754
of Lord Baltimore, , - - . . 733 Queries proposed to the People of America, - 755
 —
;

CONTENTS. LXIV
liXin
1774.
1774.
Considera- Sept. Letter from Georgia to a Gentleman in New-
Sept. Address to the People of America.
York. Those in favour of an immediate Non-
1, tions on —
1st, A
Petition to Parliament, with 7,
Importation Agreement there, are far in the
a firm declaration of the rights of Americans. Colony would
minority. As the is situated, it
2d, A suspension of Trade with Great Britain,
A be highly ungenerous for Georgia to meddle
till the Acts be repealed. 3d, suspension of
all our Trade with Great Britain, Ireland,
and
the West Indiis, till the Acts be repealed, ^ - 756 onies are engaged,
-----
with the disputes in which the rest of the Col-

Letter from Lieutenant Governour Colden to the

773

Letter from a Virginian to the Members of Con-

Earl of Dartmouth. The populace are now
gress at Philadelphia. The Colonics have
directed by men ofoproperty, and the former
advanced from one extravagant claim to ano- Men
demagogues have lost their influence.
ther. Their most zealous advocates are asham-
now speak favour of Government with
in
ed to plead a cause which all others condemn.
greater freedom than for years past, - - 773
Parliament has a right to Tax the Colonies,

Requisition,
Letter from
------
and cannot depend upon the uncertain mode of

Governour Martin to the Earl of

759
Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Govern-
our Penn. The appointment of Deputies, by
the different Colonies, to meet in General Con-
gress, has given the King great concern. An
Dartmouth. The People of North Carolina
humble representation to the King from each
have followed the rest of the Continent in ca-
Colony would have greater weight than one
balling and forming Resolutions upon the late
Docs not know from the Congress, 774
measures of Government
Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to the Earl
what the Committees have done, but whatever 8,
of Dunmore. E.xpresses the King-'s dissatis-
measures may have been taken, the combina-
faction at the ill treatment of the Indians on
tion is assuredly, at least, indecent and inglo-
" 761 theOhio by the People of Virginia, and of the
rious, - - - - " " .

proceedings of Connolly, under a commission

1, Powder taken from the Charlestown Magazine,
762 from the Government of Virginia, - - 774
by order of General Gage, . . -
The County Courts, in Virginia, will do no
2, Judge Danforth and Judge Lee, Mandamijs 8,
763 business previous to a Session of the General
Counsellors, compelled to resign.
Colonel Phips, the High Sheriff of the County,
Assembly. At the next General Court there
2,
will be no Trials, except in Criminal Cases, - 775
gives a pledge not to execute any precept un-
The Selectmen of Boston inform General Gage
der the Acts of Parliament for altering
new 5,

the Constitution of Massachusetts Bay, 763 of the alarm of the People at his preparing to
erect a Fortification on the Neck, - - 775
Lieutenant Governour, Thomas Oliver, compel-
led to resign his seat as a Mandamus Counsel-
Address of the Selectmen of Boston to General
lor, 764 Gage, on his fortifying the entrance to the
Town, and the abuse and assaulting of the Peo-
7,

2,
Mr. Oliver's statement of the circumstances un-
der which he resigned, - -

Letter from St. John's Parish, in Georgia.

- -

Ac-
count of the Meeting at Savannah, on the 10th
764
Guards,
Answer
-------
ple passing in and out of the Town, by the

of the Governour, - - - .
775
775
of August. Contributions from St. John's C, Resolutions adopted at a Meeting of the Dele-
Parish for the Sufferers at Boston, - - 766 gates of every Town and District in the
Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart- County of Suffolk, in Massachusetts, - - 776
mouth. State of the Colonies much changed 9, Committee appointed by the Delegates in Suffolk
since Mr. Hutchinson left America. Several County, to wait on Governour Gage, and in-
of the Counsellors have been obliged to seek form him of the alarm of the People at the
protection under the Troops in Boston. Some Fortifications making on Boston Neck, - 779
have been maltreated; many have resigned. 10, Address of the Committee to Governour Gage, 779
He intended to send Troops to Worcester, to 10, Answer of the Governour to the Committee, - 779
protect the Superiour Court and the Coun- The Answer of the Governour not satisfactory.
sellors, but ascertained that no Court could
proceed on business there. In Boston the
Judges met, but could get no Juries. The
cellency,
The Governour
...--.
Another Address unanimously voted to his Ex-

declined receiving the second

780

Counsellors were afraid to proceed to Salem Address, 781

he was, therefore, compelled to assemble them 9, Thanks to the Merchants of New- York for re-

in Boston. Proposes to send to New- York, refusing to let their Vessels transport Troops
Philadelphia, and Quebeck, for the Troops and Ammunition to Boston, - . - 782
there. Civil Government is near its end. 15, Thanks to Mechanicks of New- York, for refus-

possible,
Letter from
------
He will avoid any bloody crisis as long as
Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart
767
10,
ing to make Chests for transportation of Arms,
or to contract for building Barracks at Boston,
Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Lieutenant
782

mouth, 769 Governour Colden. The Contraband Trade

Letter from a
Charles Lee, .--...
Member of Parliament to Colonel

Letter from a Gentleman, in London, to his Cor-

769
between New- York and Holland deserves his
particular attention.
from Holland
The number of Vessels
for that Province is evidence of
resjwndent in New- York.
Disputes of the the extent of that illicit Commerce; which is

New- York Committee published in all the now particularly alarming, in consequence of
London papers, and have been disadvantageous the large quantities of Gunpowder shipped
to tlie cause of the Colonies. The Ministry there for New- York, . . - - 782
are waiting anxiously to hear the result of the
Congress; they still expect the Colonies will
beg mercy,
for 771
11,

7,
Letter from Israel
Tea arrivetl at Salem,
Letter from
Putnam to

William Cooper to Israel Putnam,

...
Captain Trumbull.
- 783

Letter from London to a Corrospondcnt in Bos- Chairman of the Committee of Correspondence

ton. The measures of the Colonies should be for Brooklyn, in Connecticut, - - - 783
calm and temperate. None of their Resolves 12, Letter from William Cooper, in Boston, to a
should contain reflections on Great Britain. Gentleman in New- York. Explaining the
The East India Company should be indemni- manner in which the Donations made for the
fied by the Bostonians, and submission made Poor of Boston are applied, . . - 784
Govemmrnt, -
for tlie insult offiTcd to - 772 Committee appointed by the Town of Boston to
5, Letter from Governour Penn to the Earl of Dart- receive the Etenations and employ the Poor
mouth. The Congress met this morning. Sufferers by the Port Bill, - - - 785
The detcnnination oppose the Boston Acts,
to 13, Letter from Governour Wentworth to the Earl
and the power of Parliament to Tax America, of Dartmouth. Proceedings at Portsmouth,
universal throughout the Colonies there is, ; in New-Hampshire on the arrival of thirty
however, great diversity of opinions as to the chests of Tea there, on the 8th inst. Vessel
proper modes of opposition, - . . 773 sailed with the Tea for Halifax, on the 1 1th.
S. Rpport of an attack on Boston, by the Men-of- I'hough this Province has so far been moderate,
War and Troops, on the 2d, received in New- yet the union of the Colonies, in sentiment, is
York by express, 325 not divided or lost in New-Hampshire, - 736
 —

LXV CONTENTS. LXVI

1774. 1774.
Sept. Letter from Fredericksburg, in Virginia. Fur- Sept. He subscribes a Declaration that he has not acted
14, ther Indian Intelligence. Liberal contribu- 21. under the late Acts of Parliament and that ; ^

tions made in Fredericksburg, for relief of the he will not, without the general consent of the
Poor in Boston, . - . - . 787 County, 799
14, Letter from Joseph Spencer to Grovernour Trum- Committee appointed to draw up the sentiments
bull. Doctor Beebe, a Tory, tarred and of the Convention, - . . . . 799
feathered by the friends of Liberty, in East 22, Report presented by the Committee, and unani-
Haddam, has applied to him for a surety of the mously accepted, - - . . 799-802
peace against some of those concerned in it. 24, Meeting of the Selectmen and Committee of Cor-
He has declined, and asks the Governour's ad- respondence of Boston. Consider it inexpe-
vice on the subject. He believes if one should dient for the Mechanicks, or other Inhabitants
be granted it would not be executed to advan of the Town, to assist the Troops, by furnish-
tage, - 787 ing them with Artificers, Labourers, or mate-
15, An Army of Observation for the Colonies pro- rials of any kind to build Barracks, - - 802
posed in Connecticut, . . . . 787 24, Letter from J. Warren to the Publick, with an
15, Resolutions adopted at a Meeting of Delegates E.xtract of a Letter from Samuel Adams, dated
from the Towns in the Counties of Hartford, September 9th. Gentlemen of the establish-
New- London, and Windham, and a part of the ed Church of England, among the most reso-
County of Litchfield, in Connecticut, 788 lute defenders of the rights of the People of the
15, Proclamation of Governour Penn, establishing Continent, 802
the Lines of Jurisdiction between the Prov- 24, Declaration of Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
ince of Maryland and the Province of Peim- To^\Ti of Rye, in West- Chester County, New-

17,
...
sylvania, and Counties of NeAV-Castle, Kent,
and Sussex, on Delaware,
Proclamation of Lord Dunmore, requiring all his
789
York. They have not been concerned in any
Resolutions entered into in regard to the dis-
putes with the Mother Country. Disapprove of
Majesty's Subjects, west of Laurel Hill, to pay the hot and furious proceedings, in consequence
entire obedience to the Laws of Virginia, and of the disputes, and declare they will live and
forbidding the exercise of any authority there, die peaceable Subjects of George the Third, 803

17,
by the Province of Pennsylvania,
General Carleton arrived at Q.uebeck,
790
791 ing the above Declaration, ...
Apology of Abraham Miller and others, for sign-
803

our of Gluebeck, .....

Address of the Clergy to Guy Carleton, Govern-

Address of his Majesty's Subjects, in the City of

791
Apology of Timothy Wetmore, another sub-
scriber, (Note,)
Letter from the Committee of Mechanicks of Bos-
803

Quebeck, to Governour Carleton, 792 ton, dated September 8th, to the Committee of
17, Letter from Caesar Rodney to Captain Thomas Mechanicks of New- York, - - - 803
Rodney. Action of the Congress on the Re- 24, Resolutions of the Committee of Mechanicks of
solves of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 792 New- York, on receiving the foregoing Letter, 804
19, Letter from Samuel Adams to Dr. Chauncy. 25, Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
The Suffolk County Resolves read in Con- mouth. The Carpenters in New- York refuse

19,
tain Boston to the utmost, ...
gress with great applause. America will sus-

Letter from Caesar Rodney to Captain Thomas

793
to come to Boston to build the Barracks, but
the Boston Artificers have undertaken the
work. Nothing but e.xtravagances and milita-
Rodney. On the late false report of the attack ry preparations heard of from Boston to New-
upon the Town of Boston, by the British Ships York. The support Massachusetts receives
in the Harbour, fifty thousand Men, from Con- from the other Colonies, is beyond conception.
necticut and Massachusetts, well armed, were The disease is now so universal that there is
on the march for the relief of the Town, 793 no knowing where to apply a remedy, - 805
26, Accoimt of the transactions at a Meeting of the
PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY. Freeholders of the County of Middlesex, in

Sept.
19, ment, on the 23d of July, ....
The Assembly met, pursuant to their adjourn-
794
England,
Engagement signed by John Wilkes and John
805

20,

21,
laid before theHouse, ....
Letter from Dr. Franklin, dated London, May 7,

Governour has no business to lay before the House,

794
794
26,
Glynn, at tlie Middlesex Meeting, -

Inhabitants of Worcester, in MassachuseUs, from

-

the age of sixteen to seventy, form themselves

806

into Military Companies, and choose Officers, 806

26. Message from the Governour. The Indian Dis-
The Governour 27 Application of Doctor Warren to General GSage,
turbances not yet at an end.
for information as to his intentions in erecting
of Virginia is still prosecuting an Expedition
against the Shawanese. The Troops on the and purchasing Military Stores,
Fortifications 806
Answer of General Gage to Doctor Warren, - 806
Frontiers should be continued in pay. 794
28,

29,
14th of October, .....
One hundred Rangers to be kept in pay until the

The Treasurer ordered to pay the Overseers of

794
27, Meeting of the Committees of Boston and the
neighbouring Towns. Resolve that any person
who may supply the Troops at Boston with
the Poor of Philadelphia, one hundred Pounds any thing for the annoyance of the Inhabitants,
shall be deemed an inveterate enemy of the
for tlie support of the French Neutrals, 795
People, 807
27, Letter from the Joint Committees of Boston and

Sept.
20.
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

mouth.
Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
Letter from
The Country Peopleare exercising 28,
District in the Province, ....
the neighbouring Towns, to every Town and

Letter from Colonel William Preston, at Fincas-

807

in Arms, in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and tle, in Virginia. March of Virginia TrOops

Rhode- Island, and threaten to attack the to meet Lord Dunmore at the Great Kenhawa.

.......
;

Troops in Boston, to which place the friends Attacks of the Lidians on the White settle-
of Government are daily resorting for proteo ments, 808
tion. The Commissioners of the Customs 28, Letter from Maryland to a Gentleman in Lon-
afraid to remain in Salem, have come to Bos- don, 809

21.
ton,
reside,
where
.---...
the Governour is also obliged to

Resolutions adopted at a Convention of Commit-

795
28,

28,
Handbill published at New- York.
the British Troops,
Proclamation by Governour Gage.
Supply of

In conse-
809 ;|i

tees for the County of Worcester, Massachu- quence of the disordered state of the Province,
setts, held by adjournment on the 29th of Au- will not meet the General Court at Salem, on

21,
ii 1st of September, ....
gust, and continued, by adjournments, to the

Meeting of Freeholders in Boston. Instructions

- 795
the 5th of October, and discharges all persons

attendance, ..-.--
elected as Representatives from giving their
809
to Delegates in Provincial Congress, 798 29, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence of
21. Convention of the several Towns of the County Boston, to the Continental Congress. Account
of Cumberland, in Massachusetts, 798 of the attack upon the House of Joseph Sco«,

FocBTH
vention,

Series.
--..---
Sheriff of the County required to attend the Con-
799
upon the discovery of his selling Cannon to
General Gage, 810
 ; 1

CONTENTS. l.SVIIl
LXVII
1774.
Sept.
29,
Meeting of the Inhabitants of New- York, con-
vent by the Committee, at the request of Jo-
327
1774.
Oct.
18,
19,
A Reply
ernour,
Reply
to

to the
....-•-
be made to the

Governour
Answer of the

reported, read, and

Gov-

re-
838

seph Totten, - - - " " „ "

reported again, considered, and
,
committed
Oct 1, Proclamation by the King, for dissolving the Par-
;

810 laid on the table, - - - - - 838

liament, and calling another, " '. '
20, Report from the Committee appointed to inquire
(Considerations on the propriety of adopting a
into the state and operations of the Army, 838
1,
general Non-RemitUince, as one of tli<> means
811 Committee to consider what is necessary for the
of obtaining a repeal of the Boston Bills,
defence and safety of the Province, 838
from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
3, Letter
mouth. The other Colonics have espoused the
cause of Massachusetts with great viohnce,
Report relative to Pa\-ment and Collecting of out-
standing Rates and Taxes,
Resolution relative to the Counsellors and others,
... 838
though some arc more moderate than others. 21,
The Congress is still sitting, but much good is who have acted in obedience to the late Act of
not to be expected
The Boston
from their deliberations.
have refused to work on
Artificers
Massachusetts Bay, ....
Parliament, for altering the Government of
-

Committee to publish the names of the Mr.ndaraus

839
the Barracks. A Provincial Congress will
Counsellors and others, who have acted under

3,
soon meet, when it is supposed measures will
be taken for the government of the Province,
Letter from Governour Penn to the Earl of Dart-
mouth. The Congress is siuing, but as they
814
ment, ..-...-
commissions derived from the Act of Parlia-

Committee to report a Non-Consumption Agree-

839

ment relative to British and India Goods, - 839

have agreed to keep their Proceedings secret,

the Newspapers, ....

he can furnish no account but what is found in

Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-

- 815
Committee to examine Rivington's Newspaper,
Resolution adopted, recommending the total dis-
use of India Tea, - - - - -
840

840
York. The opinions of the People have be- Report of Committee, on Defence of the Province,
As read, and deferred, 840
come more favourable to tlie Americans.
the issue of the Congress would probably re- 22, Consideration of the Report resumed, and recom-
quire \'igorous measures, the Parliament has mitted, - - 840
been dissolved, and a new one ordered. 815 Consideration of the propriety of sending Agents
Proceedings at a Meeting of the Livery of Lon- to Canada, referred to the next meeting of the
3.
The Candidates pledged, Congress, - 840
don, at Guildhall.
if elected to Parliament, to endeavour to pro-
cure a repeal of the American Acts,
Letter from Lieutenant Governour Colden to the
817
Day of Publick Thanksgiving throughout the
Province recommended, ....
Report on the Safety and Defence of the Province,
840

Earl of Dartmouth. Several of the Counties amended, and recommitted for further amend-
in theProvince refused to unite with the New- ment, - - - - - - -841
York Committee in sending Delegates to the 24, Committee to consider of the most proper time to
Congress. Almost the whole of the Inhabitants provide a stock of Powder, Ordnance, and Ord-
of the Counties wish for moderate measures. nance Stores for the Province, - - - 841
At a meeting held last week the conduct of Committee on Non-Consumption Agreement di-
the persons who attempted to prevent the Mer- rected to report forthwith, - - - 841
chants from sending Supplies to Boston, was Debates of the Congress to be kept secret, tmtil
highly disapproved, . - - - - 819 leave shall be given to disclose the same, - 841
5, Handbill received at New- York from Boston, 820 Committee report that now is the proper time to
Memorandums for a Report, on providing perma- provide a stock of Powder, Ordnance, and
nent Barracks for the Troops at Boston, 821 Ordnance Stores, - - - - - 841
6, Address to the Inhabitants of New- York, 821 Committee to determine what Quantity shall be
7, Meeting of Importers of Goods from Great Bri- provided, and an Estimate of the expense, - 841
tain, in the City of New- York, 328 Consideration of Report on the Safety and De-
7, Meeting of the Lihabitants of the Town of Stam- fence of the Province resumed, and recommit-
ford, in Connecticut, - - i - 827 ted for further amendments, - - - 84
8. Letter from London. Reasons why the Ameri-
cans should persevere, and oppose with vigor-
25, Committee on Non-Consumption Agreement or-
dered to sit forthwith, .... 842

8,
vernment, ......
ous measures the Tyranny of the British Go-

Letter from James Lovell to Josiah Cluincy, Jim.,

828
948
Committee to inquire into the state of the Stores
in the Commissary General's Office, -

Report on the quantity of Powder and Ordnance

- 842

Stores necessary for the Province, - - 842

PttOVINCIAL CONGRESS OF MASSACHUSETTS. All matters which shall come under the consi-
Oct. 5, Members elected to serve in the General Assem- deration of the Congress, to be kept secret, - 842
bly of Massachusetts, meet at Salem, 829 Report on the Safety and Defence of the Prov-
7, Their Resolutions on the refusal of the Govern-
our to admit them to the usual oaths.
Provincial Congress formed, ... 829
830
26,
ince,
Report considered and adopted,
Committee to consider what Military Exercise
... 842
843

Adjourn to meet at Concord, ...

Names of the Delegates from the several Towns, 830
834
will be best for the People of the Province to
adopt,
... 845
1 1, The Provincial Congress meets at Concord,
John Hancock electwl President, and Benjamin
Lincohi Secretary,
834

834
27, Committee of Safety appointed,
Five Commissaries appointed,
Three General Officers appointed,
... - -
845
845
845
12,

13,
Committee appointwi take into consideration
to
the state of the Province,
Address to tho Governour reported by the Com.
- 834
Committee, to sit
gress, appointed,
Receiver General
.....
during the recess of the Con-

be appointed to.morrow
to
845

voice only, ......

mittee, read and accepted, with one dissenting
835
and Members particularly enjoined to attend,
Reply to the Governour's Answer recommitted
845

1 4,
Committee to present Address to the Governour,
Constables, Collectors of Taxes, Deputy Sheriffs,
and Sheriffs, directed not to pay over Money ;
83G
28.
for amendments,
Receiver General appointed,
. ,

Report of Coinraittee on the state of the Prov-

...
, . . 845
846

but to retain it in their hands, subject to the removal of the Inhabitants

ince, relative to the

17,
General Assembly,
Answer of Governour Gage
.....
order of the Towns, Provincial Congress, or

to the Address of
836 recommitted,
Report
......
of the ToOTi of Boston from thence, read, and

Collecting and Paying out-

relative to
846

the Provincial Congress, - - * . 837 standing Tuxes, read, and adopted, - - 846

Province, .....
Referred to the Committee on the state of the
- 837
Committee to report a Resolve relative to a Non-
Consumption Agreement, ... 847.

18, The
same Coinmittoe,
referred to the ...
iietters said to be wTote by the Rev. Mr. Peters,

Galleries ordered to be cleared, and the

837
Committee to report on an equal Representation
of the Province in Congress, at tlie next meet-
ing, 848
doors of the House to be kept shut during the Constitutional Coimscllors invited to attend Con-
IXbattg in tile Congrvss, . , . , 837 gress at the ne.\t meeting, , , . . 848
 — 1

LXIX CONTENTS. liXX

1774.
Oct. The Resolve for a Non-Consumption Agreement, 1774.
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
28. presented and adopted, . - . . 848

ry General's Office, ....

Report on the Warlike Stores in the Commissa-
848
Oct.
14,
Express from Lord Dunmore arrived

.....
liamsburg, with the Speeches at his Conference
at Wil-

29.
Province, ......
Report on a System of Military Exercise for the
848
with the Indians,
Speech of Captain White Eyes,
871
872
Consideration of the state of the Executive Courts
of the Province, referred to the next meeting
of the Congress, . . . - - 849
Six Nation Chiefs, .....
Answer of Lord Dunmore to the Delawares and

Intelligence from Captain Pipe, at a Conference

872

Committee of Safety directed to write to the Con- with several Delaware and Mohawk Chiefs, - 874
tinental Congress, showing the grounds and
reasons of the proceedings of this Congress, 849 Answer of the Shawanese, ....
Speech of the Mohegans to the Shawanese, 874
874
Reply to Governour's Answer agreed
the

...-.-
unanimously, and a Committee appointed
to,

to Lord Dunmore, .....

Reply of the Mohawk and Delaware Chiefs to
875
present
Committee
it,

to publish certain parts of the Pro-

849 Speech of the Big Apple Tree, a
Answer of Lord Dunmore, ....
....
Mohawk Chief, 875
875

and 28th, ......

ceedings of the Congress, passed on the 26th
851 16,
Reply of the Delawares,
Speech of Edmund Burke, on offering himself a
876

Two Members
Adjourned to
added Committee of Safety,
to tlie
the 23d of November,
853
853
16,
Parliament,
Letter from Dr.
......
Candidate to represent the City of Bristol in

Samuel Cooper to John Adams,

876
878
18, Proclamation of Governour Penn. Officers of
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
the Customs prevented by a Mob from seizing
Oct. 9, Letter from Montreal, to a Gentleman in New-
a quantity of foreign Sugar that had not been
York. Opinions of the Inhabitants of Canada
relative to the Quebeck Act,
General Meeting of the English Inhabitants of
... 853
entered at the Custom House, nor the Duties
paid.
.....
All Civil Officers required to bring the
Offenders to justice, 878

10,
Montreal,
Letter from Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman,
853
17,
Shippen, Jun., ......
Letter from Captain Arthur St. Clair to Joseph
879

1 1,
and Silas Deane, to
Proceedings of the Congress,
Account of the arrest and imprisonment of Sam-
...
Governour Trumbull.
854
Speech from Captain Pipe to the Governour, in

....
answer to his Messages sent to the Shawanese
and the Delawares, - 879
uel Dyre, of Boston, . . . - 855 Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of
17,
12, Proclamation of Governour Penn. Inhabitants Dartmouth. Additional Troops expected from
and Magistrates of the country west of Lau- Quebeck, New. York, and Newfoundland.
rel Hill required to pay due obedience to the
Despairs of any overtures for paying for the

12,
Laws of Pennsylvania, without the least re-
gard to the Proclamation of Lord Dunmore,
General Committee of South Carolina recom-
856
19,
Congress, ......
Tea, unless recommended by the Continental

Circular Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to

880

mend the non-importation of India Tea, and the Governours of the Colonies, 881
the non-exportation of any Arms or Ammu- 19, Order of the King, in Coimcil, prohibiting the
nition whatsoever, - - . . . 857 exportation of Gunpowder, or any sort of
13, Letter from Sir James Wright to the Earl of Arms or Ammunition from Great Britain, - 881
Dartmouth. Protests and Dissents of the
20, General Committee of South Carolina recom.
People in different parts of the Province, show mend Merchants and others, as they prize the
that they are against any Resolutions; and and happiness of America, not to

held in contempt, .....

that those attempted by a few in Savannah, are
867
tranquillity
take advantage of the publick distresses by rais-
ing the prices of imported Goods,
14, Address from the County of Worcester, in Mas-
sachusetts, to Governour Gage,
AnsTier of the Governour, .... 868
869
20,

20,
Virginia,
Tea at
.....
Address to the People of Halifax County, in

Annapolis, in Maryland, imported in the

- 882

Brig Peggy Stewart, from London. Acknow-

CONNECTICUT ASSEMBLY. ledgement of the Owners of the Tea, that they
OrA. Meeting of the General Assembly of the Eng- had committed a Inost daring insult, and an
act of the most pernicious tendency to the Li-
13, lish Colony of Connecticut, . . . 858
berties of America they ask pardon of the
;
To«Tis in the Colony ordered to provide double
the quantity of Powder, Balls, and Flints, they People, and voluntarily burn the Vessel with
all her Sails and Colours flying, - 885
were before obliged by Law to provide. - 858
Thanks to the Merchants of New- York, who

......
Cannon at New-London to be mounted, and kept 20,

der and Balls, ....

fit for service, with a proper supply of Pow-

- 858
assisted in providing Barracks for the Troops
at Boston, 886

......
Fifteen thousand Pounds, in Bills of Credit, to
be bsued, 858
20, Address to the Inhabitants of New. York.
sons for their paying obedience to Great Bri-

......
Rea-

the Colony, ......

Ta.xes levied on the Polls and rateable Estates in

Instructions and Regulations to the Overseers ap-

858
21,
tain, and the advantages they will derive from
submission,
Resolutions of sundry Inhabitants of Frances
...
886

pointed by the
Qiaiis, .......
Assembly for the

Memorial of Zebulon Butler and Joseph Sluman,

Mohegan In.
859 22,
Town, in New-Hampshire,
Letter from Silas Deane, at Philadelphia, to Go-
vernour Trumbull. The greatest unanimity
888

Agents for the Town of Westmoreland, has prevailed through the whole of the Pro-
859
ceedings of the Congress, - - . . 888
Memorial of Ebenezer Hazard, of New. York, 861
24,
Land in Georgia, .....
Proclamation of Governour Wright. Grants of
889

OcM4, New Assembly

PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY.
meets, .... 869
24, Proclamation of Governour Wright. Treaty
with the Creek Indians, at Savannah, on the
List of
Edward
Members,
Biddle chosen Speaker,
Approved by the Governour,
...
...
860
869
870
24,
20th inst. Trade with the Indians renewed. 1137
Letter from Quebeck to a Gentleman in Boston,
Instructions to the English Gentlemen of the
891

15, John Dickinson added to the Deputies from Penn- Committee of Montreal, from the Canadian
sylvania to the General Congress, now sitting, 870 Farmers, - ' - 891
Entertainment to be provided for the Members of 25, Association signed by the Ladies of Edenton, in
the Congress, on Thursday next, - - 870 North Carolina, 891
17, Message from the Governour. Recommends 26, Letter from Joseph Reed, at Philadelphia, to
keeping the Rangers a longer time in Service, 87 Josiah Quincy, Jun., London. Instead of divi-
19,
November, ......
The Rangers to be kept in Pay until the first of
871
ded counsels and feeble measures in the Colo-
nies, all now is union and firmness. The Mem-

21,
Answer the Governour's Message,
to
Adjourn to the 5th of December, ... • .871
371
bers of the Congress part with each other on
terms of the utmost friendship, - 892
 3

CONTENTS. LXXii
LXXI
1774.
Sept. Mr. Galloway's Plan for a proposed union be-
1774. CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 905
tween Great Britain and the Colonies, -

Sept.
5.
Meeting of ihe Delegates chosen and appointed
by ihli several Colonies and Provinces, in North
893
28,

29,
80,
Meansof restoring the
Further considered,
Further considered,
.....
Rights, considered,

.....
- 906
906
906
America, to hold a Congress at Philadelphia,
893 Exportation of all Merchandise whatsoever, from
Members present from the several Colonies, the Colonies to Great Britain, Ireland, and the
893
Peyton Randolph elected President,
893 West Indies, prohibited after the 1st of Sep-
Credentials read and approved, . - -

For New-Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
. . - - 893
894
894
tember, 1775, unless American Grievances are
redressed before that time,
Committee to
...
prepare a Plan to carry into effect
906
Rhode-Island,
893 Non- Importation, Non-Consumption, and
the
Connecticut,
896 Non-Exportation resolved on, - - - 906
New- York,
Oct.l, Simon Boerum, from King's County, New-
896 York,
New-Jersey, ^06
- 896 attended,
Permsylvauia, . - - -
897 Means ofrestoring the Rights, further considered, 906
EKdaware, . . - - -
897 Committee to prepare an Address to the King,
Maryland,
897 requesting a Redress of Grievances, - - 907
Virginia,
Instructions to the Committee on the Address, - 907
South Carolina, . . . -

Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia, attended, -

Rules of Order adopted, - - - -
898
898
898
3,

considered,
Further considered,
...---
Matters proper to be contained in the Address
907
907
Reverend Mr. Duchd requested to open the Con- 4,
907
899 5. Further considered, - - - - -
gress with Prayers, - - - - -
899 Instruction to the Committee on the Address, - 907
Thomas Jolmson, Jim., from Maryland attended.
Address from William Goddard received, - 907
Committee appointed to state the Rights of the
Colonies, the instances in which they are vio-
Means for restoration of American Rights fur-
ther considered, 907
lated, and the means most proper to obtain a
restoration of them,
Committee appointed to
- - -
examine and report the
- - 899 Letter from the Boston Committee of Correspond-
ence laid before Congress,
Letter to be considered to-morrow, - -
... 907
908
several Statutes which affect the Trade and
Manufactures of the Colonies, - - - 900 Consideration of means for restoration of Rights,
-908
President authorized to adjourn, from
when there is no business, ... day to day,
900
resumed,
Instruction to
- - -

....
-

Committee appointed to prepare the

-

12,

14,
attended, -------
Matthew Tilghman, a Delegate from Maryland,

William Hooper and Joseph Hewes, from North

900 7,
form of an Association,
Letter from Boston Committee considered,
Committee to prepare a Letter to General Gage,
-
908
908
908
. - - - 900 8. Letter from Boston further considered, - - 908
Carolina, attended, -

Henry Wisner, from Orange County, in New- Opposition of the Inhabitants of Massachusetts to
901 late Acts of Parliament approved by Congress.
York, attended, . . - - -

George Ross, from Pennsylvania, and John Al- If the Acts are attempted to be enforced by

sop, from New- York, attended, -

Delegates from Massachusetts presented the Pro-

ceedings of the Joint Committees of the Towns
901

10.
their opposition, -

Letter from Boston further considered,

...
Arms, all America ought to support them in

.
-

-
908
908

17,
the 30th and 3 1st of August, ...
in the County of Middlesex, at Concord, on

Richard Caswell, from North Carolina, attended,

901
901
Removal of the People from Boston, so impor-
tant in its consequences as to require the utmost
deliberation. If absolutely necessary, they

Resolutions of the County of Suffolk, Massachu- should be recompensed by all America, - 90S
setts, on the 6th inst, laid before the Congress, 901 People of Massachusetts advised to submit to

Suffolk County Resolutions, ...

Resolution of the Congress, approving of the

Contributions from all the Colonies for supplying

904
a suspension of the administration of justice,
where it cannot be procured under the Charter, 909
Any Person who shall act under any authority
the Sufferers in Boston, should be continued, - 904 derived from the Act of Parliament, altering
Report of the Committee appointed to examine the Government of Massachusetts, to be held
the Statutes, brought inJand laid on the table. 904 in detestation, as a wcked tool of the despo-
19,

22,
Rights of the Colonies, ....
Referred to the Conamittee appointed to state tlie

Merchants and others in the several Colonies re-

904
11,
of America, ......
tism, which is preparing to destroy the Rights

Letter from the Congress to General Gage, -

909
909
quested not to send to Great Britain any orders People of Boston advised to conduct themselves
for Goods, . . - . - - 904 peaceably towards General Gage and the
Report of Committee on the Rights of the Colo- Troops, 909
nies, brought in and read, - . . . 904 Committee to prepare a Memorial to the People

24, The Report considered, ....

Copy of the Report made out for each Colony, -

Congress will now consider only such Rights as

904
905
12,
of British America; and an Address to the
People of Great Britain, - - -

Plan for carrying into effect the Non-Importa-

- 910

have been infringed since 1763, postponing tion, Non-Consumption, and Non-Exportation

America to a future day, ....

the consideration of the General Rights of

Conmjittee appointed to state the Rights, brought

905
Agreement, reported by the Committee,
Consideration of the Rights and Grievances of the
Colonies resumed, - - - - -
- 910

910
in a Report of the Infringements and Viola- 13, Further considered, 910
tions of American Rights, 905 14, Further considered, - - - - -910
Consideration of the Report deferred, 905 Resolutions declaring the Rights and Grievances
Congress, in the meanwhile, to deliberate on the of the Colonies, 910
Means to be pursued for a restoration of our Letter from several Gentlemen, in Georgia, read, 912
Rights, 905 15, Plan of Association further considered, - - 912
26,
attended, ......
John Herring, from Orange County, New- York,
905
17, John Dickinson, from Pennsylvania, attended,
Plan of Association further considered, - -
913
913
Consideration of the
resiune'd,
27, Further considered,
......
Means

.....
for restoring Rights,
905
905
1 8, Plan further considered, amended, and ordered to
be transcribed, to be signed by the Members,
Address to the People of Great Britain reported,
913
913
Importation of all Goods, Wares, and Merchan- 19, The Address considered, amended, and recom-
dise, whatsoever, from Great Britain, or Ire- mitted, 913
land, prohibited after first of December next, 905 Memorial to the Inhabitants of the Colonies re-
None exported from Great Britain, or Ireland, ported, 913

28,
the Colonies, ......
after that day, shall be used or purchased in

Resolution offered by Mr. Galloway, declaring

905
20, The
Fac
Association read and signed, - - -
simile of the Signatures to the Asssocia-
tion, - - . . . Opposite
91

916
the Colonics hold in abhorrence the idea of Memorial the Inhabitants of the Colonies fur-
to
being considered Independent Communities, - 905 ther considered, 916
LXXIII CONTENTS. LXXIV
1774.
1774.
Ckt.2l, Address to the People of Great Britain, - - 917 County also. To the Northward they have
Memorial to the Inhabitants of the Colonics,
Committee to prepare an Address to the People
-

of Q,uebeck, and Letters to the Colonies of St.

921

Nov.
large Bodies ready for the field.
of prices of imported Goods,
Regulation

Circular Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to

... 953

John's, Nova-Scotia, Georgia, and East and 2, the Governours of the Colonies. Requires
West Florida,
Committee to revise the Minutes of Congress,
Address to the King considered, recommitted,
928
928
Returns every three months of the
their respective Councils,
Letter from the Earl of
....
Dartmouth to Lieutenant
state of
953

and Mr. Dickinson added to the Committee, 928 Governour Coldcn. Requires him to be par-
The seizing a Person, in America, to transport ticularly attentive to prevent the importation of
him beyond the Sea, for Trial, declared to be Gunpowder he has every day intelligence of

....
;

against the Lavsr, and ought to meet with re- the Americans purchasing large quantities of
sistance and reprisal, 928 Arms and Ammunition in the different Ports
22, Peyton Randolph unable to attend the Congress, of Europe, 953
Henry Middleton chosen President, - - 928 Council of Pennsylvania authorize the laying out
Address from Christopher TuUy received,
Journal ordered to be printed,
-

A Congress to be held on the 10th of May next,

... 928
928
a King's Highway, from the Wind Gap, on the
North side of the Blue Mountain, to Wyoming,
Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Governour
954

obtained, recommended, ....

unless redress of Grievances should be sooner
928
Penn, dated August 26. Requires him to de-
sist from extending the jurisdiction of Pennsyl-

Letter from Congress to the Colonies of

John's, &c.,
St.
929
vania to the line run by the Commissioners of
that Province and Maryland, ... 954
24, Address to the
sidered, and recommitted,
Address to the King reported,
....
People of Q,uebeck reported, con-

... 929
929
2, Proclamation of Governour Penn, requiring Ma-
gistrates and others to desist from exercising
jurisdiction beyond those places where it has
25,

To
engrossed,
be sent
......
Address considered, approved, and ordered

Colony Agents, to be presented

to the
to be
929
3,
been heretofore exercised, until his Majesty's
pleasure shall be known in the premises,
Letter from Governour Penn to the Earl of Dart-
- 955

to his Majesty and the Agents requested to

; mouth. Explanation of his motives for issuing
call in the aid of such Noblemen and Gentle- the Proclamation for extending the jurisdic-
men as are firm friends to American Liberty, 929 tion, 955
Committee to prepare a Letter to the Agents, - 929 2, Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn.
Thanks
Civil
of Congress to the patriotick Advocates of
and Religious Liberty who have espoused
the cause of America, both in and out of Par- 2.
Colonel Lewis, .....
Report of the Battle between the Indians and

Address of the Committee to the Freeholders and

955

liament, 929 Electors of the City and County of Philadel-

26, Letter to the Colony Agents, - - - 929 phia. Recommend the election of a new
Address to the Inhabitants of the Province of Conwnittee, under the Association of the Con-
Quebeck,
Address to the King,
List of the Colony Agents,
.....
....
930
934
933
2,
gress, -

Letter from Lieutenant Governour Golden to the

Earl of Dartmouth. The Congress broke up
956

List of the Delegates who attended the Congress, 938 last week. Their measures do not meet with
applause in New- York on the contrary, the
;

City is rather dissatisfied. The Merchants

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC. dislike the Non-Importation, and the Farmers
Oct. Letter from Govemour CJage to Peyton Ran- will not bear the Non-Exportation. great A
20, dolph, in reply to the Letter from the Con-
gress, of the 10th of October,
Letter to Peyton Randolph, late President of
... 989
majority in the Province disapprove of the

......
dangerous measures of the New England Go-
vernments, 957
the American Continental Congress, from an 2, Letter from an Officer at Boston, to his friend in
Inhabitant of Massachusetts, against the Pro- Edinburgh. The Faction at Boston is very
ceedings of the Congress, and defending the
conduct of General Gage, ... 939
low. All ranks of People are heartily tired
of disorder and as soon as the determination

......
;

27, Letter to General Gage, from Williamsburg, in of Great Britain to despise their Resolves and
Virginia, 945 Petitions, is known, all will be quiet, - - 957
27, Letter from John Dickinson to Arthur Lee. The 3, Letter from Doctor Chauncy to Josiah Gluincy,
Colonies have taken such grounds that Great Jun., London. The Colonies are united in
Britain must relax, or involve herself in a Civil their resolution to defend their Liberties. All
War. A
determined and unanimous resolu- wish for a restoration of harmony, and dread a
tion animates the Continent, - 947 bloody conflict; yet this they will universally c'

28, Letter from John Dickinson to Josiah Quincy,

Jun. The most peaceable Provinces are now
animated and a Civil War is inevitable, unless
;
4,
go into, rather than submit to the tyrannical
measures imposed on them,
Letter from Governour Perm to the Earl of Dart-
... 953

there be a quick change of British measures. 947 mouth, 958

29, Letter from Colonel Charles Lee to the Duke Charge of William Henry Drayton, one of the
of — .All orders of men, throughout the Col-
5,
Judges of the General Sessions of the Peace,
onies, are enthusiastick in the cause of Free- for the Districts ofCamden and Cheraws, in

30,
in their use,
Letter from
......
dom. The People have Arms, and are expert

Govemour Gage to the Earl of Dart-

949
South Carolina, on his Circuit, the fifth and fif-

Juries, ...--..
teenth days of November, to the several Grand
959
mouth. The Provincial Congress, it is report- Presentments of the Grand Jury for the District
ed, had in agitation the embodying of fifteen of Camden, - - - - - -961
thousand Men, to be ready, at a moment's warn- Presentments of the Grand Jury for the Cheraws
ing, and to be supported by the neighbouring District, %2
Provinces. It is the intention of the Congress
to assemble the old Council at the next meet- Judge Drayton, .....
Address of the Petit Jury of Cheraws District, to
962

31,
sible for the Province, ....
ing, to form as complete a Government as pos-

Letter from Josiah Quincy to Josiah Gluincy, Jun.,

950
951
5, Resolutions adopted at a Meeting of the Officers
under the command of Lord Dunmore, con-
vened at Fort Gower, .... 962
31,
mouth, .......
Letter from Govemour Penn to the Earl of Dart-

NavA, Address of the Grand Jury for the County of Es-

952
6,

6,
Sheep not permitted to be sent from New- York
to the West
Letter from Joseph
Indies,
Reed
Josiah Gluincy, Jun.
to
963

1.
Justice of the Province, ....
sex, in New-Jersey, to Frederick Smith, Chief

Letter from a Gentleman, at Bladensburg, Mary-

967
The Quakers have directed their members not
to serve on the Committee for carrying into
effect the Association of Congress yet, in Phil-;

land, to his brother, in Glasgow. Virginia is adelphia, there is no fear that any discontented
raising a Company of Men in every County. spirit dares oppose the measures necessary for
Maryland has begun to raise Men in every the publick safety. There is more fear for
 CONTENTS. 1.XXVI
1771.
County
1774. there has been a strange Nor. Rt-^olutions of the County Congress of the
New- York, where of York, in Massachusetts,
983
9G3 16,
delinquency the whole Summer,
Meeting of the Freeholders of Henrico County,
Ntm. Meeting of tlie Inhabitants of York,
7, and Procec-ding-s
the arrival of Tea,
of the
-
County
in Virginia,
Committee, on
:,',,',. 9G4
17,

18.
ed,
.....--
Virginia. Committee of Observation appoint-

Meeting of the Inhabitants of Charles County,

985

Meeting of the Committee and other Inhabitants Maryland. Committees of Observation and
of Tea, 9G5
of Gloucester, in Virginia, on the arrival
Correspondence, and Delegates to the Conven-
Concession of John Prentiss to the York and . 985
965 tion appointed, . . . -
Gloucester Committees, for importing Tea, -
Meeting of the Inhabitants of Frederick County,
7, Meeting of the Inhabitants of the City of Phila- 18,
Committees of Observation and
Mainland.

7.
delphia, to make arrangements for electing
Committee, -

New- York Committee recommend

- -
a

purposes
the election
" .
-
" 965

18,
tion appointed,
.....
Correspondence, and Delegates to the Conven-

Address of the Committee of Mechanicks, of New-

- 986

of a Committee of Inspection, for the

967 York, to the Delegates who represented the
expressixi in the Association of Congress, 987
908 City in the General Congress, . . -
7. Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, 987
Leuer 'from New- York to a Correspondent m
Answer of the Delegates, . . . -

Address to the People of New- Jersey. Condemns

7,
London, - • - " ' *
969 19,
Ap- the Resolutions of the Congress. There are
7. Meeting at Marblehead, in Massachusetts.
no instances of Laws so severe, or any regula-
pointed a Committee to execute the Associa- 987
tions so inimical to Liberty, as their Resolves,
tion and fixed a day for choosing Militia Of-
Tomi Meeting at Providence, in Rhode-Island.
;

ficers, - - - - " *
970 21.
Westmoreland One hundred and twenty-five Pounds voted for
8, Meeting of the Committee for
989
Resolutions relative to the distressed Inhabitants of Boston,
County, in Virginia.
. 970 21 Letter from Dr. Joseph Warren, to Josiah Quin-
David Wardrobe, . . -
Archibald Pro- cy, Jun. It is the united voice of America,
Letter from David Wardrobe to
971 to preserve their Freedom, or lose their lives
van, of Glasgow, dated June 30,
972 in defence of it. The Resolutions of the Con-
8, Proclamation of Governour Eden,
gress are not the effect of inconsiderate rash-
9. Meeting of the Inhabitants of Anne Arundel
Com- ness, but the sound result of sober inquiry and
County, and the City of Annapolis.
deliberation. If the Acts of Parliament are
mittee of Observation and Committee of Cor-
respondence appointed, . - - - 972 not repealed the wisest step for both Countries
is to sejiarate, and not spend their blood and
10. Address of the Merchants, Traders, and others, of
treasure in destroying each other, 990
Williamsburg, to Pej-ton Randolph and the
. 973 21, Maryland Convention, - . . - - 991
other Delegates, - - - -

Answer to the Address, - - 973 Several Counties not being represented the Con-
vention adjourned to the 8th of December, - 991
10, Proclamation of Governour Gage, against the
Resolves of the Provincial Congress, - 973 22, Meeting of the Freeholders of Elizabeth City
Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Commerce, County, Virginia. Committee of Observation
11,
appointed. - 991
concluded on the 20th of October, between
Georgia and the Creek Indians, 974 22, Letter from an -Officer in the Army at Boston.
Concession of Nicholas Austin, to the Committee As to the Colonists taking Arms to resist the
11.

Hampshire, ..----
of Correspondence of Rochester, in New-
974
Force of England, it is mere bullying. Any
two Regiments here ought to be decimated, if

12, Proclamation of Lieutenant Governour Bull.

Trade opened with the Creek and Cherokee
Revokes all Indian Trade Licenses, 22,
of the Massachusetts Province,
Committee of Sixty Persons elected in New-
...
they did not beat in the field the whole Force
991

12,
Indians.
and requires new ones to be taken out.
Committee of Observation for Baltimore County,
in Maryland, appointed, . . . -
-
975

975
ciation of Congress, .....
York, for the purposes mentioned in the Asso-

Address of the Magistrates of Frederick County,

- 992

14, Political Observations, without order, addressed to Maryland, to the Deputies from the Province
the People of America. . - - - 976 to the late Continental Congress, 992
Reply to the foregoing. . . - . 977 Address of the Grand Jury of Frederick County,
Another Reply. - - - - - - 978 Maryland, to their Deputies in the Congress, 993
14, Letter from the New- York Committee
Dunscomb. Chairman of the Committee of
to Daniel 23,
Earl of Dartmouth, ....
Letter from Lieutenant Governour Bull to the
993
Mechanicks. . . - - -

New- York Committee having agreed to dissolve,

329 23,
Virffinia, ......
Committee of Observation, for Warwick County,
994
15,

15.
mittee, ....---
appoint a day for the election of a new Com-

Letter from a Gentleman at Amsterdam, to a

330
MASSACHUSETTS PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
friend in Philadelphia. A
Vessel there load- Nov. The Provincial Congress meets, agreeably to
ing with Ammunition and Arms, stopped by a 23, their adjournment, on the 29th of October, - 993
Cutter sent from Dover, . - . -
. 979 Walter Spooner, one of his Majesty's Constitu-
15, Letter from Nathaniel Appleton to Josiah Quin- tional Council, desired to attend the Congress, 993
cy, Jun. It is the universal voice of the Peo- John Adams and Robert Treat Paine, of the
ple, that they will sacredly observe the recom- Continental Congress, desired to attend. 993

15,
mendations of the Grand Congress,
Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
mouth. The Proceedings of the Continental
980 24,
to report their Proceedings,
Dr. Appleton appointed Chaplain,
...
Members of the Continental Congress required

... 993
993
Congress astonish and terrify all considerate
men. Though many of their Resolves neither
can nor will be observed, it is to be feared they
read, and committed, ....
Proceedings of the Continental Congress reported,

Petition from Officers of the Minute Men, in the

993

will be generally received. Barracks have

been provided for the Troops and by various and committed, .....
Northwest part of Worcester County, read
994

......
;

means. Provisions for six months have been Commiuee to prepare a Plan for the Defence and
obtained, 981 Safety of the Government, required to set forth-
15. Letter from Grovcmour Wentworth to the Earl with, 994
of Dartmouth. Violent proceedings in some Committee publish a list of the Mandamus
to
parts of New-Hampshire. No hopes of a CoiiiiselloMkand others now in the Town of
legal establishment of the powers of Govern- Boston, fortnwith to prepare a Report, - - 994
ment in the Province, until they are efTectually 25, Committee to ascertain the number of Constitu-
restored in Massachusetts, - . . .
- 981 tional Counsellors now in To\\ti, - - 994
16,

16,
Virginia, .....
Proclamation by the King. Copper Coins forr

Meeting of Inhabitants of Calvert County,

-

Ma
982
26, Committee to devise means of keeping up a Cor-
respondence with Montreal and Quebeck,
Committee to prepare Form of an Order with
- 995

ryland. Committees of Observation and Cor respect to the Treasurer's Bond. - - 995
respondence appointed, . . . ,
982 28, Committee to take into consideration the state of
Lxxvn CONTENTS.
LXXVIII
1774.
1774.
the Manufactures, and how they may be im- Nov. Queries addressed to the Committees of Observ-
proved in the Province, . . - . 995 30, ation, on the Pamphlet, " A Friendly
Address
Nov. Committee to make an estimate of the loss and to all Reasonable Americans," - . .1011
29, damage of every kind, occasioned by the Acts Meeting of Freeholders of Prince George's Coun.
of Parliament since the operation of the Port ty, Maryland. Committees of Observation and
Bill, - 995 Correspondence, and Delegates to the Conven-
Committee to state the amount of the Sums which tion appointed, . . . . -1012
have been extorted from us since 17G3, under Dec. 1, Meeting of Freeholders of Elizabethtown, Essex
certain Acts of the British Parliament, 995 County, New- Jersey. Committees of Observ.
30, Members to attend the Continental Congress ation and Correspondence appointed,

morrow, ......
on the 10th of May next, to be appointed to-

Letters from Doctor Franklin to Mr. Gushing,

996
2,
of Dartmouth.
.
Letter from Governour Wentworth to the Earl
The measures recommended
by the Continental Congress received, impli.
.1012

read and referred to the Provincial Committee citly, by the People, as matters of obedience.
of Correspondence, . . . . - 996 Exportation of Sheep prevented, by order of
Dec. Report of Committee on Proceedings of Conti- the Committee, .1013
.......
1, . - . .
nental Congress, read, considered, and recom- 4, Letter from Arthur Clair to Governour Penn.
St.
mitted, 996 Attempt of Mr. Connolly to enforce the juris,
Thanks of the Congress to the other Colonies, for diction of Virginia, at Pittsburgh. Mr. Scott,
their Donations to the Town of Boston, 996 a Pennsylvania Magistrate, arrested by Con-
Committee to call upon the Secretary for a list nolly, on the 12th of November, and brought
of the Mandamus Counsellors, . . 997 before Lord Dunmore, at Fort Burd,

.......
. - - 1013
2, Report of Committee on the state of the Prov- 4, Lord Dunmore arrived at Williamsburg, from his
ince, 997 expedition against the Indians, having brought
Members to
Congress, chosen, .....
represent the Province in Continental
997
them
Letter from
to terms,and made a Treaty with them, 1014
Red Stone. Causes of the Indian War
3, Report of Committee on the
ince, considered,
Committee
..... state

prepare an Address to tlie Clergy,

to
of the Prov-
997
traced from the Treaty made by Colonel Bou-
quet, with the Shawanese, in 1764, to the at-
tack of Captain Michael Cresap upon a party

..-.--
5,
desiring them to exhort the People to sustain of Indians, in April, 1774, . . .1015
the Congress, 997 Letter from the Camp, on Point Pleasant, at the

6,
Congress adopted, .....
Report on the Proceedings of the Continental

Committee to correspond with the Inhabitants of

997
mouth of the Great Kenhawa, dated October
17th.
the 10th,
Account of the Battle at that place, on
1016
Canada appointed, . . . . - 999 Letter from Staunton, in Virginia, of November
Brief to be circulated through the Province, to 4th. A further account of the same Battle, 1017
promote Donations for the Sufferers in Boston List of killed and wounded Virginians in the Bat.
ajid
Address
Charlestown,
to the Clergy,
. .

.
.
....
Mandamus Counsellors who have published a
. - 999
1000
tie at Point Pleasant, on the 10th of October,
(Note,)
Message from Logan, an Indian Warrior, to
1018

renunciation of their Commissions, . 1000 Lord Dunmore, 1020

7, Committee to prepare a true state of the number

.....
of Inhabitants, and of the Exports and Imports Dunmore, (Note,) .....
Speech of Logan, a Shawanese Chief, to Lord
io2C

8,
of the Colony,
Resolutions reconmiending the encouragement of
1001 5,
Dunmore, ......
Address of the City of Williamsburg to Lord
1019
Manufactures in the Province,
Two General Officers chosen,
. . ^

... 1001
1002
Answer to the Address, . . . - 1019

Address of the President and Professors of Wil-

9,
the Congress, ......
Committee on an Address from the Baptists
1003
to liam and Mary College to Lord Dunmore,
Address of the Borough of Norfolk to Lord Dun-
. 1019

Report of Committee relative to Publick Moneys

in the hands of Constables and others, adopted. 1003
more,
Answer to the Address, .... 1019
1020
Committee on a Plan of Military Exercise pro-
posed by Captain Pickering, ...
1004
5, Meeting of the Freeholders of Richmond County,
Virginia. Committee of Inspection appointed, 1021

tists, adopted, ......

Report of Committee on Address from the Bap-
1004
5, Committee of New.Castle County, Etelaware.
Approve the Continental Association. Recom.

10,
wick, .......
Committee on Letter from the Town of Hard-

Report on Letter from Hard wick,

1004
1004
mend to the Inhabitants,

......
from si.xteen to fifty
years of age, to form themselves into Military
Companies, 1022
Address to the Freeholders and other Inhabitants 5, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Reading, in Berks
of the Towns and Districts of Massachusetts
Bay,
Report of Committee on the state of the Province
.

e
1005 vation appointed, ...
County, Pennsylvania. Committee of Obser.
. io23

relative to assuming Civil Government, consi

dered, and laid on the table, . 1006 ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Returns of the Officers and Men, of the Minute Dec. 5, The Assembly meets, 1023
Men, and the Militia to be made. 1006 8, Report from the Members deputed, in behalf of
Report of Committee on the state of the Province, 1007 this Province, to attend the General Congress, 1023
E.xpense of transmitting the Address to the Cana. 9, Resolutions of the Congress considered, . 1023
dians to be paid by this Government,
The Congress dissolved, .... 1008
1008
10,
15,
Further considered, and unanimously approved. 1023

....
Deputies to the Congress, to meet on the 1 0th of
May next, appointed, 1023

Nov.
OORUESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Meeting of a great number of the Freeholders of 20,
ties appointed, .....
Committee to prepare Instructions to the Depu.

Message from the Governour. Recommends re-

1024

25, Chesterfield County, Virginia.

mittee appointed, ..... County Com-
1007 23,
pair of Barracks in the Northern Liberties,
Answer to the Governour's Message. The House
1024

25, Meeting of Freeholders of James City County,

Virginia.
cd.
Committee of Observation appoint,
1008 24,
racks, ......
does not think expedient to repair the Bar^

Instructions to the Deputies considered, and the

. 1024

26,

28,
Committee for the upper part of Frederick Coun-
ty, Maryland. Punishment of John Parks,
Address of Committee of Correspondence to the
1009 Session,
Adjourned
......
further consideration postponed to the next

to the 20th of February next, -

1024
1025
Freeholders of the County of Essex, in the
Province of New- Jersey, - - . . 1009
30,
Publick, ......
Addrr-ss of the Committee of Philadelphia to the

Committee of Observation for Philadelphia Coun-

1010 Dec. 6,
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Letter from London to a Gentleman in ^ew.
York. First information of the Resolves of
ty. 1010 the Congress of the States of America, - 1025

a
 CONTENTS. I.XXX
LXXIX 1774.
Lieuten-
1774.
County, Vir- Dec Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to
Dec. Mcetino' of the Freeholders of Essex ant Governour Colden. Does not think the
Committee of Obserration 1026
appointed, 10,
ginia. quell^ the
6.
1026 assistance of the King's Troops to
Committee of Isle of Wight County, Virgmia, disturbances at Bennington, under the Ne\y-
Meeting of Freeholders of Princess Anne Coun-
6 Hampshire Grants, ought to be called for until
Committee of Observation ap-
ty, Virginia.
pointed, - - -
Re-^ulations, for the sale of
-• 1026
Goods imported after
", ,"
every other effort has been foimd insufficient;

....
and hopes these disputes may be settled without
C the risk of bloodshed,
- 1035
The first day of December, adopted by the
Meeting of Freeholders of Ne\vtown, in Queen's
Philadelphia Committee, - " 1026 10.
" ,
, y^ County, New- York. Committee of Observa
Letter from Governour Penn to the Earl of Dart-

--"'
6, tion appointed, . . . - - 1035
mouth. Philadelphia and several of the Coun- Gentleman New-
to enforce the 10. Letter from London, to a in
ties have appointed Committees
1027 York. Advantages to the Colonies from an
Association, Parliament cannot
of union withEngland.
Meeting of Freeholders and other Inhabitants
6,
make the first advances towards reconcilia-
Jamaica, in Queen's County, New- York. Ap- 1035
prove the Resolutions of tKe Congress. Com-
tion, "

ap- 10, Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-

mittee of Correspondence and Observation
"
1027 York. The American writers, by their pro-
pointed, - - - - " "
tensions to Independence, and their claims to
,

m
7, Meeting of Freeholders of Ne^rark,

tion appointed, - -
Esses
Countj', New-Jersey. Committee of Observa-
' ,
" -
- 1028
....---
exemption from Taxation, have ruined the
cause,
Meeting of the Freeholders of King and Queen
- 1036

Address of the Committee to the Delegates

for
r 12,
- 1029
- County, Virginia. Committee of Observation
New-Jersev, in the Continental Congress, 1037
appointed, - - - - - -
dueries of the' Committee relative to Rivington's
'
- 1029 12, Meeting of Henrico County, Virginia, Commit-
Newspaper, - - - " ,,
" ,
tee. The Resolutions of Congress to be con-
Letter from Lieutenant Governour Colden
to the
T,
sidered by the Committee as the sole rule of
Earl of Dartmouth. Proceedings in New-
their conduct, respecting their present engage-
York on the Resolutions of Congress. Dis-
pute between the smugglers and fair traders
will probably defeat the Association. Men op-
posed to the Congress on the Committee they ;
12.
ed,
...-.--
ments. Committee of Correspondence appoint-

Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dan-

1037

Con- bury, in Connecticut. Resolutions to support

at present support the measures of the

the lead,
..----
gress, to prevent dangerous men from taking
- 1030
the Congress.
pointed.
Committee of Observation ap-
The Inhabitants requested to contri-
bute liberally. Money or Provisions for Boston
8.

8,
ed, """""
Meeting of the Freeholders of Caroline County,
Virginia. Committee of Observation appoint-

Meeting of the Deputies appointed by the several

-
1
1030 12,
Sufferers,
Letter from Boston to a Gentleman in New- York.
It was moved on the 10th instant, in the Pro-
\incial Congress, that Arms be immediately
1038

Counties of the Province of Maryland, at the

City of Annapolis, by adjournment, on the 8th taken up against the King's Troops; a Mem-
of December, and continued till the 12th, 1031 ber stated such a move was infamous, as the
Proceedings of the Continental Congress unani- Members knew that neither Connecticut, nor
mously approved, . . - • - 1031 any of the Southern Colonies, meant to op-

mended, ....--
Woollen, Linen, and Cotton Manufactures recom-

Advances on the prime cost of Goods regulated.

1031
1031
pose his Majesty's Arms.

the Troops,
At PljTiiouth they

..---.
are now beating up for Volunteers to attack
1039
Suits not to be brought in any case for any Per- 12, Letter from Captain Wallace to Vice Admiral
son who violates the Continental Association, 1032 Graves, dated on board his Majesty's Ship
None but Members of Committees to meddle with, Rose, at Newport, Rhode- Island. The King's
or determine, any question under the Associa-
tion, . - - - -

Will support, to the utmost of their power, any

- 1032

13.
Inhabitants,
Letter from Sir
...---
Cannon upon Fort- Island carried off by the

James Wright to the Earl of

1039

Colony where an attempt shall be made to Dartmouth. Attempt to raise a flame again in
carry into execution, by force, the assumed Georgia, since the return of the Carolina Dele-
power of Parliament to Tax the Colonies, - 1032 gates from the Congress, whose Resolutions
Inhabitants of the Province, from sixteen to fifty and Proceedings have sanctioned Rebellion, 1040

Companies, ......
years of age, to form themselves into Military

Ten thousand Pounds to be raised by the Coun-

1032
13.
14,
Letter from Arthur Lee to Richard Henry Lee,
Letter from Newport, in Rhode- Island, to a Gen-
tleman in New- York. The People there
1040

, tion, .....--
ties for the purchase of Arms and Ammuni-

Committee of Correspondence for the Province

1032
have declared themselves openly against Gov-
ernment. The Publick Authorities have dis-
mantled the King's Fort, and moved the Can-
empowered to call a Meeting of the Conven- non and Stores to Providence, - - . 1041

tion on the 24th of April next, - 1033 Letter from Governour Wentworth to Governour

be continued, ------
Contributions for the Suffering Poor of Boston to

Committee of Correspondence appointed.

1033
1033
14,
Gage. This day about four hundred Men
proceeded to his Majesty's Castle, William and
Mary, and carried off by violence one hundred

pointed, -------
Delegates to the next Continental Congress ap-

Colonies and Provinces generally requested to

1033
barrels of Powder, belonging to the King to-
morrow, it is expected, they will carry off the
Cannon and Arms. Tho persons who took the
;

enter into such Resolutions as have been lead in this enormity are well kno\Mi, 1041

9,
and protection, .....
adopted by this Province, for mutual defence

Letter from Savannah, to a Gentleman of Phila-

1033
14, Letter from Captain Cochran, Commander of
Fort William and Mary, to Governour Went-
worth. Informs him of the storming of the
delphia. Meeting at Savannah, on the 8th. Fort, and the seizure and removal of the Pow-
Georgia will unite with the other Colonies. der, - " 1042
Large Donations made for Sufferers in Boston, 1033 16, Letter from Governour Wentworth to Governour
9, Meeting of the Freeholders of Prince William Gage. Last night many Cannon, and about
County, Virginia. Committee of Observation sixty Muskets, were taken from the Fort.
electee. Resolutions adopted on tire 21st to Portsmouth is full of armed Men, who appear
enforce the Continental Association, 1034 determined to dismantle the Fort entirely. 1042
10, Circular from the Earl of Dartmouth to the 16, Letters from Portsmouth, in New- Hampshire, to
Governours of the several Colonics. The a Gentleman in New- York. Further ac-
Resolution of Parliament to sustain the King counts of the seizure of the Powder and Can-
in carrying into execution the Laws of tho non at Fort William and Mary, - 1043

-fast Session, will put an end to the expecta-

tions of the Colonies of receiving support in
their unwarrantable pretensions, 1034
our Dunmore,
The Govemour's Answer, -
...
Address of the Council of Virginia to Govern-

-
1043
1044
-

K
 —

CONTENTS. LXXXII
1774.
1774.
2>fc. 13, Meeting of the Freeholders of Northampton of St. Mary's County, Maryland. Commit-
County, Virginia. Committee of Observation tees of Observation and Correspondence, and
appointed. The Association to be considered Delegates to the Convention, appointed, - 1060

every emergency,
Letter from the People of
....
the sole rule of the Committee's conduct in

Northampton County,
- 1044
Dec.23, Meeting of Committee for Anne Arundel Coun-

24,
ty, Maryland,
Committee for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
1060

tee of Donations, at Boston,

Reply from David
...
Virginia, of the 30th August, to the Coimnit-

of the Committee of
Jeffries,
1044
24,
Resolution relating to Thomas Charles Wil-
liams, and Mr. Williams's acknowledgement, 1061
Letter from Governour Dunmore to the Earl of
Donations, Boston, of the 30th of September, Dartmouth. Every County in Virginia has

15,
to
ton, Virginia,
Letter from
......
John Harmanson, and

Governour Gage
others, of

to
Northamp.

the Earl of
1045
its Committee, and is, besides, raising an Inde-

pendent Company, for the avowed purpose of

being employed against Government, if occa-
Dartmouth, 1046 sion requires. There is not a Justice of the
16, Committee for Caroline County, Virginia. Re- Peace in Virginia that acts, except as a Com-
commend to the People of the County, as they mittee-man. The Association will defeat it-
would avoid being considered enemies to Ame- self The Non-Exportation Agreement will
rican Liberty, not to have any dealings with produce distress and Manufactures cannot,

-.-...
;

certain Merchants, charged with violating the advantageously, be carried on in Virginia, - 1062

Association, 1047 24, Meeting of the Inhabitants of King's District,

16, Meeting of Freeholders of York County, Penn- Albany County, New- York. Will, at the
sylvania. Committee of Observation ap- risk of their lives, suppress every Meeting,
pointed, 1048 Association, or Combination, which may, in
17, Meeting of the Freeholders of Charles City any wise, obstruct the due Administration of
County, Virginia. Committee of Observation Justice, under the King, in the Province, - 1063
appointed, 1049 24, Address from " A
Watchman," to the Inhabit-
17, Town Meeting at Providence, in Rhode-Island. ants of British America, - . - . 1063

Committee of Correspondence appointed, - 1049 24, Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-
17, Letter received in London from an Officer in York, 1065
Boston. It is beheved, from certain circum- 24, Letter from Philadelphia to a Member of the
stances, that General Gage means to strike A Manufactory of Gun-
British Parliament.
some stroke of importance soon, which the powder begun in Pennsylvania, where there
Americans are little aware of, - - - 1049 are Gunsmiths enough to make one hundred
18, Letter from Arthur St. Clair to Governour Penn, 1050 thousand Stand of Arms in a year, - - 1066

19,

19,
Earl of Dartmouth, ....
Letter from Lieutenant Governour Bull to the

Philadelphia Committee order the Association of

105O
26, Letter from Philadelphia to a Member of the
British Parliament. The Ministry who be-
lieve the military preparations in the Colonies

19,
adelphia, to be printed, ....
the Butchers, in the City and Suburbs of Phil-

Meeting of Committee for Fairfax County, Vir.

1050
have been recommended and taught by Gene-
ral Lee, are entirely mistaken. The Ameri-
cans were determined to seal their love of Li-
ginia. Irish Linens imported in the Ship
Hope, from Belfast, directed to be sold agree,
ably to the Tenth Article of Association, - 1051 26,
the name
Letter from
of that Officer,
London to
....
berty with their blood, long before they heard

a Gentleman in
Vir-
1066

19, Meeting of the Committee of Observation, for ginia. The Petition of the Congress favour-
Gloucester County, Virginia. Committee of ably received in England. Lord Chatham
Correspondence appoint^, - . t 1051 commends both the Petition and the other Pro-
19, Committee of Observation for Elizabethtovm, ceedings in the highest terms, - - - 1 067

20,
in New-Jersey.
ington's Gazette,
Letter from
.....
Resolution relative to Riv-

London to a Gentleman of New-

1052
26, Letter from London to a Gentleman in Virginia.
The universal approbation the Proceedings of
the Congress meets with in England, has dis-

20,
York.

Meeting of the Inhabitants of Chester Comity,

...
Efforts of the Ministry to accomplish
their designs on the Colonies, 1052
26,
concerted the Ministry, who appear unwilling
to retract, and unable to proceed, - -

Letter from Arthur Lee to Richard Henry Lee, 1068

1067

Pennsylvania. Committee of Observation ap- 26, Letter from an Officer in the Army, at Boston, to
pointed. Provincial Congress recommended, 1052 a Gentleman in Edinburgh. The Army is
20t

20,
the common cause, .....
United Colonies extremely active and zealous in

Letter from a Gentleman in Boston to Mr. Riv-

1053
in high spirits, and the Town is quiet. "The
back settlements, in general, disapprove of the
Non-Importation Resolves, ...
1068
ington. Account of the proceedings at Ports- 26, Letter from Governour GSage to the Earl of

21,
Fort William and Mary, ....
mouth, in New. Hampshire, and the capture of

Meeting of Committee for Halifax County, North

1053 26,
Dartmouth,
Proclamation of Governour Wentworth, for ap-
prehending and bringing to condign punish,
1069

Carolina. No dealings permitted with An- ment those who were guilty of the treason-
drew Miller, who has refused to sign the Asso- able insults and outrages at his Majesty's Cas-

21,
ciation,
Meeting of the Committee for Prince George's
County, Maryland. Eight hundred and thir-
1055

27,
of this month, .....
tle, William and Mary, on the 14th and 15th

Account of the seizure of Powder and Arms, at

1069

ty-three Pounds to be raised by subscription, New. York, 1070

and ten Companies to be enrolled in the Coun- 28, Humble Petition and Memorial of the Assembly
ty, 1056 of Jamaica, to the King's Most Excellent Ma-
22, Meeting of Freeholders of Orange County, Vir- jesty, in Council, 1072
ginia. Committee of Observation elected, - 1056 28, Address to the Inhabitants of North America, in
23, Circular Letter from the Committee of Corres- general, and those of the Province of New-
pondence of Philadelphia, to the Committee of York, in particular, in defence of the Con-

vania, .--....
Inspection of the several Counties in Pennsyl-
1056 29,
gress,
Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Fair--
1074

22,
the Boston Newspapers, ....
Letter from Timothy Ruggles to the Printers of

Association proposed by Mr. Ruggles, to be sign,

1057
field,
tion,
in Connecticut. Approve the Associa-
and appoint Committee of Observation.
Committee to attend a County Congress, and a
ed by the People of Massachusetts, to oppose Committee of Correspondence, appointed, - 1 075
the Congress, and support the King, - - 1057 30, Letter from Governour Eden to the Earl of
22, Letter from Arthur Lee to Richard Henry Lee, 1058 Dartmouth. The People of Maryland will
23, Meeting of Inhabitants of Williamsburg, in Vir- undergo any hardship, rather than submit to
ginia. Committee of Observation appointed, 1059 the Tax on Tea and will support the Asso-
;

23, Meetmg of Freeholders of Accomack County, ciation, even if it causes the total ruin of their
in Virginia. Committee of Observation ap- Trade, 1076
pointed, 1059 30, Meeting Oyster Bay, in Queen's County,
at
23, Meeting of Gentlemen, Freeholders, and others, New- York, called to choose a Committee.
FOCETH SeEIES.
 CONTENTS. LXXXIV
UCXXIII
'^''''
1774. be and ad- Letter from Manchester to a Merchant in London,
The Meeting determined to illegal,
transacting any business, lOTo enclosing a copy of a Letter from a Merchant
joumed without -

De«.30, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to Govemour in New- York, countermanding orders for
Goods, - 1091
Trumbull. A
supply of Ammunition should
Charles City County,
-

Jan. Meeting of Committee for

30,
be procured, at tlie Colony's expense, as early
as possible,

Boston.
• -

Report on the Letter from General

-

Mectijig of Freeholders and other Inhabitants of

" "'
4,
4,
Virginia.
imported,
Letter from Lieutenant
......
Direct the sale of

Govemour Golden
Goods recently

to the
1091

Earl of Dartmouth. If he finds there is not

Gage to Peyton Randolph, President of the
a majority of the Assembly, which meets on the
Congress, adopted, and to be forwarded to Mr.
1 1th, in favour of prudent measures, will pro-
Randolph. Thanks to the Colonies, for their
liberal Donations. Delegates to the Provmcial
rogue them. There is still a majority of the
- - - - 10/7 respectable people in the City, who promote
Congress appointed,
Qumcy, peace and discountenance violence, - - 1092
30, Letter from Thomas Gushing to Josiah
Junior, ."
'0^0 4, Town Meeting at Barnstable, in Massachusetts.
Letter from a Mercantile House at Yorkshire,^ m Refuse to purchase Arms or Ammunition, en-
31,
England, to a Gentleman in New- York. The
Resolves of the Congress will have no effect in
England. Parliament cannot take notice of 5,
courage Minute Men, or send Delegates to the
Provincial Congress,
An Epistle from the Meeting of Sufferings of the
.... 1092

them. Manidactures in England in a flour-

ishing condition, and Trade scarcely ever so
goodVfore, '080 5,
Quakers, held in Philadelphia, for Pennsylva-
nia and New- Jersey,
Address from a FreehoWer of Essex, in New-
.... 1093

Letter from Govemour Penn to the Earl of Dart- Jersey, to the Committee of Essex County,
31 ,

condemning the Resolutions of Congress, - 1094

mouth. A general disposition every where to
adhere Resolutions of the Congress. In
to the 5, Reply to the Address to the People of New- Jer-
Philadelphia the Committees have undertaken sey, dated November 19th, - - - 1096
to regulate the disposition of all British Goods Address of the Committee of Correspondence of
- 1081 Albany, in New- York, to the Publick, - 1097
imported since the first of December, -

31 . Lihabitants of
panies, ...•'•.•-
Maryland forming Military Com-
1081
5,

5,
Letter from the Albany to the New- York Dele-
gates in the Continental Congress, -

Letter from the Committee of Correspondence, at

- 1098

1775. ^ ^ Newport, in Rhode- Island, to the Philadelphia

Jan. 2, Meeting of the Freeholders of Richmond Coun-
ty, Virginia. Delegates to the Colony Con- Committee. The Association strictly adhered
to by the Merchants of the Colony, - 1098
gress appointed. Instructions to the Delegates, 1021
-

Letters at CharlcstowTi, from West Florida, with

2, Meeting of Inhabitants of Charles County, Mary- 6,

Delegates to the Convention, and Com- information of the state of Indian affairs there, 1099
land.
irdttees for general Subscription in each Coun- 6, Meeting of Freeholders of several Towns in
Members added to the Commit- Ulster County, New- York. Approve the As-
ty, appointed.
1081 sociation, and all the other measures, of the late
tee of Observation, - - - - -

Meeting India Merchants, in Lon-

of the West Congress, - - - - - .1100
3,
Letter from the Planters. General 6, Letter from the Boston Committee of Donations,
don.
1082 to the Philadelphia Committee, - - - 1 100
Meeting of Merchants and Planters called, -
Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth
Letter from London to a Merchant in New- 7, Lieutenant to
3,

3.
York. Proceedings of the Congress has
alarmed Lord North,
Meeting of the Freeholders of Middlesex Coun-
...
- 1083
Govemour Coldcn. The affairs of the Colo-
nies have come to a crisis, and will be taken
up by Parliament immediately after the holi-
ty, New-Jersey. Committees of Observation, days, 1101
for the several Districts of the County, ap- Memorial of Colonel Thomas Ord, for a location

pointed, - - - - - - 1083 of five thousand acres of Land in New- York,

Meeting of the General Committee of Observa- for his services, enclosed in the foregoing
16,
tion for Middlesex County, New- Jersey. Pro- Letter, - 1101
ceedings of the Congress approved. Commit- 7, Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-
tee of Correspondence appointed. Ministerial York. The Resolves of Congress have pushed

4,
writers endeavouring to effect a disunion of the
Colonies, condemned,
Circular Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to
....
1083
matters to an extremity, and render a complete
decision of the dispute inevitable.
tion now is. Whether America
The ques-
shall be inde-
the Governours of the several Colonies, direct- pendent of, or subordinate to, the Parliament, 1101
ing them to use their utmost endeavours to pre- 7, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Woodbridge, in

Letter from London to a Gentleman in New-

....
vent the appointment of Deputies to the Con-
gress, in May next, - 1085
Middlesex County, New- Jersey.
of Observation appointed.
Committee
Determination to
carry into effect the Association, - - 1102
4,

4,
York.
suffer, ,....-.
The Manufacturing Counties begin to

Letter from London to a Gentleman in Virginia.

1085
9, Letter from a Merchant in London to a friend in
Virginia. There is no disposition in the Cabi-
net to give America any redress. The Colo-
'
•

Meetings of Merchants and Planters. The and provide

nies should preserve their union,

4,
West India Planters fear ruin,
Acts are not repealed,
Meeting of the Merchants and others concerned
1085 ....
if the American themselves with Manufactures, Arms, and Am-
munition, for it is more than probable they will
have occasion for them, - . - - 1104

in the American Commerce, at the King's

Arms Tavern, London,
Speech intended to have been spoken at the
1086 .... 9, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Epsom, in New-
Hampshire. Pedlars to be tarred and feather-
ed, and forfeit their Goods, ...
1105

6,
Meeting of the North American Merchants,
at the King's Arms Tavern,
Letter from London. Account of the Meeting of
1087 ... 2, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Exeter, in New-
Hampshire. Unanimously adopt the Associa-
tion, appoint Committee of Observation, and

the Amciican Merchants, at the King's Arms Delegates to the Convention, to meet on the
Tavern, -- 1087 25th, - - - - - - - - 1105
9, Letter from Leeds to the Printer of the London 9, Meeting of the Freeholders of Morris County,
Evening Post, contradicting the representa- New- Jersey. Unanimously agree to abide by
tions in a Letter from Leeds, referred to by Mr. the Association. Order the election of Commit-
Barclay, at the Meeting, on the 4th, - - 1088 tees of Observation by each Township of the
16, Letter from David Barclay, enclosing the Letter County, and elect a new Committee of Corres-

21,
on the
Letter from
4th, ,...,.
from Leeds, referred to by him at the Meeting,

Samuel Elam, at Leeds, avowing

1089
pondence. Rivington declared an enemy to
tlie Country, and his Newspaper to be discoun-

tenanced for the future, - - - - 11 06

himself the writer of the Letter to Mr. Bar- 9, Letter from Samuel Adams to the Committee ap-
clay, and sustaining the representations there pointed in New- York to receive and transmit
made, of the effects of the American Associa- Donations for the relief of the sufferers in Bos-
tion on British Manufactures, . , , ^089 toijj - • - -.- - - 1105
 LXXXV I CONTENTS,
LXXXVI
1775.
Jan. 1 1, Meeting of Merchants, Traders, and others, con-
cerned in the American Commerce, at the
King's Arms Tavern, London. Petitions to
1775.
Committee to bring
Government, ...... in a Bill

/a«.24. Proceedings of the Continental Congress, com

for the Support of
1124

A
sented, .-.---.
Parliament adopted, and ordered to be pre-

circumstantial account of the Proceedings of

1107
municated to the House by the Delegates,

---....
Proceedings of the Congress unanimously ap-
proved,
- 1124

- 1124
the North American Merchants, held at the
King's Arms Tavern, Cornhill, London, - 1107 appointed, ---...
Delegates to the Congress to meet in May next,

The Delegates instructed to Disagree to any Pro-

1124

PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF SOCTH CAROLINA. position in the Congress to give some Colonies
more Votes in the determination of Questions
Jan. 1 1,List of the Members
of the Congress, 1109
to bind the whole, than to others, 1124
Charles Pinckney chosen President,
American Bill of Rights, as declared by the Con-
tinental Congress, approved. -
1110

1110
25,
mittee, ----...
Governour's Speech further considered in Com-
1124

ances, (NotP,)
The Association approved,
------
Reasons assigned for not stating all the Griev-

- - - .
1111
1111
27,
Committee prepare a Petition to the King,
to
praying a redress of Grievances,

....
- 1125
Bill for Support of Government, read, and second
reading ordered,
d
- 1125
Debates on agreeing to the Association, (Note,) 1111
30, Address the
to Governour read, and second read'
Thanks to the Continental Congress, for their

can Liberty, ......

wise and spirited exertions in behalf of Ameri-

No action for any Debt to be commenced, except

1112
31,
ing ordered, .

Message from the Governour,

.

Colonel Robertson, requesting to be allowed

for Sheets furnished the
King's Troops,
.

wth a
.

- 1125
.

Letter from
^ . 1125

in certain cases, without the consent of the

Address to the Governour read a second time, con-
Committee of the District where the defendant
sidered in Committee of the Whole, amended,
resides, until it shall be otherwise ordered by
and agreed to, - - 1125
the Provincial Congress, . . - . 1113
Feb. 3, Petition from a number of Inhabitants of Not-
Committees for the several Districts and Parish-
tingham, in Burlington County, praying some
es, for carrying into execution the Association,

to law processes, .....

and for determining upon applications

Regulations in relation to Rice, if the exporta-

relative
1113
measures may be taken to settle the Disputes
between Great Britain and the Colonies,

.......
Address of the House presented to the Govern-
- 1126

......
tion shall be continued after the 10th of Septem-
our,
Answer of ....
the Governour,
1126
1127
ber next,
Committees

The
modifies,
for
......
exchanging Rice

Hemp, Flour, Wool, Bar

raising of Cotton,
1114
for other com.
1116
6,

7,
ernment, ......
Proceedings on the Bill for the Support of

Governour's Message, received on the 31st of

1127
Gov.

January, considered. Refuse to allow Colo-

ley,and Hops, reconrniended, - IIIG
nel Robertson's charge of three hundred and
Publick Storekeepers to be appointed to receive
fifty-four Pounds, seven Shillings and six
and sell Wool, and the Linen, Woollen, and
Cotton Manufactures of the Colony,
The present Provincial Congress to continue un-
- IllG
in this Colony, ,;....
Pence, for Sheets furnished the King's Troops
1129

ants, .......
til the next General Meeting of the Inhabit-

The Parochial and District Committees requested

1116
8, Petition from the Inhabitants of Nottingham re.

....
ferred to the Committee appointed to prepare
an Address to the King,
Proceedings in regard to James Murdock, for
1130
10,
to use their utmost endeavours to obtain liberal

of Boston, ......
Donations for the relief of the suffering People

Deputies to the American Congress, to meet on

1116
11,
Challenging a Member of the House,

Committee,
Further considered
*».»».
Petition to the King reported and considered in
1131

1131
13, Committee, agreed
in to, and
the 10th of May next, appointed, 1116
ordered to be signed by the Speaker, - 1132
Address to Lieutenant Governour Bull, complain-
ing of the long and still continued disuse of
.... Speaker permitted to enter his Dissent to the Peti^
tion, on the Journals of the House, 1134
General Assemblies,
Answer of the Lieutenant Governour,
Inhabitants of the Colony recommended to be
1117
1118
lington, .......
Adjourned to March 14th, then to meet at Bur^
1134

Arms, ......
diligently attentive in learning

Friday, the 17th of February, set apart as a day

the use of
- 1118 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Jaw. 11, Letter from Connecticut to a Gentleman at New-
of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, and Min.
port, in Rhode-Island. The whole Militia of
isters of the Gospel throughout the Colony

.....
requested to deliver suitable Discourses on the
occasion, 1118
the Colony ordered to train, and a quantity of
Powder and Lead to be provided. The time
is near when we must gird on our Swords
united Forces of America will be able to
the ;

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW-JERSEY. withstand all the Troops England can spare, 1 134
/aw. 11, Meeting of the Council,
13, The Governour delivered
Houses, ...... a Speech to both
-
1117

1117
12,
in Georgia, ......
Resolutions adopted by the Committee of Darien,

Association of the Freemen, Freeholders, and In-

1135

18, Committee to prepare an Address in answer to habitants of the Province of Georgia, - 1136
the Governour's Speech, . . . . 1117 13, Meeting of the Freeholders of Charlotte County,
24, Address reported, amended, and agreed to, 1118 Virginia. Committee of Observation appointed.
26, Address presented to the Governour, 1119 Proceedings of the Committee, - - - II 38
Governour's Answer, . - - . . 1119 13, Letter from Hartford, in Connecticut, to a Gen-
JFkJ. 10, Proceedings on the case of a Challenge from tleman at New- York. The Governour and
James Murdock to Lord Stirling, 1120 Council met on the 4th, and have ordered Pow-
13, Adjourned to March 14th, . . . . 1121 der and Lead to be purchased at the publick
expense and the Militia is mustered every
;

/an. 11, The Assembly meets, - - . . . 1121 week. Nothing but a spirit of Independence

13,
List of the Representatives,

......
Speech of the Governour to the Council and
- . - .1121
tremities, .....
would suffer matters to be carried to such ex-
- 1139

16,
Assembly,
Governour's Speech read and committed to Com-
mittee of the Whole House, ...
1121

1123
15,

16,
in New- York, .....
Letter from Bristol, in England, to a Gentleman

Meeting of the Inhabitants of Anne Arundel

1139

17, House in Committee on the Governour's Speech, 1123 County, Maryland, Committee of Observa-
20,
21,
23,
Speech further considered in Committee,
Further considered,
Further considered,
..... - 1123
1123
1123
tion appointed. The Committee authorized to
elect Delegates for the County to the Provin-
cial Congress, and to nominate a Committee
Committee to prepare an Address in answer to of Correspondence. Every person in the
the Speech, 1124 County who shall refuse to contribute for the
 ;

LXXXVII
CONTENTS. LXXXVIII
1775.
1775.
purchase of Arms and Ammunition, shall be Jan:20. Message from the Committee of St. John's Pa-
- 1140 rish, to the Committes of the several Parishes
considered an enemy to America,
Objections to the Proceedings of this Meeting, of Georgia, in Congress, on the 18th of Janua-
1162
(Note,) - - 1141 ry,
Another Message to the Committees of the seve-
/«».16,Meeting of Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
Mem- ral Parishes in Congress met, on the 20th, 1162
Prince George's County, Maryland.
bers added to the Committee of Inspection, and Answer of the Parishes met in Congress to the
Dele- St. John's Committee, . . - . 1162
to the Committee of Corrrspondt nee.
- 1142 Resolutions of the St. John's Committee, 1162
gates to the Provincial Congress appointetl,
Meeting of the Inhabitants of Baltimore County, Resolution of the General Committee at Charles-
16,
Provin- town, South Carolina, of February 8th. Will
Maryland. Proceedings of the late

cial Convention, approved.

- 1142 have no Trade, Commerce, Dealings, or In-
tercourse, with the Colony of Georgia, 1163
Delegates to the next Provincial Congress ap-
pointed, - - - - - 1143 - Chairman of the General Committee at Charles-
Members added to the Committee of Observation, 1143 town directed, on the 24th of February, to
Name of every person refusing to subscribe for write to the Committee of the Parish of St.
the purchase of Arms and Ammmiition to be John, in reply to their Letter of the 9th inst.,
returned to the Committee, - - - 1143 that they cannot trade with them ;and refer
them to the Continental Congress, - 1163
Forming the Inhabitants into Military Companies,
and resisting with force, illegal attempts upon

Allegiance, ------
their Property, not repugnant to the Oaths of

Subscriptions to be opened throughout the County

1143
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Jan. 18, Meeting of the several Township Committees of

Boston, -------
to supply the necessities of the Suflerers at

Committee to purchase Powder and Lead, 1143

1143
Hunterdon County, New-Jersey. Approve
the Association of the Continental Congress,
and appoint a Committee of Correspondence, 1163
16, Meeting of the Committee of Bucks County, 19. Association signed by a number of the Inhabit-
Pennsylvania. Approve the Proceedings of ants of Dutchess County, New- York. No
support the Associa-
Agree leg;al authority in America, but what is derived
the Congress. to
tion. Recommend Money for sup-
raising from the King. They will defend themselves
port of Poor Inhabitants of Boston and ap- ;
whenever attacked on any pretence not war-
point Committee of Correspondence, 1144 ranted by the Laws of the Land They will on
:

Committee of Berks County, in Pennsylvania. all occasions exercise all their rights under the
16,
Recommend the Inhabitants of the County not Laws of the Land, notwithstanding the Asso-
Sheep to Butchers, preserving the Wool,
to sell ciation of the Continental Congress and will
;

being of the greatest consequence, 1144 enforce obedience to the authority of the King,
17, Meeting of the Supporters of the Bill of Rights, whenever called upon to do so, - 1164
in London. Members of the Society who 18. Letter from Montreal. Parties in Canada, 11G4
have seats in Parliament, requested to exert i8. Letter from Shrewsbury, New- Jersey, to a Gen-
themselves in bringing to justice the advisers tleman in New- York. At a meeting of Free-
of the measures for establishing Arbitrary holders, on the 17th, it was determined that the
Government in the Colonies, - - - 1145 appointment of a Committee was not only use-
17, Meeting of the Committee Fairfax County,
for less, but would disturb the peace and quiet of

Virginia. Ammunition should be immediately the Township, . . . - - 1165

provided; and the Inhabitants of the County 20, Meeting of the Freeholders of Fincastle Coun-

------
requested to form themselves into Military
Companies, 1145
ty, Virginia. The Association of the Conti-
nental Congress approved and subscribed, and

17,
fax Coimty, ------
Association proposed for the Inhabitants of Fair-

Meeting of the Committee of Observation for Bal-

1145 20,
a Committee of Observation appointed.
Address of the People of Fincastle County, Vir-
ginia, to the Delegates from that Colony, who
1163

timore County, Maryland. Charges against attended the Continental Congress, - 1165

the Rev. William Edmiston, - - - 1146 19, Address from the Committee of Correspondence
18, Meeting of the West India Merchants and Plan- of Jamaica, in Queen's County, to the Dele-
ters, in London, assembled to deliberate on the
measures necessary to be pursued on this very
unportant crisis, 1147
gates
Continental Congress,
Answer of the Delegates,
....
who represented New- York in the late

- - -
1166
- 1167

21, Letter from Massachusetts Bay to a Gentleman

in London. The Colonies will submit to no
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA. terms without a restoration of their rights
Ja».18, Meeting of the Assembly, - . - . 1152 England cannot dragoon them out of their Li-
Speech of Giovernour Wright to both Houses, 1 152 berties. The Congress have drawn a constitu-
Alessage from the Upper House to the Commons, 1 153 tional line:they have claimed exclusive juris-
20, Address of the Upper House of Assembly to the diction over all internal concerns, and have left
Governour, - - - - - -1154 Great Britain the sovereignty of the Ocean, 1167
Answer of the Governour, - - - - 1155 21, Meeting of the Committee of Charles County,
Address of the Commons House of Assembly to Maryland. No further restraints to be laid uj)-
the Giovernour,
Governour's Answer,
- .
----- . . . II55
1156
on the bringing of suits at law, than is done
by the last Provincial Convention, 11G3

Colonies,
.(Association
------
Resolutions Declaratory of the Rights of the

entered into by the Provincial Con-

1156
23, Proclamation of Governour Dunmore. Peace
with the Shawancse, who have agreed not to
hunt on this side the Ohio, nor to molest pas-
gress of Georgia, assembled in Savannah, on sengers on that River, - - . - 1169
the 1 8th of January, and subscribed by forty- 23, Proceedings of the Convention for the Province
five Deputies, on the 23d, \vhen they chose of Pennsylvania, held at Philadelphia, Janua-
Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bullock, ry 23d, and continued by adjournments, until
and John Houston, Delegates to represent that the 2Sth, 1169
Colony in the Continental Congress to be held List of the Members, - - - - - 1169
in May next, 1158 The City Committee and each Coimty Commit-
Letter from Georgia, datetl
Gentleman in New- York. Proceedings of the
February 18th, to a
.......
tee to have one vote in determining every ques-
tion, 1170
Assembly, and of the Continental Congress,
Committee for St. John's Parish, Georgia, at
Charlestown, on the 23d of February, to wait
1160
proved, --..---
Proceedings of the Continental Congress ap-

Members of the Assembly to be instructed to

1170

on the General Committee there, - - 1161 procure a Law prohibiting the importation of
Letter from Lyman Hall, Chairman of a Meet- Slaves into tlie Province, . . , - 1170
ing held in St. John's Parish, Georgia, dated In case the Trade of Philadelphia shall be sus-
February 9, to the Committee of Correspond- pended, in the present struggle, assistance to be
ence of Charlestown, in South Carolina, - 1161 given to the Inhabitants of die City, 1170
 ; — 1

LXXXIX CONTENTS.
1775.
1775.
/fflzi.23, In case of opposition to any of the Committees, nia, and authorizes the seizure of all persons
in carrying the Continental Association into who may attempt to enforce the collection, - 1179
effect, to be assisted by other Committees, - 1 170 Jan.25, William Crawford, President of the Court, in
If the British Government shall determine to ef- Westmoreland County, superseded by the
fect a submission to the late Acts of Parliament Governour and Council of Pennsylvania, for
by force, it is the indispensable duty of the Peo- joining with the Government of Virginia, in
ple to resist, and at every hazard, to defend the
Rights and Liberties of America,
After the first of March next, no Sheep under
- - 1171

25,
that County, --....
opposing the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, in

Letter from Philadelphia to a Gentleman in

- 1180

four years old, to be killed, - - - 1171 New- York. The Addresses to Governour Col-
Betting up of Woollen Manufactures, in as many den has had a great effect in Pennsylvania :

different branches as possible, recommended, 1171 the New- York Assembly is revered there by
Raising and manufacturing of Madder, Woad, all sensible men, undaunted resolu-
for their
and other Dye Stuffs, necessary in Woollen tion in first making a
stand against lawless
Manufactures, recommended, - - - 1171 usurpers of Power, and violators of Liberty.
Extended cultivation of Flax and Hemp, recom- The Assembly of Pennsylvania will, it is
mended, 1171 hoped, rescind their approbation of the Pro-
Making Salt, Saltpetre, and Gunpowder, recom- ceedings of Congress, - - - - 1180
mended, 1171 25, Convention of Deputies appointed by the several
Manufacturing of Copper, Tin, and Iron, and Towns in the Province of New-Hampshire,
making
recommended,
Printing
Steel,
.....
Paper, Glass, and

Types made at Germantown, recom-

Wool Combs,
1171
held at Exeter,
Approve the Proceedings of Congress,
Appoint Delegates
-
to represent the Province in
1180
- 1180

mended to be used by the Printers, in prefer- the Continental Congress, to be held in May
ence to imported Types, - - - - 1 172 next, 1181
Cultivation of Barley for Malt Liquors recom- Committee to call a Provincial Convention of

of Foreign Liquors, ....

mended, to render less necessary the consump-

American Manufactures to be used in prefer-

1172
Deputies when they shall think
Committee of Correspondence appointed,
Address to the Inhabitants of the Province, -
it expedient,
-
1181
1181
1 181
ence to all others, - - - - - 1 172 26, Meeting of the Freeholders of Pittsylvania Coun-
Societies to be established, and Premiums award- ty, Virginia. Committee for enforcing and
ed, for the encouragement of Manufactures, - 1 172 putting in execution the Continental Associa-
Any Manufacturer or Vender of Goods, who shall tion, appointed, - - . - - 1 182

sell at extravagant prices, to be advertised as 26, Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of
an enemy to his Country, - - - - 1 172 the Precinct of Shawangunk, in Ulster Coun-
Committee of Philadelpliia appointed a Standing ty, New- York. Approve of the Continental
Committee of Correspondence, - - - 1172 Association. The Pamphlet, " Free Thoughts
20, Letter from Samuel Adams, Chairman of the on the Resolves of the Congress," burnt, - 1183

Committee to receive Donations for the Suf- 26, Address to the People of America. The leaders
ferers in Boston, - - - - - 1172 in the Colonies aim at Lidependence. The
24, Letter from Connecticut to a Gentleman in New- consequences of their obtaining an Indepen-
York. People are preparing for the worst dent Republick considered, . . . 1 1 83
a Park of forty pieces of Cannon may be form- 26, Letter fromNew- York to a Gentleman in An-
ed in the Spring, and our Army will be pretty napolis. A
motion made in the Assembly of
expert in most of the manceuvres, - - 1173 New- York, examining the Pro-
this day, for
24, Meeting of the Inhabitants of Frederick County, _ ceedings of the Congress, was thrown out, - 1188
Maryland. Association and Resolves of the T.Hemarks on the vote in the Assembly of New-
Congress, and Proceedings of Convention ap- o8jI -- York, against taking into consideration the
proved. Committees of Observation and of Cor- ;,., Proceedings of the Continental Congress, - 1188

respondence appointed. Committees through- 27, Letter from Baltimore to a Gentleman in New-
out the County appointed to receive contribu- York. From the late conduct of the Council
tions for purchase of Arms and Ammunition, and Assembly of New- York, the happiest con-
and the Committee of Correspondence author- sequences to the country are anticipated.
ized to contract for any quantity of Powder Some persons in Baltimore have had the im-
and Lead, - - - - - -1173 becility to approve of the frantick proceedings
24, The Testimony of the Quakers, given forth by a of certain Men, who lately styled themselves
Meeting of the Representatives of said People, Delegates to a Provincial Congress, - - 1 190
in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, held at 27, Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Bos- \
Philadelphia, 1176 ton. Notwithstanding the late vote of the As-
24, Letter from Connecticut to a Gentleman of New- sembly, there is no cause to fear New- York
York. Preparations of the Governour and will depart from the Association. The As-
Council to supply the Colony with Ammuni- sembly has existed since 1 769 and many of ;

tionand Arms, - . - . . 1177 the Members, having long since forfeited the
24, Letter from Marshfield to a Gentleman in Bos- esteem of their constituents, are looking for
ton. Troops sent by General Gage to Marsh-
preserve the peace, at the request of the
field, to
Loyalists of that place, 7 - - - 1177 27,
families, ......
favours from the Crown for themselves and

Meeting of the Freeholders of the Precinct of

1191

26, Letter from Boston to a Gentleman of New- York. Hanover, in Ulster County, New- York. The
A number of the principal Inhabitants of Association unanimously approved. The
Marshfield having signed General lluggles's Pamphlet, " Free Thoughts on the Resolves
Association against the Liberty Plan, the Fac- of the Congress," publickly burnt, 1191
tion at Plymouth threatened to make them 27, Declaration of Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
recant, or drive them off their Farms General
: Township of Jamaica, in Queen's County,
Gage Troops to protect them, and there
sent New- York. Never gave any consent to

25,
------
has yet been no appearance of the Plymouth
Rebels,
Meeting of the Committee of Northumberland
- 1178
choose a Committee, or pass any Resolves.
Utterly disapprove of all unlawful meetings
and tyrannical proceedings. Will continue
County, Virginia. Persons published in the faithful Subjects to the King; and acknow-
Gazette for Gambling, in violation of the Ame-
rican Continental Association,
Ja7s.25, Meeting of the Council of Pennsylvania,
...
1170
1179 27,
ledge no Representatives but the Assembly of
the Province, - - - - - -

Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-

1 19

Affidavit of Samuel Whitcsill, Keeper of the Jail mouth. The Towns in Massachusetts have
of Westmoreland County. Jail attacked, and become more divided, notwithstanding the en-
Prisoners released by Major Cormolly, on the deavours to keep up their enthusiasm. A de-
24th of December, 1179 tachment sent for the protection of Marshfield
Proclamation of John Connolly, dated Fort Dun- and Scituate, upon their application. This is

more, December 30. Forbids the payment of the first instance the assistance of Government
Ta.xes to Collectors appointed by Pennsylva- has been requested, 1698
 —— ——' 1

CONTENTS. xcii
XCI
1775.
1775. Ridgebury,
of Feb. 2, Declaration of sundry Inhabitants of
Ja».27, Votes and Resolves passed at a Convention Meeting
in the Town of Ridgefield, that, at the
Committees for the County of Worcester, in
. . - - - 1192 on the 30th of January, they did not vote with
Massachusetts,
Merchant in Annapolis, to a Gen- the majority against adopting the Association
28. Letter from a 12lt)
They have defeated of the Continental Congress, - - -
tleman in Philadelphia.
Letter from London, to a Gentleman in Philadel-
an insolent plan of levying Money upon his 4,
phia. Does not know how soon communica-
Majesty's faithful Subjects in Anne Arundel
tion with the Colonies may be cut off by hos-
County, to raise a fund for the express purpose
of purchasing Arms and Ammimition, to join
the treasonable purpose projected by Adams
tilities.

in England, ......
The Americans have many enemies

Letter from Philadelphia, to James Rivington,

121

and the Eastern Republicans, to carry on a 4,

formal Rebellion in the Colonies, - 1194 New- York. May assure his readers that Mr.
Dickinson has declared that " he was really
30, Answer of the Governour of his Majesty's Prov-
alarmed at the proceedings of the Committee.
ince of Pennsylvania, in America, to the seve-
ral heads of Inquiry, relative to the present
He formerly took the lead at the late Provin-
;

cial Congress he did not speak at all. In spite

and condition of the said Province, trans-
state
of the arts of the fiery Republicans, Associa-
mitted by the Right Honourable the Earl of
1194 tions are concerting to counteract the authority
Dartmouth, in his Letter of July 5, 1773,
of unconstitutional Congresses and Committees
30, Letter from Governour Penn to the Earl of
- 1698 of all sorts, 1211
Dartmouth, . . - - -

Meeting of Freeholders in the Precinct of Wall- 4, Address to the Americans. It is the duty and the
30,
Approve of interest of the People to of5<;r terms of reconci-
kill, Ulster County, New- York.
liation to the Parent State. The Congress have
the Association of the General Congress.

30,
gress," burnt, ------
" Free Thoughts on the Resolves of the Con-

Letter from London to a Gentleman of New-

1201
Q,
adopted such irritating measures, as disqualify
them for offering terms of accommodation,
Meeting of the Freeholders of Lancaster County,
- 1211

York. Commission sent to General Gage, to Virginia. Committee to carry into effect the

30,
nies, ...----
try and execute certain persons in the Colo-

To\vn Meeting of the Inhabitants of Ridgefield,

1202
6,
American Association, elected. Delegates to
the Convention appointed and instructed,
Letter received in New- York, from London.
- 1213

in Cormecticut. Refuse to adopt or conform Nothing can be more false than the represent-
tothe Association of the Continental Congress; ations of hostile intentions against America,
and protest against the Congress and their formed by the present Administration. The
measures, as unconstitutional, and as counte- Americans should make the first advances to-
nancing licentiousness. Acknowledge the wards a reconciliation. A Petition from the
King as the rightful Sovereign, and the King Assemblies will be attended with success, if

30,
the whole British Empire, ...
and Parliament as the rightful Government of

New- York Committee appoint Sub-Committee,

1202 6,
and defined, 1214
their claims are accurately limited
Letter from Philadelphia, to a Gentleman in
New- York. A faithful adherence to the As-
to observe the conduct of all Vessels that arrive sociation in New- York, will go far to remove
day of February,
after the first - . - 1203 the infamy which will fall upon that Province,
30, Letter from New- York, to a Gentleman in Bos- whose defection may tend to defeat the virtu-
ton. There is now no chance of the Assem- ous struggles in which we are engaged, - 1215

bly's aiding or abetting the Congress. The 6, Meeting of the Freemen and Inhabitants of New-
friends of Government are open-mouthed towTi, in Connecticut. Refuse to adopt or con-
against the Proceedings of the Congress and form and protest against the
to the Association,

.......
;

no one dares, among gentlemen, to support Continental Congress, and their measures, as
them, 1203 unconstitutional, and tending to licentiousness, 1215
31, Meeting of the Freeholders of Westmoreland 6, Town Meeting at Danbury, in Connecticut.
County, Virginia. Delegates to the Conven- Refuse appoint Delegates to meet the Coun-
to
tion elected. Instructions to the Delegates. ty Congress, to be held at Fairfield, on the 1 4th
Committee of Observation appointed. - 1203 instant, and rescind the vote appointing a Com-
Letter to Lord North. Proposes settling the dif- mittee of Inspection, - - - - 1216
ferences with the Colonies, without subjuga- 6, Handbill distributed through Boston. Let us
ting the Americans on the one hand, or impair- seize our seducers, make peace with the Mo-

Feb.
the other,
Letter from
.....
ing the supreme authority of the Parliament on

Thomas Cushing to Arthur Lee.

- 1204 6,
ther Country, and save ourselves,

phia.
-

Letter from Boston, to a Gentleman in Philadel-

The Tories are perpetually holding up
- 1216

The People are not dismayed at the King's to view the terrifick consequences of Treason
Speech and if an attempt is made to carry the
; and Rebellion but they bellow to the winds.
;

Acts of Parliament into execution, by a Mili- So generally are the principles of Liberty dis-
tary Force, the People of America wUmake seminated among the People, that nothing but
the last appeal.
and Liberty shall go together, ...
They are determined Life
- 1208 7,
Arms can suppress it, - - -

Proceedings of the Committee of Obser^iition for

- 1216

Feb. Letter from Annapolis, to a Gentleman in New-

York. Thousands in Maryland would return
to their duty and allegiance, but for the cun- 7,
complaint against Dr. Gordon, ...
the Borough of Norfolk, in Virginia, on a

Address presented to General Gage, from Six

1217

ning of their leaders, which has rendered re- Towns in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1218
treat so difficult. Every man in private must 6, Meeting of the Merchants, Traders, and others,
think the Congressmen, and their sattelites the in London, concerned in the American Com-
Committce-Men, the truest, though absurdcst, merce. Report of the Committee appointed to

complain of, - - ...

tyrants, that any country ever had cause to
. 1208 Commons, ......
present the second Petition to the House of

Feb.

1.
1,

Henry Lee, ---...

Letter from Colonel Adam Stephen to Richard

Letter from Boston, to a Gentleman in Philadel-

1209
7, Meeting of the Merchants, Traders, and others,
in London, concerned in American Commerce.
Report of the Committee appointed to present
i219

phia. The report that the Gluakcrs in Boston the Petition to the House of Lords, - - 1220
opened their Shops, on the day of Publick 8, Address of the Merchants, Traders, and Manufac-
Thanksgiving, is without foundation, and pro- turers, of Birmingham, concerned in the Trade

poses, ---....
pagated for the most vile and malevolent pur-

Letter from Governour Franklin to the Earl of

1210 8,
to America, to Mr. Edmund Burke,
Meeting of the Committee for Westmoreland
County, Virginia.
- - 1221

Pedlars required to pro-

Dartmouth. Had hopes that the Assembly duce proof to the Committee that their Goods
would not approve the Proceedings of the were imported before the 1st of February, - 1222
General Congress; but, by the artful manage- 8, Letter from Doctor John Connolly to Colonel
ment of those who espoused the measure, it George Washington. Wishes to nave informa-
was carried through the morning it was pro-
posed, - 1697 Prisoners, ......
tion how he is to proceed with the Mingoe
1222
XCIII CONTENTS. 3ECIV
1775. 1775.
Feb. 9, Meeting of the Conunittee of Correspondence of Jt!& 14, Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
Brentwood, in New-Hampshire. Will abide of the City and County of Burlington, in New-
by the advice of the Continental Congress. Jersey. Association of the General American
Pedlars not permitted to sell, and persons who
trade with them, or entertain them, to be treated
as enemies to the Country, - - - 1222 14, Two
of Observation appointed, ....
Congress, read and approved, and Committee

Inhabitants of Ridgofield not permitted to

1235

10, Committee of Portsmouth, New- Hampshire, for remain for the night in Wethersfield, but sent
carrying the Association of the Continental back to Ridgefield, under an escort, 1236
Congress into execution, discountenance Ga- 14, Resolutions adopted at a Meeting of the Delegates

10,
ming,
Letter from London a Gentleman in Virginia.
to
1223
field, in Connecticut, ....
from the several Toutis in the County of Fair-
1236
Parliament have declared Massachusetts in re-
bellion.
forward.
Americans must now look firmly
Submission and Chains, or. Resist- 14,
Association of the Liberty Men of Ridgebury, in
Fairfield County, Connecticut,
Letter from Samuel Adams to Arthur Lee,
... 1239
1239
ance and Liberty, is the alternative, - - 1223 15, Meeting of the Committee of Observation for the
10, Letter from London to a Gentleman in New- Township of Hanover, Morris County, New-
York. Determination of the King, and pre- Jersey. Will enforce and comply with every
parations in England, to make the Colonies Article of the Association of the General Con-
submit, 1224 tinental Congress; will have no dealings with
10, Letter from London a Gentleman in New-
to James Rivington, and will discountenance any
York. All hopes of conciliation between Post-Rider, or Carrier, who shall bring his
England and her Colonies, are entirely at an Pamphlets or Paper into the County, - 1240
aid. The King and Parliament have pro- 16, The Governour of Pennsylvania presents to the
nounced their destruction. Fleets and Armies Council the complaint of Mr. Waterhouse, In-

10,
that purpose, ......
are preparing with the utmost diligence for

Information received at Williamsburg, from the

1225
spector of his Majesty's Customs, that the Ma-
gistrates and Sheriff of Chester County had
refused their aid in preventing the rescue of a
Indian Frontiers, and from Pittsburgh, - 1226 Vessel seized on the Delaware, with contra-
10, Premiums offered by the Committee of Bedford, band Goods, - - - - - - 1241

....
in Pennsylvania, for the encouragement of In-
du.stry and Manufactures, 1226
Welch, a Tide- Waiter, dated
Letter from Francis
February 8th, communicating a statement of
10, Address of the Grand Jury to his Majesty's Jus-
tices, assembled at the General Quarter Ses-
sions of the Peace, for the City and County of
Waterhouse, ......
the facts in the case complained of by Mr.

•i^'he Council are of opinion the Magistrates and

1241

New- York, 1227 'SiA -Sheriff could not legally afibrd the assistance
10, Letter from Connecticut to Mr. Rivington. A was required of them,
that - - 1242

Presbyterian Minister, near North- Haven, has 16, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence of
declared he had practised the Military Exercise, Philadelphia, to the Committee of Correspond-
with the intention of going to Boston against ence of New- York. The frequent publica-
the King's Troops, 1227 tions in New- York, of dissensions in Philadel-
10, Letter from Massachusetts to a Gentleman in phia, are false representations. The Commit-
London, - - 1227 tee have not met with the least impedunent in
11, Letter from the Committee of Correspondence for carrying into execution the Association. The
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Read. Inhabitants of Pennsylvania continue immove-

1 1,
and bound by them, .-..«
Approve of the Resolves of the Convention,

The Royal Standard erected on a mast seventy-

1229
ably firm to the cause of Liberty, and will, \vith

by the Continental Congress, ...

inviolable faith, observe the conduct prescribed
1243
Shawangunk, in Ulster Coun-
five feet high, at 16, A Ship at New- York, from Glasgow, with a
ty, New- York, by a respectable number of his cargo of Dry Goods, which did not arrive
Majesty's loyal Subjects - . . . 1230 within the time prescribed in the Association,
11, Letter from Kent County, in Delaware, published not permitted to land her cargo, 1243
in the Pennsylvania Ledger, - - - 1230 17, Letter from Adam Stephen to Richard Henry
Letter from the Committee for Kent County, Del- Lee, - - - - - - 1244
aware, February 15, to the Committee of Cor- 17, Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
respondence for Philadelphia, in relation to the mouth. The King's Speech has cast a damp
Letter published in the Ledger, of the 1 1th in- upon but they still entertain hopes
the Faction ;

stant, 1231 that the Resolves of Congress will work in

Letter from Philadelphia to Mr. Rivington, Feb- their favour. The loyalty in the New- York
ruary Tyranny of the Committee they — Assembly has had a very good effect, and it is
16.
are aiming at a general Revolution, and pro-
mote every measure to overthrow the Consti-
tution, 1231 17,
said they are
adelphia, ......
changing their sentiments at Phil-

Meeting of the Freeholders of the Tovm of Ply-

- 1244

Letter from Philadelphia to a Gentleman in New- mouth, in New-Hampshire. Instructions to

York, February 20, Proceedings in regard John Fenton, Representative of the Town in
the Assembly, . 1245
be from Kent County, in . , . -

...----
to the Letter said to
Delaware, 1233 17, Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of Dart-
13, Thanks of the Common Council of London to mouth, 1708
Lord Chatham, Plan for con- Meeting of the Committee of Cumberland Cotm-
ciliating
for offering his

.....
the differences between Great Britain
and the Colonies, 1233
18,
ty, Virginia.
Gunpowder, ...---
Premium for the manufacture of
1247

13,
Answer
cil of London,
Letter from London.
.....
of Lord Chatham to the Common Coun-

Nothing will move the

1233
Address of the Committee of Cumberland County,
to the Delegates who represented Virginia in
tlie late Continental Congress, ... 1247
King and his Ministers, but absolute submis- 19, Letter from Boston, a Gentleman in New-
to

sion or a successful resistance. The Ministry York. The Provincial Congress, distracted
affect to believe there will be no resistance, and divided in opinion, separated without do-
and assure themselves of the defection of New. ing any thing more than is in their published
York, - 1234 Resolves the principal object of their meeting
;

13, Committee of Elizabethtown, in New- Jersey, di- was to cajole the men of property, but no im-
rect the suspension of all Trade and Inter- pression could be made on them. Their dupes
course whatsoever, with Staton Island, in New- drop from them very fast, and it is expected the
- 1248
York, - 1234 few Demagogues will soon be left alone,
1 4, Meeting of the Committee of York County, Penn- 20, Meeting of the Freeholders of Hanover County,
sylvania. Recommend the collection and pre- Virginia. Delegates to the Convention chosen,
servation of Gunpowder; encourage Military andlnstructed to consent to the imposition of
Associations; direct the transmission of Con- any Tax the Convention may judge proper for
tributions to Boston and appoint Delegates to
;
defraying the expense of any measure neces-
sarily adopted for securing American Liberty,
1248
the next Convention, . . , , 1235
 CONTENTS. XCVI
xcv
1775. Association,
Jan.il, Goods, under the Tenth Article of the
Meeting of the Committee of Observation for the
JrtJi.20,
thrown overboard at Cliarlestown, by order
Township of Woodbridge, in New-Jers'y. - 12G9
of the Committee of Observation,
Suspend ail Trade and intercourse with the Committee. Recommend the total
of 27 Philadelphia
Inhabitants of Staten Island, except such
1249 disuse of East India Tea, in compliance A\ith
ihem as have openly approved the Association, 1269
Massachusetts. the Third Article of the Association,
20, TowTi Meeting at Marshlield, in
Meeting of a number of the Freeholders and In-
Refuse to adopt the Resolves and Recommend- 27.
Townof New-Milford, in Litch-
Con- habitonlsof the
ations of the Continental or Provincial Protest against
field County, Connecticut
gresses, or any illegal assemblies whatsoever.
the Towi of New-Milford's adopting the Re-
Vote the Thanks of the Town to General
solves of the Continental Congress. Acknow-
Gage and Admiral Graves for theix assistance
ledge the King and Parliament as the Consti-
and protection, - - " , T, "- 1249 tutional Government over every part of the
Protest of sixty-four of the Inhabitants of
Marsh-
British Empire, . . 1270
the Town
. -
field, against the Proceedmgs of
Letter from Philadelphia, to a Gentleman in
Meeting held tliere on the 20th of February, 1249 27,
Address of the Inhabitants of Marshfield, assem-
New- York. A
motion in the Assembly, to
20, Mr.
1250 petition the I^ng, strenuously opposed.
bled in Towni Meeting, to General Gage,
1251 Dickinson acquired fresh laurels in the De-

20,
Answer to the Address, - -

bled in Town Meeting, to Admiral Graves,

-

Address of the Inhabitants of Marshfield, assem-

1251
1251 28,
bate.
majority, ....
The motion will be rejected by a great

Letter from Philadelphia to Mr. Rivington. The

- 1270

Answer of Admiral Graves, -

------
" "
opposition to the Congress has done some good
20, Letter from Governour Gage to the Earl of
1709 in the Assembly. Should the Assembly agree
Dartmouth,
1252 to petition, it will be done in a very dutiful style, 1270
20. Letter from Joseph Warren to Arthur Lee,
21, Resolutions adopted at a Court of Common
Council, held at Guildhall, in London. The
COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Americans are justified in their opposition to
The Governour submits information of further
the late Acts of Parliament affecting the Colo- Jan.25,
. 1252 violences committed by the People of Virginia,
nies, - - - - '.
e
in Westmoreland, 1271
21. Proclamation of the Governour of Georgia, of-
Letter from Robert Haima to the Governour.
fermg a reward to any person who will give
information against one or more of the persons
Attack on the Jail of Westmoreland County
by the Militia and People of Virginia, 1271
%vho rescued certain Goods seized by the Cus-
tom House Officers at Savannah, and tarred 8, Letter from John Carnaghan to Governour Penn,
and feathered a Tide-Waiter, - - - 1253 with four Depositions respecting the attack on
22. Meeting of the Freeholders of Augusta County, the Jail of Westmoreland County, - - 1271

Virginia. Delegates to the Convention chos- 13, Letter from Robert Hanna, and others, to Gov-
en. Instructions to the Delegates, - -1253 ernour Penn, on the same subject, - - 1273

Address of the Freeholders of Augusta County, 14, Letter from Devereux Smith to Governour Penn.
22.

Continental Congress, ....

to the Delegates from Virginia, in the late

.... 1255
1255 March
Complains of the proceedings of the Virgi-
nians, and encloses Depositions,
Letter from Governour Penn to Lord Dunmore.
...
1274
Answer to the Address,
Address of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of 1 , Remonstrates against his proceedings in relation
the County of Botetourt, to the Delegates from to Westmoreland County. Will forbear to
Virginia in the late Continental Congress, - 1255 take any steps in the affair fill he has an an-
22,
23,
Plan of an American Manufactory,
Pilots
the Ship
at New- York
-

ordered not to bring up

Beulah, and Sub-Committee of Ob-
- 1256 swer to this Letter,
return of the Express, ....
which he expects by the
1276

servation appointed to observe her conduct

PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY.
Soon as she receives Supplies, is to be de-
spatched without being permitted to enter the FcJ.20, The House met pursuant to their adjournment. 1275
Harbour, 1257 Speaker communicated a Letter from the Speaker
23, Proceedings at a meeting of the Coinmittees of of House of Assembly of New-Jersey, with

County, New- York, ....

Observation of several Towns in Suffolk
1257
Resolves, approving the Proceedings of the
Continental Congress, .... 1273
23. Association signed by one hundred and forty-one
Freeholders and Inhabitants of the To^vn of
Reading, in Fairfield County, Connecticut
21,
Congress considered,
Message from the Governour, recommending a
....
Instructions to the Delegates to the Continental
1277

Will defend, maintain, and preserve, at the Petition to the King for the redress of any
risk of their lives and properties, the preroga-
tive of the Crown, and the privileges of the
Subject, from all attacks of any rebellious body 23,
Grievances which the People apprehend they
have reason to
The Governour's Message
complain of, ...
considered.
1277
1277
of Men, and any Conmiittees of Inspection, or 24, Further considered and postponed, 1277
Correspondence, . . - .

Names of seventy-four of the signers of the As-

. 1258

sociation, published by order of the Committee

25,
March next, ......
Consideration will be resumed on the 8th of

March Motion that the Doors be opened on the 8th, for

1277

of Observation, for the Town of Reading, - 1259 4, the Inhabitants to hear the Debates, 1278
List of all the Signers to the Reading Associa- 7, Message from the Governour, requesting pro'vi-

23,
tion,
Lyon, one of the subscribers, ...
communicated to Mr. Ri\'ington, by John

Address to the Provincial Congress of Mas-

1260
sion to be made for a number of Indians, re-
cently arrived at Pliiladelphia,
Representation and Petition from the American
- 1278

sachusetts. Enumeration of some of the in- Philosophical Society, . . . . 1278

stances of cruelties, insults, and indignities Consideration of the Governour's Message re-

22,
the King, in Massachusetts,
Instructions of General Gage to Captain Brown
...
inflicted on the quiet and peaceable Subjects of
1260
9.
Answer,
Answer to
......
sumed, and Committee appointed to prepare an

Governour's Message considered,

1280
1280
and Ensign DBemicre, to go through the Motion to Recommit rejected, . . . 1280
Counties of Suffolk and Worcester, and make Ordered to be Transcribed and sent to the Gov-
sketches of the Roads, Rivers, Towns, and ernour, . . - - 1280
places for Encampment, and to ascertain, what Answer of the House to the Governour's Mes-
Forage and Pro\isions the Counties could sup- sage. 1280
ply, 1263 13. The Speaker laid before the House a Letter,
Narrative of Ensign DBemicre of the Examina- 24th of December last, from William
datetl the

structions, ......
tion of the Coimtry, under General Gage's In-
1263 15,
Bollan, Benjamin Franklin, and Arthur Lee, 1281
William Morton chosen Speaker in place of Ed-
26, Regiment of British Troops under the command
of Colonel Leslie, land at Marblehead, and
march to Salem, 1268
ward Biddle, who is prevented, by sickness,
from attending the House,
Adjourned to the first of May next,
1282... 1282
 ;

XCVll CONTENTS. XCVIII

1775.
1775. March, Resolutions of the Committee of the Whole, pro-
NEW-YORK ASSEMBLY.
/ftw.lO,
13,
Meeting of the Assembly, . - -

Speech of Lieutenant Governour Golden to the

- 1281
1

16,
the Colony for the year, ....
viding for the support of the Government in

Memorial, and Remonstrance, reported, 1307

Petition,
1304

Council and Assembly- Advises them to peti- 23, Message from the Lieutenant Governour. Dis-
tion the King for redress of Grievances, 1283 turbances in Cumberland County, - 1308

Committee appointed to prepare an Address, in

answer to the Speech,
Consideration of the Speech referred to a Com-
...
- 1283
24, Proceedings and Votes on the Petition to the
King,
Votes on the Memorial to the House of Lords,
1309
1312
mittee of the Whole House, - 1283 Proceedings on the Representation and Remon-
Committee appointed to correspond with Ed- strance to the House of Commons, 1813
mund Burke, Agent of this Colony at the 25, The humble Petition of the General Assembly of
Court of Great Britain, laid before the House the Colony of New- York, to the King, 1313
several Letters received from him, - 1283 The Memorial of his Majesty's faithful Subjects
17, The Speaker, from the Committee of Corres- the Representatives of the Colony of New-

18,
and other Papers,
Address of the Council, in answer
....
pondence, laid before the House several Letters

to the Lieu,
- 1284
The
York,
House
in
of Lords, .....
General Assembly convened,

Representation and Remonstrance of the

to the
1316

20,
tenant Governour's Speech,
Answer to the Council,
Address of the Assembly, in answer
.... to the
1284
1285
The
General Assembly of the Colony of New-
York to the House of Commons,
Petition,
1318
Memorial, and Remonstrance, di-

26,
Lieutenant Governour's Speech,
Answer of the Lieutenant Grovernour,
Message from the Lieutenant Governour. Boim-
1285
1286
28,
to Edmund Burke, .....
rected to be forwarded with all convenient speed

Message from the Lieutenant Governour, 1321

1321

dary of New- York and Pennsylvania, - 1286 Proceedings and Votes in regard to the Cum-
Motion by Colonel Ten Broeck, that the House berland Riots, - - - . - 1321

Continental Congress, ...

take into consideration the Proceedings of the
- 1286
31, The Speaker
of the several
directed to transmit to the Speakers
Houses of Assembly, on the

27,
tion, .......
Colonel Philips's motion for the Previous Ques-

Message from the Lieutenant Governour,

1287
1287
Continent, copies of the List of Grievances,
and the Resolutions thereof, in consequence
and the Petition, Memorial, and Remonstrance, 1322
28, The Speaker laid before the House a Letter from
ihe Speaker of the Assembly of New- Jersey,
31,
bany and Charlotte Counties, ...
Proceedings and Votes in relation to Riots in Al-
1323

31, On
enclosing simdry Resolutions passed by that
House,
the motion of Colonel Livingston, the
1287
House Apr. 1,
Reward for the
Seth Warner, and others,
Committee of Correspondence appointed,
....
apprehension of Ethan Allen,
1323
1324
agreed take into consideration the state of
to 3, Adjourned to May 3, 1324
the Colonyto enter such Resolutions as they
;

may agree to on their Journals, and to prepare

a Petition to the King, -... 1288
PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF MASSACHUSETTS.
On motion of Mr. De Lancey, the House agreed
to send with the Petition to his Majesty, a Me-
Feb. 1, Members,
List of the
John Hancock chosen President, ... 1323
i328
morial to the House of Lords, and a Repre-
sentation and Remonstrance to the Commons, 1288
Committee to take into consideration the
circumstances of the Province, ... state and
1328
Committee appointed to prepare a state of the
Grievances of the Colony, - 1288
2,
Monitors appointed, .....
The Reverend Dr. Appleton appointed Chaplain, 1328
1328

7,
our's Speech, ......
Ftb. 2, House in Committee on the Lieutenant Govern-

Message from the Lieutenemt Governour,

1288
1288
3, Committee appointed to consider the Resolutions
of several Committees respecting the working
of the Inhabitants of Boston for the Troops, 1328

16,
Speech further considered in Committee,
Colonel Schuyler's motion that certain Letters
be published Rejected, ; ....
1289

1289
4.
kept secret, ......
Debates and Resolutions of the Congress to be

Committee to publish in a Pamphlet some of the

1329

1 7, Colonel Woodhull's motion for a Vote of Thanks doings of the late Congress, - 1329
to the Delegates from New- York in the late Committee to prepare an Address to the Inhabit-it-

Continental Congress Rejected, ; - 1289 ants of the Province, - 1329

21, Colonel P. Livingston's motion for a Vote of 6, Delegates to the Congress in May next, to con-
Thanks to the Merchants and Inhabitants for tinue to the 31st day of December, and no
their firm adherence to the Association of the longer, 1329
Grand Continental Congress; Rejected, - 1290 Troop of Horse raised by John Sawyer and
23, Report from the Committee to prepare a state of others, of Rowley, - . . - 1329

the Grievances, referred to a

Whole House,
Mr. Thomas's motion
....
taking into considera-
for
Committee of the
- 1290
7,
The Secretary empowered to adjourn the Con-
gress in the absence of the President,
Inhabitants recommended not to supply the
- 1329

tion the necessity of appointing Delegates to Troops with any thing that may enable them
meet the General Congress on the 10th of to annoy the People; all who do so to be
May next Rejected, . . . . 1290 deemed inveterate enemies to America, 1330

......
;

Speech of Mr. Brush, of Cumberland County, on Address to the Inhabitants reported, considered,
this question, 1290 and recommitted, 1330
Speech of Mr. Wilkins, of Westchester County, 1293 Again reported, considered, and recommitted. 1330
March The House in Committee on the state of Griev-
ances of the Colony,
State of Grievances further considered in
.... Com-
1297
9,
Committee to prepare a Resolution recommend-
ing the saving of Linen Rags, . -

Committee of Safety appointed, with power to

- 1330

mittee, - 1297 muster as many of the Militia of the Province

Proceedings and Votes on the Report on the as they shall deem proper, completely armed
Grievances of the Colony, - 1297 and accoutred, to oppose any attempt that may
Committee appointed to prepare a set of Resolu-

.....
tions agreeable to Colonel P. Livingston's mo-
January 31,
tion of 1302
of Parliament, ...
be made to carry into execution the late Acts

General Officers appointed to act imder the au-

- 1332

Report of the Committee Resolutions agreed to,

; 1302 thority of the Committee of Safety, 1332
9, Committees appointed to prepare a Petition to the A number of Letters, said to be from England,
King, a Memorial to the Lords, and a Repre-
sentation and Remonstrance to the Commons, 1303
read and referred to the Committee on the state
of the Province, - - - - - 1332
%
11,

13,
by the Committee, .....
Letter from Edmund Burke, laid before the House

Letter from William BoUan, Benjamin Franklin,

1304
Address to the Inhabitants of the Province, again
reported, amended, and agreed to.
Address from the Committee of Correspondence
- 1332

and Arthur Lee, dated December 24, laid be-

fore the House by the Speaker,
Message from the Lieutenant Governour,
... 1304
1304
of Scituate, in relation to a number of British

referred, ....
Troops now stationed in Marshfield, read and
- 1334
Fourth Series.
 ;

xcix CONTENTS.
1775. 1775.
March On notice for assembling the Forces of the Col-
Feb. 9, Committee to bring in a Resolve empowering
ony, the Members of this Congress to repair
the Committee of Safety to take possession of
the Warlike Stores of the Province,
Committee to bring in a Resolve directing how
- 1334
30,

be adjourned, ...---
without delay to the place to which they shall
1345

the Ordnance in the Province shall be used,

Committee to make a return of the Officers and
1334 Committees to sit immediately, that the Congress
may adjourn to-morrow,
Mandamus Counsellors who have
... refused to pub-
- 1345

number of the Militia, and Minute Men, to

- 1334 lish a renunciation of their Commissions, - 1346
report, as soon as possible.
for publication the Names Report of Committee appointed to receive Returns
Committee to prepare
of the
to resign,
...---
Mandamus Counsellors who have refused

Inhabitants of the Province requested to preserve

1334
from the several Colonies, recommitted,
Constables and Collectors required to pay Pub-
lick Moneys immediately to the Receiver Gen-
- 1346

eral, 1346
all their Linen and Cotton Rags, to aid an Es-
April Committee appointed prepare Rules for the
- 1334
to
tablishment for making Paper,

....
- -
Provincial Army, report. Report passed, and
10, Committee to observe the motion of the Troops I,

- 1334 afterwards recommitted, 1347

said to be on their road to Cambridge,
Committee to sit in
with power
the recess of the Congress,
to regulate the Constitutional Army
1335
Address to the Stockbridge Indians who have en-
listed as
The Towns and
Minute Men,
requested to choose
Districts
.... 1347

wiiich may be raised in the Province,

Commission of the Com- Delegates to a Provincial Congress, to meet
Committee to revise the
mittee of Safety, ' ' ' '
1335 on the last Wednesday of May, if Precepts are
The Secretary directed to publish the Names of
the Mandamus Counsellors now in Boston, 1335
'r
not issued by General Gage, calling a General
Assembly to meet on that day,
Committee on the state of the Province to col-
1348 ...
Petition from the Delegatesof the several Tow-ns 3,

Hampshire and Berkshire, 1336 lect the late intelligence from Great Britain,
in the Counties of
relative to sending reinforcements to General
Committee of Siifety authorized to appoint a
11,
Commissary to

..-'.---
deliver
Army when
Warlike Stores
they take the
to
tobe done, ......
Gage, and report to the Congress what is best
1348
the Constitutional
field,

Committee of Safety requested to possess them-

1337
quired, ....---
Immediate attendance of all absent Members re-
1348
selves of all Bayonets and other implements of
war, purchased at the expense of the Province,
and not now in their possession, - - 1337 6,
Letter to the Reverend Mr. Kirkland, with an
dress to the
Rules and Regulations
Mohawks,
for
....
the Massachusetts
Ad-
1349

Committee appointed to report a Resolve, ex- Army, - - 1350

pressing the determination of the People, coolly Committee on the application of the Committee
and resolutely, to support their Rights and Pri- from Boston, and others, report that the Papers
vileges, at all hazards, - 1337 lie for further consideration at some future

1 3,
the Militia, .....
Committee appointed to inquire into the state of

Committee to inquire what is necessary to en

- 1337 6,
day,
Letter to the Committee of Inspection of the
County of Bristol, advising them to keep the
1356

courage the making of Saltpetre, - 1337 Militia, and especially the Minute Men, in the

Report of the Committee on the state of the Mi- best posture of defence but that they act on the
;

....
14,
litia, - - 1338 defensive only, until the further direction of the
15, Committee of Correspondence of Boston directed Provincial Congress, 1356
to open and establish an intimate correspond- Application from Billerica, and from the Com-

Q,uebeck, ....--
ence and connection with the Inhabitants of

Resolutions for the encouragement of the manu-

1339 7,
mittee of Boston, again committed, - -

Conference with Governour Hopkins, on the pre-

sent state of Pubiick Affairs,
1357

... 1357
facture of Saltpetre in the Province, - 1339 Letter to the Selectmen of Billerica. Approve
Conunittee to bring in a Resolve holding up to their conduct in relation to the assault on
the People the imminent danger they are in Thomas Ditson, 1357

istry, .......
from the present disposition of the British Min-
1339
Letter to the Committee of Correspondence for
Boston and other Towns. Request that the

with Pedlars, .-.--.

Inhabitants of the Province requested not to trade

John Whitcomb elected a General Officer,

1340
1340
Militia and Minute Men act only on the defen-

Congress, ......
sive, until the further order of the Provincial
1357
Militia and Minute Men earnestly requested to Committee on the of the Province report
state
spare neither time, pains, nor expense, in per- relative to raising and establishing an Army

cipline, ..-...-
fecting themselves, forthwith, in Military Dis-

Conduct of the Committees of Correspondence

1340
and that Committees repair to Connecticut,
Rhode-Island, and New-Hampshire,
their co-operation, ..... to desire
1358

IG,
of Plymouth, and other Towns, approved,
Conference with a Committee from Connecticut, 1341
Committee appointed to correspond with the
- 1341 Conmiittec
onies,
Committee
.......
to

to
draught a Letter

consider
to each of the Col-

what number of Men

135S

neighbouring Governments, - 1342 should be raised by the four New-England

Day of Fasting and Prayer throughout the Prov- Governments, for their general defence, - 1358

ince appointed, - - - - - 1 342 10, Letter to the Colonies of Connecticut, Rhode-

Injunction of Secrecy on the Members removed, 1343 Island, and New- Hampshire, - - - 1 359
Adjourned to March 22d, to meet at Concord, - 1343 11, Instructions to the Delegates appointed to repair
March Met conformable to adjournment, and the Rev. to the neighbouring Governments, - - 1359
22, Mr. Emerson appointed Chaplain, - - 1343 Committee totake into consideration the particu-
Debates and Resolutions to be kept an entire lar state of the Town of Boston, appointed, after
secret, 1344 a long debate on the propriety of advising the

24,
of the Militia, .....
Committee to receive the Returns of the Officers

Any relaxation in putting the Colony in a com-

1344 12,
Inhabitants to be moved from
County Committees appointed to report a true state
of their respective Towns and Districts, with
thence, - - 1360

plete state of Defence will be attended \vith the respect to their having observed the Resolu-
-r.'. utmost danger to the Liberties of the

and of all America,

Colony,
1344 .....--
tions of the Continental
gresses,
and Provincial Con-
1361
27,
reported, ......
Rules and Regulations for a Constitutional Army

...
Considered and recommitted,
1345
1345
Report of the Committee on the
ince, relative to exercising the
Battalions, and paying them
state of the
Minute
for the
Men
Prov-

time they
in

-.--...
28.
29, Consideration resumed; recommitted for addi- spend in that service ; after long debate, re-
tions, 1345 jected, 1361
30, Report from Committee on the state of the Prov- 13, Committee of Safety directed to form six Compa-
ince relative to what movement of the Troops nies of Artillery, to be in readiness to enter the
should
to act
make it fit

on the defensive,
to call
....
the Militia together
1345
service of the
raised,
Colony when the Army shall be
1362
CI CONTENTS. CII
1-75. 1775.
April Report from the Committee to consider the pro Considerations on the Measures carrying on with
13, priety of removing the Inhabitants from Bos- respect to the British Colonies in North Ame-
ton; after long debate, recommitted, - - 1362 rica, 1369
1 4, Committee of Donations of Boston recommended to Address of the People of Great Britain to the
afford to any poor persons desirous of removing Inhabitants of America, - . . - 1413

from Boston, such assistance as may enable Taxation no Tyranny. An Answer to the Re-
them to do it, 1362 solutions and Address of the American Con-
Committee of Safety directed to apply to a suit- gress, - 1431

able number of persons to be in readiness to An Answer to a Pamphlet, entitled " Taxation no

enter the service of the Colony as Field Offi-
cers, when an Army shall be raised, - - 1363 persons in power, .....
Tyranny;" addressed to the Author, and to
1449
15, Day
pointed,
The Members, on
.-.--.-
of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer, ap-

their return to their respective

1363 PROCEEDINGS OF PARLIAMENT ON THE ADDRESS OF THANKS
TO THE KINO.

mote the Military Discipline, ...

Towns, ordered to use their influence to pro-
1364
1774. Howe of Lords.

me«t at Concord, .....

Adjourn to Wednesday, the 10th of May next, to
1364
Nov.QQ, Meeting of the Fourteenth Parliament,
State of Parties in
rica, (Note,)
England in relation to
-

Ame-
1461

1461
House of Commons required to attend immedi-
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ately, 1461
1774.
Committee of Supplies requested to procure and Lord Chancellor's Speech both Houses. Com-
to
Nov. 2,
deposits Provisions at Worcester and Con-
mons directed to choose a Speaker, - - 1462
30, Sir Fletcher Norton presented to the King as
cord, 1365
Committee of Supplies requested to procure all Speaker, by the House of Commons, - - 1464
8,
the Arms and Ammunition they can, in the
Informed by the Lord Chancellor, that the King
neighbouring Provinces on the Continent, - 1365
approves the choice made by the Commons, - 1464
15, Committee to get seven large pieces of Cannon out
of Boston, to some place in the country, in
such manner as they may think most prudent, 1365
of the Commons, .....
Address of the Speaker, claiming the Privileges

Reply of the Lord Chancellor, in the name of the

1464

Vec. Committee of Supplies to procure certain Mihtary King. Allows them all their Privileges, - 1465
Stores, 1366 King's Speech to both Houses. Informs them
20,
that a most daring spirit of resistance and dis-
Committee to examine the Commissary's Store in
Boston, and report what Surgeons' Stores, and obedience to the law, still prevails in the Prov-
ince of the Massachusetts Bay, - - - 1465
Stores of other kinds, are there, - - 1366
1775.
Jan. 5,
-.--.-
Eteacon Cheever authorized to receive Cannon
and Mortars, 1366
Address of Thanks to the King, moved by the
Earl of Hillsborough,
Amendment offered by the Duke of Richmond,
.... 1466
1466
25, All the Cannon, Mortars, Cannon Ball, and Shells, Opposed by Lord Lyttelton, - - - 1 466

Feb. 3,
to be deposited in Worcester and Concord, in
the same proportion as the Provisions,
Committee of Supplies directed to report to the
- 1366
Supported by Lord Camden,
Amendment rejected,
Protest on rejection of the amendment,
- -
.... -
1467
1467
1467
Provincial Congress their transactions since Earl of Hillsborough's motion agreed to, - 1468
their appointment, . . - . . 1367 Committee to prepare the Address, - - 1468
13,
the Powder they can, ...
Committee of Supplies desired to purchase all
- 1367 Dec. 1,
Address reported and agreed to, - -
Address presented to the King, at his Palace,
-

at
1468

Committee to receive from Colonel Robinson four

brass Field-Pieces, and four brass Mortars,
which, in case of a rupture with the Troops, 6,
St. James's,
The King's Answer,
Address and Answer ordered
..... to be published, -
1469
1469
1469

21,
of Boston and Dorchester, ...
shall be for the use of the Artillery Companies

Committee of Supplies directed to procure tea

1367 iV(n).29,House formed,
House of Commons.
1469
Sir FletcherNorton chosen Speaker, - - 1470
tons of Brimstone, and all kinds of Warlike
Dec. 5, The King's Speech, reported to the House, by the
sand Men to take the field, ...
Stores, sufficient for an Army of fifteen thou-

The Powder now at Concord, to be removed to

1357
Speaker,
Address of Thanks to the ffing, moved by Lord
1471

Beauchamp, - - - - - -1471
Leicester, 1368 Amendment offered by Lord John Cavendish, - 1472
22, Committee of Supplies directed to procure one
Debate— Lord North, 1473
hundred Bell Tents for Arms, one thousand
Field Tents for Soldiers, ten tons of Lead Balls,
Mr. F. Montague,
Go vernour Johnstone,
-
... - - - 1473
1473
...
and to have thirty rounds of Cartridges for fif-
Mr, Charles J. Fox,
.... - - - 1473
teen thousand Men, made,
On arrival of more Troops, the Province Arms,
at Cambridge, to be removed to Worcester,
1368 Mr. Hartley,
Colonel Barre, ....
...
1473
1473
On intelligence of the arrival of more Troops, the
Provincial Congress to be assembled imme-
1368 Sir

Sir
George Macartney,
Lord Carmarthen,
William Mayne,
.... - - -
1473
I473
1473
diately, 1368 General Smith, - - - - 1473
23, Committee to direct the Commanding Officers of
Mr. T. Townshend, - - - 1474
the Militia and the Minute Men, throughout
Mr. Edmund Burke, - - - 1474
die Province, to assemble one fourth part of the
Mr. Van, 1474
24,
Militia forthwith,
Hospital Stores to be procured and sent to Con-
cord,
1368

1369
Mr. Wedderburn,
Amendment rejected,
Lord Beauchamp's motion agreed to,
.

..... - -

-
-

-
1474
I474
1474
March Receiver General pay to Doctor Warren and
to
Committee to draw up the Address, - - 1474
Doctor Church, five hundred Pounds, for the
7,
purchase of such articles for the Provincial
Chests of Medicine, as cannot be got on credit, 1370
6,
7,
Address reported and agreed to,
Presented to the King,
King's Answer to the
-

Address,
....
...
- - 1474
1476
1476
14, Watch to be constantly kept at the places where
the Provincial Magazines are stored, - - ] 370
Watch be kept at Charlestown, Cambridge,
to
ON SUPPLIES FOR THE YEAR 1775.
House of Commons.
and Roxbury, and Couriers to be forwarded to
theTowns where the Magazines are placed,
when sallies are made from the Army by night, 1370
Dec.
8,
7, The King's Speech
House in
considered,
Committee on the motion
... to grant a
1475

23, Ton of Musket Bullets now arrived at Concord, Supply to his Majesty, - - - - 1475
tobe lodged with Colonel Barrett, - . 1370
9, Committee of the Whole report that a Supply be
April The Stores at Concord and elsewhere, not to be granted, 1476
1, removed without written orders from the Com-
mittee of Safety, 1370
12, House in Committee
granted to his Majesty,
consider of the Supply
to
....
1475
 CONTENTS. CIV
cm 1775.
1774 AMERICA.
ON THE BILL FOR SETTLING THE TROUBLES IN
Dec. 1-2, Mr. Buller's motion that 16,000 Men be employ-
ed for the Sea Service, for the year 1775, - U76 House of Commons.
1476 Provisional Act for settling the Troubles in Ame-
Debate— Mr. T. TowTishcnd, - - -
Feb. 1,
'476
Mr. BuUer, rica, and for asserting the Supreme Legislative
Mr. Lmtrell,
Colonel Barr6,
Mr. Hartley, -
...
- -
-

-
}477
1477
1477
authority and superintending power of Great
Britain over the Colonies, presented by Lord
Chatham, - 1503
- 1477 1503
Mr. Duller," - - - Lord Chatham's Speech on presenting the Bill,

13,
Mr. Luttrell,
Mr. Buller's motion agreed to, '

Resolutions reported from the Committee of

,
"

the
,
{477 Earl of Dartmouth's Reply,
Bill read the first time, ....
-

Objections to the Bill in America, (Note,)

-

-
- - 1504
1504
1505
Whole, for the employment and pay of 16,000 Motion by the Earl of Sandwch " That the Bill
Seamen, and airreed to by the House,
Debate— Lord John Cavendish,
Lord Beauchamp, -
-

-
-

-
"

•
1477
j478
\^'°
be rejected,"
Debate — Lord Lyttelton,
Earl of Shelburne,
.... - - -
1507
1507
1508
Mr. Cornwall,
Mr. Burke,
Sir William Mayne,
- -

-
"

-
'

'
}f;°
jf^°
\%i
Duke of Grafton,
Earl Gower,
Lord Chatham,
....
-

....
- - - 1508
1509
1509
Mr. Hartley,
Lord Beauchamp,
-

Lord John Cavendish,

•
-
-

-
-
-
•
"
-
-
j^'.S
147 J
1479
Earl Gower,
Lord Camden,
Earl of Chatham,
-
....
...
- - -

-
1510
1510
1510
Lord Beauchamp, - - - 479 1511
J
Earl Gower, - - - -

Captain Luttrell, - - - " 1479 Earl of Hillsborough, - - -1511

14"9 1512
Mr. Rose Fuller, - - - * Duke of Richmond, - - -

16, House in Committee to consider further of the Duke of Manchester, - - - 1513

Supply granted to his Majesty, - - - 1479 1513
Earl Temple, - - - -

Lord Barrington's motion, that 17,547 Men,

Commission and Non-Commission Officers
included, be employed for the year 1775, - 1479
taken, and the Bill rejected,
List of the Minority,
...
Question on the motion of the Earl of Sandwich
1514
1514
Debate— Mr. Rose Fuller, . - - - 1479
Lord Barrington, - - - - 1479
1479
ON THE PETITIONS RELATING TO AMERICA.
Mr. Fuller,
1479 House of Commons.
Lord North,
Mr. T. Tow-nshend, - - - 1479 Jan. Papers relating to the Disturbances in North
1479 America, presented by Lord North, - - 1513
Lord North, 19,
Go vernour Johnstone, - - - 1479 Lord North's Explanations relative to the Papers, 1513
Mr. Fox, 1482 Papers referred to a Committee of the Whole
1482 House, . - . - - - 1513
Lord Clare,
Mr. Rigby, 1482 23, Petition from the Merchants, Traders, and others,
Mr. Cruger, 1482 of the City of London, concerned in the Com-
Sir William Mayne, - - - 1484 merce of North America, presented, 1513
Lord North,
Mr. Hartley, .... 1484
1484
Mr. Alderman Hayley's motion, that the Petition
be referred to the Committee of the Whole

17,
Lord Barrington's motion agreed to, -

...
Resolutions reported from the Committee of the
Whole read and agreed to,
- 1484

1484
rica had been referred, ....
House, to whom the Papers from North Ame-

Sir William Meredith's motion to amend, so as to

1515

19, Resolution for providing Ways and Means for refer to a separate Committee, 1515
raising the Supply granted to his Majesty, re- —
Debate Mr. Burke, 1516
ported to the House from the Committee of the Sir Gilbert Elliot, - 1516
Whole,
Debate— Lord North,
....
1485
1485
Mr. T. Townshend,
Lord Clare, ...
...
1517
1517
Mr. Hartley,
Mr. Rose Fuller,
Mr. T. Townshend,
....
- - -
1485
I486
1486
Mr. Fox,
Lord John Cavendish,
Lord North, -
1517
1517
1517
Mr. Rigby, 1486 Sir George Macartney, 1517
Mr. Edmund Burke, - - - 1486 Captain Luttrell, 1517
Sir William Meredith, - - - 1487 Lord Stanley, 1518
Mr. Burke,
Mr. Cornwall, ....
Resolution providing Ways and Means, agreed to,
1488
1488
1488
Motion to amend agreed to.

Whole House, .....

The Petition referred to a Committee of the
1518

1519
Inesolution of the Cabinet, (Note,) - - 1488 Petition of the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty
22, Parliament adjourned to the 19th day of January of the Society of Merchants and Venturers of
next, 1488 the City of Bristol, presented by Mr. Burke, 1519
Motion to refer it to the Committtee of the Whole

1775.
ON LORD CHATHAM SMOTION TO RECALL THE TROOPS
FROM BOSTON.
House of Lords.
from America,
Debate — Lord North,
.....
House, to whom has been referred the Papers
1520
1520
Jan. Papers relating to the Disturbances in North Mr. Burke, 1520
20, America, presented by the Earl of Dartmouth,
by his Majesty's command, ...
1489
Lord North,
Governour Johnstone, ... 1520
1520

from Boston, ......

Lord Chatham's motion to recall the Troops

.... 1498
Motion amended, and the Petition referred to the
Committee of the Whole House, to whom the
Debate— Lord Chatham,
Earl of Suffolk, .... 1493
1498
Petition of the Merchants of London is referred,
Petition of the Merchants, Traders, and Manu-
1521

Earl of Shelburne,
Lord Lyttelton,
- -
....- 1499

1500 Mr. Cruger, ......

facturers of the City of Bristol, presented by
1521
Lord Camden,
Lord Chatham,
Lord Townshend,
-

-
-

-
-

....
- 1501

- 1501

1502
24. Petition of the Merchants and Traders of the
City of Glasgow, presented,
Statements of the Value of Exports from Great
... 1522

Earl of Rochford, - - - - 1502 Britain to the Colonies, from 1772 to 1774, or-
Earl Gower, - - - - 1502 dered to be laid before the House, - 1522

Marquis of Rockingham, - - 1502 25, Petition of the Merchants, Manufacturers, and

Duke of Richmond, - - - 1503 Traders, and other Inhabitants of the City of
Earl of Rochford,
Lord Weymouth,
Lord Chatham's motion rejected,
....
-

...
- 1503
•

1504
1504
Norwich, presented.
Petition of the Merchants and Mantifacturers re-
siding in the Town and Neighbourhood of
- 1523

List of the Minority, - - - - 1504 Dudley, in the County of Worcester, present

Energy of the Cabinet, (Note,) - - - 1499 ed. 1523
ev CONTENTS. CVI
1775. 1775.
Jan.25, Petition from the Inhabitants of the Town and Feb. 2, Petition of the Planters of his Majesty's Sugar
Neighbourhood of Birmingham, - - 1524 Colonies, residing in Great Britain, and of the
Sir George Savile offers to present a Petition Merchants of London, trading to the said Colo-
from Dr. Franklin, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Bollan, nies, presented, - . . . -1540
requesting to be heard before the House, on the
Petition from the Congress to the King, - 1524
ON A JOINT ADDRESS OF THE TWO HOUSES TO THE KING.
26, Stotemcnts of the Value of Exports and Imports
to and from North America, and the West In-
House of Commons.
dies, from the year 17G2, ordered to be laid be- Feb. 2, House in Committee,
on the American Papers, 1541
fore the House, - - - - - 525 1 Motion of Lord North, for an Address to the
Second Petition from the Merchants, Traders, King, declaring the Province of Massachusetts
and others, of the City of London, concerned
in the Commerce of North America, present-
Bay
Debate
in actual rebellion,
— Mr. Dunning, ....
. - . . 1542
I542
ed by Alderman Hay ley, .

of Monday last, for

. -
Motion, by Mr. Hayley, for discharging the Order
. 1525

referring the Petition of the

Colonel Grant,
Amendment proposed by Mr. Fox,
....
Mr. Attorney General Thurlow,

-
-

-
1543
I543
1543
—
Merchants, and others, of London,
mittee of the Whole House,
Debate— Mr. Hayley, -
...
-
to a

-
Com-

-1526
1526
Debate Mr. Grenville,
Mr. Cruger,
Captain Luttrell,
.

....
. . .1544
1544
I544
Mr. Hotham, - - - - 1526 Mr. Cosmo Gordon, . - - 1547
Mr. Hans Stanley,
Mr. Hayley,
Mr. T. Tovvnshend,
.... -

-
-

-
-

-
1526
1527
1527
Mr. Burke,
Mr. Solicitor General Wedderburn,
Amendment offered by Mr. Fox, rejected,
-
-
1547
1547
1547
Mr. Lewis,
Mr. Jenkinson,
Mr. Edmund Burke,
.... . - •
1527
1527
1527
3,
Lord North's motion for an Address, adopted, -
Statements of the Imports and Exports of the
Sugar Colonies, ordered to be laid before the
1547

Mr. Fox, 1529 House, 1547

Colonel Barrd,
Mr. Wedderburn,
-

... - - -

-
1529
1529 6.
Accounts of Imports and Exports presented,
Report from Committee of the Whole, on the
- 1548

Lord North,
Lord George Germain, ... 1529
1530
American Papers. Address to the King, - 1548

Motion, by Lord John Cavendish, that the Report

Mr. Fox,
Lord North,
Mr. Hayley's motion rejected, ...
1530
1530
1530
be recommitted,
—
.

Debate Lord John Cavendish,

Lord Lumley,
-

-
...-

-
.

.
. I549

I549
. I549

Petition referred to same Committee with the

others,
Petition of the Merchants and Manufacturers of
1530 Captain Harvey,
Sir William Mayne,
....
Mr. Wilkes, (the Lord Mayor,)

...
- 1549

I552
I554
the Town of Manchester, presented, - - 1530 Mr. T. Tovvnshend, . - - 1556

Petitionfrom the Merchants, Traders, and Manu-

facturers of Wolverhampton, in the County of
Stafford, presented, - - - - -1531
Mr. Joliffe,
Mr. Hans Stanley,
Lord Irnham, .
....- .
1556
1556
. 1556

Petition of theMerchants and Tradesmen of the Mr. William Adam, - - - 1559

Port of Liverpool, presented, - -

Petition of William Bollan, Benjamin Franklin,

- 1531

and Arthur Lee, requesting they may be heard

Mr. Scott,
Governour Johnstone,
Sir Robert Smythe,
...- -
1559
I559
- 1564

at the Bar of the House, on the Petition from Mr. Burke, 1564
America, offered by Sir George Savile,
Motion
- 1532

for receiving the Petition rejected, - 1532 Colonel Barre, ...

Mr. Solicitor General Wedderburn, . 1565
- 1565

27,
Notice of the Debate on this Question, (Note,)
House in Committee, on the American Papers,
Statements of Exports from England to the Colo-
1532
1533
Lord North,
Mr. Mackworth,
Mr. Sawbridge,
....
....
1565
1565
1565
nies in North America, in 1773, presented, - 1533 Motion to recommit the Report rejected, - - 1565

Petition of sundry Merchants, Factors, and Amendment proposed and rejected, - - 1565

....
Manufacturers, of Birmingham, in the County
of Warwick, presented,
House in Committee, on the Petition from the
1533 agreed to, ......
Resolution reported by Committee of the Whole

Committee to draw up an Address, -

1566
- 1566

Merchants, and others, of London, concerned Address reported and agreed to, . - - 1566

in the Commerce of North America, . - 1533 To be communicated to the Lords, at a Confer-

Reasons of the Merchants, for declining to be ence, 1566
heard at the Bar of the House, - - - 1534 Conference with the Lords requested, - - 1566

31,
House in Committee, on the American Papers,
Papers presented by Lord North,
Statements of Imports and Exports of British
... 1534
1534 7,
House in Committee, on the American Papers, 1566

..-..--
The Address presented to the Lords in Confer-
ence, 1567
Plantation Tobacco, ordered to be laid before Managers of the two Houses in Conference on
the House,
Petition of the Manufacturers of Felt Hats, and
Dealers therein; as also, of the Shoemakers, in
1535 the Address.
Joint Address, .....
The Lords agree to make it a

The King has appointed to-morrow to receive

1567

the
ford, presented,
Petition of the Manufacturers
.....
Town of New-Castle, in the County of Staf-

and Traders in
I535
the Address,
Petition of the Manufacturing Hosiers, of the
1567

Town and County of Nottingham, presented, 1567

Earthen Ware, residing in Burslem, Tunstall, Lord North's motion, to postpone the further con-
Colridge, Shelton, Hanly, Stoke-Lane, Dclf- sideration of the American Papers to the 10th, 1568

of Stafford, presented, ....

Lane-End, and places adjacent, in the County

Mr. Burke's motion for an Inquiry into the man-

I535
Debate—Mr. Fox,
Lord North,
Consideration of Petitions postponed to the 15th,
1568
1568

ner in which the Petition from Birmingham, and of American Papers to the 1 0th, - - 1568

presented on the 25th, was procured, - - 1536 10, The King's Answer to the Joint Address of the
Debate on the motion, -

Mr. Burke's motion rejected,

. - .

House in Committee, on the American Papers,

.

... 1536
I537
1537
two Houses, presented yesterday,
Hoiise of Lords.
- - 1569

Feb. 1, Petition of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and

Assistants, of the
County of York, presented,
Borough
-
of Leeds, in
- . 1537
the
3,
considered,
Further considered,
.--.--
Feb. 2, Papers relating to the Disturbances in America,

" " " "

1569
' 1569

Petition of the Merchants of Leeds, trading to the 7, Message from the Commons, desiring a Confer-

there, presented,
Papers presented by Lord North,
.....
North American Colonies, or having property

... I538
I539
ence with this House, upon the state of his
Majesty's Colonies in America,
Managers of the Conference appointed, -
1569
1569
House in Committee, on the American Papers, 1539 The two Houses in Conference, 1570
 cvii CONTENTS. CVIU
1775. 1775.
Feb. 7, Address delivered at the Conference, reported
the Lord President, . . . -
by
- 1570
Feb.2Q, Debate— Lord North,
Governour Pownall, ...
....
1597
1600
Motion, by the Earl of Dartmouth, to agree to
the Address, . . . . - - 1571
Mr. Charles Fox,
Mr. Jenkinson, .... 1605
1606

ous Question,
—
--.--•
Marquis of Rockingham's motion for the Previ^
1571
Mr. Welbore Ellis,
JNIr. Adam,
-

....
. . 1606

1606
Debate Marquis of Rockingham,
Earl of Pomfret, ....
....
1571
1572
Mr. Cornwall,
Mr. Ackland, ....
....
1607
1607
Earl of Denbigh,
Earl Gower. ....
....
1572
1572
Mr. Dundas,
Sir Gilbert Elliot, ....
....
1607
1607
Lord Mansfield,
Lord Camden, ....
....
1572
1573
Colonel Barre,
Lord North,
1607
1608
Duke of Grafton,
Lord Mansfield,
Lord Lyttelton,
....
....
1574
1575
1576
Mr. Edmund Burke,
Mr. Dunning, ....
- . - 1608

1610
Question taken, and resolved in the Affirmative, 1610
Duke of Richmond,
Lord Mansfield, ....
....
1576
1577
To be reported to the House on Friday morning
next, 1610
Lord Lyttelton,
Earl of Rochford, .... 1578
1578
Authentick Speech of Lord North, on introdu-
cing the Resolution, (Note,) ...
1599
Earl of Shelburne,
Lord Mansfield,
Earl of Shelburne,
.... 1578
1579
1579
Circumstantial

tion,
account of the Debates in the
American Committee, on Lord North's mo-
(Note,) 1600
Duke of Richmond,
Earl of Sandwich, .... - - - 1579
1580
Lord North's explanation of
(Note,)
his Resolution,
1602
Duke
of Richmond,
Earl of Sandwich, .... 1581
1581
24,
Monday next, ---...
Report of Committee of the Whole deferred to
1610
Bishop of Peterborough,
Duke of Richmond, ...
...
1582
1583
27, Resolution of the Committee of the
ported to the House, .... Whole re-
I6II
Duke of Manchester,
Lord Ljntelton, ....
....
1584
1584
Lord North's motion to agree to the Resolution, 1611
—
Debate Mr. Scott, 1611
Lord Mansfield,
Lord Camden, ....
...
1584
1584
Mr. Ackland,
Mr. Temple Luttrell,
. .
-

....
-
.
- 1611

- 1613
Earl of Dartmouth,
Notice of the Debate, (Note,) ... 1584
1584
Sir P. J. Clerke,
Mr. Hartley,
1617
.1617
......
- . .
Previous Question put, and resolved in the Af- Mr, Thomas Powys, • - .1618
firmative,
List of the Minority, (Note,)
Protest,
... 1585
1585
1585
Lord North,
Mr. T. Townshend, . .
1619
- 1619
Sir Richard Sutton, - . .1619
The Main

Protest,
Question, on agreeing to the Address
put, and resolved in the Affirmative, 1586
1586
Mr. Charles Turner,
Mr. Hans Stanley,
Mr. Alderman Sawbridge,
.

... .

.
.

-
1619
1619
1619
Petition of the Merchants, Traders, and others, General Burgoyne, . . .1619
concerned in the American Commerce, read,
and laid
Petition of
on the table,
tlie Planters of his Majesty's Sugar
.... 1587
Governour Johnstone, -

Question taken, and Resolution agreed to,

- .

-
1622
1622

Colonies, residing in Great Britain, and of the

Merchants of London, trading to the said Colo-
ON THE BILL FOR RESTRAINING THE TRADE OF THE
nies, read, and on the table.
laid
NORTHERN COLONIES.
1588

8,
Statements of Imports and Exports, ordered to be
laid before the House,
The Lords informed the King will receive the
....
1589
House of Commons.
fe J. 10, House in Committee, on American Papers,
Lord North's motion, for leave to bring in a Bill
1622

Joint Address of the two Houses to-morrow,

at his Palace of St. James, - . . 1590 nies, --.....
to Restrain the Trade of the Northern Colo-

10,
yesterday, ......
The King's Answer to the Address presented
1590
Debate —Lord North,
Mr. Dunning, ....
Mr. Attorney General Thurlow,
1622
1622
1623
1623
ON ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES FOR THE YEAR
House of Commons.
1775.
Mr. Speaker Norton, ...
Mr. Solicitor General Wedderbum, - 1623
1623
FeA. 10, Message from the King, requesting additional
Forces by Sea and Land, ....
1621
Governour Johnstone,
Mr. T. Townshend,
...
1623
1624
13, House in Committee, to consider further of the
Supply granted to his Majesty, - 1589
Sir George Savile,
Sir W. Meredith, ....
...
1624
1624
Mr. Buller's motion, that an additional number,
of 2,000 Men, be allowed for the Sea Service,
for the year 1775, • . . . 1 1589
Lord John Cavendish,
Lord Beauchamp,
Mr, Burke,
.... 1625
1625
1625
—Lord North,
Debate
Governour Johnstone,
Lord North,
... 1589
1590
1591
Lord North's motion agreed to,
Report of Committee of the Whole,
. . .

Leave granted, and Committee appointed, to bring

1626
1626

Lord John Cavendish,

Mr. Cornwall, ....
....
1591
1591
in a Bill to Restrain the Trade and Commerce
of Massachusetts,New- Hampshire, Connecti-
Mr. Charles Fox,
Captain Walsingham, ... 1591
1591
cut, and Rhode-Island, and to prohibit such
Colonies from carrying on any Fisherj' on
Mr. Temple Luttrell,
Mr. Sawbridge,
Mr. Buller's motion agreed to,
....
...
1592
1595
1595
therein to be mentioned, ....
the Banks of Newfoundland, or other places,

Statements of Duties and Excise on Imports and

1626

14, House in Committee, 1595

Exports of West India Produce, and of the
Lord Barrington's motion, to augment the Land Tonnage of all Vessels employed in the Trade
Forces with 4,383 Men, Officers and Non-
Commission Officers included,
After Debate, agreed
.

to, ... 1596

1590
13.
ed to be laid before the House,
Accounts of Exports presented,
...
between Great Britain and the Colonies, order-

... 1626
1626
15, Consideration of the Petition of Merchants, and
ON LORD north's RESOLUTION FOR RECONCILIATION. others, of London, concerned in the Commerce
of America, postponed to the 8th of March, 1627
House of Commons.
rd>.20,House in Committee, on American Papers,
Lord North's Conciliatory Resolution,
Remarks on the introduction of this Resolution.
-'
-
.
1597
I598
laid before the House, ....
Statements of Exports and Imports, ordered to be

Petition of the principal Manufacturers of the

1627

(Note-)
Borough of Bridgeport, in the County of Dor-
-
1598 set, on behalf of themselves, and
thousands of
CIX CONTENTS. ex
1775.
others, Inhabitants of the said
places adjacent, presented, -
Borough, and
- - 1 627
1775.
jWar.8, Bill read the third time,
Amendment
....
by Mr. Hartley, to permit
offered
1657

JVi. 15, Letter from Lord Dunmore, dated December the Colonies to import Fuel and Provisions
24, 1774, presented by
Petition of the Merchants
turers of
Lord North, -

and Master Manufac-

Woollen Goods, of the Towns of
- 1628

Debate Mr. Hartley,

Lord North,
....
brought coastwise from any part of America,
—
.....
1657
1657
1658
Wakefield, Halifax, Bradford, Huddersfield,

....
and Country adjacent, interested in the Trade
Mr. Burke,
Lord Clare, ..... 1659
1659
to America, presented,
Accounts of Imports and Exports of Sugar pre-
1628 Mr. T. Townshend,
Mr. Charles Fox, ....
...
1659
1659

17,
sented,
Address to the King, that he will direct to be laid
1629 Governour Pownall,
Mr. Henry Dundas, ... 1660
1660

ginia, passed in the year 1684, ...

before the House, an Act of Assembly of Vir-

Bill to Restrain the Trade, and prohibit the Fish-

1629
Question on the
Bill VasseA,
Amendment taken, and rejected, 1660
1660

eries of the Northern Colonies, presented by

House of Lords.
Lord North, 1629 March Bill to Restrain the Trade of the Northern Colo-
Second reading ordered for Thursday, - - 1629 9, nies, received from the Commons, . . 1661

American Papers to be considered in Committee 10, Second reading of the Bill ordered for Wednesday
of the Whole, on Monday, the 20th, - .1629 the I5th, and the Lords summoned, . . 1661

20, Accounts of Imports and Exports presented, . 1630 15, Petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com-
22,
County of Cumberland, ....
Petition of the Merchants of Whitehaven, in the

Petition of the Merchants, Linen Drapers, and

1630 cil assembled, ......
mons, of the City of London, in Common Coun-

Petition of the Merchants, Traders, and others, of

1661

principal Inhabitants of the Town and Neigh, the City of London, interested in the American
bourhood of Belfast, in the Kingdom of Ire.
land, presented, . . . - -.1631
Commerce,
Bill read the second time, .... 1661
1663
Petition of Aldermen, Sheriff, principal
the
Manufacturers, and Inhabitants of the Town tions to the witnesses, ....
House refuse to permit Mr. Barclay to put Ques-

.... 1663
and County of Nottingham, presented, - 1631
" Act for the better preservation of the Peace of
Seth Jenkins examined,
Brook Watson examined, ....
....
1663
1667
Virginia, and preventing Unlawful and Trea-
sonable Associations," passed by the Assem-
bly of Virginia, on the 16th of April, 1684,
Benjamin Lyster examined,
George Davis examined,
Molyneux Shuldham examined,
....
...
1668
1669
1669
presented, (Note,) 1632 Sir Hugh Palliser examined, - . . 1670

Petition of the Merchants, Traders, and others, 16, Motion by the Earl of Dartmouth, to commit the

rican Commerce, presented, ...

of the City of London, interested in the Ame-

Second reading of the Bill postponed until to-

i633
Bill,
—
Debate Marquis of Rockingham,
Earl of Carlisle, .... -
1670
. 1670

1673

24,
morrow,
Letter from General Gage to the Earl of Dart-
1634 Duke of Manchester,
Earl of Denbigh, ....
...
- . . 1673

1674
mouth, dated January 18, presented by Lord
North, 1634
Duke of Manchester,
Earl of Denbigh, .... 1674
1674
Other Papers from America presented,
Petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and
-

Commons, of the City of London, in Common

- 1634

'
Viscount Dudley,
Lord Camden,
.

.... -

Earl of Sandwich, (see Note,)

.

-
. 1675

1675
-1681
Council convened, presented at the Bar of the Earl of Shelburne, - • . 1683

House, by the Sheriffs of the City,

....
-

Bill read second time, and committed to Com-

- 1635 Earl of Suffolk,
Earl of Radnor,
-

....
....
.
•
. . 1684

1684
mittee of the Whole,
Petition of Merchants, of London, referred to
same Committee, and may be heard by them-
1636 Earl of Suflblk,
Earl of Radnor,
Duke of Grafton,
....
....
1684
1684
1685
selves, their Counsel, or Agents, against the
Bill, 1636
Marquis of Rockingham,
Lord Camden, .... - . 1686

1686

28,
City Petition referred to the same Committee, - 1637
Petition of the People called duakers presented, 1637
Petition of the Merchants, Traders, and principal 20,
;

of the Whole House, ....

Question taken Bill committed to a Conamittee

Bill reported, amended, and ordered for a third

1687

Inhabitants of the
presented,
House
......
Town and County of Poole,
...
on the Bill,
in Committee,
i637
1638
21,
reading to-morrow,
Bill read a third time,
- - -

Amendment offered by the Earl of Buckingham-

. -1687
1688

David Barclay, as Agent for the Committee of

the North American Merchants, called in, to
shire,
Debate— Duke of Manchester, ...
....
1688
1688
examine Witnesses in support of their Peti-
tion,
Examination of Brook Watson, ... 1638
1638
Lord Chancellor,
Duke of Manchester,
Earl of Effingham,
... - .
1688
1688
. 1689

Examination of Stephen Higginson,

Examination of John Lane,
Examination of Seth Jenkins,
....
...
- - 1645

1648
1650
Amendment rejected,
Bill passed,
.....
Earl of Dartmouth, - . . 1689

1689
1689
March Account of the Imports of Tobacco into Scotland, List of the Minority, 1689
I, from 1760 to 1775, presented, . . - 1651 Protest, 1689

6,
House in Committee on the Bill, ...
Account of Imports and Exports presented,

Bill reported to the House from the Committee

- 1651

i651
" An Act to Restrain the Trade and Commerce of
the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay and New-
Hampshire, and Colom'es of Connecticut and
of the Whole, 1651 Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantation, in
Examination of Benjamin Lister, in support of North America, to Great Britain, Ireland, and
the Petition from Poole, . . . .1651 the British Islands in the West Indies; and
Motion made for the engrossment of the Bill, - 1653 to prohibit such Provinces and Colonies from
—
Debate Lord Howe,
Mr. Charles Fox, ....
...
1653
1553
carrying on any Fishery on the Banks of New-
foundland, or other places therein mentioned,
Mr. Jenkinson,
Mr. T. Town.shpnd, ... 1553
1654
under certain conditions and limitations," - 1691

Mr. Henry Dundas,

Lord John Cavendish,
Mr. Rice, . -
-

-
-

-
... . 1654

1554
. 1654
ON THE BILL TO RESTRAIN THE TRADE OF THE SOUTHERN
COLONIES.
Mr. Edmund Burke, . - - 1654 House of Commons.
Lord Advocate of Scotland, - - 1656 Mar. 3, American Papers presented by Lord North, - 1697

Question taken, and resolved in the Affirmative, 1657 Letter from Governour Franklin to the Earl of
Third reading ordered for Wednesday next, - 1657 Dartmouth, dated February 1, - - . 1697
 CONTENTS. CXII
cxt
1775. , , .

1775. 1712
i_ -r* 1 f T^k- Apr. 5. Bill read the third time,
Mar.d, Letter from Govemour Ponn to the Earl of Dart-
- 1712
1698 Motion made that the Bill do Pass,
mouth, datedJanuary 30, " "
T
Petition of iho Merchants, Linen Drapers, and
—
Debate Mr. Hartley, 1712
1712
Lord North,
principal Inhabitants, of the City of Waterford, 1712
1698 Sir William Mayne,
in the Kingdom of Ireland, presented, 1713
Mr. Rigby,
8, Letterfrom Govemour Gage to the Earl of Dart- 1713
Marquis of Granby,
mouth, dated January 27, presented by Lord 1714
1698 Lord North, -
North, 1714
King, Mr. Alderman Sawbridge,
Mr. Hartley's motion for an Address to the
Mr. Alderman Bull. 1714
requesting him to direct a copy of a Letter 1715
Gov- Sir John Duntze.
from the Earl of Dartmouth to Lieutenant

emour Golden,
laid before the
dated
House,
December
. 1699
lOth,
.
may be
. -
General Conway.
Mr. Rigby,
Mr. T. Townshend,
-
... 1715
1715
1715
—
Debate Mr. Hartley, . . - - 1699
1699 Question taken ; the Bill passed. 1716
Mr. Rigby,
Mr. T. Townshend, 1699 House of Lords.
Lord North, 1699 Apr. 6, Bill to Restrain the Trade of New- Jersey, Penn-
Mr. Fox, 1699 sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Ca-

Mr. Hartley's motion rejected, . . - 1699 rolina, received from the Commons, 1716
1716
House in Committee on the American Papers, 1700 Read the first time,
1700 Bill read the second time, 1716
9, Accounts of Exports and Imports presented, 7, - - - -

Traders, House in Committee, go through with the Bill, 1716

Petition of Gentlemen, Merchants, and 10,
in the Woollen Manufactory at or near
Hud- Third reading ordered for the 12th, 1716
dersfield, in the West Riding of the County
of 12, Bill read the third time and passed. 1716
York, presented, - - - *, ,"- 1700 Lords dissenting, 1716
Petitionof the Manufacturing Hosiers of the " An Act to Restrain the Trade and Commerce
Town and County of Nottingham, presented, 1700 of the Colonies of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Permission granted to the Petitioners to be heard Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, to
before the Committee if they think fit,
1701 Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Islands
House in Committee on the American Papers, - 1701 in the West Indies, under certain conditions
Motion by Lord North, for leave to bring in a and limitations," . . . . - 1716
Bill to Restrain theTrade of New-Jersey,

Carolina,
Debate
..----
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South

— Lord John Cavendish, . . •

1701
1701
ON THE PETITION OF THE WEST INDIA PLANTERS

MaT.8, House go
House of Commons.
Committee on the Petitions, on
SirWilliam Mayne,
Mr. Hartley,
Lord North,
.... . . - 1701
1702
1702
15,
to
the 15th,
into

Witnesses directed to attend the Committee of the

- 1721

Question taken
mittee,
Reported
-------
House,
to the
; motion agreed

- -
to by the

-
Com-

-
1702
1702
16,
Whole,
House in Committee on
House in Committee,
Mr. Glover appeared as Agent of the West In-
the Petitions,
. . . - -
1721
1721
1721

Leave granted, and Committee appointed to bring

dia Planters, and Manager of the Evidence in
in the Bill,
-
- 1702
support of their Petition, which was presented
Bill presented by Mr. Cooper, and read first time, 1702 - 1721
13, on the 2d of February, . . -
Second reading ordered for Thursday, - - 1702
15.
presented, ------
Accounts of Duties, Di'awbacks, and Imposts,

and other principal In-

Petition of the Clothiers
1702
Mr. Glover's Address to the Committee,
George Walker examined,
John Ellis examined, -
-

Evidence summed up by Mr. Glover,

-
.
-

.
-

-
1721
1722
1731
1733
habitants of Trowbridge, in the County of Petition and Memorial of the Assembly of Ja-
Wilts, presented, - - - - - 1703
maica, to the King in Coimcil, dated Decem-
16, Second reading of the Bill postponed until to- ber 28, 1774, presented by Lord North, 1743
morrow, - - - - 1703 1743
20, House again in Committee on the Petitions,
17.

20,
Bill read second time, and committed to a Com-
mittee of the Whole House, - -

House in Committee go through with the Bill,

- 1704
1704
tingham, ---..-
Witnesses examined on the Petitions from Not-

Debate on the objection made by Mr. Van, to a

1743

23.
ceived on the 23d,
Report postponed to the 27th,
-----
Report of the Committee of the Whole to be re-

... 1704
1704
question put to one of the witnesses, by Mr.
Burke,
Remarks of Mr. Bailey on the conduct of Lord
1743

27, Report further postponed to the 29th, 1704 1744

North, in relation to the Petitioners,
29. Report to be received to-morrow, - - - 1704 1744
Petitions to be further considered on the 27th, -
Bill reported from the Committee of the AVhole, 1704
30, Consideration postponed for one week, when the
—
Debate Mr. John Luttrell, - - - - 1705
27,
subject dropped, - . . . . 1745
Mr. Temple Luttrell, . . - 1706
Lord North, 1708
ON MR. BURKe's RESOLUTIONS FOR CONCILIATION.
Amendment, relating to Delaware, proposed by
House of Commons.
Lord North, and agreed to, - - - 1708

Bill ordered to be read a third time on the 3d of

1708
March Mr. Burke's
22, America, ...---
Resolutions for Conciliatioij with
1745
April,
Papers presented by Lord North, -

Letter from Govemour Gage to the Earl of Dart-

- - 1708 Debate— Mr. Burke,
Mr. Jenkinson,
Lord Frederick Campbell,
.... - -
1745
1776
1777
mouth, dated February 17, - - - 1708
Question taken, and the Resolutions rejected, 1778
Letter from Govemour Gage to the Earl of
Dartmouth, dated February 20, 1709
Apr. 3, Third reading of the Bill postponed, 1709 ON MR. hartley's PROPOSITIONS FOR CONCILIATION.
Estimate of the charge of maintaining and sup- House of Commons.
porting the Civil Establishment of his Majes- March Mr, Hartley's Propositions for Conciliation with
ty's Colony of Nova-Scotia, for the year 1775, 1710 27. the Colonies, 1781
Estimate of the Civil Establishment of his Ma- Debate—Mr. Hartley, - - - - 1781
jesty's Colony of Georgia, and the Incidental Sir Cecil Wray, - - - - 1791
Expenses attending the same, from the 24th of Lord North, 1791
June, 1774, to the 24th of June, 1775, 1710 Sir Cecil Wray, - - - - 1792
Estimate of the Civil Establishment of East Mr. T. Townshend, - - - 1792
Florida, and other Incidental Expenses attend-
ing the same, from June 24, 1774. to June 24.
1775. 1711
Lord William Campbell,
Mr. Lyttelton,
Sir George Savile,
....
...
- - 1792
1792
1792
Estimate of the Expenses attending General Sur-
veys of his Majesty's Dominions in North
America, for the year 1775, 1712 ...
Mr. Vyner,
Mr.
Mr. Hartley's Propositions
Tuffiiell, ....
rejected, - -
1792
1792
1793
CXIII CONTENTS. CXIV
1775. 1775.
ON THE AMERICAN MUTINY BILL. bly claim to themselves rights derogatory to,

House of Commons. and inconsistent with, the Legislative authority

of Parliament," 1819
March Leave granted to bring in a Bill to render more
Debate— Mr. Burke, 1€19
24, effectual in his Majesty's Dominions in Ame-
....
27, The
tion, .......
rica, the Act for punishing Mutiny and Deser-

Bill presented by Lord Barrington,

1793
1793
Lord North,
Mr. Cruger,
Mr. Cornwall,
-

....
- 1819
1820
1821
Mr. Jcnkinson, . . . .1821
28, Bill read the second time, . - . . 1793
Mr, Aubrey, 1821
30, Considered in Committee of the Whole, 1793
31, Ordered to be engrossed, .

Apr. 5, Read the third time and passed,

.

... . . 1794
1794
Mr. Fox,
Governour Johnstone,
Lord North's motion to amend agreed to,
... -
1822
1822
1822
House of Lords. Mr. Burke's motion, as amended, rejected, - 1822
Apr.G, Bill to render more effectual in his Majesty's Do-
minions in America, the Act for the punishment ON THE PETITIONS FROM QCEBECK.

7,
Commons, ......
of Mutiny and Desertion, received from the

Bill read the second time, - . . .

1794
1794
House of Lords.
itfay 17, Petition of his Majesty's loyal and dutiful Sub-
House in Committee on the Bill, - jects, settled in the Province of duebeck, pre-
10, . . 1794
11, Read the third time and passed, . .

"An Act to amend, and render more effectual

his Majesty'sDominions in America, an Act,
.

in
1795
sented by
Debate
Lord Camden,
—Earl Gower,
Lord Camden,
....
-

....
- . . 1823
1823
1823
passed in the present Session of Parliament,
Bill offered by Lord Camden,
to Repeal the

entitled, '
An
Act for punishing Mutiny and Q,uebeck Act, 1826
Motion by the Earl of Dartmouth, that the Bill
Desertion, and for the better Payment of the
be now rejected, 1826
Army and their Quarters,' and for extending
the provisions of the said Act to his Majesty's
Debate—Earl of Dartmouth, . - .1826
Marine Forces in America," . 1795
Duke of Richmond, . . .1827
Lord Lyttelton, - - - - 1827

ON THE BRITISH FISHERY

House of Commons.
BILL.
Duke of Manchester,
Earl of Rochford,
Earl of Bristol, -
.... -

-
-

-
-

-
1829
1829
1829
Lord Lyttelton, - - - - 1830
April Motion of Lord North to consider of the Enconr-
Earl of Sandwich, 1831
1 1,

Great Britain and Ireland,

Debate— Lord North,
....
agement proper to be given to the Fisheries of
1805
1805
Earl of Bristol,
Earl of Sandwich,
- .

-
- -
.

-
-

-
1831
1831
Archbishop of Canterbury, - - 1831
Mr. Burke, 1806
Earl of Shelburne, - - - 1831
Mr. Thomas To\vnshend, - - 1806
Lord Mansfield, - . . - 1834
Mr. Connolly, - - - - 1807
Lord Camden, - - . - 1834
Mr. Burke, 1807
Question taken, and the Bill rejected, - - 1834
Lord North, 1807
List of the Minority, 1834
Motion agreed to, 1807
27,

28,
Lord North's Explanations, ....
House in Committee on Lord North's motion, . 1807

Resolutions reported by Committee of the Whole,

1807
House of Communis.
MaylS, Petition and Memorial of his Majesty's ancient
Subjects, Seigneurs, Freeholders, Merchants,
for the Encouragement of the Fisheries carried Traders, and others, settled in his Majesty's
on from Great Britain and Ireland, agreed to, 1809 Province of Quebeck, presented, - - 1833
Committee to prepare the Bill, - - - 1811 SirGeorge Savile's motion for leave to bring in
JWay4, Bill presented by Mr. Jenkinson,
9, Read the second time, .
-

-
.
.
. 1811

.1811
a Bill to repeal the Quebeck Act,
—
Debate Sir George Savile, ... - - 1836
1835
11,
17,
Considered in Committee, -

Read the third time and passed,

House of Lords.
.

.
.

-
-1811
- 1812
Mr. T. Townshend,
Mr. De Grey,
Mr. Howard,
-
....
- .
.

.
-

-
1836
1836
1836
Lord North, 1836
3fayl8,Bill for the Encouragement of British Fisheries
Mr. Fox, 1837
.1812
19,
received from the Commons,
Read the second time, . -
-

-
.

. .1812
Sir Robert Smythe,
Colonel Barr^, ....
.

....
- - .1837
1838
22, Considered in Committee, and read the third time
and passed, . . . - . .1812
Sir W. Meredith,
Colonel Barre, ....
Question taken, and Sir George Savile's motion
1838
1838

ON PROVIDING WAYS AND MEANS FOR 1775. rejected, 1838

House of Commons.
May 3, House in Committee to consider further of the ON THE MEMORIAL OF THE NEW.YORK ASSEMBLY.
Ways and Means for raising the Supply grant- House of Lords.
ed to his Majesty, . - . . . 1811 MaylS, Memorial of his Majesty's faithful Subjects and
Resolutions offered by Lord North, - .1815 Representatives of the Colony of New- York,
— Lord North,
Debate
Mr. Hartley,
Mr. Vyner,
.... 1813
1815
1815
in General Assembly convened, presented,
Motion by the Duke of Manchester, that the
Memorial might be read by the Clerk,
-

-
1837

1837
Mr. T. Townshend,
Lord North,
- . .1815 —
Debate Earl of Dartmouth, - - - 1837
1815 Duke of Manchester, - - - 1838
Governour Johnstone, . - - 1816 Earl of Buckinghamshire - - 1838
4, Resolutions reported from the Committee of the
Whole,
Agreed to by the House, - - -
1816
- 1818
Earl of Denbigh,
Earl Gower,
Duke
-

of Manchester,
-

-
....
-

-
-

-
1839
1839
1839

ON THE REMONSTRANCE OF THE NEW.YORK ASSEMBLY.

Earl of Hillsborough,
Duke of Richmond,
Earl of Sandwich,
-

...
-

...
- 1839
1839
1839
House of Commons. Motion by the Earl of Sandwich, to amend the
May\5, Representation and Remonstrance of the Assem. Duke of Manchester's motion, by inserting
bly of New- York, offered by Mr. Burke, - 1819 after the word Memorial, the words, " the con.
Mr. Burke's motion, that the Representation and tents thereof, not having been opened," - 1839

Remonstrance be brought up, - . . 1819 Debate — Duke of Richmond, . - - 1839

Motion by Lord North to amend by inserting, in
Mr. Burke's motion, after the word Remon-
strance, the words " in which the said Assem-
Earl Gower,
Lord Camden,
Earl of Effingham,
....
- -

-
-

-
-

-
1839
1839
1840
FouRTH Series.
CXY CONTENTS. cxvi

1775.
Amendment proposed by
rejected,
Question taken on the
...... the Earl of Sandwich,

Duke of Manchester's
1842
1774.
Legislation and Taxation, and that such au-
thority shall continue after the Establishment
of an Assembly, - - - - - 1845
motion, and the
Memorial to
House
be read, ....
refused to permit the
1842
Feb. Petition of divers Roman
Catholick Inhabitants
of the Province of Qucbeck, signed and trans-
mitted to the Earl of Dartmouth, his Majes-
Secretary of State for America, - 1846
3fay26, Speaker's Speech to the Xing',
King's Speech to both Houses,
- - - 1841

Parliament prorogued to the 27th day of July

1842 ... ty's
Memorial
-

in support of the requests made by his

Majesty's most obedient and most faithful new
- 1844 Subjects in Canada, 1843
ne.Tt,
Nov. Petition of his Majesty's most loyal and dutiful,
12, his ancient Subjects, settled in the Province of
1774.
PETITIONS TO THE KING. Qucbeck, 1849
Jan. 10, The most humble Petition of his Majesty's an^ 1775.
cicnt and loyal Subjects, Freeholders, Mer March Humble Address and Petition of the Merchants,
chants, and Planters, in the Province of Que 23, Traders, and others, of the City of London,
beck, in North America to the King, - - 1843 concerned in the Commerce of North America, 1850
15, Memorial of the Freeholders, Merchants, Plan- Address and Petition of the People called Qua-
ters, and others, his Majt'stj^'s ancient and kers, to George the Third, King of C4reat
loyal Subjects,now in the Province of Quc- Britain, and the Dominions thereunto belong-
beck, to the Right Honourable the Earl of ing, - - - - - - - 1852
Dartmouth, one of his Majesty's principal Se- April Humble Address, Remonstrance, and Petition of
cretaries of State, - - - - - 1844 10, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Livery, of the
March Letter from Francis Maseres to the Committee City oi London, in Common-Hall, assembled, 1853
19, of the Petitioners for an Assembly in the The King's Answer, delivered to the Lord
Province of Qucbeck. Has presented the Mayor, by the Earl of Hertford, Lord Cham-
and Memorial.
Petition Ministers believe the berlain, - - . - - - « - 1854
Province is not yet ripe for an Assembly, and 11, Letter from the Lord Chamberlain, to the Lord
prefer for the present a Legislative Council, Mayor of London, 1854
nominated by the King. Advises them to May 2, Mr. Wilkes's, the Lord Mayor's Answer, to the
declare that the British Parliament has su- Letter from Lord Hertford, the Lord Cham-
preme authority over the Province, both of berlain, . 1854

List of the Delegates appointed by the several Counties of the Province of jMaryland, to the Convention which
met at Annapolis, by Adjournment, on the Eighth day of Dece.hber, 1774, and continued
till the Twelfth day of the same month. (See page 1031.)

For St. Mary's County. —John Allen Thomas, Jeremiah Deye, Walter Tiiliey, Benjamin Nicholson, William
Jordan, Richard Barnes, John De Butts. Buchanan, John Boyd, Samuel Worthington, Charles
—
For Charles County. John Dent, Daniel Jenifer, Thomas Ridgely.
Stone. For Harford County. —Thomas Bond, John Love, Josias
.For Calvert County. —John
Weeras, Alexander Sonier- Carvile Hall, John Paca, Aquila Paca, Francis Holland,
ville, Richard Parran, Edward Reynolds, Benjamin Aquila Hall, Amos Garret, Richard Dallam.
Mackall_, 4th. —
For Cecil County. John Veazy, Joseph Gilpin.
For Frince George's County. William Bowie, Robert— —
For Kent County. Thomas Ringgold, Joseph Earle.
Tyler, Edward Sprigg, John Rodgers, David Crauford, —
For (^ueeji Anne County. James Hollyday, John Brown,
Joshua Beall, Osborn Sprigg, Walter Bowie. Thomas Wright, Turburt Wright.
—
For Frederick County. Charles Beatty, Jacob Funk, —
For Caroline County. Hemy Dickenson, Benedict Brice,
Henry Griffith, Thomas Price, Richard Brooke, Jo- William Mellefon, Joshua Clarke.
seph Chapline, Upton Sheredine, Thomas Sprigg Woot- —
For Dorchester County. John Dickenson, Thomas En-
len. nalls, Matthew Brown, Josiali Richardson, Zachariah
For Anne Arundel County, and City of Annapolis. John — Campbell.
Hall, Thomas Johnson, Samuel Chase, William Paca, —
For Somerset County. Peter Waters, George Dashiell,
Matthias Hammond, Charles Carroll, Barrister, Charles Samuel Wilson, Josiah Polk, Henry Waggaman, John
Carroll of Carrolllon, Brice T. B. Worthington, Tho- Winder, Luther Martin.
mas Dorsey, John Weems. —
For fVorccster County. Peter Chaille, William Purnel],
For Baltimore County. —John Moale, Thomas Cockey Samuel Handy, Smith Bishop, Nehemiah Holland.
 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY, &c.

PROCEEDINGS, PAPERS, AXD DEBATES OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND HOUSE OF COMMONS, ON MEASURES
RELATING TO THE AMERICAN COLONIES, DURING THE SEVENTH SESSION OF THE
THIRTEENTH PARLIAMENT OF GREAT BRITAIN.

I. THE KING'S MESSAGE, OF SEVENTH MARCH, 1774.

HOUSE OF LORDS. No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Richard Clarke

and Company, and Benjamin Faneuil and Compa-
Friday, March 4th, 1774.
ny, to John Hancock, Esquire, dated 4th Novem-
The Earl of Dartmouth acquainted the House " That ber, 1773.
" his Majesty had given directions, that the several Papers No. 8. Copy of a Vote of the Town Meeting at
" received from America, relating to the Disturbances there, Boston, the 5th November, 1773.
" with regard to the importation of Tea, should be laid No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Thomas Hutchinson,
" before the House and that the same will be delivered
;
Junior, to John Hancock, Esquire (no date.)
;

" on Monday next." No. 10. Extract of a Letter from Govemovix Hutchinson
•to the Earl of Dartmouth dated Boston, 15th November,
,

Monday, March 1th, 1774. 1773 received 3d January, 1774.

;

The Earl of Dartmouth acquainted the House, " That No. 1 1 Copy of a Letter from Govemour Hutchinson
.

" he had to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 2d of December,

a Message from his Majesty, under his Royal sign
*' manual, which his Majesty had commanded him to deli- 1773 received 27th January, 1774, enclosing.
;

*' ver to this House." No. 12. Copy of a Petition of Richard Clarke and
And the same was read by the Lord Chancellor, and is
Sons, Benjamin Fancuil, and Thomas and Elisha
as follows (videlicet,)
Hutchinson ; and of the Proceedings of the Coun-
;
cil thereupon.
George R.
No. 13. Extract from the Massachusetts Gazette, of
His Majesty upon information of the unwarrantable the 26th November, 1773.
practices which have been lately concerted and earned on No. 14. Copy of a Paper printed at Boston, dated
in North America, and, particularly, of the violent and 1st December, 1773.
outrageous proceedings at the Town and Port of Boston, No. 15. Copy of a Letter from Govemour Hutchinson
in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, with a view to ob- to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 15th December,
structing the Commerce of this Kingdom, and upon grounds 1773; received 2d February, 1774.
and pretences immediately subversive of the Constitution No. 16. Copy of a Letter from Govemour Hutchinson
thereof, hath thought fit to lay the whole matter before his to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 17th December,
two Houses of Parliament, fully confiding, as well in their 1773 ; received 27th January, 1774.
zeal for the maintenance of his Majesty's authority, as in No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Govemour Hutchinson
their attachment to the common interest and welfare of all to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 20th December,
bis Dominions, that they will not only enable his Majesty 1773; received 14th February, 1774.
effectually to take such measures as may be most likely to No. 18. Extract of a Letter from Govemom Hutchinson
put an immediate stop to the present disorders, but will also to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 24th December,
take into their most serious consideration, what farther regu- 1773 ; received 14th February, 1774, enclosing.
lations and permanent provisions may be necessary to be No. 19. Extract of the Minutes of the Council of the
Laws,
established for better securing the execution of the Massachusetts Bay, on the 21st December, 1773.
and the just dependence of the Colonies upon the Crown No. 20. Extract of a Letter from Govemour Hutcfnnson
and Parliament of Great Britain. G. R. to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 4th January,

The said Message was then read again by the Clerk. 1774 received 13th February.
;

The Earl of Dartmouth, (by his Majesty's command,) New- York.

laid before the House copies of all Letters, &;c., received
No. 21. Extract of a Letter from Major General Haldi-
from America, relating to the Disturbances there w ith regard
mand to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated New-York, 3d of
to the importation of Tea, together with a list thereof;
November, 1773 received 10th December.
;

which was read by the Clerk, as follows;

No. 22. Extract of a Letter from Major General Haldi-
Massachusetts Bay. mand to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated New-York, 2Sth
December, 1773 received 4tli February, 1774.
;

No. Extract of a Letter from Govemour Hutchinson

1. No. 23. Extract of a Letter from Major General Haldi-
to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 4th November, mand to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated New-York, 5th
1773, received 17lh December, enclosing. January, 1774 received 5th February.
;

No. 2. Copy of a Letter to Thomas and Elisha No. 24. Copy of a Paper referred to in Major General
Hutchinson, delivered at their house in Boston, Haldimand's Letter of the 5th January, 1774.
2d hovember, 1773. No. 25. Extract of a Letter from Major General Haldi-
No. 3. Copy of a printed Paper, posted up in the mand to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated 2d February, 1774 ;

Town of Boston, on the 3d November, 1773. received 2d March.

No. 4. Copy of a Narrative. No. 26. Copy of a Letter from Govemour Tryon to the
No. 5. Copy of a Narrative. Earl oi Dartmouth, dated New-York, 3d November, 1773;
No. 6. Copy of a Letter from Govemour Hutchinson received 10th December, enclosing.
to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Milton, near Boston, 6th No. 27. Copy of a printed Paper, intituled, " The
November, 1773; received '25th December, enclosing. Alarm,No.l," dated New- York, 6thOctober,llT3.
 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 8

" The
Thi No. 54. Copy of a Letter relative to advices received
No. 28. Copy of a printed Paper, intituled,
n, So. 2," dated New-York, 9th o( October
Alarm, from Philadelphia, dated 21st December, 1773.
1773. No. 55. Copy of a Letter relative to the exportation
of Tea to Boston, dated 21st December, 1773.
No. 29. Extract from a printed Paper, intituled, " Tne
No. 56. Copy of a Letter relative to the exportation
Alarm," dated New York, 19th October, 1773.
30. Copy of a Letter from Governour Tryon to the of Tea to South Carolina.
No.
No. 57. Copy of a Letter relative to the exportation
Eari of Dartmouth, dated Netv- York, 1st December, 1773
of Tea to New-York.
received 10th Jarniary, 1774, enclosing.
No. 31. Memorial of the Agents of the East India No. 58. Copy of a Note from the Chairman of the East
Company, praying that the Tea shipped by the India Company to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated 24th
Company, may, on its arrival, be taken under the December, 1773 ; received 25tli, enclosing.
Government.
protection of No. 59. Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, dated
5th October, 1773.
No. 32. Minutes of Council relative to the Tea ship-
ped by the East India Company. No. 60. Extract of two Letters from Philadelphia,
dated October 5th and 30th, 1773.
No. 33. Copy of a Letter from Governour Tryon to the
Earl of Dartmouth, dated New-York, 3d January, 1774;
No. 61. Copy of a Note from the Chairman and Deputy
received otli February, 1774. Chairman of the East India Company to the Eari of Dart-
No. 34. Copy of a Letter from Governour Tryon to the mouth, dated lOih January, 1774 received 15th, enclosing,
;

Eari of Dartmouth, dated New-York, 5th January, 1774 No. 62. Copy of a Letter from the East India Com-
received 5th February, enclosing,
pany's Agents at New-York to the Court of Di-
No. 35. Extract from the Minutes of the Council of rectors.

New-York. No. 63. Copy of the Memorial of Henry Wiite and

others. Merchants, to the Governour of New- York.
South Carolina. No. 64. Copy of a Letter from an Agent of the East
No. 36. Extract of ;t Letter from Lieutenant Governour India Company to his Correspondents in London, dated
Bull to the Eari of Dartmouth, dated 24th December, 1773 Boston, 15th November, 1773.
received 28th January, 1774. No. 65. Copy of a Letter from an Agent of the East
India Company to his Correspondent in London, dated
Neio-Hampshire.
Boston, November, 1773.
No. 37. Extract of a Letter from GovemoysiWcntworth, No. 66. Copy of a Letter from an Agent of the East
to the Eari ofDartmouth, dated New-Hampshire, 17th India Company to the Chairman, dated Boston, 17th No-
December, 1773; received 2d March, 1774, enclosing. vember, 1773.
No. 38. Notification of the Selectmen of the Town No. 67. Copy of a Note from the Chairman of the East
of Portsmouth. India Company to the Eari of Dartmouth, dated 21st
No. 39. Resolves of Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire, January, 1774 received 25th, enclosing,
;

respecting the Teas. No. 68. Copy of a Letter signed " Anglo Ameri-
canus," to the East India Company, dated Boston,
Admiralty.
17th December, 1773.
No. 40. Copy of a Letter from the Lords Commissioners No. 69. Copy of a Note from the Chairman and Deputy
of the Admiralty to the Eari of Dartmouth, dated the 20th Chairman of the East India Company to the Earl of
January, 1774; received the 21st, enclosing. Dartmouth, dated 26th January, 1774 ; received the same
No. 41. Copy of a Letter from Rear Admiral Mon- day.
tagu to Philip Stephens, Esqr., Secretary of the No. 70. Copy of a Note from the Chairman and Deputy
Admiralty, dated Boston, 8th December, 1773. Chairman of the East India Company to the Earl of Dart-
No. 42. Copy of a Letter from the Lords Commissioners mouth, dated 26th January, 1774 received 27th, en-
;

of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated 27th closing.

January, 1774 received the same day, enclosing.
; No. 71. Copy of a Letter to the Delaware Pilots and
No. 43. A copy of a Letter from Rear Admiral •
to Captain Ayres, dated Philadelphia, 27th No-
Montagu to Philip Stephens, Esqr., Secretary of vember, 1773.
the Admiralty, dated Boston, 17th December, 1773. No. 72. Declaration of Messrs. James and Drinker,
Agents for the East India Company, at Phila-
War Office.
delphia.
No. 44. Copy of a I^etter from Lord Viscount Barrington No. 73. Postscript to the Pennsylvania Gazette, of
to the Eari of Dartmouth, dated War OfEce, 28th January, 24th December, 1773.
1774 received 29tli, enclosing.
; No. 74. Copy of a Letter from Messrs. James and
No. 45. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Alex- Drinker to the Directors of the East India Com-
ander Leslie, Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixty- pany, dated Philadelphia, 28th December, 1773.
Fourth Regiment of Foot, to Lord Viscount Bar- No. 75. Copy of a Letter from Messrs. Tliomas and
rington, dated Castle William, December 6, 1773. Isaac Wharton, Jonathan Brown, and Gilbert
No. 46. Extract of a Letter from Ditto to Ditto, dated Barkley, to the East India Company, dated Phi-
17th December, 1773. ladelphia, 28th December, 1773.
No. 76. Copy of a Note from the Chairman of the East
£aj< India Company.
India Company to the Earl of Dartmouth ; received 3d
No. 47. Copy of a Note from the Chairman of the East February, 1774.
India Company to the Eari of Dartmouth, dated 20th De- No. 77. Copy of a Letter from Thomas and Elisha
cember, 1773 ; received 21st, enclosing, Hutchinson, Richard Clarke and Sons, and Benjamin
No. 48. Account of Tea exported by the East India Faneuil, to the Directors of the East India Company,
Company to his Majesty's Colonies in North Ame- dated 2d December, 1773.
rica, with the quantities, and to whom consigned. No. 78. Copy of a Letter from Ditto to Ditto, dated
No. 49. Copy of a Note from the Chairman of the East 17th December, 1773.
India Company to the Eari of Dartmouth, dated 23d De- No. 79. Copies of two Letters from Messrs. Smith,
cember, 1773 received 25th, enclosing.
; Leger, and Greenivood, to the Secretary of the East India
No. 50. Extract of a Letter dated Boston, 18th Oc- Company, dated 4lh and 18th December, 1773.
tober, 1773. No. 80. Copy of a Note from the Chairman and Deputy
No. 51. Extract of a Letter from New- York, dated Chairman of the East India Company to the Earl of
5th November, 1773. Dartmouth, dated 9th February, 1774 received 10th,
;

No. 52. Extract of a Letter from New- York, dated enclosing,

5lh November, 1773. No. 81. Copy of a Letter from Henry ff'hite, Abram
No. 53. Cony of a Letter relative to advices received Lott, and Company, and Pigou and Booth, to the
from Philadelphia and New-York, dated 21st De- Directors of the East India Company, dated Neiv-
cember, 177.3. York, 27th December, 1773.
9 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 10

No. 82. Copy of a Letter from Henry fVJiitt, and " expedient for securing the just dependence of the said
others, to Captain Benjamin Loclcyer, of the Ship " Colonies upon the Crown and Parliament of Great Bri-
Nancy, dated New-York, 27th December, 1773. " tain, and for enforcing a due obedience to the Laws of
No. 83. Copy of a Note from the Ciiairman and Deputy " this Kingdom throughout all his Majesty's Dominions.''
Chairman of tiie East India Company to the Earl of Dart- Ordered, That the said Address be presented to his
mouth, dated 15th February, 1774 received 16th, en-
;
Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.
closing. Ordered, That the Papers delivered this day by the
No. 84. Questions proposed by Francis Rotch, an Earl of Dartmouth, (by his Majesty's command,) toge-
owner, and James Hall, master, of the Ship Dart- ther with his Majesty's most gracious Message, be taken
mouth, with the Answers of the Consignees. into consideration on Thursday, sevennight and that tiie ;

No. 85. Questions proposed by James Bruce, master Lords be summoned.

of the Ship Eleanor, with the Answers of the Con-
Friday, March 11, 1774.
signees.
No. 86. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Botch, owner of TheEarl of Dartmouth, (by his Majesty's command,)
the Ship Dartmouth, to Richard Clarke and Sons, laid before the House more Papers from America, relating
&c., dated Boston, 6th January, 1774. to the Disturbances there with regard to the importation of
No. 87. Copy of a Letter from Richard Clarke and Tea. together with a list thereof,
Sons, and Benjamin Faneuil, Jun., to the Directors Which was read by the Clerk, as follows
of the East India Company, dated Castle William, No. Extract of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson
1 .

January 7th, 1774. to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 28th January,
No. 88. Copy of a Letter from Richard Clarke and 1774; received 8th March, enclosing.
Sons, and Benjamin Faneuil, Jun., to the East India No. 2. Extract from the Boston Gazette, of 27th
Company, dated January 7th, 1774. January, 1774.
No. 89. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mitchell, Secretary Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the table, and
to the East India Company, to John Pownall, Esqr., dated that they be taken into consideration on Thursday next.
16th February, 1774; received 17th. enclosing,
No. 90. Copy of a Memorial of the East India Wednesday, March 16, 1774.
Company to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated 16th
The House being moved, " That the consideration of
February, 1774. " the several Papers laid before tliis House (by his Majesty's
Treasury. "command,) relating to D'lstwhances'm America, and also
" his Majesty's most gracious Answer in relation thereto,
No. 91. Copy of a Letter from Grey Cooper, Esqr., " be adjourned till to-morrow sevennight and that the ;

Secretary of the Treasury, to John Pownall, Esqr., dated " Lords be summoned."
7th March, 1774, enclosing. The same was objected to. After short debate, the
No. 92. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Mather, acting as question was put thereupon. It was resolved in the Affirm-
Secretary to the Commissioners of the Customs in ative.
America, dated 7th October, 1773, to John Robin-
son, Esqr., Secretary to the Lords of the Treasury
Wednesday, March 23, 1774.
received 14th February, 1774. Ordered, That the consideration of the several Papers
No. 93. A copy of a Letter from the Commissioners of laid before this House (by his Majesty's command,) rela-
the Customs in America, to the Lords of the Treasury, ting to the Disturbances in America; and also his Majesty's
dated Boston, 4th January, 1774 received 14th Februa-
; most gracious Message in relation thereto, which stands
ry, 1774, enclosing. appointed for to-morrow, be adjourned till Monday next
No. 94. Copy of a Letter from the Collectors and and that the Lords be summoned.
Comptroller of the Customs at Boston, to the Com-
missioners of the Customs there, dated 17th De- Wednesday, March 30, 1774.
cember, 1773.
Ordered, That all the Lords who have been present
No. 95. Copy of a Letter from Ditto to Ditto, dated
this day, be appointed a Committee to inquire into the
23d December, 1773.
several Proceedings in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay,
No. 96. Copy of a Letter from Ditto to Ditto, dated
in opposition to the sovereignty of his Majesty, in his
31st December, 1773.
Parliament of Great Britain, over that Province and also ;
No. 97. Copy of a Protest of James Bruce, James
what has passed in this House relative thereto, from the 1st
Bruce, Jun., and John Finney.
of January, 1764.
No. 98. Do. of Hezekiah Coffin and others.
Ordered, That the several Papers laid before this House
No. 99. Do. of Francis Rotch and others.
relating to Disturbances in the Colony of the Massachusetts
No. 100. Depositions of Samuel Hunt and others.
Bay, be referred to the said Committee; and the said
No. 101. Do. of Thomas Rick and others.
Committee is hereby empowered to send for Persons,
No. 102. Do. of miliam Elliot and others.
Papers, and Records.
No. 103. Do. of Alexander Hodgson.
Their Lordships, or any five of them, to meet to-morrow,
No. 104. Do. of James Bruce and others.
in the Prince's lodgings, near the House of Peers and to ;

No. 105. Report of Arthur Savage.

adjourn as they please.
No. 106. Do. of Robert Parker.
No. 107. Memorial of Francis Rotch. The Lords present, who formed the Committee, were :

No. 108. Do. of James Bruce. Tlie Duke of Gloucester; Lord Apsley, Lord High
No. 109. Do. of Hezekiah Coffin. Chancellor; Earl of Gower, Lord President; Earl of
Hertford, Lord Chamberlain.
Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the table.
Dukes Beafort, Ancaster, Chandos, Montagu.
:

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to his Earls Suffolk, Denbigh, Westmoreland, Stanford,
:

Majesty, To return his Majesty the thanks of this House

'•'
Sandwich, Doncaster, Rodford ,Abercorn, Loudon, March,
" for his Majesty's gracious Message, and for the communi- Marchmont, Stair, Roseberry, Dartmouth, Macclesfield,
" cation his Majesty hath been graciously pleased to make Waldegrave, Asburnham, Bucks, Hardwicke, Faucon-
" to this House, of several Papers relative to the present berg, Ilchester, Northington, Spencer, Hillsborough.
" state of some of his Majesty's Colonies in North Ame- Viscounts Montague, Townshend, Falmouth.
:

" rica. Hon Frederick Cornwallis, Archbishop of Canterbu-

:

" To assure his Majesty that this House, truly sensible ry; Richard Tcrrick, Bishop of Lonrfo/i; Edmund Keene,
" that the peace and good government of the Colonies, Bishop of Ely; Sir William Asburnham, Bart., Bishop of
" and the preventing any obstructions there to the Com- Chichester; John Hume, Bishop o( Salisbury John Green, ;

" merce of this Kingdom, are objects of their most serious Bishop of Lincoln ; Charles Moss, Bishop of St. Davids
" attention, will enter upon the consideration of these Eihnund Law, Bishop of Carlisle; John Hinchcliffe,
" Papers with an earnest desire to make such provisions Bishop of Peterborough ; William Markham, Bishop of
" as, upon mature deliberation, shall appear necessary and Chester.
11 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 12

to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 27th April,

Lords: Abergavenny, Wilhughhy, Br., Cathcart, Ca-
dogan, King, Godolphin, Moiitfort, Eds:cumbe, Sandys, and 21st May, 1770.
Bruce, IVafpok, Mansfield, Lyttchon, Wycombe, Scars- No. 12. Extractof a Letter from Governour i/i/fc^jnson,
dale, Boston, Pelhavi, Camden, Sundridge. to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 6th July, 1771
with a copy of his Message to the House of Representatives,
Thursday, April 14, 1774. and of the Answer of the said House.
The Earl of Btickinghamshirc reported from the Com- No. 13. Copy of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson
mittee appointed to inquire into tlie several Proceedings in to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 28th November,

the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in opposition to the 1771, with enclosures.

sovereignty of his Majesty in his Parliament of Great Bri- No. 14. Extract of a Letter from Governour JE/u/cAinson
tain, over that Province, and also what has passed in this to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 29th May,

House relative thereto, from the 1st of January, 1764, 1772, with an enclosure.
" That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the House No. 15. Extract of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson
" be moved. That an humble Address be presented to his to the Earl o( Dartmouth, dated Boston, 23d October, 1772.
" Majesty, that he would be graciously [)leased to give No. 16. Copv of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson
" directions that there be laid before this House, copies or to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 30th October,
" extracts of all Letters and Papers which have been receiv- 1772, with enclosures.
" ed by of State, or the Commis-
his Majesty's Secretaries No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson to
" sioners of Trade and Plantations, from the Governour, the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 3d November, 1772.
" Lieutenant Governour, or other Officers in his Majesty's No. 18. Printed copy of the Votes and Proceedings of
" service in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in iS'ew the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston.
'•
England, containing advices of any proceedings in the No. 19. ExtractofaLetterfrom Governour jywicAiwsonto
" said Province in opposition to his Majesty's sovereignty the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 22d February, 1773.
" in his Parliament of Great Britain, over the same, from No. 20. Printed copy of the Speeches of Governour
" the 7th of July, 1766, which have not been already laid Hutchinson to the General Assembly of the Massachusetts
" before the House." Bay, with the Answers of the Council and House of
Which Report, being read by the Clerk, was agreed to Representatives.
by the House. No. 21. Copy of Petition and Remonstrance from the
And the Hou'=e being moved
accordingly House of Representatives of the Province o[ Massachusetts
Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to his Bay, 14th July, 1772.
Majesty, " That he would be graciously pleased to give di- No. 22. Copy of Petition to the King from the House
" rections that there be laid before this House, copies or of Representatives of 3Iassachusetts Bay, dated 6th March,
" extracts of all Letters and Papers which have been receiv- 1773.
" ed by his Majesty's Secretaries of State, or the Com- No. 23. Copy of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson
" missioners of Trade and Plantations, from the Governour, to the Earl ofDartmouth, dated Boston, 14th February,
" Lieutenant Governour, or other Officers in his ftlajesty's 1774 received 5th April, enclosing,
;

" service in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in Neio No. 24. Copy of Governour Hutchinson's Speech to
" England, containing advices of any proceedings in the the Council and House of Representatives, and
" in opposition to his Majesty's sovereignty
said Province their Answer.
" Parliament of Great Britain, over the same, from
in his No. 25. Copy of Requisition from the House of Re-
" the 7th of July, 1766, which have not been already laid presentatives of Massachusetts Bay, to the Judges
" before the House." of the Superiour Court.
No. 26. Copy of a Remonstrance of the House of
Friday, April 15, 1774.
Representatives of Massachusetts i?«y, against the
The Lord Chamberlain reported, " That the Lords with Chief Justice.
" White Staves had (according to order) waited on his Ma- No. 27. Copy of Vote of the Council and House of
"jesty with their Lordships' Address of yesterday and ; Representatives of Massachusetts Bay, for adjourn-
" that his Majesty was pleased to say he would give
' ing the Superiour Court; not consented to by the
" directions accordingly.' " Governour.
The Earl of Dartmouth, (by his Majesty's command,) No. 28. Copy of Governour Hutchinson's Answer to
laid before the House, the several Papers in their Lordships' the Remonstrance of the House of Representatives
Address of yesterday, relating to the Disturbances in Ame- against tb.e Chief Justice.
rica, together with a list thereof; \yhich was read by the Ordered, That the said Papers be referred to the Com-
Clerk, as follows mittee appointed to inquire into the several proceedings
No. 1 Extract of a Letter from Governour Bernard to
. in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in opposition to the
the Lords of Trade, dated Boston, 7th July, 1766. sovereignty of his Majesty in his Parliament of Great Bri-
No. 2. Extract of a Letter from Governour Bernard to tain over that Province ; and also what has passed in this
the Earl of Shelburnc, dated Boston, 7th February, 1767, House relative thereto, from the 1st of January, 1764.
with enclosures.
Wednesday, April 20, 1774.
No. 3. Extract of a Letter from Governour Bernard to
the Earl of Shelburnc, dated Boston, 21st February, 1767. The Earl of Buckinghamshire reported fi'om Report fmm
No. 4. Extract of a Letter from Governour Bernard to the Lords' Committee, appointed to inquire into po'Jm'd'focou^
the Earl of Shelburne, dated Boston, 21st March, 1768. the several Proceedings in the Colony of Mas- '"i""'' P"'"^

No. 5. Extract of a Letter from Governour Bernard, to sachusetts Bail, m opposition to the sovereignty <-i>ionyoi .wnJ-

the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 30th of May, 01 his Majesty m his Parliament oi Great Bri-
1768. tain over that Province ; and also what has passed in this
No. 6. Answer of the House of Representatives of House relative thereto, from the 1st day of January, 1764,
Massachusetts Bay, to the Govemour's Message, the 30th as follows:
June, 1768. That in obedience to your Lordships' commands, the
No. 7. Printed account of the Associations at Boston, Committee have met, and taken into consideration the mat-
and the Proceedings in consequence thereof. ters to them referred and having attentively read and consi-
;

No. 8. Extract of a Letter from Sir Francis Bernard, dered the several Papers which have been laid before the
Baronet, to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, the House, relative to the Proceedings in the Colony of Massa-
1st of June, 1769. chusetts Bay, in opposition to the sovereignty of his Ma-
No. 9. Extract of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson jesty in his Parliament of Great Britain over that
to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, lltli July, Province and having also carefully inspected the Journals
;

1769, with an enclosure. of the House, from the 1st day of January, 1764, to the
No. 10. Copy of a Letter from Governour Hutchinson |)resent time, they find that, on the 2d day joumai., April
"'^•
to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 27lh March, of April, 1764, a Bill was brought up from the ^'

1770, with an enclosure. Commons to your Lordships, intituled, '' An Act forgrant-
No. 11. Extracts of Letters from Governour Hutchinson " ing certain Duties in the British Colonies and Plantations
13 KING'S MESSAGE, IMARCH 7, 1774. 14

" in America ; for continuing and amending, and making " implore relief; and that letters should be forthwith. pre-
" perpetual, an Act, passed in tlie sixth year of the reign " pared and transmitted to the respective Speakers of the
"of his late Majesty, King George the Second, intituled " several Assemblies, to invite them to accede to
,y,,, j„„e sn,
" An Act for the better securing and encouraging the
'
" this proposition :" and further, that on the Sth ""*' ^°'''' ""•
" Trade of his Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America;' for of June, they did actually elect three persons to be their
" applying the produce of such Duties, and of the Duties to Committees and also voted £450 to bear their exi)enses.
;

" arise by virtue of the said Act, towards defraying the ex- Your Committee find, in a letter from the no. 21.

" penses of defending, protecting, and securing, the said Governor to the Lords Commissioners for Trade ^tru'T'uiM,
" Colonies and Plantations lor explaining an Act, made ; and Plantations, dated August 15tl), 1765, an ;f,"*;i;"'''i'JIiji
" in the twenty-fifth year of the reign of King Charles the account of a violent riot at Boston, in resistance comnn>*i™en
" Second, intituled An Act for the Encouragement of the
' to a law passed by the Legislature of Great Plantations
" Greenland and Eastland Trades, and for the better se- Britain, in which an attack was made upon Mr. Oliver,
" curin« the Plantation Trade ;' and for altering and dis- Distributer of Stamps, and carried to the length of pulling
" allowing several Drawbacks on Exports from this King- down and destroying his houses, manilbstinii a resolution,
" dom, and more effectually preventing the clandestine if they could have found him, of putting him to death ;

" conveyance of Goods to and from said Colonies and Plan- upon which occasion the backwardness and indisposition of
" taiions, and improving and securing the Trade between the Council to support the peace and good order of Gov-
" the same and Great Britain." ernment, were very ajjparent. Also, in another x„. 22.

April Mh and That this Bill passed the House on the 4th letterfrom the Governor, ihxted August 31st, fjfjfJfJt'TOo'J
*'*•
oi April, and received the Royal assent on the 1765, to the said Board of Trade, they find
IZ^'J-I'I^'a^
following day. that the mob attacked the house of Mr. Storey,
The Committee having perused the Report of the Register of the Admiralty, which they demolished they ;

Dtmuhrr uth, Board of Trade, of the 11th day oi December, also took all his books and papers, amongst which were

"Ti 1764, and the Papers Majesty laid before his the Records of the Court of Admiralty, and burnt them,
Hepiwuiaiion therewith, find in the said
'
Papers the strongest and searched about for him, with an intent to murder him ;
or llu- Board ol . i ,
/•
i 31 7
Trade to asscrtious by the Assembly ol the Massachusetts
iiii they also pillaged the house of Mr. Hallowe/l, Comptroller
»j«t>-
Bay, of their sole right to pass laws, particu- of the Customs. But their most violent proceeding was
larly of taxation and of their resolution to invite the other
;
against the Lieutenant Governor, whose house, plate,
Colonies to combine with them in measures to prevent the books, and manuscripts, to a very great value, they totally
King, in his Parliament, from passing any such laws; for destroyed. And, in this great extremity, the Council
instance, in a letter to Mr. Manduit, then Agent being, as the Governor observes, dependent upon the peo-
ExtracuVroin of the Province, which was drawn up by a Com- ple, refused even to concur with him in his proposition of

I.nh"-'Huus!.''of niittee of the House of Representatives, and giving notice to General Gage of the then situation of the

?f'tl['c;li''n')"ar
afterwards approved by the House, they used town of Boston.
Maisachuicits ji,g following exoressious " The silence of the ; It is remarkable that this commotion entirely To.zt.
Bm, 1st, Sth, °i . '1
and utii " Provmce should nave been imputed to any
1 1
1 III, arose out of the town oi Boston ; for though it i.tteito i.f,r'(rj'
JUM, 17M.
" cause, even to despair, rather than be con- was given out that many People out of the 'ilaifai'^'ciiJit
" strued into a tacit cession of their rights, or an acknow- country were concerned in diis affair, upon in- ^/„'j"Tjth ami
" ledgement of a right in the Parliament of Great Britain quiry, it was found that such persons living out '"'' ""
" to impose Duties and Taxes upon a People who are not of Boston as were seen in the crowd, were there merely as
" represented in the House of Commons ;" and in the same spectators.
letter they avowed and authenticated the doctrines advanced In Governor Bernard's letter to the Board of xo. m.

in a certain pamphlet, intituled, " Rights The Trade, of October 12th, 1765, he says, " That ,,»"(/v'leite"o
o?.Vb,'Kikfrom of the Brt^w/j Colouics asserted and proved;" " the real authority of the Government is at an Vrade,"o«<p4o-
Sdof'the'CoUk written by James Otis, Esq. which pamphlet, ;
" end some of the principal ringleaders in the '^'''' '""•
;

amongst other things, says, " That the imposi- " late riots, walk the streets with impunity no Officers dare ;

" tion of taxes, whether on trade or on land, on houses or " attack them no Attorney General prosecute them no
; ;

" ships, on real or personal, fixed or floating property, in " Witness appear against them ; and no Judges sit upon
" the Colonies, is absolutely irreconcilable with the rights "them."
" of the Colonists, and as men."
as British subjects, And during the general disorder, the Gov- ao^Iml^'Ber.
loiirnaii Feb- The Committee find that, on the 28th day ernor thought it necessary for some companies
'i";^f%["n"'Jy
ruaryii, 1795.
gf February, 1765, a Bill was brought from the of the Militia to be mustered, with the unani- c«atoy.fl"»rwi
1 , . /-< Ml nfi- ^cvemOer Hit, 1 I
•

Commons, intituled, "An Act for granting and applying mous advice of the Councd, but that the Militia ires.
" Stamp Duties and other Duties in the British Colonies refused to obey his orders. No. 71.
, , /. 1 1 1- 1 . .
'J Kxtr.ic-tof a ret-
"and America; towards further defraying
Plantations in And we was paid
find that so little attention ter from Gov-

" the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the to an Act of the British Legislature, by the ,"'7. pnvZit
" same and for amending such parts of the several Acts
; Council and House of Representatives, that ,^;,1o^".i,!j|^"j'

" of Parliament relating to the Trade and Revenues of the they resolved in a joint Committee, on the •25th j,,,^;,";,?-;;,, „f
" said Colonies and Plantations, as direct the manner of of October, 1765, that it should and might be thicouiKiianci

" determining and recovering the penalties and forfeitures

... o .

lawfiil to do business without stamps, notwith-

I
• ? House
rMentativi,,
(.f Itt ()-

" therein mentioned." Standing the Act of Parliament to the contrary.

That the said Bill received the Royal assent on the 22d On the 14th day of January, 1766, upon the joumai>, ymK-
"'" ''"''' ''""•
of the same month. meeting of the Parliament, after the recess at
That on the 17th day of December, his Christmas, his Majesty was pleased to declare himself in a
December 17th.
Majesty declared, in his most gracious Speech most gracious Speech from the throne, in the following
from the Throne, "That tiie matters of importance which terms
" had lately occurred in some of his Colonies in America, " My Lords and Gentlemen When I met you last, I :

" were the principal cause of his Majesty's assembling his " acquainted you that matters of importance had happen-
" Parliament sooner than was usual in times of peace." " ed in America, which would demand the most .serious
'^ appears to the Committee, from the voles " attention of Parliament.
No. 17.
Vote, of the
of the House of Representatives of the Colony " That no information which could serve to direct your
HouNe nf Rep- -n-- r^' r ^ r i
re.entaiivr»,
,
ol Massachusetts Bau, ol the oth ol June, 1765, •'
^ \
" deliberations in so interesting a concern might be want-
June Oth, 1765. , ,, mi , . .

that they came to a Kesolution, " That it was " ing, I have ordered all the Papers that give any light
" highly expedient there should be a meeting, as soon as " into the origin, the jjrogress, or the tendency, of the
" might be, of Committees from the Houses of Reprcsent- " Disturliances which have of late prevailed in some of
" atives or Burgesses, in the several Colonies on the " the Northern Colonies, to be immediately laid before
" American Continent, to consult on their then present " you.
" circumstances, and the diflicultics to which they were re- " No time has been lost, on the first advice of these
" duced by the operation of the late Acts of Parliament, « Disturbances, to issue orders to the Governors of my
" for levying Duties on the Colonies, and to consider of a " Provinces, and to the Commanders of my Forces, in
" general Address to his Majesty and the Parliament, to " America, for the exertion of all the powers of the Go-
15
KINGS MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 16

" vernment in the suppression of riots and tumults, and in On the 5th of March, & Bill was brought war.Ajth.
" the effectual support of lawful authority. from the Commons, intituled, " An Act for the
" Whatever remains to be done on this occasion, I coin- " better securing the Dependency of his Majesty's Domin-
" mit to your wisdom, not doubting but your zeal for the " ions in America upon the Crowti and Parliament of
" honor of my Crown, your attention to the just rights and " Great Britain."
" authority ot the British Legislature, and your afleclion Which Bill received the Royal assent on the 18lh of the
" and concern for the welfare and prosperity of all my same month.
" People, will guide you to such sound and prudent resolu- And also a Bill intituled, " An Act to repeal an Act made
" tions as may tend at once to preserve those constitutional " in the last session of Pariiament intituled, An Act for '

" rights over the Colonies, and to restore to them that " granting and applying certain Stamp Duties, and other du-
" harmony and tranquillity which have lately been inter- " ties in the British Colonies and Plantations in America;
" rupted by riots and disordere of the most dangerous na- " towards further defraying the expenses of defending, pro-
tecting, and securing the same; and for amending such
'•
" ture."
" parts of the several Acts of Parliament relating to the
In the dutiful Address which was voted the same day,
" of their hearty concur- " Trade and Revenues of the said Colonies and Planta-
the House assure his Majesty,
" rence with his Majesty's most salutary intentions; that " tions, as direct the manner of determining and recover-
"
" they would exert their utmost endeavours to assert and " ing the penalties and forfeitures therein mentioned.'
" support his Majesty's dignity and honor, and the legisla- VVhich Bill received the Royal assent on the March isih.

" tive authority of this Kingdom over its Colonies ; and 18th of March.
" that they would take into tiieir consideration the most Whilst the Bill for repealing the Stamp Act was under
" proper methods to provide for the restoration of tranquil- deliberation, petitions from the Merchants of the city of
" litv to those Colonies which had been disturbed by such Bristol, from the Merchants of Glasgow, from Edtvard
" violent and dangerous commotions." Montague, Agent for the Colony of Virginia, and from
Upon the same day all the Papers relating to the Merchants of the city of London, in favor of the said
joam.K IMS.
jj^g information and advices received from Ame- repeal, were received and read.
rica, of the riots and tumults there, were laid before the On the 2d of June, a Bill was brought from juneu.
House. the Commons, intituled, " An Act for indemni-
More Papers relating to America were laid " fying persons who have incurred certain penalties inflicted
January <3.
" by an Act of the last session of Pariiament, for granting
before the House, which, together with the other '

Papers, were referred to a Committee of the whole House " certain Stamp Duties in the British Colonies and Plaa-
for Tuesday, tiie 28th.
" tations in America ;' and for making valid all instruments
More Papers were laid before the House, " executed or enrolled there on unstamped paper, vellum,
January 27.
and referred to the said Committee. " or parchment."
January 38. The Committee
met, and after several ad- Which Bill received the Royal assent on the 6th of
February 10.
journments, on the 10th oi February, following, the same month.
the Chairman reported several Resolutions, which were appears by a letter from Governor Ber-
It j,„ ,„_
£»'">'< of » let-
agreed to by the House, as follows nard to the Earl of Shelburne, dated Decern- ipr Iron) *jOv.
" 1. Resolved, That the King's Majesty, by and with the ber 24tb, 1766, that the Governor, by advice Brrnm to tho rf,

advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, of the Council, ordered the Mutmy Act and *urn<-, Bottm,
"^' '
and Conmions of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled, three other Acts to be printed by the Printer
had, hath, and of right ought to have, full power and au- of the Laws, in the interval of the adjournment of the
thority to make Laws and Statutes of sufficient force and Assembly. Two companies of Artillery being driven on
validity to bind the Colonies and People of America, sub- shore by distress of weather, and the said Act of Parlia-
jects of the Crown of Great Britain, in all cases whatso- ment having been consulted, the Council advised the
ever. Governor to order the Commissary to supply them with
" 2. Resolved, That it appears to this Committee, that what they demanded under the Act, which was done. Upon
Tumults and Insurrections of the most dangerous nature, the meeting of the Assembly a Message was sent to the
have been raised and carried on in several of the North Council, and carried by five members, to inquire " by what
American Colonies, in open de6ance of the Power and " authority Acts of Parliament were registered amongst
Dignity of his Majesty's Government, and in manifest viola- " the laws of that Province and whether they knew of
;

tion of the Laws and Legislative authority of this Kingdom. " any Act (meaning of Assembly) requiring the registering
" 3. Resolved, That it appears to this Committee that the " of Ordinances (their term for Acts of Parliament) which
said Tumults and Insurrections have been encouraged and " their Legislature never consented to."
inflamed by sundry Votes and Resolutions, passed in seve- The Committee find that, on the 12th of j„„n„],
ral of the Assemblies of the said Provinces, derogatory to March, 1767, the Ixird Wycombe (by his Ma- ^"^"^Aiith.
the honor of his Majesty's Government, and destructive of jesty's command) laid before the House copies
the legal and constitutional dependency of the said Colo- of from his Majesty's Governors in America,
letters, &.c.,
nies on the Imperial Crown and Pariiament of Great Bri- which were ordered to lie on the table.
tain. That on the 3d oi April more copies of let- ApriiM.
" 4. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, ters from his Majesty's Governors in America,
that an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, to were laid before the House, and ordered to lie on the table.
desire that his Majesty would be graciously pleased to give That on the 14tli of May, it was ordered
May 14th.
instructions to the Governors of the several Provinces that an humble Address should be presented to
wlicre the above mentioned Tumults and Insurrections have his Majesty, " That he would be graciously pleased to
happened, that they should, in his Majesty's name, require " give directions that there might be laid before this House
of the Asseniblies of the said Provinces, to make proper " copies of all Reports made to or by the Commissioners
recompense to those who have suffered in their persons " of Trade and Plantations, together with all Orders and
or properties, in consequence of the aforesaid Tumults and " Proceedings made or had by the Secretaries of State, or
Insurrections and to assure his Majesty that this House
; " his Majesty's Privy Council, relating to the Bill passed
will, upon this and all occasions, support the lawful authori- " by the Governor, Council, and Assembly of the Massa-
ty of his Crown, and the rights of Parliament. " chusctts Bay, for granting compensation to the sufferers,
" 5. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, " and of free and general pardon, indemnity, and oblivion
that all hisMajesty's subjects, residing in tiie said Colonies, " to the offenders in the late times, from the time of the
who have manifested their desire to comply with, or to as- " receipt of the said Bill."
sist in, carrying into execution, the Act for laying a duty on That on the 18th day of May, pursuant to May isth.
Stamps, or any other Act of Pariiament, in the British the said Address, the Lord Wycombe laid before
Colonies in North America, h'd\e acted as dutiful and loyal the House, a copy of the Report of the Committee of
subjects,and are therefore entitled to, and will assuredly Council, &ic., wliich papers were ordered to lie on the table.
have, the favor and protection of this House." That on the same day it was ordered, that an humble
" Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to
his Address should be presented to his Majesty, " That he
Majesty, pursuant to the fourth Resolution." " would be graciously pleased to give directions, that there
17 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 18
" might be laid before this House, copies of such prece- It appears to the Committee, that by a cir-
cTrcui^u^'r
" dents as had been, or might be found, of Orders in Coun- cular letter from theHouse of Representatives ron<aii>ed in
" cil, declaring Acts of Assembly in America, to be null, of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, address- toK-'sMiiZnt.
" illegal, or void; togetiier with Reports of the several ed to all the Assemblies upon the Continent of fX^rn'mt'.
" Attorneys, and Solicitors General, or either of them, in North America, they desired the assent of
" similar cases, read at the Council Board on the 9th in- those Assemblies to their sentiments and proceedings ac- ;

" stant." quainting them, that they had represented to his Majesty
That on the 22d of May, the Lord Wycombe, that the Acts of Parliament of Great Britain, imposing
May 32d.
(by his Majesty's command,) laid before the duties upon that Province, with the sole and express pur-
House copies of such precedents as had been found, of pose of raising a Revenue, are infringements of their
Orders in Council, declaring Acts of Assemblies in America natural constitutional rights, and desired them to point out
to be null, illegal, and void together with Reports of the
;
any thing further that might be necessary to cany their
several Attorneys, and Solicitoi-s General, or either of them, system into execution.
in similar cases. In this year the Assembly, at the election
oo^'a^nmrd',
Which Papers were ordered to on the table and from lie ; of the Council, left out all the Crown Officers, '"'" «> Lord'

a perusal of them we find that several Acts of different which measure had been before adopted, in "th. "k, ''ma

Colonies have been, from time to time, declared by his the years 1766 and 1767. 'S.Z.'^''
Majesty in Council, to be null, illegal, and void. In the beginning of May, 1768, subscriptions ^^ j^,
That on the 15th of June a Bill was brought were made, and Associations entered into, for gov. arnoVrf'^
juncin
Commons intituled, " An Act
.

^p j.^^^ ^1^^ to the non-importation of goods from Great Bri- nes, and May
^'
" enable his Majesty to put the Customs and other Duties tain ; but tliis last measure was at that time ' '

" in the British Dominions in America, and the execution defeated by the merchants in the other Colonies refusing
" of the laws relating to Trade there, under the manage- to concur in it.
" ment of Commissioners to be appointed for that purpose, On the 9th day of May, 1768, regular seizure „. '^°- '^^.
" and to be resident in the said Dominions. was made by the Collector and Comptroller of """''' 'i-"" "f
Which Bill received the Royal assent on the 29th of the the Customs, of the sloop Liberty, belonging f- sMiJnU
same month. to Mr. Hancock, of the town of Boston, which ''""no^'it'j!"
That on the 18th of June a Bill was brought occasioned a most violent tumult the Collector nS^^.f Vh^
; •

Jutu t3lh.
up from the Commons, intituled, " An Act for and Comptroller, with the son of the Collector, 'f"',h"'cu™^.
"
"
granting certain Duties in the British Colonies and Plan-
tations in America for allowing a drawback of the duties
;
111
were attacked by a numerous and outrageous 'p ">i- 1"''''"''"
11 •
reasiir)-,
mob, who beat and abused them in a most cruel Junemb,n6%;
*''*^ '

" of Customs upon the exportation from this Kingdom of manner and in the night attacked their houses,
;

" coffee and cocoa nuts, of the produce of the said Co- broke the windows, seized on a boat belonging to the Col-
" lonies or Plantations for discontinuing the drawbacks
; lector, which they carried away in triumph, and afterwards
" payable on china earthen ware, expoited to America burnt. The Commissioners of the Customs expecting the
" and for more effectually preventing the clandestine run- same treatment, the continuing, thought it pnident
riot still
•'
ning of goods in the said Colonies and Plantations." to retreat for safety midnight with their families, to the
till

Which Bill received the Royal assent on the 29th of houses of some persons in the neighbourhood and after- ;

June. wards, upon conviction that their lives were in danger, took
No. 116. ^
Th^ Committee find that, on the meeting of refiige on board his Majesty's ship the Romney, then in
No. 117. \ the Assembly of the Province of Massachusetts the harbour of Boston ; and for their further security, from

M«Mg,fron. Bay, on the 2Sth of

January, 1767, a Message thence into Castle William. During the time of this, their
the Hi.uie of y^ag ggnt to the Governor from the House of perilous situation, they applied several times by letter to the
to Representatives desiringto be informed, " Whe-
(iovemor Governor and Council for protection, but couM procure no
" tlier any provision had been made at the
«id i'lra'prilate assistance whatsoever and were finally told, in a letter
;

SLr«,''dai " expense of that Government for the King's from Governor Bernard, dated June 13th, that " After
r4''«.T'mh; " Troops lately arrived in the harbour of Bos-
" several hours deliberation of the necessity of taking some
i767,aiso us. u (fy„ ." a„(} that after having had the Minutes of
' " measures to preserve the peace of the town, and what
Council (by which it expressly appeared that the provision " those measures should be, the Council had come to
for the Artillery companies at the Castle, was made in pur-
'•
resolution that, as there appeared to be no immediate
suance of the then late Act of Parliament) laid before •' danger
of further violences, they were of opinion that it
them, they replied that, " In giving orders, with the advice " would be best to refer this matter to the consideration of
" of the Council, for making provision for the Artillery " a Committee of both Houses, and that therefore the
" companies at the Castle the Governor had acted in an " Governor at present could not let them know what kind
" essential point against the plain intention of the Charter, " of aid and protection they might expect to receive."
" by which alone, and that only, according to such Acts as The consequence of which was, that they received no
" are or may be in force within this Province, the Governor protection whatsoever. The disorder and con- ^.^ ^^
" and Council were authorized to i.ssue money out of the fusion remained in this state unnoticed till the
J.""™''' "'j^J
" Treasury " adding, " That it was still more grevious to
; 22d July, when the Governor moved the Coun- «"d swh July,
" them to find the Governor stating, as the foundation of cil to take into consideration some measures for
" the proceeding, a late Act of Parliament, which to them restoring vigor and firmness to Government but on the ;

" appeared as great a grievance as the Stamp Act, which 29th of July, the Council made a reply to what had been
" took away the unalienable right of freedom from all proposed to them by the Governor, in which they state,
" Taxation, but such as they should voluntarily consent to " That the disorders which happened were occasioned by
" and grant." " the violent and unprecedented manner in which the sloop
Governor Bernard was obliged in his Re- " Liberty had been seized by the officers of the Cus-
No 115.
and 18th Fc'6n<nry,1767, carefully
joinder, 14th " toms."
t^r'Troin'ooT
Beniarii to Kir\ to avoid giving the Act of Parliament as the In consequence of this disorderly state at N„,ra'tiv''poftiie
loB, i4ih and foundation ot the provision made he would : Boston, two regiments having been set thi- '?" ,''„"^'"
laih Frf. 1787. .u r »i
ther from Halifax, m order to support the
.
» , 1 1
otherwise not have had the concurrence ol the
1

Council for though the

; greater part, he believed, had a execution of the civil power, and preserve the peace of
due respect for Acts of Parliament, not one of them would the town, strict orders were given, and repeated to the
have dared to avow it in that instance, and at that time. troops, not to quarrel with the townsmen, by whom they

Journal. jtfarcA The Committee find that, on the 2d of March, complained they had been frequently ill treated and in-
2d, 1768.
1768, a Bill was brought up from the Commons, sulted.
intituled, " An Act for the more easy and effectual recove- On Monday, the 5th of March, 1768, at nine at night, the
" ry of the Penalties and Forfeitures inflicted by the Acts alarm bells were rung, as in cases of fire the fire said to be
:

" of Pariiament, relating to the Trade or Revenues of the in Kings street, and the People thereby led thither, where,
" British Colonies and Plantations in America." finding the alarm false, they joined a multitude who had
Which Bill received the Royal assent on the 8th of the been braving two companies at the gates of their barrack,
same month. and threatened with death the centinel who was posted at
Fourth Series. 2
 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. •iO
t9
" Gentlemen You are already too well ac- no.iis.
the custom house, where the King's treasure was
lodged. :

surrounded was forced to retreat, and quainted with the melancholy and very alarming Jv',',',"Ii'.l' sfu^I
Tlie ceniiiiel being
rrvston, Captain of circumstances to which this l^rovince, as well
call for aid, wliicii brought Captain
.t'^.'.'.^.Iif;!';^

main guiird, to extricate as America in general, is now reduced ; taxes, i?"*-

the day, with a party Iroin tiie

of the commercial
eciually detrimental to the interests
hira. 'I'liat used his
ofiicer utmost endeavours
notwithstanding wliich, the Parent Country and her Colonies, are imposed on the
Cafiuiiu Prtt- to prevent mischief,
f«ll*« COiC. aggravation, People without their consent; taxes designed for the su|)-
rioters by blows and every act of
soldiers, port of the civil Government in the Colonics, in a manner
drew upon themsLlves the fire of several of the
were killed and upon clearly unconstitutional, an^l contrary to that in which, till
by which some pt-rsons unfortunately ;

Coinmandiiig Oliicer's of late. Government has been supported by the free gift of
the Governor's olier.ng to obtain tiie
to tlie Castle, and tiie People in the Ameririin Asseiablics or Parliaments; as
consent to remove one of the regiments
opportunity of disputes with also for the maintenance of a large stand.ng army, not for
to station the other so as no
tliat both the defence of the newly acquired Terrltorits, lut for the
the townsmen shoulJ remain, the Counc.l
insisted
a reason that old Colonies, and in time of peace. Ti:e decent, humble,
regiments should go, giving fur
,„ applications and petitions from the Kcprt-
.J,
drive out the and truly loyal
(.i.ui. g'.v. tlie People would most certainly
scntatives of this l*rovince, for the redress of these heavy
rhr*KT'-uf troops and that tiie inliahiiants of otlier towns
of and very threatening grievances, have hitherto been inef-
Sr-^'l- would join with Jhston in it; an.l several
Marc',, 1774. did not judge Iroin the fectual, being assured from authentic intelligence, that they
^^^^^^^ declared, that they

People only, but they knew it to be have not yet readied the Royal ear. Tne only elfect of
general ten.per of the
perceivahle, as been a
but of the generality ol transmitting applications liitherto
I

the determination, not of a mob,

consequence of which both mandate from one of his Majesty's Secretaries of State to
the principal inhabitants; in
the Governor of iliis Province, to dissolve the General
ref'inients were accordingly removed.
". presented to the Governor Assembly, merely because the late Ilcuse of Representa-
In the Petition
petili.m'?^'.i.e by several People of consideration, in pursuance
tives refused to resc'nd a resolution of a former House,
right in the American
r"<°m°r' of a resolution of a town meeting, held at that which implied nothing more than a
disavow the Legislative authority of subjects to unite in humble and dut ful petitions to their
fr.TTVr™ time, they
""'"•
this country, and assert that it wculd
be better gracious Sovereign, when they found themselves aggrieved.
against it, than tamely to relinquish Tiiis is aright naturally inherent in every man, and express-
for them to struggle
ly recognised at the glorious revolution, as the birth-right
their rights. r _ u
, , ,

And the Assembly absolutely refused, by a

,
of an Englishman.
" Tnis dissolution you are sensible has taken pla?e. The
*mw°'r"f'ihe ^reat majority, to rescind their former order
"""»I'iv«Tf of sending circular letters to the other Colonies,
Governor has publicly and repeatedly declared that he
though tliey had received a positive requisition cannot call another Assembly ; and the Secretary of State
IL^'uMhV'of-
wrmir.juntJo,
to that pur|)ose. for the American Dejiartinent, in one of liis letters, com-
from^hc Crowii
An Association was entered into the beginning municated to the House, has been p 'eased to say, " That
" proper care will be taken for the support of the dignity of
s?r°"'v«n«, of August, wiion most of the merchants of
" Government ;" the meaning of which is too plain to be
Mi"Zg.'.'\"'il Boston entered into and subscribed an agree-
ment, that they would not send for, or import,
"'"''"^ niisundeistood. The concern and perplexity into which
Ttl'T
any kind of goods or merchandise from Great these things have thrown the People, have been greatly
aggravated by a late declaration of his Excellency Govern-
Britain, some few articles of necessity excepted, from the
1st of January, 1769, to the 1st of Januari/, 1770 and ;
or Bernard, that one or more regiments may be expect-
that they would not import any tea, paper, glass, or ed in this Province.
" Tlie design of these troops is in every one's apprehen-
painters' colours, until the Act, unposing duties on those
articles, should be repealed. sion, nothing short of enforcing, by military pows r, the

It was also voted in a town meeting of the execution of Acts of Parliament, in the forming of which
freeholders and other inhabitants of Boston, the Colonies have not, and cannot have, any constitutional
vrJ^l% «t
the town nif I- Sevtemhcr 12th, that the levying money within influence. This is one of the greatest distresses to which a
inr »t Bm on, ^r ,^
, . I- r .1 1
•

free People can be reduced.

,

September uiii. that Proviuce, lor tlie use and service ol the
1768. " The town which we have the honorto serve, have taken
Crown, in other manner than the same is grant-
ed by the great and general Court or Assembly of the these things, at their late meeting, into their most serious
Province, was in violation of the said Royal. Charter, and consideration and as there is in the minds of many a pre-
:

the same was also in violation of the undoubted natural vailing apprehension of an approaching war with Fratice,
riffhtsof subjects, declared in the aforesaid Act of Parlia- they have passed the several votes which we transmit to
ment, (meaning the Act of Succession,) freely to give and you, desiring that tliey may be immediately laid before the
grant tiieir own money for the service of the Crown, with town, whose prudentials are in your care, at a legal meet-
their own consent in person, or by Representatives of their ing, for their candid and particular attention.
" Deprived of the counsels of a General Assembly in this
own free election.
They also voted tliat, as the Governor did not dark and dillicult season, the loyal People of tliis Province
think proper to call a general Court for the will, we are persuaded, immediately perceive the propriety

redress of their (supposed) grievances, the town should and utility of the proposed Committee of Convention, and
tlien choice of a suitable number of persons to act for
make the sound and wholesome advice that may be expected
them Committee in Convention, w'ith such as migbt
as a from a number of gentlemen chosen by themselves, and in
be sent to join them from the several towns in that Pro- whom they may repose the greatest confidence, must tend
yince, in order that such measures might be consulted and to the real service of our most gracious Sovereign, and the
advised as his Majesty's service, and the peace and safety welfare of his subjects in this Province, and may happily
of his subjects in the Province, might require. prevent any sudden and unconnected measures, which, in
They also voted tliat, as t'lcre was at that time a pre- their present anxiety, and even agony of mind, they may
minds of many, of an approach-
vailing apprehension in the be in danger of failing into.

ingwar with France, in order that the inhabitants of that " And of inipoitance that the Convention should
it is

town might be prepared, in case of sudden ('anger, that meet as soon as may be so early a day as the 22d of this
;

those of the said inhabitants who might at that time be un- instant, ISeptember, has been proposed for that purpose ; arid
provided, should he, and thereby were, requested duly to it is hoped, the remotest towns will by that time, or as soon

observe at that time the law of the Province, whereby it is after as conveniently may be, return their respective Com-
required that every listed soldier and other householder, mittees. -

(except troopers, who by law, are otherwise to be provi- " Not doubting but you are equally concerned with us,
ded,) shall always be provided with a well fixed firelock, and our fellow citizens, for the preservation of our invaluable
musket, accoutrement, and ammunition, as in the said law rights, and for the general happiness of our ceuntry, and
Is particularly mentioned, to the satisfaction of the com- that you are disposed, with equal ardour, to exert yourselves
missioned officers of the company. in every constitutional way for so glorious a purpose."
Tliey also voted that a letter should be written The Committee observe, that it does not appear to them
to the several towns \a the Provicce, zs follows : that any steps were taken to suppress these measures, or
31 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 22

that they were noticed* of by the Council, or any of the proceedings of the House of Representatives of Massachu-
Civil Magistrates. settsBay, in the months of January and February last,
The Committee tliink it necessary here to insert the fol- respecting several late Acts of Parliament, so far as the
lowing extracts. and proceedings, do import a denial
said votes, resolutions,

Journals, Ko- Tlio first extract is from his draw into question, the power and authority of his
Majesty's most of, or to
vemi,era,nus.
g^jj^io^s Spcechfrom the Throne, on the Hth Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the J>ords
day of JSovcmhcr, 1768 :
Spiritual and Temporal, and Conmions, in Parliament as-
" At the close of the Inst Parliament, I expressed my sembled, to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and
" satisfaction at the appearances whicii then induced me to validity to bind the Colonies and People of America, sub-
4* believe, that such of my subjects as had been misled in jects of tlie Crown of Great Biitain, in all cases whatsoever,
" some parts of my Dominions, were returning to a just are illegal, unconstitutional, and derogatory of the rights of
" sense of their duty but it is with equal concern that I the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain.
;

" have since seen tliat spirit of faction which 1 had hoped "'2. Resolved, by the Lords Spiritual a7id Temporal in
" was well nigh extinguished, breaking out afresh in some of Parliament assembled, Tliat the resolution of the siiid
" my Colonies in JSoith America, and in one of them, pro- House of Representatives of the Province of Massachu-
" ceeding even to acts of violence, and of resistance to the setts Bay, in January last, to write letters to the several
" execution of the law the capital town of which Colony Houses of Representatives of the British Colonies on the
;

" appears, by late advises, to be in a state of disobedience to Continent, desiring them to join with the said Hcuse of
" all law and Government, and has proceeded to measures Representatives of the Province o^ Massachusetts Bay, in
" subversive of the Constitution, and attended withcircum- Petitions which do deny, or draw into question the right of
" stances that manifi.st a disposition to throw off their de- Parliament to impose duties and taxes upon his Majesty's
" pendence on Great Britain. On my part 1 have pur- subjects in America ; and in pursuance of the said resolu-
" sued every measure tiiat appeared to be necessary (or tion, the writing such letters in which certain late Acts of
" supporting the Constitution, and inducing a due obedience Parliament, imposing duties and taxes, are stated to be in-
" to tiie authority of the Legislature. You may rely upon fringements of the rights of his Majesty's subjects of the
" my steady perseverance in these purposes and I doubt said Province, are proceedings of a most unwarrantable and
;

" not but tliai, with your concurrence and support, I shall be dangerous nature, calculated to inHame the minds of his
" able to defeat the niischevious designs of those turbulent Majesty's subjects in the other Colonies tending to create ;

" and seditious persons, who, under false pretences, have unlawful coinjjinations, repugnant to the laws of Great
" but too successfully deluded numbers of my subjects in Britain, and subversive of the Constitution.
" America, and who^e practices, if sufiered to prevail, cannot " 3. Resolved, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
" fail to produce the most fatal consequences to my Colonies Parliament assembled, That it appears th.at the town of
" inunediately, and in the end, to all the Dominions of my Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, has for
" Crown." some time pa-n been in a state of great disorder and con-
The second extract is from your Lordsiiips fusion and that the peace of the said town has at several
;
y«t«rm <rr9t
jj^,jjc^,[ ^ddress to his Majesty on his said most
-
times been disturb^'d by riots and tumults of a dangerous
gracious Speech nature, in which the officers of his Majesty's Revenue
" We feel the most sincere concern, that any of our fel- there have been obstructed by acts of violence in the exe-
" low subjects in North America, should be misled by fac- cution of the laws, and their lives endangered.
" tious and designing men, into acts of violence, and of " 4. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
" resistance to the execution of the law, attended witii cir- Parliament assembled. That it appears that neither the
" cumstances that manifest a disposition to throw off their Council of the said Province of Massachusetts Bay, nor the
" dependence upon Great BritcAn. At the same time that ordinary Civil Magistrates, did exert their authority for sup-
'•
we shall be always ready to contribute to tlie relief of any pressing the said riots and tumults.
" real grievance of your Majesty's American subjects, we " 5. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
" mostunfeignedly give your Majesty the strongest assuran- Parliament assembled, That in these circumstances of the
" ces, that we shall ever zealously concur in support of such Province of Massachusetts Bay, and of the town of Boston,
"just and necessary measures, as may best enable your the preservation of the public peace, and tiie due execution
" Majesty to repress that daring spirit of disobedience, and of the laws became impracticable without the aid of a mili-
" to enforce a due submission to the laws always consider- tary force to support and protect the Civil Magistrates, and
;

" ing that it is one of our most essential duties to maintain the Officers of lis Majesty's Revenue.
" inviolate the supreme authority of the Legislature of " 6. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
" Great Britain over every part of the Dominions of your Parliament assembled, That the declarations, resolutions,
" Majesty's Crown." and proceedings, in the town meeting at Boston, on the 14th
The third extract is from his Majesty's most gracious of June, and 12th of September, were illegal and unconsti-
Answer to your Lordships Address : tutional, and calculated to excite sedition and insurrection
" Your zealous concurrence in every measure in his Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay.
s<n-irti fi 1
1 ;;
^Y,^^ (..^f, bring relief to my People is well known
1.
" 7. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
" tome, nor do I doubt of the attention that you will always Parliament assembled, That the appointment at the town
'•
give to any real grievances of my American subjects. meeting, on the 12th of September, of a Convention to be
" The strong assurances 1 receive from you at the same held in the town of Boston, on the 22d of that month, to
" time of your determination to vindicate the just Legisla- consist of Deputies from the several towns and districts in
" live authority of Parliament over all the Dominions of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and the issuing a
" my Crown, deserve my warmest approbation. precept by the Selectmen of the town of Boston, to each
The Conunittee find that on the 15th of of the said town? and districts for the election of such
°""" ""
Novcm'jer, the Lord Harwich acquainted the Deputies, were jiroceedings subversive of his Majesty's
'

House, "That he had received his Majesty's commands Government, and evidently manifesting a design in the in-
" to lay before the House, Papers relating to the late Dis- habitants of the said town of Boston, to set up a new and
" turbances in America ; and that the same would be laid unconstitutional authority, independent of the Crown of
" before the House in a few days." Great Britain.
That accordingly, on the 28th o( November, " S. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
J J
the Lord Harwich laid before the House, Parliament assembled. That the elections, by several towns
copies of all Letteis, &,c., relating to the late Proceedings and districts in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, of
of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, together with a Deputies to sit in the said Convention, and the meeting of
list thereof, which was read by the Clerk. sucli Convention in consequence thereof, were daring in-
That on the 15th of December, the House sults offered to his Majesty's authority, and audacious usur-
December 5th. ^
r ii i • i *

came to the lollowmg resolutions: pations of the powers of Government."

" 1 Resolved, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in
. It was then ordered, " That an humble Address be pre-
Parliament assembled. That the votes and resolutions, and " seiued to his Majesty, to return his Majesty thanks for
" the communication which he has been pleased to make
•Sic " to his Parliament, of several Papers relative to public
 23 KINGS MESSAGE, MARCH 7. 1774. 34
•'
transactions in his Majesty's Province of Massachusetts tution. Committees were appointed to examine Jk^pn^^'ng)
" Bay. the cargoes of all vessels arnvnig from Great <h™-"r- Wjcs
" To express our sincere satisfaction in tlie measures Britain; and regular votes and resolutions of
" wiiicli liLs Majesty has pursued for supporting tlie Consti- censure were passed in those meetings upon all such as
" tution, and inducing a due obedience to the authority ol refused to concur in those unlawful Associations; their
" the Legislature. names were published in the public newspapers as enemies
•'
To give his Majesty the strongest assurances tiiat we and the mandates and decrees of those
to their country ;

••
will effectually and support his Majesty in
stand by Conmiittees* meet with a respect and obedience denied to
" such further measures as may be found necessary to main- the constitutional authority of Government.
" tain the Civil Magistrates in a due execution of the laws in some cases goods imjKjrted from Great Britain were
witiiin his Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay. locked up in ware-houses, under the care of these Com-
" And as we conceive that nothing can be more inime- mittees, in order to prevent their being sold and, in one ;

••
diately necessary either for the maintenance of his Ma- or two instances, they were i-e-shipped to Great Britain.
" jesty"s autiiority in the said Province, or for the guarding On the 31st of 'May, 1769, the General
" his Majesty's subjects therein from being furtiier deluded Court met at the court house at Boston, j)ur- vi<i.' sii"mn-
" by the arts of wicked and designing men, than to pro- suant to his Majesty's writs, and the first step x^.^/^Tjlmr,
•'
ceed in the most speedy and effectual manner for bring- the Assembly took, before they proceeded on nee.''"' '"'"'
" ing to condign punishment the chief authors and insti- any other business, was to send a Message to
" gators of the lale disorders, to beseech his Majesty, that the Govemor, asserting that the having ships in the harbor,
^ he will be graciously pleased to direct liis Majesty's and troops in the town of Boston, was inconsistent with
" Govemor of Massachusetts Bay to take the most effec- their dignity and freedom; and, therefore, that they had
" tual methods for procuring the fullest information that can a right to expect that he would give orders for the remo-
" be obtained, touching all treasons or misprison of treason val of the forces, by sea and land, from that port, and from
' committed within his Government, since the 30th of the gates of the city, during the session of tlie Assembly
December last, and to transmit the same, together with and, at the same time, the House came to several resolu-
•" the names of the persons who were most active in the tions same effect as the declarations contained in
to the
••'
commission of such offences, to one of his Majesty's their Message to the Governor.
" principal Secretaries of State, in order that his Majesty The Governor having in reply to their Message, acquaint-
" may issue a special commission for inquiring of, hearing, ed them " That he had no authority over his Majesty's
" and determining the said offences within this Realm, " shipsin that port, or his troops in that town, nor could
" pursuant to the provisions of the statute of the thirty-fifth " give any orders for the removal of them," they then
•'
year of the reign of King Henry the Eighth, if Jiis proceeded to the election of Counsellors, in which election
" Majesty shall, upon receiving the said information, see not only the Lieutenant Govemor, and other officers of
'•'
sufficient groiuid for such a proceeding." Government were excluded, but also several other gentle-
And a Message was sent to the House of Commons, men who had been of the former Council, and who (the
to carrj' down the said Resolutions and Address, and de- Governor represents) shewed a disposition to support the
sire their concurrence thereto. King's Government, to acknowledge the authority of Par-

Jan. ao, 1769.

On the 20th January, 1769, Lord Harwich, liament, and to preserve tlie People from a Democratic
(by his Majesty's command,) laid before the despotism, and were otherwise distinguished by their integ-
House more copies of letters relating to America, which rity and ability.
were ordered on the table.
to lie On the 13th of June, tlie Assembly sent an Answer to
On the 9tli of February, the Resolutions and the Governor's Message, of the 31st of May, in which he
"^m j^djifess^ sent to tlie Commons on the 15tli of had told them that he had no authority over the King's
December last, for their concurrence, were returned agreed ships or troops. In this Answer they assert that " By the
to, with some amendments, which were read and agreed " principles of the Constitution, the Governor of thatColo-
to, and notice thereof sent to the Commons and the said ; " ny has the absolute military command that the sending ;

Address was ordered to be presented to his Majesty by " a mihtary force there to enforce the execution of the laws,
both Houses. " is inconsistent with the nature of Government, and the
On the 14th of February, the Lord Chan- "spirit of a free Constitution that the unwillingness of a
;
"""^^
cellor reported his Majesty's Answer to the said " People in general, that a law should be executed, was a
Address, as follows " strong presumption of its being an unjust law that it ;

•'
My Lords and Gentlemen: The sincere satisfaction " could not be their law, as tlie People must consent to
" you express in the mea-sures wliich I have already taken, " laws before they can be obliged, in conscience, to obey
' and the strong assurances yo\i give of supporting me in " them."
" those which may be still necessary, to maintain the just h
appears by a vote of the Assembly, on the
" legislative authority, and the due execution of the laws, 8tli of July, that they have declared that all F.xireciuiGo».
" in my Province of Massachusetts Bay, give me great trials for treason, misprison of treason, or for ^"'IC Kiri'rf
" pleasure. any felony or crime whatever, committed or ";."7fh'a°,''/mh
" 1 shall not fail to give those orders which you recom- done in that Colony, ought of riiiht to be had •'|''V "'^' ™-
" niend, as the most effectual method of bringing the authors and conducted within the courts of the Colon v; «'''"'"'» '•""e
House nf Hep- -^ '
" of the late unhappy disorders in lliat Province, to con- . .

d,that the seizing any person or persons, re- rMcmntivn, of

,

" dign punishment." siding in thsit Colony, suspected of any crime

""*"'•'"'''•

Which Address and Answer were ordered to be printed. whatsoever, committed therein, and sending such person or
^^ *'°''' "°^ appear to the Committee that persons to places beyond the sea to be tried, is highly de-
vidt BwoUa.
acKi Aiidn-w.-. the censure of the proceedings in the Province rogatory of the rights of British subjects, as thereby the
°Jt "^viiiim'n^ of Massachusetts Bay, and of the conduct of inestimable privilege of bcnig tried by a Jury from the
ui frt. mi.
ji,g Council and otlier Civil Magistrates, ex- vicinage, as well as tiie liberty of summoning and produc-
pressed by both Houses of Parliament, in their Resolutions, ing witnesses on such trials, v>'ill be taken away from the
and their approbation of the measure of sending troops party accused.
thither to support and protect the Magistrates, and theOfli- On the 6th of April, 1770, a Bill was brought
cers of the Revenue, produced the good effect that mi"ht up from the House of Commons, to your Lord- ^".Tto/^"'
reasonably have been hoped for. A deny the
disposition to ships, intituled, " An Act to repeal so much of
authority, and resist the laws of the supreme Legislature, " an Act, made in tiie sevenlli year of his present Majesty's
continued to prevail, not only in Hagiiious publications
still " reign, intituled, 'An Act for granting certain Duties in
in the daily newspapers, but also in a variety of violent and " tiie British Colonies and Plantations in America ; for
unwarrantable resolutions and proceedings of those mer- " allowing a drawback of the duties of customs upon the
chants and others, who had subscribed to the agreements " exportation from this Kingdom, of coffee and cocoa-nuts,
for non-importation of goods from Great Britain. " of the produce of the said Colonies or Plantations ; for
Meetings of the Associators were represent- '•
discontinuing the drawbacks payable on china earthen
vide
'
Prii'.i.-a ed to have been held, in as regular a manner
*^S(ioii.«nd as any other meeting authorized by the Consti' »Si«.
25 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 26
" ware, exported to America ; and for more effectually nancing the usurpation of the powers of Go\-crnment by
" preventing the clandestine running of goods in the said the town of Boston. That he had used the negative
" Colonies and Plantations as relates to tlie Duties upon
; ' powers given him by Charter, in excluding Mr. Hancock
" glass, red lead, white lead, painters' colours, paper paste- from being Speaker pro tempore, and Mr. Gushing from
" boards, millboard.-^, and scaleboards, of the ])roduce or the office of Commissary General, to which offices they
" manufacture of G'rent Britain, imported into any of his had been elected but adds, that this was doing but little,
;

" Majesty's Colonies in America; and also to the discon- as he could not remove any of those who were actually in
" tinuing the drawbacks payable on cliina earthen ware, office, some of whom were more inflammatory than any out
" exported to America; and for regulating the exportation of office; he further says, that they were then attempting
" thereof." to compel all the importers, of what they call contraband
Which Bill received the Royal assent on the 12tli of goods, to send them back, and that he was not sure they
April. would not succeed that all goods which they have not
;

.ipriimh. ^"
30th of April, it was ordered '' That
t''6 enumerated are called contraband. That tea from Hol-
••
an humble Address should be presented to his land may lawfully be sold tliat it is a high crime to sell
;

" Majesty, that he would be graciously pleased to give any from England. That Mr. Hancock offered to send
" directions that there be laid before this House, copies of one or more of his ships back, and to lose the freight that ;

" all narratives of any disputes or disturbances which have several of the importers pleaded that they should be utterly
" happened between his Majesty's troops, stationed in ruined but the Boston zealots had no bowels, and gave for
;

" North America, and the inhabitants of any of his Ma- answer, " That if a ship was to bring in the plague, nobody
" jesty's Colonies there, since the 24th day of June last, " would doubt what was necessary to be done with her but ;

" received by the Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasu- "the present case is much worse than that." In the same
'•
ry, and of his Majesty's Secretaries of State, or any other letter the Lieutenant Governor observes, " That the Boston
" public officers, together with copies of all orders and in- " principles obtain more and more in the remote parts of the
" structions .sent to the Governors, Lieutenant Governors, " Province, and the Representatives of seven-eighths of the
" Deputy Governors, Presidents of the Council of any of " town appear, in the present session, to be favourers of
" his Majesty's Colonies in North America, or to the " the non-importation measures. That their internal dis-
" Commander-in-chief of his Majesty's forces, or any offi- " tresses may, in a course of years, force them to desist, but
" car, civil, or military, within the same, relative to such " that the distress
at present, and it may be for some time to
'•
disputes or disturbances." " come, lies principally upon the friends to Government,

Hay 4ih.
-^n*' t'l'-it on the 4th of May, the Lord Hai-- " who run the risk of importing goods, and then are com-
wich, (by his Majesty's command,) laid before " pelled, by the ruling power, to keep them unsold, or to
the House, several Papers relating to the late Disturbances " ship them back that he made an attempt that day to
;

in America, pursuant to an Address to his Majesty, for that " prevail upon a merchant of the first estate and character,
purpose, on the 30th of April last, together with a list " to induce him to promote an Association, but to no pur-
thereof; wiiich were ordered to lie on the table. " pose; and that he gave him for answer, ' that, until Par-
May 7th. The Committee find that, on the 7th of May, " liament made provision for the punishment of the con-
the Lord Harwich, laid before the House, (by " federacies, all would be ineiFectual, and the associates
his Majesty's command,) a Narrative of the late transac- " would be exposed to popular rage." He observed further,
tions at Boston, and the case of Captain Thomas Preston, " that the last year, when the King's speech, and the Ad-
of the twenty-ninth Regiment of Foot, which had been " dressses of the Lords and of the House of Commons first
transmitted to his Lordship, from the War Office ; and the " came to them, the heads of the opposition were struck with
same were ordered to lie on the table. " terror, and the seditious newspaper writers laid aside their
On the 14th of May it was ordered, that " pens for five or six w-eeks, but as soon as the apprehension
May mil.
' of vigorous measures ceased, their fears were over, and
an humble Address should be presented to his
Majesty, that he would be graciously pleased to give di- " they became more assuming and tyrannical than before,
rections, that there be laid before this House, copies of the " and although the terror was not so great the present year,
Earl o{ Hillsborough's letter of the 13th oi May, 1769, to " yet it was visible but now, that they expect nothing will
;

the Governors of the several Colonies of North America " be done, they are recovering their spirits, knowing there
together with the Speeches of the Governors, referring to " is no power within the Government to restrain them.
the said letter, and the Answers of the Assemblies to the The resistance to the custom-house officers
same, so far as they have been received. stillcontinued to manifest itself upon every oc- i-nt" from

And on the 15th, the Lord Harwich laid casion,in consequence of which, on the 18th of vemo"'HutcT.
MttV l.'th.
before the House, by his Majesty's command, May, 1770, atideman of the customs, who had miZl"^^.''^
""'j^^'^"'"'-
copies of the Earl of Hillsborough's letter of the 13th of seized a small coasting vessel belonging to Con-
May, 1769, to the Governors of the several Colonies of necticut, and a few casks of sugar, for breach of the Acts of
North America; together with the Speeclies of the Govern- Trade, in the evening was seized, stripped, and carried about
ors, referring to the said letter, and the Answers of the the town, three or four hours, besmeared with tar, and then
As.semblies to the same, so far as they have been received ;
covered with feathers, and followed by a great number of
together with a list thereof; which were ordered to lie on disorderly People,
the table and the same with the other American Papers
: The Committee do not find in your Lordship's Journals
presented in tiiis Session, were also ordered to be taken into of the years 1771 and 1772, any material proceedings rela-
consideration on Friday next and the Lords summoned. ; tive to the matter to them referred.

N-o.-isfi.
The Committee find by Lieutenant Governor Though in the year 1771, things remained
v^mlr" wl °/T
Hutchinson's letter of the 27th of March, 1770, tolerably quiet in the Province of Massachusetts i,i,.^i°;,on'Go-
»","''of i.'",*;n,'"
tl'at when the troops were in the town, the Bay, yet the disposition to disavow the authority "™7,„ farfrf
E.irl Hillt-
c X
. .
r^ .. i
btrtugh, iiaitd Commissioners ot the Customs were sensible of Parliament, occasionally broke out in the miMorough,
' '
they could have no dependence upon them, for
'
IT /-ill 1

House ot Assembly and town meetings ac-

• Julytxh, 1771.
;

if any riot had happened, no Civil Magistrate that he knew cordingly, in an Answer from the House of Representatives
would ha\e employed them in suppressing it those who, ; to a Message from the Governor, on the 5th of July, 1771,
from a principle, would have been disposed to it, refusing, they say, that " They know of no Commissioners of his
and giving this reason, that they must immediately after " Majesty's Customs, nor of any revenue his Majesty has a
have left the country and that just the same principles
;
" right to establish m North America; that they know and
pre\'ailed with respect to the troops, which were said to be " feel a tribute levied and extorted from those, who, if they
unconstitutional, although established by an Act of Parlia- " have property, have a right to the absolute disposal
ment, it being alleged that it was an Act which did not bind ''of it."
Colonists. , At the same time, the disposition to import ko.4».
Lieutenant Governor Hutchinson, in his goods in defiance of the laws of Revenue and vt'i-nor
i.icuten«nt go-
No. 327.
Vide Li'-iilcii.
/_, .... .Hutch-
tut Govimor letter to the Earl of Hillsborough, of the 27th Trade, and to support such iniquitous practices, in«r. w Eari of
,"""*""«';;•'
lo Karl
April, 1770, complains, that he has never been
, by insults and open wolences upon the officers ^^J^^aetb,
U-tli-r '
""•
HiiMtrmghM able to obtain the advice or consent ofr the
. , .
i_
whose duty it is to carry the said laws into exe-
i

jiMjfoy, 1770. Council to any proposal made for discounte- cution, broke out upon many occasions and, as usual, the
;
27 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 23

Magistrates declined stiving their assistance and support, towns of the Province, with a pathetic letter addressed to
though applied to for that purpose ; which a]ij)cars in the the inliabitants, who are called u];on not to doze any
case of Arthur Savage, Comptroller of his Majesty's longer, or sit supinely in inditference, whilst the iron hand
Customs at Falmouth, who was forcibly taken out of his of oi)|)ressioii is daily tearing the choicest Ihiits from the
house in the ni£;ht, by several persons disguised and anned fair tree of liberty.

with pistols and other dani^erous weapons, wlio put him in On the (Jtli of May a Message was brought
the utmost danger of his life, and not only ohlij^ed him to from the House of Commons to your Lord- 'J™,''""!'-;,
"'''

divulge the name of the person who had lodged an informa- shi]!S, with a Bill, intituled, " An act to allow a

tion, but also to swear to the truth of his information, de- " draw back of the duties of Customs on the exportation of
claring at the same lirr.e, that, if ];e disi-o^ered whotliey " Tea to any of his Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in
were, they would take his life aiul that upon his applica- ;
" America ; to increase the deposit on Bohea tea to be sold
tion to tiie Justices, who were then sitting, they declined " at the East Lirlia Company's sales and to empower the ;

the examination of the evidence he brougiit to prove tiie " Commissioners of the Treasury to grant licences to the
fact. " East In Ha Company to export tea, duty free;" which

xo 310.
Things remained much in the same state in Bill received the Royal assent on the 10th o{ May.
"*"• j*"/,^''//" the year 1772. The continued ill temper of It appears to the Committee in the Answer N0.339.
innuxii. Mr:<, thc People at Jioston was maniiested bv tJieir of the Council to the Governor's Speech, at i wil ,"c;l!',*

Bttiun c.aitiie mstmctions to tiieir Kepresentatives. the opening <^i the session, that t!;ey declare
tr,\TmV''i°m-
^Mav u(ix.
(_T|)on the news of his Majesty's granting sala- " Thev are of opinion that tlie Parliament can- ;•""•' >»>«<*

(•^^"thJciim- "es to the.Justices of the Supreme Court, tlie not, constitutionally, levy taxes, in
any form, >'»«.
most inflammatory pieces were published in the " on his M;ije3ty's subjects in that
Province."
""rtmouM'o?!^
(.*fr i3.i, 1772. newspapers, and tlie Selectmen of Boston or- And the House of Kepresentative upon the „Hnnv '•'»••';"
No. 332. , 1 ' •

dercd a meetmg to consider ol mea-iures upon

Addn-u,^ Ort«
-J !•
11
same occas-ion. declare, that 11 there have been
lif Iti-p.
"•"miiv.-i »n-
1-^1 . .

''
'
that occasion ; which meetin!; voted an Address
' '
in any late instances a submission to Acts of »'»'• sp..ih.
^'"''•'^'^•
to the Governor, in which they say, " That, tlie frechold- Parliament, it has been, in their opinion, rather ""'
" ers and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, legally from inconsidenition, or a reluctance at the idea of contend-
" assembled in Faneuil Hall, bog leave to acquaint his Ex- ing witii the Parent State, then from a conviction or
" cellency, that a report has prevailed, which they have acknowledgment of the supreme legislative authority of
" reason to apprehend is well grounded, that stipends are Parliament.
" affixed to the offices of the Judges of the Superior Court The Committee
of Corresnondence appear ,.
'•'' ^'
" of judicature, &c., of this Province, whereby they are be- to iiave used
utmost endeavours to work
tlieir "•• '""i Gov.
" come independent of the grants of the General Assembly up the minds of the People, not only for their K«i'i'''.!r''/Mr".

" for their support, conti-ary to the ancient and invariable own, but also the Southern Governments, to ]vi'"'''in3'.'iith
" usage. l)revent the importation of Te;is from the East j^'elalj^^ms"*^*:
" Tiiat this report has spread an alarm among all con- India Company, and accordingly on the 3d of
" siderate persons who have heard of it, in town and country, November, 1773, a mob of about five hundred persons,
" being viewed as tending rapidly to com))lcte the sy.^tein committed several outrageous acts of violence, ai^ainst the
" of their slavery, which originated in the House oi Com- persons to whom it was expected the Tea in question would
" nions of Great Britain, assuming a power and authority be consigned, insisting tiiat they should engage and pro-
' to give and grant the money? of the Colonists without mise not to receive or sell it that if they did, they would ;

'•
their consent, and against their repeated remonstrances. be voted enemies to their country, and must expect to be
" And as the Judges hold their places during pleasure, this treated as such hereafter. They tiien forced open tiie doors
" establishment appears big with fatal evils so obvious, that of the ware-houses of Mr. Clark, and tore them off the
" it is needless to trespa.ss on your Excellency's time in liinges, and entered with great violence, attempting to force
" mentioning them." their way up to tlie counting-house, but were driven back
The Town Meeting afterwards appointed a by the persons who were in it.
oav°rnur' Couuiiittce of Correspondence, to write circular A Committee then of the freeholders and „CnpvN"-303. a *(»le ttl

2;ri''!rf'™«r°. letters to all the towns in tiie Province, to in- Other mhabitants, attended Mes.srs. Thomas '•'
y '"V
ZVti-nZ'iib tl'ice them upon that occa-
to unite in me;isures and Elisha Hutchinson, supposed to be two of Km.Nav. isiii,
ihu
Muii"'"'r''
®'°"' Committee met on the 2d of No-
"''''"^*' the consignees, and requested them to resign "xosrs.
.ou-i .nil pro- vcmber. 1772, and made a report, contahiina their appointment, and upon their refusing, pJiM,','! il.'T*!^
Cft-dineij (if ihe
i i
•
i-
^
t.>wiio?B.«™, several resokuions contradictory to the supre- voted tiieir answer unsatisfactory. Governor 'is;'',7"3i''inHi
mj.""'"'*"'' macy of the British Legislature; and after Hutchinson did every thinij in his power, »;'! '"(*,''*/'"'
c/iinttm* lif
.1 I. r
men have
.

setting forth, that all

a right to remain witiiout
1 rf-,
the Council, for the preservation
*i. 1
<" -O"- 2. i'm.
of
in a state of nature, as long as tliey please, they proceed the peace and good order of the town, and Extmi.faiet-
to
draw a report upon tlie natural rights of the Colonists, as thought that if lie had the aid the Council might h'„>JI"!',ok "w
No.M<. .™^?' chri<;tians, and .suhjects, and form a list of have given, his endeavors would have been nZlthfn'c's"^',
ptinu-d voir, infringements and violations of their rights: '"'••' '""' ''"'
•nd Tirocet-d-
"^ one
^'^^ more effiictual.
c ^\ r c i •
i •

tnff.ofis.fr..- Ol tlie Inst ol which contains an assertion, that On the 7th November, 1773, a lar<;e number cup''; f.tl; u^e
illliiiun«" "If the British Parliament have assumed the pow- of People beset the house of Mr. Ilutchinson, fj"" ooxmar
ers of legislation for the Colonies in all cases I r ,• II I
--' nt'tr/Niisun to
•
I
fu'.",rm., •','>„,:". but not nndiiig iiiin at liome, proceeded to Mr. k-h "f onn-
"'"•
whatsoever, without obtaining the consent of the
i^^'"'"' Clark^s, another of tl'e consignees, where they fl»«6/,', su'wrr.
inhabitants, which is ever essentially necessary ''''""•.'"".'<<'
committed great disorders; broke the glasses a eitpy uf lh«
to the rightful establishment of such a le:.nslation. '"'"
and frames of the windows, and did considera- Ki./.niil of
Piliiiiiii '^
Clark
They al.so consider it as an infringement of tiieir rights, bledamaire. After this riot the Govern* r iin- =""isoi..ii«i>-
~ """ rnuruit,
that a number of new officers, unknown to the Chaiter, .

have' mediately '

summoned a Council, and laid before ""' ^.'P/"""'
anil tlisha llul- '
been appointed to superintend the revenues; whereas tiie ,
, . .

tiiein the necessity of some measures being r/..n.i)ii, ai,d of

, .

great and general Court or Assembly of that Province

had taken; but tiie Council declined advising; or If !\'i^".,uuSi
the sole right of appointing all civil officers, excepting ''"'""'"'"•
only directing any measures for landing the Tea ;

such officers, the election and rcnslitution of whom isln tl;e

suggesiini, that tliey then would of course advise* to a
said Charter exjiressly excepted, among whom these
officers measure for procuring the payment of the duty, and there-
are not included.
fore be advising to a measure inconsistent with the declared
They likewise complain of it as a giievance, that his sentiment of both Houses in the last winter session of the
Majesty has been jileased to apply £ 1 500 sterling, annually, General Court, which they apprehend to be altogether
out of the American revenue, ior the support of the Go-
inexpedient and improper.
vernment of this Province, independent of tlie As-jembly After tlie arrival of a sliip loaded with Tea, copy"t-aT»P"
;
and th;it the Judges of the Superior Court, as also the a meeting of the Peoide o( Boston, and the v'"'uku,i B»f
King's Attorney and Solicitor General, are to receive their ' , , .
lit itiii.vnua Orft
neighbouring towns, was held, on the 29th of i»> r73,iiiG«Y.
support from, wjiat they call, tliis grevious tribute which ; November, and continued, by adjournment, till i'uTofJdr)«. 1.

tliey say, will, if acc(ira])!ished, complete their slavery.

next day, when a motion was made and agreed
Six hundred copies uf ibis report were circulated in the
•Sic.

J
29 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 30

to, new,, con., that the Tea should be not only sent back, " he had a Message from his Majesty, under
March, nik,
but that no duty should be paid tiiereon. " his Royal sign manual, which his Majesty '"*•
It con., that Mr. Rotch, owner of
was also voted, ncm. " had commanded him to deliver to this House.
the vessel, ;uid Captain Hall, the master of tiie ship, at And the same was read by the Lord Chancellor, and b
their per.l, should not suffer any of the Tea to be landed as follows ;
(videlicet
:)
was also vottd, that Gov. liuUhinsons conduct, in
it

requesting the Justices of the Peace to meet to suppress

" GEORGE R.
His upon infomiation of the unwarrantable
Majesty,
all riots and unlawful assemblies, carried a designed reflec-
practices which h.avebeen lately concerted and carried on
tion upon the People there met, and was solely calculated
in Noith America, and part;culai,ly of the violent and
to serve the views of "Adinini-stnition. They afterwards
outrageous proceedings at the town and port oi Boston, in
voted that the Tea
brought by Captain Hall, should be
the Province of Massachusetts Bay, with a view to ol)-
returned, by Mr. Rotch, to England, in tl.e same bottom
structing the commerce of this Kingdom, and upon grounds
in which it came; it was also voted, nam. con., that six
and pretences immediately subveisive of tiie Constitution
persons should be appointed to give due notice to the towns
thereof, hath thought fit to lay tlie whole matter before
in the country, when they should be required so to do upon
his two Houses of Parliament, fully confiding as well in
any iinjjortaiu occasion.
their zeal for the maintenance of his Majesty's authority, as
They any person or persons should
also resolved, that if
in their attachment to tlie common interest and welfare of
hereafter import any Tea
from Great Biitain, or if any
all ills Dominions, that they will not only enable his Majesty
master or masters of any vessel or vessels in Great Britain,
effectually to take such measures as may be most likely to
should take the s.tnie en board to be imported to that
put an immediate step to the present disorders, but will
place, until the said unrighteous Act should be repealed, he
also lake into their most serious consideration what farther
or they shoald he deemed by that body an enemy to his
regulations and permanent provisions may be necessary, to
country, and tiiat t!)ey would prevent the landing and sale
be established for better securing the execution of the laws,
of the same, and the payment of any duty thereon, and
and the just dependence of the Colonies upon the Crown
that they would efl'ect the return thereof to the place from
and Parliament of Great Britain. G. R."
whence it came.
They also resolved that these their votes be printed, and The Earl of Dartmouth, also, (by his Majesty's com-
sent to England, and all the sea ports in the Province. mand,) laid before the House, copies of all letters, &,c.,
Befove they separated they voted that their brethren in received from North America, relating to the Disturbances
the country should be desired to give their assistance upon there with regard to the Importation of Tea, with a list
the first notice that should be given. thereof.
'

\'o. ,109. After tl:e dissolution of this Assembly of the It was ordered, that an humble Address be presented to
firrc/.v.'/'L"
People, what is called the Committee of Cor- bis Majesty, " To Majesty the thanks of this
return his
<•*'"''"""'-»;' respondence, called in Committees of other " House for his Majesty's gracious Message, and for the
Biiitii. Dec. towns, or other persons to jom with them, kept " communication his Majesty hath been graciously pleased
up a mihtary watch and guard eveiy night, to " to make to this house of the several Papers relative to
prevent the landing any Teas, and appeared to be the " the present state of some of his Majesty's Colonies in
Execut'oners of the resolves and orders passed at the " North America.
aforesaid Assembly. " To assure his Majesty, that this House, truly sensible
Theconsignees having retired to the Castle, the owner " that tlie peace and good Government of the Colonies,
of the first ship that arrived was the principal person ap- " and the prevent"ng any obstructions there to the com-
plied to, and he was sent for repeatedly by these Commit- " merce of this Kingdom, are objects of their most serious
tees, and was frequently required to send back the ship " attention, will enter upon the consideration of these Pa-
with the Teas; he pleaded, "That he could not get a " pers with an earnest desire to "make such provisions as,
" clearance at the custom-house, nor a pass for the Castle " upon mature deliberation, shall appear necessary and
;

" and that if he should be able to get his ship out of the " expedient for securing the just dependence of the said
" harbour, bDth sliip and cargo would be forfeited in every " Colonies upon the Crown and Parliament of Great
" part of the King's dominions." Tliis was not thouglit " Britain, and for enforcing a due obedience to the laws
satisfactory, and tlie next morning another Assembly of the " of this Kingdom throughout all his Majesty's domin-
People met and chose a Moderator. At this meeting it " ions."
was determined, that Mr. Rotch, the owner of the ship, And the said Papers and his Majesty's most gracious
should demand
the custom-house, a clearance of the
at Speech were likewi'^e ordered to be taken into consideration
Teas for England, which was done the 15th, when the on Thursday sevennight, and the Lords summoned.
Collector and Conq)troller refused to grant it. On the 11th of March, the Earl of Dart- j^^^^^„^
v„. 310. He was obliged to demand a permit
tlien mouth (by his Majesty's command) laid before
fo'.Ttlm''//;;;. Naval
'"'om tl'e Office to pass the Castle after- ; the house more Papers from America, relating to the Dis-
^^^''''^ ^^ "'^s sent to the Governor to apply to turbances there with regard to the Importation of Tea, to-
"''/jn«",S,l
''"'^ *'"' permit, who soon satisfied him that
mi"m''' ''""
'
gether with a list thereof; and the same was read, and
no permit could be granted until the vessel was ordered to lie on the table and to be taken into conside-
;

regularly cleared. He returned to town that evening and ration on Thursday next.
reported this answer to the' meeting. Lmnediately where- On the -^Gth March, a Message was brought
^
upon nunibers of the People cried out a mob! a mob left I from the House of Commons, with a Bill intitu-
the house, repaired to t'le wharfs where tliree of the vessels led, " An act to discontinue, in such manner, and for such
lay aground, havin;; on board three hundred and forty " time, as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharg-
chests of Tea, and in two hours t'me it was totally de- " ing, lading or shipping, of goods, wares, and merchan-
stroyed. A sufficient number of People for doing the work " disc, at the town and within the hajbour of Boston, in the
were disguised, and these were surrounded by numbers, as " Province of jMassachiisetts Bay, in North America.
svell of tiie inhabitants of lioslon, as of other towns. On the 28th of March, a Petition of Mr. „ ^„,.^
xo.59:. The Committee observe,
persons tJiat many i:iayer, and others, natives of Amencaywns pre-
ralPv. "h^g"; of consideration in tl;e town oi Boston took the sented and read, praying the said Bill may not pass into a
Mw'.'r^ov. Ie;id in the proceedings of this meeting, for law; which -was ordered to lie on the table. Then the
4iii, 1773.
whose names they beg leave to refer your House took into consideration the several Papers in his
Lordships to the papers themselves. Majesty's most gracious Message ; and the said Bill was
j...i™ii ^(h On tlie 4th of March, 1774, tiie Earl of read a second time and committed.
March.ai*.
Drtrt;noM</t acquainted the House, "That his On the :30th of March, a Petition of fHlliam
" Majesty had given directions that the several Papers
Bollan, Esq., Agent for the Council ol tlie
" received from America, relating to the Disturbances tlieie, Province of Massachusetts Bay, was presented to the House
" with regard to the Impojtation of Tea, should be
laid and read and he was called in, and heard at the bar; and
;

" before the House ; and that the same would be delivered being vvithdrav.n, the said Bill was read a third time and
" on Monday next."
passed ncm. diss. ; and receiv<?d the Royal assent on thei
The Earl of Dartmouth acquainted the House " That foUpwing day.
31 KINGS MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 32

», ^. It ap-nears to the Cominittee, that on the

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
LfitrrrroroGo-aSlh of Jdmuinj a great lumibcr ot rioters in tne March 1th, 1774.
]^MVMvC town of Boston, committed a most inluiman The Lord North acquainted the House, that he had a
w^rMih act of violence upon the person of Jolm Mal- Message from his Majesty to this House, signed by his
jaHuan. 1774.
^.^Ij^ g preventive officer for the port of Fal-
Majesty and he presented the same to the House and
; ;

mouth, in Casto Bay, who imd lately seized a vessel in the members of the House
it was read by Mr. Speaker, (all
that port for want of a register; no complaint of irregulari-
being uncovered,) and is as iollowetli, viz :

ty was made against him, but it was thought proper by the

above rioteis to punisli him by tarring and feathering hiin, GEORGE R.
His Majesty, upon information of the unwanantable
(but whhout stripping him.) and carrying' him about in deri-
practices whicli have been lately concerted and carried on
sion. This unfortunate man having afterwiu-ds been fre-
in North America, and particularly of the violent and out-
quently hooted at in the streets, was provoked on the '25th,
rageous proceedings at the town of Boston, in the Province
by a tradesman, who, he alleged, had sevei-al times before
in consequence
of Mussachusctis Bay, with a view of obstructing the com-
affronted him, to strike him witii his cane ;
merce of this Kingdom, and upon grounds and jiretences
of which a warrant was issued against him, but the con-
immediately subversive of the constitution thereof, have
stable not being able to find him, a mob gatliered about
thought fit to lay the whole matter before his two Houses
his house in the evening, and having broke his windows, he
of Parliament, fullv confiding as well in their zeal for the
pushed through the broken window with his sword, and
maintenance of his Majesty's authority, as in their attach-
gave a slight scratch to one of the assailants soon after ;

ment to the common interest and welfare of all his Domin-

which the mob entered his house, lowered him by a rope
his clothes off,
ions, that they will not only enable his Majesty effectually
from an upper chamber into a cart, tore
to take such measures as may be most likely to put an
tarred his head and body, feathered him, and dragged him
immediate stop to the present disorders, but will also take
through the main street into King Street, from thence to
into their most serious consideration what further regulations
Liberty Tree, and from thence to^TAe Neck, as far as the
and permanent provisions may be necessary to be esta-
gallows, where they whipt him, beat him with sticks, and
blished, for better securing the execution of the laws, and
threatened to hang him. Having kept him under the gal-
the just dependence of the Colonies upon tlie Crown and
lows above an hour, tliey carried him back in the same
Parliament of Great Britain. G. R.
manner, to the extremity of the north end of the town, and
returned him to his own house, so benumbed by the cold, The Lord North presented (o the House, by his Majes-
having been naked near four hours, and so bruised, that his ty's command, copies of the same Papers that were this day
life was despaired of. It appears that none but the lowest communicated to the House of Lords. [See folio 5-10.)
class of the people were suspected of having been concerned Mr. Rice then rose, and after remarking on the very-
in it ; and that Mr. Malcolm having for some time before critical situation of the whole Continent of North America,

been threatened by the populace with revenge for his free and enlarging on the imminent necessity there was for vin-
and open declarations against the late proceedings, had oc- dicating the controlling right of the British Legislature
casionally indiscreetly given them provocation. over the Colonies,* moved, " Tliat an humble Address be
The Houseof Representatives of Massachu- " presented to his Majesty, to return his Majesty the thanks
ci^mor' sett's Bay, on the
1st o( February, required the " of this House, for his Majesty's most gracious Message,
SfJf;"n„" Chief Justice Oliver, and the four Judges of " and for the communication his Majesty hath been gra-
" ciously pleased to make to this House, of the several
fti^arf u°h', l'>e Superior Court to declare, whether they
™' "Of Id receive the grants of Assembly for their " Papers relative to the present state of some of his Ma-
ItesVir^."''
salaries, or accept their support from the Crown, " jesty's Colonies in North America.
and were answered by the four Judges, (they being fearful "To assure his Majesty, that this House will, without
of making themselves objects of popular resentment, one of " delay, proceed to take into their most serious considera-
their number having been previously brought over to that " tion his Majesty's most gracious Message, together with
consent,) " that they would receive their salaries fi:om the " the Papers accompanyiug the same and will not fail to
;

" Province ;" but by the Chief Justice, " that he would " exert every means in their power, in effectually providing
N0.34J. "continue to accept his support from the " for objects so important to the general welfare, as main-
I^mtraDce^rf
" Crown." On the 1 1th of February, they re- " taining the due execution of the laws, and securing the
uie HouK of monstrated to the Governor, " That the .said "just dependence of his Majesty's Colonies upon the
of Mmtachu- " Chiel Justice 1 eter Oliver, havmg received ''
Crown ;ind Parliament of Great Britain."
•Eainu th« " his Salary and reward out of the revenue un-
" justly and unconstitutionally levied and ex-
* Tlie presentment of tlie Papers was accompanied with a comment
upon them, and ])articularly tlioso that related to the transactions al
" torted from the American Colonies, and being determined Boston, in wliich the conduct of the Governor was described and ap.
" to continue to receive it, contrary to the known sense plauiled ; and that of the prevailing faction represented in the most
" of the body of the People of the Province, had thereby atrocious lifrht. It was said that he had taken every measure which
prudence could suggest, or good policy justify, for the security of the
" proved himself an enemy to its Constitution, placed East India Company's projierty, the safety of the consignees, and the
" himself under an undue bias, and rendered hhiiself dis- |)resinving of order and quiet in the town. Evi-ry civil precaution to
" qualified to hold his office any longer." prevent the mischief that followed had been usid in vain. His Ma-
And not having jesty's Council, the Militia, and the corps of Cadets, had been all
procured his removal from the Governor in consequence of separately applied to, for their assistance in the preservation of the
'''^"^ remonstrance, they passed a vote to public peace, and the support of the laws, but all without eff.'ct: they
xo.343
Copy of » vote adjoum the Superior Court, which, by law, is refused or declined doing their duty. The Shfiriff read a Proclama-
of the Coiincil ^ , , , , y »i ,' . ,-^,,, i
"^
, .
tion to the faction, at their town meeting, by which they were com.
and Ho.m- of to bc held on the 1.5th ol I'ebrtwry, to the 2-2d inanded to break up their Assembly ; but tile Proclamation was treated
Ft^rm"y''ui", of that month, to which the Governor refused with the greatest contempt, and the Sheriff insulted in the grossest
'"*• manner.
his assent, and complains that he now considers
That he hail it undouhtedlj' in his power, by calling in the assis-
himself as acting altogetiicr on the defensive, avoiding his tance of tlie naval force which was in the harbor, to have prevented
consent where he cannot justify it, destitute of any aid from the destruction of the Tea; but that as the leading men in Boston had
always made great compl tints of the interposition of the army and
any part of the Legislature or Executive Powers of Govern-
navy, and charged all disturbances of everj' sort to their account, he
ment in maintaining order, when the breach of it is caused, witli great prudence and temperance, determined from the beginning
or pretended to be caused by such Acts of Parliament, or to decline a measure which would have been so irrit iting to the minds
of the People ; and might well have hoped, that by this confidence in
such exercise of his Majesty's authority, as the People are
their conduct, and trust reposed in the civil power, he should have
taught by their leaders to call grievances. calmed their turbulence, and preserved the public tranquillity.
Which Report Thus, said the Ministers, the People of Boston were fairly tried.
being read by the Clerk,
They were left to their own conduct, and to the exercise of their ^^
Ordered, that the said Report be printed.* judgments, and the result has given the lie to all their former profes. ^B
sions. Tliey are now without an excuse, and all the powers of Go. '^m
•m the SprinfT of 1774, I Brit out with Mr. and Mrs. IzanI, to make vemnicnt in that Province, are found insufficient to prevent the most
a lour of France ami Italt/ : but provions to my jroinf;, I drew up a violent outrages. The loyal and peaceable People of a mercantile
pierc pntitli^l " A Truo Stitc of the Proccodinirg in the Province of town, (as th y aff'ctto bo peculiarly considered,) have given a notable
.VantachuKtf Bay," which h is been attributed to Dr. Fianklin, be. proof to the world of llieir justice, moderation, loyalty, and affection,
Ciuisa it was left wit)i him, as agent, to hive it printed. The purpose for the Mother Country, by wantonly committing to the waves a valu.
oi It w.ns to remove the unjust iind injuriouH impresi-ions made
by a able commoility, the propurty of another loyal mercantile body of sub-
Ruport of a C'ommittae of the House »f Lorde, on the same aubicct. jects, without the pretence of necessity, even supposing that their
Arthur Lee, Vol. I, p. 262. opposition to the payment of the duties could justify such a plea; as
 KING'S MESSAGE, MARCH 7, 1774. 84

Lord Clare said, he agreed with the honorable gentle- may stand in my estimation, 1 would much sooner suppose
man, and hoped he should find this measure carried through you guilty of some negligence, which now leaves us
fatal

with unanimity he should therefore second the motion.

;
at a loss lor those proceedings, than presume the House to

Mr. DowdeswclL 1 would be very far from offering have so far forgot its duty to its Sovereign, its country, and
any thing on the present occasion, which might wear the its constituents, as to omit what was so strongly recommend-
most distant appearance of opposition, or a desire to im- ed to its consideration from the Throne, as well as what
pede measures of such high consideration. Nevertheless, was in its nature so essential to our most important inter-
I cannot consent to give my voice, by any means, lor what ests. And even you. Sir, (to the Speaker,) 1 should not
I am convinced in my soul is wrong and though 1 do not
; hesitate to charge as guilty of some improper conduct on
mean to divide the House on any particular opinion I may this occasion, sooner than the House.

entertain on the subject, 1 wish lo have it understood, that Mr. Solicitor General. Tlie honorable gentleman over
I do not approve of the present hasty, ill-digested mode of the way has endeavored
to entertain us with an epigram,
proceeding. but wants one of its most essential requisites, it seems
it

Governor Pownall. I think the motion for an Address rather too long. Foregoing therefore the wit, which here
extremely proper, as it can mean no mere than to return comes in somewhat unseasonably, 1 should imagine that
thanks to his Majesty for the present communication. the grand object we ought to labor to accomplish, on the
Mr. Edmund Burke then n)oved, that the entries in the present occasion, would be unanimity. The voice of this
Journal of the House, of the 8th day of iSovcmLcr, 17G8, House should be that of one man. It is not what this
of so much of his Majesty's most gracious Speech to both Administration has done, what that has omitted, or the
Houses of Parliament, and tiie Address of this House mixed errors of a third, that we are now to consider. It is
thereupon, as relates to the state of his Majesty's Govern- not this man's private opinion, or that man's the particu- ;

ment in North America, might be read : lar sentiments of this side of the House, or the other. We
And the same was read accordingly. are arrived at a certain point, and the question now is, in
Mr. Burke also moved, that the entry in the Journal of what manner we shall think proper to act. The proposed
the House, of the 9th day of May, 1769, of so nmch of Address by no means precludes us from giving our opinions
his Majesty's most gracious Speech to both Houses of Par- freely, when the matter comes properly before us, accom-
liament, as relates to the state of his Majesty's Colonies panied by the necessary information. When this informa-
in North America, might be read : tion is properly digested,
let us proceed coolly and with
Andthe same was read accordingly. deliberatif.n. We
cannot yet determine, whether the de-
Mr. Burke also moved, that the entries in the Journal pendence insisted on in the Message, may be proper to be
of the House, of the 9th day of January, 1770, of so vindicated or asserted. We
cannot even say but it may be
much of his Majesty's most gracious Speech to both Houses entirely relinquished. We
do not pretend to judge what
of Parliament, and the Address of this House thereupon, sort or degree of connection may be necessary to be kept
as relates to the state of his Majesty's Government in up for our mutual benefit. It perhaps may be prudent to
North America, might be read : grant them other charters, to enlarge those they already
And the same was read accordingly. have, or to enter into commercial regulations different from
Mr. Burke also moved, that the entries in the Journals those which at present bind them.
of the House, of the 13th day of November, 1770, of so Mr. Edmund Burke. The learned gentleman, who has
much of his Majesty's most gracious Speech to both Houses now held forth with so much ingenuity, and so great an
of Parliament, and the Address of this House thereupon, appearance of candor, has left his epigram liable to the
as relates to the stale of his Majesty's Colonies in Ameri- same objection which he made to mine ; it is not short
ca, might be read : enough. Besides, he forgets to enumerate one of the
And the same was read accordingly. qualities which distinguish an epigram, and which mine had:
He next desired the Clerk to search for the supposed it, I it. The learned gentleman
think, carried a sting with
Resolutions that were entered into by the House, in obe- suggests (and presume he speaks from authority) that
I

dience and conformity to tliis communication from the the several Governments in America may be new-modell-
Throne and none being to be found, he resumed his
; ed ; that connections different from those already existing
speech Sir, (addressing himself to the Clerk,) 1 am tho-
: may be formed, and commercial regulations, planned on
roughly satisfied of your integrity and assiduity in the dis- another scale, take place. But I will venture to inform
charge of the station you now fill but however high you
; him, that an English Government must be administered in
the spirit of one, or it will that moment cease to exist. As
they had nothing to do but to adhero to their own Resolutions, of non- soon, I Government of those Colonies shall
say, as the civil
consumption, effjctually to evade the revenue liiws.
It was concluded upon tlie whob, that by an impartial review of
depend support on a military power, the former will
for
the Papers now before them, it would manifestly appear, that nothing that moment be at an end. The spirit of English legisla-
could be done, by eithi^r civil, military, or naval offic -rs, to effjctuate tion is uniform, permanent, and universal ; it must execute
the re. -establishment of tranquillity and order in that Province, with,
out additional Parliamentary powers to give efficacy to th:;ir proceed, itself,or no power under heaven will be able to effect it.
ings. That no parson employxl by Government, could in any act, [Here Mr. Burke entered into an historical detail of the
however common or ligal, fulfil the duti?8 of his office or station, weakness and violence, the ill-timed severity and lenity,
without its b;ing immediately exclaimed against by the licentious, as
ein infringsmont of their liberties. That it was the settled opinion of the irresolution at one time, and the invincible obstinacy
some of tile wisjst men, both in England and America, and the best at another, the arrogance and meanness of the several Ad-
acquainted with the aifiirs of the Colonies, that in their present state ministrations, relative to their conduct towards the Ameri-
of Gov .rnment, no measures whitso:!ver could be pursued that would,
in any degree, remedy those glaring evils, which were every day cans for the last seven years. He observed, with some
growing to a more enormous and dangerous height. That Parli u degree of severity, on the act of political indemnity, pro-
ment, and Parli imont only, were cap.bb of reestablishing tranquil, posed by the learned gentleman, and his endeavors to con-
lity among thos;; turbulent Puople, and of bringing order out of con.
fusion. And that it was therefore incumbent on every member to found all parties, as equally involved in the cause of the
weigh and consider with an intention suitable to the great importanca present confusions now prevailing in that country, contend-
of the subject, the purport of the Pipers before them, and totally lay. dissentions, occasioned by the attempt to levy
ing that all
ing all prejudices aside, to form his opinion upon the measures most
eligible to be pursued, for supporting the supreme legislative aulhori. a tax there, gave way to perfect tranquillity on the repeal
ty, tlie dignity of Parliament, and the great interesUi of the British of the Stamp Act.]
Empire.
Lord George Germain. The honorable gentleman who
This if* the substinco of what was urged by the Ministry upon the
subject whi-n th:y presented the Papers; but, as things were to bo spoke last has taken great pains to expose the conduct of
brought to a crisis with the Colonis, and very strong moa*ures were different Administrations, and to extol those who advised
resolved upon, it was apprehended th it the merchants would be af. Stamp Act. For my however great
the repeal of the part,
fected, and make some opposition. To prevent this, all the public
papers were systematically fdlad with writings on this subject, piint- the abilities and good intention of those gentlemen might
ing the misconduct of the Colonies in the strongest colours, and in have been, I was of opinion, tiiat it should not be repealed,
particular, urging the impossibility of tiie future existence of any
and voted accordingly. It is now contended, that that
trade to America, if this fl igrant outrage on commerce should go un-
punished. measure produced tlie desired effect, and that on its passing
These, with many other endeavours to the same end, were not with, every thing was peace and tranquillity. I know the con-
out an eifect. Thj spirit raised ag ;inst the Americans became as
trary was the case, and we had evidence at your bar which
high and as strong as could be desired, both within and without the
House. In this temper a motion wai made for an Address to the proved, that the Americans were totally displeased, because
Throne. Ann. Regia. in the preamble to the repeal, we asserted our right to enact

Second Series. 3
35 BOSTON PORT BILL. 36

Colonel Barre. 1 shall agree with the motion for an

laws of sufficient force and authority to bind tliem. I am, on
the whole, fully convinced, that the prej^ent situation of affairs Address as a mere matter of course, not holding myself
in that country, would have never been, and that the People engaf^ed to a syllable of its contents. A
right honorable

there must and would have returned to their obedience, if gentleman near me, (Mr. DoivdesweU,) has very fully
theStamp Act had not been unfortunately repealed. proved on a former occasion, tl)at our present peace estab-
lishment is a ruinous one and that it eats up that fund
General Conway. 1 by no means agree with the noble :

Lord in any one argument lie has made, or conclusion he which should be appropriated towards relieving our burdens
or preparing for a war. I have the most authentic infor-
has drawn from tiieni. 1 attribute the very disagreeable
situation we are now in to the weakness of our counsels, mation, however improbable it may appear, that the ex-
and to a series of misconduct. The noble FiOrd attributes pense of our military at this moment, exceeds that of
the present distracted state of that country to the repeal. France. These may be matters well worthy of our con-
1 believe he has neither fully attended to the immediate
sideration in the course of our proceedings. It may induce
effects of that measure, nor to those which have followed us to make a very considerable saving in that service.

fixjni a contrary conduct, or he could never have given such

The motion for the Address was then agreed to.
a judgment. The operation of both are known, and 1 leave Ordered, That the Address be ])resented to his Majesty
the House to judge, which was the healing and wliicii the by such members of this House as are of his Majesty's
distracting measure. most honorable Privy Council.

II. THE BOSTON PORT BILL

HOUSE OF COMMONS. many letters patent Royal, made and passed for obtaining
and regulating new dominion, and the whole history of their
Monday, March 7, 1774.
settlement, it manifestly appears, it was the intent of all
Ordered, That Majesty's most gracious Message
his parties, that tlie settlers, and their posterity, should enjoy

[folio 32,] together with the Papers this day presented to the same ;whereupon, they became adventurers and, in- ;

the House, [folio 5 —

10] by the Lord North, be taken spirited by their confidence therein, with their long and
into consideration on Friday morning next. quiet enjoyment of tiieir public rights, overcoming difficul-
ties, perils, and liardsbips, inexpressible and innumerable,
Friday, March 11, 1774.
they raised the King's American Empire out of a dreary
The Lord North presented to the House, by his Ma- and dangerous wilderness, with so great and continual in-
command
jesty's : crease of commerce, that of late years it hath given em-
No. 1. Extract of a Letter from Governor HutchiTison ployment unto two-thirds of the British shipping, with a
to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 28th January, comfortable support to no small part of the inhabitants of
1774; received 8th March, inclosing, Great Britain, and great addition to the dignity and
No. 2. Extract from tlie Boston Gazette, of the 27th strength of its Naval Empire and that, by the statute law
;

January, 1774. of this Kingdom, it is clearlj supposed, and in effect fully

Together with a list of said Papers. declared, that the Colonists were well entitled to the En-
And the said list was read. glish right, and the lands they inhabit free and that the
;

Ordered, That the said Papers be taken into considera- Acta Regia of Queen Elizabeth and her successors, where-
tion at the same time that the Papere presented to the by the acquests of new dominion were made and establish-
House by the Lord North, upon Monday last, are ordered ed, and security given to the adventurers, planters, and their
to be taken into consideration. descendants, of the ]5erpetual enjoyment of tlieir public
The order of the day being read, for taking into conside- liberties, having, as tiie Petitioner presumes, never been
ration his Majesty's most gracious Message of Monday last, laid before the House, nor tiie Colonies ever yet had any
together with the Papers which were presented to the opportunity to ascertain and defend their invaluable rights,
House by the Lord North, upon Monday last, and this day, and the House, as the Petitioner is advised, now having
by his Majesty's command. under their consideration the state of the Northern Colonies,
The House proceeded to take the same into considera- the Petitioner therefore prays, that he may be permitted to
tion. And his Majesty's most gracious Message was again appear, and lay before the House, authentic copies of the
read by Mr. Speaker, all tiie members of the House being proper Acta Regia, and to support the matters herein con-
uncovered. And the said Papers were also read. tained, in a manner suitable to their nature, and to the in-
Ordered, That his Majesty's said most gracious Mes- clinations of the House.
sage, together with the said Papers, be taken into further
Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the table.
consideration upon Monday morning next.
The order of the day then being called for, the House
Monday, March 14, 1774.
was a few minutes, when Mr. Cornwall rose, and
silent for
A Petition of William Bollan, Esq., Agent for the Council moved that the gallery be cleared. This occasioned a
of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, was vehement debate. Colonel Barre said, that if the motion
presented to the House, and read, setting forth, that the was insisted on, the ladies would be oliliged to withdraw.
English America)i Colonies were deduced and planted by Mr. C. Fox ^vas of the same opinion. Mr. Jtiikinson con-
the adventurers and settlers, at their expense, in foreign in- tended, if it was proper to shut the gallery on Friday,
hospitable lanils, acquired by their vigorous efforts, made against strangers, it was much more so then. Mr. T.
under the authority of their princes, granted with the en- Townshcnd desired that the standing order might be read,
couragement proper for this spirited and noble enterprise which being complied with, he observed, that it contained
and that the several princes, by whose authority the Colo- no exceptions, for the order recited that all strangers should
nies were established, and the numerous nobles and other be taken into custody. Mr. Grtnville remarked, that it
worthy persons, of whom several were men of tlie greatest was easily seen from what quarter the present motion origi-
accomplishments, endued with the wisdom proper for ob- nated, as he could perceive that applications had been ma-
taining and preserving Empire, by whose advice, aid, and king ever since the House met, for the purpose now intend-
concun-cnce, they were undertaken and advanced, were so ed to be carried into execution, though the authors did
tar from understanding that these adventurers and settlers, not choose to appear publicly in themselves.
it
who by their travail, expenses, labors, and dangers, should The majority of the House did not seem to approve of
enlarge the public dominion, should thereby, contrary to the motion, when it was first made but the interference of
;

natural justice, lessen their public liberties ; that, from the the Speaker at length turned the scale, and not only the
 BOSTON PORT BILL. 38

gallery but all the rooms and avenues leading to it, were Colonies were peaceable and well inclined towards the
cleared about four o'clock. trade of this country, and the tea would have been landed
As soon a.s the House had resumed its former tranquiU at New York without any opposition yet, when the news
;

lity, it was came from Boston, that the tea was destroyed. Governor
Ordered, That the order of the day, for taking into Tryon, from the advice of the People, thought that the face
consideration his Majesty's most gracious Message of of things being changed since that account was sent, it
Monday last, together with tlie Papers which were pre- would be more prudent to send the tea back to England,
sented to the House by the Lord North, upon tlie 7th and than to risk the landing of it. His Lordship observed that
11th days of this instant, March, (by his Majesty's com- Boston alone was to blame for having set this example,
mand,) be now read therefore Boston ought to be the principal object of our
And the said order being read accordingly, attention for punishment. He proposed one clause to the
The House proceeded to take the same into further con- Bill, which, he said, would prevent the Crown from re-

sideration. storing the re-establishment, till full satisfaction was made

And Majesty's said most gracious Message was again

his to the East India Company for the loss of their tea. He
read by Mr. Speaker, (all tiie members of the House beuig said, he did not propose it by way of tax, but by way of
uncovered.) Upon which. restitution to the injured, who were our own subjects and ;

Lord North rose. He said it contained two proposi- to let it go forth to the world, that the Parliament of Great
tions the one to enable his Majesty to put an end to the
:
Britain will protect their subjects and their property that ;

present disturbances in America, the other to secure the the Crown, by that clause, will not even then be obliged to
just dependence of the Colonies on the Crown of Great restore the custom-house, unless his Majesty is thoroughly
Britain. His Lordship observed, that the present disor- convinced that the laws of this country will be better ob-
ders originated in Boston, in the Province o( Massachusetts served in the harbour of Boston for the future this resti-
;

Bay; and hoped that the method he should propose to the tution entirely depended upon Boston alone. He should
House would be adopted. He should confine himself par- be happy to have those, who had been the promotei-s of
licularlv to those disturbances which had been created since these disturbances in Boston found out, and that they might
the 1st of December. He said, that it was impossible for be obliged to make good the damage to the East India
our commerce to be safe, whilst it continued in the harbour Company ; but as those persons are unknown to us, Boston
of Boston, and it was highly necessary that some port or will, no doubt, endeavour to find out such persons, or pass
other should be found for the landing of our merchandise acts of their own Assembly, to levy such money in the most
where our laws would give full protection he therefore ; equitable and just manner. We have only to request it for
hoped that the removal of the custom-house officers from the East India Company. He said that this Bill was not
the town of Boston, would be thought a necessary step all he meant to propose ;that other parts, of more nice
and that the consequence of that would produce one other remain for the future consideration of Par-
disquisition, will
proposition, which would be, the preventmg any shipping liament. There, perhaps, might be other methods propo-
from endeavouring to land their wares and merchandise sed that were better than this but he had as yet found out
;

there, by blocking up the use of that harbour; he said he none that deserved a preference. Some persons had pro-
should move for leave to bring in a Bill for those two pur- posed that the fishery might be taken away but this, he ;

poses. He observed, that this was the third time the offi- observed, would affect the Colony at large. Others pro-
cers of the customs had been prevented from doing their posed tiie Straits trade ; and this would be liable to the
duty in the harbour of Boston he thought the inhabitants
; same objection. No method of punishment ever came
of the town of Boston deserved punishment he said, per- ; from him, but with great regret he therefore hoped for
:

haps it may be objected, that some few individuals may that unanimity in a vote of this sort, which would give
suffer on this account who ought not but where the au-
; strength to the measure. It had been said, that we owed

thority of a town had been, as it were, asleep and inactive, this proceeding of the Americans to our own ill conduct in
it was no new thing for the whole town to be fined for such taxing and repealing but if gentlemen would recollect,
;

neglect he instanced the city of London, in King Charles

; when Stamp Act passed, there was hardly a dissenting
the
the Second's time, when Dr. Lamb was killed by unknown voice and when it was repealed, it had the consent of a
;

persons, the city was fined for such and the case oi Edin-
; great majority of that House; that the doctrine then laid
burgh, in Captain Forteovss affair, when a fine was set down was, that external duties were our right, internal
upon the whole and also at Glasgoiv, when the house of
; taxes theu's; that when the repeal of the Stamp Act took
Mr. Camj)bell Avas pulled down, part of the revenue of that place here, the clamour raised against that Act in America
town was sequestered to make good the damage. He ob- had subsided that the non-importation agreements, it was
;

served, that Boston did not stand in so fair a light as either of true, were not remedied, because they ceased of themselves.
the three before mentioned places, lor that Boston had been It was my fate, he said, to propose the repeal of the duties
upwards of seven years in riot and confusion, and associa- laid on in 1767, and to continue the Tea Duty only. The
tions had been held against receiving British merchandise reason was, I thought, the non-importation agreements
so long ago. He observed that proceedings were openly would break up of themselves which was afterwards the
;

carried on in the beginning of last November, to the 17th case. It was proposed by some, that the Tea Duty should
of December, denying the force or efficacy of the laws of be taken off; it was urged by others, that it would then
this country, to be exerted in the harbour of Boston; that become a monopoly of the Ea^t India Company nor did ;

during the above time, there was not the least interposition I think the giving up the duty to the East India Company
offered by the inhabitants of the town ; that at their public of consequence enough to venture the struggle of the Le-
meetings, they had regularly given orders for nightly gislative authority of this country. If they could sell tea
watches be appointed, consisting of a large body of
to cheaper than any other People, they would certainly have
persons, which were to prevent the landing of the tea. As the market to tiiemselves. His Lordship observed, that at
the merchandise of Great Britain, this surely was highly Boston we were considered as two independent States but ;

criminal, and a direct opposition to the execution of an Act we were no longer to dispute between legislation and taxa-
of Parliament and as the tea belonging to the India Com-
; tion, we were now to consider only whether or not we
pany had remained twenty days in the harbour, without a have any authority there that it is very clear we have
;

clearance, they were afraid lest it should be seized by the none, if we suffer the property of our subjects to be de-
custom-house officers, and by that means landed they ; stroyed. He hoped that all would agree with him, both
therefore fiestroyed it on tlie 20th day. That this appeared peers, members, and merchants, to jiroceed unanimously to
to be a violent and outrageous proceeding done to our fel- punisli such parts of America as denied the authority of
low subjects, by a set of People, who could not, in any this country. We
must, he said, punish, control, or yield
shape, claim more than the natural privilege of trading with to them. He did not wish to molest without an offence
their fellow subjects. Tliat Boston had been the ringlea- given ; he therefore proposed this measure to day and ;

der in all riots, and had at all times shown a desire of observed, if such conduct was followed, it would tend to
seeing the laws of Great Britain attempted in vain, in the cement two countries, as important to the one as the other
Colony of Massachusetts Bay. That the act of the mob he therefore moved, "That leave be given to bring in a
in destroying the tea, and other proceedings, belonged to " Bill for the immediate removal of the officers concerned
the act of the public meeting and that though other
;
" in the collection and management of his Majesty's duties
 39 BOSTON PORT BILL. 40

" and customs from the town of Boston, in tlio Province of reception of the trade of America; that harbours were in
" Massachusetts Bay, in North Amtrica ; and to discon- great plenty there ; that all authority had been trampled
•'
tinue the landing and discharging, lading and shipping, of upon in that country for many years; that if our subjects
''
goods, wares, and merchandise, at the said town of Bos- could not trade to Boston, they must go where thev could
" ton, or within the liarbour thereof." trade with safety ; that he did not attribute the disturbances
When Lord North sat down, there was a perfect silence to the Stamp Act, or the repeal of it. When he was in that
forsome minutes. country, he thought that that Act might have been put in
Mr. Grosvenor got up to second the motion, and con- execution ; that the repeal might be proper. He imagined,
demned very much the proceedings of Boston he said, ; one of the provisions that would be adopted by the House,
they were all entirely owing to the repeal of the Stamp would be to repeal the Declaratory Act, which, he said, was
Act. tlie most absurd and unconstitutional Act ever passed. Let
Governor Johnstone desired to know, if it was to be left America alone, and it would return of itself to obedience,
to the Crown, to what part of America the custom-house and do not let us scare!) for trifling taxes, by way of expe-
should be removed ? riment, to try our power the moment they see that taxa-
;

Lord North said, a clause was intended to be inserted in tion not for effectually collecting of money, but for
is

the Bill to leave that matter to the Crown. experiment only, they will always oppose you.
Mr. Dempster observed, that should this indemnification Lord G. Cavendish said, lie was not sure but the object
to the East India Company take place by way of tax, it before the House would be prejudicial to our trade ; that
would be collected over America, and thereby injure tlie he looked lo the mutual interest of the two countries that ;

property of People who had been entirely innocent of this they were united by proper measures, and, he hoped, they
afiair that when he spoke formerly so much about taxa-
; would be kept so he wished tiiat no idle ideas of superio-
;

tion in general, he meant not as to the right which we had, rity might prevail, for that country which is kept by power,
but only as to the prudence and policy of the measure. is in danger of being lost every day.

Mr. Sawbrid^e got up to speak, but the noise of the Colonel Brrre said, he was urged to rise to discharge
Flouse being great for the question, he sat down, he said, his duty in not giving a silent vote upon the occasion. The
till gentlemen had done coughing, and the House had done proposition before tlie House, he could not help giving his
calling for the question that though he could not be heard
; hearty affirmative to ; that he liked it, harsii as it was ; he
now, he should sit cooly till he could. The House being liked it for its moderation and arirued, that the noble Lord's
;

little silent, he said, he always gai-e his genuine opinion, {Nortfi) conduct would be of the same stamp throughout.
and he was now, and always had been, of such opinion, He said, I think BoUon ought to be punished, she is your
that this country had no right to tax America; that it eldest son. |Here the House laughed, and some members
might be said by some People here, that America Is not observed by him, that he would be a proper person to
represented that if this country had a right to take a sin-
; direct the admission of Irish members into the House, as
gle shilling out of an American's pocket, they have a right he had hinted a day before that office for Mr. Bigby.]
to take the whole. He then sat down a second time, the After the House had laughed heartily, he said, I mean ycur
House being noisy, and said though he could not be allowed daughter, she is a noble prop she gave herself that form
;

to speak long, he could sit long and observed, that this

; of constitution she now has cherish and support her.
; He
destruction of the tea was entirely done by a mob unarmed wished to see an unanimous vote in the onset of this busi-
;

and Uiat if a requisition was to be sent to Boston to make ness that when Boston saw this measure was carried by
;

satisfaction to the India Company he made no doubt but such a consent, they would the more readily pay the sum
what it would be complied with. He said, he was against of money to the East India Company that he hoped, ;

the motion. if they did, that the Crown would mitigate the rest of
Mr. Byng sa\d,
he only meant to ask the noble Lord one their punishment if the Crown went further, perhaps
;

question, whether this measure was not preventing the they could not do it witliout, as Governor Tryon ob-
English ships from trading there, and a punishment on served, at the muzzle of your guns ; that we had given
ourselves ? America limited and prescribed means to acquire wealth ;

Mr. B. Fuller said, the Bill brought in would shew that he hoped they would leave the rest of the matter to
whether it was a punishment upon A or B that he should ; themselves that he had often thought, in the coolest hours,
;

therefore reserve his opinion until he saw the Bill, that America ought not to be taxed by this country.
Mr. Dowdesioell rose, upon which the House thought Endeavour, says he, to take the power of taxing out of
the debate would continue he said, he was of opinion
; their Assemblies, and it will be strongly opposed he ;

they were going to do very great mischief, and should meant not to stick to experimental taxes ; the tax of the
think it his duty to give that opinion in tliis early
stage of Stamp Act was made to please this side [meaning Mr.
the Bill: he said, this Bill was to punish the town of Grcnville's friends] of the House. Go, says he, to some
Boston: why will you punish Boston alone? Did not great request at once, and if they wont comply with it, try
other towns send your tea back to England, and refuse then your power. You have been paying £4,000,000,
the landing? Have they committed no offence? He asked, for doing of nothing, only for teasing and scratching ; I wish
ifthere was any evidence of a general concurrence of the to see a fair decided line at once I dent, says he, see any
;

Boston ; he said, the examples of punishment

inhabitants of appearance of war at present now is your time to try, in
;

the noble Lord had mentioned, were not similar to the pre- a civilized manner, your power over the Americans ; other
sent case ; that the counties being obliged
by law to make of your enemies are not in a condition to take part with
good the between sun and sun, wal; an old established
loss them. I am not in office, that my advice can be taken if ;

law, not made for a particular purpose that this Bill was, should give comes to me,
; I I it freely. If office it
would be an ex-post-facto law ; that the case of a corpora- comes as an atonement for repeated and unmerited affronts.
tion was different from the present the corporation chose; I shall at all times speak the language of a free and disin-
their own officers, the magistrates of the town of Boston terested member.
were chosen by the Province at large. Would the House Themotion of Ixird North, for leave to bring in the Bill
nor hear what Boston had to say in its defence ? Would was then agreed to; and I^ord North, Mr. Onslow, Mr.
the House condemn without evidence, in the absence of Charles Townshcnd, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor
the parties? He should trouble the House no more
at General, Mr. Bice, Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Robinson, were
present he thought they were going to do a wrong act,
;
ordered to prepare and bring in the same.
nor could he think, that the cases of London, KHnlwgh,
or Glasgow, could
Ordered, That the further consideration of the Message I
at allbe brought as examples of pun- and Papers be referred toaCoinmittie of the whole House.
ishment in this case. He disapproved much of the Bill, Resolved, That this House will, on Friday morning
and said, he should give a negative to it.
next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to
Mr. Cavendish approved of the proposition ; but hoped, consider of the said Message and Papers.
il the merchants of this
country could any way be injured
by it, that time would be given tlioin to come and Friday, March 18, 1774.
petition.
Captain Phipps said, he felt no reason to imagine that
The Lord North presented to the House, according to
any opposition to the Bill at Boston could be effectual order, a Bill for the immediate removal of the Officers con-
That It was no new thing to direct and order a port for the cerned in the collection and management of his Majesty's
41 BOSTON PORT BILL. 42

duties ofCustoms, from the town of Boston, in the Province measure proposed was still more likely to be resisted than

of Massachusetts Bay, in North America; and to discon- the Bill, because the fine would be laid on all America,
tinue the landing and discharging, lading and shipping, of which would induce others to join in the opposition, who
goods, wares, and merchandise, at the said town o{ Boston, before were not concerned in it. He said, the Americans
or within the harbour tliereof: and the same was received ;
were a strange set of People, and that it was in vain to
and read the first time. expect any degree of reasoning from them that instead ;

Resolved, That the Bill be read a second time. of making their claim by argument, they always chose to
Ordered, Tiiat die said Bill be read a second time upon decide the matter by tarring and feathering that the ;

Monday next. method now proposed in tlie Bill would become more a
A motion was made, and the question being put, that punishment by their refusal than by their compliance that ;

the said Bill be printed ? the Americans alone were the persons by whose behaviour
It passed in the Negative. the lenity or severity of the measure was to be proved he :

The
order of the day being read, for the House to re- therefore should agree to the Bill, in preference to the
solve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take amendment proposed.
into further consideration his Majesty's most gracious Lord North opposed the amendment. He said, howe-
Message of Monday, the 7th day of this instant, March, ver great his obligations were to the candour and public
together with the Papers which were presented to the spirit of the honorable gentleman who made the motion, yet
House, by the Lord North, upon the 7lh and 11th days of he differed much from him in the amendment proposed.
this instant, March, by his Majesty's conmiand His lordship observed, that tliough the honorable gentleman
Resolved, That this House will, upon Wednesday morn- had said it was the first offence, yet upon recollection he was
ing next, resolve itself into the said Committee. very sure he would not be of that opinion, as the People at
Boston had begun many years ago to endeavour to throw
Monday, March 21 , 1774.
of all obedience to this country that, indeed, this was the ;

The was read a second time, and committed to a

Bill first time that Parliament had proceeded to punish them.

Committee of the whole House. He said, I am by no means an enemy to lenient measures,

Resolved, That this House will, upon Wednesday movn- but I find that resolutions of censure and warning will avail
ing next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole nothing ; we must therefore proceed to some immediate
House, upon the said Bill. remedy now is our time to stand out, to defy them to
; —
proceed with firmness, and without fear ; they will never
Wednesday, March 23, 1774.
reform until we take a measure of this kind. Let this Bill
The order of the day, for the House to resolve itself into produce a conviction to all America, that we are in earnest,
a Committee of the whole, on the Message and Papers, was and that we will proceed with firmness and vigour that ;

discharged, and the Message together with the Papers, was conviction, will be lost, if they see us hesitating and doubt-
referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the ing. It will be enough to shew that Great Britain is in
Bill for theimmediate removal of the officers concerned in earnest. The merchandise now will be landed at Marble-
the collection and management of his Majesty's duties of head, in the port of Salein, which is putting Boston about
Customs, from the town of Boston, in the Province of Mas- seventeen miles from the sea with respect to foreign trade.
sachusetts Bay, in North America ; and to discontinue the This restriction will be continued as long as they persist in
landing and discharging, lading and shipping, of goods, their proceedings ; it will operate severely or mildly against
wares, and merchandise, at the said town of Boston, or them, according to their behaviour; if they are obstinate,
within the harbour thereof, is committed. the measure will be severe if not, mild. I believe that ;

The House then resolved itself into a Committee -of the Boston will not immediately submit to a fine, nor to the
whole, on the said Bill. intention of the present Bill, unless it comes attended with
Sir Charles Whitworth took the Chair of the Com- a mark of we mean to punish
resolution and firmness that
mittee. them, and assert our right it is impossible to suppose but ;

Mr. Fuller said, he intended to make an alteration in the some of our own People may in some degree suffer a little,
Bill, by first substituting a fine before the blocking up the but we must compare those temporary inconveniences
port lie should tlierefore propose, that the words " from
; with the loss of that country, and its due obedience to us
and after," be left out, in order to insert one of his own. they bear no comparison and the preference must certain-
;

He said, that Boston was a port of the gi-eatest consequence ly be given to the latter. The honorable gentleman tells us,
to this country of any existing that the Bill before them
; that the Americans will not pay their debts due to this
was totally unprecedented for that the case of Edinburgh,
; country, unless we comply with their disposition. I believe
Glasgow, and others, that had been mentioned, was not in things will remain much in the same state as they did upon
the least similar; that the penalty of blocking up their a like occasion ; they threatened us with the same thing if
ports was too severe for the first offence that when the ; we did not repeal the Stamp Act we repealed that Act, ;

nation came to know the contents of this Bill, he was sure and they did not pay their debts. If this threat is yielded
they would be dissatisfied with it that the Bostonians, ; to, we may as well take no remedy at all ; their threats
upon the first rcsistence, will tell you they will not remit will hold equally good to the fine proposed by the honorable
the money which they owe you that nothing but confed- ; gentleman, as to the operation of this Bill. I hope we
eracies would spring up among tliem that he was strongly ; every one feel, that it is the common cause of us all, and
of opinion, that this Bill could not be carried into execution such an unanimity will go half way to their obedience to
without a military force; that if we sent over a small this Bill. The honorable gentleman tells us, that the Act
number of men, the Boston militia would immediately cut will be a waste piece of paper, and that an army will be re-
them to pieces ; that if we sent over a larger number, six or quired to put it in execution. The good of this Act is,
7,000, the Americans would debauch them ; and that by that four or five frigates will do the business without any
these means we should only hurt ourselves. I would military force but if it is necessary, I should not hesitate
;

begin, said he by an amercement; nor would I wish this a moment to enforce a due obedience to the laws of this
Bill to take place, untilthey had refused the payment of country. Tlie situation of the troops in that country has
it. He apprehend, that about £15,000 would
should been such, that no magistrate or civil officer of the peace
make amends to the East India Company, and would in has been willing to call forth their strength on proper
some measure be a relief to poor Malcolm (the custom- occasions ; it will become us to find out some method
house officer, who had been tarred and feathered.) It was whereby the act with effect, and with-
military force may
always a rule in law, he said, where damages are done by out bloodshed, in endeavouring to support and maintain the
unknown persons, that the community should be made to authority of Great Britain; but I hope that this Act will
pay ; he therefore wished that the House would adopt the not, in any shape, require a military force to put it in

proposition he had made. execution the rest of the Colonies will not take fire at the
:

Mr. Herbert opposed the measure which Mr. Fuller proper punishment inflicted on those who have disobeyed
proposed. He said, the proposition would by no means your authority we shall then be nearly in a situation, that
;

relieve us, but throw us into greater difficulties the Bos- ; all lenient measures will be at an end if they do; but if
tonians would certainly resist the payment of the fine ; we exert ourselves now with firmness and intrepidity, it is
that we must then have recourse to this method. The the more likely they will submit to our authority. If the
43 BOSTON PORT BILL. 44

consequences of their not obeying this Act are likely to torative and palliative; but if the amendment was adopted,
produce rebellion, those conse(juences belong to tliem, and which was proposed by the honorable member, it would
not to us : it is not what we have brought on, but what indeed produce a punishment, the sting of which Great
they alone have ocrasioned we are only answerable that
;
Britain would in some n)easure feel. He expatiated also
our measures are just and equitable, l^et us continue to upon gentlemen in that House, who had been clamorous
proceed with firmness, justice, and resolution which, if : against the measures of Government, with a view to make
pursued, will certainly produce that due obedience and diemselves jKipular: he termed diem a faction, whose very
respect to the laws of this country, and the security of the existence had arose merely as it were from the vilest ex-
trade of its People, \vhich I so ardently wish for. crement of the eartli. He begged pardon for having de-
Mr. Oascoi^HC said he diiiered nuich from the proposi- tained the House so long as they had been so kind and
;

tion made by Mr. Fuller, as an amendment to the Bill. indulgent to him in the attention which they shewed, he
Will gentlemen consider w]i;;t sort of Acts of Assembly tiie would conclude with giving his hearty approbation to the
Bosionians have lately passed ? They have sent over one Bill, as it bore on its face those distinguisiiing lines which
law, to be appro\ed of by his Majesty, for the raising and ought to be tiie true characteristic of every British Minister,
purchasing twelve pieces of brass caimon these, he sasd,;
moderation and courage.
were to be produced against the present proposition of Mr. Byng. i rise. Sir, to speak my mind upon tliis
amendment. Do these proceedings look with a peaceable Bill. Whatever principles I have hitherto adopted, be
eye to the proposition of his honorable friend ? It is not, says tiiey right, or be tliey wrong, I have always adhered to ;

he, the acts of tarring and feathering only that shew their and as I live with such opinions, I hope I shall die in them.
displeasure to persons who have oftended them tliey have ; Men's characters are known after their death, and to have
other modes of punishment, which they make use of by steadily adopted one uniform set of principles, from which I
way of argument and reason; the house of any pereon with have not deviated, I hope will not be deemed factious.
whom they are displeased, they immediately daub over with This Bill will prevent all importation of goods to Boston,
excrement and tar, by wliich means the wjiole family is and thereby create that association in the Americans which
obliged to quit it. These People, he was afraid, would you have so much wished to annihilate. You are not
hardly ever be brought to reason for the moment a person
;
punishing tl;e Bostonians ; you are punishing the English
otfered to argue, the reply was, either tarring, feathering, merchants. Tliey. Sir, would petition this House but ;

or daubing the house. The Bill before tiiem now, he ap- they might petition it in vain. I am against both tlie
prehended, would brinj!; these tarring and feathering casuists amendment and the Bill itself; I therefore propose, that
to a little better reason ; nor did he imagine that a military after the words, " not to import goods," the words "except
force would be in the least necessary as their meetings
: of jBrt/ijj/i merchants," be inserted.
were chiefly made up of merchants, the prescribing limita- Mr. Stanley said, that the place where trade and mer-
tions to their trade would be the only way to bring such chandise could not be landed in safety was not a port it ;

merchants to their senses. was therefore proper that some other port should be found
Mr. Montague (second son of Ix)rd Sandwich) rose for out where the subjects of this country might land their
the first time in the House. He said, that it was usual to merchandise in safety. 1 think, said he, the Bill which is
begin by making some sort of apology to the House as a now it can convey punishment will be
before you, as far as
virgin orator; that he should, for tiie present, wave that unavoidable something must be done an immediate reme-
; ;

custom, but should venture what little he had to say with dy must be had, and I think, none can be adopted so free
as much propriety and decency as he was able. He said, from objection as the Bill before you.
he was the youngest member in the House, and therefore, Mr. Dempster said, that he knew of no Act to which he
might more properly lay his thoughts before the House, in gave his hearty consent in a more willing manner than to
order that they might hereafter be corrected by men more that which was for the repeal of the Stamp Act he said, ;

able, and of greater experience and that he miuht at last

; our disorders had arisen from our attempts to tax the
be induced to give his vote at least rectified with some Americans by that odious Act he was very sure the de-
;

sanction of autiiority. He expatiated much on the load of struction o{ America uould be certain if we should ofTer to
debt which country had incurred on obtaining America
this tax it. Have we not, said he, given an extent of power to
in Germany : we had spilt the dearest and best blood
that his Majesty to prevent the port of Boston from ever being
,

we had in the attainment of it that it had been the result

; reinstated if tlie King should
proper ? What limit or
tliink
and deliberation of our Councils to obtain tlie possession of line is drawn to define when
be proper, right, and
it will
it by any means, and at any risk whatsoever that it had; just, that the port of Boston should be reinstated ? He said,
been the darling object of this country, ever since we pos- the dignity of Parliament was by no means concerned in the
sessed it, to cherisli and nourish it as the main prop and disputes with our Colonies and that we should treat them
;

support of the constitutional body of Great Britain ; that as our children, nourish and protect them.
after all these struggles for the possession of such a jewel in Lord North rose to explain. When he mentioned the
the crown of this country, would be madness, it would
it threats of Boston were not to be depended upon at the re-
be folly indeed to the last extremity, were we not to pursue peal of the Stamp Act, he said, he did not mean to rip up
the most determined conduct to preserve it; the giving up wantonly the mention of the repealing the Stamp Act
that gem which we have so carefully and so diligently po- that he begged to be understood in that light, only to siiew,
lished, or neglecting to enforce that due obedience, and cul- that the threats o( Boston, at that time, in not paying their
tivate the friendship, would be as it were an actual surren- debts, unless the Stamp Act was repealed, were not always
der of all our right and claim. He spoke much upon the to be depended upon.
indulgence that had been shewn to the Colonies by the Mr. Ward he was surprised to hear that we were
said,
mother country, and observed, that we had re*-,eived nothing not now to America ; that he was equally surprised not
tax
in return but contempt of Government. Was this filial to find that unanimity which he expected upon the present
friendship ? Was tliis that debt of gratitude which was Bill that he himself was much against the repeal of the
;

owing to this country? Or was this that bond of mutual Stamp Act that he had presented four petitions from his
;

connection which ought to have subsisted between the Constituents in favour of the repeal, but, that he. at the
mother country and its Colonies? He said, he looked same time, told them he must be against them. He ap-
upon the unity of legislation to be as essential to the body proved, he said, of this Bill, because there was no other re-
politic, as the Deity was to religion; that the disorders
source left that we were drove to the wall.
; He disap-
abroad had entirely been owinij to our weak Coiuicils at proved, he said, of the amendment.
home, and condemned much the tame, unmanly proceed- Mr. Jenldnson. I think Great Britain right ; I com-
ings of Government towards the Avuricaiis. Those acta mend much the measure of the Stamp Act, and, as the
of the Americans call now loudly for that power and diat honorable gentleman, (Mr. Grenville,) who was the au-
interposition wliich has been so long, and with so much
thor of that Act, has been much praised and commended
danirer to this country withheld. I>etus now proceed, and for another Bill, (^le Election Bill,) I beg leave to throw
consider wjiat it is most prudent to do in the present situa-
in my hearty approbation of my honorable friend for the
tion of things, rebus sic stantibus. Let us consider whether Stamp Act. VVhat, said he, is to become of all your trade,
the Bill before us w ill not l)c the most proper method
that if the proceedings of the Bostonians are to become a prece-
nan be adopted. The Bill, he said, would ojicrate as a res-
dent to the rest of the Colonies ; we have gone into a very
m BOSTON PORT BILL. 46

expensive war for tlie attainment of -4menea ; the struggle the town of Boston ought to be knocked about their ears,
we shall now have to keep it, will be but of little expense. and destroyed. Delenda est Carthago : said he, 1 am of
General Conway observed, that the right honorable opinion you will never meet with that proper obedience to
gentleman who spoke last, had spoken with some degree the laws of this country, until you have destroyed that nest
of wannth, which the present debate, lie apprehended, did of locusts.
not at all call for. 1 will just say one very short word, he Colonel Barre said, he had very little tiioughts of
said, in favour of the Bill. I am particularly happy in the troubling the Committee upon this clause, but for an expres-
mode of punisiimentthat is adopted in it, but I disclaim any sion which from an honorable gentleman under the gal-
fell

thing in the debate that tends to call up old sores, or create lery, delenda Carthago.
est I should not have risen, said

anger. I was much for the repeal of the Stamp Act, and he, had it not been for those words. The Bill before you is
am not ashamed to own it nor do 1 think that that measure
; the first vengeful step that you have taken. We ouo'lit to
was the reason of these disorders. go coolly to this business, and not trouble our heads with
Mr. R. Fuller said, we all agree, that the Bostonians who passed, or who repealed the Stamp Act, or other taxes.
ought be punished, but we difier in the mode of it.
to He We are to proceed rcbiis sic stantibus. Tlie proposition
did not any farther.
insist made ye I tliought a moderate one, though I must confess I
The debate ended, and the blanks were filled up in the hate the word fine it is a tax, and as long as I sit here
;

Bill. It was then read. among you, 1 will oppose the taxing of America. This
On the question u]3on the clause, which vests the power Bill, I am afraid, draws in the fatal doctrine of submitting
in theCrown to restore the port, to taxation it is also a doubt by this Bill, whether the port
;

Mr. Charles Fox said, he should give it his negative, as is to be restored to its full extent. Keep your hands out of
itwas ti-usting the Crown with that power which Parlia- the pockets of the Americans, and they will be obedient
ment were afraid to trust themselves with and if he did not ; subjects. I have not a doubt, but a very small part of our

succeed in his negative to tiiis clause, he should object to strength will, at any time, overpower them. I think this

the clause following, which seemed to militate against the Bill a moderate one but 1 augur that the next proposition
;

measure adopted in this, as a restraint was then laid upon will be a black one. You have not a loom nor an anvil but
the Crown until the East India Company were made satis- what is stamped with America it is the main prop of your
;

faction. This Bill, he said, was calculated for three purpo- trade. Parliament may fancy that they have rights in theo-
ses ; the first for securing the trade, the second for punish- ry, which I will answer for, they can never reduce to prac-
ing the Bostonians, and the third for satisfaction to the East tice. America employs all your workmen here nourish :

India Company. He said, the first clause did not give a and protect it, that they may be supported.
true and exact distinction by what means, and at what The clause objected to by Mr. Charles Fox, passed in
period, the Crown was to exercise that power vested in it the Affirmative without any division, but one or .two nega-
lie thought that application for relief should come to Par- tives being given against it.
liament only, and that the power of such relief should not The Committee then rose.
be lodged in the Crown. The quarrel, he said, was with Sir Charles Whitworth reported from the Committee,
Parliament, and Parliament was the proper power to end it; that they had gone through the Bill, and made several
not that, said he, (in a kind of sneer) there is any reason to amendments thereunto.
distrust his Majesty's Ministers, that they will not restore The amendments were agreed to by the House and ;

the port when be proper but I want to hear the

it shall ; several amendments were made by the House to the Bill.
reason why this clause should be so left in the judgment of Ordered, That the Bill with the amendments be en-
the Crown, and the next clause should be so particularly grossed.
granted, with such a guard upon his Majesty, to prevent Ordered, That the said Bill be read the third time, to-
him from restoring the port until the East India Company morrow morning, if the said Bill shall be then engrossed.
shall be fully satisfied.
Thursday, March 24, 1774.
Captain Fhip])s said, that nothing surely was so proper
as to allow the Crown that power which always had been Ordered, That the said Bill be read the third time, to-
attributed to it, that of mercy his Majesty cannot deprive
; morrow at twelve of the clock.
the People of a port without the leave of Parliament, but
Friday, March 25, 1774.
he may certainly give one as to the power being lodged
;

inthe Crown, of restoring the port upon proper contrition, Mr. Crosbie offered to present a Petition of William
itis highly proper, and not in Parliament, for Parliament Bollan, Esq., (styling himself agent) for and in behalf of the
may not be sitting at the time when the trade of Boston Council of tlie Province of Massachusetts Bay, and likewise
ought to be restored that power wliicli has a right to give
; of himself and the other inhabitants of the town of Boston.
a port, has also a power of appointing quays and wharfs if ; And a motion being made, that the said Petition be
the power was not lodged in the Crown, quays and wiiarfs brought up it produced a short, but wann debate.*
;

might be made at places totally inconvenient to the custom- And the question being put, the House divided; yeas 40,
house officers, and thereby prevent the collection of his Ma- nays 170.
jesty's revenue. So it passed in the Negative.
Lord North. The test of the Bostonians will not be the A Petition of several Natives of North America, was
indemnification of the East India Company alone, it will presented to the House, and read; setting forth,
remain in the breast of the King, not to restore the port
until peace and obedience shall be observed in the port of * In the progress of the Bill, opposition seemed to collect itself,
Boston. I am ready to admit a clause to secure those and to take amore active part. Mr. Bollan, the agent of the Council
of Massachusetts Bay, presented a Petition, desiring to be heard for the
wharfs and quays which are now in use, to be the same
siiid Council, and in behalf of himself and other inhabitants in the
when the port shall be restored. He observed, he had town of Boston. The House refused to receive the Petition. It was
been charged witli changing his opinion that the declara- ;
said tliat the agent of the Council was not agent for the Corporation,
and no agent would bo received, from a body corporate, except he were
tion which he had made tended chiefly to the punishment of —
appointed by all the necessary constituent parts of that body besides,
the Bostonians, and that the Bill particularly adhered to the the Council was fluctuating, and the body by which ho was appointed
views of making the India Company satisfaction. He be- could not be then actually existing.
This vote of rejection was heavily censured. The opposition cried
lieved tlie House would do him the justice to say, that he
out at the inconsistency of the House, who but a few days ago
received
had declared botli those measures to be his intention at the a Petition from this very man in this very character; and now,
only
because they choose to exert their power in acts of injustice and
con.
first setting out of the business, as well as to restore tlie trade
as not duly
tradiction, totally refuse to receive any tiling from him,
to a proper footing that he hoped he had never deviated
Were not the reasons equally strong against receiving the
;
qualified.
Crom them, notwithstanding what the honorable gentleman, first as the second Petition? But what, they asserted, made this con.
that time the
(Mr. Fox) had charged him with that he should never be ; duct the more unnecessary and outrageous, was, that at
Petition, as a
a.shamed, at any time, to give up his opinion upon good House of I^rds were actually hearing Mr. Bollan on his
this House is at
person duly qualified, at their bar. Thus said they,
grounds ; it would be the height of obstinacy not to do it, once in contradiction to the other and to itself
As to the reasons
applicable to all
when he saw any good reasons to guide his opinion to better given against his qualification, they are equally
as the Minister now
judgment. American agents; none of whom are appointed
cuts oft all commumca.
required they should be-and thus the House
Mr. Van said, he agreed to the flagitiousness of the of- tion between them and the Colonies, whom they are affecting by their
fence in the Americans, and therefore was of opinion, that acts. Ann. Kegis.
 47 BOSTON PORT BILL, 48

That the Petitioners, being natives of his Majesty's Do- affections from this country ; and that the attachment of
minions in America, and deeply interested in every pro- America cannot survive the justice of Great Britain ; and
ceeding of the House, which touches the Hfe, hberty, or that, if they see a different mode of trial established for
property, of any person or persons in tlie said Dominions them, and for the People of this country, a mode which
and that the Petitioners conceive themselves and their fel- violates the sacred principles of natural justice, it must be
low subjects entitled to tiie rights of natural justice, and to productive of national distrust, and extinguish those filial
the common
law of England, as their unalienable birtliright; feelings of respect and aftcction which have hitherto attach-
that they apprehend it to be an inviolable rule of natural ed them to the Parent State. Urged therefore by every
justice, that no man shall be condemned unheard and that ;
motive of all'ection to both countries, by the most earnest
according to hnv, no person or persons can be judged desire, not only to preserve their own rights and those of
without being called upon to answer, iind being permitted to their countrymen, but to prevent the dissolution of that
hear the evidence against tiiem, and to make their defence; love, harmony, and confidence between the two countries,
and that it is therefore witii the deepest sorrow they under- which were their mutual blessing and support, beseech the
stand that the House is now about to pass a Bill, to punish House not to pass the Bill.
with unexampled rigour, the town of Boston, for a trespass Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the table.
(MJimnitted by some persons unknown, uj)on tlie properly of Tiie order of the day being read, the Bill was accor-
the East India Company, without tiie said town being ap- dingly read the third time.
prized of any accusation brought against them, or having Mr. Charles Fox, then proposed as an amendment to
i)een permitted to hear the evidence, or to make their de- the Bill, to leave out the following clause :

fence and that the Petitioners conceive such proceedings

;
" And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid.
to be directly repugnant to every princi|)al of law and justice " That whenever it shall be made to appear to his Majesty
and that, under such a precedent, no men, or body of men " in his Privy Council, that peace and obedience to the laws
in America, could enjoy a moment's security ; for if judg- " shall be so far restored in the said town of Boston, that
ment be immediately to follow an accusation against the " the trade of Great Britain may safely be caiTied on
People of America, supported even by persons notoriously '•
there, and his Majesty's customs duly collected, and his
at enmity with them, the accused, unacquainted with the " Majesty in his Privy Council shall adjudge the same to
charge, and, from the nature of their situation, utterly inca- " be true, it shall and may be lawful for his Majesty, by
pable of answering and defending themselves, every fence " proclamation or order of Council, to assign and appoint
against false accusation will be pulled down justice will no ;
" the extent, bounds and limits, of the port or harbour of
longer be theii" shield, nor innocence an exemption from " Boston, and of every creek or haven within the same, or
punishment and representing to the House, that the law in
;
" in the islands within the precincts thereof; and also to
America ministers redress for any injuries sustained there " assign and appoint such and so many open places, quays,
and they can most truly affirm, that it is administered in that " and wharfs, within the said harbour, creeks, havens, and
country with as much impartiality as in any other part of " islands, for the landing, discharging, lading and shipping,
his Majesty's Dominions in proof of this, they appeal to
;
" of goods, as his Majesty, his heirs, or successors, shall
an instance of great notoriety, in which, under every cir- "judge necessary and expedient; and also to appoint such
cumstance that could exasperate the People, and disturb the and so many officers of the customs therein, as his
'•

course of justice. Captain Preston and his soldiers had a " Majesty shall think fit after which it shall be lawful for
;

fair trial, and favourable verdict. While the due course of " any person or persons to lade or put off from, or discharge
law holds out redress for any injury sustained in America, " and land upon, such wharfs, quays and places, so appoin-
they apprehend the interposition of Parliamentary power to " ed within the said harbour, and none other, any goods,
be full of danger, and without any precedent. If the persons " wares, and merchandise, whatever. Provided always,
who conmiitted this trespass are known, then the East " That if any goods, wares, or merchandise, shall be laden
India Company have their remedy against them at law if ;
" or put off from, or discharged or landed upon, any other
they are unknown, tlie Petitioners conceive that there is not " place than the quays, wharfs, or places, so to be appoint-
an instance, even in the most arbitrary times, in which a " ed, the same, together with the ships, boats and other ves-
city was punished by Parliamentary authority, without being " sels, employed therein, and the horses or otlier cattle,
heard, for a civil offence not committed in their jurisdic- " and carriages, used to convey the same, and the person or
tion, and without redress having been sougin at common " persons concerned or assisting therein, or to whose hands
law. The cases which they have heard adduced, are direct- " the same shall knowingly come, shall suffer all the foifei-
ly against it. That of the King against tlie city of London, " tures and penalties imposed by this or any other Act, on
was for a murder committed within its walls, by its citizens, " the illegal shipping or landing of goods."
in open day ;but even then, arbitrary as the times were, the And the question being put, that the said clause stand
trial was public, in a court of common law; the party part of the Bill ?
heard, and the law laid down by the Judges was, that it was was resolved in the Affirmative.
It
an offence at the common law to suffer such a crime to be Mr, Fox objected to another clause he had objected to :
,
committed in a walled town, tempore diumo, and none of these two clauses in the Committee. He said, he now-
the offenders to be known or indicted. The case of Edin- made his objections, in order that it might appear on th(>
Imrgh, in which Parliament did interpose, was the commis- Journals that somebody did object to them. He then
sion of an atrocious murder within her gates, and at^orava- moved as a further amendment to the Bill, to leave out the
ted by an overt act of high treason, in executing, aganist the following clause :

express will of the Crown, the King's laws. It is observa- " Provided, also, And it is hereby declared, and enacted,
ble, that these cities had, by charter, the whole executive '•
that notliing herein contained shall extend, or be con-
power within themselves so that a failure of justice ne-
; " stnied, to enable his Majesty to appoint such port,
cessarily ensued from the connivance in both cases howe- ;
" harbour, creeks, quays, wharfs, places, or officei-s, in the
ver, full time was allowed tliem to discharge their duty, " said town o{ Boston, or in the said bay, or islands, until it
and
they were heard in their defence. But'neither has time " shall sufficiently appear to his Majesty, tiiat full satisfac-
been allowed in tliis case nor is the accused heard nor
; ;
" tion hath been made by or on behalf of the said town of
is Boston a walled town, nor was the act committed witiiin " Boston, to the United Company of the East Indies, for
it; nor the Executive power in their hands, " the damage sustained by tiie said Company, by the
as it is in those
o{ London and Edin'mrgh; on the contrary, the Governor " destruction of their goods sent to the said town of Bos-
himself holds that power, and has been advised by his " t:m, on board certain ships or vessels as aforesaid, and
Majesty's Council to can-y it into execution ; if it has been •' until it shall be certified to his Majesty in Council, by
neglected, he alone is answerable : if it has been executed, " the Governor or Lieutenant Governor of the said Pro-
perhaps at this instant, while punishment is inflicting " vince, that reasonable satisfaction hath been made to the
here
on those who have not been legally tried, the due course " officers of his Majesty's revenue, and others, who suffered
of
law is operating there, to the disr-overy and prosecution " by the riols and insurrections above mentioned, in the
of
the real offenders; and the Petitioners tliink " month of November."
themselves
bound to declare to the House, that they a])prchend a
pro- And the question being put, that those words stand part
ceeding of executive rigour and injustice will sink
dixjp in of tiie Bill ?
the minds of their countrymen, and tend to alienate
their It was resolved in the Affirmative.
49 BOSTON PORT BILL.
bt}

On the question, that this Bill do Pass : orable gentleman (Mr. Dowdawell) has said, this Bill
Mr. Dowdeswell said, he rose to give his dissent to pass- was unjust and unwise. I differ much from him, and think

ing the same into a law; tliat he had not the least degree it both just and wise.
This Bill makes it expedient for
of timidity in rising to oppose it ; that he always thought them to do and puts the Bostonians upon the
their duty,
the proposition totally unjust and unfair. By the Bill, a inquiry to find out who were the parties that committed
person is to understand, that the commerce of all his Ma- this riot; the persons or magistrates in the town, not in-
jesty's subjects is interrupted cannot give
; and, said he, I quiring into the proceedings, are much to blame, and I can-
my assent to it, until I hear the complaints from the differ- not think this Bill in the least unwise. Can it, Sir, be un-
ent manufactures of iron, leather, wool, Stc, and the mer- wise, unless it is unwise to maintain the authority of this
chants of this country, which complaints, 1 imagine, the country, and to punish those who have been the a<)-"-ressors
liurry of passing this Bill totally prevents. It is not, says against its laws? The honorable gentleman, he said, had
he, that any other goods are interrupted in the port of mentioned that others were guilty, and why were they not
Boston, but those which are charged with a duty from punished ? There is, said he, a different degree of crime
hence. Look to the consequences of this Bill you are ;
in each of them, and some are more to blame than others.
contending for a matter whicii the Bostonians will not give It is treason in the Bostonians, and can only be deemed a
up qfiietly. I remember, said he, when it was held a high crime and misdemeanor in the others but, in my ;

doctrine in this House, by persons of great and extensive mind, it appears to be wise, first to single out Bostonas the
knowledge, that wc had no right to tax America, There principal ringleader of the whole disturbance, and begin this
is now no such opinion the question was then, " Whether
; punishment there, in order to see what effect the proceed-
" with the profits which we receive from all our manufac- ings will have 1 therefore
; think this Bill wise, prudent,
''
tures exported hence, itwould be a wise measure to tax and just.
" America V What is the reason, said he, that you single Mr. Edmund Burke. I trouble you. Sir, in the last
out Boston for your particular resentment ? Have there stage of this Bill, because I would not appear petulant
been no other towns in America which have disobeyed when my objections nm to the whole of it. I never knew
your orders ? Has not Fhiladclj)hia, New York, and any thing that has given me a more heart-felt sorrow than
several other Provinces, sent back their tea ? Has not the the present measure. This Bill is attempted to be hasten-
East India Company suffered nearly as much damage from ed through the House in such a manner, that I can by no
the tea being sent back, as indeed where they have landed means assent to it it is to be carried bj' force and threats
;

it ? Charlestown is the only place where they have suf- into execution and you have even refused to hear Mr.
;

fered the tea to be landed and what have they done ?

; BoUan, the agent, declaring him to be no agent for Mas-
They have put it into a damp cellar, and the whole has sachusetts Bay, or not properly authorized by them to pre-
become rotten and useless. You find yourselves mtich at sent such petition you have not now one left in Englaiul
;

a loss about this Bill, and are hurt, because the innocent to be heard in behalf of any of the Colonies the only ob- ;

are likely to be involved in the same punishment with the struction that this Bill has had, has been owing to its own
guilty. You are now going to censure them, in the same vis inertia ; but persons who oppose this Bill, are immedi-
manner as was done in the case of Edinburgh, and Glasgow, ately put to the same kind of punishment in the public
where the l*eople at large were to suffer for the neglect of Papers which offenders in America are. Ix)ok, Sir, into the
their Magistrates. There is a great difference between the public Papers, you will see Cinna, and a thousand other
Magistrates of Edinburgh, and those of Boston ; those at Boman names, throwing out their invectives, and tarring
Edinburgh are chosen by the People those at Boston are ; and feathering all those who dare oppose the Bill. I sup-
not ; they are appointed by the Council, and the Council pose 1 shall reap my share for this opposition : but, Sir, at
are elected by the Province at large. You are going to all events, I will enter my protest against this Bill, and will
appoint a new port, where there are neither sufficient mount my little palfrey, and speak of the injustice which
wharfs, quays, or ware-houses for carrying on business. the Bill contains with the greatest confidence. The griev-
You hereby punish the British merchants much more- ance which is stated in the Papers before you on the table
severely than the People of Boston. The folly and child- appears to be an universal resistance from all America
ishness of carrying on such a project is certainly very evi- against any goods or merchandise that shall be loaded with
dent. All that you have effected, is to carry your mer- taxes. —
He desired that that part of General Haldiman's
chandise seventeen miles further from the town of Boston, letter,declaring the resolution of the Americans not to sub-
so that the Bostonians shall be obliged to be at an addition- mit to receive goods with duty upon them, might be read
al expense in conveying their merchandise from the port he read the extract he had made in his place he said, the ;

of Salem by land. You ask why the Americans do not whole meeting in the town of Boston consisted of six or
pay their debts? If you stop the exports, you will of seven hundred men of the first rank and opulent fortune in
course stop the payment of those debts. Now, Sir, let us the place ; that the proceedings were conducted with the
consider how this Bill is founded upon principles of justice ;
utmost decency. He said, this was not a meeting of mean
if Parliament continually passes Bills, sometimes to punish persons, but that the acts of resistance were all counte-
the person, at other times the places, you will, by and by, nanced by universal consent. Observe, said he, that the
have your hands fully employed you will soon inflame all ;
disturbances arc general shew me one port in all America
;

America, and stir up a contention you will not be able to where the goods have been landed and vended the dis- ;

pacify. The passing this Bill in a week or so, does not temper is general, but the punishment is local, by way of
give time to the injured persons in America to petition this exchange. Whether it will be effectual or not, I do not
House for redress. I rejoice, that you have at least had know; but, Sir, let me paint to this House the impropriety
one petition from the natives of America residing in this of a measure like this it is a remedy of the most uncertain
;

country : the language of that petition bears the face of a operation view but the consequence, and you will repent
;

well written, unanswerable argument it is no common pe- ; the measure give orders at once to your Admirals to burn
;

tition: it is the strong and pathetic language that tells their and destroy the town that will be both effectual, proper,
;

own feelings, and those of their fellow subjects in America. and moderate, and of a piece with the rest of your pro-
I wish to hear some arguments
offered against what is con- ceedings, cventus tristis. One town in proscription, the rest
tained in it, be said, both here and in America,
for it will in rebellion, can never be a remedial measure for general
that such reasons and arguments deserve an answer. disturbances. Have you considered whether you have
Mr. Wdbore Ellis said, he did not rise to answer the troops and ships sufficient to enforce an universal proscrip-
honorable gentleman to the first part of what he ad- tion to the trade of the whole Continent of America 1 If
vanced, being arguments which had, in a fornner debate, you have not, the attempt is childish, and the operation

been urged and sufficiently replied to. He said this beha- fruitless. Only, Sir, see the consequence of blocking up
viour of the Americans was the most direct opposition to one port; for instance, that of Virginia Bay; which, if
the laws of this country that could possibly be conceived. you do, you will destroy the tobacco trade, and thereby
If this country, said he, has not a right to pass a tax on bring, as it were, a certain ruin on your own merchants at
Am.erica. they have no right to pass any law whatsoever Glasgotv and Elinburgh. This Bill has been thought a
relative to it. The present Bill confirms no tax it enacts vigorous, but not a rigorous punishment. It is my opinion
;

none; it imposes none the tax upon tea was introduced to

; that you might even punish the individuals who committed
prevent tea being smuggled into that country. The hon- the violence, without involving the innocent : I should ap-
FouRTii Series. 4
 BOSTON PORT BILL. 52

prove inucli of ilr.ii; but, Sir, to f.ike away the trade from woidd have come from him. It has been said that the

the town of Boston, is surely a severe punislinient. Would Ameiicans cannot be heard in tiieir ow n defence before this
it not be a risoroiis measure to take a\vay the trade of the measure takes etl'ect. Look at the papers on the table,
Thames, for instance, and dirert the merrhandiseto be land- where you see the resolutions of their public meetings or-
ed at (fravescnd! 1 call this Bill most unjust, for is il flered to be sent over here, that we might be acquainted

not fundamentally unjust to prevent tlie parties who iiave witii them. After such a defiance, can it be expected,
offended from hein;; heard in their defence ? Justice, Sir, that thev would come over here to be heard, and say any

is not to be measured by geographical lines

nor distances. thing at your bar but what they had already told you, and
Every man, Sir. is authorized to be a magistrate, to put a sent to you expressly in the |)apers on your table, where
stop to disturbances which he perceives to be conunitted they refuse a direct obedience to all your laws ? It is asked
against his Majesty's peace ; but did you expect that the ai;ain, Sir, whether the individuals are not to be punished

People wiio were not present at sucii disturbances, would when they are found out? I appreliend. Sir, that this
be equally punished for not aiding and assisting in putting measure by no means excuses the guilty persons from being
an end to those riots which they never saw or heard of? brouuiil to condign punishment. The IJlaik Act of this
This, Sir, is surely the doctrine of devils, to require men to country is a similar case with regard to this Bill, where the
be ))resent in every part of America wherever a riot hap- hundred are fined in the penalty of £200 for not suppress-
l>ens: but this Bill involves those who have never in the ing the offences mentioned in that Act, such as cutting
least been guilty and then you again say, tiiat the distur-
;
down trees, breaking hanks, and other misdemeanors. The
bances whicii did happen ought to liave been iuniiediately whole hundred, in this case, are not present at the commis-
put a stop to by the People o( Boston, and that they were sion of the crime, yet they are ]ninished for it ; nor docs
bound to preserve the good order of tiie town but. Sir, I ;
that fine excuse the criminal from beins: particularly punish-
have too mucii reverence for the image of God to conceive ed, where the aggressor can be found
out. The Bill before
that the honorable gentleman (Mr. WcJborc Ellis) does you is a law of trade it is a mild measure,
for the protection ;

reallv and trulv imbibe such a doctrine. He then read part if they obey it; if they oppose it. the result of it will onlv

of Colonel Lsslie's letter. No. 45, wiierein the Colonel make the punishinent. The resolves at Boston I consider
said, that neither the Governor, nor the Council, nor any as direct issue against the Declaratory Act they clearly ;

of the custom-house olHcers, have ever yet applied to nie proved a determined resolution in the Americans to oppose
for any assistance if they had,l could most certainly have
;
every law of this country hut the Bostonians alone have
;

put a stop to all their riot and violences, but not without carried into execution what otliers have only resolved.
some bloodshed, and firing upon their town, and killing This Bill, Sir, I look upon to be the act of a father chastis-
many innocent People. VVhy, Sir. did not the Governor ing his son on one line, and restoring the trade and peace
at once send for this assistance? Was it contrary to, or do of America on the other, and therefore I highly approve of
you think he would have broke dirough his instructions, if the measure.
iie had endeavoured, by such ways and means, to ))reserve Mr. Anthony Bacon said there was not a port in New-
the public peace, and prevent violences from being com- England but what had suflicient ware-houses for the re-
mitted ? The fault of this Governor ought not to be the ception of all the merchandise of Great Britain.

means of punishinent for the innocent. You have found Governor Potvnall said, that he had always been of
that there was no Government there. Why did not the opinion, that internal taxes could not legally be laid, but
(iovernor exercise his authority ? Why did not the ships that he agreed in external ones; tlrat there wanted a revi-
execute their duty ? What was the reason they did not sion of the general laws relating to America; he said he
act ? Why is not Mr. Hancock, and the chief People, who wished that the Tea Duty was repealed, but he did not
are known, punished, and not the innocent involved with think this the proper time or season to adopt the measure.
the guilty in one universal calamity ? You, surely. Sir, There ought also to be a review of die Governments; the
cannot have power to take away tiie trade of a port, and Americans have a real love for Government tliev love ;

<all it privilege
! Why was not your force that was pre- order and peace, [here the House laughed;] he said, I do
sent applied to quell the disturbances ? How came they to aver that they love peace, for look upon this to be the act
I

be so feeble and inactive? How are you sure that the or- of the mob, and not of the People, and wait but a little it
ders and frigates which you now send will act better ? I w-ill regulate itself.

cannot think this, by any means, a pmdent measure, in The Lord Advocate said, the question had been very
blocking up one port after another the consequence will
; fully argued, and he should iiive his heartv affimiative to
be dreadfid, and I am afraid destructive you will draw a
;
the Bill.
foreign force upon you, perhaps, at a time when you little Lord John Cavendish spoke a few words airainst the
expect it ; I will not say where th:it will end I will be ; Bill, and said, he should give his negative to its passing in
silent upon that head, and go no further but think, I con-
; its jiresent foim.
jure you, of the consequence. Again, Sir, in one of the Mr. T. Townshend spoke also against the Bill, and said,
clauses of the Bill you proscribe the property of the People he should be against its passing into a law.
to be governed and measured by the will of the Crown. Mr. Sawhridge said, the offence of destroying the tea
This is a ruinous and dangerous principle to adopt. There was done in the night time, and not tempore diurno tliat :

Ls an universal discontent throughout all Amerirn, from an this was an ex-post-facio law, and that the law of the Black
Internal bad Government. There are but two ways to Act, which had been mentioned, was not in force before the
govern America ; either to make it subservient to all yoitr offence was committed that as far as that, or any other pre-
;

laws, or to let it govern itself by its own internal policy. I cedent participated of this law, so far thev were most ini-
abhor the measure of taxation where it is only for a quarrel, quitous that it was an act of cowardice in the Minister to
;

and not for a revenue; a measure tiiat is teazing and irrita- come to Parliament to ask tor that which had been allowed,
ting without any good effect but a revision of this ques-
; and was in the power of the Crown to order and direct he :

tion will one day or other come, wherein 1 iiope to give my meant, he said, the removal of the custom-house officers,
opinion. But this is the day, then, that you wish to go to and other things mentioned in that Act, the preservation of
war with all America, in order to conciliate that country to the peace, and the executive authority in that country. All
tliis and to say that America shall be ot)edient to all the
; these might have been done by the Crown, without apply-
laws of this country. 1 wish to see a new regulation and ing to Parliament, but die Minister was timorous of pro-
plan of a new legislation in that country, not founded upon ceeding himself, and wanted to skulk behind the protection
your laws and statutes here, but grounded upon the vital of the Legislature.
principles of Eniclish lilierty. Lord North said, he rose to explain himself, and was
Mr. Grei/ Cooper said, he could not agree in the
1
sorry to commit an offence to the House at that hour of the
doctrines laid down by the honorable gentleman who spoke night, and especially as it would be to the disturbance of
last, that the Bill was unjust or unwise it was. in his ; the neighbourhood, who are totally innocent, [alluding to
opinion, a temperate and pmdent law, to preserve the trade the charge that had been made by Mr.
Saivhridge. that the
of country, and protect the peace of America ; he was
this innocent People in the town of Boston would suffer equally
sorry to find that honorable gentleman in particular should with the offenders ;] nor am L Sir, ashamed, at any time
be upbraiding (iovernment for not making use of militaiy to take shelter under the Legislature. The honorable
force nor should he have expected that such u proposition
:
gentleman says, the Minister might do certain things.
53 BOSTON PORT BILL.
54
wliich are to be enacted in that Bill, without application members now in my eye, it makes mc more confident in
such as changing tlie custom-house oilicei-s,
to Piii-liaiiient, warning the House of what I apprehend will be the con-
ordering the peace to he preser\'ed, and a better regulation sequences of this Bill.

of internal Government to take place but that they could ;

the Chairman of the East India Company, first
I told

not block up a port, or make it illegal for the landing, la- in conversation, on asking my opinion, and afterwards by

ding, and shipiiing of goods in any place heretofore granted, letter, that the evidence might appear in the progress of

without the aid of Parliament. 1 will not undertake to say things ; that I conceived the East India Conqjany export-
what will he the consequence or event of this measure; I ing tea, on their own account, was, under every consider-
ain strongly of opinion it will be salutary and effective ation of their situation, and institution, wrong, but, under
but I will say, that it was not in the power of the Minister the present discontents and disputed matters of Government
to sit still and take no measure. I believe. Sir, that no in America, criminally absurd, because they were pre-
prosecution in that country, according to its present Ibrni of senting themselves as the butt in the controversy, where
Government, will be effectual; 1 was tiierefore nuich for they woidd probably come off with the loss of the whole.
adopting the measure pro])osed. It certainly may be right The event has justified my prediction for whatever repay- ;

to direct a prosecution against those individuals who may be ment the Company may obtain from the town of Boston,
found offenders but can the honorable gentleman be of
; under these cruel coercive measures now proposed, (the ef-
opinion, from what he has seen and read from the papers fect of which I still doubt,) yet the Company must remain
on the table, that ;uiy obedience will be paid to such a great losers, even if the other Provinces, equally culpable,
])rosecution, or that it will be in the least degree effective ? are made to refund the loss arising from their conduct,
This measure will certainly not excuse the individual of- because was not supplies of cash, at a distant period, the
it

fenders, any more than the fine upon a county, between Company wanted, hut an immediate supply, to answer a
sun and sun, will excuse the person who committed tiie temporary exigency, which a combina'tion of the enemies
robbery. This is no ex-post-facto law; they committed of the country iiad produced.
the offence of destroying the tea, knowing and declaring I now venture to predict to this House, that the effect of
at the same time, the law which they offended against. the present Bill must be productive of a General Confed-
The Committee of Boston, Sir, gave the directions lor the eracy, to resist the power of this country. It is irritating,
destruction of the tea, and have declared their resolution tempting nay, inviting men , to those deeds by ineffectual
of resistance to the obedience of our laws yet we are de- ;
expedients, the abortions of an undecisive mind, incapable
sired to hear them to hear those very persons who have
;
of comprehending the chain of consequences \jhich must
declared to you, and to all the world, that they intended result from such a law. I am not one of those who believe
this violence against the law therefore, it is said, Sir, by
; that distant Provinces can be retained in their duty by
some honorable gentlemen in this House, that we ought preaching or enchantments ; I believe that vorce or
not to proceed in this measure till we have heard these very POWER, conducted with wisdom, are the means of securing
People, who are the great offenders, say at your bar, in regular obedience under every establishment but that such ;

tJieir defence, that Great Britain has no authority to tax Ibrce should never be applied to any degree of rigour, unless
them they can make no other plea they can make no
: ; itshould carry the general approbation of mankind in the
other declaration than what they have already done but. ;
execution. However much such approbation may prevail
Sir, we must adopt the measure, let what will be the conse- at the particular moment in this House, it is impossible to

quence. I hope and conclude it will he a happy one. Is believe the sense of Great Britain, or the sense of Ame-
this then the best measure in the present case ? It certainly rica, can go to the punishing a particular town, for resisting

is I hear of none other preferable, or I would adopt it.

: the payment of the Tea Tax, which is universally odious
It is to tell America, that you are in earnest. If we do not throughout America, and is held in ridicule and contempt
mean totally to give up the matter in question, we must as- by every thinking man in this country. The question of
sert our right at this time, while we can, whilst it is in our taxing America is sufficiently nice to palliate resistance,
power. Instead of our treating America like a foreign if the subject had never been litigated in this country ; but
enemy, America has treated us like one disavowing our ;
after the highest characters in this State had declared
authority, and declaring against all obedience to the laws of against the right of this country to impose taxes on Ame-
Great Britain. We are threatened again, by one honora- rica, for the purpose of revenue after the general voice of
;

ble gentleman, lest a foreign enemy should, in this emer- the Senate had concurred in repealing the Stamp Act,
gency, start up —
he stopped short, and said he would say upon that jyinciple ; after those men, who had maintained
no more upon that head. I suppose he meant that this these doctrines, had been promoted by his Majesty to the
foreign enemy would lay hold of America during our con- fii-st stations in the administration of civil and judicial
test. Time of peace. Sir, is the only season for adopting affairs, there is so much mitigation to be pleaded in favor

regulations. This is the crisis, then, in which that contest of the Americans from those circumstances (allowing them
ought to be determined. Another honorable friend of mine in an error at present) that every man nmst feel the height
is for repealing the Tea Duty. 1 am of opinion. Sir, that re- of cruelty, by enforcing contrary maxims, with any degree
pealing any measure whatever, at this moment) would stamp of severity, at first, before due warning is given.
us with a degree of timidity, and would produce a totally It is in vain to say Boston is more culpable than the

different effect from what I expect this measure will do. other Colonies. Sending the ships from thence, and obliging
Governor Johnstone, I find so much difficulty in pro- them to return to England, is a more solemn and deli-
nouncing my sentiments at any time, that unless the House berated act of resistance than the outrage committed by
iskindly disposed to hear me at this late hour, I shall persons in disguise in the night, when the ship refused to
patiently sit down, because I am conscious it will require depart. That of blocking up the harbour of Boston, to pre-
their greatest indulgence, to enable me to express myself vent the importation of British manufactures, or the expor-
in a manner worthy of their attention. A modesty becom- tation of goods, which are to pay for them, is a mea-
ing my situation prevented me from offering my opinion sure equally as absurd as if the Parliament here, upon
before, when I saw men of so much superior ability rising the resistance which was made to their resolution, by the
from the beginning of the debate. riots atBrentford, and other disturbances in the county
It may ap|)ear arrogant in a member so inferior, as I o{ Middlesex, had decreed by way of punishment, that the
confess myself to be, to offer objections to a Bill so exten- freeholders should have been prohibited from sowing of
sive in its consequences, under every consideration, espe- wheat. For whose benefit do the inliabitants of Boston toil
cially after it nuist have been so maturely considered, in and labour ? The springs in the circle of commerce bear so
every article, by men so distinguished by their talents, and nicely on each other, that few men can tell by interruptinn
high stations in office, besides the general applause which one, the degree and extent to which the rest may he
has followed the Bill in its rapid progress through this exposed. By excluding the importation of molasses, and
House nevertheless, though naturally diffident of my
: the exportation of that spirit which is distilled at Boston,
opinion, when I had the good or bad fortune (I dont know the whole Guinea trade will be affected, and in conse-
which to term it) of prognosticating to the Chairman of the quence, the sugar trade, that depends upon it. In extending
East India Company the consequences of sending this tea, this kind of punisliment to the other Colonies, every one
on their own acrovmt, to America, and that the event has must see the danger and yet, if it can be approved for one,
;

literally fidfilled my words, as it is well known to some the same arguments will hold good to approve or reject it
JOT
BOSTON PORT BILL. 56

other but let any man fisure to himself the in America for the purpose of revenue, I maintain to be
respecting tlie ;

consequences to this country, if a similar punishment was unnecessary and dangerous. A Stamp Act, as a measure of
police, varied for the difTerent Governments, and leaving
applied to the Colony of Virginia £300.000 a year dimi- ;

the revenue raised thereby to be appropriated by the respec-

nution in revenue, besides the loss of all the foreiiin contracts,
tive Legislatures, I hold to be a measure of the highest effi-
and perliaps of that beneticial trade forever. Notwithstand-
approbation which has been given to this cacy, for maintaining a due obedience to the authority of this
ing the general
ancrthe loud a])plauses which have been re-tfchoed to country, and prolonging that ilependence for ages to come.
Bill,
every word of the noble lyord in explaining it, yet no man How far it can be executed, alter what has already passed,
is a I am rather diffident, but of this I am certain, that in case
will be bold enough to say, thai this partial pimisinnent
remcdv for the general disease. And yet without knowing Great Britain is dejirived of excr.uting a measure of that
nature, which by pervading every transaction, secures the
what is to follow, no man can be vindicated (oven supposing
|)art) for giving his assent to it. Those execution in itself, she has lost one of the greatest enijines
the Bill right in
for supporting her influence throughout the Enqiire without
gentlemen who are in the secrets of the Cabinet, and
know how assuredly every proposition from them is adopted oppression. Some men who are for simplifyin<r Government
by this House, may be excused for their sanguine accla- to their own comprehensions, will not allow they conceive
mations in favour of the measure, but the general mass, who that the supreme legislative authority shall not be para-

must be equally ignorant with myself, of what is to follow, mount in all things, and taxation being fullv comprehended
can have no excuse for giving their assent so readily for pun- in legislation, they argue, that the power of the one nuist
ishing their fellow subjects in so unprecedented a manner,
necessarily follow that of the otiier; and yet we find man-
and their eager zeal serves only to shew how ready they kind possessed of privileges which are not to he violated
in the most arbitrary countries. The Province of Langue-
are to obey the will of another, without exercising their
own judgment in the case. If the Government of this doc is a striking example in refutation of the doctrines res-
country is resisted in America, my opinion is, instead of pecting taxation, which are held by such narrow observers.
removing the seat of Government in the Colony, and forc- The Kingdom of Ireland in another instance in our domin-
ing the elements to bend to our will, (which is impossible) There is not one argument which can apply for
ions.

that an effectual force should be carried to the heart of the exempting Ireland from taxation by the Parliament of
Colony resisting, to crush rebellion in the bud, before a Great Britain, that does not equally protect the Colonies
General Confederacy can be formed. In the present case from the power of such partial judges. Every man should
we abandon the Government, and drive the inhabitants to now call to his remembrance by w hat obstinate infatuation
despair, leaving the multitude a prey to any ambitious s])irit Philip n, came to lose the L^nited Provinces. Can it be
that may arise. For my own part, I am convinced, from supposed that in a nation so wise as Spain was at that
experience in the Colonies, that good Government may be time, that no man perceived the injustice and futility of
conducted there upon rational grounds, as well as in this the measure in dispute ? But I can easily suppose, from
country but the ])ower and means of governing, rewards
;
the pride of authority, where our vanity is so much flatter-
and punishments, are taken from your supreme executive' ed, that no man durst venture a proposition for receding
Magistrate in every sense, and then you are surprised that from that cruel measure, after it had been resisted by
all order and obedience should cease. The Colonies can only violence.
be governed by their Assemblies, as England by the House These arc the general heads.
of Commons the Patent Oftices, as well as those in the
; The particular objections to the Bill arc, fii-st for con-
Customs, which were formerly given at the recommendation tinuing the punishment, " until satisfliction shall be made
of the Governors, to men supporting Government, and resi- '•
to the India Company," without
stating the amount, or
ding in tiie Provinces, are now in reversion three or four lives what that satisfaction Next, " until peace and
sliall be.
deep, to men living in this country. The command of the " good order shall be certified to be restored," when it is
military, which was another gi'eat source of respect and impossible, as to the subject in dispute, that such certificate
obedience, is likew ise taken from the Governor so that in : can ever be granted, because the custom-house officers are
truth he remains an insignificant jjageant of state, fit only removed, and all trade and commerce prohibited. The
to transmit tedious accounts of his own ridiculous situation :
numerous disputes and litigations which nmst necessarily
a Doctor of the Sorbonne, to debate with his
or, like arise in carrying this law into execution, on contract
Assembly about abstract doctrines in Government. made by parties before they could be apprized of it, and
I am far from wishing to throw any blame on Governor the despatch of ships in harbour, under the limited time,
Hutchinson, or to condemn him, like the town of Boston, without any exception for the desertion of seamen, or
unheard. The absence of the man and the general clamour wind and weather, is altogether melancholy to consider
against him, will restrain me from saying many things The power given to the Admiral or Chief Commander, to
respecting his conduct, which appear reprehensible but 1 ;
order the ships returning lioni foreign voyages, to such
cannot admit a passage in the speech of a noble Lord to stations as he shall direct, is wild, vexatious, and indefinite..
pass unnoticed. His Ijordship alleges, " That the Governor That of permitting his Majesty to alter the value of all
" could not apply to the Admiral in the harbour, or to the the property in the town of Boston, upon restoring the
Commanding Officer of the troops in the castle, for the
•''
port, by aflixing such quays and wharfs as he only shall
•'
protection of the custom-house officers, as well as teas in appoint, for landing and shipping of goods, is liable to
••'
question, without the advice of his Council." But I beg such misreprasentation and abuse, that I expect to see
leave to inform the noble Lord, as I served in that station every evil follow the exercise of it, and it must create
myself, that there is a volume of instructions to every Go- infinite jealousies and distraction among the People.
vernor on this subject, whereby he is commanded under the I am therefore of opinion, that this Bill, both from the

severest penalties, " To give all kind of protection to trade principle and manner in which it has been passed, and
andconmierce, as well as to the officers of his Majesty's
••'
from forelTjnning the general regulations that are intend-
•' Customs,
by his own authority, without the necessity ed, and which ought at least to accompany it, instead
of acting throui;li his Council."
••'
Nor can I conceive a of quieting the disturbances in Boston, it will promote
passible excuse for ihe destruction of those teas, while two them still further, and induce the inhabitants to cut ofT
men-of-war lay iu the harbour, without the least application all communication with your ships of war, which may be
having been made to the Admiral for protection, during so productive of mutual hostilities, and most probably will
long a transaction. end in a general revolt.*
The fij-st essential point in those disputes
which are now
likely to become so serious by the weakness of Adminis- • To ihe Printer of the Nortolk Intelligencer.
tration, in tills country, in followin!,' no connected plan,
Remarks on Governor Johnstone's Speech in the House of Commons.
either of force or of favour, but constantly vibrating between Sir: — Political debates, from tlio of the Speakers,
misguided rafje
the two, is to put ourselves in the riglu, and for this j)ur- often rise to an enormous height indeed, it requires a long course of
;

ix).se I would reconnnend the innnediate repeal of the Tea exi)erience to determine tlic real interest of the State in every impor.
tant point that occurs. The loudest cavillers against the measures of
Duty, which can be vindicated upon no principles, either of
Government after running their splendid career, become lordly efB.
commerce or policy. Men may allege this would be giving gies of .State, and exhibit a striking portrait of the complexion of the
up the point but if we have no better points to dispute
;
tim<s. In the British annals, the transformation of violent zealots for
public liberty into its most inveterate enemies, clearly proves that tlie
uj)on. I am ready to yield the argument. Raisin" taxes gilded top fur which ambition panta, has an irresistible attraction
 57 BOSTON PORT BILI..
58

Mr. Saicbrid^c said, lie rose again, just to blame the " manner, and for such time as are therein mentioned, the
Minister for beinj; timid in doing his duty without the au- " landing and discharging, lading or shipping, of goods,.
thority of Parliament. He was very certain, he said, that " wares, or merchandise, at the town, and within the har-
there' were three thini!;s in the Bill ; that there was this, " hour of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay,

and this, an<i this things which the Minister might have " in North America ;" to which they desire the concurrence
done without skulking behind the Legislative authority for ofthis House.
shelter; that indeed the fourth, of stopping up their port, The said Bill was read the first time :

he believed it was proper to apply to Parhanient for but ; Ordered, That the said Bill be read a second time, on
he was very certain that this, and this, and this, might have Monday next, and the Lords be summoned.
been done without the aid of Parliament.
Monday, March 28, 1774.
Lord North. Sir, 1 have been formerly blamed for being
the onlv ostensible Minister of this country. 1 am now The Lord Wycombe jiresented to the House, the fol-
charged with not coming forth and doing the duty of an lowing Petition of Stephen Sayer, and others, Natives of
acting Minister without applying to Parliament. 1 never. America
Sir, am ashamed to have the sanction and direction of Par- The same was read by tlie Clerk, as follows :

liament as the rule and guide of my conduct ; but. Sir, if I

To the Right Honorable the Lords Spiritual and Tem-
had done, as the honorable gentleman who spoke last,
poral, in Parliament assembled, the humble Petition oj
wishes mehave done, this, and this, and this, I had done
to
several Natives of America, showeih :
1 had come to Parliament forthat. and that,
nothing, unless
then the main object, what the honorable gentleman thinks That your Petitioners, being Natives of his Majesty's
I ought to have come to Parliament for, and without that, Dominions in America, are deeply interested in every pro-
he allows I should do nothing but however he may wish
; ceeding of this right honorable House, which touches the
nie to have done this, and this, and this, of my own head as life, liberty, or property, of any person or persons in the

a IMinister, the honorable gentleman, (fond as he is, and said Dominions.

always has been, of prerogative,) would have disagreed to That your Petitioners conceive themselves and their fel-
my proceeding, and objected against it. low subjects to be entitled to the rights of natural justice,
The Bill was then Passed without a division. and to the common law of England, as their unalienable
birthright that they apprehend it to be an invariable rule
;

of natural justice, that no man shall be condemned unheard ;

and that, according to law, no person or persons can be
HOUSE OF LORDS. judged without being called upon to answer, and being per-
mitted to hear the evidence against them, and to make their
Saturday, March 26, 1774.
defence.
A
^^essage was brought up from the House of Com- That it is therefore with the deepest concern, they un-
mons, by Mr. Cooper, and others. derstand that there is now before this right honorable
With a Bill intituled, " An Act to discontinue, in such House, a Bill of Pains and Penalties, to be inflicted on the

but the douceurs of the Court have been dealt witli so cautious a hand "ing maxims with any degree of severity at first, before due warning
of lute, and so accurate an iuspaction into the meritsof the candidates, "is given."
that miiny officious pretenders liave retired into the vale of discontent, When men grow adepts in the theory of rebellion, and form BC-hemea
dispirited, unbctViended, and defeated; common observers do not to emancipate themselves from the control of the laws when they ;

readily trace tlio various transactions and refinements which the pa- consider all requisitions from Britain, as unjust, all acts of Parlia.
triotic character undergoes before it can be ripened into modern , ment as tyrannical, the mode of punishment must be extraordinary;
maturity ; a retrospect into certain promotions will confirm the truth the levy of one pound irritates as much as one thousand and as to ;

of this assertion, and it is as demonstrable to the full, that the twinges the conduct of certain members in the House of Commons, I cannot
of the political gout are as severe and incurable as the corporal. think their principles impeachable, who advise the promotion of the
I shall now, !Sir, with steady attention garble those passages in the patriotic zealots, if their preferment could restore the peace and har-
honorable gcntleman^s speech, which never would have attracted my mony of the State. I do not mean to impeach the member's know-
notice, but for the influence it seems to have had over the minds of ledge of agriculture ; yet, I think the comparison relative to sewing
some very narrow connoisseurs here. It is with the strictest deference wheat bears a very far-fetched analogy to the Bustonians punishment.
to the sago politicians in this part of the world, that I offer a few re- Most of the remarks relative to the event of the Act, are too vague to
marks. I will then first warn those who entertain so high an opinion aftord any insight to the most prying observer. How are the People
of it, to weigh maturely the arguments it contains; they will then to cloth and support themselves during the execution of his Quixotte
find otlicr doctrines blended with those they so warmly adopt, rather schemes ? He is confounded in his own ingenious doubts, and leaves
unfavourable to the sticklers for a commonwealth. The elegant the arduous task of unravelling all to the good natured world. But what
modesty of his exordium would have merited applause, had we not gleams of consolation do tiiey derive from the following assertions :

discerned its excessive decline through the whole course of the debate. " If the Government of this country is resisted in America, my
He is not unacquainted with the elaborate logic of the ancients, nor " opinion is, instead of removing the seat of Government iu the Colo-
insensible that eloquence on all subjects, has strong pretensions to "ny, and forcing the elements to bend to our will, (which is impossi-
lit'.'rary ebteem, for he aims at profound sagacity in developing the "ble,) that an etfeotual force should be carried to the heart of the
principles of moral philosophy. "Colony resisting, to crush rebellion in the bud, before a General Con,
" I now venture to predict to this House, that the effeot of the pre, " federacy can be formed." So that you aec this great man is not an
"sent Bill nmst be productive of a General Confederacy to resist the invincible proselyte to moderate measures, but would chastise in cases
" pow'-T of this county. It is irritating, tempting, nay inviting men
! of urgent necessity.
" to those deeds by ineft'ectual expedients, the abortions of an undo, Can tumultuous meetings remedy the defects of law ? Is there not a
"eisive mind, incapable of comprehending the chain of consequences discretionary power in the civil police to summon the posse comitatus .'*

" wliioh must result from such a law. I am not one of those, who Has it not been deemod strictly legal in Britain, to strengthen that
" believe that distant Provinces can be retained in their duty, by body by military aid, on great emergencies ? But when men, in high
"preaching or encliantnients; I believe that force or power, con. offices of civil trust, connived at the base resolves of an immaculate
"ducted with wisdom, are tlie means of securing regular obedience body of select citizens the Governor could not consistently with his
;

" under every establishment; but that sucli force should never be ap. duty interfere, without infringing those rights they pretended they
"plied to any degree of rigour, unless it shall carry the general ap. met to secure had he taken any steps at all, he must have suppressed
;

"probation of mankind in the execution." the whole meeting; and their heart-felt groans for expiring liberty
If the melancholy prospect of affairs, heightened by alarms from would have re-echoed to the inmost recess of his jialace. His inter-
the Iniliiins on the frontiers, presents to our view, evident symptoms position would not have been official, and they never would have al-
of commercial decline here, whicli is the greatest mart for trade in the lowed the greatness of the emergency to supersede the force of their
Colony; I cannot imagine, that tliinking men would be so mad, as chartered rights. His reasons for repealing the Tea Duty, are ex-
to form a general revolt. If courts of justice agree to annihilate ceedingly futile he thinks it cannot be vindicated a dogmatical as-
; ;

themselves, it nmst bo wholly, cannot bo conditionally. Can this con- sertion, of a similar stamp and spirit with the rest. His remarks upon
sist with the loyalty and good manners we profess for the Prince, or Can any charter grant destroy the
inherent privileges are ridiculous.
that virtuous fortitude which combines society in an indissoluble Government which gave it birth at any rate, the pre.
fabric of that ;

union? Can acts of injustice obtain the sanction of unanimous con- cedent would bo far more ignominious for Great Britain to yield to
DOtkt? How ibstracted and refined is the gentleman's reasoning, to America, than America to testify her allegiance to Britain. The disputes
anticipate the general approbation of mankind, as if in an ingenious and which the Bostonians have brought upon themselves,
litigations
combination of speculalivo sentiments, could destroy tliat dispensing they must abide by the consequences of. They have baffled the expedi-
power which is the iiKister-wheel, or that discerning policy whicli is ency of the wisest laws such crimes are heinous, and richly deserve
;

ijitcrwoven in the frame of all Governments. He goes on — capital punishment. If the People of Boston act with discretion, they
" But aft"r the highest characters iu the State had d.clared against may receive continual improvements in trade let them comply in ;

"the right ofthis coimtry, to impose taxes on Aiiifrica for the purpose time, and earnestly seize this grand criterion, to distinguish their real,
"of raising a revenue; after the general voice of the Senate had con- from their pretended friends, and the happy consequences resulting
"curred in repealing the Stamp Act, upon that principle, after tliose from such a timely avowal of their allegiance, and cemented by the
' "men who had maintained these doctrines had been promoted by his constant practice of virtue and good manners, will discover a firm zeal
" Majesty, to the first stations in the administration ol' civil and judi- for their Prince, a virtuous fortitude in themselves, and be an eternal
"cial air.tirs there is much mitigation to bo pleaded in favour of the
; memorial of that discerning policy which is the essential character
" An}eriea7iii Irom those circumstances, (allowing them in an error at ifltic of a free and loyal People.
OB.'SERVA.TOR.
"present,) that every man must feel the height of cruelty by enforc- Norfolk Borough, June 30/A. 1774.
59 BOSTON PORT BILL. 60

town of Boston, for a trespass, committed by some persons Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Com-
unknown, upon the property of the ImsI India Company, mittee of the whole House.
without tlic said town havin<; been apprized of any accusa- Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee
tion being brou!;lit ai;ainst tiiem, or permitted to hear the upon the said Bill to-morrow, and the Ix>rds be sum-
evidence, if tlierc be any, and to maiie llieir defence. moned.
Tliat the Bill takes away immecrialely from the inhabi-
Tuesday, March 29, 1774.
tants of the town, the use of property, to the amount of
several hundred thousand pounds, vested in quays, wharfs, Tlie order of the day lieing read, the House was put
stores, 8ic. Tiiat it will restrain many thousands of his into a Committee of the whole, upon the Bill.
Majesty's subjects from subsistlnir tliemsehes and tiieir The was supported by the l^ords Mansfield, Goiaer,
Bill

liimilies, by their usual employments

that it w ill punisli llio
: Littleton, fVeymuuth, and Suffolk: it was opposed by the

innocent for the ;:uilty and even should all the reparation
;
Dukes of Richmond, and Manchester, the Marquis of
r(;fjuired by the Bill be made, the restoration of that pro- Rockisisrham, and the Lords Temple, Shelburne, Camden,
jierty, or any part of it, is suffered to depend solely upon and Stair; but the principal arguments were between the
ijie will of the Crown. Lords Mansfield and Camden.
1 our Petitioners conceive such proceeding to be directly After some time, the House was resumed
ropuijnant to every jirinciple of law and justice and that : And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee,
•' Thai they
under such a precedent, no man. or body of men. could had gone through the Bill, and directed him to
I'ujoy a moment's security; for if judgment be immediately " report the same to the House, without anv amendment.'
10 follow an accusation, the accused, unacquainted with the Ordered, That the said Bill he read a third time to-
charge, and debarred from defenfling themselves, every morrow, and that the Lords be summoned.
fence against liilse accusation will be pulled down, justice
Wednesday, March 30, 1774.
will no longer be a shield, nor innocence an exenq)iion
from punishment. The Earl of Stair presented to the House a Petition of
Your Petitioners beg leave to represent, that the law in William Bollan, Esq., Agent for the Council oi' the Pro-
America, ministers redress for any injury sustained there ; vince of Massachusetts Bay.
and they can most tmly affirm, that it is administered in The same was read by the Clerk as follow s
that country with as much iiiq)artiality, as in any other part
To the Right Honorable the Lords Spiritual and Tempo-
of his Majesty's Dominions. In proof of this, tliey appeal
ral, Parliament assembled, the Petition of William
in
to an instance oi great notoriety, in which, under every cir-
Bollan, Esq., Agent for the Council of the Frovinn: of
cumstance that could exasperate the People, and disturb
Massachusetts Bay, most humbly shoieeth :
the course of justice, Captain Fnston and his soldiers had
a fair trial, and a favourable \erdict. The due course of That the " Bill for the immediate removal of the oflicers
law thus manifestly holding out redress, they cannot but " concerned in the collection and management of his Ma-
(consider the interposition of Parliamentary power to be its " jesty's duties of Customs, from the town of Boston, in the
imnecessary, as it is arbitrary and unjust. ''
Province oi Massachusetts Bay, in North America and ; to
Your Petitioners conceive, that this right honorable ' discontinue tlie landing, discharging, lading, and shipping,
House, being the supreme judicature of this A'ation, are too " of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the said town of
well acquainted with the inviolable rules of justice, to re- " Boston, or within the harbour thereof," at present depcnc'-
ifiire any further objections to the Bill against the town of ing under consideration of this right honorable House, con-
Boston, now under consideration. tains various provisions proposed to be enacted, inconsistent
They therefore trust and pray, that this right honorable with the ancient and just rights, lawful possessions, usual
House will not pass a Bill, which is to condenui and punish comforts of life, and common social benefits, with other im-
jjersons unheard, and therefore deprived of that privilege, portant interests of the Petitioner's constituents, long lield
which every principle of justice, and every practice of law, ill amicable conjunction with other inhabitants of Boston,
allows to the meanest individual the privilege of hearing
: and the Province, and the other Colonies, and the most de-
and controverting the evidence against liim, and maintain- sirable connection with innumerable persons employed in
ing his innocence. manufactures, trade, and navigation, in Great Britain,
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. whereby they have been well maintained, and praspered ;

Signed, and moreover, with the general circulation of American

Stephen Saycr, John Peronncau, commerce, from which so great benefits are dailv recei\ed
IVilliam Lee, Peeke Fuller, by this Kingdom, in various ways.
Benjamin Franklin. E'lward Fenicicke, That the merchants of Boston were not jiartakers of the
fVilliam Middlcton, IViUinm Middleto,'., Jim. offence committed in the iate destruction of the tea there,
Henry Laurence, Th'imas Finckney, nor of any other act of violence nevertheless, if the present
;

Ralph Jzard, William Hascl Gihhs, Bill be enacted, they will become the chief sufferers, totje-
Isaac Motte, Thomas Bromfteld, ther with numerous British merchants and manufacturers.
John Ellis, Joshua Johnston, Wherefore your Lordships Petitioner humbly prays
Hugh Williamson, John Hobson, that he may be heard before this riglit honorable House, in
Thomas Barker, Daniel Bowley, order to prevent these provisions from passing to be enacted.
John Boylston, John Allci/nc, W. Bollan.
Arthur Lee, fFilliam Blake, Which done,
Thomas Ruston, John Ballendine, The said Mr. Bollan was called in, and heard at the bar,
Philip Neyle, J. Williams. against the said Bill.'
Edward Bancroft, He is directed to withdraw. Then the said Bill was
Ordered, That the said Petition do read the third time.
lie on the table.
The question was put, " whether this Bill shall Pass r
The order of die day being read, for taking into con- It was resolved in the Affirmative, Ncmine Disscntientc.
sideration the several Papers laid before this House, (by his
Majesty's command,) relating to Disturbances in America ; Thursday, 7V/«rc/i 31, 1774.
and also Majesty's most gracious Message in relation
his
thereto; and for the Lords to be summoned His Majesty being seated on the Throne, adorned with
:

And the said Papers were accordingly read by the his Crown and reiral ornaments, and attended bv his offi-
Clerk. cers of State, (the Lords being in their robes,) the Com-

Then the order of the day being read, for the second mons with their Speaker, attending; the Royal assent was
reading of the Bill, and for the Lords to be summoned pronounced severally, by the Clerk's Assistant, to thirty-
:

Tiie said Bill was accordingly read the second time. nine Bills, beginning with the Boston Port Bill.
It was moved ' to commit the Bill," which being ob-
The
following Petition of the IVatives of America, then
jected to in London, was presented to the King, on the nioming
After long debate, the question was put thereon ? It was of the 3l9l of March, before he went to the House
resolved in the .\ffinnative. of Ixirds
61 BOSTON PORT BILL. «t
7'o the King's iiiost excellent Mnje.sti/. the humble Peti- board certain vessels 1\ ing within the bay or harbour of
tion of several Natives of America, shoireih : Boston, were seized and destroyed and w hereas in the
:

That your Majesty's Petitioners are natives of your Do- present condition of the said town and harbour, the
minions in America, and Ijear most true and cordial alle- connnerce of his Majesty's subjects cannot be safely carried
•rianoe to your Majesty's Royal person and family. on there, nor the Customs payable to his Majesty duly
Tliat allei!;iance and protection bein!,^ reci])rocal, your collected ; and it is therefore expedient that tlie oiKcers of
Petitioners look your Majesty for protection under
up to his Majesty's Customs should be forthwith removed from

the common law of tiie land, which is their birth-right. the said town may it please you Majesty that it may be
;

That, according to law, no man can be condemned to enacted, and be it enacted by the King's most excellent
punislunent witliout beini( called upon to answer, nor with- Majesty, by and with the advise and consent of the Lord<
out an opportunity of hearing- the evidence ai;ainst him, and Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons in this present
defendintc his innocence. That in violation of this law and , Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same,
of every principle of natural justice, a Bill is now ofiered that from and after the lirst (lay of June, 1774, it shall not
lor the Royal assent, calculated to inflict pains and penal- be lawful for any person or persons whatsoever, to lade or
ties,with unexampled severity, upon your Majesty's loyal put, or cause or procure- to be laden or put, oft" or from
town of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay ; the any quay, wharf, or other place, within the said town of
said town beino; unap prized of the proceedings, and not Boston, or in or upon any part of the shore of the bay.
heard in its defence that such Bill, if it receive your Ma-
: commonly called the Harbour of Boston, between a certain
jesty's assent, will immediately take away from the inliabi- headland or point, called Nahant Point, on the eastern side
tants of the town of Boston the use of property to the of the entrance into the said bay, and a certain headland or
amount of several himdred thousand pounds, vested in point called Alderton Point, on the western side of the en-
quays, wharfs, store-houses, &c. will restrain many thou-
; trance into the said bay, or in or upon any island, creek,
sands of your Majesty's subjects from procuring subsistence landing place, bank, or other place, within the said bay,
for themselves and their families, by their ordinary occupa- or tieadlands, into any ship, vessel, lighter, boat, or bottom,
tions ; may
endanger the community, by violent commo- any goods, wares, or merchandise, whatsoever, to be trans-
tions from so many men rendered desperate, by being de- ported or carried into any other country, pro\ince, or
prived of their daily bread and, \\hat cannot but do the
; place, whatsoever, or into any other part of the said Pro-
last violence to the Royal justice, will punish the innocent vince of the Massachusetts Bay, in Neiv England; or to
for the guilty. take up, discharge, or lay on land, or cause or procure to
Your Majesty's Petitioners most humbly represent, that be taken up, discharged, or laid on land, within the said
this Bill the more unjust, as the trespass it is meant to
is town, or in or upon any of the places aforesaid, out of ai\\
jJunLsh, has not been prosecuted in the Courts of common boat, lighter, ship, vessel, or bottom, any goods, wares, or
law in America, where only according to law and the con- merchandise, whatsoever, to be brought from any other
stitution, it is cognizable. That the interposition of this country, province, or place, or any other part of the said
Bill is as totally unnecessary as the it is unjust mode of Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in Neiv England,
because, your Majesty's Courts in America, are open to the upon the pain of forfeiture of the said goods, wares, and
redress of any injury sustained there; and justice is so little merchandise, and of the said boat, lighter, ship, vessel, or
liable to perversion, that under every impression of popular other bottom, into which the same shall be put, or out of
prejudice. Captain Prt/ston and others had, in this your which the same shall be taken, and of the guns, ammuni-
Majesty's Province of the Massachusettt Bay, a fair trial, tion, tackle, furniture, and stores, in or belonging to the
and a favourable verdict. same and if any such goods, wares, or merchandise, shall
;

Your Majesty's Petitioners do therefore humbly pray, within the said town, or in any the places aforesaid, be
that your Majesty will be most graciously pleased to sus- laden or taken in from the shore into any barge, hoy, lighter,
pend your Royal assent to a Bill, calculated to condemn wherry, or boat, to.be carried on board any ship or vessel
and punish their countrymen unheard, and fomi a prece- outward bound to any other country or province, or other
dent, which will take away every securit) and protection, part of said Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New
under the law, from all your Majesty's subjects in America. England, or be laden or taken into such barge, hoy,
Ajid your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. lighter, wherry, or out of any ship or vessel coming and

William Lee, Walter Izard, arriving from any other country or province, or other part

B. Franklin, Edward Fenwicke, of the said Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in Neu-
John Ellis, Thomas Pinckney, England, such barge, hoy, lighter, wherry, or boat, shall
H. Laurence, William Middleton, Jun. be forfeited and lost.
miliam Blake, John Boylstov, And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
Robert Izard, John Ballendine, That if any wharfinger, or keeper of any wharf, crane, or
Charles Fuller, John Ward, quay, or their servants, or any of them, shall take up or
Isaac Motte, Jos. Johnston, land, or knowingly suffer to be taken up or landed, or shall

Thomas Barker, John Hobson, ship oft", or suffer to be waterborne, at or from any of the
William Middleton, Daniel Bowley, aforesaid wharfs, cranes, or quays, any such goods, wares,
Thomas Ruston, John Perronneau, or merchandise ;in every such case, all and every such

Petke Fuller, Arthur Lee, wharfinger, and keeper of such wharf, crane, or quay, and
Joh. Williams, Joel Poinsett, every person whatsoever who shall be assisting, or otherwise
Robert Izard, Jun., William n. Gibbs, concerned in the shipping or in the loading or putting on
Philip Neyle, James Marshall. board any boat or other vessel, for that purpose, or in the
J. F. Grimkb, unshipping such goods, wares, and merchandise, or to whose
hands the same shall knowingly ceme after the loading,
shipping or unshipping thereof, shall forfeit and lose treble
Anno Decimo Quarto Georgii III. Regis. the value thereof, to be computed at the highest price
which such sort of goods, wares, and merchandise, shall
An Act to Manner, and for such Time
discontinue in ntch
bear at the place where such offence shall be committed,
as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging,
at the time when the same shall be so committed, together
lading or shipping, of Goods, Wares, and Merchandise,
with the vessel and boats, and all the horses, cattle and
at the Town and jvithin the Harbour q/" Boston, in the
carriages, whatsoever made use of in the shipping, un-
Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North America.
shipping, landing, removing, carriage, or conve3'ance of
Whereas dangerous commotions and insurrections have any of the aforesaid goods, wares, and merchandise.
been fomented and raised in the town of Boston, in the And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
Province of Massachusetts Bay, in Ncu< England, by That if any ship or vessel shall be moored or lie at anchor,
divers ill-afl'ected persons, to the subversion of his Majes- or be seen hovering within the said bay, described and
ty's Govenunent, and to the utter destniction of the jniblic bounded as aforesaid, or within one league from the said ba\
peace, and good order of the said town in which commo- ; so described, or the said headlands, or any of the islands
tions and insurrections certain valuable cargoes of teas, lying between or within the same, it shall and may be
being the property of the East India Company, and on lawful for any Admiral, Chief Commander, or commissioned
68 BOSTON PORT BILL. 64

officer, of his Majesty's fleet or ships ol war, or for any " the Second, intituled, An Act for the encouragement of
officer of his Majesty's custowis, to compel such ship or " the Greenland and Eastland Trades, and for the better
vessel to depart to some oiIkt ))ort or harhour, or to such
" securing the Plantation Trade and (or altering and
;

station a.s the said officer shall appoint, and to use such force
" disallowing several drawbacks on exports from this King-
for that purpose as siiall be found necessary ; and if such " dom, and more effectually preventing the clandestine
ship or vessel shall not depart accordin<:ly, uithin six hours
" conveyance of goods to, and irom, the said Colonies and
after notice for that purpose c;iven by such person as " Plantations, and imi)roving and securing the trade betw een
aforesaid, such ship or vessel, touether with all the f;oods " the same and Great Britain ;" the other passed in the
laden on board thereon, and all the <runs, ammunition, eighth year of his present Majesty's Reign, intituled, " An
" Act ibr the more easy and effectual recovery of the
tackle and furniture, shall be forfeited and lost, whether
hulk sliall have been broken or not.
" penalties and forfeitures inflicted by the Acts of Parlia-
Provided alway.i, That nothino; in tliis Act contained
" ment, relating to the trade or revenues of the British
be construed to extend, to any military or " Colonies and Plantations in America."
shall extend, or
other stores for his Majesty'suse, or to the ships or vessels And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
whereon the same shall he laden, which shall be commis- That every charter party bill of loading, and other contract,
sioned by, and in the immediate pay of, his Majesty, his heirs for consigning, shipping, or carrying any goods, wares, and

and successors nor to any fuel or \ictual brouLdit coastways

:
merchandise, wh.atsoever, to or iVoni the said town of Bos-
from any part of the Continent of America, for the neces- ton, or any part of the bay or harbour thereof, described

sary use and sustenance of the inhabitants of the said town as aforesaid, which have been made or entered into, or
of Boston provided the vessel wherein the same are to be
:
which shall be made or entered into, so long as this Act
carried, shall be duly furnished with a cocket and let-pass, shall remain in full force, relating to any ship which

after having been duly searched by the proper officers of shall arrive at the said town or harbour, after the first day

his Majesty's customs at Mnrblehead, in the port of Sahm, of June, 1774, shall be, and the same an hereby declared
in the said Province of Mnssncliusdts Bmj ; and the same to be, utterly voiil, to all intents and purposes whatso-
officer of his Majesty's Cusioms he also jiut on board the ever.
said vessel, who is hereby authoriz.ed to go on hoard, and And befurther enacted by the authority aforesaid.
it

proceed with the said vessel, together with a sufficient That whenever it shall be made to appear to his Majesty,

number of pereons, properly amied, for his defence, to the in his Privy Council, that peace and obedience to the laws

said town or harbour of Boston ; nor to any ships or vessels shall be so far restored in the saiil town of Boston, that
which may happen to be within tiie said harbour of Boston, the trade of Great Britain tnay be safely carried on there,
on or before tlie the first day of June, 1774, and may and his Majesty's customs duly collected, and his Majesty,
have either laden or taken on board, or be tliere with intent in his Privy Council, shall adjudge the same to be true, it
to load or take on hoard, or to land or discharge any goods, shall and may be lawful for his Majesty, by Proclamation,
wares, and merchandise, provided tiie said ships and \ essels or Order of Council, to assign and appoint the extent,
do depart the said harbour within fourteen days after the bounds and limits, of the port or harbour of Boston, and
first day of June, 1774. of every creek or haven within the same, or in the islands
And be it further enacted Inj the authority aforesaid, within the precinct thereof; and also to assign and appoint
That all seizures, penalties, and forfeitures, inflicted by this such and so many open places, quays, and wharft, wuhin
Act, shall be made and prosecuted by any Admiral, Chief the said harbour, creeks, havens, and islands, for the
Commander, or commissioned officer, of his Majesty's fleet, landing, discharging, lading, and shipping of goons, as his
or ships of war, or by the officers of his Majesty's Customs, Majesty, his heirs, or successors, shall judge necessary and
or some of them, or by some other person deputed or expedient and also to appoint such and so many officers
;

authorized, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer, or of the Customs therein, as his Majesty shall think fit after ;

the Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, for the time which it shall be lawful for any person or persons to lade
being, and by no other person whatsoever and if any
;
or put oft" from, or to discharge and land ui)on, such wharfs,
such officer, or other person authorized as aforesaid, shall quays, and places, so appointed, within the said harbour,
directly or indirectly, take or receive any bribe or reward, and none other, any goods, wares, and merchandise, what-
or connive at such lading or unlading, or shall make or soever.
commence any collusive seizure, information, or agreement, Provided always, Tliat if any goods, wares or merchan-
for that purpose, or sliall do any other act whatsoever, dise, shall be laden or put off from, or discharged or
whereby the goods, wares, or merchandise, prohibited as landed upon, any other place than the quays, wharfs, or
aforesaid, shall be suffered to pass either inwards or out- places, so to be appointed, the same, together with the
wards, or whereby the forfeitures and penalties inflicted by ships, boats, and other vessels emjjloyed therein, and the
this Act may be evaded, every such offender shall forfeit horses, or other cattle and carriages used to convey the
the sum of five hundred pounds for every such offence, and same, and the person or persons concerned or assisting
shall hecome incapable of any office or employment, civil or therein, or to whose hands the same shall knowingly come,
military and every person who shall give, offer, or promise,
; sliall suffer all the forfeitures and penalties imposed by this
any such bribe or reward, or shall contract, agree, or treat or any other Act on the illegal shipping or landing of
with, any person, so authorized as aforesaid, to commit goods.
any such offence, shall forfeit the sum of fifty pounds. Provided also. And hereby declared and enacted,
it is

And he it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. that nothing herein contained shall extend or be construed,
That the forfeitures and penalties inflicted by this Act shall to enable his IMajesty to appoint such port, harbour, creeks,
and may be prosecuted, sued for, and recovered, and be quays, wharfs, places, or oliicers, in the said town ofBo'ston,
divided, paid, and applied, in like manner, as other ))enal- or intlie said bay or islands, until it shall sufficiently ajipear
ties and forfeitures inflicted by any Act or Acts of Parlia- to his Majesty, that full satisfaction hath been made by or on
ment, relating to the trade or revenues of the British behalf of the inhabitants of the said town of Boston, to
Colonies, or Plantations in America, are directed to be the United Company of merchants of England, trading to
prosecuted, sued for, or recovered, divided, paid and the East Indies, for the damages sustained by the said
applied, by two several Acts of Parliament, the one ]iassed Company, by the destruction of their goods sent to the
in the fourth year of his present Majesty, intituled " An said town of Boston, on board certain ships or vessels, as
" Act fof granting certain Duties in the British Colonies aforesaid and until it shall be certified to his Majesty, in
;

" and Plantations in America ; for continuinir, amending, Council, by the Governor, or Lieutenant Governor, of
" and making perpetual, an Act, passed in the sixth year of the said Province, that reasonable satisfaction hath been
" the Reign of his late Majesty King George the Second, made to the officers of his Majesty's Revenue and others,
" intituled, An Act for the better securing and encouraging who suffered by the riots and insurrections above men-
" the tr.ule of his Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America tioned, in the months of November and Dvomber, in the
" for applyinj; the produce of such duties, and of the duties year 1773, and in the month of January, in the year 1774.
" to arise by virtue of the said Act, towards defraying the And it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid,
be
" expense of defending, protecting, and securing, the said That any action or suit shall be commenced, either in
if
" Colonies and Plantations for explaining an Act made
; Great Britain or America, against any person or persons,
" in the twenty-fifth year of the Reign of King Charles for any thing done in pursuance of this Act of Parliament,
65 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 66
tliodefendant or defendants, in sucli action or suits, may dants ;
and if the plaintiff shall be nonsuited, or discontinue
plead the general issue, and give the said Act, and the his action, after the defendant or defendants shall have
special matter in evidence, at any trial to be had thereupon, appeared or if judgment shall be given upon any verdict
;

and that the same was done in pursuance and by the au- or demurrer against the plaintiff, the defendant or defen-
thority of this Act ; and if it shall appear so to have dants shall recover treble costs, and have the like remedy
been done, the jury shall find for the defendant or defen- for thesame as defendents have in other cases by law.

III. BILL FOR THE BE ITER REGULATING THE GOVERNxAlENT

OF THE PROVINCE OF 31ASSACHUSETTS BAY.

HOUSE OF COMMONS. for such a number of years, has ever done his duty in such
a manner as to force obedience to the laws. If the Govern-
Friday, March 25, 1774.
or issued a proclamation, there was hardly found a magis-
Resolved, That this House will this day, after the House trate to obey it the Governor, of his own authority, can do
;

shall have ))roceeded upon the other orders of the day, re- nothing he cannot act, or give out any order, without
;

solve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to talie seven of the Council consenting the authority of that Go- ;

into further consideration his Majesty's most gracious Mes- vernment is in so forlorn a situation that no Governor can
sage of Monday, the 7th day of this instant, March, together act ;and, where there is such a want of civil authority, can
with the Papers which were presented to the House by it be supposed that the military, be they ever so numerous,

Lord North, upon the 7th and 11th days of this instant, can be of the least service ? For I shall always consider
March, by his Majesty's command. that a military power, acting under the authority and con-
Ordered, That the several Papers which were presented troul of a Civil Magistrate, is part of the constitution but ;

to the House by the Lord North, upon the 28th day of the military alone ought not, and cannot act without the
November and 7th day of December, 1768, and the 20th controul of the Civil Magistrate. How was it possible for
day of January, \ 769 and also the several Papers pre-
; the military to maintain good Government when they were
sented to the House by Mr. Vice Ciiamberlain, upon the not called upon by the civil authority ? I propose, in this
7th day of May, 1770, from No. 1, to No. 9, inclusive, Bill, to take the executive power from the hands of the
relating to his Majesty's Colonies, in North America, be democratic part of Government I would propose, that the ;

referred to the said Committee. Governor should act as a Justice of Peace, and that he
Ordered, That tiie Paper, intituled " Massachusetts should have the power to appoint the officers throughout
" Bay Charter, granted by King fVilliamand Queen. Mary, the whole civil authority, such as the sheriffs, provost,
" in the tliird year of their reign," which was presented to marshal, &,c. —
The Chief Justice and Judges of the Su-
the House upon the 22d day o( January, 1740, be referred preme Court excepted. I would have them only remova-
to the said Committee. ble by his Majesty, under his sign manual, and upon good
representations made here. Every gentleman will naturally
Monday, March 28, 1774.
see the impropriety of such irregular assemblies, or town-
Resolved, That this House will immediately resolve meetings, which are now held in Boston ; I would have
itself intoa Committee of the whole House, to take into them brought under some regulation, and would not suffer
further consideration his Majesty's most gracious Message them to be held widiout the consent of the Governor, un-
of Monday, the 7th day of this instant, March, together less upon the annual election of certain officers, which it is
with the Papers which were presented to the House by the their province to choose. Their juries are improperly
Lord North, upon the 7th and 11th days of this instant, chosen I think a degree of regulation highly necessary
;
;

March, by his Majesty's command. I am always ready and open to hear those matters discussed,
The House accordingly resolved itself into the said Com- and inclined to alter my opinion, when I hear better reasons
mittee. for adopting any other mode of putting the civil magistracy
Mr. Speaker left the Chair. of that country upon a good footing but until the execu- ;

Sir Charles Whitworth took the Chair of the Com- tive power is free, it cannot act our regulations here are of
;

mittee. no import, if you have nobody in that country to give them

Lord North rose and said, he meant now to open the force. Some immediate, as well as permanent remedy,
plan of the Bill which he proposed to bring in ; and as it must be adopted. I therefore propose the present Bill,
might very well be understood by gentlemen in that House, which I apprehend will effectually purge that constitution
from the Papers relating to America, that then laid before of all its crudities, and give a degree of strength and spirit
them, that an executive power was wanting in tiiat country, to the civil magistracy, and to the executive power. I
and that it was highly necessary to strengthen the magis- therefore move you, Sir, " That leave be given to bring in
tracy of it; that the force of the civil power consisted in " a Bill for the better regulating the Government of the
the posse comitatus ; and when it is considered, said his " Province of Massachusetts Bay." I propose that this
Lordship, that the posse are the very People who have Bill shall be brought in, and lie upon tlie table, for tlie in-
committed all these riots, little obedience to the preserva- spection of the House and gentlemen who wish to make the
tion of the peace is to be expected from them. There propriety of such a Bill the measure of their conduct.
appears to be a total defect in the constitutional power Mr. Byng said, that he could not be at all surprised at
throughout. If the democratic part shows that contempt hearing that the Governor of Boston had no power, when
of obedience to the laws, how is the Governor to execute liehad not a single place in his gift. It was now become a
any authority vested in him ? If he wants any magistrate fashion, he said, to give awaydiose places of emolument to
to act, whom he knows will be willing to execute the laws, men of this country, widi reversions to one, two, or three
he has not the power of appointing one, nor of removing sons ; to men who had never been of the least public ser-
one that will not act the Council have alone that power,
; vice to this country, in his apprehensions, [meaning Mr.
whose dependence is on the democratic part of tlie consti- Bradshaic] Whilst places continue to be given away to
tution. It appears tliat the Civil Magistrate has been, for a men of this country, the emoluments of which arise from
series of years, uniforndy inactive there is sometliing radi-
; the labour and sweat of an American brow, it will undoubt-
cally wrong in that constitution, in which no magistrate edly, and very property, totally annihilate the power of any
Fourth Series. 5
67 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 68

supreme officer in thai country. Men look up to their su- any proposition he may make for the security and welfare
periors,and obey tlieir directions according to the emolu- of that Government. You have. Sir, no Government, no
ments received from Uiem and when once their is no de-
;
Governor tlie whole are the proceedings of a tumultuous
;

pendence in it, there will be no obedience. and riotous rabble, who ought, if they had the least pru-
Sir F. Norton (Speaker) said, he only got up to know, dence, to follow their mercantile employment, and not
whether there was to be an Assembly left to the Arnerican.i trouble themselves with politics and Govermnent, which

or not? For he was not able to say, from what lie had they do not undei-stand. We are told by some gentlemen,
heard from the noble Lord, whether tlie Assembly was to oh do not break the charter
! do not take away their
;

be annihilated or not. rights that lu-e granted to them by the predecessors of the

Lord North assured the right honorable member, that Crown ; whoever. Sir, wishes to preserve such charters,
there would be nothing; in this Bill that affected either the without a due correction and regulation ^^ hoever. Sir, ;

Assembly or the Council in iJieir legislative power. wishes for such subjects, I wish them no worse than to go-
Mr. Stephen Fot. Can there be any thing so necessa- vern them. Put this People, Sir, upon a free fooring of
ry to alter as that Govermnent which can neither govern Government do not let us be every day asnerting our
;

nor manage itself? The People of Boston have behaved rights by words, and they denying our authority, and pre-

in a most outrageous manner, militating against every prin- venting the execution of our laws. Let us. Sir, persevere
ciple of law and justice, combating against its own consti- in refining that Government which cannot support itself,

tutional power, and totally subverting every idea of order and proceed on in the manner we have begun, and I make
and regularity. Would you let these men go on in the no doubt but, by a manly and steady perseverance, things
chaos of disturbance ? Would you wish them to proceed may be restored from a state of anarchy and confusion, to
so precipitately to their destruction without once lending peace, quietude, and a due obedience to the laws of this
the aid of your deliberations to rescue them from the self- country.
conceived and false opinions which they have imbibed. I Lord North. I thank the noble Lord for every propo-

ho]>e. Sir, this House will lend its advice, and endeavour to sition he lias held out they are worthy of a great mind,
;

save these hot-headed Americans, not by violent measures and such as ought to be adopted and indeed I cannot say
;

but by firm and manly proceedings. that at present there is any objection to what is proposed
Lord George Germain. It may not be improper. Sir, being regulated at some future period if any thing can
;

I hope, to throw out a little upon this occasion, and to ask tend to the relief of the present distresses in America, it is
for further information, to know whether this is to be the the unanimity of this House, and of men of such abilities as
extent of the proposition with regard to the salutary the noble Lord, in the projection of measures necessary to
measures that are to be made and taken in tiiis Committee, be taken. Every proposition the noble liOrd has mentioned
during this whole Session if so. Sir, I should be glad to
; coincides with my mind; 1 see the propriety of them, and
give my poor opinion, and add my mile of preservation to 1 would wish to adopt them. It is not my proposition to

that country. I could have wished that the noble Lord, close this Committee before other measures may be ofliered,
when he was forming this scheme of salvation to this coun- which, for any thing I know, may have a degree of prefer-
trj^, would have, at least, considered that there were other ence to those I have this day proposed. I, for my part.
parts of the internal Government necessary to be put under Sir, shall think of the propositions made, and receive them

some regulation. I mean particularly the internal Govern- to be canvassed by greater wisdom and abilities than mine.
ment of the Province of Massachusetts Baij. I wish to 1 am clear, with the noble Lord, that the constitution of

see the Council of that country on the same footing as other this charter ought not to prevent Parliament from inter-
Colonies. There is a degree of absurdity, at present, in fering to regulate those matters in America, which the in-
the election of the Council. I cannot. Sir, disagree with digested measures of their charter have, perhaps, precipi-
the noble Lord, nor can I think he will do a better thing, tately been, in some degree, a means of preventing the
than to put an end to their town meetings. I would not peace and quietness of that country from being restored.
have men of a mercantile cast every day collecting them- Mr. Phipps got up, but the House being noisy, he was
selves together, and debating about political matters I ; not much attended to.
would have them follow their occupations as Merchants, Mr. Fownall used much the same kind of arguments
and not consider themselves as Ministers of that country. he had done in the former debates, and gave a judicious
I would also wish, that all corporate powers might be given account of the Government of Avierica. He concluded
to certain People in every town, in the same manner that with giving to the Americans the character of a conscien-
Corporations are formed here 1 should then expect to see
; tious, good, religious, peaceable set of People, and said that
some subordination, some authority and order. I do not there was not in all liis Majesty's Dominions a more re-
know by what power those are to be formed, but I wish spectable set of persons existing.
that they may be formed by some. Again, Sir, 1 think Lord North's motion was then agreed to, and
that the method of Grand Juries ought to be much attend- Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.
ed to tliey are now chosen for life, and have a yearly
; Sir Wkiticorth reported from the Committee,
Charles
salary, and these are the men to whom your life and pro- that he was directed by the Committeeto move the House
perty is entrusted. Your People know to whom to make that leave be given to bring in a Bill lor the better regula-
application, when law and justice are wished to be subvert- ting the Goveniment of the Province of the Massachmctts
ed by favour and affection. Your Petty Juries are elected Bay in North America.
annually, so many persons in each town to these men of-
; Ordered, That leave be granted to bring in the Bill ;

fenders know how to apply and when any riot happens

; and that Sir Charles Whitjvorth, the Lord North, Mr. At-
between the military power and the People of the town, torney General, and Mr. Solicitor General, do prepare and
the Jury, being taken principally out of that town, the bring in the same.
power of life and death of the offender is lodged in those
Friday, April 15, 1774.
who are offended. These juries, I think, require great
regulation they are totally different from ours, and in my
; The Lord North presented to the House, according to
idea, carry with them not only the highest degree of ab- order, a Bill for the better regulating the Government of
surdity, but are subject to be led aside to commit the high- the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North America
est and most palpable enormities against justice and the and the same was received.
laws of the lanfl. I would not wish to protract the noble Lord North, on presenting the Bill, (after the breviat
Lord's Bill, by lengthening it out to a degree which he was read, containing the projiositions wliich in moving for
does not wish it to go, nor to oppose the measures which the Bill, he had mentioned as the ground of with this ad- it, S
he has already adopted. I would wish to bring the con- dition and alteration, " that the nomination of the Council ^
stitution of America as similar to our own as possible. I should be by the Crown,") said, in this Bill there would
would wish to see the Council of that country similar to a be no negative voice in the Council ; nor was the Lieu-
House of Lords in this. I would v.ish to see chancei-y tenant Governor and Secretary to be of the Council, unless
suits determined by a Court of Chancery, and not by the nominated by his Majesty ; that the Council would have
Assembly of that Province. At present tlieir Assembly is much the same power
as before, except the nomination of
'

a downright clog upon all the proceedings of the Governor, judicial officers that he had altered the mode of choosing
;

and the Council are continually thwarting and opposing of juries, from the hints that were thrown out the other day

t
69 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 70

in the debate by a noble Lord, (George Germain;) that purpose. He said great inconvenience would arise from the
the principle on which our juries were formed seemed to be town meetings not being held without the consent of the
highly approved of, and that of the juries of America dis- Governor ; that all business of a municipal nature was done
approved of; that he had now adopted the mode of choice at a town meeting that these towns were, in many places,
;

as near the method of choosing the juries in England as three hundred miles from the Capital, and that business
possible ; that this was a regulation of a very nice kind must stand still in many instances, in these towns, till the
and gentlemen did not like to have it made part of the
if Governor's consent could be obtained. He concluded
present Bill, it might be separated and made a Bill of with expressing a wish that the laws of the Province of
Itself. Massachusetts Bay, as far as related to the present Bill,
Mr. R. Fuller gave notice, that he intended to move for might be laid before the House.
a Committee to inquire into the Tea Duty on Thursday The Bill was then read the first time.
next, to see whether or not it was possible to repeal that Ordered, That the said Bill be read a second time upon
Act before the present one took place. thisday sevennight.
Mr. Dempster desired to ask the noble Lord, by whom Ordered, (on the motion of Mr. Doivdeswell,) That
the Governors and Judges were appointed formerly, and such a number of copies of the said Bill be printed, as shall
by whom paid ? be sufficient for the use of the members of the House.
Lord North said, the Judges were paid by the Crown ;
Tuesday, April 19, 1774.
and that their salaries were to accrue out of the duties
cliargeable on the tea. Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his
Mr. Dowdeswell said, he was unwilling to let the day Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give direc-
pass without some observations on the Bill, as it was tions, that there be laid before this House, a copy of an
brought in upon a different plan to what it was moved. Act of the General Court of the Province of Massachusetts
He observed, that Government had now received sufficient Bay, made in the fourth year of the reign of King William
advice for regulating their conduct, and coming to some and Queen Mary, entituled, " An Act for regulating of
decision about what was proper to be done but the further ;
" Townships, choice of Town Officers, and setting forth
tJiey went, the worse they were that the House had now
;
" their powers ;" and also copies of all other Acts of the
a Bill before them, which was calculated to destroy the General Court of the said Province, for the regulation of
charter of the Province of Massachusetts Bay ; that if, in- Townships and Town Meetings.
deed, we were now
make a new charter for governing
to Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his
and regulating the number of emigrants that are daily Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions
going to America, we should, perhaps, make it in a diffe- that there be laid before this House, a copy of an Act of the
more to the disposition of the times
rent manner, and suit it General Court of the Province of Massachusetts Buy,
but I wish, said he, no new charter granted. The
to see made in the seventh year of the reign of King William the
Americans have laboured with unwearied industry, and Third, for summoning, returning, and regulating the choice
flourished for near fourscore years under that democratic of Grand and Petty Juries together with copies of all other
;

charter they have increased their possessions, and im-

; permanent or temporary Acts of the said General Court,
proved their lands to a pitch we could not have expected, relative thereto.
and we have reaped the benefit of their labour, yet you are Ordered, That the said Addresses be presented to his
now going to destroy that very charter which has subsisted Majesty by such members of this House as are of his Ma-
to the mutual benefit of both countries the charter which
;
jesty's most honorable Privy Council.
they have, breathes a spirit of liberty superiour to any thing Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his
either of the former or present times. It was granted in Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions
King William's time, and is more adapted to the spirit of a that there be laid before this House :

free people, than any charter that can possibly be framed Extract of a Letter from Governor Bernard to the Lords
by any Minister now but, I hope, before this Bill passes,
; Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, dated Boston,
that you will, at least, recollect yourselves in a cool, dispas- 7th July, 1766.
sionate manner, and look upon Americans as your children, Extract of a Letter from Governor Bernard to the
and call them by whatever name you will, rebellious or diso- Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 30th May, 1768.
bedient, that you will consider, at the same time, that they Extract of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson to the
are froward children, that there are also peevish parents, and Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 6th July, 1771 with ;

that the ill-humour and disposition of a child is oftentimes a copy of his Message to the House of Representatives,
brought about by the petulant obstinacy of a foolish parent. and of the Answer of the said House.
The ridiculous doctrine that parents are apt to instil into Extract of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson to the
their children, of
—
" you shall do it you shall do it," is
oftentimes the means of enforcing the same disposition in
Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 29th May, 1772.
Extract of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson to the
the child, of " I wont." I hate that absurd obstinacy, of Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 22d February, 1773.
" you shall," and, " I wont," between parent and child. Copies of the Speeches of Governor Hutchinson to the
You are not now contending for a point of honour ;
you are General Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, with the
struggling to obtain a most ridiculous superiority, to which Answers of the Council and House of Representatives.
1 hardly know a name bad enough to stamp it with. The Copy of a Petition and Remonstrance from the House of
regulations which you are going to enact, will be so inade- Representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay,
quate and so improper a remedy, that, in my opinion, it of the 14th July, 1772.
would be better to give up the whole, than to correct in Copy of a Petition to his Majesty from the House of
such a violent and imprudent manner let me at least advise
; Representatives of Massachusetts Bay, dated 6th March,
temper in your proceedings, and that whatever is done, 1773.
may not be effected with rigour and severity. Ordered, That the said Address be presented to his
Governor Pownall rose to give tlie House an account of Majesty by such members of this House as are of his Ma-
the mode in which juries were chosen in America ; the jesty's most honorable Privy Council.
House much attend, but his extensive know-
at first did not
Thursday, April 21, 1774.
ledge American affairs, soon drew that attention to what
in
he said, which his abilities so justly deserved. He gave an The Lord North presented to the House, pursuant to
account in what manner the Council were chosen hereto- their Address to his Majesty :

fore that they were elected by the whole Legislature, and

; No. 1 Extract of a Letter from Governor Bernard to
.

not (as had been mistakenly represented) by the People at the Lords of Trade, dated Boston, 7th July, 1766.
large that the Selectmen were a kind of Aldermen,
; No. 2. Extract of a Letter from Governor Bernard to
much the same as those in Corporations in England ; that the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 30th May, 1768.
about forty were chosen in each town, after which the re- No. 3. Extractof a Letter from Governor Hu/cAi/ison to
maining ones were generally appointed as persons proper the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, 6th July, 1771
to serve upon juries, from which five or six people were with a copy of his Message to the House of Representa-
taken, as occasion required that the Grand Juries were
; tives, and the Answer of the said House.
struck off from capital men, who were appointed for that No. 4. Extract of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson
71 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 72

to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated Boston, Q9th May, 1772; gislature will not take it away without making a full recom-
with an Enclosure. pense but wlierever the regulation of public matter
; is the
No. 5. Extract of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson object, they have a right to correct, control, or take it away
to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, iiti February, as may best suit the public welfare. The Crown may
1773. sometimes grant improper powers with regard to Govern-
No. 6. Printed Copy of the Speeches of Governor —
ments that are to be establislied will it not be highly pro-
Hutchinson to the General Assembly odhe Massachusetts per and necessary that the Legislature, seeing in what
Bay, with the Answer of the Council and House of Repre- manner the Crown has been ill-advised, should take it into
sentatives. their consideration, and alter it, as far as necessary ? It is

No. 7. Copy of a Petition and Remonstrance to the the Legislature's duty to correct the errors that have been
established in the infancy of that constitution, and regulate
Kins, f'om tl'e House of Representatives of the Province
of Massachusetts Bay, dated 14th July, 1772. them for the public welfare. Is a charter, not consistent

No. 8. Copy of a Petition to the Kin<(, from the House with the public good, to be continued ? Tlie honorable
of Representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, gentleman says much bloodshed has been occasioned by
dated 6lh March, 177:3. taking away or altering of chartered rights I grant it ; but it
;

Together with a List of said Papers ; and the said List has always been where encroachments have been made by

was read. improper parties, and the attack has been carried on by
Ordered, that the said Papers do lie upon the table, improper powers. He also says, this form of Government in
to be perused by the members of the House. America ought not to be altered without hearing the parties ;
the papers on your table, surely, are sufiicient evidence
Friday, April 22, 1774. what they have to say in their defence. Look only into
The Order of the Day, for the second reading of the the letter dated the 19th of November, 1773, wherein the
Bill, was read. Governor applied to the Council for advice, and they neg-
Air. Fuller said, he did not rise to make any debate, for lected giving it to him and also wherein a Petition was
;

he was not enabled as yet to form any opinion whether the presented to the Council by certain persons who applied
Bill before the House was a proper one or not; as copies of for protection to their property during these disturbances

the charters which had been ordered, were not yet laid the Council, without giving any answer, adjourned for ten
before the House, he would venture to say that no man days, and the Governor was not able to do any thing himself
knew the constitution of that Government ; it was, there- without their opinion. Look again, Sir, into the resolution
fore, impossible for him to say, in what manner he would which the Council came to when they met again, stating
correct and amend it. the total insufficiency of their power. This, surely. Sir, is
Sir George Savile said, he had not troubled the House an evidence competent to ground this bill upon. We have
before on the occasion, but he could not help observing, now got no farther than just to alter these two parts, as
that the measure now before the House was a very doubtful stated by themselves. Surely, Sir, that form of Govern-
and dangerous one doubtful as to the matter and proprie-
;
ment which will not protect your property, ought to be
ty of regulation, and dangerous as to its consequence ; that altered in such a manner as it may be able to do it.
charters by Government were sacred things, and are only to General Comvay. What I intend to say, will not delay
be taken away by a due course of law, either as a punish- the House long. [The House being rather noisy, the Gene-
ment for an offence, or for a breach of the contract, and that ral said, I beg leave once more to say a short word.] I am

can only be by evidence of the facts nor could he con-

; very sure what I intend to say will little deserve the atten-
ceive that in either of those cases there could be any such tion of the House, but the subject is of that importance, that
thing as proceeding without a fair hearing of both parties. it requires it. The consequence of this Bill will be very
This measure before us seems to be a most extraordinary important and dangerous. Parliament cannot break into a
exertion of Legislative power. Let us suppose a lease right without hearing the parties. The question, then, is

granted to a man, wherein was a covenant, the breach of simply have they been heard ? What
this : because the
1

which would subject him to a forfeiture of his lease would — Papers say a murder has been committed, does it follow
not a court of justice require evidence of the fact ? Why, they have proved it ? Audi alteram partem' is a maxim
'

then, will you proceed different from the line which is al- I have long adhered to but it is something so inconsistent
;

ways observed in courts of justice. You are now going to with Parliamentary proceedings not to do it, that I am as-
alter the charter, because it is convenient. In what manner tonished at it. The Council are blamed, because they did
does the House mean to take away this charter, when in not give that advice to the Governor which he wanted. I
fact they refuse to hear the parties, or to go through a legal think, Sir, the Governor might have acted alone, without
course of evidence of the facts ? Chartered rights have, at their assistance. Gentlemen will consider, that this is not
all times, when attempted to be altered or taken away, oc- only the charter of Boston, or of any particular part, but
casioned much bloodshed and strife and whatever persons
; the charter of all America. Are the Americans not to be
in this House may have advanced, that they do not proceed heard ? Do they not choose to consent and agree about
upon this business but with trembling hands, I do also as- appointing an agent? I think there is no harm, upon this
sure them that I have shewn my fears upon this occasion, occasion, in stretching a point and I would rather hear Mr.
;

for I have run away from every question, except one, to Bollan as an agent of America (though he is a little irregu-
which I gave my negative. I do not like to be present at lar in his appointment) sooner than leave it to be said, that
a business which I think inconsistent with the dignity and this Bill passed without it. The House being vociferous,
justice of this House I tremble when I am, for fear of the
; he said, I am afraid I tire the House with my weak voice; if
consequences and I think it a little extraordinary that Mr.
; that is the case, I will not proceed, but I do think, and it is
Bollan should be admitted to be heard as an American my sincere opinion, that we are the aggressors and innova-
Agent in the House of Lords, when in the House of Com- tors, and not the Colonies. We
have irritated and forced
mons he was refused. I believe it is true, that the facts set laws upon them for these six or seven years last past. We
forth in his petition to thisHouse, were different from those liave enacted such a variety of laws, with these new taxes,
which he presented to the House of Lords in one declarinu' ; together with a refusal to repeal the trifling duty on tea ;

himself an inhabitant of Baton, and in the other omitting all these things have served no other purpose but to distress
it. I cannot conceive it possible to proceed on this Bill and perplex. I think the Americans have done no more
upon the small ground of evidence which you have had. than every subject would do in an arbitrary state, where
Mr. Welbore Ellis. I must rise, Sir, with great diffi- laws are imposed against their will. In my conscience, I
dence, when I differ from the honorable gentleman who think, taxation and legislation are in this case inconsistent.
spoke last, whose abilities are so eminently great; but I Have you not a Legislative right over Irelandl And yet
think, that chartered rights are by no means those sacred no one will dare to say we have a right to tax. These
things which never can or ought to be altered they are ; Acts, respecting America, will involve this country and its
vested in the Crown, as a prerogative, for the good of the Ministers in misfortunes, and I wish I may not add, in ruin.
People at large if the Supreme Legislature find that those
; Lord North. I do not consider this matter of regulation
charters so granted, are both unfit and inconvenient for the to be taking away their charters in such manner as is repre-
public utility, they have a right to make them fit and con- sented it is a regulation of Government to assist the Crown ;
;

venient: wherever private property is concerned, the Le- it appears to me, not to be a matter of political expediency,
tr8 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 74

but of necessity. If it does not stand upon that ground, it America, or let us give that due protection to it which
stands on nolliing. The account whicli has just now been safety requires.
read to you is an authentic paper, transmitted to Govern- Mr. Harris. I cannot see, Sir, any reason for so wide
ment here, shewing that the Council refused, in every case, a separation between America and England as other gen-
their assistance and advice ; and will tliis country sit still, tlemen are apt to think there ought to be that country. Sir, ;

when they see the Colony proceeding against your own was hatched from this and I hope we shall always keep
;

subjects, tarring and feathering your servants ; denying your it under the shadow of our wings. It has been said, no
laws and authority; refusing every direction and advice representation, no taxation. This was the system formerly
which you send ? Are we, Sir, seeing all this, to be silent, adopted, but I do not find it authorized in any book of
and give the Governor no support ? Gentlemen say, let jurisprudence, nor do I deem it to be a doctrine either rea-
tlie Colony come to your bar, and be heard in their defence ; sonable or constitutional. 1 insist upon it, they are bound

though it is not likely that they will come, when they deny to obey both the Crown and Parliament. The last twelve
your authority in every instance. Can we remain in this years of our proceedings have been a scene of lenity and
situation long ? We must, effectually, take some measure inactivity. Let us proceed and mend our method, or else
to correct and amend the defects of that Government. I I shall believe, as an honorable gentleman has observed,
have heard so many different opinions in regard to our con- that we are the aggressors.
duct in America, I hardly know how to answer them. Edward Astley. If we have had a twelve years'
Sir
The honourable gentleman, who spoke last, formerly blamed lenity and inactivity, I hope we shall not now proceed to
the tame and insipid conduct of Government now he con- ; have a twelve years' cruelty and oppression. By the reso-
demns this measure as harsh and severe. The Ameiicans lution and firmness which I perceive in the House, it seems
have tarred and feathered your subjects, plundered your to indicate a perseverance in the measure now proposed,
merchants, burnt your ships, denied all obedience to your which 1 deem to be a harsh one, and unworthy of a British
laws and authority yet so clement, and so long forbearing
;
Legislature.
has our conduct been, that it is incumbent on us now to Mr. Ward found fault with the charter being left too
take a different course. Whatever may be the conse- much, as to the execution of its powers, in the People, and
quence, we must risk something ; if we do not, all is over. he could not think that the Lesislature was doing any thinf^
The measure now proposed, is nothing more than taking which it had not a right to do, as he had looked upon all
the election of Counsellors out of the hands of those people, charters to be granted with a particular clause in it, ex-

who are continually acting in defiance and resistance of pressing that it should not be taken away but by the
your laws. It has also been said by gentlemen send for — Parliament.
—
the Americans to your bar 'give them redress a twelve- Governor Pownall. Sir, the few words that I shall
month hence. Surely, Sir, this cannot be the language trouble the House with on be directed
this occasion, will
that is to give effectual relief to America ; it is not I say, simply to facts, and to the rectifying some matters of fact
again, political convenience, it is political necessity that respecting the constitution of the Province of Massachusetts
urges this measure if this is not the proper method, shew
: Bay, which some gentlemen, on both sides the House,
me any other which is preferable, and I will postpone it. seem to me to have mistaken, and to have mis-stated.
Sir George Yonge. It appears to me, Sir, that it is un- As to opinions, I shall never more trouble the House
answered and unanswerable, what has been advanced by with mine on this subject. While the affairs of America
the honorable gentleman who spoke second, that the parties remained on that ground, that opinions might operate on
should be heard, though even at a twelvemonth hence. measures of policy, I never withheld mine, poor as they
Nothing, Sir, but fatal necessity can countenance this mea- —
may have been I always avowed them openly and pub-
sure. No body of men ought to be proceeded against licly. In this House I delivered my sentiments explicitly
without being heard, much less ought the regulation of a and directly. It was my —
duty so to do I consider it as of
whole Government to take place, without the parties at- perfect obligation ; and hope
fulfilled that duty.
I I have
tending defence against such alterations.
in their I could not but think it a matter of imperfect obligation,
Governor Johnstone. I see, Sir, a great disposition in even to obtrude my sentiments, and the best information
this House to proceed in this business without knowing any that I could give, in other places, out of this House. I

thing of the constitution of America ; several inconvenien- hope I have not there exceeded my 1 have ex-
duty ;

ces will arise if the Sheriff is to be appointed by the Go- pressed the same sentiments at all and have given
limes,
vernor ; the jury will of course be biased by some influence the same opinion in what I have written to America. All
or other special juries will be most liable to this.
; [Here tended to one point —the pointing out the grounds of recon-
the Governor gave an account of the different riots which ciliation and peace.
had happened in England, and compared them with what The case at present ceases to be matter of opinion — it is

he called the false account of those from America.] I im- come to action. The measure which you are pursuing will
pute, says he, all the misfortunes which have happened in be resisted, not by force, or the effect of arms, as was said
America, to the taking away the power of the Governor. by an honorable gentleman on the late occasion, but by a
No man of common sense, can apprehend that the Go- regular united system of resistance.
vernor would ever have gone for two or three days in I told this House, (it is now four years past,) that the
the country during these disturbances, if he had had the People of America would resist the tax which lay then
command of the military power. The natural spirit of —
upon them that they would not oppose power to your
man would be fired, in such a manner, as to actuate him to power, but that they would become impracticable. Have
show resistance ; but in this Governor no power was lodged. they not been so from that time to this very hour? I tell

I disapprove much of the measure which is before us, and you now, that they will resist the measures now pursued, in
1 cannot think but its consequences will be prejudicial. a more vigorous way. You will find them prepared for
Mr. C. Jenlcinson. I rise, Sir, only to observe, that if such resistance, not by arms, but by a system of measures.
the Colony has not that power within itself to maintain its The Committees of Correspondence in the different Prov-
own peace and order, the Legislature should, and ought to inces, are in constant coinmunication they do not trust —
have. Let me ask. Sir, whether the Colony took any step, the conveyance of the Post-Office they have set up a —
in any shape, to quell the riots and disturbances ? No, constitutional courier, which will soon grow up to the
they took none. Let me ask again, whether all the checks superseding of your Post Office. As soon as intelligence
and control that are necessary, are not put into the com- of these affairs reach them, they will judge it necessary to
mission of the Governments ? Much has been said about communicate with each other. It will be found inconve-
hearing the parties, and taking away tliis chartered right nient and ineffectual so to do by letters they must confer. —
I am of opinion, that where the right is a high political —
They will hold a conference and to what these Commit-
regulation, you are not in that instance bound to hear them ;
tees, thus met in Congress, will grow up, I will not say.
but the hearing of parties is necessary where private pro- On the other point, should matters ever come to arms,
perty is concerned. It is not only in the late proceedings, you will hear of other officers than those appointed by your
but in all former, that they have denied your authority Governors. When matters once come to that it will be, as
over them; they have refused protection to his Majesty's it was in the late civil wars of this country, of little conse-
subjects, and in every instance disobeyed the laws of this quence to dispute who were the aggressors that will be —
country either let this country forsake its trade with
; merely matter of opinion. It is of more consequence at
75 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 76

this niomeni so to act — to take such measures — that no vanishes : yet I must own, and I must say, that as it is al-

such misfortune may come into event. ways of the public, that the Governor should
for the benefit

I hope the House will excuse my trespassing on their advise with, and liave the advice of his Council that as it —
patience —
it is the last time that 1 shall speak on this sub- is always of benefit to Government, that he should take

ject. however, the knowledge which my situation must

If, with him and be supported by the authority of his Council,
necessarily have supplied me with, can enable me to be ot and, especially, in this Province, where the authority of the
any use in matter of information, on any points which come country is of more solid effect than in any other the —
before you, I shall constantly attend in my place, and in my Council, and every member of it, are highly biameable, are,
place be ready to answer to any questions on such matter, indeed, inexcusable, whenever they refuse to advise, when-
as any gentleman may wish to receive information upon, as ever they withhold their authority from the aid and support
far as 1 may be able to inform him and in this light 1 beg
;
of Government. 1 do not know whether they be not liable
leave to state, that althougii by the charter of the Province to censure in refusing their assistance, as they are by the
of Massachusetts Bay the Governor is obliged to take with charter expressly called Assistants; but surely their conduct
him, not simply the advice, but tlie consent of the Council, was inexcusable, when, instead of assisting, they sought

in the nomination of judges and other civil officers yet it is — and took occasion in the
midst of these disturbances, to
bring forward as an act of Council, a report fraught with all
from the power of the Governor's commission held under the
broad seal, that all the commissions in the Province are de- the matters of contest and dispute, which were the very
rived and cease with the determination of that commission.
;
grounds taken as principles by the People engaged in the
All those officers, except the Attorney General, even the disturbances. Thus far as to matter of fact; as to matter
Sherifl's, which an honorable gentleman had conceived not of opinion, I shall not trouble the House with it. [The
to be so, and which the present proposed Bill directs to be few words afterwards spoken by way of explanation, were
appointed and removed by the Governor, are according to so far from signifying that the People were going to rebel,
the powers and privileges of the present charter, appointed that they were expressly spoken to obviate that misappre-
by the Governor in Council. The difference is, that in hension of what had been said.]
those Governments which are established by the King's Mr. Rigby. LTpon my word, Sir, what was just now
patent commissions, the whole act of appointment is in the said is very worthy the consideration of this House; and
—
Governor which act, indeed, he is by his instructions di- if, from what the honourable gentleman says, it is true, and

rected to do in the Act. He is the sole efficient : he may I believe he is well informed, it appears that America is
advise with the Council, but he is not bound to take their preparing to arm and that the deliberations of their town-
;

consent —
he is not incompetent to the act, without their meetings tend chiefly to oppose the measures of this coun-
consent. His commission gives him full power to act — if try by force. He has told you. Sir, that the Americant
he acts without the advice of his Council, he does, indeed, will appoint other officers than those sent by Government
break through his instructions, and may incur his Majesty's to command their troops. He has told you that a Post-
displeasure but yet the appointment is good to all intents
; Office is established on their account from town to town, in
and purposes. The first is the act of legal power, derived order to carry their treacherous correspondence from one to
from the commission the second, is a matter prudential,
; another. He has told you, the Post-Office revenue will
with which the mode of the act is properly and wisely ac- soon be annihilated. If these things are true. Sir, I find
companied. we have been the aggressors, by continually doing acts of
In the charter under consideration, the matter of instruc- lenity for these twelve years last past. I think, Sir, and
tion was made a component part of the act by which the — speak out boldly when I say it, that this country has a right
Council were made a component part of the Governor, and to tax America; but, Sir, it is matter of astonishment to
so far forth of the supreme executive magistrate. This I me, how an honourable gentleman, (General Conway) can
have always thought to be an original and radical blunder. be the author or bringer in of a Declaratory Law over all
If the Bill, as it was first proposed, had gone no farther than America, and yet saying at one and the same time, that
to the remedy of this error, I think there could not have we have no right to tax America ! If I were to begin to
—
been a reasonable objection to it but of that I shall say say that America should not be taxed, and that these
—
no more now 1 have already given ray opinion on that measures were not proper, I would first desire my own
point. Declaratory Law to be repealed but being of opinion that;

Another gentleman (misled by a construction which some the Americans are the subjects of this country, I will de-
Governors have made of their powers) thinks that the clare freely, that I think this country has a right to tax
Council are so much, in all cases of Government, a part of America ; but 1 do not say I w^ould put any new tax on at
the supreme executive magistrate, that if they refuse to act this particular crisis ; but when things are returned to a
with the Governor, he cannot do any act of Government peaceable state, I would then begin to exercise it. And I
either civil or military. I know of no Act in which they am free to declare my opinion, that I think we have a right
are constituted such part, but in the case of the nomination to tax Ireland, if there was a necessity so to do, in order
of civil officers. In every other, the Governor, both by to help the mother country. If Ireland was to rebel and
the charter and by his commission is, perfect and complete, resist our laws, I would tax it. The mother country has
supreme executive magistrate. am
sure I can speak from
I an undoubted right and control over the whole of its Colo-
fact ;
—
have, as Governor, without communion of power
1 nies. Again, Sir, a great deal has been said concerning
with the Council, done every civil act of Government, requisition. Pray, in what manner is it to be obtained?
which the King, actuating the powers of the Crown, does Is the King to demand it? Or are we, the Legislative
here within the Realm. And as to the military, if it had power of this country, to send a very civil, polite gentle-
been my misfortune to have been Governor in these times, man over to treat with their Assembly ? How and in what
and if the interposition of the military had been necessary, manner is he to address that Assembly? Is he to tell the
I would not have applied to them for their aid I would — Speaker of it, that we have been extremely ill-used by our
have sent them an order. I am sure there is no officer neighbours, the French; that they have attacked us in
within the Province would have dared to have disobeyed it. several quarters ; that the finances of this country are in a
They must have obeyed. The power to give such order bad state ; we desire you will be kind enough
and, therefore,
is, both by the charter and the conmiission (which are
both to assist us,and give us some money ? Is this to be the
under the broad seal,) in the Governor, as Commander-in- language of this country to that and are we thus to go ;

chief; and know

of no revocation of it, but by the mere
I
cap in hand ? I am of opinion, that if the Administration
letter of a Secretary of State, which could have no effect
of this country had not been changed soon after the pass-
but which was at the same time one of the most dangerous ing of the Stamp Act, that tax would have been collected
measures ever taken. with as iDuch ease as the land tax is in Great Britain. I
Upon this ground, supposed to be the fact, that the have acted, with regard to America, one consistent part,
Council are part of the executive magistrate, it is alleged as and shall continue in it till I hear better reason to convince
matter of crime against them, that they refused to act with me to the contrary.
the Governor at the time of the late riots ; by which the
Governor Powtiall to explain. I apprehend I have been
powers of Government were suspended, the power of the totally misunderstood. not assert the Americans
I did
•barter misused, so that the Governor could not act but ; as were now in rebellion, but that they are going to rebel
I have shewn that this is not the fact, the allegation of crime when that comes to pass, the question will be, who was the
rr BILL FOR GOVERKMEiNT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 78

occasion of it. Something lias been said relative to requi- No. 6. Extract of an Act passed in the Province of the
sition : I think I gave several instances wlierein the same Massachusetts Bay, in the first year of the reign of King
had been complied with in time of war. George the Second, intituled, "An Act in addition
Mr. Charles Fox. I am i;lad to hear from the lionora- to an Act for highways."
ble gentleman who spoke last, that now is not the time to No. 7. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
tax America: tiiat the only time for that is, when all these Massachusetts Bay, in the seventh and eighth years of the
disturbances are quelled, and they are returned to their reign of King George the Second, intituled, " An Act in
duty ; so, I find, taxes are to be the reward of obedience " explanation of, and farther addition to, an Act, intituled,
and the Americans, who are considered to have been in " an Act for regulating of townships, choice of town offi-
open rebellion, are to be rewarded by acquiescing to their " cers, and setting forth their power.' "
measures. VVlicn will be the tune when America ought to No. 8. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
have heavy taxes laid upon it ? The honorable gentleman Massachusetts Bay, in the sixteenth year of the reign of
(Mr. Right/) tells you, that that time is when the Ameri- King George the Second, intituled, " An Act in furdier
cans are returned to jieace and quietness. The honorable " addition to an explanation of an Act, intituled, an Act '

gentleman tells us also, that we have a right to tax Ireland; " for regiUating townships, choice of town officers, and
however, I may agree with him in regard to the principle, " setting forth their power.' "
it would not be policy to exercise it I believe we have ; No. 9. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
no more right to tax the one than the other. I believe Massachusetts Bay, in the twenty-ninth year of the reign
America is wrong in resisting against this country with re- of King George the Second, intituled, " An Act for revi-
gard to its l^egislative authority. It v\as an old ojiinion, " ving and continuing sundry laws, that are expired, or
and I believe a very true one, that there was a dispensing " near expiring."
power in the Crown, but whenever that dispensing ]30wer No. 10. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
was pretended to be exercised, it was always rejected and Massachusetts Bay, in the thirtieth year of the reign of
opposed to the utmost, because it operated to me, as a sub- King George the Second, indtuled, " An Act in further
ject, as a detriment to my property and liberty ; but. Sir, " addition to an Act, iiitituled, an Act for regulating of
'

there has been a constant conduct practised in this country, " townships, and choice of town officers, and setting forth
consisting of violence and weakness, I wish those measures " their power.' "
may not continue nor can I think that the Stamp Act
; No. IL Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
would have been submitted to without resistance, if the Ad- Massachusetts Bay, in the first year of his present Majesty's
ministration had not been changed the present Bill before : reign, intituled " An Act for the better regulating districts
you is not what you want it irritates the minds of the
;
" within this Province."
l^eople, but does not correct the deficiencies of that Govern- No. 12. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
ment. Massachusetts Bay, in the second year of his present Ma-
Sir Gilbert Elliot said, there was not the least degree of jesty's reign, intituled, " An Act for reviving andcontinu-
absurdity in taxing your own subjects, over whom you de- " ing sundry laws, that are expired, or near expiring.
clared you had an absolute right though that tax should ; No. 13. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
through necessity, be enacted at a time when peace and Massachusetts Bay, in the seventh year of his present Ma-
quietness were the reigning system of the times you de- : jesty's reign, intituled, " An Act for reviving and continu-
clare you have that -right, where is the absurdity in the ex- " ing sundry laws, that are expired, or near expiring."
ercise of it ? No. 14. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
Sir Richard Sutton read a copy of a letter relative to the Massachusetts Bay, in the tenth year of his present Ma-
Government of America, from a Governor in America to jesty's reign, intituled, " An Act for reviving and continu-
the Board of Trade, showing, that at the most quiet times, " ing sundry laws, that are expired, or near expiring."
the disposition to oppose the law"s of this country were No. 15. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
strongly engrafted in them, and that all their actions con- Massachusetts Bay, in the twelfth year of his present Ma-
veyed a spirit and wish for independence. you ask an
If jesty's reign, intituled, " An Act for regulating town-meet-
American who is his master, he will tell you he has none, " ings in the town of Danvers."
nor any Governor, but Jesus Christ. I do believe it, and No. 16. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
it is my firm opinion, that the opposition to the measures of Massachusetts Bay, in the seventh year of the reign of
the Legislature of this country, is a determined preposses- King William the Third, intituled, " An Act for Grand
sion of the idea of total independence. " Jurors serving at the Quarter Session of the Peace, and
TheBill was then read a second time. " punishing defaulters of Jurors attendance."
Resolved, That this House will, upon Wednesday morn- No. 17. Extract of an Act passed in the Province of
ing next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole the Massachusetts Bay, in the seventh year of the reign of
House, upon the Bill. King William the Third, intituled, " An Act for holding
" of Courts of General Session of the Peace, and ascertain-
Monday, April 25, 1774. " ing the times and places for the same."
Mr. Gascoigne presented to the House, pursuant to their No. 18. Extract of an Act passed in the Province of
Address to his Majesty : the Massachusetts Bay, in the eleventh year of the reign
No. I. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the of King William the Third, intituled, " An Act for the es-
Massachusetts Bay, in the fourth year of the reign of King " tablishing of Inferior Courts of Common Pleas, in the
William and Queen Mary, intituled " An Act for regula- " several counties of this Province,"
" ting of townshij)s, choice of town officers, and setting No. 19. Extract of an Act passed in the Province of
" power."
forth their the Massachusetts Bay, in the eleventh year of the reign
No. 2. Copy
of an Act passed in the Province of the of King William the Third, intituled " An Act for esta-
Massachusetts Bay, in the sixth year of the reign of King " blishing a Superior Court of Judicature, Court of Assize,
William and Queen Mary, intituled, " An Act to enable " and General Gaol Delivery, within this Province."
" towns, villages, and proprietors in common and undivi- No. 20. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
" ded lands, &,c., to sue and be sued." Massachusetts Bay, in the twelfth year of the reign of
No. 3. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the King William the Third, intituled, " An Act relating to
Mttssachuictts Buy, in the fifth year of the reiijn of Queen " the office and duty of a Coroner."
Anne, intituled " An Act for a new choice of town officers, No. 21. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
" on special occasions." Massachusetts Bay, in the third year of the reign of King
No. 4. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the George the First, intituled, " An Act for the more effec-
Massachusetts Bay, in the ninth year of the reign of " tual preventing default in the appearance of Juiors."
Queen Anne, intituled " An Act directing the levying and No. 22. Copy of an Act passed in the Provuice of the
" collecting of county and town assessments." Massachusetts Bay, in the twenty-third year of the reign
No. 5. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the of King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for the
Massachusetts Bay, in the second year of the reign of King " better regulating the choice of Petit Jurors."
fireor^ethe Fourth, intituled, " An Act for the better regu- No. 23. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the
" lating of town and proprietary meetings." Massachusetts Bay, in the thirtieth year of the reign of
79 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. RO

" An Act the destroy the trial by jury, and drag the People across the
King George tlie Second, intituled, for
" better regulating
tlie choice of Petit Jurors." Atlantic 10 give evidence in Westminster Hall: regulations,
No. 24. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of tlie the flagrancy of which has been sufficiently ex|)osed, and
Massachusetts 6ay, in the thirtieth 3ear of the reijfn oi branded in the manner they deserve. The Agent of the
King George the Second, intituled, " An Act in addition Province, alarmed at so weighty a resentment, and so cruel
" to an Act, intituled, An Act for the better regulating the
' a punishment on the constitution and liberty of his country,
" choice of Petit Jurors.' " for the evil actions of t!ie scum of the People, presents a

No. 25. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the petition to you. What is the purport of it ? Only to pray
Massarhusctts Bay, in the thirty-third year of the roign of you to suspend your judgment until he can recei\e instruc-
King George the Second, intituled, "An Act for the better tions from his constituents that is, lie begs a whole —
;

" regulating the choice of Petit Jurors." country may not be condenmed witl:out a single person au-
No. 26. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the thorized by it to appear in its defence. Now, Sir, I think
Massachusetts Bay, in the thirty-third year of the reign of the pi-ayer of this petition so perfectly reasonable, that it
King George the Second, Intituled, " An Act in addition a])pears impossible to be rejected out of the Court of In-
" to an Act^ intituled, An Act for the better regulating tlie
' quisition. It is no in<juiry whether your measure is just or
" choice of Petit Jurors.' " uot ;
— we may admit it to be, in our opinions, just, ])roper,

No. 27. Copy of an Act passed in the Province of the and political and yet assert the necessity of hearing the
;

Massachusetts Bay, in the seventh year of his present Ma- Province before you condemn it to a severe punishment.
jesty's reign, intituled, " An Act for reviving and continu- I will not say it is wrong to act thus —
I say it is imjjossible

" ing sundry laws, that are expired, or near expiring." —common justice — the feelings of mankind, condemn it.
Together with a list of the said Papers. George Savik spoke ably on tlie same side of the
Sir

And the said list was reiid. question, as didMr. Burke, Mr. T. Townshend, &;c., who
Ordered, That tiiesaid Papers do lie on the table to be all urged how highly cruel it was to pass a law against any

perused by the members of the House. body of People, without hearing either them, or their
Agent, in their defence.
Wednesday, April 27, 1774.
To the aguments of the above gentlemen. Lord North,
Ordered, That the order of the day, for the House to made the following reply
Committee of the whole House, upon
resolve itself into a I do not rise with a design to attempt answering every
the Bill, be now read. objection ingenuity can frame against the measure.
that
And the said order being read accordingly, The most ingenious man will iiever be able to sketch a
Ordered, That the Paper, intituled " Massachusetts plan, however simple, to which objections may not be
" Bay Charter, granted by King JVilliam and Queen Mary, started. The only point at present before us is, should
•'
in the tiiird year of their reign," which was presented to we delay passing these Acts, in order to hear what the
the House upon the twenty-second day of January, 1740, town of Boston can say, in defence of themselves. Is there
be referred to the said Committee. or is there not propriety in such a delay ? I reply, that it
Ordered, That the several Papers which were presented would be absurd the fact of their crimes is authenticated
;

to the House upon Monday last, by Mr. Gascoigne, be re- we want no fresh proofs no gentlem;m has expressed any ;

Committee.
ferred to the said doubts we should therefore wait to hear how they might
;

Ordered, That the several Papers which were presented exculpate themselves (that is, the Council and Assembly)
to the House by the Lord North, upon the 7th and lltli and lay the blame on the mob possibly we should suspend ;

days of March last, and the 15tli and 21st days of this in- our measures, to know what recompense they would make
April, be referred to the said Connnillee.
stant, we should stop to hear their concessions. Are the friends
Then the House resolved itself into the said Committee. of these acts every moment to recal to the minds of their
Mr. Speaker left the Chair. opposers, the sentiments they were full of at the opening
Sir Charles Whitworth took the Chair of the Committee. of the business ? " Go to the bottom of the evil, or let it
Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair. " alone no more palliatives." So, Sir, if the town of
;

Sir Charles fVhitvorth reported from the Committee, Boston makes concessions and recompenses, our business
that they had gone through the Bill, and made several is done, and our purpose answered. Very far from it
amendments thereunto which they had directed him to
; these Bills are not brought in for one or the other they are :

report, when the House will please to receive the same. to prevent such horrid evils in future to regulate the con-
Ordered, That the Report be received to-morrow morn- stitution on the plan of other Colonies, that flourish under
;

I
ing. their constitution as much as Boston with its anarchy, and
to indemnify the legal executors of your decrees. View
Thuhsday, April 28, 1774.
the affair in this light, and all you objections fall. Let the
The order of the day, for receiving the Report was whole Colony appear at your bar, and every argument
read ; and they can use, every concession they can make, will all be
A Petition of William Botlan, Esq., stylmg himself relative to the past, not to the future. These Bills Sir,
Agent for the Council of his Majesty's Province oi Massa- have much more uscfol and more necessary dLStination,
chusetts Bay, in New-England, being offered to be pre- the prevention of future evils. Should we now delay the
sented to the House, by Mr. DowdesiceU, which Pethioner, progress of this important business, in order to go back into
he said, desired that the Bill for regulating the Civil Gov- our old system of palliatives, under tiie pretence of hearing
ernment, and the Bill for the more Impartial Administra- what arguments may be used in defence of the most
tion of Justice, might not pass into a law, until he should atrocious actions ?

have time to receive an answer from the above Province to The. motion also very strongly opposed by Mr.
\\as
letters he had sent. Wedderljuijif,,Mr. Dyson, he.
Mr. Dowdeswell said, after the part I have taken in the The House was moved, that the Proceedings of the
progress of these affairs, and the direct manner in which I House, cf the 14th day of March last, on receiving the
have expressed myself on fonner occasions, I shall have the Petition of Wi Ham Botlan, Esquire, Agent for the Coun-
less to trouble the House with on this occasion. The pe- cil of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New Eng-
tition I have now brought up is, in the matter of its request land, miiiht be read
so reasonable, that I cannot persuade myself the House will And ti;e same were read accordingly.
reject it. I should wish the affair might be seriously con- And the question being but, that the Petition he
sidered. What is the present stage of your progress? brought up ?

You are carrying through an Act tliat is to work a total The House divided ; Yeas, 32; Nays, 95.
change in the chartered constitution of a free country, in So it passed in the Negative.
order to prevent riots and an improper conduct in the mob The House was moved, that the entry in the Journals
of that country —
and lest in cai-rying that Act into execu-
;
of the House, of the 9th of November, 1696, of the
tion, you meet with a resistance that you expect, (and in proceedings of the House, in relation to ttie Bill for
that very expectation jirove that they may resist vvitliout attainting Sir John Fenwick, Baronet, of High Treason,
the imputation of an unexpected crime,) you hrin<r in might be read:
another to regulate the trial of offenders, by which you And the same was read accordingly.
 «t BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 82

Tlie House was moved, that the entries in the Journals regard as deserving of every sjjecies of insults and abuse
of the House, of the 19th day of March, \T22, of the the insults and injuries of a lawless soldiery are such as no
proceedings of the House, in rehition to the Bills for inflict- free People can long endure ; and the Petitioners appre-
inoj certain pains and penalties upon John Flunlcctt and hend, in the consequences of this Bill, the horrid outrages
Georffc Kelly, alias Johnson, might he read of military oppression, followed by the desolation of civil
And the same were read accordingly. commotions. The dispensing power which this Bill intends
The House was also moved, that the entry in the to give to the Governor, advanced as he is already, above
Journals of the House, of the iJ2d day of March, 172iJ, the law, and not liable to any impeachment from the People
of the proceedings of the Hou^e, in relation to the Bill for he may oppress, must constitute him an absolute tyrant
inflicting certain pains and penalties upon Francis Lord that the Petitionerswould be utterly unworthy of their
Bishop of Rochester, might be read : English ancestry, which is their claim and pride, if they
And the same was read accorflingly. did not feel a virtuous indignation at the reproach of disaf-
Tlien a motion being made, and the question being put, fection and rebellion, with which they have been cruelly
that the Report of the Committee of the whole House, be aspersed; they can with confidence say, no imputation
received this day four months. was ever deserved they appeal to the experience of a
less ;

It passed in the Negative. century, in which the glory, the honour and the prosperity,
Ordered, That the said Report be now received. of England, has been, in their estimation, their own in ;

Sir Charles Whitworth accordingly rejwrted the amend- which they have not only borne the burden of Provincial
ments of the Committee, which were all agreed to by the wars, but have shared with this country in the dangers and
House except one. expenses of every national war their zeal for the service
;

A clause was then added to the Bill authorizing the of the Crown, and the defence of the General Empire, has
Court, where an action is depending, to grant a view, upon prompted them whenever it was required, to vote supplies
application of either of the parties. men and money, to the utmost exertion of their abilities
of ;

Another clause was offered, to be added to the Bill, the journals of the House will bear witness to their extraordi-
that no Sheriff shall continue in office longer then one nary zeal and services during the last war, and that but a
year and no Sheriff, or Lender Sheriff, shall continue more very short time before it was resolved here to take from
;

than two years successively. them the right of giving and granting their own money. If
And the said clause was once read, and, with leave of disturbances have happened in the Colonies, they entreat
the House, withdrawn. the House to consider the causes which have produced
Then an amendment was made, by the House, to the them, among a People hitherto remarkable for their loyalty
Bill. to the Crown, and affection for this Kingdom. No history
Ordered, That the Bill, with the amendments, be en- can show, nor will human nature admit of, an instance of
grossed. general discontent, but from a general sense of oppression.
The Petitioners conceived, that when they had acquired
Friday, April 29, 1774.
property under all the restraints this Country thought
Ordered, That the Bill for the better Regulating the necessary to impose upon their commerce, trade, and
Government of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in manufactures, that to property was sacred and secure ; they
North America, be read the third time upon Monday felt a very material difference between being restrained in

morning next, if tiie said Bill shall be then engrossed. the acquisition of property, and holding it, when required
under those restraints at the disposal of others
they
Monday, May
;
2, 1774.
understand subordination in the one, and slavery
the in
Sir George Sitvile presented a Petition of several other the Petitioners wish they could possibly perceive
;

Natives of America, to the House, which was read setting any difference between the most abject slavery, and such
;

forth, entire subjection to a Legislature, in the constitution of which

That the Petitioners are again constrained to complain they have not a single voice, nor the least influence, and in
to the House of two Bills, which if carried into execution, which no one is present on their behalf; they regard the
will be fatal to the Rights, Liberties, and Peace of all Ame- giving their property by their own consent alone, as the
rica, and that the Petitioners have already seen, with equal unalienable right of the subject, and the last sacred bul-
astonishment and grief, proceedings adopted against them, wark of constitutional liberty. If they are wrong in this
which, in violation of the first principles of justice, and of they have been misled by the love of liberty, which is
the laws of the land, inflict the severest punishments, there dearest brithright, by the most solemn statutes, and
without hearing the accused Upon the same principle of the resolves of this House itself, declaratory of the inherent
:

injustice, a Bill is now brought in, which, under the pro- right of the subject, by the authority of all great constitu-
fession of better regulating the Government of the Massa- tional writers, and by the uninterrupted practice of Ireland
chusetts Bay, is calculated to deprive a whole Province, and America, who have ever voted their own supplies to
without any form of trial, of its chartered rights, solemnly the Crown, all which combine to prove that the property
secured to it by mutual compact between the Crown of an English subject, being a freeman or a freeholder,
and the People. The Petitioners are well informed, that a cannot be taken from him but by his own consent. To
charter so granted, was never before altered, or resumed, deprive the Colonies therefore of this right is to reduce
but upon a full and fair hearing that therefore the present them to a state of vassalage, leaving them nothing they can
;

proceeding is totally unconstitutional, and sets an example call their own, nor capable of any acquisition but for the
which renders every charter in Great Britain and Ameri- benefit of others. It is with infinite and inexpressible
ca utterly insecure the a))pointment and removal of the concern, that the Petitioners see in these Bills, and in the
;

Judges, at the pleasure of the Governor, with salaries principles of them, a direct tendency to reduce their
payable by the Crown, puts the property, liberty, and life, countrymen to the dreadful alternative of being totally en-
of the subject, depending upon judicial integrity, in his slaved, or compelled into a contest the most shocking and
power. The Petitioners perceive a system of judicial unnatural, with a Parent State, which has ever been the
tyranny deliberately at this day imposed upon them, which object of their veneration and their love. They entreat
from the hitter experience of its intolerable injuries, has the House to consider, that the restraints which examples
been abolished in this country. Of the same unexampled of such severity and injustice impose are ever attended
and alarming nature is the Bill, which, under the title of a with the most dangerous hatred, in a distress of mind, which
I more impartial administration of justice in the Province of cannot be described. The Petitioners conjure the House
Massachusetts Bay, empowers the Governor to withdraw not to convert that zeal and affection, which have hitherto
offenders from justice in the said Province holding out to ; united every American hand and heart in the interest ot
the soldiery an exemption from legal prosecution for mur- England, into passions the most painful and pernicious
der; and, in effect, subjecting that Colony to military most earnestly tliey beseech the House, not to attempt
execution. The Petitioners entreat the House to consider reducing them to a state of slavery, which the English
what must be the consequence of sending troops, not principles of liberty, they inherit from their motlier country,
really under the control of the civil power, and unamenable will render worse than death ;and therefore praying the
to the law, among a People whom they have been indus- House will not, by passing these Bills, overwhelm them
triously taught, by the incendiary arts of wicked men, to with affliction, and reduce their countrymen to the most
Fourth Series. 6
88 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 84

abject state of misery and liuiniliation, or drive to the last formable to the Royal Government. Now, do you know
resources of despair. when you have altered it, it will not be dissimilar to
tliat

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the table. many of the others, when the ignorance of the Govern-
The order of the day, for the tliird reading of the Bill, ment of one Province appears to me to be as great in those
was read who are to alter it, as in the others. 1 find great fault.

A
motion was made, and the question being put, that Sir, that the whole of
arrangement is to be under the
this

be now read a third time r

tlie said Bill direction of the Crown
and that the whole civil and mili-
;

Mr. Dunning. There seems to me to be a system of tary ])ower of that country is to be totally at the disposal
tyranny adojncd throughout the whole of the three Bills of the Ministers of this. 1 really think the motto of this

which have been brought into this House, one of which is Bill should have been Tua Casar tctas. He then went
passed, and the other two are now under consideration. through the different clauses of the Bill, objecting princi-
AV'hiie the first proposition stood single, 1 mean tlie Boston pally against the prisoners being brought over here, as eoii-
Port Bill, 1 of sulHcient magnitude to
did not think it laiiied in the last Bill; and that diliiculties would arise
oppose it, till it was followed by these two others. It now which would convince gentlemen who had a concern in
appears to me, that the inhabitants of Boston are mucii in the management of these affairs, that what they had done
the same condition as prisoners surrendering at discretion, had tended to disunite the affections of the American sub-
as it is in the jiower of the Minister to allow or disallow jects from this country and, instead of promoting peace,
;

the restoration of its port and trade. (He then gave a order, and obedience, would produce nothing but clamour,
long history to tiietlie manner in which the
House of discontent, and rebellion.
Bills had been moved and brought in he animadverted
for ;
Sir William Meredith said, that if necessity gave a

on the contents of the three Bills, and commented on the right to tax America, tlie stale of our finances at the close
preamble of the Bill now before tiie House.] I have not, of the last war fully justified the Stamp Act. That he
said he, heard of, nor do I see any overt act of treason acknowledged the supremacy of Great Britain over Ame-
stated in tlie preamble of tiiis Bill, so as to authorize the rica but that the Legislature of a free country must not,
;

severe punishments which it enacts we are now, I find, : in taxation, or any other act of power, deprive the subject
in possession of the whole of that fatal secret, which was of his right to freedom i:i person and projjerty. The
intended as a corrective for all tiie disturbances in America; security an Englishman has in property consists in this,
but it does not appear to be either peace or the olive- that no tax can be imposed ujion him but by the very
branch —it is war, severe revenge, and hatred, against our members of Parliament who pay the tax themselves,
own subjects. We
are now come to that fatal dilemma, equally with all those on wliom they impose it that no ;

" resist, and we will cut your throats submit, and we will ; man had any thing he could call his own, if another could
tix you" —such is the reward of obedience. There appears take his property, and use it, either for his advantage, or
to me nothing of a system or jilan throughout the whole in order to prevent the diminution of his own fortune

that has been adopted or intended, because the Bills have but that such taxes only might be raised as were conse-
been so altered, in the Committee, that there is scarce a quential to regulations of trade —
«uch were port duties.
word remaining of the original plan, if there was any That a tax similar to that upon tea was imposed by the
the preamble of the Bill now before us seems to have a 25th of Charles H., since that time upon molasses, and
presumption of open resistance, of which no proof has as other articles, which the Americans had acquiesced in.
yet been had, or appeared at your bar, so as to countenance That he (Sir JVilliam) never ajiproved the tax upon tea
such an assertion if indeed, that military guard, which
; had opposed it, as he would always oppose the taxation
was appointed by the town, had been employed in the of America. But now, that the Americans had not
manner as the preamble mentions, it might then have been only resisted the Act of Parliament, but laid violent hands
deemed an open resistance, but nothing of that kind hap- on the merchants' property, it was high time to regulate
pened the whole resistance that was made was by a few
; the course of justice, so that our merchants might trade
rof the mob, urged on by the impetuosity of riot and distur- thither with security. That the present Regulation Bills
bance. Had any thing appeared that bore the least simi- went no further. That they established the trial by Jurv
larity to treason or rebellion, my honorable and learned in America the same as in England ; whereas the juries
friends would have told us that it was treason, and I will were now appointed according to the mere will and plea-
give them credit for their willingness upon such an occa- sure of the Selectmen, some of whom had been fonvard
sion ; but if there was treason, there were traitors, and in committing tliose excesses that occasioned the present
they would have been known and punished and if not ; uneasinesses. That the Council was now appointed by
known, they would at least have been inriuired after but ; the Assembly, and could contrcul every act of the Go-
as no inquiry has yet been set on foot, 1 will be bold to vernor the execution therefore of every law enacted by
;

say, there was neither treason nor traitors. seem to We the British Parliament, was at their option but that all ;

be knowing wliom we have to

in a strange condition, not executive power must be subservient to the legislative,
deal with, nor in what manner to act. If gentlemen will otherwise the IjCgislature itself would be a mere cypher.
look into the charter, it will be seen that the Governor We must therefore either relinquish at once the right of
complained without cause of the want of power it was ; enacting laws, or take the execution of them out of the
the ignorance of the Governor he had power, but did not ; hands of those fhat have denied our authority to make
know it; and I think that tlie gendemen who had the them. That we had better break at once all connections
planning of these Boston Bills, have made alterations in with America, than encourage our merchants to trade
the Government of Massachusetts Bay, without the pre- thither without the full protection of the laws of their
vious ceremony of knowing the old one. There must be, country, both in securing their effects, and in obtaining
and certainly is, a complete legislative power vested in the redress for such injuries as they may sustain.
Assembly of the Province, to have given this power to the Mr. Stanley. These Bills certainly affect the interior
Governor, had the charter been deficient, I mean for the policy of America, and are intended for the better regu-
preservation of peace and good order. [He spoke a lone lation of its internal Goxernment. Whatever may be the
time to prove that the constitution of Massachusetts Bay, opinion of that propriety of regulation with the American,
was in no manner defective, but that the defect was owing I know not but their submission to the laws of some
;

to some unknown cause and, said he, to what I profess

; country is necessary, as I cannot conceive the indepen-
I do not know.] When 1 talk of the Minister, I mean to dence of an American Colony to exist, whilst the balance
speak with all due respect to the noble Lord, though I do of power remains in Europe, supported and protected
not consider him as the immediate actor of all this. I by armies and navies. These People must resort to some
know not the age, the person, or the sex, but that I may State, and it must be to a Protestant one and were they ;

not be wrong, I will use the language of Acts of Parlia- to unite themselves with any other State than this, they
ment, which I imagine will comprehend, and will say, he, would meet with a yoke and burden which they would not
she, or they ; to that person or pei-sons alone do I mean to wish to bear. It is said by some, that this is driving them
address myself. Let me ask, said he, whether these mis- to a state of slavery by others, that this proceeding will
;

cliiefs arising from the charter, are peculiar to Massachu- be ineffectual. As to the latter, if we do not go far
setts Bay 1 Are there no deficiencies in others ? Yet it enough, we are certainly on the right side but I cannot ;

is said an alteration is necessary to make the charter con- sit still, and see with indifference the authority of this
85 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 86
country submitting to every indignity they shall offer us. deceased, and next morning you were forced to order the
There are but two ways of governing mankind, by force, troops out of town. He condemned much the behaviour of
or by consent. Mankind are to be governed by legal Governor Hutchinson, as an accomplice in the present
power, acting by prescribed rules of law and justice and ; disturbances, and commended the beliaviour of Governor
a measure established on this doctrine, deserves the con- Tryon, who, knowing that he could only land the tea at
currence of the House. [Here he gave a long account of the muzzle of his guns, pnidendy sent it back to England.
the rise of the American Government, and sheued, that All other Colonies, he said, had behaved with nearly the
an inattention to it, in its infancy, had induced the A7ne- same degree of resistance, and yet you point all your
ricans so to think of themselves, as to throw the Govern- revenge at Boston alone but I think you will very soon
;

ment into a wild democracy that it was not till after

; have the rest of Colonies on your back. You have
the Restoration that any degree of attention was paid blocked up the port of Boston ; 1 supported you in that,
them He then read an extract from some old papers,
:
and I think 1 have no great guilt on that head, as I
shewing that the Americans had, so long ago as King thought it was a measure arlopted to produce ^ compromise
William's time, refused obedience to the prerogative in for the damage the East India Company had sustained.
many instances.] America, says he, is not now to be You propose, by this Bill, to make the Council of Boston
governed as might be a hundred years ago and how
it ; nearly similar to those of the other Royal Governments
is it tiie Council should, in any shape, have
possible that have not the others behaved in as bad a manner as Bos-
power, when it appears, that if any person, of moderate ton ? And it is ray opinion, tliat the office of Council,
passions towards the degree of respect or authority to being chosen by the Crown, will become so odious, that
this country, is chosen of the Council, and is inclined to you man that dares to accept
will not get a respectable
assist the Governor, he has always soon after been dis- of unless you have the military officers for tlie Council,
it,

placed ? Let me ask gentlemen, if the property of the whom I think, in my conscience, will behave well. Let
subjects of this country had been injured in France, would me ask again, what security the rest of the Colonies will
they have thought it a prudent conduct to have sat still have, that upon the least pretence of disobedience, you
and done nothing ? I had much rather that this dispute will not take away the Assembly from the next of them
had passed nine years ago, but I would rather meet the that is refractory. the House very
[Here he blamed
attack now than nine years hence and I should blame
; much Mr. BoUan, who,
for not receiving the petition of
myself much if, by any vote of mine, I should separate he said, had corresponded with the new Council, and had
so valuable a Province from this country. been allowed and received at the public offices as Agent
Mr. T. Towiishend. The importance of this subject, for the Colonies.] Why, said he, will you pretend to
and the melancholy consequences which are likely to alter the charter of that constitution, of which you know-
ensue, deserve the serious attention of this House. 1 am not its present form of Government for, he said, he had
;

not in a hurry to adopt the opinion of Administration, but observed that the late Governor of Boston (Governor
I should" be the lowest wretch upon earth if 1 suffered PownaU) had been, during the different stages in which
private opinion to be smothered. I was determined to the Bill had been debated, going from side to side of the
give support to the most plausible method that was pro- House, to give information about the Government and
posed, and I will say, as to this method. Si quid novisti its laws, many of which he remembered some few the ;

rcctius istis, candidus imperti, si non, his utere mecum. Governor had forgot. In France, Sir, it is a custom,
I am much averse to the meddling with charters, but said he, to judge upon one-sixth, seventh, or eighth, of
when 1 see the inconveniencies that arise from the town- —
a proof the unfortunate Calas, of Thoulouse, was con-
meetings, I don't think myself unreasonable in wishing to demned upon eight hearsays, which in France amounted
adopt an amendment. 1 think the Juries are properly to a proof; but, surely, a British House of Commons
altered, according to the constitution of this country, nor will not condemn on such evidence and I hope never ;

have I any objection to men being brought over to England to seeThoxdouse arguments [here a member observed
to be tried, if it is impossible to find men of cool dispo- he meant too loose arguments] admitted as proof here.
sition and proper temper to try them in that country I do not know of any precedent for this Bill it is impos- —
and if I see this Bill left to the e^xecution of the abilities sible to put it in execution —
and I will tell the House
of General Gage, I fear not the success of it. I remem- a story that happened to us when we marched at Ticon-
ber, Sir, that men who were the most violent in opposition deroga ; " The inhabitants of that town looked upon
to the Stamp Act, at the time it was agitating, afterwards, " the officers of the corps as men of superior beings to
when they found it was likely to pass, were applying " themselves, and the youngest amongst them, I will
(or Stampmaster's places. I wished much Sir, to have " answer for it, was highly treated, and indulged by the
coupled this measure with another; I mean the repeal " fair sex to the utmost of our wishes, even their wives
of the Tea Tax, which we might have done without " and daughters were at our service ;" and if the same
showing the least timidity, but shall content myself with degree of civility prevails, think you that it is possible
giving my affirmative to the present Bill before you. the execution of this Bill can ever be observed by your
Colonel Barre. The question now before us is, whe- army ? I was of the profession myself, and I beg leave
ther we will chuse to bring over the afi'ections of all our to tell the House that I am no deserter from it. I w-as

Colonies by lenient measures, or to wage war with them ? forced out of it by means which a man of spirit could
I shall content myself with stating —
[Here he gave a long
history in what manner Mr. Grenville, as an able financier,
not submit to. I take this opportunity to say again, tliat
I am no deserter from my profession. [Here it was
wished to search for means to liberate this country from strongly imagined, that the Colonel meant to give a broad
its load of debts] that when the Stamp Act was repealed, hint to Administration, that the line of his profession was
it produced quiet and ease was it then in the contem-
: not disagreeable to him.] I think this Bill is, in every
plation of any sober, honest mind, that any odier tax would shape, to be condemned for that law which shocks Equity
;

1)6 laid on for at least a century? He blamed die late is Reason's murderer; and all the protection that you
Mr. C. Toivnshend, with all his eloquence, for loading mean to give to the military, whilst in the execution of
America with a tax nor was he, said he, sufficiently
; their duty, will serve but to make them odious and what ;

cautious in choosing proper Commissioners for executing is so to soon become so to themselves.

others, will I
his trust it was this
; which disgusted the inhabitants of would rather see General Gage invested with a power
Boston, and there has been nothing but riots ever since. of pardon, than to have men brought over here to be
It is the duty of the governing State to correct errors tried and the state of the case upon the trial, I mean
;

and wrong opinions. (Here he read several extracts of in America, would, I am sure, justify such pardon. You
Mr. Dickinson's (of Vhiladelphia) book, entitled, " Fai- are, by this Bill, at war with your Colonies you may ;

mer's Letters," and from Mr. Otis's book, entitled " The march your troops from North to South, and meet no
" Rights of the British Colonies."] You sent over troops, enemy but the People there will soon turn out, Jike
;

said he, in 1770 you were obliged to recall

1768, and in the sullen Hollanders, a set of sturdy rebels a perpetual ;

them. The People were fired at by a lawless soldiery, exertion of your authority will soon ruin you therefore, ;

and seven or eight innocent persons were killed. They let me advise you to desist. Let us but look a little
were carried about the town as victims of your revenge, to into our behaviour. When we are insulted by France
incite the compassion of the friend&^^d relations of the and Spain, we negotiate —when we dispute with our
87 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 88

Colonies, we prepare our

sliips and our troops to attack are perpetually altering and ameliorating our own constitu-
them. been the lanj-uage of a noble Lord, that
It lias tion, upon emergencies ; is there then no emergency at

when America is at our feet, we will forgive them, and this present instant, when your
take officers are obliged to

tax them but let me recommend lenient measures, and

;
shelter in your castle ;when
the magistrates refuse to
to 50 cap in hand to your subjects if you do not, you ;
execute their authority to keep the ])eace when your ;

will ruin them. The great Minister of this country (Lord ships are plundered, and your trade obstructed and ;

Chatham) always went cap in hand to all his measures :

whenever a endeavours to reform the constitution
])erson

were lenient and palliative but we have now adopted ;

of that country, he incui-s nought but pains and penalties ?
another system. In one House of Parliament '• we have Is it no defect, that the inhabitants, when they meet to

pa.ssed the Rubicon,^'' in tlie other " ileknda est Carthago." choose their officers of the town, that they determine u]ion
[He gave a history here of tlie dilferont state of finance points that go to the very vitals of the constitution ? Not

in which France was : that it was superior in every degree to correct these deficiencies in their constitution, hut to

to this country ; that tlieir establishments were lower in give up the points which they contend for, would be a

point of expense and that France was more ready and

;
base surrender of the rights of posterity. It has been

fit to go to war than we were and tliat during these ;

said, this law is partial, but that that partiality is applica-

troubles with oar Colonies, France would not lie quiel;] ble only to the People of Boston, who have been the

But I see nothing, said he, in the present measures but ringleaders of the whole disturbances that it is slow, I ;

inhumanity, injustice, and wickedness and I fear that ;

agree, because measures of this sort, when adopted on the
the hand of Heaven will fall down on this country with line of security, proceed with an aUentive step. But I
the same degree of vengeance. cannot that the measure is hostile
agree if it is, it is ;

Mr. 6'. For. I rise. Sir, with an utter detestation and hostilityadopted for the prevention of bloodshed. Have
abhorrence of the present measures. It is asserted by we not been provoked to this from the manifold injuries
many gentlemen, measures are adopted to keep
that tliese Avhicli this country has received ? It is not, Sir, the
up the regard of b\it I can by no means
tiie People, strengthof America that we dread ; tliey have neither
acquiesce in that a\\ these Bills have no (|ualilies relative
;
men, amiy, nor navy.
we dread the loss of our trade ? No, Sir,
What then have we to fear —
do
to those lenient measures. As to the second Bill, it has the avarice of
a most wanton and wicked purpose we are either to ; the Americans will prevent that. They threaten us with
treat the Americans as subjects or as rebels. If we treat not paying their debts; but I am afraid, if we give way
them as subjects, the Bill goes too far; if as rebels, it to them, they \vill not allow tliat they owe us an)-
does not go enough.
far They have never yet submitted, however. Sir, let us not proceed weakly nor violently, but
and I trust they never will. We have refused to hear with resolution and firmness. I approve of the system

the parties in their defence, and going to destroy we are that is adopted and with regard to a fair and impartial
;

their charter without knowing the constitution of their trial in that country, 1 think it not only improbable but
Government. I am utterly against such measures as these, impossible therefore wish well to the present Bill.
; I

which can tend to nothing but to raise disturbance and Mr. Bi/ng. I am sorry. Sir, to find that we are not

rebellion. now proceeding in our judicial capacity, but in our legis-

The Marquis of Carmarthen. I do not mean to trespass lative one I could wish that we instilled into the measure
;

long at tills hour of tlie night but there is not a person in ; more judgment, and less of our jiower. It is said this
the world a stranger to the practices carried on in America, measure is adopted to prevent bloodshed is it then that ;

with a direct intention to throw off their dependance on you send armies there for that purpose ? It has been said,
this country. The opposition which they fomented, was that Parliament has bowed its head to every Minister as
not made on acconnt of the tax, but a systematic measure often as measures have been adopted. It bowed when
of opposition to every part of the law of this country. the Stamp Act was made! It bowed when it was re-
It might have been tliought by sober-minded People, that pealed I wish, however, in
I this present instance, it
the repeal of the Stamp Act would have brought them would for once not be quite so civil. It has been said,
back to a sense of their duty but, alas Sir, it had a : ! tiiat these Bills are for amending the constitution. Will
contrary effect. [He read an extract of a letter from gentlemen call that amendment a good one, which directs,
Governor Bernard, setting forth, that " upon coercive that the Judges' places shall be at the disposed of the
" measures being adopted in this country, the Americans Crown ? Surely not. It has been said, Sir, that there has
" seemed to give an acquiescence but whenever lenient ;
been treason and traitors, but that the traitors are not known.
" ones were the system of Administration, they have There can be no treason without traitors, therefore en-
" always been turbulent and riotous."] It has been ob- deavour to find out the traitors first, that they may be
served, Sir, by an honorable gentleman (Colonel Barri) punished, to save the destmction cf an innocent People.
that a great Minister (Lord Chatham) ])roceeded u[)on It has been urged, that this Bill is only for a slioit time
;

cap-in-hand measures. I do not agree with him on tiiat but the same argument that operates for its continuance
point, as I never heard that Minister celebrated for that for an hour, will operate equally for its perpetuity.
part of his character. I always understood that his mea- Mr. Rigby. 1 ri^e. Sir, only just to contradict an
sures were deemed spirited and vigorous, and that he was opinion which has been imbibed, that, in the debate the
the farthest man in the world from making use of cap-in- other day, I I only used it as an
wislied to tax Ireland.
hand measures his character was of a far different nature.
; argument in my
speech to tax America, but never expres-
But I refer the House to all the panegyrics that have sed a hint that it was proper to tax it. It has also been
been passed on that noble Lord, for confirming what I observed, that 1 treated requisition in a ridiculous light ; 1

say. But, Sir, the time may soon come, when that noble did so ; and I think any requisition to the Americans for
liord will have an opportunity, in the other House of their quota of their taxes, would be both ridiculous and
Parliament, to adopt and make use of those cap-in-hand ineffectual. But the honorable gentleman's (Mr. Barri)
measures which the honorable gentleman has just now ideas of requisition, go no further than furnishing provision
attributed to him, as a part of his character ; but 1 strongly for a regiment. Tiie honorable gentleman has taken three
believe his synem
be of a different kind.will or four days to consider ofmy speech, in order to give it
Mr. St. John. take up a few minutes of
I rise. Sir, to an answer. say stand and deliver, to the Americans,
I
the House's time, and to make a few observations upon just as much as I say to my constituents, when I give my _
what has been said. It has been stated that this Bill is vote to passing the Land Tax Bill but the honorable gen- ; 9
taking awayall the rights of the Americans in one day, tieman was very desirous to have a fling at me. I desire,
and that a total destruction of their charter.
it is What is Sir, to support the present Ministry, because I regard
this. Sir, but a gross misrepresentation of Parliamentary them because I have respect for their abilities and resolu-
;

proceedings ? I hold it, Sir, imprudent to meddle with tion. That great Minister, Sir, who has been so much
chartered rights, but in cases where the rights of that famed for cap-in-hand measures, did make his country too
charter are exercised to thedetriment and injury of the big for any one, even himself, to govern. There is not
People. Sir, Parliament has saved America from the a symptom that any of the People out of doors are
jaws of tyranny, by amending their constitution and to ; displeased with our measures but I am told quite the ;

say that we have no right to alter their Government for contrary. America, at this instant, is in a state of down-
such purpose, appears to me the highest absurditv; we right anarchy let us give it a Government. I always, Sir,
;
99 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 90

speak, when I like, and hold my tongue when I think pro- charter ? No, Sir, they can do nothing but say ginlty or
per and whatever weight and force 1 may have been re-
;
not guilty, by forfeiting their charter. It is incumbent on
presented to have, connected with my friends, 1 would give every man to give his opinion from his own breast upon
it in support of the noble Lord I would vote, Sir, for ;
this great occasion but Sir, I cannot help once more
;

these measures, were I upon my oatli, \vhich seems now to condemning that mob of People, which, under the profes-
be the fashionable Parliamentary test [alluding to those ob- sion of libeity, carries dark designs
in its execution but ;

jections he always made to the oath of the Connnittee my utmost wish is, that these measures, in tlieir conse-
appointed to try controverted elections ;] and w hether 1 quences, may turn out well, and contrary to what has
am upon my honour, or my oath, i will give a hearty been apprehended.
concurrence to these measures. Mr. C. Fox. I take this to be the question whether —
General Conway. I would not take up the time of the America is to be gov(;nied by force, or management?
House at tiiis late "hour of the night, but for a very short I never could conceive that the Americans could be

time. I never did maintain that Great Britain had no taxed without their consent. Just as the House of Com-
riffht to tax America ; I said taxation and legislation had mons stands to the House of I^ords, with regard to taxa-
no connection I allowed tJiat we had an abstract right
; tion and legislation, so stands America with Great Britain.

to tax Ireland, and also America, in die Declaratory Act ;

There is not an American, but who must reject and resist
but 1 do not know the time when it w ill be proper and the principle and right of our taxing them. The question
right so to tax. This measure will throw- us into great then is shortly this Whether we ought to govern America
:

dirticulties, which 1 do not know when we shall get out on these principles? Can this country gain strength by
of The tax upon tea does nothing for our revenue, it is keeping uj) such a dispute as this ? Tell me when Ame-
no object as long as you continue the doctrine of taxing
;
rica is to be taxed, so as to relieve the burthens of this
America, you will never be at rest. Where is this olive country. look upon this measure to be in effect taking
I

branch I have heard so nmch talk about ? It is not to be away their charter
; if their charier is to be taken away,

found in these measures. I do not wish to see tiie military for God's sake let it be taken away by law, and not by

protected from the laws of their country if they commit ;

a legislative coercion but I cannot conceive that any law
:

an offence, why not leave them open in the same manner whatever, while their charter continues, will make them
as others are ? I have said, " that we are the aggi-essors," think that you have
a right to tax them. If a system of
and say so still after so many innovations of the Stamp
I ; force be established, there is no provision for that in
is to
Act, and other taxes, 1 am for cap-in-hand measures this Bill it does not go far enough
; if it is to induce them ;

for lenity and tenderness to the Americans. There is by fair means, it goes too far. The only method by
an universal right in persons to be heard at this Bar in which the Americans will ever think they are attached
judicial cases, when they apply for it but I rise, Sir, ; to this country, will be by laying aside the right of taxing.
only to lament what 1 cannot prevent and that this ; I consider this Bill as a bill of pains and penalties, for it

spirit may be rightly directed, 1 do hope that the Ameri- begins with a crime, and ends with a punishment but I ;

cans will wait till better times for I tliink it is better ; wish gentlemen would consider, whether it is more proper
to have peace with America, and war with all the world, to govern by military force, or by management.
than be at war with America ; because, if they are Mr. Attorney General Tliurlow. The form of the
at peace with us, they will contribute to support us in time present law was adopted to give magistracy that degree of
of war. authority which it ought to be vested with for the execu-
Lord G. Germaine. I hope I shall be excused, Sir, tion of the laws but this Bill carries with it no degree of
;

for trespassing a few minutes on the House. I should severity, unless the pleasure of disobeying is greater than
be sorry to be a supporter of those measures, which are that of the punishment. To say that we have a right to
termed wicked and tyrannical but as I cannot think that ; tax America, and never to exercise that right, is redicu-
this Bill has any such designs, 1 shall readily adopt it. lous, and a man must abuse his own understanding very
Tlie trial of the military has been much objected to. much not to allow of that right. To procure the tax
What is it, Sir, but a protection of innocence ? Will you by requisition is a most ridiculous absurdity, while the
not wish for that, Sir? America, at this instant, is no- sovereignty remains in this country and the right of ;

thing but anarchy and confusion. Have they any one taxing was nevei' in the least given up to the Americans.
measure but what depends upon the will of a lawless Their charter is mere matter of legislative power and ;

nmltitude? Where are the Courts of Justice ? Shut up. whoever looks into that charter, will see that no power
Where are your Judges? One of them taking refuge in whatever was meant to be given them so as to controwl
your Court. WHere are your Council ? Where is your the right of taxation from Great Britain.
Governor ? All of them intimidated by a lawless rabble. Mr. E. Burke. I have little to say. Sir, with hopes to
Can these men expect a fair trial ? No, Sir, at present they convince the House, but what I have to offer, 1 shall
liave no existence as any part of the executive power. do with freedom. It has been asserted, that the nation
It is objected, that the Judges receive their salaries from is not alarmed, that no petitions of discontent are received.

the Crown, and not from the People. It is to me a matter How can persons complain, when sufficient time is not
of surprise, that any gentleman could think seriously a mo- given them to know what you are about ? We have now
ment, tiiat this Government wanted no amendment. It seen the whole of this great work 1 wish all was good ;

has been said, give up the Tea Tax Can you give up the : that it contained. I am afraid a long series of labours and

Tea Tax, without the constitution ? Support your suprema- troubles will succeed. The question that is before you
cy, whatever you do legislation cannot but be part of it.
; is a great one it is no less than the proscription of
;

It has been observed, that we negotiated about Falkland's provinces, and cities, and nations, upon their trial except ;

Island; I wish. Sir, we could negodate with the Aine- that when the saints of God are to judge the world I do
rirans upon the same terms. If they would do as the not know one of greater importance. I will endeavour

Spaniards did, that is, disown the fact, and give up the to comply with the temper of the House, and be short
point in question, we might then negotiate. The Ame- in what 1 have to offer. [The HoUse being noisy, several
ricans, it is true, have made this claim several years, of members going out, soon after which he got up and said,]
exemption from taxation, but they have never yet carried I find. Sir, I have got my voice, and I shall beat down
it. Great Britain, is desired to be at peace with her the noise of the House. Why did I compromise ? [Here
Colonies, by an accjuiescence in their claim but do you ; he produced the letters from Ijord Hillsborough to the
call such a submission to be a peace ? 1 really think the Americans, which declared, that his Majesty, or his Mini.«;-
(ii-st Bill, for blocking up the port, is the only Bill of pains ters, had not any intention of laying any further taxes on
and penalties, when you deprive that port of its trade Amenca.] He dwelt some considerable time on the
and this was tlie Bill to which the honorable gentleman words which the letter contained, as a sort of declaration
(Colonel Barre) gave his hearty concurrence. The Bill to the Americans that they should not be taxed. If you
before you is not such a Bill there are no pains nor
: govern America at all. Sir, it must be by an army but ;

penalties their Government will be restored, and private

; the Bill before us, cairies with it the force of that army ;

property protected. It has been said, go to the King's and 1 am of opinion, they never will consent without force
Bench with this complaint, as in former times; but let me being used. 1 have to protest against this Bill, because

ask gentlemen, whether thev can ameliorate or alter their you refuse to bear tlie parties aggrieved. Consider what
»r BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 92

von are doing, when you are taking tlic trial over the Friday, May 13, 1774.
Atlantic seas, three thousand miles to Great Britain ; wit- Tlie House proceeded to take into consideration the
nesses may be subpoened, and called upon by tlie prisoner, amendments made by the House of Lords, which were
as many as lie ])leases. Let me, for Clod's sake, wish that
severally agreed to.
gentlemen would think a little more that a fair trial may
be had in America and tiiat while the King appoints the
;

Judge, there is a degree of fairness that People should the

Jury. Repeal, Sir, the Act which gave rise to this HOUSE OF LORDS.
liisturbance this will be the remedy to bring peace and
;

quietness, and restore authority ; but a crcat bluck book, Tuesday, May 3, 1774.
and a great many red coats, will never he able to govern A message was brought up from the House of Commons,
it. It is tnie, the Americans cannot resist llic force of
by Mr. Cooper and others :

this country, but it will cause wranglings, scuffling, and With a Bill, intituled, " An Act for the better Regula-
discontent. Such remedies as the foregoing, will make " ting the Government of the Province of the Massachu-
such disturbances as are not to be quieted. " setts Bay, in Acmj England," to whicii they desire the
Lord iWorth arose to answer Mr. Burke. He desired concurrence of this House.
leave to look at Ixird Hillshormgh's letter, as he had The said Bill was read the first time.
not a copy of it and explained tlie passages in that
;
Ordered, That the said Bill be read a second time on
letter very' different from what Mr. Burke had: he read
Fnday next; and that the Lords be summoned.
the words, " That neither the King, or any of his Minis- Ordered, That tlie said Bill be printed.
ters, wished to tax America." His Ixjrdship observed,
Tiiat this was not an expression that carried with it a Friday, May 6, 1774.
denial of the right, but only a wish that no further taxes
" should be laid on." A
man, says he, is not factious, Tlie order of the day being read, the Bill was accord-
that says America may be taxed ; tlie letter contains an ingly read a second time, and connnitted to a Committee
opinion, that no further taxes, at that time, ought to of the whole House.
be laid. I am sorry to hear a charge thrown out, that Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee
these proceedings are to deprive persons of their natural upon the said Bill, on Monday next, and that the I^ords be
right. Let me ask of what natural right, whether that summoned.
of smugslins, or of throwing tea overboard ? Or of another
Monday, May 9, 1774.
natural right, wliich not paying their debts ? But surely
is

this Bill does not destroy any of their civil rigiits ? You The order of the day being read, the House was accord-
have given them a Civil Magistrate and a Council, which Committee
ingly adjourned during pleasure, and put into a
they had not before you have given the innocent man
;
upon the Bilk
a fair trial in some Colony or other and if he cannot ;
After some time, the House was resumed.
get a fair trial in that country, the whole being in a And the Ix)rd Boston reported from tlie Committee,
distempered state of disturbance and opposition to the that they had gone through the Bill, and made several
laws of the mother country, then, in that case, and in amendments thereto.
that only, he must be sent to Great Britain. All that Ordered, That the said Report be received to-morrow.
these Acts profess to do, is to restore some order to the
Province. None thai admit the least degree of sovereignty, Tuesday, May 10, 1774.
can possibly deny the provision of this Bill it is not ;

a military Government that is established, but the altera- The Lord Boston reported the amendments made by
tion of a civil one. 1 am sure that this is adopted as the the Committee of the whole to the Bill
best method at present I do not say it wjU succeed, but
;
And the amendments were severally agreed to by the
I hope for the good consequences of it and if the ;
House.
Massachusetts Bay is to be governed by management, Ordered, That the said Bill, with the amendments, be
this is the only remedy. By what means is authority read a third time to-morrow, and that the Lords be sum-
to be maintained, but by establishing that authority from moned.
Parliament ? 1 do not know, Sir, what is the proper time Wednesday, May 11, 1774.
to lay a fresh tax on America ; but this I know, that this
is net the proper time to repeal one. We arenow to Upon reading the Petition of several pei"sons, Natives of
establish our authority, or give it up entirely ; when they America, whose names are thereimto subscribed, taking
are quiet, and return to their duty, we shall be kind, notice of two Bills depending in this House, the first, inti-
whether by repealing this tax, or what not, I cannot tuled, " An Act for the better Regulating the Government
tell; but this 1 will answer, that when they are quiet, " of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New
and have a respect for their mother country, their mother "England;" and the other. Intituled, "An Act for tlie
country will be good-natured to them. " Impartial Administration of Justice in cases of persons
Sir George Savile. I shall say not a word of preface " questioned for any acts done by them in the execution of
at this late hour I do not hold it improper to take this
;
" tiie law or for the suppression of riots and tumults in the
;

into consideration in a legislative ca])acity, in ])reference " Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England ;"
to a judicial one ; but I hold this to be i principle of and ])rayin^, " that the said Bills may not pass into a
justice, that a charter which conveys a sacred right, ought law,"
not to be taken away without hearing the parties, either It is Ordered, that tlie said Petition do lie on the table.

way, which has not been done,

in a judicial or legislative Upon readini; the Petition of William Bollan, Esquire,
but from their own declaration in the papers on the Agent for the Council of his Majesty's Province of iV/a«««-
table, and which I, in my mind, do not think sufficient chusctts Buy, in New England, taking notice of a Bill de-
evidence. pending ill tliis House, intituled, " An Act for the better
Then the House divided: " Regulating the Government of the Piovince of the Mas-
Yeas, 239 Yays, 64.
;
" sachusctts Bay, in New England ;" and praying, " this
So was resolved in tlie Affirmative:
it " right honorable House will be pleased to suspend all
And the Bill was accordingly read the third time. " other proceedings therein, until he can give the Council
And after several amendments were made, the Bill was '*
notice thereof, and they can prepare their defence, and
Piissed. " give proper corjiorate authority for the regular defence of
Ordered, That Mr. Cooper do carry the Bill to the " their corporate rights and privileges; and that he may be
Lords, and desire their concurrence. " heard by their Lordships in support of this Petition ;"

It is Ordered, that the said Petition do lie on the table.

Thursday, May 12, lTt4.
Moved, " That Mr. Bollan be called in, and heard at
The was returned from the House of Lords, with
Bill the Bar?"
several amendments. Which being objected to
 »s BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 94

After debate, Massachusetts Bay, are not sufficient to keep that single
The question was put tiiereupon ? Colony in any tolerable state of order, until the cause of its
It was resolved in the Negative. charter can be fairly and equally tried, no regulation in
The order of the day being read, for the third reading of this Bill, or in any of those hitherto brought into the House,
the Bill, intituled, " An Act for the better Regulating the are sufficient for that purpose ; and we conceive that the
" GoverniiieiU of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, mere celerity of a decision against the charter of that Pro-
" in New Enirland" and for the Lords to be summoned, vinc-3, will not reconcile the minds of the People to that

The said Bill was accordingly read the third time. mode of Government, which is to be established upon its
Moved, " That the Bill, with the amendments, do Pass ?" ruins.
Which being objected to; 3dly. Because Lords are not in a situation to determine
After long debate,* how far the regulations, of which this Bill is composed,
The question was put, " whether this Bill, with the agree or disagree with those parts of the constitution of the
amendments, shall Pass ?" Colony that are not altered, with the circumstances of the
It was resolved in the Affirmative. People, and with tiie whole detail of their municipal insti-
tutions. Neither the charter of the Colony, nor any ac-
Dissentient. count whatsoever of its courts and judicial proceedings,
Because this Bill, forming a principal part in a system of their mode or exercise of their present powers, have been
))unisliment and regulation, has been carried through the produced to the House. The sliglitest evidence concern-
House without a due regard to those indispensable rules of ing any one of tlie many inconveniences stated in the
public proceeding, without the observance of which, no regu- preamble of the Bill to have arisen frow the present con-
lation can be prudently made, and no punishment justly in- stitution of the Colony judicatures, has not been produced,
flicted. Before it can be pretended, that those rights of the or even attempted. On the same general allegations of a de-
Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in the election of Counsellors clamatory preamble, any other right, or all the rights, of
Magistrates, and Judges, and in the return of Jurors, which this, or any other public body, may be taken away, and
they derive from their charter, could, with propriety, be taken any visionary scheme of Government substituted in their
away, the definite legal offence, by which a forfeiture of place.
that charter is incurred, ought to have been clearly stated, 4thly. Because we think that the appointment of all the
and fully proved notice of this adverse proceeding ought
; members of the Council, which by this Bill, is vested in the
to have been given to the parties affected and they ought
; Crown, is not a proper provision for preserving the equili-
to have been heard in their own defence. Such a princi- brium of the Colony constitution. The power given to the
])le of proceeding would have been inviolably observed in Crown of occasionally increasing or lessening the number of
the courts below. It is not technical formality, but sub- the Council, on the re]X)rt of Governors, and at the pleasure
stantial justice. When therefore, the magnitude of such a of Ministers, must make these Governors and Ministers
cause transfers it from the cognizance of the inferior courts, masters of every question in that Assembly and by destroy-
;

to the high judicature of Parlianrent, the Lords are so far ing its freedom of deliberation, will wholly annihilate its use.
from authorized to reject this equitable principle, that we The intention avowed in this Bill, of bringing the Council to
are bound to an extraordinary and religious strictness in the the platform of other Colonies, is not likely to answer its own
observance of it. Tlie subject ought to be indemnified by end as the (Colonies, where the Council is named by the
;

a more liberal and beneficial justice in Parliament, for what Crown, are not at all better disposed to a submission to the
he must inevitably suffer, by being deprived of many of the practice of taxing for supply, without their consent, than
forms which are wisely established in the courts of ordinary this of Massachusetts Bay. And no pretence of bringing
resort, for his protection against the dangerous promptitude it model of the English constitution can be support-
to the
of arbitrary discretion. ed, as none of those American Councils have the least re-
'idly.Because the necessity alleged for this precipitate semblance to the House of Peers, so that this new scheme
mode of judicial proceeding cannot exist. If the numerous of a Council stands upon no sort of foundation, which the
land and marine foi-ces, which are ordered to assemble in proposers of it think proper to acknowledge.
5thly. Because the new constitution of judicature pro-
* Tho Bill pissed (the Commons) by a prodigious majority, after a
debate wliich lasted with uncommon spirit for many hours. Equally
vided by this Bill, is improper and incongruous with the
warm debates attended tlie Bill in the House of Lords. The objec- plan of the administration of justice in Great Britain. All
tions were nearly the same witli those made in the House ol" Com. the Judges are to be henceforth nominated, (not by the
mons, with p-^rlicular reflections upon the greater rapidity witii whicli
it was hurried through the House of Lords :and the peculiar impro- Crown,) but by the Governor; and all, except the Judges
priety in a court of justice, of condemning the Colony, and taking of the Superior Court, are to be removable at his pleasure,
away its charter, witliout any form of process. The Lords in oppo. and expressly without the consent of that very Council
sition, cried out against a Bill altering the constitution of a Colony
without h iving so much as the charter contiining the constitution so
which has been nominated by the Crown. The appoint-
altered, Ijid b- fore them. Tliat the Bill had also altered the courts ment of the Sheriff is by the will of the Governor only ;
and tlie mode of judicial proceedings in the Colony, without an offer and without requiring in the person appointed, any local or
of tlie slightest evidence to prova any one of tlie inconvonieuces,
other qualification that a Sheriff", a magistrate of great im-
which wore stated in gemral terms in the preamble, as arising from ;

the pres^:nt mode of trial in tile Province. portance to the whole administration and execution of all
Tlic absolute necessity of a powerful and speedy remedy for the cure justice, civil and criminal, and who, in England, is not re-
of a Gov 'rnmcnt, wiiich was nothing but disorder, was, in substance,
tlie principal reason alk^ged for tho omission of inquiry and evidence,
movable even by the royal authority diu-ing the continu-
and the supersrjding tho ordinary rules of judicial proc 'eding. Besides, ance of the term of his office, is by this Bill made chang-
the Ministeri il Lords denied, that tlio process was of a penal nature able by the Governor and Council, as often, and for such
they insisted that it w;is beneficial and remedial, and a great improve-
ment of their constitution, as it brought it nearer to the English purposes as they shall think expedient. The Governor
model. This again was denied by the Lords of the minority, wiio and Council thus entrusted with powers with which the
said tliat the taking a^vay of francliisos granted by charters, had cvjr British constitution has not trusted his Majesty and his
been considered as penal, and all proceedings for tliat purpose con-
ducted criininjlly. Otherwise, it was said, nothing could be safe in
Privy Council, have the means of returning such a Jury, in
any man's hands, tho taking away of which another man might con- each particular cause, as may best suit with the gratifica-
sider as bon^ficiil. Tliat a Council holding their places at the tion of their passionsand interests. The lives, liberties,
pl-:a8urc of tho Crown, did not rosomhio the House of Lords nor
and properties of the subject are put into their hands
;

I approach in any thing to tlie perfection of the Briiisit constitution.

The debate on tho third reading was long, but tlie division only
twenty to ninety.two. Ann. Regis.
without controul ;and the invaluable right of trial by Jury,
is turned into a snare for the People, who have hitherto
This Bill occasionod several long and warm debates. But the looked upon it as their main security against the licentious-
Lords still keeping their Mouse shut, and not even admitting tho
memb rs of tho House of Commons, unloss lo deliver Bills, and then
ness of power.
to depart iminedi itely, it is not known that any account of these 6thly. Because we see in this Bill the same scheme of
debates has been preserved any where. strengthening the authority of the Officers and Ministers of
At the beginning of the next Session, (which was tho first Session
State, at the expense of the rights and liberties of the sub-
of the fourteenth Parii imont,) tho Duke of Manche.iter recommended to
the House a relaxation of tho standing order, excluding all strangers ject,which was indicated by the inauspicious Act for shut-
from admission below the bar of the House; and also recommended ting up the harbour of Boston. By that Act, which is im-
the admission of the members of the House of Commons, as formerly.
Both rocoinmendations were agreed to and from that time the debates
;
mediately connected with this Bill, the example was set of
of the Lords have been preserved. Pari. Deb. a large important city, containing vast multitudes of People,
9)S BILL FOR G0VERN:ME\T OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 96

manv of wliom must be intiooent, and all of whom are un- Monday, May 16, 1774.
heard, by an arhitnuy sentence, deiirived of the advantage A Message was brought from the House of Commons,
of that port, upon whirli means of acquirin!; their liveli-
all
by Mr. Cooper and others :

hood did immediately depend. This proscription is not To return the Bill, and to acquaint this House, that
made determinable on the payment of a tine for an offence, they have agreed to their Lordships amendments made
or a compensation for an injury but is to continue uniil
:
thereto.
the Ministers of the Crown shall think fit to advise the
Kin<; in Council to revoke it. Tiie les^al condition of the Thi'rsday, May 19, 1774.
subject (staudinK uuatlainted by conviction for treason or The folloicing Petition from Natives q/" America, then in
felony) ought never todepend upon the arbitrary will oi Ivoudon, against the passage was presented
of the Bill,
any person whatsoever. This Act, uncxam()led on the to the King:
records of Parliament, has been entered on the joiu'nals of
this House, as voted ncminc disscnticnte, and has been
To the King's Most Excellent Majesty,

stated, in the debate of this day, to have been sent to the The Petition of several Natives of America, most humbly
Colonies, as passed without a division in either House, and showeth
therefore as conveying the uncontroverted univereal sense That your Petitioners, being your Majesty's n)ost faith-

of the nation. The despair of making effectual opposition ful subjects, are obliged to implore your gracious interposi-
to an unjust measure, has been construed into an approba- tion, to protect them
enjoyment of those privileges,
in the

tion of an unfair advantage has been taken on the final

it ;
which are the right of your People.
all

question for passing that penal Bill, of the absence of those Your Majesty's Petitioners have already seen with un-
l^rds who iiad debated it for several hours, and strongly speakable grief, their earnest prayers rejected, and heavy
dissented from it on the second reading, that period on penalties inflicted, even on the innocent amonsr their coun-
which it is most usual to debate the principle of a Bill. If trymen, to the subversion of every princii)le of justice,
this pixx>eeding were to pass, witjiout miimadvei-sion. Lords without their being heard. By this alarming procedure,
might think themselves obliged to reiterate their debates at all property was rendered insecure and they now see in ;

every stage of every Bill which they oppose, and to make two Bills, (for altering the Government of Massachuxctts
a formal division whenever they debate. Bay, and the impartial administration of justice there,) the
Tthly. Because tliis Bill, and the otiier proceedings that intended subversion of the two grand objects of civil
accompany it, are intended for the sujiport of that unadvised society, and constitutional protection, to wit. Liberties and
scheme of taxing the Colonies in a m:\nner new and un- Life.
suitable to their situation and constitutional circumstances. Your Petitioners most humbly represent to your Majes-
Parliament has asserted the authority of the Legislature of ty, that to destroy or assume their chartered rights, without
this Kingdom, supreme and unlimited over all the members a full and fair hearing, with legal jiroof of forfeiture
and ;

of the British Empire. Bvt the legal extent of this au- the abrogating of their most valuable laws, which had duly
thority furnishes no argument in favour of an unwarrantable received the solenm confirmation of your Majesty's Royal
use of it. The sense of the nation on the repeal of the predecessors, and were thence deemed unchangeable with-
Stamp Act was, that, in equity and sound policy, the taxa- out the consent of the People is such a proceeding, as
;

tion of the Colonies for the ordinary purposes of su})ply, renders the enjoyment of every privilege they possess, un-
ought to be forborn and that this Kingdom ought to satisfy
;
certain and precarious. That an exemption of the soldiery
itself with the advantages to be derived from a flourishing from being tried in the Massachusetts Bay for murder, or
and increasing trade, and with the free grants of the Ameri- other felony, committed upon your Majesty's subjects there,
can Assemblies, as being far more beneficial, liir more easily is such an encouragement for licentiousness, and incentive

obtained, less oppressive, and more likely to be lasting, than to outrage, as must subject your Majesty's liege People to
any revenue to be acquired by Parliamentary taxes, ac- continued danger.
companied by a total alienation of the affections of those Your Petitioners and their countrymen, have been ever
who were to pay them. This principle of repeal was most zealously attached to your Majesty's person and fami-
nothing more than a return to the ancient standing policy ly. It is therefore, with inexpressible affliction that they
of this Empire. Tlie unhappy departure from it has led to see an attempt, in these proceedings against them, to
that course of shifting and contradictory measures, Avhich change the principle of obedience to the Government, from
has since given rise to such continued distractions by ; the love of the subject towards their Sovereign, founded
which unadvised plan, new duties have been imposed in on the opinion of his wisdom, justice, and benevolence, into
the very year after the former had been repealed. These the dread of absolute power and laws of extreme rigour,
new duties afterwards in part repealed, and in part con- insupportable to a free Peojile.
tinued, in contradiction to the principles upon which those Should the Bills above mentioned, receive your royal
repealed were given up all which, with many weak, in-
; sanction, }'our Majesty's faithful subjects will be overwhelm-
judicious, and precipitate steps, taken to enforce a compli- ed with grief and despair.
ance, have kept up that jealousy, which on the repeal of It is therefore our earnest prayer, that your Majesty will

the Stamp Act was subsiding revived dangerous questions,

; be graciously pleased to suspend your royal assent, to the
and gradually estranged the affections of the Colonies from said Bills.
the mother country, without any object of advantage to
Stephen Sayre, Willicm H. Gibbs,
either. If the force proposed should have its full effect,
William Lee, William Blake,
that effect we greatly appreiiend may not continue longer
Arthur Lee, Isaac Mottc,
than whilst the sword is held up. To render the Colonies K Im und Jmn ings Jhnry Laurence,
permanently advantageous, they must ba satisfied with their
Joshua Johnson, Thomas Binckney,
condition. Tliat satisfaction ^ve see no chance of restoring
Daniel Bowley, Jacob Rend,
whatever measures maybe pursued, except by recurring, in
Benjamin Franklin, John F. Grimke,
the whole, to the wise and salutary principles on which the
Tliomas Busten, Philip Neylc,
Stamp Act was repealed.
Edward Bancroft, Edward Femvicke,
Richmond, Abingdon, Thomas Bromfield, Elward Fenicicke, Jun.
Effingham, Rockingham, John Boylston, John P tronneau,
Leinster, Fitzwilliam, John Eilis, William Middleton,
Portlanri, King, John ll^tlianu, William Middleton, Jun.
Ponsonby, Abergavenny. John Ailcyne, Ralph Izard, Jun.
Craven, Ralph Izard,
'

William Heyward.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the Friday, May 20, 1774.
former Messengers
To return the said Bill, and acquaint them, tliat the His Majesty being seated in the Throne, and the Com-
Ijords have agreed to the same, with some amendments, to mons attending with their Speaker, the royal assent to the
which their Lordships desire tlieir concurrence. Bill was pronounced by the Clerk's Assistant.
•f* BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY, 98

those formidable numbers, which we have been nui-sing up

A Speech intended to have been spoken on the Bill for
Altering the Charters of the Colony of Massachusetts for the space of two hundred years, widi so much care and

Bay.* success, to the astonishment of all Europe. This is no

exaggeration, my
Lords, but plain matter of fact, collected
It is of such great importance to compose or even
to mo-
from the accounts sent over by Mr. Hastings, whose name
derate the dissention.s, which subsist at present l)et\veen our I mention with honour and veneration. And I must own,
unhappy country and her Colonies, tliat I cajuiot help en- such accounts have very much lessened the pleasure I used
deavouring, from the faint prospect 1 have of contributing to feel in diinking myself an Englishman. We ought
soniediing to so good an end, to overcome the inexpressi- surely not to hold our Colonies totally inexcusable for wish-
ble reluctance I feel at uttering my thoughts before the ing to exempt themselves from a grievance which has caus-
most respectable of all audiences. ed such unexampled devastation and, my Lords, it would
;

The true object of all our deliberations on this occasion, be too disgraceful to ourselves, to try so cruel an experi-
which 1 hope we shall of, is a full and
never lose sight
ment more than once. Let us reflect, that before these
cordial reconciliation with North America. Now, I own, innovations were diought by following the line of good
of,
my Lords, I have many doubts whether the teiTors and conduct which had been marked out by our ancestors, we
punishments, we hang out to them at present, are the surest governed North America with mutual benefit to them and
means of producing this reconciliation. Let us at least do ourselves. It was a happy idea that made us first consider
this justice to the People of North America, to own, that
them rather as instruments of commerce than as objects of
we can all remember a time when they were much better Government. It was wise and generous to give them the
friends than at present to their mother country. They are
form and spirit of our own constitution an Assembly in ;

neither our natural nor our determined enemies. Before

which a greater equality of representation has been pre-
the Stamp Act we considered them in the light of as good and Councils and Governors, such
served than at home ;

subjects as the natives of any county in England. as were adapted to their situation, though they must be ac-
it is worth while to inquire by what steps we first gained
knowledged to be very inferior copies of the dignity of this
their affection, and preserved it so long and, by what con-
;
House, and the majesty of the Crown.
duct we have lately lost it. Such an inquiry may point
But what is far more valuable dian all the rest, we gave
out the means of restoring peace, and make die use of force them liberty. We allowed them to use their own judgment
unnecessary .against a People, whom I cannot yet forbear in the management of their own interest. The idea of
to consider as our brethren. On the contrary,
taxing them never entered our heads.
It has always been a most arduous task to govern distant
they have experienced our liberality on many public occa-
Provinces, with even a tolerable appearance of justice. sions: we have given them bounties to encourage dieir in-
The Viceroys and Governors of other nations are usually dustry, and have demanded no return but what every State
temporary tyrants, who think themselves obliged to make exacts from its Colonies, the advantages of an exclusive
the most of their time who not only plunder the People,
;
commerce, and the regulations that are necessary to secure
but carry away their spoils, and dry up all tlie sources of it. We made requisitions to them on great occasions, in
commerce and industry. Taxation, in their hands, is an the same manner as our Princes formerly asked benevolen-
unlimited power of oppression but in whatever hands the
ces of their subjects and as nothing was asked but what was
:
;

power of taxation is lodged, it implies and includes all other visibly for the public good, it was always granted and they ;

powers. Arbitrary taxation is plunder audiorized by law :

themselves did more than we expected. The matter of
it is the support and thee sscnce of tyranny and has done And let
;
right was neither disputed, nor even considered.
more mischief to mankind, than those other three scourges us not forget that the People of New England were them-
from heaven, famine, pestilence, and the sword. I need
selves, during the last war, the most forward of all in the
not carry your Lordships out of your own knowledge, or national cause that every year we voted them a consider-
;

out of your own Dominions, to make you conceive what able sum, in acknowledgment of their zeal and their ser-
misery this right of taxation is ca])able of producing in a vices that in the preceding war, they alone enabled us to
;

Provincial Government. We need only recollect that our make the treaty of Aix la Chapelle, by furnishing us with
countrymen in India, have in the space of five or six the only equivalent for the towns that were taken from our
years, in virtue of this right, destroyed, starved, and driven
allies in Flanders ; and that in times of peace, they alone
away, more inhabitants from Bengal, than are to be found have taken from us six times as much of our woollen man-
at present in all our American Colonies more than all
;
ufactures, as the whole Kingdom of Ireland. Such a Co-
Speech by the Bishop of St. Asaph, who voted against the
* Tliis lony, my Lords, not only from the justice, but from the
Bill in the Hous3 of Lords, though not delivered in the House on gratitude we owe them, have a right to be heard in their
that occasion, was written and published by him at the time. It is
considered especially proper to insert it here, because none of the defence and if their crimes are not of the most inexpiable
;

speeches, in the " long debate" on the question, have been preserved. kind, I could almost say, they have a right to be forgiven.
His reasons for the publication, given in the Advcrtisnient, are as But in die times we speak of, our public intercourse was
follows :

" The Author of the following speech might justify his manner of carried on with ease and satisfaction. We regarded them
publishing it by very great authorities. Some of the noblest pieces as our friends and fellow-citizens, and relied as much upon .

of eloquence, tlie world is in possession of, were not spoken on the their fidelity as on die inhabitants of our own country.
great occasions tliey were intended to serve, and seem to have been
preserved merely from the high sense that was entertained of their They saw our pow er with pleasure for they considered ;

merit. itonly as dieir protection. They inherited our laws, our

" The present porformance appears in public from humbler but juster
language, and our customs; diey preferred our manufac-
motives: fVo'U the great national importance of the subject; from a
very warm desire and some faint hope of serving our country, by tures, and followed our fashions with a partiality that secur-
suggesting a few of the useful truths whieh great men are apt to ed our exclusive trade with diem, more effectually than all
overlook. the regulations and vigilance of the custom-house. Had
" Tlie .\uthor has abstained most religiously from personal reflec.
tions. He has censured no man, and therefore hopes he has offended we suffered tliem to enrich us a little longer, and to grow a
no man. He feels most sensibly the misfortune of ditlering from little richer themselves, their men
of fortune, like the West
many of those wliom he wishes to live and act with ; and from some Indians, would undoubtedly have made this country their
of as much virtue and ability as this kingdom affords. But there are
also groat authorit-ies on the other side and the greatest authority can
;
place of education and resort. For they 'looked up to
never persuade him, that it is better to extort by force, what he England with reverence and affection, as to the country
thinks may be gained more surely by gontlo means. of their friends and ancestors. They esteemed and they
*' He looks upon pov/cr as a coarse and mechanical instrument of
called it their home, and thought of it as the Jews once
Government, and holds tiie use of it to be particularly dangerous to
the relation that subsists l)etween a mother country and her Colonies. diought of the Land of Canaan.
In such a case he doubts whether any point ouglit to be pursued, Now, my Lords, consider with yourselves what were the
which cannot bo carried by persuasion, by tlio sense of a common
interest, and the exi^rcisa of a molnrate authority. He thinks it chains and ties that united diis People to their mother
unnecessary to lay down the limits of sovereignty and obedience, and country, with so much warmth and affection, at so amazing
more unnecessary to figlit for them. If we can but restore that a distance. The Colonies of other nations have been dis-
mutual regard and confidence, whicli Ibrmerly governed our whole
intercourse with our (Jolonies, particular cases will easily provide for contented with their treatment, and not without sufficient
themselves. He acts the part of the truest patriot in this dangerous cause ; always murmuring at their grievances, and_ some-
crisis, whether he lives at London or at liosloii, who pursues sincerely
times breaking out into acts of rebellion. Our subjects at
the most lenient and conciliating measures and wishes to restore the
;

home, with all their reasons for satisfaction, have never

public peace by some better method than the slaughter of our fellow,
citizens." been entirely satisfied. Since the beginning of this centu-
Foi^TH Series.
 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 100

ly we have liad two rebellions, several plots and conspira- I have ventured to lay before you, for a few moments in

cies;and we ourselves have been witnesses to the most your minds (supposing your right of taxation to be never
dangerous excesses of sedition. But the Provinces in so clear) yet I think you must necessarily perceive that it
North America have engaged in no party, have excited cannot be exercised in any manner that can be advanta-
no opposition ; they iiave been utter strangers even to the geous to ourselves or them. We have not always the
name of Wiiig and Tory. In all chiuiges, in all revolu- w isdom to tax ourselves with propriety and I am confi- ;

tions, they have quietly followed the fortunes and submitted dent we could never tax a People at that distance, without
to the Government of England. infinite blnndei-s, and infinite oppression. And to own the
Now let me appeal to your Lordships as to men of en- truth, my Lords, we are not honest enough to trust

larged and liberal minds, who have been led by your office ourselves with the power of shifting our own burthens
and rank to the study of history. Can you fmd in the upon them. Allow me, therefore, to conclude, I think,
long succession of ages, in the whole extent of human af- unanswerably, that the inconvenience and distress we have
fairs, a single instance, where distant Provinces liave been .felt in this change of our conduct, no less than the ease

preserved in so flourishing a state, and kej)! at the same and tranquillity we formerly found in the ))ursuit of it,
time in such due subjection to their mother country ? My will force us, if we have any sense left, to return to the

Ijords, there is no instance the case never existed before.

;
good old path we trod in so long, and found it the way
It perhaps the most singular phenomenon in all civil
is of pleasantness.
history and the cause of it well deserves your serious con- I desire to have it understood, that I am opposing no
;

sideration. The true cause is, that a motlier country never rights that our legislature may think proper to claim I :

existed before, wJio placed her natives and her Colonies am only comparing two different methods of government.
on the same equal footing and joined with them in fairly
; By your old rational and generous administration, by
canying on one common interest. treating the Americans as your friends and fellow-citizens,
y ou ought to consider this, my Lords, not as a mere you made them the happiest of human kind and at the ;

iiistorical fact, but as a most important and invaluable dis- same time drew from them, by commerce, more clear
covery. It enlarges our ideas of the power and energy of profit than Spain has drawn from all its mines ; and their

good Government, beyond all former exanq>les and shews ;

growing numbers w-ere a daily-increasing addition to your
that it can act like gravitation at tlie greatest distances. strength. There was no room for improvement or altera-
It proves to a demonstration that you may have good sub- tion in so noble a system of policy as this. It was

jects in the remotest corners of the earth, if you will but sanctified by time, by experience, by public utility. I will

treat them with kindness and equity. If you have any venture to use a bold language, my Ijords; I will assert,
doubts of the truth of this kind of reasoning, the experience that if we had uniformly adopted this equitable administra-
we have had of a different kind will entirely remove them. tion in all our distant Provinces as far as circumstances would
The good genius of our country had led us to the simple admit, it would have placed this country, for ages, at the
and happy method of governing freemen, which I have head of human affaire in every quarter of the world. My
endeavoured to describe. Our Ministers received it from Lords, this is no visionary or chimerical doctrine. The
their predecessors, and for some tune continued to observe idea of governing Provinces and Colonies by force is
it but without knowing its value.
; At length, presuming visionary and chimerical. The experiment has often been
on their own wisdom, and the quiet disposition of the Ame- tried and it has never succeeded. It ends infallibly in the
ricans, they flattered themselves that we might reap great niin of the one country or the other, or in the last degree
advantages from their prosperity by destroying liie cause of wretchedness.
of it. They chose in an unlucky hour to treat them as If there is any tnith, my Lords, in what I have said,

other nations have thought fit to treat their Colonies they ;

and most firmly believe it all to be true, let me recom-
I
threatened and they taxed them. mend it to you to resume that generous and benevolent
1 do not now inquire whether taxation is matter of right; spirit in the discussion of our differences, which used to
I only consider it as matter of experiment for surely the ; be the source of our union. We certainly did wrong in
art of government itself is founded on experience. I need taxing them : when the Stamp Act was repealed, we did
not suggest what were the consequences of this change of wrong in laying on other taxes, which tended only to keep
measures. The evils produced by it were such as we still alive a claim, that was mischevious, impracticable, and
remember and still feel. We suflljred more by our loss of useless. We
acted contrary to our own principles of
trade with them, than the wealth flowing in from India was and to the generous sentiments of our Sovereign,
liberty,
able to recompense. The bankmptcy of the East India when we desired to have their judges dependent on the
Company, may be sufficiently ficcounted for by the rapine Crown for their stipends, as well as their continuance. It
abroad and the knavery at home but it certainly would ; was equally unwise to wish to make the Governors inde-
have been delayed some years, harl we continued our com- pendent of the People for their salaries. We ought to
merce with them in the single article of tea. But that and consider the Governors, not as spies entrusted with the
many other branches of trade have been diverted into other management of our interest, but as the servants of the
channels, any may probably never return entire to their old People, recommended to them by us. Our ears ought to
course. But what is worst of all, we have lost their confi- be open to every complaint against the Governors but ;

dence and friendship; we have ignorantly undermined the we ought not to suffer the Govcnioi-s to complain of the
most solid foundation of our own power. People. We have taken a different method, to which no
In order to observe the strictest impartiality, it is but small part of our difficulties arc owing. Our ears have
just for us to inquire what we have gained by these been open to the Governors and shut to the People.
taxes as well as what we have lost. I am assured that This must necessarily lead us to countenance the jobs of
out of all the sums raised in America the last year but interested men, under the pretence of defending the rights
one, if the expenses are deducted, which the natives of the Crown, But the People are certainly the best
would else have discharged themselves, the net revenue judges whether they are well governed and the Crown ;

paid into the Treasury to go in aid of the sinking fund, can have no rights inconsistent with the happiness of the
or to be employed in wiiatever public services Parliament People.
shall think fit, is eighty-five pounds. Eighty-five pounds, Now, my Lords, we ought to do what I have suggested,
my Lords, is the whole equivalent, we have received and many things more, out of prudence and justice, to
for all the hatred and mischief, and all the infinite losses win their affection, and to do them public service. If
this Kingdom has suffered during that year in her disputes we have a right to govern them, let us exert it for the tnie
with Money that is earned so dearly
North America. ends of Government, But, my Lords, what we ought
as ought to be expended with great ivisdom and
this, to do, from motives of reason and justice, is much more
economy. My Lords, were you to take up but one than is sufficient to bring them to a reasonable accommo-
thousand pounds more from North America upon the dation. For apprehend, stands the case. They
thus, as I
same terms, the nation itself would be a bankrupt. But petition for the repeal of an Act of Parliament, which
the most amazing and the most alarming circumstance is they complain of as unjust and oppi-cssive. And there is
still behind.
It is that our case is so incurable, that all not a man amongst us, not the warmest friend of Adminis-
this experience has made no impression upon us. And tration, who does not sincerely wish that act had never
yet, my Lords, if you could but keep these facts, which been made. In fact, they only ask for what we wish to
101 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 102

be rid of. Under such a disposition of mind, one would uationis gone forth. We are hurrying wildly on without
imagine there could be no occasion for fleets and armies any fixed design, without any important object. We
to bring men to a good understanding. But, my Lords, pursue a vain phantom of unlimited sovereignty, which
our difficulty lies in the point of lionour. We must not was not made for man, and reject the solid advantages ol'
let down the dignity of the motlier country ; but preserve a moderate, useful and intelligible authority. That just
her sovereignty over all the parts of the Briiish Empire. God, whom we have all so deeply offended, can hardly
This language has something in it that sounds pleasant inflicta severer national punishment, than by committing
to the ears of Englishmen, but is otherwise of little us to the natural consequences of our own conduct. In-
weight. For sure, my Lords, there are niediods of making deed, in my opinion, a blacker cloud never hung over this
reasonable concessions, and yet without injuring our dignity. island.

Ministers are generally fi-uitfiil in expedients to reconcile To reason consistently with the principles of justice
difficulties of this kind, to escape the embarrassments of and national friendship, which I have endeavoured to es-
forms, the competitions of dignity and precedency ;and tablish, or rather to revive what was established by our

to let clashing rights sleep, while tliey transact their busi- ancestors, as our wisest rule of conduct for the government
ness. Now, my Lords, on this occasion can they find of America, I must necessarily disapprove of the Bill
no excuse, no pretence, no invention, no happy turn of before us ; for it contradicts every one of them. In our
language, not one colourable argument for doing the great- present situation every act of the legislature, even our
est service, they can ever render to their country ? It acts of severity, ought to be so many steps towards the
must be something more than incapacity that makes men reconciliation we wish for. But to change the Government
barren of expedients at sucii a season as this. Do, but of a People, without their consent, is the highest and most
for once, remove this impracticable stateliness and dignity, arbitrary act of sovereignty, that one nation can exercise
and treat the matter with a little common sense and a over another. The Romans hardly ever proceeded to this
little good humour, and our reconciliation would not be the extremity even over a conquered nation, till its frequent
work of an hour. But after all, my Lords, if there is revolts and insurrections had made them deem it incorrigi-
any thing mortifying in undoing the errors of our Ministers, ble. The very idea of it implies a most total abject and
it is a mortification we ought to submit to. If it was slavish dependency in the inferior State. Recollect that
unjust to tax them, we ought to repeal it for their sakes the Americans are men of like passions with ourselves,
if it was unwise to tax them, we ought to repeal it for our and think how deeply this treatment must affect them.
own. A matter so trivial in itself as the three-penny They have the same veneration for their charters that we
duty upon tea, but which has given cause to so much have for our Magna Charta, and they ought in reason to
national hatred and reproach, ought not to be sufiered to have greater. They are the title deeds to all their rights
subsist an unnecessary day. Must the interest, the com- both public and private. What ? my Lords, must these
merce, and the union of this country and her Colonies, be rights never acquire any legal assurance and stability ? Can
all of them sacrificed to save the credit of one imprudent they derive no force from the peaceable possession of near
measure of Administration ? I own I cannot comprehend two hundred years ? And must the fundamental constitu-
that there is any dignity either in being in the wrong, or tion of a powerful State be for ever subject to as capri-
persisting in it. I have known friendship preserved and cious alterations as you may think fit to make in the char-
afliection gained, but I never knew dignity lost, by the ters of a little mercantile company, or the corporation of a
candid acknowledgment of an error. And, my Lords, let borough ? This will undoubtedly furnish matter for a more
me appeal to your own experience of a few years back- pernicious debate than has yet been moved. Every other
ward, (I vsrill not mention particulars, because I would pass Colony will make the case its own. They will complain
no censures and revive no unpleasant reflections,) but I that their rights can never be ascertained that every thing
;

think every candid Minister must own, that Administration belonging to them depends upon our arbitrary will and ;

has suffered in more instances than one, both in interest may think it better to run any hazard, than to submit to the
and credit, by not chusing to give up points, that could violence of their mother country, in a matter in wliich they
not be defended. can see neither moderation nor end.
With regard to the People of Hoston, I am free to own But let us coolly inquire, what is the reason of this un-
that I neither approve of their riots nor their punishment. heard of innovation. Is it to make them peaceable ? My
And yet if we inflict it as we ought, with a consciousness Lords, it will make them mad. Will they be belter go-
that we were ourselves the aggressors, that we gave the verned if we introduce this change ? Will they be more
provocation, and that their disobedience is the fruit of our our friends ? The least that such a measure can do is to
own imprudent and imperious conduct, I think the punish- make them hate us. And would to God, my Lords, we
ment cannot rise to any great degree of severity. had governed ourselves with as much economy, integrity,
I own my Lords, I have read the report of the and prudence, as they have done. Let them continue to
Lords Committees of this House, with very different senti- enjoy the liberty our fathere gave them. Gave them, did
ments from those with which it was drawn up. It seems to I say ? They are coheirs of liberty with ourselves and ;

be designed, that we should consider their violent measures their portion of the inheritance has been much better look-
and speeches, as so many determined acts of opposition ed after than ours. Suffer them to enjoy a little longer
to the sovereignty of England, arising from the malignity that short period of public integrity and domestic happi-
of their own hearts. One would think the mother coun- ness, which seems to be the portion allotted by Providence
try had been totally silent and passive in the progress of to young rising States. Instead of hoping that t'leir con-
the whole affair. I, on the contrary, consider these violen- stitution may receive improvement from our skill in Go-
ces as' the natural cftects of such measures as ours on the vernment, the most useful wish I can form in their favour
minds of freemen. And this is the most useful point of is, that heaven may long preserve them from our vices and
view in which Government can consider them. In their our politics.
situation, a wise man would expect to meet with the Let me add farther, that to make any changes in their
strongest marks of passion and imprudence, and be pre- Government, without their consent, would be to transgress
parecl to forgive them. The first and easiest thing to be the wisest ndes of policy, and to wound our most impor-
done is to correct our own errors and I am confident we tant interests. As they increase in numbers and in riches,
;

should find it the most effectual method to correct theirs. our comparative strength must lessen. In another age,
At any rate let us put ourselves in the right and then when our power has begun to lose something of its superi-
;

if we must contend with North America, we shall be ority, we should be happy if we could support our authori-
unanimous at home, and the wise and the moderate there ty by mutual good will and the habit of commanding but ;

will be our friends. At present we force every North chiefly by those original establishments, which time and
American to be our enemy and the wise and moderate public honour might have rendered inviolable. Our pos-
;

at home, and those immense multitudes, which must soon terity will then have reason to lament that they cannot
begin to suffer by the madness of our rulers, will unite to avail themselves of those treasures of public friendship and
oppose them. It is a strange idea we have taken up, to confidence which our fathers had wisely hoarded up, and
cure their resentments by increasing their provocations to we are throwing away.
: 'Tis hard, 'tis cruel, besides all
remove the efibcts of our own ill conduct, by multiplying our debts and taxes, and those enoi-mous expenses which
the instances of it. But the spirit of blindness and infat- are multiplying upon us every year, to load our unhappy
103 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 104

sons witli the hatred and curses of North America. Indeed, can now boast of, are lodged in our hands and God forbid
;

my Lords, we are treating posterity very scurvily. We that we should violate so sacred a deposit. By enslaving
have mortgaged all the lands; we have cut down all the your Colonies, you not only ruin the peace, tlie commerce,
oaks ; we are now traniplins; down the fences, rooting up and the fortunes of both countries, but you extinguisii
the seedlings and sajjliiigs, and mining all the resources ot the fairest hopes, shut up the last asylum of mankind. I

another age. We
shall send tlie next generation into the tliink, my Lords, without being weakly superstitious, that

world, like the wretched heir of a worthless father, without a good nian may hope tiiat heaven will take part against
money, credit, or friends with a stripped, encumbered, and
;
tiie execution of a plan which seems big, not oidy witii

perhaps untenanted estate. mischief, but inqjiely.

Having spoke so largely against the principles of the Let us be content witli the spoils and the destruction of

Bill, it hardly necessary to enter into the merits of it. 1

is the East. your l^ordsliips can see no impropriety in it,
If
siiall only observe, that even if we had the consent of the let the ])lunderer and tlie oppressor still go free. But let
People to alter their Government, it would be unwise to not the love of liberty be tlie only crime you tliink worthy
make such alterations as these. To give the afjpointnient of punishment. I fear we shall soon make it a part of

of the Governor and Council to the Crown, and the dispo- our national character, to ruin every thing that has li.e
sal of all places, even of the Judges, and with a power of misfortune to depend upon us.
removing them, to the Governor, is evidently calculated i\o nation has ever before contrived, in so short a space
with a view to form a strong jxirty in our favour. This I of time, without any war or public calamity (unless unwise
know has been done in other Colonies but still this is ; measures may
be so called) to jjestroy such ample resour-
opening a source of perpetual discord, where it is our in- ces of commerce, wealth, and power,
as of late were
terest always to agree. If we mean any thing by this ours, and which, if they had been rightly improved, might
establishment, it is to support the Go\ernor and the Coun- have raised us to a state of more honorable and more
cil against the People, i. e. to quarrel with our friends, that permanent greatness tiian die world has yet seen.
we may please their servants. This scheme of governing Let me remind tlie noble Lords in Administration, that
them by a party is not wisely unagined, it is nnicli too pre- before the Stamp Act, they had power sulHcient to answer
mature, and at all events, must turn to our disadvantage. all the just ends of Government, and they were all
If it fails, it will only make us contemptible; if it succeeds, completely answered. If that is the power they want,
it will make us odious. It is our interest to take very tiiough we have lost much of it at present, a few kind
little part in their domestic administration of Government, words would recover it all.
but purely to watch over them for their good. never We But if the tendency of this Bill is, as I own it appears
gained so much by North America as when we let them to me, to acquire a power of governing them by influence
govern themselves, and were content to trade with them and corruption in the first place, my I^ords, this is not
;

and to protect them. One would think, my Lords, there true Government, but a sopiiisticated kind which counter-
was some statute law, prohibiting us, under the severest feits the appearance, but without tlie spirit or virtue of the

penalties, to profit by experience. tmc : and then, as it tends to debase their spirits and
My Ijords, I have ventured to lay my tliouglus before corrupt their mannei-s, to destroy all that is great and
you, on the greatest national concern that ever came under respectable in so considerable a part of the human species,
your deliberation, with as much honesty as you will meet and by degrees to gather them together with the rest of
with from abler men, and with a melancholy assurance, the world, under the yoke of universal slavery; I think,
that not a word of it will be regarded. And yet, my for these reasons, it is the duty of every wise man, of
Lords, with your permission, I will waste one short argu- every honest man, and of every Ensrlishman. by all lawful
ment more on the same cause, one that I own I am fond means, to oppose it.
of, and which contains in it, what, I think, must affect
every generous mind. My
Lords, I look upon North Ame-
rica as the only great nui-sery of freemen now left ujjon Anno Decimo (Quarto Georgii III. Regis.
the face of the earth. We
have seen the liberties of Po-
land and Sweden swept away, in the course of one year,
An Act for the Better Regulating the Government of the
Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England.
by treachery and usurpation. The free towns ui Germany
are like so many dying sparks, that go out one after ano- Whereas by Letters Patent under the great seal of Eng-
thw, and which must all be soon extinguished under the land, made in the third year of the reign of their late
destructive greatness of their neighbours. Holland is little Majesties King William and Queen Mary, for uniting,
more than a great trading company, with luxurious man- erecting,and incorporating, the several Colonies, Territo-
ners, and an exhausted revenue with little strength and
; ries, tracts of land therein mentioned, into one real
and
with less spirit. Switzerland alone is free and happy with- Province, by the name of Their Majesties Province of the
in the narrow enclosure of its rocks and vallies. As for Massachusetts Bay, in iSeiv England; whereby it was,
the state of this country, my I^rds, I can only refer my- amongst other things, ordained and established, that the
your own secret thoughts.
self to I am disposed to think Governor of the said Province should, from thenceforth, be
and hope the best of Public Liljerty. Were I to describe appointed and commissionated by their Majesties, their
her, according to my own ideas at present, I should say heirs and successors; it was, however, granted and ordain-
that she has a sickly countenance, but I trust she has a ed, that, from the expiration of the term for and during
strong constitution. which the eight and twenty persons named in the said
But whatever may be our future fate, the greatest glory letters patent were appointed to be the first Counsellors or
that attends this country, a greater than any other nation Assistants to the Governor of the said Province for the time
ever acquired, is to have formed and nursed up to such a being, the aforesaid number of eight and twenty Counsel-
state of happiness, those Colonies whom we are now so loi-s or Assistants should yearly, once in every year, for ever
eager to butcher. We
ought to cherish them as the thereafter, be, by the General Court or Assembly, newly
immortal monuments of our public justice and wisdom chosen and whereas the said method of electing such
:

as the heii-s of our better days, of our old arts and man- Counsellors or Assistants, to be vested with the several
ners, and of our expiring national virtues. What work of powers, authorities, and privileges, therein mentioned, al-
art, or power, or public utility, has ever eijualled the glory
ihouffh conformal)le to the practice theretofore used in such
of having peopled a continent without guilt or bloodshed, of the Colonies thereby united, in which the appointment
with a multitude of free and happy commonwealths; to of the respective Governors had been vested in the General
have given them the best arts of life; and Government, Courts or Assemblies of the said Colonies, hath, by re-
and to have suffered them under the shelter of our author- peated experience, been found to be extremely ill adapted
ity, to acquire in peace the skill to use tiiem. In compa- to the plan of Government established in the Province of
rison of this, the policy of governing by influence, and
Massachusetts Bay, by the said letters patent herein-before
even the pride of war and victory, are dishonest tricks and mentioned, and hath been so far from contributing to the
poor contemptible pageantr)'. attainment of the good ends and jjurposes thereby intended
We seem not to be sensible of the high and important and to the promoting of the internal welfare, peace, and
trust which Providence has committed to our charge.
good government, of the said Province, or to the mainte-
The most precious remains of civil liberty, that the world nance of the just subordination to, and confonnitv with, the
105 BILL FOR GOVERNMEIVT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY, 106

laws of Great Britain, that the manner of exercising the Common Pleas, Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, llie
powers, authorities, and privileges aforesaid, by the persons Attorney General, Provosts, Marshals, Justices of the
so annually elected, hath, for some time past, been such as Peace, and other officers to the Council or Courts of
had the most manifest tendency to obstruct, and, in great Justice belonging and that all Judges of the Inferior
;

measure defeat, the execution of the laws to weaken the; Courts of Common Picas, Conmiissioners of Oyer and
attachment of his Majesty's well disposed subjects in the Terminer, the Attorney General, Provosts, Marshals,
said Province to his Majesty's Government, and to en- Justices, and other olHcers so appointed by the Governor,
courage the ill disposed among them to proceed even to or, in his absence, by the Lieutenant Governor alone, shall
acts of direct resistance to, and defiance of, liis Majesty's and may have, hold, and exercise their said offices, powers,
authority and it hath accordingly happened, that an open
: and authorities, as fully and completely, to all intents and
resistance to the execution ol the laws hath actually taken purposes, as any Judges of the Inferior Courts of Common
place in the town of Boston, and the neighbourhood tliereof, Pleas, Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, Attorney
within the said Province: and whereas it is, under these General, Provosts, Marshals, or other officei-s, have or
circumstances, become absolutely necessary, in order to the might have done heretofore under the said letters patent, in
preservation of the peace and good order of the said Pro- the third year of the reign of their late Majesties King
vince, the protection of his Majesty's well disposed subjects f-Villiam and Queen Mary ; an}- law, statute, or usage, to
therein resident, the continuance of the mutual benefits the contrary notwithstanding.
arisiiii; from the commerce and correspondence between Provided ahvays, and be it enacted, That nothing herein
this Kingdom and the said Province, and the maintaining contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to annul
of the just dependence of the said Province upon the Crown or make void the commission granted before the said first
and Parliament of Great Biitain, that the said method of day of July, one thousand seven hundred and sevent}-four,
annuallv electing the Counsellors or Assistants of the said to any Judges of the Inferior Courts of Common Pleas,
Province should no longer be suffered to continue, but that Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, the Attorney Gene-
the appointment of the said Counsellors or Assistants should ral, Provosts, Marshals, Justices of the Peace, or other

henceforth be put upon the like footing as is established in oiKcers but that they may hold and exercise the same, as
;

such other of his Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in if this act had never been made, until the same shall be

America, the Governors whereof, are appointed by his determined by death, removal by the Govenior, or other
Majesty's commission, under the great seal of Great avoidance, as the case may happen.
Britain : Be it therefore enacted by the King's most ex- A7td be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
cellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the That, from and after the said first day of July, one thou-
I^ords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this sand seven hundred and seventy-four, it shall and may be
present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the lawful for his Majesty's Governor, or, in his absence, for
same, that from and after the first day of August, one the Lieutenant Governor for the time being of the said Pro-
thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, so much of the vince, irom time to time, to nominate and appoint the
charter granted by their Majesties King William and Sheriffs without the consent of the Council, and to remove
Queen Mary, to the inhabitants of the said Province of the sucii Sheriffs with such consent, and not otherwise.
Massachusetts Bay, in New England, and all and every And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
clause, matter, and thing, therein contained, which relates That, upon every vacancy of the offices of Chief Justice
to the tune and manner of electing the Assistants or Coun- and Judges of the Superior Court of the said Province,
sellors for the said Province, be revoked, and is hereby re- from and after the said first day of July, one thousand seven
voked and made void and of none effect and that the offi-
; hundred and seventy-four, the Governor for the time being,
ces of all Counsellors and Assistants, elected and appointed or, in his absence, the Lieutenant Governor, without the
in pursuance thereof, shall from thenceforth cease and de- consent of the Council, shall have full power and authority
termine; and that, from and after the said first day of to nominate and appoint the persons to succeed to the said
August, one thousand seven himdred and seventy-four, the offices, who shall hold their commissions during the pleasure
Council, or Court of Assistants of the said Province for the of his Majesty, his heirs and successors and that neither
:

time being, shall be composed of such of the inhabitants or the Chief Justice and Judges appointed before the said
proprietors of lands within the same as shall be thereunto first day of July, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-

nominated and appointed by his Majesty, his heirs and four, nor those who shall hereafter be appointed pursuant
successors, from tinv? to time, by warrant under his or their to this Act, shall be removed, unless by the order of his
signet or sign manual, and with the advice of the Privy Majesty, his heii-s or successors, under his or their sign

Council, agreeable to the practice now used in respect to manual.

the appointment of Counsellors in such of his Majesty's And whereas, by several Acts of the General Court,
other Colonies in America, the Governors whereof aie ap- which have been from time to time enacted and passed
pointed by commission under tlie great seal of Great within the said Province, the freeholders and inhabitants of
Britain : provided, that the number of the said Assistants the several townships, districts, and precincts, qualified, as
or Counsellors shall not, at any one time, exceed thirty-six, is therein expressed, are authorized to assemble together,
nor be less than twelve. annually, or occasionally, upon notice given, in such man-
And hereby further enacted, That the said Assis-
it is ner as the said Acts direct, for the choice of Selectmen,
tants or Counsellors, so to be appointed as aforesaid, shall Constables, and other officers, and for the making and
hold their ofiices respectively, for and during the pleasure agreeing upon such necessary rides, orders, and bye-laws,
of his Majesty, his heirs or successors and shall have and
; for the directing, managing, and ordering, the prudential af-
enjoy all the powers, privileges, and immunities, at present fairs of such townships, districts, and precincts, and for

held, exercised, and enjoyed, by the Assistants or Coun- odier purposes and w hereas a great abuse has been made
;

sellors of the said Province, constituted and elected, from of the power of calling such meetings, and the inhabitants
time to time, under the said charter, (except as hereinafter have, contrary to the design of their institution, been misled
excepted :) and shall also, upon their admission into the to treat upon matters of the most general concern, and to
said Council, and before they enter upon the execution of many dangerous and unwarrantable resolves for reme-
})ass :

their offices respectively, take the oaths, and make, repeat, dv whereof, Be it enacted, that from and after the said first
and subscribe, the declarations required, as well by the day of August, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-
said charter as by any law or laws of the said Province now four, no meeting shall be called by the Selectmen, or at
in force, to be taken by the Assistants or Counsellors who the request of any number of freeholder of any township,
have been so elected and constituted as aforesaid. or precinct, without the leave of the Governor, or.
district,
Anil he it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. in hisabsence, of the Lieutenant Governor, in writing, ex-
That from an<l after the first day of July, one thousand pressing the special business of the said meeting, first had
seven hundred and seventy-four, it shall and may be law- and obtained, except the annual meeting in the months of
ful for his Majesty's Governor for the time being of the March or the choice of Selectmen, Constables,
May, for

said Province, or, in his absence, for the Lieutenant Gover- and other except for the choice of persons to
officers, or
nor, to nominate and appoint, under the seal of the Pro- fill up theoffices aforesaid, on the deatli or removal of any
vince, from time to time, and also to remove, without the of the persons first elected to such offices, and also, except
I'onsent of the Council, all Judges of the Inferior Courts of any meeting for the election of a Representative or Repre-
107 BILL FOR GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 108

sentatives in the General Court and that no other matter

;
of the Peace of the said several counties are hereby required
shall be treated of at such meetings, except tlie election oi and commanded, twenty days at least next before the
their aforesaid ofiicers or Representatives, nor at ajiy other mondi of September, yearly, and every year, to issue forth
except tlie business expressed "ui the leave given
iiiectini;,
precepts or warrants, under their respective hands and
seals, to the respective Constables of the several towns
by tlie Governor, or, in his absence, by tlie Lieutenant
Governor. within the said respective counties, requiring them, and
And wliereas the method at present used in the Pro- every of them, to make such return of persons, qualified to
Bay, America of electin;;: ])ei-sons serve upon Juries as hereby respectively directed and ;
vince of Massac/iusetts in ,

to serve on Grand Juries, and other juries, by tiie free- every Constable failing at any time to make and deliver
holders and inhabitants of tlie several towns, affords occasion such return to the Justices in open Court, as aforesaid,
to pervert the free and shall forfeit and incur the penalty of five pounds sterling to
for many evil practices, and tends
remedy whereof, his Majesty, and his successors, to be recovered by bill,
impartial administration of justice : for
That trom plaint, or information, to be prosecuted in any of the Courts
Be it further enactvil by the (iiithority nforcsaid,

and after the respective times appointed for the holding o( aforesaid and, in order that the Constables may be the
;

the General Sessions of tlie Peace, in the several counties better enabled to make complete lists of all persons qualified

within tlie said Province, next after the month of Stjitem- to serve on Juries, die Constables of the several towns shall

ber, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, the have free liberty, at all seasonable times, upon recjuest by
Jurors to serve at the Superior Courts of Judicature, Courts them made to any officer or officers, who shall have in his or
of Assize, General Gaol Delivery, General Sessions of the their custody any book or account of rates or taxes on the
Peace, and Inferior Court of Common Pleas, in the several freeholders or inhabitants within such respective towns, to

counties within the said Province, shall not be elected, inspect the same, and take from thence the names of such

nominated, or appointed, by the freelioldere and inhabitants persons qualified to serve on Juries, dwelling wuthin the re-
of the several towns within the said respective counties, spective towns for which such lists are to be given in and
returned, pursuant to this Act shall, in the month of
and
nor summoned or returned by the Constables of the said ;

towns ; but that, from thenceforth, the Jurors to serve at September, yearly, and every year, upon two or more
the Superior Courts of Judicature, Courts of Assize, Gene- Sundays, fix upon the door of the church, chapel, and
ral (iaol Delivery, General Sessions of the Peace, and In- every other public place of religious worship, within their
ferior Court of Common Pleas, within the said Province, respective precincts, a true and exact list of all such persons
shall be summoned and returned by the Sherifis of the re- intended to be returned to the said General Sessions of the
spective counties within the said Province and all writs of
;
Peace, as qualified to serve on Juries, pursuant to the di-
Venire Facias, or other process or warrants to be issued rections of this Act and leave at the same time a duplicate
;

for the return of Jurors to serve at the said Courts, shall be of such list with the Town Clerk of the said place, to be
directed to the Sheriffs of the said counties respectively, perused by the freeholders and inhabitants thereof, to the
any law, custom, or usage, to the contrary notwithstanding. end that notice may be given of persons duly qualified vvho
Provided always, and be it further enacted by the au- are omitted, or of persons inserted by mistake who ought to
thority aforesaid, That wherever the Sheriff of any county be omitted out of such lists and it shall and may be law-
;

shall happen to be a part)-, or interested or related to any ful to and for the Justices, at the General Sessions of the

party or person interested in any prosecution or suit de- Peace to which the said list shall be so returned, upon due
pending in any of the said Courts, that then, in such case, proof made before them of any person or persons duly
the writ of Venire Facias, or other process or warrant for ([ualified to serve on Juries being omitted in such lists, or

the summoning and return of a Jury, for the trial of such of any pereon or persons being inserted therein who ought
prosecution or suit, shall be directed to, and executed by, to have been omitted, to order his or their name or names
the Coroner of such county ; and in case such Coroner to be inserted or struck out, as the case may require and :

shall be also a party, or interested in, or related to, any in case any Constable shall wilfully omit, out of such list,

party or person interested in such prosecution oi' suit, then any person or pei-sons, whose name or names ought to be
the Venire Facias, or other process or warrant, for the inserted, or shall wilfully insert any ]ierson or persons who
summoning and return of a Jury for the trial of such prose- ought to be omitted, eveiy Constable so oflending, shall,
cution or suit, shall be directed to, and executed by, a for every person so omitted or inserted in such list, con-
proper and hidifferent person, to be appointed for that pur- trary to the true intent and meaning of this Act, be fined
pose by the Court wherein such prosecution or suit shall be by the said Justices, in the said General Sessions of the
depending. Peace, in the sum of forty shillings sterling.
And that all Sheriffs may be better informed of persons Provided always, and be it chactcd by the authority
qualified to serve on Juries at the Superior Courts of Judi- aforesaid. That in case default shall at any time hereafter
cature, Courts of Assize, General Gaol Delivery, General be made, by any Constable or Constables, to return lists of
Sessions of the Peace, and Inferior Court of Common persons qualified to serve on Juries within any of the said
Pleas, within the said Province, Be it further enacted by towns to the said Court of General Sessions of the Peace,
the authority aforesaid. That the Constables of the respec- then, and in such case, it shall and may be lawful for the
tive towns, within the several counties of the said Province, Sheriff of the county, in which such default shall be made,
shall, at the General Sessions of the Peace, to be holden for to summon and return to the several Courts aforesaid, or
each county, next after the month of September, in every any of thein, such and so many jiersons dwelling in such
year, upon the first day of the said Sessions, return and towns, or the districts thereof, qualified to serve on Juries,
deliver to the Justices of the Peace, in open Court, a true as he shall think fit to serve on Juries at such respective
list, in writing, of the names and places of abode of all Courts any tliinsr herein contained to the contrary thereof
;

persons within the respective towns for which they serve, in any wise notwithstanding.
or the districts thereof, qualified to serve upon Juries, with And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
their titles and additions, between the age of one and That every summons of any person, to serve upon any of
twenty years, and the age of seventy years which said the Juries at the said Courts, or any of them, shall be made
;

Justices, or any two of them, at the said Sessions in the re- by the Sheriff, or other ])erson, ten days at the least before
spective counties, shall cause to be delivered a duplicate of the holdinu' of every such Court; and in case any Jurors,
the aforesaid lists, by the Clerk of the Peace of every so to be summoned, he absent from the usual place of his
county, to the Sheriffs, or their Deputies, within ten days habitation at the time of such summons, notice of such
after such Sessions and cause each of the said lists to be
; summons shall be given, by leaving a note, in writing, under
fairly entered into a book, by die Clerk of the Peace, to be the hand of such Sheriff, or person, containing the contents
by him provided, and kept for that purpose amongst the thereof, at the dwelling house of such Juror, with some
records of the said Court and no Sheriff shall empannel or
; person iiiliahiting in the same.
return any person or persons to serve upon any Grand Jury, Provided always, and be it further enacted by the au-
or Petit Jury, whatsoever, in any of the said Courts that thority aforesaid. That in case a sufficient number of
shall not be named or mentioned in such list and, to pre- :persons qualified to serve on Juries shall not appear at the
vent the failure of justice, through the neglect of Consta- said Courts, or any of them, to perform the service of
bles to make such returns of persons qualified to serve on Grand or Petit Jurors, that then, and in such case, it shall
such Juries, as in and by this Act is directed, the Clerks be lawful for the said Court to issue a writ or precept to
109 BILL FOR GOVERMVIENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 110

the Sheriff, requiring him to summon a sufficient number of his and shall, by direction and care of such officer, be
;

of other persons qualified to serve on Juries, immediately rolledup all as near as may be, in the same manner, and
to appear at such Court, to fill up and complete the num- put together in a box or gliiss, to be provided for that pur-
ber of Jurors to serve at such Court and such persons are
; jiose and when any cause shall be brought on to be tried,
;

liereby required to appear and serve as Jurors at the said some by direction of the Court, may and
indifferent person,
Courts accordingly. shall, in open Court, draw out twelve of the said parch-
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, ments or papers, one after anotlier; and if any of the
That no person who shall serve as a Juror, at any of the persons, wliose names siiall be so drawn, shall not appear,
said Courts, shall be liable to serve again as a Juror at the or shall be challenged, and such challenge allowed, then
same Court, or any other of the Courts aforesaid, for the such person shall proceed to draw other parciiments or
space of three years then next following, except upon papers from the said box, till twelve indifferent persons
special Juries. shall be drawn which twelve indifferent persons being
;

And, order that the Sheriffs may be informed of the

in sworn shall be tlio Jury to try the said cause and the :

persons who have served as Jurors, It is hereby further names of the persons so drawn and sworn shall be kept
enacted by the authority aforesaid, That every Slieritr apai't by tiiemselves in some other box or glass, to be kept

sjiall prepare and keep a book, or register, wherein the for that purpose, till such Jury shall have given in their
names of all such persons who have served as Jurors, with verdict, and the same is recorded, or until such Jury shall,
their additions and places of abode, and the times when, by consent of tlie parties, or leave of the Court, be dis-
and Courts in wiiich they served, siiall be alphabetically
tiie charged and tiien the same names shall be rolled up again,
;

entered and registered which books or registers shall,

; and returned to tiie former box or glass, there to be kept,
from time to time, be delivered over to the succeeding witii the other names remaining at that time undrawn, and
Sheriff of the said county, within ten days after he shall so toties quoties, as long as any cause remahis then to be
enter upon his oflice and every Juror, who shall attend
; tried.
and serve at any of the Courts aforesaid, may, at the expi- And further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
be it

ration of the time of holding every, such Court, upon ap- That it and may be lawful to and for the Superior
shall
plication to the Sheriff, or his Deputy, have a certificate Court of Assize, and Court of Common Pleas, upon motion
immediately, §Ta^M, from the Sheriff, or his Deputy, testify- made on behalf of his Majesty, his heirs or successors, or on
ing such his attendance and service which said certificate
; the motion of any prosecutor or defendant, in any indict-
the said Sheriff, or his Deputy, is required to give to every ment or information for any misdemeanor depending, or to
such Juror. be brought or prosecuted in the said Court, or on the
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, motion of any plaintiff or plaintiffs, defendant, or defen-
That if, by reason of challenges, or otherw'ise, their shall dants, in any action, cause, or suit whatsoever, depending,
not be a sufficient number of Jurors for the trial of any or to be brought and carried on in the said Court, and the
prosecution for any misdemeanor, or any action depending said Court is hereby authorized and required, upon motion
in any of the said Courts, then, and in such case, the Jury as aforesaid, in any of the cases before mentioned, to order
shall be filled up de talibus circumstantibus, to be returned and appoint a Jury to be struck for the trial of any issue
by the Sheriff, unless he be a party, or interested or rela- joined in any of the said cases, and triable by a Jury of
ted to any party or person interested in such prosecution or twelve men, by such officer of the said Court as the Court
action and, in any of which cases, to be returned by the
; shall appoint and for that purpose the Sheriff, or his
;

Coroner, unless he be a party, or interested or related to Deputy, shall attend such officer with the duplicate of the
any party or person interested in such prosecution or action ;
lists of persons qualified to serve on Juries and such offi- ;

and, in any of these cases, to be returned by a proper and cer shall thereupon take down, in writing, from the said
indifferent person, to be appointed by the Court for tliat duplicate, the names of forty-eight persons qualified to
purpose. serve on Juries, with their additions, and places of abode,
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, a copy whereof shall forthwith be delivered to the prosecu-
That in case any person summoned to serve upon the tors or plaintiffs, their attorneys or agents, and another
Grand or Petit Jury, at any of the Courts aforesaid, or copy thereof to the defendants, their attorneys or agents, in
upon the Jury, in any prosecution, action, or suit, depend- such prosecutions and causes and the said officer of the
;

ing in any of the said Courts, shall not appear and serve at Court aforesaid shall, at a time to be fixed by him for that
the said Courts, according to the said summons, (not having purjiose, strike out the names of twelve of the said persons
any reasonable excuse be allowed by the Judges or
to at the nomination of the prosecutors or plaintiffs, their at-
Justices at such Court,) he shall be finedby the Judges or torneys or agents, and also the names of twelve others of
Justices of such Court in any sum not exceeding tlie sum the said persons, at the nomination of the said defendants
of ten pounds, nor less than twenty shillings sterling. in such prosecutions and suits, and the twenty-four remain-
And be further enapted by the authority .aforesaid,
it ing persons shall be struck and summoned, and returned to
That every whom the Venire
Sheriff, or other officer, to the said Court as Jurors, for the trial of such issues.
Facias, or other process or warrant, for the trial of causes, Provided always. That in case the prosecutors or plain-
or summoning of Juries, shall be directed, shall, upon his tiffs, or defendants, their attorneys or agents, shall neglect
return of every such writ, or other process or warrant, or refuse to attend the officer at the time fixed for striking
(unless in cases where a special Jury shall be stuck by the names of twenty-four persons as aforesaid, or nominate
order or mle of Court, pursuant to this Act,) annex a the persons to be struck out, then, and in such case, the
pannel to tlie said writ, or process, or warrant, containing said officer shall, and he is hereby required to strike out the
the christian and surnames, additions, and places of abode, names of such number of the said persons as such prosecu-
of a competent number of Jurors, named in such lists, tors or plaintiffs, or defendants, might have nominated to
which number of Jurors shall not be less than twenty-foin-, be struck out.
nor more than forty-eight, without direction of the Judges And he it That the person or party
further enacted,
or Justices of such Court of Session, or one of them, who who shall such special Jury as aforesaid, shall not
apply for
are hereby respectively empowered and required, if he or only bear and pay the fees for striking such Jury, but shall
they see cause, by order, under his or their respective hand also pay and discharge all the expenses occasioned by the
or hands, to direct a greater number and then such
; trial of the cause by such Special Jury, and shall not have

number as shall be so directed shall be the number to be an)- further or other allowance for the same, upon taxation
returned to serve on such Jury. of costs, than such person or party would be entitled unto in
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, case the cause had been tried by a Common Jur)', unless
That for the trials of all actions or suits depending in any the Judge, before whom the cause is tried, shall, immedi-
of tlie said Courts, the name of each and every person who ately after the trial, certify, in open Court, under his hand,
shall be summoned and returned as aforesaid, with his ad- upon the back of the record, that the same was a cause
dition, and the place of his abode, shall be written in several proper to be tried by a Special Jury.
and distinct pieces of parchment, or paper, being all as And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid.
near as may be of equal size and bigness, and shall be de- That, in all actions brought in any of the said Courts,
livered unto the officer to be appointed by the Court for where it shall appear to the Court in which such actions
that purpose, by the Sheriff, Under Sheriff, or some Agent are depending, that it will be proper and necessary that
 ill Bir.L FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 112

the Juroi-s who are to try the issues in any such actions, sucli trial ; and upon
views with the consent of jiarties,
all

siiouki have the view of the messuages, lauds, or phice in ordered by costs thereof, as allowed by the
tlie Court, tiie

question, in order to tiieir better understandiuif the evidence Court, shall, before trial, be equally paid by the said
that will be given upon the trial of such issues in every ; parties and in the taxation of the bill of costs, the party
;

such ciise tiie respective Courts in which sucii actions shall recovering judgment shall have the sum by him j)aid, al-
be depending, may order the Jury to the place in question, lowed to him any law, usage, or custom, to the contrary
;

who tiion and there shall liave the mailers in question notwithstanding.
shewn them by two persons to he appointed by the Court; And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
and the special costs of all such views as allowed by the That if any action shall be brought against any SherifT, for
Court, shall, before the trial, be paid by the ])arty who what he sliall do in execution, or by virtue of this Act, he
moved for the view, (the adverse party not consenting may plead the general issue, and give the special matter in
thereto and shall at the taxation of the bill of costs, have
;) evidence and if a verdict shall be found for him, he shall
;

the same allowed him, upon his recovering judgement in recover treble costs.

IV. BILL FOR THE LMPARTIAL ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IIV

TIIE PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

HOUSE OF COMMONS. House by the Lord North, upon the 7th and 11th da\s of
March last, by his Majesty's command.
Monday, March 28, 1774. The order of the day, for the House to resolve itself into
The House having had under consideration, in Commit- a Committee of the whole on the said Message and Papers,

tee of the Whole, on Friday, the '25th instant, the King's was read, and
Message of die 7th, and sundry other Papers, received the The House resolved itself into the said Committee, Sir
Report diis day, and granted leave to bring in the Bill lor Charles IfTiittoorth in the Chair.

the better regulating the Government of the Province of The Papers presented this day were then read ; when
Mnssachmetts Bay. the reading was finished,
Sir Charles fVhitworth, dien acquainted die House that Lord North rose, and said, he meant now to propose a
he was directed by the Committee to move, that they may third Bill, which he hoped wouh' eflectually secure the

have leave to sit again. Province of Massachusetts Bay from future disturbances.
Resolved, That this House will, upon Wednesday fort- The Bill that he meant to propose was, to give every man
night, the 13th day of April next, resolve itself into a Com- a fair and hiipartial trial that the Juries of that country it
;

mittee of the whole House, to consider further of the said was were not established after the manner in which
true,

Message and Papers. our Juries here were, and therefore were not so likely to
give to each offender that impartial trial, which, by the laws
Wednesday, April 13, 1774. of this country, he was entitled to for if it shall be found
;

in that country, that a man is not likely to meet with a fair

The order of the day, for considering the Message and
and impartial trial, the Governor will be empowered to send
Papers, in a Committee of the whole House, was read :

him to any of the other Colonies, where the same kind of

Resolved, That this House will, upon Friday morning
spirit has not prevailed
; but if it shall be thought that he
next, resolve itself into the said Committee.
cannot have such and impartial trial in any of the Colo-
fair

Friday, April 15, 1774. nies, in that case he is to be sent to Great Britain, to be
tried before the Court of King's Bench, the expenses of
Tlie Lord North presented to the House, by his Ma- which trial were to be drawn for on the Customs ui
jesty's command. England. Unless such a Bill as this now proposed should
No. 1 . Copy of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson to pass into a law, the Executive power will be imwilling to
the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 14th February, act, thinkuig they will not have a fair trial without it. I
1774 received 5th of April, enclosing,
; would not, said his Lordship, wish to see the least doubt or
No. 2. Copy of Governor Hutchinson's Speech to the imperfection remain in the jjlan w Inch we have adopted if :

Council and House of Representatives and their ; there does, the consequence may be that it may produce
Answer. bloodshed that the whole plan may be clear and decisive
;
;
No. 3. Copy of a Requisition from the House of that every part of it may be properiy supported ; and I tmst
Representatives of Massachusetts Bay, to the that such a measure as this, which we have now taken, will
Judges of the Superior Court. shew to that country, that this nation is roused to defend
No. 4. Copy of a Remonstrance of the House of their rights,and protect the security of peace in its Colo-
Representatives of Massachusetts Bay, against the nies; and when
roused, that the measures which they lake
Chief Justice. are not cruel nor vindictive, but necessary and efficacious.
No. 5. Copy of the Vote of the Council and House Temporary distress requires temporary relief; I shall there-
of Representatives of Massachusetts Bay, for ad- fore only propose this Bill for the limited time of three or
journing the Superior Court, not consented to by four years. Wemust consider, that every thing that we
the Governor. have that is valuable to us is now at stake and the ques-
:

No. 6. Copy
of Governor Hutchinson^s Answer to very shortly this
tion_ is Whether they shall continue the
:

the Remonstrance of the House of Representatives, subjects of Great Britain or not ? This I propose as the
against the Chief Justice. last measure that Parliament will take after which, it re- ;

Together witli a of the said Papers.

list quires, that his Majesty's servants shall be vigilant in the
And the said list was read :
execution of their duty, and keep a watchful eye over every
Ordered, That the said Papers be referred to the con- encroachment against the power we shall now pass, and not
Committee of the whole House, to whom
sideration of the suffer the least degree of disobedience to our measures to
it is referred to take into further consideration his Majesty's take place in that country. Such a watchful and carefid
most gracious Message of Monday, the 7th day of March eye prevent the first rise of disobedience, may be a sure
to
last, together with the Papers which were presented to the peventive agauist future mischiefs. The customary relief
113 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 114

of troops that is ordered for that country, is ordered, in the vemnnent in America having been prosecuted with unremit-

first place, to Boston, four regiments being the usual relief. ting vengeance, and brought to cruel and dishonourable
Governor Hutchinson comes liome, and his Majesty has deaths, by the violence and injustice of American Juries.
appointed General Gage as Commander and Governor in But he has not produced one such instance and I will tell
Chief, a great abilities, and extensive know-
man whose —
you more. Sir, he cannot produce one. The instances
;

ledge of that country, will give him a superior advantage, which have happened are directly in the teeth of his propo-
and his occasional residence there will prevent him from sition. Captain Freston and the soldiers, who shed the
shewing any impolitic partiality to the Americans, and blood of the People, were fairly tried, and fully acquitted.
thereby enforce a due observance of those measures which It was an American Jury, a Nexo England Jury, a Boston

we have taken, and shall send out. There is one thing I Jury, which tried and acquitted them. Captain Preston
much wish, which is, the punishment of those individuals has, under his hand, publicly declared, that the inhabitants
who have been the ringleaders and forerunners of these of the very town in which their fellow-citizens had been
mischiefs.Our attention will be continually active in that sacrificed, were his advocates and defenders. Is this the
point. A prosecution has been already ordered against return you make them ? encouragement you
Is this the
them by his Majesty's cannot promise
servants, but I give them to persevere in so laudable a spirit of justice
and
myself any very good effijct until this law shall have reached moderation ? When a Commissioner of the Customs,
the Province. We must particularly guard against any il- aided by a number of ruffians, assaulted the celebrated Mr.
legal or ineffectual proceedings, or else, after all our trouble, Otis in the midst of the town of Boston, and with the most
we shall find ourselves at last in the same dilemma we barbarous violence almost murdered him, did the mob.
were in at first. We must
observe a perfect innocence, and which is said to rule that town, take vengeance on the per-
a conscientious avoidance of the breach of any laws. His petrators of this inhuman outrage against a person who is

Majesty's servants, I make no doubt, will be thoroughly supposed to be their demagogue ? No, Sir, the law tried
watchful against such breach, nor will they at any time pro- them the law gave heavy damages against them which
; ;

ceed upon slight grounds. They have the happiness to be the irreparably injured Mr. Otis most generously forgave
assisted by the ablest lawyers, who have both great reso- upon an acknowledgment of the offence. Can you expect
lution and abilities and guarded by such outlines, I make
; any more such instances of magnanimity under the princi-
no doubt, that tiie spirit of disobedience, which has hitherto ple of the Bill now proposed ?
unfortunately prevailed, will be tempered and brought to But the noble Ijord says, " We must now shew the
reason by a due observance of those measures which we " Americans that we will no longer sit quiet under their
have now taken, and, 1 trust, will secure to us the blessings " insults." Sir, I am sorry to say that this is declamation,
of peace, radicated out of the boiling disturbances and vio- unbecoming the character and place of him who utters it.
lent spirit of opposition in that country. When those In what moment have you been quiet? Has not your
measures are pursued with that resolution, and those abili- Government for many years past been a series of irritating
ties which I have mentioned, I doubt not the event will be and offensive measures, without policy, principle, or
advantageous to this country. I have no more. Sir, to add moderation ? Have not your troops and your ships made
but with permission will make the motion, " That the Chair- a vain and insulting parade in their streets and in their
" man be directed to move the House, that leave be given harbours ? It has seemed to be your study to irritate and
" to bring in a Bill for the impartial administration of justice, inflame them. You have stimulated discontent into disaf-
" in the cases of persons questioned for any acts done by fection, and you are now goading that disaffection into re-
" them in the execution of the laws, or for the suppression bellion. Can you expect to be well informed when you
" of the riots and tumults in the Province of Massachusetts listen only to partizans ? Can you expect to do justice
'•
Bay, in New England." when you will not hear the accused ?
[It was observed that Lord North trembled and faultered Let us consider. Sir, the precedents which are offered to
at every word of his motion.] warrant this proceeding —
the suspension of the Habeas
Colonel Barre. I rise. Sir, with great unwillingness to —
Corpus Act in 1745 the making smugglers triable in
oppose this measure in its very infancy, before its features Middlesex, and the Scotch rebels in England. Sir, the
are well formed, or to claim that attention which this House first was done upon the most pressing necessity flagrante ,

seems to bestow with so much reluctance on any arguments bello, with a dangerous rebellion in the very heart of the
in behalf of America. But I must call you to witness that Kingdom the second, you well know, was warranted by
;

1 have been hitherto silent, or acquiescing, to an unexpect- the most evident facts armed bodies of smugglers marched
:

ed degree of moderation. While your proceedings, severe publicly without presentment or molestation from the
as they were, had the least colour of foundation in justice, People of the county of Sussex ; who, even to their Ma-
1 desisted from opposing them nay more though your ; — gistrates, were notoriously connected with them. They
Bill for stopping up the port of Boston contained in it many murdered the officers of the revenue, engaged your troops,
things most cruel, unwarrantable, and unjust, yet, as they and openly violated the laws. Experience convinced you.
were couched under those general principles of justice, that the Juries of that, and of the counties similarly cir-
retribution for injury, and compensation for loss sustained, I cumstanced, would never find such criminals guilty; and
not only desisted from opposing, but assented to its passing. upon the conviction of this necessity you passed the Act.
The Bill was a bad way of doing what was right but ; The same necessity justified the trying Scotch rebels in
still it was doing what was right. I would not therefore, England. Rebellion had reared its dangerous standard in
by opposing it, seem to countenance those violences which Scotland, and the principles of it had so universally tainted
had been committed abroad and of which no man disap-; that People, that it was manifestly in vain to expect
proves more than 1 do. justice from them against their countrymen. But in Ameri-
Upon the present question I am totally unprepared. ca, not a single act of rebellion has been committed. Let
The motion itself bears no sort of resemblance to what was the Crown law ofiicers, who sit by the noble Lord, declare,
formerly announced. The noble Lord and his friends have if they can, that there is upon your table a single evidence
had every advantage of preparation. They have reconnoi- of treason or rebellion mAinerica. They know. Sir, there
tred the field, and chosen tiieir ground. To attack them in is not one, and yet are proceeding as if there were a
these circumstances may, perhaps, favour more of the gal- thousand.
lantry of a soldier than of the wisdom of a senator. Having thus proved, Sir, that the proposed Bill is with-
But, Sir, the proposition is so glaring; so unprecedented out precedent to support, and without facts to warrant it,
in any former proceedings of Parliament so unwarranted ; let us now view the consequences it is like to
produce. A
by any delay, denial, or perversion of justice in America; soldier feels himself so much above the rest of mankind,
to con
so big with misery and oppression to that country, and with that the strict hand of the civil power is necessary
—
danger to this that the first blush of it is sufficient to alarm troul the haughtiness of disposition which .such supenority
and rouse me to opposition. inspires. You know. Sir, what constant care is taken in
It is proposed to stigmatize a whole People as persecu- this country to remind the military that they are under the
tors of innocence, and men incapable of doing justice yet restraint of the civil power. In America their superionty
;

you have not a single fact on which to ground that imputa- is felt still greater. the check of the law, as this
Remove
tion. I expected the noble Lord would have supported Bill intends, and what insolence, what outrage may you not
this motion by producing instances of the officers of Go- expect ? Every passion that is pernicious to society will
Fourth Series.
115 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 116

be let loose upon a People unaccustomed to licentiousness that made it. It is not this nor that law that is particulai'ly
and intemperance. On the one hand will be a People who disagreeable to them ; they say, no laws shall be put in
have been long complaining of oppression, and see in the force there: you say, all laws shall. A singular case may
soldiery those who are to enforce it upon them on the ; happen of not meeting with that fair trial which is expected
other, an army studiously prepossessed with the idea of that this Bill will be a remedy for it it is a temporary relief
;

People being rebellious, unawed by the apprehension of for the limited space of three years. They have, m that
civil conlroul, and actuated by that arbitrary sjiirit which country, an unwillingness to obey all Magistrates, who have
prevails even among the best of troops. In this situation the authority from this country, acting under its laws nay, ;

prudent officer will find it impossible to restrain his soldiers they even dispute the commission, and may not allow the
or prevent that provocation which will rouse the tamest appointment ; such a case, would certainly be
a trial, in

People to resistance. Tlie inevitable consequence will be doubtful. The

revenue law gives the power of trial in
that you will produce the rebellion you pretend to obviate. another country this case is a direct precedent of that
;

I have been bred a soldier have served long.

; 1 respect impartial trial at which you want to come for if you can- ;

the profession, and live in the strictest habits of friendship not have it in one county, you must remove and try to
with a great many officers; but there is not a country find it in another. No man
will deny me the doctrine,
gentleman of you all, who looks upon the army with a that such fair trial ought and must be had. It is now no
more jealous eye, or would more strenuously resist the set- longer a question of expediency, it is a question of necessi-
ting them alK)ve the controul of the civil power. No man ty and it will he found necessary, at all events to break
;

is to be trustedsuch a situation it is not a fault of the

in ; into their charters, if you mean to produce that subordina-
soldier, but the vice of human nature, which, unbridled by tion which you are seeking but I hope, and firmly wish, that
;

law, becomes insolent and licentious, wantonly violates the even the idea of your authority being known to them, will
peace of society, and tramples upon the rights of human kind. at once prevent the exertion of it. I agree with tlie
With respect to those gentlemen who are destined to honorable gentleman, that the olive branch ought to go in
this service, they are much to be pitied. It is a service, one hand, but the sword should be carried in the otlier.
which an officer of feeling and of worth must enter upon Peace will be established upon proper princii)les, when there
with infinite reluctance a service, in which his only
; isa power to enforce it and your authority once establish-
;

merit must be, to bear much, and do little. With the me- ed, I would tlien drop the point of the sword, and make use
lancholy prospect before him of commencing a civil war, of the olive branch, as far and as much as possible. I could
and embruing his hands in the blood of his fellow subjects, very easily tell which has already happened
the colour of all

his feelings, his life, his honour, are hazarded, without a in America, and the ground from which it arose but 1 ;

possibility of any equivalent or compensation. You may stop short, hoping that when they see and know that you
perhaps think a law, founded upon this motion will be his have both courage and firmness to jjroceed in your plan, it
protection. I am mistaken if it will. Who is to execute will prevent even the exertion of this necessary measure.
it ? He must be a bold man indeed who makes the at- I would not have them be too confident in our weakness

tempt. If the People are so exasperated, that it is unsafe and irresolution, but adopt the measure of reformation, as
to bring the man who has injured them to trial, let the arising and occasioned by our firmness and courage in the
Governor who withdraws him from justice look to himself. exertion of those powers which are entrusted to us for the
Tlie People will not endure it they would no longer de-
; preservation of the peace of our Colonies.
serve the reputation of being descended from the loins of Captain Phipps. I commend much, and am glad to
Englishmen, if they did endure it. hear of, the appointment of General Gage. I think his

When I stand up as an advocate for America, I feel abilities and knowledge of the People of that country will
myself the firmest friend of this country. We stand upon sufficiently ensure to him their affections, and be a means of
the commerce of America. Alienate your Colonies, and inducing them to obey those measures which are to be exe-
you will subvert tlie foundation of your riches and your cuted under his direction and as much approve of the re-
;

strength. Let the banners of rebellion be once spread in moval of one of the worst, one of the most exceptionable
America, and you are an undone People. You are urging servants the Crown ever had, I mean Governor Hutchin-
it with such violence, and by measures tending so manifestly son. I wish to see the Bill before us without the trial by

to that fatal point, that, but that a state of madness only Jury, for I always apprehended that the advantage of such
could inspire such an intention, it would appear to be your trial was from the vicinage, and by men who knew the cir-
deliberate purpose. In assenting to your late Bill I resist- cumstaoces, as well as the characters of the ofl'enders nor ;

ed the violence of America, at the hazard of my popularity do I wish to see men sent to England to be tried. These
there. I now resist your phrenzy at the same risk here. men in America are all brought up to mercantile business,
Yon have changed your ground. You are becoming the and I do not know any recompense or satisfaction whatever
aggressors, and offering the last of human outrages to the that can be made to a man for the loss of his time in coming
People of America, by subjecting them, in effect, to mili- here and going back. I wish much for unanimity, becaust

tary execution. I know the vast superiority of your dis- I think it would add a chief support to our measures but ;

ciplined troops over the provincials but beware how you

; I think it impossible to send a man from America to be tried
supply the want of discipline by desperation. Instead of here, when we are three thousand miles asunder. It would
sending them the olive branch, you have sent the naked be better that America and England were separated en-
sword. By the olive branch, I mean a repeal of all the tirely, than to offer to bring men here to be tried. I wish
late laws, fruitless to you, and oppressive to them. this Bill to go on without that trial by Jury. I wish much
Ask their aid in a constitutional manner, and they will also the removal of" Governor Bernard, because he was the
give it to the utmost of their ability. They never yet re- first man who opposed a revenue law. He did it upon the
fused it, when properly required. Your Journals bear the same principle as a smuggler does, because he would lose
recorded acknowledgments of the zeal with which they by it. If this Bill goes on in its present form, it will extort
have contributed to the general necessities of the State. from me that opinion ininy vote of affirmative, which I am
What madness is it that prompts you to attempt obtaining unwiUing to give.
that by force which you may more certainly procure by Mr. T. Townshend. I cannot. Sir, agree with my hon-
requisition ? They may be flattered into any thin", but orable friend, in approving of the removal of Governor
they are too much like yourselves to be driven. Have Hutchinson. The Bill is one of those measures to which
some indulgence your own likeness respect their sturdy
for ; I can easily give my consent as, I think, it contains a secu-
English virtue retract your odious exertions of authority,
; rity that the lives of innocent men may be safe. I approve
and remember that the first step towards makinj; them con- much of the appointment of General Gage ; and as I do
tribute to your wants, is it to reconcile them to your Go- not find that the troops are with him, 1 nmst express a wish
vernment. that they may be able to arrive time enough to prevent a
Mr. Solicitor General Wcddtrhurn. I take this Bill to riot, sooner than to quell one, and to let America see we
be nothing more than conveying a general security to all do not want to quiirrel with tiiemupon mere punctilio do ;

persons whatsoever, as well as the military. It is necessa- not let us, for God's sake, when we have asserted our au-
ry there should be a reform of the laws, and a proper secu- thority to all that we wish to do, and enforced that obe-
rity under such magisterial authority. The Americans do dience, continue that little paltry duty upon tea; let us,
not attack the law, otherwise than attacking the Legislature then, nobly lay aside those little, teazing, irritating measures.
117 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 118

having once gained the grand point of peace and submis- Mr. Van. I do not rise to give the House much trouble,
sion to our laws. but just to make one observation upon what an honorable
Mr. Dowdesrvell. the last man to entertain pre-
I am gentleman has said ; that if we will not tax that country,
judices against Juries. revere and honour the institution.
I they will return to their duty. I do most heartily agree
1 rejoice also that Governor Hutchinson is removed, be- with him ; I believe they will ; but if they opjiose the
cause he has not acted as he ought to do, either towards measures of Government that are now sent out, I would do
this country or America. as was done of old, in the time of ancient Britons, I would
Lord Carmarthen. I do not mean, Sir, to trouble the burn and set fire to all their woods, and leave their country
House long, but I hope I am justified, by the importance open, to prevent that protection they now have ; and if we
of the question, in delivering my sentiments. Great are likely to lose that country, I think it better lost by our
Britain neither can nor ought to sit silent, and behold the own soldiers, than wrested from us by our rebellious children
riots and disturbances that have been committed in Ameri-
Lord North's motion was then agreed to, and the Com-
ca committed, I say, by a People sent out from this coun-
;
mittee rose.
try, as it were from our own bowels to see these men ;

disobey the laws and precepts of Great Britain, and to sit Sir Charles Whitworth reported from the Committee,
tamely, and take no notice, would be insipid conduct, high- that he was directed by the Committee, to move the House,
ly unworthy the British Legislature. For what purpose that leave be given to bring in a Bill, for the Impartial Ad-
were they suffered to go to that country, unless the profit ministration of Justice, in the cases of persons questioned
of their labour should return to their masters here ? I think for any acts done by them in the execution of tlie law, or
the policy of colonization is highly culpable, if the advan- for the suppression of riots and tumults, in the Province of
tages of it should not redound to the interests of Great Massachusetts Bay, in the Province of New England
Britain. I cannot see this Act in any other light, than as Ordered, That leave be granted to bring in the Bill
giving that same degree of relief to every subject in Ameri- and that Sir Charles Whitivorth, the Lord North, Mr. At-
ca, in the same manner as it gives protection and security torney General, and Mr. Solicitor General, do prepare,
to the military ; I shall therefore give it my affirmative, and bring in the same.
and hope, upon some future day, to express my further
sentiments upon that part relating to the trial by Juries. Thursdav, April 21, 1774.
Lord North. I rise once more to wipe off the aspersion
that has been thrown upon Governor Hutchinson, and I Immediately after presenting the Papers this day, [See
am much surprised to find that it was the sentiment of even folio 70.]
one gentleman in this House, that the removal of Governor The Lord North presented to the House, according
Hutchinson was considered as part of the merit of this to order, the Bill
measure. I do not know a man who has a greater share And the same was read the first time, upon which,
of merit nor did I ever hear any charge brought against
; Mr. Sawbridge arose, saying. Sir, I am astonished at
him. He was shamefully abandoned in the execution of the noble Lord's proceeding, in bringing in a Bill of the
his duty, by those who ought to have supported him. utmost consequence, at a time when there is so thin a
Governor Hutchinson had before this affair desired and House. [There were only forty-one members.] It is an
obtained leave to come home. A shij) is now arrived at improper time it is taking us by surprise it is cowardly. ; ;

Bristol, in which he had taken a passage, but as the go- But, Sir, I should think myself highly unworthy a seat in
ven.ment of the Province, in those disturbed times, would this Assembly, were I to suffer so pernicious a Bill to pass
have fallen into the hands of the Council in his absence, in in any stage, without giving my hearty negative to it. I
case of the death of the Lieutenant Governor, who was will oppose it every time I have an opportunity, although I
then very ill, he chose rather to adhere to his duty, and do not imagine I shall be much attended to. This is a Bill,
stay in that country, to endeavour to quiet those alarming Sir, of such a ridiculous and cruel nature, that I really am
disturbances. This surel}'. Sir, was acting the part of a astonished how any person could think of making it.
faithful servant of tiie Crown; I would only tell the House Does the noble Lord think that a man who chances to see
that Governor Hutchinson is not recalled home upon ac- a person murdered in America, will come over here as an
count of any misconduct and that he is not here at pre- evidence against the aggressor? Does the noble Lord
;

sent is certainly a mark of his duty, and deserves the thanks think that any American would hazard a trial here, or
of this Assembly. that he would expect to have justice done him, if he was
Captain Phipps rose to explain, and said, that he did to come over ? Then a person would be brought over here
not blame Governor Hutchinson for his conduct without to be tried, and you would have evidences only on one
reason, which he would give to the House he thought side but I imagine if those evidences should not be
; ;

liim culpable upon two occasions, the one for suffering his sufficient, evidence here, who never saw the transaction,
son to be appointed a consignee of the tea, and the other would be procured, and the criminal acquitted. I plainly

for setting at defiance the Assembly. 1 think him also foresee the dangerous conseqences of this Bill it is meant ;

highly blaineable (says he) for not acting without his Coun- to enslave and the same Minister who means to
America ;

cil. Here seems to be in him a pretended mildness, and a enslave them, would, if he had an opportunity, enslave
determined prepossession of irritation. England; it is his aim, and what he wishes to do; but I
General Conway. We
ought not. Sir, I think to dive sincerelv hope the Americans will not admit of the execu-
into People's characters more important business re-
; the tion of these destructive Bills, but nobly refuse them if ;

quires our serious consideration the measure that is now ; they do not, they are the most abject slaves that ever the
before you is full of difficulties it has given a serious turn; earth produced, and nothing that the Minister can do is
to his Majesty's Ministers and this Bill is the produce of
; base enough for them.
many laboured hours, whicli we may felicitate ourselves Lord North. think myself called upon to vindi-
Sir, I
upon. I shall not give my opinion now. I am for this cate my conduct bringing in the Bill in so tliin a
for
plan, and for giving it its due consideration, though I am House.' I to know there would be few members
Sir. was
apt to think that this measure will have no other tendency attend ? I did as I promised I would do, which was, to
bring in tlie Bill as soon as it was ready ; it was but
than a distrust of the Americans. lam a friend to Ameri- just

ca. There must be a kind of connection with Great finishedwhen I brought it, and I little expected to have
Bntain, whicli is necessary for the carrying on the any debate upon it in tins stage: I thought, Sir, the debate
measures of Government. Let us preserve temper in our would be upon the second reading ; it usually is so and ;

proceedings. The Americans have obeyed the laws, ex- I sincerely hope when this Bill is read
a second time,
cept that of taxation ; and 1 should be glad to hear how that we shall have a very full House,
and let every
gentleman give his opinion upon it. I wish to have
it
this olive branch, that is so go out. much talked of, is to
be found to be a bad
Nothing less than non-taxation, in my opinion, can be the thoroughly discussed, and if it should
otherwise, yon
olive branch if the system of taxation is to be maintained,
; Bill, in God's name throw it out; if found
am enough but if his Majesty's unanimous in assenting to it the more una-
I sure it will give trouble ; cannot he too ;

Ministers have tiie least thoughts of putting an end to the nimity there is, the stronger effect it will have. As to its

taxation, let them adopt it now at once, and it will put an being meant to enslave America, I deny it, I have no such
end to every thing. intention ; it is an unpleasant, but necessary step to bring
119 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 120

iliem to a sense of their duty that assertion has much ; Monday, April 2.5, 1774.
the same truth in it as what has been before said, that the
Americans had seen their error, and were wilhnu; to satii^fy The order of tiie day, for the second reading of the
tlie India Company. Sir, there is a ship arrived, I tiiink Bill, being read,
her name is the Fortune, Captain Gorcham ; she arrived Mr. Dowdeswell said, he did not mean to oppose the
in Boston harbour the end of February, or beirin-
latter Billnow, but he meant to present a petition from the
ning of March, 1774, I cannot say which she was loaded ; Agent of America, Ix^fore the third reading and he would ;

with tea the inhabitants came immediately and unloaded

; then confine his debate to the injustice of preventing the
her, and emptied the contents of her cargo into the sea. parties to be heard at the Bar, on the validity of their
Is this, Sir, seeing their error ? Is this Sir, reforming ? charter. To this point only he should direct his opposi-
Is this making restitution to the India Company r Surely tion, and he meant to do it, and collect all his force
no gentleman will, afterurge any thing in their
this, against the two Bills the one for the regulating the civil
;

defence. The honorable gentleman has said this Bill is Government, and the other for the impartial administra-
a pernicious one ; 1 trust, when gentlemen come to consi- tion of justice, in regard to trials, on the third reading,
der it, they will see it is quite otlierwlse. which was apjiointed for Monday.
Sir Thomas Frankland rose only to acquaint the Mr. Dyson desired leave to observe, that neither in one
House, that he, yesterday afternoon, after the House broke case or the other of the two Bills, did the House proceed
up, was shewn a letter whicli a friend of his received as a court of justice, but in tiieir capacity as a legislative
from Boston, dated March, 1774, which mentioned the body, regulating and controlling the deficiency of charters
tea being destroyed, which was the cargo of Captain which had been granted by the Crown.
Goreham, as the noble Ijord had mentioned. Lord North said he intended to move for commitment
Mr. Byng. Sir, I cannot help rising to oppose tiiis of the present Bill for the 29th, and for the third reading
Bill. I agree with my worthy friend, that it is a most of them both on the 2d of May.
jiemicious Bill, and, I fear, made with no good intention. Mr. Cavendish wished to be informed from the Hou'e,
1 really am surprised at the noble Lord, who said, his whether it was the usual custom of Pariiament to debate
wish was to make their laws in America as near as it had been committed ?
the principle of a Bill, after
possible to our own. any thing like it ?
Is this Bill Colonel Barrc said, he thought the Bill deserved to
No, it is quite the reverse dragging People from one ; be opposed in every stage on the principle on which it was
country to another to give evidence, is such a proposition as framed but on the third reading, was as proper a stage
;

I never heard before, nor could have thought of; but, as any. He had considered with himself, and weighed in
Sir, every person must know, and will allow, that the his own mind the grounds upon which this Bill was form-
noble Lord finds his other two Bills are so defective and ed and the result of his deliberation was, that it will be
;

dangerous, that no pereon will venture to put them into odious to the persons for whose benefit it is intended, by
execution he is therefore obliged to have recourse to a
; being odious to the People ; and that it will be oppressive
third, to indemnify such persons as shall be concerned in to America at large.
executing his destructive project. I shall oppose this Bill The was then read the second time, and committed
Bill
every time I have an opportunity, and I trust every lover to a Committee of the whole House.
of his country will do the same. He further said, that Resolved, That this House will, upon Friday morning
whatever professions of candour were thrown out, he should next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House,
trust to them with great caution that for ; his part these at- upon the said Bill.
tacks made abroad, seemed to be intended
to prepare men's
measures of a similar nature to be enforced at
Friday, April 29, 1774.
minds for
home and that the conduct and complexion of public
; The order of the day being read.
measures in general wore the appearance of a systematic The House resolved itself into a Committee of the
design of enslaving the People, as well in Great Britain whole on the Bill, Sir Charles Whitworih in the Ciiair
as the Colonies. After some time spent therein.
Lord Beauchamp. I really am surprised, Sir, to hear The Speaker resumed the Chair,
an honorable gentleman say, that every person must know And Sir Charles Whitivorth reported from the Com-
that the two former Bills are defective. Sir, I will ven- mittee that they had gone through the Bill, and made
ture to say the fact is otherwise every person must ; several amendments thereunto.
allow they are necessary for the preservation of peace, Ordered, That the Report be received on Monday
and restoring the Americans to a sense of their duty. morning next.
Does the honorable gentleman think the soldiery at Boston
will act without they are indemnified ? No
Monday, May 2, 1774.
they could ;

not. No person would execute the laws half so well, was A Natives of America, against
Petition from several
this Bill not to pass. I think it a necessary Bill ; it will this and the Bill for the better Regulating the Go-
Bill,
make their trials by Juries like oui-s, which are so much vernment of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North
approved of; and I shall give my hearty affirmative to it. America, was presented by Sir George Savile. [See folio
Mr. Sawbridge. Sir, I rise to explain to the noble 81.]
Iiord why I think it a pernicious Bill. I am certain, that The order of the day, for receiving the Report of the
however willing I might be to bring an offender to justice, Committee of the whole House, to whom the Bill was
was I to see a murder committed in London, my love of committed, being read,
justice might induce me to go to any part of the country And it being half an hour after two of the clock, on
toappear as an evidence but I assure the noble Lord I; Tuesday morning.
would not go over to America on any account, nor for any Ordered, That the Report be received to-morrow
mandate that he could issue and I believe that the noble ;
morning.
l^rd will allow, that not any sum would induce him to
go over now therefore we have the same right to imagine,
;
Wednesday, May 4, 1774.
that People in America will not come over here. I make Sir Charles fVhitworth, according to order, reported fronj
no doubt but Government will take care to bring over the Committee of the whole House, the Bill willi the
evidence in support of their side, but they will not trouble amendments, which the Committee had made several of ;

themselves with evidence on the contrary therefore all ; which were disagreed to, and the rest were, with amend-
your trials will be ex parte, and nothing but a mockery ments to several of them, agreed to by the House.
of justice. I do not mention this as an advocate for Ame-
A clause was offered by Mr. fVallace, to be added to
rica, but mention it as an Englishman. the Bill, for taking away ap]ieals in the Massachusetts
The question on the second reading was then put Bay, in cases of murder, during the continuance of the
Act.
Resolved, That the Bill be read a second time. And a motion being made, that the said clause be
Ordered, That the said Bill be printed. brought up
Ordered, Tliat the said Bill be read a second time on Mr. Moreton desired to know if the appeal for murder
Monday morning next. did actually exist now in the Colonies ?
 121 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 122

to know if it was to extend

Governor Johnstone desired Mr. T. Toimshend. This is a question, Sir, which
England?
to tlie trial of those sent to has frequently been before the House, and has as often
Mr. Wallace answered them botli, by saying, he meant been rejected. I cannot agree to the repeal in part,
it should extend, in both cases, as far as the Bill purported. unless I hear reasons given for the abolition of the wfiole,
[This brought on a debate concerning tlie appeal for or at least better arguments than those 1 have heard, to
murder being to be taken away in general.] induce me to give my opinion to abolish that part which
Mr. Duruihig. Sir, I rise to support that great pillar relates to America.
of the constitution, the appeal for murder; and I am not Mr. Cornwall. The appeal for murder, Sir, is incor-
satisfied that a precedent should be instituted in order to porated in tile law of England, either as a natural or
operate as an example for the taking it away in Great political right. Is then, Sir, the redress of a particular
Britain, as well as the Colonies. This clause considers injury to be remedied only by a sacrifice of the lives of
it now as an existing law in America ; I cannot say that I others ? Every body knows that manslaughter is a bar to
look upon it in that light ; but this is not the first time this appeal. But, Sir, can it be intended as a wise, pohtical
question has been agitated in this House, and has been institution, that after a trial by jury, a single individual, to
called and treated as a remnant of barbarism and gothic- satisfy his revenge, may overturn the solemn judgment
ism The whole of our constitution, for aught I know, and verdict of a jury ? It appears to me, upon examina-
is Gothic. Is it then, the present idea to destroy every tion, to be neither a political nor a natural right, and i
part of that Gothic constitution, and adopt a Macaroni should be soiTy to give my negative to the clause.
one in its stead ? If so, it is a system of ministerial des- Mr. Moreton. I think the provisions of the Bill right
potism that is adopted here when a political purpose is in
; but I did not apprehend that the question would have been
view, things may be adopted that may tend to operate as debated in this manner; nor did I think that such an ex-
a precedent, that may become at last prejudicial to the tent would have been in view so that an example in future ;

public welfare. I wish. Sir, that, in every step of this might have been brought of this, to attack one of the
matter, gentlemen would be a little more cautious, as I greatest pillars in this constitution, the appeal for murder.
much system would soon be adopted in England;
fear the If the prisoner is to be sent here, were is the use of
it is a proposition produced on a sudden and as in its
; taking the appeal away in America 1 I only wanted that
extent it may turn out dangerous, I shall dissent from it. you should not give a constitution of appeal for murder
Mr. Solicitor General Wedderburn. I confess. Sir, to the Colonies, when in my own mind I am convinced
that this part of our constitution has never appeared to they have it not, nor is a part of their law and as I ;

me as essential it is very much of a footing with a trial

; think that they have no sucii power of appeal, I cannot
by ordeal. Till laws and society took place, there was vote for this clause.
no other method of deciding between right and wrong. Mr. Phipps. I would wish to give. Sir, to every man
There is now no law in being to prevent trial by battle ;
in America, the same kind of right that we enjoy our-
and not in very ancient times was it that the Court of selves ; did they not carry with them all the privileges,
Common Pleas attended in Tothill-fields to judge of the laws, and liberties of this country have a right ? If they
trials. None but the wife of the deceased, as a female, to part of those laws, they have a right to the whole.
can appeal; and this may be compromised by a sum of I think the appeal for murder ought to be sacred in this
money it may be reduced into a civil suit but by being
; ; country and whatever doctrines gentlemen may imbibe
;

adopted in the manner proposed in this clause, it can from Mr. Blacksione, I cannot conceive them to be of
operate to no bad purpose nor do I conceive that the
; tliat authority which ought to guide and direct us. There
liberty of this country will be at all in danger, as it is only is not a more insidious way of gaining proselytes to his
for a temporary expedient. opinion than that dangerous pomp of quotations which he
Mr. Edmund Burke. I don't controvert, in an adverse has practised ; it conveys some of the most lurking doc-
line, what is advanced by the learned gentleman. There trines to lead astray the minds of young men. To talk of
is nothing more true than that man has given up his share the finger of nature pointing out law, is to me an absurdity ;
of the natural right of defence into that of the State, but I would not advise gentlemen to seek for law in the
in order to be protected by it. But this is part of the channels of these times. The rust of antiquity dims the
whole law, which you ought not separate, or else you will sight of his readers but if a man will open his eyes,
;

soon lay the axe to the root of it in England. If there is he will find that the finger of nature will never point out
an appeal for rape and robbery, you ought to have one the principle of law. The great argument which I dwell
for murder. I allow, that combat was part of this appeal upon is, that the appeal for murder is the law of the land ;

but it was superstition and barbarism to the last degree. I am also for j)reserving mercy in the Crown ; I think it

I cannot, in any degree, consent that the common law the brightest jewel in it but I think that it is a blight
;

should, in any case, be taken away from one part of his that will destroy our harvest if it is without controul.
all
Majesty's subjects, and not from the other. But as this I cannot. Sir, give my consent to this part of the law
is a question of great magnitude, whenever it comes on being annihilated.
with respect to Great Britain, I hope then humbly to Mr. Skynner. We are got now upon the most impor-
offer my opinion on it. tant question that can come on. I think the cause does
Mr. IV. Burke. No man has the least doubt but the not want advocates and therefore it might be improper for
;

learned gentleman (Mr. Wallace) is fully acquainted with me to give my opinion ; but. Sir, it is no unnatural thing,
every part of the law, ancient as well as modern but ; that the death of a relation should be attempted to be
1 think. Sir, he should have brought you in a Bill to have redressed, and that the friends of the deceased should
repealed the law in England first but when this great
; seek for justice. The appeal for murder. Sir, is considered
question comes on, I shall readily give my opinion on it. as a civil action, and to go on hand in hand with the
Mr. Stanh.y entered deeply into the pohty of our con- criminal prosecution and surely. Sir, there is nothing
;

stitution, and dwelt a long time on the repeal of the law then so exceedingly savage or barbarous in it, if it may be
respecting a])peals in general. I think it is hard, says compensated by let us consider how this
civil action. But
he, that a man
should be tried twice for the same offence, will operate in the Colonies us consider in what man- ; let
and when you have an advantage by knowing his secrets ner this action can be brought the Americans cannot ;

and defence. I apprehend that criminal laws were made make use of it unless their constitution allows it a writ :

to save the lives of persons, and not to destroy them ; must first issue out of the Court of Chancery but as ;

that the power of grace or pardon is constitutional, and is they have no such Court in that country, it cannot take its
a very valuable and glorious prerogative in the Crown ; rise there. writ of this kind can only issue when the
A
and a trial is not complete without it. There never was person is in the actual custody of the Mai-shal. In the
an instance wherein the trial by appeal was instituted, process which you have laid down in the Bill before
that it was not for the sake of obtaining a sum of money us, bailallowed to be taken for the offence
is
so that ;

and it is part of the law that it may be reduced into he never can be actually in the custody of the Mar-
such compensation, the whole being allowed to be a civil shal. Therefore, at present, as their constitution stands,
suit ;but taking it in its utmost sense, it is nothing but I look upon the writ of an execution
of appeal to be
barbarism and cruelty and I wish to abolish it as an
; impossible there. The Americans will think that we
improper part of that code of law for which we are so are breaking into their civil rights ; and I think it highly
much famed. improper to introduce the appeal for murder in this in-

i
123 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 124

stance, as it is not necessary. But, Sir, I cannot sit down cessary ; that if the prisoner returned, he might there be
without saying a few words in defence of that able person indicted again.
alluded to, now a great Magistrate, who has thought there Mr. Dunning said, so, then, it is intended that the
is something our constitution worth preserving.
in And prisoner may go over again if he chooses.
sorry 1 am to hear that great and able writer has received Mr. Wallace then offered a clause to limit the continu-
any reproach or admonition in this Senate and I believe ; ance of the Act to three years, from the first day of /une,
the honoPiible gentlemen (Captain Phipps) is singular in next which was agreed to.
;

his opinion upon this head ; and I am glad to find there Ordered, That the Bill, with the amendments, be en-
are no strangers in the gallery,* for his own sake, to hear grossed.
what he But, Sir, I am of a different opinion from
said. A motion was made, and the question put, that such a
that honorable gentlemen and 1 dare say the House will
; number of copies of the Bill, with the amendments, be
agree with me when I think that book one of the best printed, as shall be sufficient for the use of the members of
that ever was written upon the laws of this constitution, the House ?
and will do more honor to himself and this country than It passed in the Negative.
any that ever yet appeared and I am sorry to hear him; Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time, upon
reproached even by an individual, when I am sure the Friday morning next, if the said Bill shall be then en-
greatest honor will redound to this country from that able grossed.
perfomiance.
Fhidav, May 6, 1774.
Sir Richard Sutton. Sir, I do not think that the appeal
for murder ought to be partially taken away if you take it ; The order of the day, for the third reading of the Bill,
away from any part of the Dominions, you should take it being read
from the whole. 1 am much against the measure, because Mr. Dempster. I do not apprehend. Sir, that the Bill
I think it vindictive and cruel. before you is at all adetpiate to the purpose intended nor ;

Mr. Charles Fox. I am for taking away the appeal for do 1 think that experience warrants the assertion, tiiat a
murder entirely, but I am not it away in part.
for taking If fair trial cannot be had in the Colonies. Surely. Sir, the
die appeal is allowed, you take away the power of pardon- bringing men over to England to be tried, is not only a
ing in the Crown. I look upon the power of pardon as direct breach of their constitution, but is a deprivation of
much a right in the subject to claim, as part of the trial. the right of every British subject in America. I should
Suppose a criminal should be tried and convicted, and he have thought that a power of reprieve, lodged in the Go-
should appear to be out of his senses, in this case he is cer- vernor, after conviction, would have been fully sufficient,
tainly not to be hanged, the pardon being the only mode of without bringing men to England. Whenever murder is
saving his life. Appeal for murder is the only instance in committed, it must inevitably go off with impunity for ;

our laws in which satisfaction is allowed to the injured by whenever any person present shall find he is to go over the
the blood of another, as it may be compensated by a sum Atlantic as an evidence, to the detriment of his familj^ and
of money. I shall vote against this clause, because I think his fortune, there is no doubt but that he will evade the
the Americans have a right to the same laws as we necessity of his appearance as an evidence. This, Sir,
have. will be a means of subjecting the People of that country
Captain Phipps rose to explain himself with regard to to assassination, in theroom of legal trial and the invaria- ;

Mr. Blackstone, and said, however he might have repre- ble consequence has always been, tliat when a fair trial
sented his performance, he was glad to find it was so well cannot be procured, the revenge of the relations of the de-
defended by the warmth of friendship that he had heard, ; ceased will exercise itself in this kind of cruel assassination.
1, perhaps. Sir, may be wrong in my ideas
and was sorry to hear, that book had undergone some but I have ;

regulations with regard to its eligibility, which he hoped looked into the history of that country with care and cir-
was not true. He sat down rather chagrined to find his cumspection, and it has inspired me with the highest vene-
opinion with regard to that work was singular. ration for those who were tlie first settlers they emigrated ;

Sir George Savile. Sir, the appetite of revenge is, when that Star Chamber doctrine was practised in this
like that of hunger, never to be satisfied. There are country. Oppressed as they thought themselves by the
certain rights which we bring into society which we give niotlier country, by the cruelty of those arbitrary laws,
up for the good of the whole; the passion of revenge sooner than suffer themselves to be opj)ressed by tyranny,
seems to be under that description and in this instance ; they choose rather to combat with tygers and Indians in
only the blood of another may be conii)ensaled by civil America, than live in a place where ojjpression and tyran-
action. But I will not contend that to be a civil suit ny nded. It it no new thing. Sir, that they have refused
which ends in hanging, which the appeal for murder does to comply with the payment of taxes demanded from this
when not compensated for but it is necessary that men; country tliis exemption is a very old demand of theirs,
;

should give up certain rights which tiiey enjoy for the and supported by tlieir charier. Imprisonment of two
good of society at large. 1 would wish a fair and impar- persons, who held this kind of doctrine, was made in the
tial trial to be secured, which 1 think is already done in time of Sir Edmund Andrews, who w as tlu n Governor
the Colonies without meddling with the appeal for murder. and the Americans passed a law, declaring that this coun-
Mr. Skyimcr. Sir, I only rise to explain, that the ap- try had no right to tax it is true, when ;that law came
peal for murder may be reduced to a civil action that ; over here, it was rejected. Let gentlemen consider, that
there also lies an appeal b robbery and rape and if the ; if we tax America at this present period, her trade and
woman who had been injured, wiien the man was under every thing else will decline. 1 think that Boston has the

the gallows to be hanged, should marry him, he would, by most merit with this country of any place I know she is a ;

the ancient law, be saved, because all her civil right would most valuable ally, or a subordinate Colony take it in ;

he vested in lier husband by that act, and therefore com- either sense, her possession is inestimable ; but I really
pensated for as such by that act she vests those civil
:
fear very much, Americans are to be thus treaterl
that the
rights, which he had deprived her of, in him as her hus- without the parties beine heard. I do not like to see public
band. liberty and tlie riushts of persons infringed. There are two
Mr. Wallace then, with leave of tlie House, withdrew articles in tliis Bill, which 1 cannot blame the Americans
tjie motion. for resisting I mean that of the Council and the Judges
;

Mr. R. Fuller. Sir, I am more convinced by what

the being chosen In the Crown the ancient way which tlieir
:

1 have heard to day, that the whole law relative to the ap- charter directed of chosing their Council, was far more
peal for murder, ought to be repealed. I will therefore eligible; they were men at a certain age, to which experi-
give notice, on some future day, when 1 shall make the ence generally adds wisdom, that were elected Council
motion. but this is a new system, that carries with it neither experi-
Mr. Dunning desired to know whether his learned ence nor wisdom ; and I think the change unnecessary,
friend (Mr. Wallace) had made any jirovision against a thougii not oppressive. I think the office of Sheriff is
faulty indictment. more oppressive, because he is an engine of power in the
Mr. Wallace said, he had not, as he did not diink it nc- hands of the Governor nor do I approve of taking away
;

• The standing order, for the exclusion of strangers, was strictly the town meetings ; there is but one precedent of this kind
enforced during the progress of the three bills relating to the Distur- to be found in history but 1 could wish, on the present oc-
;

k&nces in America. casion, that a second had not been made. [He concluded
 125 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 126

in praise of the character of Dr. Franklin, whom he called against the doctrine which I have heard laid down, that the
the ornament of human nature and said he thought him
; particular exigency of the case countenanced the measure.
highly praise-worthy, for those very acts for which lie had 1 do not apprehend the Americans will abandon their prin-
been so much blamed.] ciples for if they submit, they are slaves
; I therefore exe- :

Mr. Grey. think this House and the nation

I at large, crate the present measure, in the manner proposed.
owe their best thanks to the noble Lord who has brought
The Bill was then read the third time.
forward this business ; and 1 must allow, that nothing but
necessity, in urgent cases like these, warrants a deviation Mr. Pulteney. I will comprise in a few words
Sir,
from the constitution the law should not be invaded on
; what I have to say do not apprehend that the Legisla-
: I
every frivolous pretence, but this requires the serious atten- ture can tax a particular county, without shewing some
tion of the whole Legislature. It would be cruel to the degree of partiality to others, nor can they justly do it. I
last degree, when your subjects are employed in preserving think the principles of this Billmay be tolerably equitable,
the peace, not to give them the utmost security in the exe- and I do believe produce a fair trial but as there
it will ;

cution of their duty. But let me ask. Sir, in what situation are some defects in the form in which it now stands, with
will that Navy and Army be, that has no protection for the regard to the errors and flaws that may be in an indictment
execution of the laws which you have vested in their hands? I will offer a clause, by way of rider, to give power to a

Will you leave them a sacrifice to the rapacity of the re- Jury in England to find a Bill of indictment, in order to
vengeful dispositions of the relations of those unhappy men correct such a deficiency.
who may fall by their hands, in the execution of their duty ? Mr. Pulteney, then offered the following clause, which
I cannot think this Act will operate in any shape to the was thrice read, and agreed to by the House, to be made
detriment of the People, if they return to their duty if ; part of the Bill, by way of rider:
that is the case if they do return, and he obedient, the Act
;
" That in case, on account of any error or defect in any
will be a waste piece of paper but the trial of persons in
;
" indictment, which, in virtue or under the authority of this
England will seldom take place, I apprehend, as nothing " Act, shall be transmitted to any other Colony, or to
but the most absolute necessity will drive the Governor to " Great Britain, the same shall be quashed, or judgment
have recourse to the Act. " thereon arrested, or such indictment judged bad upon
Mr. Paulet observed, that nothing was ever more just " demurrer, it shall and may be lawful to prefer a new in-
than the measure proposed In the Bill before the House " dictment or indictments against the person or persons
that it was the most cruel thing to let a man lie even one " accused in the said Colony, to which such indictment, so
hour in prison, in expectation of being tried by a Jury " quashed or adjudged bad, shall have been transmitted, or
whose minds were biased but for the sake of justice, a
;
" before the Grand Jury of any county in Great Britain,
voyage across the Atlantic would surely be thought, on " in case such former indictment shall have been transmit-
such an account, an undertaking not pregnant with much " ted to Great Britain, in the same manner as could be
danger. " done in case the party accused should return to the
Mr. Sawhridge. I hope. Sir, the House will hear me a " place where the offence was committed and the Grand ;

few words, as it is the last opportunity I shall have. The " Jury and Petty Jury of such other Colony or county in
opposition I have given to these measures, does not proceed " Great Britain shall have power to find and proceed
from a settled disposition against Administration, nor do I do " upon such indictment or indictments, in the same manner
it for the sake of popularity ; it is for the love of that liberty " as if the offence, by such indictment or indictments
which have always been strengthened in, and bred up by
I " charged, had been committed within the limits of the
education. I had rather bear the badge of the parish, than " Colony or county for which such Juries shall respective-
that of apostacy. It has been urged in debate, that this " ly be empannelled to serve."
country has a right to pursue those measures adopted in the Various other amendments were agreed toby the House,
Bill, and that necessity is the ground and argument which and the Bill was amended at the table accordingly.
urges it on but pray. Sir, let me ask, who is to be the judge
;
Mr. Fuller. Sir, I will now take my leave of the whole
of that necessity ? A nation, surely, cannot be called a free plan, and will give you my free opinion of it: you will
nation, where another has a money out of commence your ruin from this day, if you do not repeal
right to drav/
their pockets ; but I cannot understand how any one can the tax which has created all this disturbance you will ;

agree with these measures, and deny the right of taxation. have no degree of confidence with the Americans ; People
If you exercise an authority which does not belong to you, will not trust you when your credit is gone you may, I ;

or if you force an illegal authority, they have a right to re- say, date your ruin from this day and, I am sorry to say,
;

sist. I do not see any necessity for bringing over the that not only this House has fallen into that error, but that
People to be tried by a Jury in England; I think the the People of this country approve of the measure. I find
Crown should have lodged a power in the Governor to the People wish for the measure proposed in this Bill, as
pardon, and I should have thought it the brightest jewel in much as the majority here : it is not all owing to the junto
it on this occasion. You say, that the Governor is to use of a ministry that these measures are taken ; it isthe People
his discretion with regard to their having a fair trial but ; at large who, I am sorry to say, are misled : they are in
by this Bill the Governor, I say, is not the judge of that, an error, but a short time will prove the evil tendency of
for it must be upon the oath of a witness he must believe ; this Bill. I think the present Bill beai-s the least injury of
that witness, and no discretion is left in the Governor. No any of the three ; but if ever there was a nation running
man will become a voluntary evidence on such an occasion ;
headlong to its ruin, it is this.
he will sooner fly from that situation, than be transported Mr. H. Cavendish. Sir, I am very glad to hear that
to England. By that means justice will be evaded, as there is a majority in this House for these measures but ;

evidence cannot be had, and the People will soon take am much better pleased that the country in general ap-
upon themselves to revenge their own injuries. prove of them in as high a degree.
Colonel Barrc. Sir, I think it oriminal to sit still uppn The question then being put, that the Bill do Pass ? the
the final decision of this question, as I cannot, in any shape, House divided;
approve of this measure. I think the pei-sons whom you Yeas 127 Nays 24.
;

employ to execute your laws, inight have been protected So it was resolved in the Affirmative.
in the execution of their duty in a less exceptionable man- Ordered, That Mr. Cooper do carry the Bill to the-
ner than that Bill proposes. Your Army, Sir, in that Lords, and desire their concurrence.
country, has the casting voice and it is dangerous to put
;

any more power into their hands. Consider, Sir, how long
they will bo content with Ad. per day I am afraid not long. ;

You have had one meeting already, you may soon have HOUSE OF LORDS.
another the People of America will receive these regula-
;

Monday, May 9, 1774.

tions as edicts from an arbitrary Government. The heaviest
offence they have been guilty of is, that they have resisted A Message was brought from the House of Commons
that law which bears such an arbitrary cast. I want to by Mr. Cooper and others :

know if we in this country had not resisted such arbitrary With a Bill intituled " An Act for the Impartial Ad-
laws in certain ancient times, whether we should have ex- " ministration of Justice in the cases of persons questioned
isted as a House of Commons here this day ? I object much " for any acts done by them in the execution oi" the law.
 127 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 128

" or for the suppression of riots and tumults in the Province never was more attention given to a speaker on any occa-
*'o( Massachusetts Bay, in Neiv England;" to which sion. He spoke with all the weight and authority of an
tiiey desire the concurrence of the House ; able statesman, and all the feeling of a patriot, deeply con-
And the said Bill was read the firet time. cerned for the interest of his country. He entered fully
Ordered. That the Bill be read a second tune on into the civil policy which had originally given rise to the
H'cdnesday next and that tlie Lords be summoned.
;
disturbances in America, and had in consequence produced
Ordered, That tlie Bill be printed. bills and regulations so ill calculated to allay them. He
took post upon the measure of his own administration, the
Fkidav, May 13, 1774.
repeal of the Stamp Act, on which he argued with great
The order of the day being read, the Bill was accord- force. He insisted that that repeal w as no more tiian a re-
ingly read the second time, and committed to a Committee turn to the ancient policy of Great Britain, from which the
of the whole House. tax had been a deviation. He then stated the new taxes
Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee laid on after his removal from office, as originating from no
np<in the said Bill on Monday next. plan or policy whatsoever, but merely as the result of pique
and jjassion that they were in effect confessed to be so,
;
Monday, May 16, 1774.
because they were afterwards repealed for the greater part,
The House, according to order, was adjourned during as being laid by the avowal of Administration itself, in con-
pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill. commerce. That the Tea
tradiction to all the principles of —
After some time the House was resinned : Duty, equally uncommercial and unproductive, was left as
And Ijord Boston reported from the Committee, that a pepper-corn, merely for tlie sake of contest with America.
they had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report as the Ministry had likewise avowed. He censured very
the same to the House, without any amendment. severely the doctrine of taxing for the sole purpose of ex-
Ordered, That the said Bill be read a third time, on ercising an invidious right, and insisted that taxes ought to
fVednesday next ; and that the Lords be summoned. be for the real purpose of supporting Government, and not
purely to irritate and stir up dangerous questions. That
Tuesday, May 17, 1774.
the Stamp Act was a
great object, and might have produ-
The Earl of Dartmouth (by his Majesty's command.) ced in time considerable revenues but to risk the Avhole ;

laid before the House more Papers relating to the distur- trade of England, and the affections of the Americans, in a
bances at Boston, together with a list thereof; which was quarrel with the Colonies for pepper-corns, he thought a
read by the Clerk, as follows very unwise proceeding. After this, he entered into the
No. 1. Copy of a lietter from Governor Hutchinson to particulars of the Bill, and, among other things, in answer
the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 9th March, 1774 ;
to the difficulties asserted to be laid on officers without
received lStho( May, enclosing. such protection as was given by tliis Bill, he said that he
No. 2. Extracts from the Boston Gazette. thought the condition of men of honor and sensibility to be
No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Governor Hutchinson far worse under this Bill for that no acquittal could be
;

to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated Boston, 21st March, 1 774, honorable, where tlie prosecutor had not the usual means
received 13th of May, enclosing. of securing a fair He
concluded with a very em-
trial.
No. 4. Copy of the Resolution of the House of Rep- pliatical recommendation of temper, as necessary in all
resentatives, concurred in by the Council. things, but particularly in measures of this nature, and in
No. 5. Copy of a Message from the House of Rep- subjects of so much delicacy his own remarkable calmness
:

resentatives to Governor Hutchinson. and steadiness of mind, gave additional force to this part of
No. 6. Copy of Governor Hutchinson's Message to his speech.
the House of Representatives. The Duke of Richmond spoke last in the debate, and
And the titles thereof being read by the Clerk, with his usual spirit, pointed his answer chiefly to what
Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the table. fell from the Chancellor and Ix)rd Sandwich : he concluded

with recommending to the perusal of the House, a pamph-

Wednesday, May 18, 1774.
let, called " Considerations on the Measures carrying on
The
order of the day being read, the Bill was accord- ' against America," and the Bishop of St. Asaph's Sermon,
ingly read thethud time. preached 1773, before the Society for propagating the
Upon reading the Petition of WiUian. Bollan, Esq., Gospel, as containing the soundest doctrines and the best
Agent for the Council of his Majesty's Province of Massa- policy.
chusetts Bay, in New England, taking notice of a Bill de- After long debate,*
pending in this House, intituled, " An Act for the Impar- The question was put, " Whether this Bill shall Pass ?'"
'•
Administration of Justice, in the cases of persons ques-
tial was resolved
It in the Affirmative : Contents, 43.
" tioned for any acts done by them in the execution of the Non-Contents, 12.
" law, or for the suppression of riots and tumults in the Pro-
" vince of Massachusetts Bay, in New England ;" and pray- Dissentient.

ing this right honorable House, " That the same may not 1st. Because no evidence whatsoever has been laid
" pass into a law and that he may be heard by their I^rd-
;
before the House tending
prove that persons acting in
to
" ships in support of his Petition," support of public autliority, and indicted for murder, can-
It is Ordered, That the said Petition
do lie on the table. not receive a fair trial within the Province which is the ;

Moved, That Mr. Bollan be called in, and heard at the object of this Bill. On the contrary, it has happened that
Bar. an officer of tlie Array, charged with murder, has there
Which being objected to received a fair and equitable trial, and been acquitted.
After debate, This fact has happened even since the commencement of
The question was put thereupon ? It was resolved in the the present unhappy dissentions.
Negative, 2dly. Because, after the proscription of the port of
Then it was mored "That the Bill do Pass ?" Boston, the disfrancliisement of the Colony of Massachu-
Which being objected to ;
setts Bay, and tiie variety of provisions which have been
A debate en'^ued. made in this session for new modelling the whole polity
was opened by the Earl of Buckinghampshire, ^^ho
It and judicature of that Province, this Bill is an humiliating
confessed this to be the most e.xccplionahle of the Ameri- confession of the weakness and inefficacy of all the pro-
rnn measures, but thought it was excused by necessity. ceedings of Parliament. By supposing that it may be im-
He was answered by I^rd Shellnirne, who spoke with practicable by any means, that the public wisdom could de-
great ability, spirit, and knowledge, of the subject.
*Tlie Bill p.'.ssnd the Hous.i
on Ih- 6tli of May, and being carried
The Lords Denbigh, Sandwich, and the Ix)rd Chancel- uj) to tlio of Peers, occjsionod w;irm d^b t-s upon tlic same
i^oli8^
lor, were the chief supporters of the Bill. priiicipl's upon whicb it was discussed in tlic Housi of ('oninions.
The Dukeof M«?(fAe«/cr spoke with that grace of man- Tbo Ijords of the minority (!ntor3d on this, as on the fonnpr Bill, :i
very s'ronff Protnst. Noitliur Houst' was full during tbo dtbatit on
tier and elegance of language which so peculiarly distin- this Bill, :is till.' argiun-nts on the two latter Bills, had boon all along
guish him. very muc',1 blended and the parties had tried their strength by divi-
;

The Marquis of Rockingham spoke late in tlie debate.

sion on the Bill for altering the Massai-husett» Charter. On both ques-
tion*, however, the numbers of the minority had all along continued
His speech lasted near three quarters of an hour; and very low and disproportioned. Ann. Regit.
129 BILL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS BAT. 130

vise, to obtain a fair trial there, for any who act under Go- and assisting them therein, or in the suppression of riots and
vernment, the House is made virtually to acknowledge the tumults, raised in opposition to the execution of the laws
British Government to be universally odious to the whole and statutes of this realm, should be discouraged from the
Province. By supposing the case that such trial may be proper discharge of their duty, by an apprehension, that in
equally impracticable in every other Province of America, case of their being questioned for any acts done therein,
Parliament does in effect admit, that its authority is, or pro- they may be liable to be brought to trial for the same
bably may, become baleful to all the Colonies. This we ap- before persons who do not acknowledge the validity of the
prehend is to publish to all the world, in terms the most em- laws, in the execution whereof, or the authority of the Ma-
phatical, the little confidence the Supreme Legislature re- gistrate in the support of whom, such acts had been done:
poses in the affection of so large and so important a part of in order therefore to remove every such discouragement
the British empire. If Parliament believed that any con- from the minds of his Majesty's subjects, and to induce
siderable number of the Peojjle in the Colonies were wil- them, upon all proper occasions, to exert themselves in
ling to act in support of British Government, it is evident support of the public peace of the Province, and of the au-
that we might safely trust the persons so acting to their fel- thority of the King and Parliament of Great Britain over
low Colonists, for a fair trial for acts done in consequence the same ; Be it enacted by the King's most excellent Ma-
of such support. The Bill therefore amounts to a declara- jesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords
tion that the House knows no means of retaining the Colo- Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present
nies in due obedience, but by an Army rendered indepen- Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same,
dent of the ordinary course of law, in the place where they that if any inquisition or indictment shall be found, or if
are employed. any appeal shall be sued or preferred against any person,
3dly. Because we think, that a military force, sufficient for murder, or other capital offence, in the Province of the
for governing upon tliis plan, cannot be maintained without Massachusetts Bay, and it shall appear, by information
the inevitable ruin of the nation. given upon oath to the Governor, or, in his absence, to the
Lastly. Because this Bill seems to be one of the many Lieutenant Governor of the said Province, that the fact
experiments towards an introduction of essential innovations was committed by the person against whom such inquisi-
into the Government of this empire. The virtual indem- tion or indictment shall be found, or against whom such ap-
nity provided by this Bill, for those who shall be indicted peal shall be sued or preferred, as aforesaid, either in the
for murders committed under colour of office, can answer execution of his duty as a Magistrate, for the suppression
no other purpose. We consider that to be an indemnity of riots, or in the support of the Laws of Revenue, or in
which renders trial, and consequently punislmient, imprac- acting in his duty as an Officer of Revenue, or in acting
ticable ;and trial is impracticable, when the very Govern- under the direction and order of any Magistrate, for the
or, under whose authority acts of violence may be commit- suppression of riots, or for the carrying into effect the Laws

ted, is empowered to send the instruments of that violence of the Revenue, or in aiding and assisting in any of the
to three thousand miles distance from the scene of their of- cases aforesaid ; and if it shall also appear, to the satisfac-
fence, the reach of their prosecutor, and the local evidence tion of the said Governor, or Lieutenant Governor respec-
which may tend to their conviction. The authority given tively, that an indifferent trial cannot be had within the
by this Bill, to compel the transportation from America to said Province, in that case, it shall and may be lawful for
Great Britain of any number of witnesses, at the pleasure the Governor, or Lieutenant Governor, to direct, with the
of the parties prosecuting and prosecuted, without any re- advice and consent of the Council, that the inquisition, in-
gard to their age, sex, health, circumstances, business, or dictment, or appeal, shall be tried in some other of his Ma-
duties, seems to us so extravagant in its principles, and so jesty's Colonies, or in Great Britain; and for that purpose
hnpracticable in its execution, as to confirm us further in to order the person against whom such inquisition or indict-
our opinion of the spirit which animates the whole system ment
shall be found, or against whom such appeal shall be
of tlie present American regulations. sued or preferred, as aforesaid, to be sent, under sufficient
^
Richmond, Portland, custody, to the place appointed for his trial, or to admit
Rockingham, Manchester, such person to bail, taking a recognizance, (which the said
Leinster, Ponsonby, Governor, or in his absence, the Lieutenant Governor, is
Fitzwilliam, Craven. hereby authorized to take,) from such person, with suffi-
sureties, to be approved of by the said Governor, or,
A Message was sent to the House of Commons by the cient in his absence, the Lieutenant Governor, in such sums of
former Messengers :

To acquaint them, that the Lords have agreed to the money

as the said Governor, or, in his absence, the Lieu-
tenant Governor, shall deem reasonable, for the personal
said Bill, without any amendment.
appearance of such person, if the trial shall be appointed to
Friday, May 20, 1774. be had in any other Colony, before the Governor, or Lieu-
tenant Governor, or Commander-in-Chief of such Colony
His Majesty being seated on the Throne, and the Com- and if the trial shall be appointed to be had in Great
mons attending with their Speaker, the Royal assent to the Britain, then before his Majesty's Court of King's Bench,
Bill was pronounced by tlie Clerk's Assistant. at a time to be mentioned in such recognizances and the ;

Governor, or Lieutenant Governor, or Commander-in-

Chief of the Colony, where such trial shall be appointed to
be had, or Court of King's Bench, where the trial is ap-
Anno Declmo Quarto Georgii HI. Regis. pointed to be had in Great Britain, upon the appearance
of such person, according to such recognizance, or in cus-
An Act for the Impartial Administration of Justice in the
tody, shall either commit such person, or admit him to
cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them
bail, until such trial and which the said Governor, or
;
in Exemtion of the Law, or for the Suppression of
Lieutenant Governor, or Commander-in-Chief, and Court
Riots and Tumults, in the Province of the Massachu-
of King's Bench, are hereby authorized and empowered
setts Bay, in New England.
to do.
Whereas in his Majesty's Province of Massachusetts And, to prevent a failure of justice, from the want of
Bay, in New England, an attempt hath lately been made evidence on the trial of any such inquisition, indictment, or
to throw off the authority of the Parliament of Great appeal, Be it further enacted, that the Governor, or, in his
Britain over the said Province, and an actual and avowed absence, the Lieutenant Governor, shall, and he is hereby
resistance, by open force, to the execution of certain Acts authorized and required, to bind in recognizances to hi^
of Parliament, hath been suffered to take place, uncontroul- Majesty all such witnesses as the prosecutor or person
ed and unpunished, in defiance of his Majesty's authority, against whom such inquisition or indictment shall be found,
and to the utter subversion of all lawful Government and : or appeal sued or preferred, shall desire to attend the trial
whereas, in the present disordered state of the said Pro- of the said inquisition, indictment, or appeal, for their per-
vince, it is of the utmost importance to the general welfare sonal appearance, at the time and place of such trial, to give
thereof, and to the re-establislinient of lawful authority evidence: and the said Governor, or in his absence, the
throughout the same, that neither the Magistrates acting in Lieutenant Governor, shall thereupon appoint a reasonable
support of the laws, nor any of his Majesty's subjects aiding sum to be allowed for the expenses of every such witness.
FoUBTH Sk&ijbs. 9
131 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 132

and thereupon give to eacli witness a certificate, in

sliall zances, under the seal of the Province, to the Governor,
under his liand and seal, that such witness has en-
writins;, or Lieutenant Governor, or Commander-in-Chief, of such
tered into a recognizance to give evidence, and specifying other Colony, wiio shall immediately issue a commission of
tiie sum allowed tor his expenses and tiie Collector and
; Oyer and Terminer, and deliver, or cause to be delivered,
Collectors of the Customs, or one of tliem, within the said the said inquisition, indictment, or appeal, with the said
Province, upon the delivery of such certificate, are, and is recognizances, to the Chief Justice, and such other persons
hereby authorized and required, forthwith to pay to such as have usually been Commissioners of Oyer and Termi-
witness the sum
specified tlierein for his expenses. ner, Justices of Assize, or General Gaol Delivery there
And befurther enacted by the authority aforesaid,
it who shall have power to proceed upon the said intjuisition,
That all prosecutors and witnesses, wlio sliall be under re- indictment, or appeal, as the same had been returned,
if

cognizances to appear in any of his Majesty's Colonies in found, or preferred before them; and the trial sliall tliere-
America, or in Great Britain, in pursuance of this Act, ii])on proceed in like manner, to all intents and purposes,
shall be free from all arrests and restraints, in any action or as if the offence had been committed in such ])lace and
:

suit to be coinmenced against them during their going to in case the Governor, or, in his absence the Lieutenant
such Colony, or coming to Great Britain, and their ne- Governor, shall direct the trial to be had in Great Britain,

cessary stay and abiding there, on occasion of such jirose- lie shallthen transmit the inquisition, indictment, or ap-
cution, and returning again to the said Province of the peal, together with the recognizances, of the witnesses, and
Massachusetts Bay. other recognizances, under the seal of the Province, to one
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, who shall
That and every his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, and
all deliver, or cause to be delivered, the same, to the Master
other Justices and Coroners, before whom any person shall of the Croun Office, to be filed of record in the Court of
be brought, charged with murder, or other capital crime, King's Bench, and the inquisition, indictment, or appeal,
where it shall appear by proof, on oath, to such Justices or shall be tried and proceeded upon, in the next term, or at
Coroners, that the fact was committed by such person, such other time as the Court shall appoint, at the Bar of
either in the execution of his duty as a Magistrate, for the the Court of King's Bench, in like manner, to all intents
suppression of riots, or in the support of the Laws of Reve- and purposes, as if the offence had been committed in the
nue, or in acting in his duty as an Officer of Revenue, or in county of Middlesex, or in any other county of that part of
acting under the direction and order of any Magistrate, for Great Britain called England, where the Court of King's
the suppression of riots, or for the carrying into effect the Bench shall sit, or else before such Commissioners, and in
Laws of Revenue, or in aiding and assisting in any of the such county, in that part of Great Britain called England
cases aforesaid, are hereby authorized and required to admit as shall be assigned by the King's Majesty's commission, in
every such person so brought before him or them, as afore- like manner and form, to all intents and purposes, as if such
said, to bail; any law, custom, or usage, to the contrary otience had been coinmitted in the same county where
thereof in any wise uotwithstandiig. such inquisition, indictment, or appeal, shall be so tried.
And further enacted by the avihority aforesaid,
be it And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid. That
That where it shall be made appear to the Judges or in case, on account of any error or defect in any indict-
Justices of any Court, within the said Province of Massa- ment, which, in virtue, or under the authority of this Act,
chusetts Bay, by any person, against whom any inquisition shall be transmitted to any other Colony, or to Great
or indictment sliall be found, or appeal sued or preferred Britain, the same shall be quashed, or judgment thereon
for murder, or other capital crime, that the fact was com- arrested, or such indictment adjudged bad on demuiTer, it
mitted by such person, either in the execution of his duty shall and may be lawful to prefer a new indictment or in-
as a Magistrate, for the suppression of riots, or in the sup- dictments against the person or persons accused in the said
port of the Laws of Revenue, or in acting in his duty as an Colony, to which such indictment, so quashed or adjudged
Officer of Revenue, or in acting under the direction and bad, shall have been transmitted, or before the Grand Jury
order of any Magistrate, for the suppression of riots, or for of any county in Great Britain, in case such former in-
the carrying into effect the laws of revenue, or in aiding and dictment shall have been transmitted to Great Britairi, in
assisting inany of the cases aforesaid, and that he intends the same manner as could be done in case the party accused
to make application to the Governor, or Lieutenant Go- should return to the place where the offence was commit-
vernor of the said Province, that such inquisition, indictment, ted and the Grand Jury and Petty Jury of such other
;

or appeal, may be tried in some other of his Majesty's Colony or county in Great Britain shall have power to
Colonies, or in Great Britain, the said Judges or Justices find and proceed upon such indictment or indictments, in
are hereby authorized and required to adjourn "or postpone the same manner as if the offence, by such indictment or
tlie the trial of such inquisition, indictment, or appeal, for a indictments charged, had been committed within the limits
reasonable time, and admit the person to bail, in order that of the Colony or county for which such Juries shall respec-
lie may make application to the Governor, or Lieutenant tively be einpannelled to serve.
Governor, for the purpose aforesaid. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid,
And be it further enacted, That the Governor, or in his That this Act, and every clause, provision, regulation,
absence, the Lieutenant Governor, if he shall direct the matter, and thing, herein' contained, shall commence and
trial to be had in any other of his ftlajesty's Colonies, shall take eflect upon the first day of June, one thousand seven
transmit the inquisition, indictment, or appeal, together hundred and seventy-four and be, and continue in force,
;

with the recognizances of the witnesses, and other recogni- for and during the term of three years.

V. MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA.

HOUSE OF COMiMONS.
Tuesday, April 19, 1774.
Friday, April 15, 1774.
Mr. Fuller moved, that an Act, made in the seventh
Mr. Rose Fuller, gave notice that he intended to move year of the reign of his present Majesty, intituled, " An
on Tuesday next, for a Committee on the Tea Duty, to see " Act for granting certain Duties in the British Colonies
whether or not it was possible to repeal the Act, laying " and Plantations in America ; for allowing a Drawback of
tliat duty, before the Bill for the better regulating the Go- " the Duties of Customs upon the exportation from this
vernment of Massachusetts Bay, took effect. " Kingdom of coffee and cocoa nuts, of the produce of the
 133 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 134
" draw-
said Colonies or Plantations, for discontinuing the act with which they cannot comply,
or, more properly they
" backs payable on china earthen ware exported to Ameri- will not. In the light, then, of a mercantile tax, it is tri-
" ca; and for more effectually preventing the clandestine fling and ridiculous; as a matter of revenue, it is absurd.
" ninning of goods in the said Colonies and Plantations," If they cannot resist, they will find some means of avoiding
might be read it. God and nature has given them an extensive coast,
And the same was read accordingly. and of course an opportunity of smuggling. You will in-
Mr. Fuller then made the motion of which he had given jure the manufactures of this country in a very high
notice degree I do not mean by tlieir non-importation agree-
;

" That House will, upon this day sevennight, re-

this ments, but by making them prefer the manufacture which
" solve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to take is worse than yours, Irom your enemies, to those of this
" into consideration the Duty of three pence per pound country, which is better. May the right long remain in
" weight, upou Tea, payable in all his Majesty's Dominions the expediency of not exercising it 1 would only have it !

" in America, imposed by the said Act and also tiie ap- ; called for at particular times, the emergency of af- when
" propriation of the said duty." fairs requiresand when the whole of Great Britain and
it,

On offering it, he declared that the Boston Port Bill, America are to receive equal benefit but if you exercise ;

and the other regulations, would be totally ineffectual that right when you have no occasion or urgent reason for
without repealing the Tea Duty Bill. He said he was raising a revenue, you will throw the quiet man of that
very sure that the motion would be productive of a great country into the factious man. But how can you expect
deal of good and that it could not possibly do harm. He
; an obedience of that country, when the emoluments of it
spoke much to the temper and feelings of tlie House ; and are taken from them to supply the luxuries of men who
the arguments which he used served rather to point out the live in this ? The Province of Virginia, before Lord
former considerations which the House had had upon this Botetourt was made Governor, was annually plundered of
question, and that the subject of taxation of America was £.5,000 per annum, by the non-residence of fonner Go-
no new matter. After a short opening, he concluded by vernors. I knew a person in that country who held eleven
making the preceding motion. offices, the emoluments of which were appropriated to the
Mr. Pennant seconded the motion, and said, he wished support of men of bad description in this. I approved
much it might go to a Committee, because he thought the much of the Stamp Act, as a necessary measure to destroy
principle upon which the Bill was established, as set forth that nest of small petty-fogging attorneys, whose business
in the preamble, was unjust and impolitic that it changed ; it was to create disturbances and law suits, and live by the

the nature of their constitution, and it took away the power plunder. There is a wide difference between giving up
which had always been held sacred to an Englishman, that a right and exercising it, but I cannot see that Parliament
of levying their own money that it was similar to raising
; in fact gives up that right,when they say it is not expedient
the ship mgney in King Charles' time that those who ; to exercise it. I therefore wish much for the repeal of this
condemned that measure must of course condemn this, the Act, which I think you will one day or other be forced
one being as arbitrary and unconstitutional as the other. to do.
He said, he subscribed to the supremacy of Parliament, but Mr. Stephen Fox. I rise. Sir, much in favour of the
he thought there was a plain method for raising by requisi- motion on your table and I think the only reason that has ;

tion the money which we wanted ; that the People of that been urged against it, is, that America cannot resist. Do
country would be better able to ascertain how, and in what not, Sir, let us exercise such a conduct merely to show
manner the same ought to be raised, on account of the local our power. I am far from saying we ought not to exert
circumstances which might attend it. The People of this power upon proper occasions, but to make use of it by
Boston would be the first victims to our resentment repeal way of irritation, is to me the highest ill policy, as well as
;

this Bill, said he, and you will meet with support from the absurdity I shall therefore give my hearty affinnative to
;

rest of the Colonies. the motion.

Mr. Rice. This, Sir, is a motion upon the plan of re- Mr. Cornwall. wish gentlemen would take into con-
I
conciliation, and there is no man would go further than my- sideration the justice of their former proceedings,and the
self to correct any thing that 1 thought would be the means policy and expediency which the present times require
of bringing about such reconciliation but I cannot concur ; and occasion. I do not love entering into the long debates
in any thing that endangers the supremacy of Parliament. which have formerly happened upon this business I think ;

Let us but consider the consequence of such a repeal at it wrong, and wish only to pursue the present expediency

this present time. Whenever we have made the least con- of the measure. The proposition which we are now
cession, they have always required more they will think ; called upon to decide, is simply this Whether the whole :

that we acknowledge that we have no right, if we should of our authority over the Americans shall be taken away ?
repeal this law. The objection has hitherto been made on It has been said we have irritated the Americans by taxes
the ground of taxation. I will consider truly what that that are neither for the purpose of revenue, nor for com-
ground is but I very much fear that they object to that
; mercial regulations. That tax will be found to produce
controul which may be improper to take off; they submit- much more than gentlemen think and however little it ;

ted to external taxation to internal, they always objected.

; may produce, the taking it off at this time would be both
1 will take that period, then, as the fixed era for their al- inqiolitic and imprudent. Much has also been said about
lowing taxation, by the repeal of the Stamp Act, as an in- gaining the affections of the Arnericans. If this were a
ternal tax. If you repeal tiiis Act, you will allow that you new question, I should think the gaining of their affections
have no right. I desire to keep my stand here, and not to is worth a thousand times the produce of the Tea Duty.

give up that autiiority which I am clear in. I wish no It is true. Sir, that England is loaded with a debt of a
new taxes to take place, but I wish to keep the right and very considerable amount, on account of the last American
controul, which if you give up, you part with all. The in- war and it is but just and right that they should bear their
;

terest of America is the interest of Great Britain, and I proportion of expense. Gentlemen say, that the propo-
would wish to make their happiness the object, and to do sition should have been made to them by way of requisi-
that which would be satisfactory to tJieir minds If I saw or apprehended the least inclination from
I this
you
present case, I am
be required to give up much more.
but, in
greatly afraid if
;

you give up this,

tion.
them to assist us in any other mode as to taxation, I would
but has any one offered
will readily give up this particular tax ;

Captain Phipps. I should be the last person in the any tiling on this head ? Has any person been authorized
House to give trouble, if the importance of this question did to treat; or any ambassador sent on tliat occasion ? I

not urge me to it but I cannot take the acts of the Pro-

: would meet them half way in this proposition. It has
vince of Massachusetts Bay to be the opinion of all Ameri- been said, that all their labours are centered in this coun-
tliis tax.
ca, nor those of a few designing interested men in Boston, try, and that we should injure ourselves by laying
to be the disposition of the whole Province at large. I per- I look upon the interest of this country
to be so nearly

fectly agree that the Americans cannot resist, and that the connected with that, that our own actions will be the guide
doctrine of supremacy is good but I tiiink the Americans
; of their security. America does not meet you on the
have a real security in Parliament, which is, that you can mode of taxation, but upon the question of right; and, for
do notliing that docs not affect Great Britain equally my part, I cannot comprehend the distinction between in-
with America. I will consider the present measure as an ternal and external taxation. You repealed the Stamp
*
135 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 136

Act : America then receive this boon of repeal cheer-

did liamentary proceedings with regard to America, their
fijUy? Disturbances have been fomenting and growing causes, and their consequences. With regard to the latter
ever since. Some few years past you repealed three or ground, he states it as useless, and thinks it may be even
four of these taxes I wish much the debate on this ques-
; dangerous, to enter into so extensive a field of inquiry.
tion had then been agitated. The question now is, Yet, to my surprise, he had hardly laid down this restrictive
whether it is prudent to repeal this tax at this critical junc- proposition, to which his authority would have given so
ture? The Americans say, restore us to the same situa- much weight, when directly, and with the same authority,
tionwe were in before tiie Stamp Act passed. Suj)pose he condemns it, and declares it absolutely necessary to

we do, we put them in a worse situation than they are now enter into the most ample historical detail. His zeal has
in. The consumer of a pound of tea before that Act took thrown him a little out of his usual accuracy. In this
place paid twelve-pence, by this Act he pays only three- perplexity what shall we do, Sir, who are willing to submit
pence, the consumer therefore certainly gains nine-pence to the law he gives us ? He has reprobated in one part of
by every pound he uses. This tax upon tea is certainly his speech the nde he had laid down for debate in the
not uncommercial, because tea is much cheaper now than other; and, after narrowing the ground for all those wlio
before and therefore I think it cannot have any aspect
; are to speak after him, he takes an excursion himself, as
of grievance as a commercial tax. What, then, are we to unbounded as the subject and the extent of his great
expect, if we shew such a pusillanimous timidity in repeal- abilities.

ing this tax, merely because they object to it ? On the Sir, when cannot obey all his laws, I will do the best
I
question of right, they will certainly consider us in a more I can. endeavour to obey such of them as have the
I will

contemptuous light than they ever yet did. Let me ask sanction of his example, and to stick to that rule which,
what answer will they give, when, after tiiis, the Ameri- though not consistent with the other, is the most rational.
cans shall voluntarily apply to repeal the duty on wine, He was certainly in the right when he took the matter
fee. ? The same principle that operates for the repeal of largely. I cannot prevail on myself to agree with him in

this, will go to that. I do not see what answer you can his censure of his own conduct. It is not, he will give

give, nor where the complaint is likely to stop, until you me leave to say, either useless or dangerous. He asserts,
have given up the whole, and, by that means, America that retrospect is not wise and the proper, the only proper,
;

itself. If you measures you have begun

persist in the subject of inquiry is, " not how we got into this difficulty,
with, I think there is not a doubt of your succeeding, and but how we are to get out of it." In other words, we
of becoming, if I may use the word, victorious but I would ; are, according to him, to consult our invention, and to
have this victory obtained by a firm, consistent, just, and reject our experience. The mode of deliberation he re-
manly conduct. I do not see what line of discrimination commends is diametrically opposite to every rule of rea-
you can draw for many parts of America have, in a
; son, and every principle of good sense established amongst
measure, disobeyed the precepts of this country, and be- mankind. For that sense and that reason, I have always
haved much in the same manner as Boston. It has been understood, absolutely to prescribe, whenever we are in-
said, and it is a doctrine I readily agree to, that you ought volved in difficulties from the measures we have pursued,
to twine the olive branch round the sword but if, Sir, ; that we should take a strict review of those measures, in
they will return to their duty as they ought to do, the order to correct our errors if they should be corrigible or ;

sword will have no edge. Let us not give way to false at least to avoid a dull uniformity in mischief, and the unpi-
conceits, or factious proceedings ; be calm, and persist in a tied calamity of being repeatedly caught in the same snare.
just conduct. Deep as our debt is on account of America, Sir, I will freely follow the honorable gentleman in his
you will be deprived of a fourth part of the revenue, in the historical discussion, without the least management for men
day when the system of taxation will be found necessary or measures, Rirther than as they shall seem to me to
for carrying on the supplies of war, and the exigencies of deserve it. But before I go into that large consideration,
Government and when business must be stopt, without
; because I w^ould omit nothing that can give the House
some resource of supply, there will not then be found two satisfaction, I wish to tread the narrow ground to which
voices about taxing America. alone the honorable gentleman, in one part of his speech,
Mr. Edmund Burke. Sir, I agree with the honora- has so strictly confined us.
ble gentleman who spoke last, that this subject is not He desires to know, whether, if we were to repeal this
new in this House. Very disagreeably to this House, tax, agreeably to the proposition of the honorable gentleman
ery unfortunately to this nation, and to the peace and who made the motion, the Americans would not take post
prosperity of this whole empire, no topic has been on this concession, in order to make a new attack on the
more familiar to us. For nine long years, session after next body of taxes and whether tliey would not call for
;

session, we have been lashed round and round this mis- a repeal of the duty on wine as loudly as they do now
erable circle of occasional arguments and temporary for the repeal of the duty on tea? Sir, I can give no
expedients. am sure our heads must turn, and our
I security on this subject. But I will do all that I can, and
stomachs nauseate with them. We have had them in every all that can be fairly demanded. To the experience which
shape we have looked at them in every point of view.
; the honorable gentleman reprobates in one instant, and
Invention is exhausted reason is fatigued experience has
; ; reverts to in the next, to that experience, without the
given judgment but obstinacy is not yet conquered.
; least wavering or hesitation on my part, I steadily appeal ;

The honorable gentleman has made one endeavour and would to God there was no other arbiter to decide on
more to diversify the form of this disgusting argument. the vote with which the House is to conclude tliis day !

He has thrown out a speech composed almost entirely When Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in the year
of challenges. Challenges are serious things ; and as he 1766, I affirm, first, that the Americans did not in conse-
is a man of prudence as well as resolution, I dare say ?uence of this measure call upon you to give up the former
he has very well weighed those challenges before he 'arliamentary revenue which subsisted in that country,
delivered them. I had long the happiness to sit at the or even any one of tfie articles which compose it. I
same side of the House, and to agree with the honora- affirm also, that when, departing from the maxims of that
ble gentleman on all the American questions. My sen- repeal, you revived the scheme of taxation, and thereby
timents, I am sure, are well known to him and ; I thought filled the minds of the Colonists with new jealousy, and
I had been perfectly acquainted with his. Though I all sorts of apprehensions, then it was that they quarreled
find myself mistaken, he will still pennit me to use the with the old taxes, as well as the new; then it was, and
privilege of an old friendship ; he will permit me to not till then, that they questioned all the parts of your
apply myself to the House under the sanction of his legislative power and, by the battery of such questions,
;

authority and, on the various grounds he has measured

; have shaken the solid structure of this empire to its
out, to submit to you the poor opinions which I have deepest foundations.
formed, upon a matter of injportance enough to demand Of those two propositions I shall, before I have done,
the fullest consideration I could bestow upon it. give such convincing, such damning proof, that however
He li:is stated to the House two grounds of deliberation the contrary may be whispered in circles, or bawled in
one narrow and simple, and merely confined to the ques- newspapers, they never more will dare to raise their
tion on your paper; the other rfiore large and more voices in this House. I speak with great confidence. I

complicated comprehending the whole series of the Par-

;
have reason for it. The Ministers are with me. They
137 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 13S

at least are convinced that the repeal of the Stamp Act " penses of defending, protecting, and iteUring the. taid
had not, and that no repeal can have, the consequences " Dominions."
which tlie honorable gentleman who defends their measures You have heard this pompous performance. Now
is so much alarmed at. To their conduct, I refer him for where the revenue which is to do all these mighty
is

a conclusive answer to his objection. I carry my proof things ? Five-sixths repealed —

abandoned sunk gone — —
irresistibly into the very body of both Ministry and Par- lost for ever. Does the poor solitary Tea Duly support
liament ;not on any general reasoning growing out of tl)e purposes of this preamble ? Is not the supply there
collateral matter, but on the conduct of the honorable gen- stated as effectually abandoned as if the Tea Duty had
tleman's ministerial friends on the new revenue itself. perished in the general wreck
Here, Mr. Speaker, is a
?

The Act of 1767, which grants this Tea Duty, sets forth precious mockery —
a preamble without an Act taxes
in its preamble, that it was expedient to raise a revenue in granted in order to be repealed —
and the reasons of the
America, for the support of the civil Government there, grant still carefully kept up This is raising a revenue in
!

as well as for purposes still more extensive. To this America! This is preserving dignity in £n^/anrf / If you
support the Act assigns six branches of duties. About repeal this tax in compliance with the motion, I readily
two years after this Act passed, the Ministry, I mean the admit that you lose this fair preamble. Estimate your
present Ministry, thought it expedient to repeal five of the loss in it. The object of the Act is gone already and all ;

duties, and to leave (for reasons best known to themselves) you suffer is the purging the statute-book of the opprobrium
only the sixth standing. Suppose any person, at the time of an empty, absurd, and false recital.
of that repeal, had thus addressed the Minister:* " Con- It has been said again and again, that the five taxes
" dcmning, as you do, the repeal of the Stamp Act, why were repealed on commercial principles. It is so said
" do vou venture to repeal the duties upon glass, paper, in the paper in my hand ;* a pajjer which I constantly
" and painters' colours ? Let your pretence for the repeal carry about; which I have often used, and shall often
" be what it will, are you not thoroughly convinced, that use again. What is got by this paltry pretence of com-
" your concessions will produce, not satisfaction, but inso- mercial principles I know not for, if your Government
;

" lence in the Americans ; and that the giving up these in America is destroyed by the repeal of taxes, it is of
" taxes will necessitate the giving up of all the rest ?" no consequence upon what ideas the repeal is grounded.
This objection was as palpable then as it is now and it ; Repeal this tax too upon commercial principles if you
was as good for preserving the five duties as for retaining please. These principles will serve as well now as they
the sixth. Besides, the Minister will recollect, that the did formerly. But you know that, either your objection
repeal of the Stamp Act had but just preceded his repeal to a repeal from these supposed consequences has no
and the ill policy of that measure (had it been so impolitic validity, or that this pretence never could remove it. This
as has been represented,) and the mischiefs it produced,
it commercial motive never was believed by any man, either
were quite recent. Upon the principles therefore of the in America, which this letter is meant to soothe, or in
honorable gentleman, upon the principles of the Minister England, which it is meant to deceive. It was impossible
himself, the Minister has nothing at all to answer. He it should. Because every man, in the least acquainted
standscondemned by himself, and by all his associates, old with the detail of commerce, must know, that several
and new, as a destroyer, in the first trust of finance, of the of the articles on which the tax was repealed were fitter
revenues and in the first rank of honor, as a betrayer
; objects of duties than almost any other articles that could
of the dignity of his country. possibly be chosen without comparison more so, than the
;

Most men, men, do not always know

especially great tea that was taxed as infinitely less liable to be eluded
;

their well-wishers. I come to rescue that noble Lord out by contraband. The tax upon red and white lead was of
of the hands of those he calls his friends ; and even out this nature. You have, in this Kingdom, an advantage
of his own. I will do him the justice he is denied at in lead, that amounts to a monopoly. When you find
home. He has not been this wicked or imprudent man. yourself in this situation of advantage, you sometimes
He knew that a repeal had no tendency to produce the venture to tax even your own export. You did so soon
mischiefs which give so much alarm to his honorable friend. after the last war, when, upon this principle, you ventured
His work was not bad in its principle, but imperfect in its to impose a duty on coals. In all the articles of American
execution and the motion on your paper presses him only
; contraband trade, who ever heard of the smuggling of
to complete a proper plan, which, by some unfortunate red lead, and white lead? You might, therefore, well
and unaccountable error, he had left unfinished. enough without danger of contraband, and without injury
I hope, Sir, the honorable gentleman who spoke last, is to commerce (if this were the whole consideration) have
thoroughly satisfied, and satisfied out of the proceedings of taxed these commodities. The same may be said of glass.
Ministry on their own favourite Act, that his fears from a Besides, some of the things taxed were so trivial, that the
repeal are groundless. If he is not, I leave him, and the loss of the objects themselves and their utter annihilation
noble Lord who sits by him, to settle the matter, as well as out of American commerce, would have been comparative-
they can, together for if the repeal of American taxes de-
; ly as nothing. But is the article of tea such an object
stroys all our Government in America —
He is the man ! in the trade of England, as not to be felt, or felt but
and he is the worst of all the repealers, because he is the last. strictly like white lead, and red lead, and painters colours
But I hear it rung continually in my ears, now and tea is an object of far other importance. Tea is perhaps
formerly, —
" Tlie preamble -wliat will become of the
! the most important object, taking it witli its necessary
preamble, if you repeal this tax?" I am sorry to be com- connections, of any in the mighty circle of our commerce.
pelled so often to expose the calamities and disgraces of If commercial principles had been the true motives to the
Parliament. The preamble of this law, standing as it now repeal, or had they been at all attended to, tea would
stands, has the lie direct given to it by the provisionary have been the last article we should have left taxed for a
part of the Act, if that can be called provisionary which subject of controversy.
makes no provision. I should be afraid to express myself Sir, it is not a pleasant consideration, but nothing ia
in this manner, especially in the face of such a formidable the world can read so awful and so instructive a lesson,
array of ability as is now drawn up before me, composed as the conduct of Ministry in this business, upon the
of the ancient household troops of that side of the House, mischief of not having large and liberal ideas in the man-
and the new recruits from this, if the matter were not clear agement of great affairs. Never have the servants of the
and indisputable. Nothing but truth could give me this State looked at the whole of your complicated interests in
finnness but plain truth and clear evidence can be beat
; one connected view. They have taken things by bits
down by no ability. The Clerk will be so good as to turn and scraps, some at one time and one pretence, and some
to the Act, and to read this favourite preamble at another, just as they pressed, without any sort of regard
" Whereas it is expedient that a revenue should be rais- to their relations or dependencies. They never had any
" ed in your Majesty's Dominions in America, for making kind of system, right or wrong, but only invented occa-
" a more certain and adequate provision for defraying the sionally some miserable tale of the day, in order meanly
"charge of the Administration of justice and support of to sneak out of difficulties, into which they had proudly
" civil Government, in such Provinces where it shall be
• I>or(l HilhboTougk'f Circular Letter to the Oovornors of the Co-
" found necessary and tovinrds further defraying the ex-
tlie Repeal of some of the Duties laid in the Act
;
lonioa concorniiig
• Lord North, then ChancoUor of tlio Exchequer. of 1767.
 139 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 140

strutted. And
they were put to all these shifts and revenue were ever suffered to be collected at all. One
devices, of meanness and full of mischief, in order to
full spirit pervades and animates the whole mass.
pilfer piecemeal a repeal of an act, which they had not Could any thing be a subject of more just alarm to
the generous courage, when they found and felt their error, America, than to see you go out of the plain high road of
lionorahly and fairly to disclaim. By such management, finance, and give up your most certain revenues and your
by the irresistible operation of feeble councils, so paltry clearest interests, merely for the sake of insulting your
a sum as three-pence, in the eyes of a financier, so insig- Colonies ? No man ever doubted that the commodity of
nificant an article as tea in the eyes of a piiilosopher, have tea could bear an imposition of three-pence. But no
sliaken the pillars of a commercial empire that circled the commodity will bear three-pence, or will bear a penny,
whole globe. when the general feelings of men are irritated, and two
Do you forget that, in the very last year, you stood on millions of People are resolved not to pay. The feelings
the precipice of general bankruptcy? Your danger was of the Colonies were fonnerly the feelings of Great Bri-
indeed great. You were distressed in the aflairs of the tain. Theirs were formerly the feelings of Mr. Hampden,
East India Company ; and you well know what sort of when called upon for the payment of twenty shillings.
things aie involved in the comprehensive energy of tliat Would twenty shillings have ruined Mr. Hampden's for-
significant appellation. I am not called upon to enlarge to tune ? No but the payment of half twenty shillings, on
!

you on that danger, which you tliought proper yourselves the principle it was demanded, would have made him a
to aggravate, and to display to the world with all the slave. It is the weight of that preamble, of which you

parade of indiscreet declamation. Tiie monojjoly of the are so fond, and not the weight of the duty, that the
most lucrative trades, and possession of imperial revenues, Americans are unable and unwilling to bear.
had brought you to the verge of beggary and ruin. Such It is then, Sir, upon the principle of this measure, and

—
was your representation such, in some measure was your nothing else, that we are at issue. It is a principle of

case. The vent of ten millions of pounds of this com- political expediency. Your Act of 1767 asserts, that it is
modity, now locked up by the operation of an injudicious ex])edient to raise a revenue in America; your Act of
tax, and rotting in the warehouses of the Company, would 1769, which takes away that revenue, contradicts the Act
have prevented all this distress, and all that series of of 1767 and, by something much stronger than words,
;

desperate measures which you thought yourselves obliged asserts, that it is not expedient. It is a reflection upon
to take in consequence of it. America would have fur- your wisdom to persist in a solenm Parliamentary declara-
nished that vent, which no other part of the world can tion of expediency of any object, for which, at the same
furnish but America, where tea is next to a necessary of time, you make no sort of provision. And pray, Sir, let
life, and where tlie demand grows upon the supply. I not this circumstance escape you it is very material
;

hope our dear-bougiit .East India Committees have done that the preamble of this act, which we wish to repeal, is
us at least so much good, as to let us know, that without not declaratory of a right, as some gentlemen seem to
a more extensive sale of that article our East India re- argue it ; it is only a recital of the expediency of a certain
venues and acquisitions can ha\e no certain connection exercise of a right supposed already to have been asserted ;
with this country. It is through the American trade of an exercise you are now contending for by ways and
tea that your East Itidia conquests are to be prevented means, which you confess, though they were obeyed, to
from crushing you with their burthen. They are ponderous be utterly insufficient for their purpose. You are therefore
indeed and they must have that great country to lean
; at this moment in the awkward situation of fighting for a
upon or they tumble upon your head. It is the same folly phantom ; a quiddity ; a thing that wants, not only a
that has lost you at once the benefit of the West and of the substance, but even a name ; for a thing, which is neither
East. This folly has thrown open folding-doors to contra- abstract right, nor profitable enjoyment.
band ; and will be the means of giving the profits of the They tell you, Sir, that your dignity is tied to it. 1
trade of your Colonies, to every nation but yourselves. know not how it happens, but this dignity of yours is a
Never did a People suffer so much for the empty words of terrible incumbrance to you ; for it has of late been ever
a preamble. It must be given up. For on wliat principle at war with your interest, your equity, and every idea of
does it stand ? This famous revenue stands, at this hour, on your policy. Shew the thing you contend for to be rea-
all the debate, as a description of revenue not as yet known son shew it to be common sense
; shew it to be the;

in all the compreliensive (but too comprehensive !) vocabu- means of attaining some useful end and then I am ;

lary of finance a iireavibularij tax. It is indeed a tax of content to allow it what dignity you please. But what
sophistry, a tax of pedantry, a tax of disputation, a tax of dignity is derived from the pei-severance in absurdity is more
war and rebellion, a tax for any thing but benefit to the than ever I could discern. The honorable gentleman has
imposers, or satisfaction to the subject. said well —
indeed, in most of his general observations I
Well ! but whatever it is, gentlemen will force the agree with him —
he says, that this subject does not stand
Colonists to take the teas. You will force them? has as it did formerly. Oh, certainly not! every hour you
seven years struggle been yet able to force them ? but O ! continue on this ill-chosen ground, your difficulties thicken
it seems " we are in the right. —
The tax is trifling in — on you and therefore my conclusion is, remove from a
;

" effect it is rather an exoneration than an imposition three-

; bad position as quickly as you can. The disgrace, and
" fourtlis of the duty formerly payable on teas exported the necessity of yielding, both of them, grow upon you
" to America is taken off; the place of collection is only every hour of your delay. ,

" shifted instead of the retention of a sliilling from the

; But will )ou repeal the Act, says the honorable gentle-
'•
drawback here, it is three-pence custom paid in Amc- man, at this instant, when America is in open resistance to
" rica." All this. Sir, is very true. But this is the very your authority, and that you have just revived your system
folly and mischief of the Act. Incredible as it may seem, of taxation ? He thinks he has driven us into a corner.
you know, that you have deliberately tiirown away a large But thus pent uj), I am content to meet him, because I en-
duty which you held secure and quiet in your hands, for the • tcr the lists supported by my old authority, his new friends,
vain hope of getting one three-fourtlis less, tlu-ough every the Ministers themselves. The honorable gentleman re-
liazard, througli cert^iin liti'^ation, and possibly tlirougii war. members, that about five years ago as great disturbances as
The manner of proceeding in the duties on paper and the present prevailed in America on account of the new
glass, imposed by tlie same Act, was exactly in the same taxes. The Ministers represented these disturbances as
spirit. Tliere are heavy excises on those articles when treasonable ; House thought proper, on that repre-
and this
used in England. On export these excises are drawn sentation, to make
famous address for a revival, and for
a
back. But instead of withholding the drawback, which a new application of a statute of H. VIII. We besought
might have been done, with ease, without cliarge, without the King in that well-considered address, to inquire into
possibility of smuggling and instead of applying the money
; treasons, and to bring the supposed traitors from America
(money already in your hands) according to your pleasure, to Great Britain His Majesty was pleased
for trial.
you began your operations in finance by flingin<'' awav graciously to promise a compliance with our request. All
your revenue you allowed tiie whole drawback on
; the attem])ls from this side of the House to resist these
export, and then you chari!;ed the duty, (which you had violences, and to bring about a repeal, were treated with the
before discharged,) payable in the Colonies, where it was utmost scorn. An apprehension of the \ery consequences
certain the collection would devour it to the bone, il" any now stated b}- the honorable gentleman, was then given as
141 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 142

a reason for shutting the door against all hope of such an These sentiments of the Minister, and these measures of
alteration. And so strong was the supporting
spirit for his Majesty, can only relate to the principle and practice
the new taxes, that the session concluded with the follow- of taxing for a revenue and accordingly Lord Botetourt,
;

ing remarkable declaration. After stating the vigorous stating it as such, did with great propriety, and in the
measures which had been pursued, the speech from the exact spirit of his instructions, endeavour to remove the
Throne proceeds fears of the Virginian Assembly, lest the sentiments, which
" You have assured me of your frm support in the pro- it seems (unknown to the world) had ahvays lieen those of

" secution of them. Nothing, in my opinion, could be the Ministers, and by which their conduct in respect to
" more among my sub-
likely to enable the well-disposed America had been governed, should by some possible
" jects of the world, eflectually to discourage
in that part revolution, favourable to wicked American taxers, be here-
" and defeat tiie designs of the factious and seditious, than after counteracted. He addresses diem in this manner
" the hearty concurrence of every branch of the Legisla- " It may possibly be objected, that as his Majesty's
" ture, in maintaining the execution of the laws in every " present Administration are not immortal, their successors
" part of my Dominions." " may be inclined to attempt to undo what the present
After this no man dreamt that a repeal under this Min- " Ministers shall have attempted to perform and to that ;

istry could possibly take place. The honorable gentleman " objection I can give but this answer that it is my finn ;

knows was utterly exploded by

as well as 1, that the idea " opinion, that the plan I have stated to you will certainly
those who sway the House.This speech was made on " take place, and that it will never be departed from and ;

the ninth day of May, 1769. Five days after this speech, " so detennined am I for ever to abide by it, that I will be
that is, on the 1 3th of the same month, the public circular " content to be declared infamous, if I do not, to the last
letter, a part of which I -axn going to read to you, was " hour of my life, at all times, in all places, and upon all
written by Lord Hillsborough, Secretary of State for the " occasions, exert every power with which I either am, or
Colonies. After reciting the substance of the King's " ever shall be legally invested, in order to obtain and
speech, he goes on thus : " maintain for the Continent of America that satisfaction
" I can take upon me to assure you, notwithstandmg " which 1 have been authorized to promise this day, by the
" insinuations to the contrary, from men \\'\\\\ factious and " confidential servants of our gracious Sovereign, who to
" seditious views, that his Majesty's present Administra- " my certain knowledge rates his honor so high, that he
" tion have at no time entertained a design to propose to " would rather part with his Crown, than preserve it by
" Parliament to lay any further taxes upon America, _/br " deceit."*
" the purpose of raising a revenue and that it is at
; A glorious and true character ! which (since we suffer
" present their intention to propose, the next session his Ministers with impunity to answer for his ideas of
" of Parliament, to take off the duties upon glass, pa- taxation) we ought to make it our business to enable his
" per, and colours, upon consideration of such duties Majesty to preserve in all its lustre. Let him have cha-
" having been laid contrary to the true principles of racter, since ours is no more ! Let some part of Govern-
" commerce. ment be kept in respect
" These have always been, and still are, the sentiments This was not the letter of Lord Hillsborough
epistle
" of his Majesty's present servants ; and by which their solely,though he held the official pen. It was the letter
" conduct in respect to America has been governed. And of the noble Lord upon the floor, (Lord North) and of
" his Majesty relies upon your prudence and fidelity for all the King's then Ministers, who (with I think the
" such an explanation of his measures, as may tend to exception of two only) are his Ministers at this hour.
" remove the prejudices which have been excited by the The very first news that a British Parliament heard of
" misrepresentations of those who are enemies to the peace what it was to do with the duties which it had given
" and prosperity of Great Britain and her Colonies, and and granted to the King, was by the publication of the
" to re-establish that mutual confidence and affection, upon votes of American Assemblies. It was in America that
" which the glory and safety of the British empire de- your resolutions were pre-declared. It was from thence
« pend." that we knew to a certainty, how much exactly, and not
Here, Sir, is a. canonical book of ministerial scripture; a scruple more nor less, we were to repeal. We were
the general epistle to the Americans. What does the unworthy to be let into the secret of our own conduct.
gentleman say to it ? Here a repeal is promised promised ;
The Assemblies had confidential communications from his
without condition and while your authority was actually
; Majesty's confidential servants. were nothing but We
resisted. I pass by the public promise of a Peer relative instruments. Do you, after this, wonder that you have no
to the repeal of taxes by this House. I pass by the use weight and no respect in the Colonies? After this, are
of the King's name in a matter of supply, that sacred and you surprised, that Parliament is every day and every
reserved rigiit of the Commons. I conceal the ridiculous where losing (I feel it with sorrow, I utter it with reluc-
figure of Parliament, hurling its thundei-s at the gigantic tance) that reverential affection, which so endearing a
rebellion of America, and then five days after, prostrate name of authority ought ever to carry with it that you
;

at the feet of those Assemblies we affected to despise, are obeyed solely from respect to the bayonet and that ;

begging them, by the intervention of our ministerial this House, the ground and pillar of freedom, is itself held
sureties, to receive our submission, and heartily promising up only by the treacherous underpinning and clumsy
amendment. These might have been serious matters for- buttresses of abitrary power ?
merly, but we are grown wiser than our fathers. Passing, If this dignity, which is to stand in the place of just
therefore, from the constitutional consideration to the mere policy and common sense, had been consulted, there was
policy, does not this letter imply, that the idea of taxing a time for preserving it, and for reconciling it with any
America, for the purpose of revenue, is an abominable concession. If in the session of 1768, that session of
project, when the Ministry suppose none but factious idle and empty menaces, you had, as you were
terror
men, and with seditious views, could charge them with it ? often pressed to do, repealed these taxes, then your strong
Does not this letter adopt and sanctify the American dis- operations would have come justified and enforced, m case
tinction of taxing for a revenue! does it not formally your concessions had been returned by outrages. But,
reject all future taxation on that principle? does it not preposterously, you began with violence, and, before terrors
state the ministerial rejection of such principle of taxation,
not as the occasional, but the constant opinion of the • A material point is omitted by Mr. Burke in this speech, viz. tht
King's servants ? does it not say (I care not how consis- manner in which the Continent received this Royal assurance. The
tently,) but does it not say, that their conduct with regard Assembly of Virginia, in their Address in answer to Lord Botetourt'*
Speech, express themselves thus: "We will not suffer our present
to America has been always governed by this policy ? It " hopes, arising from the pleasing prospect your Lordship hath so
goes a great deal further. These excellent and trusty " kindly opened and displayed to us, to bo dashed by the bitter reflec-
servants of the King, justly fearful lest they themselves " tion tliat any future Administration will entertain a wish to depart
" from that pi'nn, which affords the surest and most permanent foun.
should have lost all credit with the world, bring out the " dution of public tranquillity and happiness: No, my Lord, we aro
image of their gracious Sovereign from the inmost and " sure our most gracious Sovereign, under whatever changes may hap.
most sacred shrine, and they pawn him, as a security for " pen in his confidential servants, will remain immutable in the ways

their promises —
" His Majesty relies on your prudence
" of truth and justice, and that he is incapable of deceiving his faith-
" Jul subjects ; and we esteem your Lordsliip's information not only
" and fidehty for such an explanation of his measures." " as warranted, but oven sanctified by the Royal word."
113 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 144

could have any effect, chhwr good or bad, your Ministers Isle of Man. The two Acts perfectly agree in all re-
immediately begged pardon, and promised tiiat repeal to spects, except one. In the Act for taxing the Isle of
the obstinate Americans which they had refused in an Man, the noble Lord will find (not, as in the American
easy, good natured, complying British Parliament. The Act, four or five articles) hut almost the whole body of
Assemblies which had been publicly and avowedly dis- British manufactures, taxed from two and an half to
solved for their contumacy, are called together to receive fifteen per cent., and some articles, such as that of spirits,

your submission. Your Ministerial directors blustered like a great deal higher. You did not think it uncornn)ercial
tragic tyrants here ; and then went mumping with a sore to tax thewhole mass of your manufactures, and, let me
leg in America, canting, and whining, and complaining, add, your agriculture too ; for, I now recollect, British
of faction, which represented them as friends to a revenue com is there also taxed up to ten per cent., and this too in

from the Colonies. I hope nobody in this House will the very head-quarters, the very citadel of snniggling, the
hereafter have the impudence to defend American taxes Isle of Man. Now will the noble Lord condescend to tell
in the name of Ministry. The moment they do, with this me why he repealed the taxes on your manufactures sent
letter of attorney in my hand, I will tell them in the out to America, and not the taxes on the manufactures
authorized terms, they are wretches, " with factious and exported to the Isle of Man 1 The principle was exactly
" seditious views ; enemies to the peace and prosperity of the same, the objects charged infinitely more extensive,
" the mother country and the Colonies," and subverters the duties without comparison higher. Why ? why, not-
" of the mutual affection and confidence on which the withstanding all his childish pretexts, because the taxes
" glory and safety of the British empire depend." were quietly submitted to in the Me of Man ; and because
After this letter, the question is no more on propriety they raised a flame in America. Your reasons were
or dignity. They are gone already. The faith of your political, not commercial. The repeal was made, as Lord
Sovereign is pledged for the political principle. The gen- Hillsborough's letter well expresses it, to regain " tho
eral declaration in the letter goes to the whole of it. You " confidence and affection of the Colonies, on which the
must therefore either abandon the scheme of taxing, or " glory and safety of the British empire depend." A
you must send the Ministers tarred and feathered to Ame- wise and just motive surely, if ever there was such. But
rica, whodared to hold out the royal faith for a renuncia- the mischief and dishonour is, that you have not done
tion of all taxes for revenue. Them you must punish, or what you had given the Colonies just cause to expect,
this faith you must preserve. The preservation of this when your Ministers disclaimed the idea of taxes for a
faith is of more consequence than the duties on red lead, revenue. There is nothing simple, notiiing manly, nothing
or white lead, or on broken glass, or atlas ordinary, or ingenuous, open, decisive, or steady, in the proceeding,
demi-fine, or blue-royal, or bastard, or fooFs-cap, which with regard either to the continuance or the repeal of the
you have given up ; or the three-pence on tea, which you taxes. The whole has an air of littleness and fraud.
retained. The
letter went stampt with the public author- The article of tea is slurred over in the circular letter, as it
ity of Kingdom. The instructions for the Colony
this were by accident —nothing is said of a resolution either to
Government go under no other sanction and America ; keep that tax, or to give There is no fair dealing
it up.
cannot believe, and will not obey you, if you do not in any part of the transaction.
preserve this channel of communication sacred. You are If you mean to follow your true motive and your public
now punishing the Colonies for acting on distinctions, held faith, give up your tax on tea for raising a revenue, the
out by that very Ministry which is here shining in riches, principle of which has, in effect, been disclaimed in your
in favour, and in power, and urging the punishment of name, and which produces you no advantage, no, not a
the very offence, to which they had themselves been the penny. Or, if you choose to go on with a poor pretence
tempters. instead of a solid reason, and will still adhere to your cant
Sir, If reasons respecting simply your own commerce, of commerce, you have ten thousand times more strong
which is your own convenience, were the sole grounds of commercial reasons for giving up this duty on tea, than for
the repeal of the five duties, why does Lord Hillslmrffiigh, abandoning the five others that you have ah-eady renounced.
in disclaiming in the name of the King and Ministry their The ^wencaw consumption of teas is annually, I believe,
erer having had an intent to tax for revenue, mention it worth £300,000 at the least farthing. If you urge the
as the means " of re-establishing the confidence and affec- American violence as a justification of your perseverance
tion of the Colonies ?" Is it a way of soothing others, in enforcing this tax, you know that you can never answer
to assure them that you will take good care of yourself! this plain question —
Why did you repeal the others given
The medium, the only medium, for regaining their affec- in the same Act, whilst the very same violence subsisted ?
tion and confidence is, that you will take off something But you did not find the violence cease upon that conces-
oppressive to their minds. Sir, the letter strongly enforces sion. No because the concession was far short of satis-
!

that idea for though the repeal of the taxes is promised

; fying the principle which Lord Hillsborough had abjured
on commercial principles, yet the means of counteracting or even the pretence on which the repeal of the other taxes
'•
the insinuations of men with factious and seditious was announced and because, by enabling the East India
:

" views," is by a disclaimer of the intention of taxing for Company to open a shop for defeating the American reso-
revenue, as a constant invariable sentiment and rule of lution not to pay that specific tax, you manifestly showed a
conduct in the government of America. hankering after the principle of the Act which you formerly
I remember that the noble Lord on the floor, not in a had renounced. Whatever road you take leads to a com-
former debate to be sure (it would be disorderly to refer pliance with this motion. It opens to you at the end of
to it, I suppose I read it somewhere,) but the noble liord every vista. Your commerce, your policy, your promises,
was pleased to say, that he did not conceive how it could your reasons, your pretences, your consistency, your incon-
enter into the head of msm to impose such taxes as those sistency —
all jointly oblige you to this repeal.
of 1767 I mean those taxes which he voted for imposing,
: But still it sticks in our throats, if we go so far, the
and voted for repealing as being taxes, contrary to all the
; Americans will go farther. We do not know that. We
principles of commerce, laid on British manufactures. ought, from experience, rather to presume the contrar)'.
I dare say the noble Lord is perfectly well read, because Do we not know for certain, that the Americans are going
the duty of his particular office requires he should be so, on as fast as possible, whilst we refuse to gratify them?
in all our revenue laws, and in the policy which is to be Can they do more, or can they do worse, if we yield this
collected out of them. Now, Sir, when he had read this point ? I think this concession will rather fix a turnpike to
Act of American revenue, and a little recovered from his prevent their further progress. It is impossible to answer
astonishment, 1 suppose he made one step retrograde (it is for bodies of men. But I am sure the natural effect of
hut one) and looked at the Act which stands just before fidelity, clemency, kindness in Governors, is peace, good
it in the statute book. The American Revenue Act is the will, order, and esteem, on the part of the governed. I

forty -fifth cliapter ; the other to whicii 1 refer is the forty- would certainly, at least, give these fair principles a fair
fourth of the same session. These two Acts are both to trial, which, since the making of this Act to this hour they
tiie same purpose ; both Revenue Acts both taxing out of
; never have had.
tlieKingdom and both taxing British manufactures ex-
; Sir, the honorable gentleman having spoken what he
ported. As the 45tli is an Act for raising a revenue in thought necessary upon the narrow part of the subject, I
America, the 44tli is an Act for raising a revenue in the have given him, I hope, a satisfactory answer. He next
445 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 146

presses me by a variety of direct challenges and oblique re- revenue say, that the commercial restraint is full as hard a
flections to say something on the historical part. I shall law for America to live under. I think so too. I think it,

tJierefore, Sir, open myself fully on that important and deli- if uncompensated, to be a condition of as rigorous servitude

cate subject ; not for the sake of telling you a long story as men can be subject to. But America bore it from the
(which, I know, Mr. Speaker, you are not particularly fond fundamental Act of Navigation, until 1764. Why ? Be-
of,) but for thesake of the weighty instruction that, I flatter cause men do bear the inevitable constitution of their origi-
myself, will necessarily result from it. It shall not be nal nature with all its infirmities. The Act of Navigation
longer, if I can help it, than so serious a matter requires. attended the Colonies from their infancy, grew with their
Permit me, then, Sir, to lead your attention very far growth, and strengthened with their strength. They were
back back to the Act of Navigation, the comer stone of
;
confirmed in obedience to it, even more by usage than by
the policy of this country with regard to its Colonies. Sir, law. They scarcely had remembered a time when they
tliat policy was, from the beginning, purely commercial, were not subject to such a restraint. Besides, they were
and the commercial system was wholly restrictive. It was indemnified for it by a pecuniary compensation. Their
tlie system of a monopoly. No trade was let loose from monopolist happened to be one of the richest men in the
that constraint, but merely to enable the Colonists to dis- world. By his immense capital (primarily employed, not
pose of what, in the course of your trade, you could not for their benefit, but his own,) they were enabled to proceed
take or to enable them to dispose of such articles as we
;
with their fisheries, their agriculture, their ship building,
forced upon them, and for which, without some degree of (and their trade too within the limits,) in such a manner as
liberty, they could not pay. Hence all your specific and got far the start of the slow languid operations of unassisted
detailed enumerations hence the innumerable checks and
; nature. Tiiis capital was a hot bed to them. Nothing in
counter-checks hence that infinite variety of paper chains
; the history of mankind is like their progress. For my
by which you bind together tliis complicated system of the part, I never cast an eye on their flourishing commerce, and
Colonies. This principle of commercial monopoly runs their cultivated and commodious life, but they seem to me
through no less than twenty-nine Acts of Parliament, from rather ancient nations, grown to perfection through a long
the year 1660 to the unfortunate period of 1764. series of fortunate events, and a train of successful industry,
In all those Acts the system of commerce is established, accumulating wealth in many centuries, than the Colonies
as that, from whence alone you proposed to make the of yesterday than a set of miserable out-casts, a few years
;

Colonies contribute (I mean directly, and by the operation ago, not so much sent as thrown out, on the bleak and
of your superintending Legislative power) to the strength of barren shore of a desolate wilderness three thousand miles
the empire. I venture to say, tiiat during that whole from all civilized intercourse.
period, a Parliamentary revenue from thence was never All this was done by England, whilst England pursued
once in contemplation. Accordingly, in all the number of trade and forgot revenue. You
not only acquired com-
laws passed with regard to the Plantations, the words merce, but you actually created the very objects of trade
vrhich distinguished revenue laws, specifically as such, were in America ; and by that creation you raised the trade of
I think, premeditately avoided. I do not say. Sir, that a this Kingdom at least four-fold. America had the com-
form of words alters the nature of the law, or abridges the pensation of your capital, which made her bear her servi-
power of the law giver. It certainly does not. However, tude. She had another compensation, which you are now
titles and formal preambles are not always idle words and ; going to take away from her. She had, except the com-
the lawyers frequently argue from them. I state these mercial restraint, every characteristic mark of a free People
facts to shew, not what was your right, but what has been in all her internal concerns. She had the image of the
your settled policy. Our revenue laws have usually a title, British constitution. She had the substance. She was
purporting their being grants, and the words give and grant taxed by her own Representatives. She chose most of
usually precede the enacting parts. Although Duties were her own Magistrates. She paid them all. She had in
imposed on America in Acts of King Charles the Second, efl^ect the sole disposal of her own internal Government.

and in Acts of King William,, no one title of giving " an This whole state of commercial servitude and civil liberty
aid to his Majesty," or any other of the usual titles to taken together, is certainly not perfect freedom but com- ;

Revenue Acts, was to be found in any of them till 1764 ;

paring it with the ordinary circumstances of human nature,
nor were the words " give and grant" in any preamble it was an happy and liberal condition.

nntil the sixth of George the Second. However, the title I know. Sir, that great and not unsuccessful pains have

of this Act of George the Second, notwithstanding the been taken to inflame our minds by an outcry, in this House
words of donation, considers it merely as a regulation of and out of it, that in America the Act of Navigation
trade, "An Act for the better securing of the trade of his neither is, or ever was obeyed. But if you take the Colo-
" Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America." This Act was nies through, I affirm, that its authority never was dispu-
made on a compromise of all, and at tlie express desire of ted that it was no where disputed for any length of time
;

a part of the Colonies theinselves. It was therefore in some and, on the whole, that it was well observed. Wherever
measure with their consent ; and having a title directly pur- the Act pressed hard, many individuals indeed evaded it.
only a commercial regulation, and being in truth
j)orting This is nothing These scattered individuals never denied
nothing more, the words were passed by. at a time when no the law, and never obeyed it. Just as it happens whene-
jealousy was entertained, and things were little scnitinized. ver the laws of trade, whenever the laws of revenue, press
Even Governor Bernard, in his second printed letter, hard upon the People in England, in that case all your
dated in 1763, gives it as his opinion, that " it was an Act shores are full of contraband. Your right to give a mo-
(i{ Prohibition, not of Revenue." This is certainly true, nopoly to the East India Company, your right to lay im-
that no Act avowedly for the purpose of revenue, and with mense duties on French brandy, are not disputed in Eng-
tJie title and recital taken together, is found in the
ordinary land. You do not make this charge on any man. But
statute book until the year I have mentioned, that is. the you know that there is not a creek from Pentland Frith to
year 1764. All before this period stood on commercial the Isle of Wight, in which they do not smuggle immense
refjulation and restraint. The scheme of a Colonv revenue quantities of teas, East India goods, and brandies. I take

l)y British avitliority, appeared therefore to the Americans it for granted, that the authority of Governor
Bernard in
in the light of a great innovation the words of Governor
; this point is indisputable. Speaking of these laws, as they
Bernard's ninth letter, written in JSovember, 1765, state regarded that part of America now in so unhappy a condi-
tliis idea very strongly " it must," says he, " have been tion, he says, " I believe they are no where better
sup-
;

" supposed siich an innovation as a Parliamentary taxation, " ported than in this Province 1 do not pretend that it is
;

'•
would cause a great alarm, and meet with much opposition " entirely free from a breach of these laws but that such
;

" in most parts of America ; it was f/uite new to the People, " a breach, if discovered, is justly punished." What more
" and had no visible bounds set to it." After stating the can you say of the obedience to any laws in any country ?
weakness of Government there, he says, " was this a time An obedience to these laws formed the acknowledgment,
" to introduce so great a novelty as a Parliamentary inland instituted by yourselves, for your superiority ;
and was the
" taxation in America?" Whatever the right might have payment you originally imposed for your protection.
been, this mode of using it was absolutely new in policy Whether you'were right or wrong in establishmg the
and practice. Colonies on the principles of commercial monopoly, rather
Sir, they who are friends to the schemes of American than on that of revenue, is at this day a problem of mere
Fourth Series. 10
147 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 148

speculation. You cannot have Ix)th by the saine autliority. there. Much knowledge is to be had undoubtedly in that
To join together the restraints of an universal internal and line ; and there is no knowledge which is not valuable.
external monopoly, witli an universal internal and external But it may be truly said, that men too much conversant in
taxation, is an umiatural union ; perfect uncompensated office, are rarely minds of remarkable enlargement. Their
slavery. You have long since decided for yourself and habits of office are apt to give them a turn to think the
them ; and you and they have prospered exceedingly substance of business not to be much more unportant than
under that decision. the forms in which it is conducted. These forms are adapt-
This nation, Sir, never thought of departing from that ed to ordinary occasions ; and therefore persons who are
choice until the period immediately on the close of the last nurtured in office do admirably well, as long as things goon
war. Then a scheme of Government, new in many things in theircommon order; but when the high roads are broken
seemed to have been adopted. 1 saw, or thought 1 saw, up, and the waters out, when a new and troubled scene is
several symptoms of a great change whilst I sat in your opened, and the file affords no precedent, then it is that a
gallery, a good wliile before I had the honor of a seat in greater knowledge of mankind, and a far more extensive
this House. At that period the necessity was established comprehension of tilings, is requisite than ever office gave,
of keeping up no less tlian twenty new regiments, with or than office can ever give. Mr. Grenville thought better
twenty Colonels, capable of seats in this House. This of the wisdom and power of human legislation than in truth
scheme was adopted with very general applause from all it deserves. He conceived, and many conceived along
sides, at the very time that by your conquests in America, with him, that the flourishing trade of this country was
your danger from foreign attempts in that part of the world greatly owing to law and institution, and not quite so much
was much lessened, or indeed rather quite over. When to liberty ; for but too many are apt to believe regulation
this huge increase of military establishment was resolved on, to be commerce, and taxes to be revenue. Among regu-
a. revenue was to be found to support so great a buitiicn. lations, that which stood first in reputation was his idol. —
Country gentlemen, the great patrons of economy, and the mean the Act of Navigation. He has often professed it to
great resisters of a standing armed force, would not have be so. The policy of that Act is, I readily admit, in many
entered with much alacrity into the vote for so large and so respects well understood. But I do say that if the Act \>e
expensive an army, if they had been very sure tiiat they suliered to run the full length of its principle, and is not
were to continue to pay for it. But hopes of another kind changed and modified according to the change of times and
were held out to them and, in particular, I well remember
; the fluctuations of circumstances, it nnist do great mischief,
tliat Mr. Townshcnd, in a brilliant harangue on this subject and frequently even defeat its own purpose.
(lid dazzle them, by playing before their eyes the image of After the war, and in the last years of it, tiie trade of
a revenue to be raised in America. America had increased beyond the speculations of the
far
Here began to dawn the first glimmerings of this new most sanguine imagination. It swelled out on every side.
Colony system. It appeared more distinctly afterwards, It filled all its proper channels to the brim. It overflowed

when it was devolved upon a pereon to whom, on other with a rich redundance, and breaking its banks on the right
accounts, this country owes very great obligations. I do and on the left, it spread out upon some places where it
believe, that he had a very serious desire to benefit tlie was indeed improper, upon others where it was only irregu-
public. But with no small study of the detail, he did not lar. It is the nature of all greatness not to be exact ; and
seem to have his view, at least equally, carried to the total great trade will always be attended with consideraljle
circuit of our affairs. He generally considered his objects abuses. The
contraband will always keep pace in some
in lights thatwere rather too detached. Whether the busi- measure with the fair trade. It should stand as a funda-
ness of an American revenue was imposed upon him alto- mental maxim, that no vulgar precaution ought to be em-
gether whether it was entirely the result of his own specu-
; ployed in the cure of evils, which are closely connected
lation; or, what is more probable, that his own ideas rather with the cause of our prosperity. Perhaps this great
coincided with the instiiictions he had received, certain it person turned his eye, somewhat less than was just, towards
is, that, with the best intentions in the world, he first the incredible increase of the fair trade and looked with;

brought this fatal scheme into form, and established it by something of too exquisite a jealousy towards the contra-
Act of Parliament. band. He certainly felt a singular degree of anxiety on llie
No man can believe, that at this time of day I mean to subject and even began to act from that passion earlier
;

lean on the venerable memory of a great man, whose loss than is commonly imagined. For whilst he was fii-st Lord
we deplore in common. Our little party dift'erences have of the Admiralty, though not strictly called upon in liis of-
been long ago composed, and I have acted more with him, ficial line, he presented a very strong memorial to the Lords
and certainly with more pleasure with him, than ever I of the Treasury, (my Lord Bute was then at the head of
acted against him. Undoubtedly Mr. Grenville was a first the Board,) heavily complaining of the growth of the illicit
rate figure in this country. With a masculine understand- commerce in America. Some mischief happened, even at
ing, and a stout and resolute heart, he had an application that time, from this over-earnest zeal. Much greater hap-
undissipated and unwearied. He took public business, not pened afterwards when it operated with greater power in
as a duty which he was to fulfil, but as a pleasure he was tiie highest department of the finances. Tlie bonds of the
to enjoy and he seemed to have no delight out of this
; Act of Navigation were straitened so much, that America
House, except in such things as some way related to the was on the point of having no trade, either contraband or
business that was to be done within it. If he was ambi- legitimate. They found, under the construction and exe-
tious, I will say this for him, his ambition was of a noble cution then used, the Act no longer tying but actually
aijd generous strain. It was to raise himself, not by the strangling them. All this coming with new enumerations
low pimping politics of a court, but to win his way to of conuuodities with regulations which in a manner put a
;

power, through the laborious gradations of public service ;

stop to the mutual coasting intercourse of the Colonies;
and to secure to himself a well-earned rank in Parliament, with the appointment of Courts of Admiralty under various
by a thorough knowledge of its constitution, and a perfect improper circumstances with a sudden extinction of the
;

practice in all its business. paper currencies with a compulsory provision for the
;

Sir, if man fell into errors, it must be from defects

such a quartering of soldiei-s ; the People of America thought
not intrinsical they must be rather sought in the particu-
; themselves proceeded against as delinquents, or at best as
lar habits of his life ; which, though they do not alter the People under suspicion of delinquency and in such a ;

groundwork of character, yet tinge it with their own hue. manner, as they imagined, their recent services in the war
He was bred in a ])rofession. He was bred to tiie law, did not at all merit. Any of these innumerable regulations
which is, in my opinion, one of the
first and noblest of perhaps, would not have alarmed alone some might be ;

human a science which does more to quicken

sciences ; thought reasonable the multitude struck them with terror.
;

and invigorate the understanding than all the other kinds But the grand manoeu\'re in that business of new regula-
of learning put together but it is not apt, except in
; ting the Colonies, was the fifteenth Act of the fourth of
very happily born, to open and to liberalize the
))erson8, George III., which, besides containing several of the mat-
mind exactly in the same proportion. Passing from that ters to which I have just alluded, o])ened a new principle :

study he did not go very largely into the world but ; and here properly began the second period of the policy of
plunged into business I mean into the business of office
;
;
this country with regard to the Colonies; by which the
and the limited and fixed methods and forms established scheme of a regular Plantation Parliamentary revenue was
149 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 150

adopted in tlieory, and settled in practice. A revenue not " to pay off, and in the mean time occasion very burdensome
substituted in the place of, but superadded to, a monopoly ;
" taxes for that purpose only. For instance, this Govem-
which monopoly was enforced at the same time with " ment, which is as much before hand as any, raises every
additional strictness, and the execution put into military " year £37,500 sterling for sinking their debt, and must
hands. " continue it for four years longer at least before it will be
This Act, Sir, had for the first time the title of " grant- " clear."
" ing duties in the Colonies and Plantations of America f These are the words of Governor Bernard's letter to a
and for the first time it was asserted in the preamble, " that member of the old Ministry, and which he has since printed.
" it was ju^t and necessary thai a revenue should be raised Mr. Grenville could not have made this proposition to the
" there." Then came the technical words of " giving and Agents, for another reason. He was of opinion, which he
granting ;" and thus a complete American Revenue Act has declared in this House an hundred times, that the Colo-
was made in all the forms, and with a full avowal of the nies could not legally grant any revenue to the Crown,
right, equity, policy, and even necessity of taxing the Colo- and that would be the consequence of such
infinite mischiefs

nies, without any formal consent of theirs. There are con- a power. When
Mr. Grenville had passed the first Reve-
tained also in the preamble to that Act these very remarka- nue Act, and in the same session had made this House
ble words —
the Commons, &,c. —
" being desirous to make come to a resolution for laying a Stamp Duty on America,
" some provision in the present session of Parliament to- between that time and the passing the Stamp Act into a
" wards raising the said revenue." By these words it ap- law, he told a considerable and most respectable merchant,
peared to the Colonies that this Act was but a beginning a member of this House, whom I am truly sorry I do not
of sorrows that every session was to produce something of now see in his place, when he represented against this pro-
;

tiie same kind that we were to go on from day to day, in ceeding, that if the Stamp Duty was disliked, he was wil-
;

cliarging them with such taxes as we pleased, for such a ling to exchange it for any other equally productive but ;

military force as we should think proper. Had this plan that if he objected to the Americans being taxed by Parlia-
been pursued, it was evident that the Provincial Assemblies, ment, he might save himself the trouble of the discussion,
in which the Americans felt all their portion of importance, as he was determined on the measure. This is the fact,
and beheld their sole image of freedom, were ipso facto an- and, if you please, I will mention a very unquestionable
nihilated. This ill prospect before them seemed to be authority for it.
boundless in extent, and endless in duration. Sir, they Thus, Sir, I have disposed of this falsehood. But false-
were not mistaken. The Ministry valued themselves hood has a perennial spring. It is said, that no conjecture
when this Act passed, and when they gave notice of could be made of the dislike of the Colonies to the princi-
tlie Stamp Act, that both of the duties came very short of ple. This is as untrue as the other. After the resolution
their ideas of American taxation. Great was the applause of the House, and before the passing of the Stamp Act, the
of this measure here. In England we cried out for new Colonies of Massachusetts Bay and New York did send
taxes on America, whilst they cried out that they were remonstrances, objecting to this mode of Parliamentary
neai'ly crushed with those which the war and their own taxation. What was the consequence ? They were sup-
gi-ants had brought upon them. pressed they were put under the table notwithstanding
; ;

Sir, it has been said in the debate, that when the first an Order of Council to the contrary, by the Ministry
American Revenue Act (the Act in 1764, imposing the which composed the very Council that had made the order;
Port Duties) passed, the Americans did not object to the and thus the House proceeded to its business of taxing,
principle. It is true they touched it, but very tenderly. It without the least regular knowledge of the objections which
was not a direct attack. They were, it is true, as yet were made to it. But to give that House its due, it was
novices ; as yet unaccustomed to direct attacks upon any not over desirous to receive information, or to hear remon-
of the rights of Parliament. The duties were Port Duties, strance. On the 15th of February, 1765, whilst the
like those they had been accustomed to bear with this Stamp Act was under deliberation, they refused with scorn
;

difference, that the title was not the same, the preamble even so much as to receive four petitions presented from
not the same, and the spirit altogether unhke. But of so respectable Colonies as Connecticut, Rhode Island,
what service is this observation to the cause of those that Virginia, and Carolina, besides one from the traders of
make it? It is a full refutation of the pretence for their Jamaica. As to the Colonies, they had no alternative left
present cruelty to America ; for it shews, out of their own to them, but to disobey, or to pay the taxes imposed by
mouths, that our Colonies were backward to enter into the that Parliament which was not suffered, or did not suffer
present vexatious and ruinous controversy. itself, even to hear them remonstrate upon the subject.

There is also another circulation abroad (spread with a This was the state of the Colonies before his Majesty
malignant intention, which I cannot attribute to those who thought fit to change his Minisfars. It stands upon no au-
say the same thing in this House,) that Mr. Grenville gave thority of mine. It is proved by uncontrovertible records.
the Colony Agents an option for their Assemblies to tax The honorable gentleman has desired some of us to lay our
themselves, which they had refused. I find that much hands upon our hearts, and answer to his queries upon the
stress is laid on this, as a fact. However, it happens historical part of this consideration and by his manner (as
;

neither to be tiue nor possible. I will observe first, that well as my eyes could discern it) he seemed to address
Mr. G'renville never thought fit to make this apology for himself to me.
liimself in the innumerable debates that were had upon the Sir, I will answer him as clearly as I am able, and with
stil)ject. He might have proposed to the Colony Agents, great openness I have nothing to conceal. In the year
:

that they should agree in some mode of taxation as the sixty-five, being in a very private station, far enough from
ground of an Act of Parliament. But he never could have any line of business, and not having the honor of a seat in
proposed that they should tax themselves on requisition, this House, it was my fortune, unknowing and unknown to
which is tiie assertion of tlie day. Indeed, Mr. Grenville the then Ministry, by the intervention of a common friend,
well knew, that the Colony Agents could have no general to become connected with a very noble person, and at the
powers to consent to it and they had no thne to consult head of the Treasury Department. It was indeed in a situa-
;

tlieir Assemblies for particular powers, before he passed his tion of little rank and no consequence, suitable to the
first Revenue Act. If you compare dates, you will find it mediocrity of my talents and pretensions but a situation ;

impossible. Burlhened as tiie Agents knew the Colonies near enough to enable nie to see, as well as others, what
were at that time, they could not give the least hope of was going on and 1 did see in that noble person such
;

such grants. His own favourite Governor was of opinion sound principles, such an enlargement of mind, such clear
that the Americans were not then taxable objects. and sagacious sense, and such unshaken fortitude, as have
" IS'or was the time less favourable to the equity of such bound me, as well as others much better than me, by an in-
" a taxation. I don't mean to dispute the reasonableness violable attachment to him from that time forward. Sir,
" of America contributing to the charges of Great Britain Lord Rockingham, very early in that summer, received a
" when she is able; nor, 1 believe, would the Americans strong representation from many weighty English mer-
" themselves have disputed it, at a jnoper time ami season. chants and manufacturers, from Governors of Provinces, and
" But it should be considered, that the American Govern- Connnanders of men-of-war, against almost tlie whole of the
" meiits themselves have, in the prosecution of the late war, American commercial regulations: and particularly with
" conUacted very large debts, which it will take some years regard to the total ruin which was threatened to the Spanish
151 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 152

trade. I believe, Sir, the noble Lord soon saw his way in source of weak undeciding minds. To repeal by a denial
tliis business. But he did not rashly determine against Acts of our right to tax in the preamble (and this too did not
which might be supposed were the result of much de-
it want advisers,) would have cut in the heroic style, the
liberation. However, Sir, he scarcely began to open the Gordian knot with a sword. Either measure would have
ground, when the whole veteran body of office took the cost no more than a day's debate. But when the total re-
alarm. A
violent outcry of all (except those who knew peal was adopted, and adopted on principles of policy, of
and felt the mischief) was raised against any alteration. On equity, and of commerce, this plan made it necessary to
one hand, his attempt was a direct violation of treaties and enter into many and difficult measures. It became neces-

public law on the other, the Act of Navigation, and all

;
sary to open a very large field of evidence, commensurate
the corps of trade laws, were drawn up in array against it. to these extensive views. But then this labour did knights
The first step the noble Lord took, was to have the service. It oj)ened the eyes of several to the true state of

opinion of his excellent, learned, and ever lamented friend the American affairs it enlarged their ideas
; it removed
;

tiie late Mr. Yorke, then Attorney General, on the point prejudices ;and it conciliated the opinions and alFections of
of law. When he knew that formally and officially, wliich men. The noble Lord who then took the lead in Adminis-
in substance he had known before, he immediately dis- tration, my honorable friend, (Mr. Doiodeswell) under me
patclied orders to redress the grievance. But I will say it and a right honorable gentleman (General Comvay,') (if he
for the then Minister, he is of tliat constitution of mind, will not reject his share, and it was a large one of this busi-

that I know he would have issued, on the same critical oc- ness) exerted the most laudable industry in bringing before
casion, the very same ordei-s, if the Acts of Trade had you the fullest, most impartial, and least garbled body of
been, as tiiey were not, directly against him and would ; evidence, that ever was produced to this House. I think

have cheerfully submitted to the equity of Parliament for the inquiry lasted in tiie Committee for six weeks, and at
his indemnity. its conclusion this House, by an independent, noble, spirit-

On the conclusion of this business of the Spanish trade, ed, and unexpected majority, by a majority that will re-
the news of the troubles, on account of the Stamp Act, deem all the acts ever done by majorities in Parliament,
arrived in England. It was not until the end of October in the teeth of all the old mercenary Swiss of State, in des-

that these accounts were received. No sooner had the pite of all the speculators and augurs of political events, in
sound of that mighty tempest reached us in England, than defiance of the whole embattled legion of veteran pension-
the whole of the then opposition, instead of feeling humbled ers and practised instruments of a court, gave a total repeal
by the unhappy issue of their measures, seemed to be in- to the Stamp Act, and (if it had been so permitted) a
finitely elated, and cried out, that the Ministry, from envy lasting peace to this whole empire.
to the glory of their predecessors, were prepared to repeal I state. Sir, these particulars, because this act of spirit
the Stamp Act. Near nine yeai-s after, tlie honorable gen- and fortitude has lately been, in the circulation of the season,
tleman takes quite opposite ground, and now challenges me and in some hazarded declamations in this House, attribu-
to put my hand to my heart, and say, whether the Ministry ted to timidity. If, Sir, the conduct of Ministry, in pro-

had resolved on the repeal till a considerable time after the posing the repeal, had arisen from timidity with regard to
meeting of Parliament. Though I do not very well know themselves, it would have been greatly to be condemned.
what the honorable gentleman wishes to infer from the ad- Interested timidity disgraces as much in the cabinet, as
mission, or from the denial, of this fact, on which he so personal timidity does in the field. But timidity, with re-
earnestly adjures me, I do put my hand on my heart, and gard to the well being of our country, is heroic virtue.
assure him, that they did not come to a resolution directly The noble Lord who then conducted aflitirs, and his worthy
to repeal. They weighed this matter as its difficulty and colleagues, whilst they trembled at the prospect of such
importance required. They considered maturely among distresses as you have since brought upon yourselves, were
themselves. They consulted with all who could give ad- not afraid steadily to look in the lace that glaring and daz-
rice or information. It was not determined until a little zling influence at which the eyes of eagles have blenched.
before the meeting of Parliament but it was determined,
; He looked in the face one of the ablest, and, let me say,
and the main lines of their own plan marked out before not the most scrupulous opjiositions, lliat perhaps ever was
that meeting. Two questions arose (I hope I am not going in this House, and withstood it, unaided by even one of tlie
into a narrative troublesome to the House) usual supports of Administration. He did this when he
(Aery of, go on, go on.] repealed the Stamp Act. He looked in the face a person
The first of the two considerations was, whether the re- he had long respected and regarded, and whose aid was
peal should be total, or whether only partial taking out ; then particularly wanting, I mean Lord Chatham. He
every thing burtliensome and productive, and reserving did this when he passed the Declaratory Act.
only an empty acknowledgment, such as a stamp on cards It is now given out for the usual j)urposes, by the usual

or dice. The other question was, on what principle the emissaries, that Lord Rockingham did not consent to the
Act should be repealed ? On this head also two principles repeal of this Act until he was bullied into it by Lord

were started. One, that the Legislative rights of this Chatham ; and the reporters have gone so far as publicly
country, with regard to America, were not entire, but had to assert, in an hundred companies, that the honorable gen-
certain restrictions and limitations. The other principle tleman under the gallery (General Conway.^ who proposed
was, that taxes of this kind were contrary to the fundamen- the repeal in the American Conmiittee, had another set of
tal principles of commerce, on which the Colonies were resolutions pocket directly the reverse of those he
in his
founded and contrary to every idea of political equity ; by
; moved. These of a desperate cause are, at tin?
artifices
which equity we are bound, as much as possible to extend time, spread abroad, witii incredible care, in every part of
the spirit and benefit of the British constitution to every the town, from the highest to the lowest companies, as if
part of the British Dominions. The option, both of the the industry of tiie circulation were to make amends for the
measure, and of the principle of repeal, was made before absurdity of the rejiort.
tlie session and I wonder how any one can read the King's
; Sir,whether the noble Lord is of a complexion to be
speech at the opening of that session, without seeing, in bullied by Lord Chatham or by any man, I must submit
that speech, both the repeal and Declaratory Act very to those who know him. I confess, when I look back to
sufficiently crayoned out. Those who cannot see this can that time, I consider hhii as placed in one of the most try-
see nothing. ing situations in which, perhaps, <iny man ever stood. In
Surely the honorable gentlemen will not think that a the House of Peers there were very k\\ of the Ministry,
great deal less time than was then employed ought to have out of the noble Lord's own particular connexion (except
been spent in deliberation, when he considers that the Lord Egmont,) who acted as far as I could discern, an
news of the troubles did not arrive till towards the end of honorable and manly part,) that did not look to some other
October. The Parliament sat to fill the vacancies on the future arrangement, which warped his politics. There
I4th day o{ December, and on business the 14th of the fol- were in both Houses new and menacing appearances that
lowing January. might very naturally drive any other, than a most resolute
Sir, a partial repeal, or, as the bon ton of the court then from his measure, or from his station. The house-
]\linister,
was, a modification, would have satisfied a timid, unsyste- hold troops openly revolted. The allies of Ministry (those
matic, procrastinating Ministry, as such a measure has since I mean, who supported some of their measures, but refus-

done such a Ministry. A modification is the constant re- ed responsibility for any) endeavoured to undermine their
i53 MOTION FOR REPEAL ON DUTY ON TEA. 154
credit, and to take ground that must be fatal to the success dom, labour under the effect of this short current phrase,
of the very cause which tliey would be thought to counte- which the court leaders have given out to all their corps,
nance. The question of the re])eal was brought on by in order to take away the credit of those who would pre-
Ministry in the Committee of this House, in the very in- vent you from that frantic war you are going to wage upon
stant when it was known that more than one court nego- your Colonies. Their cant is this " all tlie disturbances :

tiation was carrying on with the heads of the opposition. " in ^7«enc« have been created by the repeal of the Stamp
Every thing, upon every side, was full of traps and mines. " Act." I suppress for a moment my indignation at the
Earth below sliook Heaven above menaced all the ele-
; ; falseiiood, baseness, and absurdity of this most audacious
ments of ministerial safety were dissolved. It was in the assertion. Instead of remarking on the motives and cha-
midst of this cliaos of plots and counter-plots, it was in racter of those who have issued it for circulation, 1 will
the midst of this complicated warfare against public oppo- clearly lay before you the of America, antecedentlv
state
sition and private treachery, that the firmness of that noble to that repeal ; after the repeal and since the renewal of
;

person was put to the proof. He never stirred from his the schemes of American taxation.
ground, no, not an inch. He remained fixed and deter- It is said, that the disturbances, if there were any, before
mined, in principle, in measure, and m conduct. He the repeal, were slight, and, without difficulty or inconve-
practised no managements. He secured no retreat. He nience, might have been suppressed. For an answer to
sought no apology. this assertion, I will send you to the great author and
I will likewise do justice, I ought to do it, to the honora- patron of the Stamp Act, who certainly, meaning well to die
ble gendeinan who led us in this House, (General Comvay.') authority of this country, and fully apprized of the state of
Far from the duplicity wickedly charged on him, he acted that, made, before a repeal was so much as agitated in this
his part with alacrity and resolution. We all felt inspired House, the motion which is on your Journals; and which,
by the example he gave us, down even to myself, the to save the Clerk the trouble of turning to it, I will now
weakest in that phalanx. 1 declare for one, I knew well read to you. It was for an amendmeiit to the Address of
enough (it could not be concealed from any body) the true the 17th o{ December, 1765:
state of things but, in my life, I never came with so much
;
" To express our just resentment and indignation at the
spirits into this House. It was a time for a ?na?j to act in. We " outrageous tumults and insurrections which have been
had powerful enemies, but we had faithful and determined " excited and canied on in North America, and at the re-
friends, and a glorious cause. We had a great battle to " sistance given by open and rebellious force to the execu-,
fight, but we had the means of fighting ;not as now, when " tion of the laws in that part of his Majesty's Dominions.
our arms are tied behind us. We did fight that day, and " And to assure his Majesty, that his faithful Commons,
conquer. " animated with the wannest duty and attachment to his
I remember, Sir, with a melancholy pleasure, the situation " Royal Person and Government, will firmly and effectu-
of the honorable gentleman (Genera! Conway) who made " ally support his Majesty in all such measures as shall be
tlie motion for the repeal in that crisis, when the whole
;
" necessary for preserving and supporting the legal de-
trading interest of this empire, crammed into your lobbies, " pendance of the Colonies on the mother country, &tc.,
with a trembling and anxious expectation, waited, almost " &c."
to a winter's return of light, their fate from your resolutions. Here was certainly a disturbance preceding the repeal
When, at length, you had determined in their favour, and such a disturbance as Mr. Grenville thought necessary to
your doors, thrown open, shewed them the figure of their qualify by the name of an insurrection, and the epithet
deliverer in the well-earned triumph of his important vic- of a rebellious force terms much stronger than any by
:

tory, from the whole of that grave multitude there arose an which those, who then supported his motion, have ever
involuntary burst of gratitude and transport. They jump- since thought proper to distinguish the subsequent distur-
ed upon him like children upon a long absent father. bances in America. They were disturbances which seem-
They clung about him as captives about their redeemer. ed to him and his friends to justify as strong a promise of
All England, all America, joined to his applause. Nor support, as hath been usual to give in the beginning of a
did he seem insensible to the best of all earthly rewards, war with the most powerful and declared enemies. When
the love and admiration of his fellow-citizens. Hojjc ele- the accounts of the American Governors came before the
vated and joy brightened his crest. I stood near him ; House, they appeared stronger even than the warmth of
and his face, to use the expression of the Scripture of the public imagination had painted them so much stronger, ;

first martyr, •' his face was as if it had been the face of an than the papers on your table bear me out in saying that
angel." I do not know how others feel; but if I had all the late disturbances, which have been at one time the
stood in that situation, I never would have exchanged it Minister's motives for the repeal of five out of six of the
for all that Kings in their profusion could bestow. I did new court taxes, and are now his pretences for refusing to
hope, that that day's danger and honor would have been a repeal that sixth, did not amount —why do I compare
bond to hold us all together for ever. But, alas that, with! them ? — no, not to a tentli part of the tumults and violence
other pleasing visions, is long since vanished. which prevailed long before the repeal of that Act.
Sir, this act of supreme magnanimity has been represent- Ministry* cannot refuse the authority of the Commander-
ed, as if it had been a measure of an Administration that, in-Chief, General Gage, who, in his letter of the 4th of
having no scheme of their own, took a middle line, pilfered November, from New York, thus represents the state of
a bit from one side and a bit from the other. Sir, they things
took no middle lines. They differed fundamentally from " It is difficult to say, from the highest to the lowest,
tlie schemes of both parties but they preserved the ob-
;
" who has not been accessory to this insurrection, either by
jects of both. They preserved the authority of Great " writing, or mutual agreements, to oppose the Act by, what
Britain. They preserved the equity of Great Britain. " they are pleased to tenn, all legal opposition to it.
They made the Declaratory Act they re])ealed the Stamp
;
" Nothing effectual has been proposed, either to prevent or
Act. They did both fully; because the Declaratory Act " quell the tumult. The rest of the Provinces are in the
was tvithout qualification, and the repeal of the Stamp Act " same situation as to a positive refusal to take the Stamps
total. This they did in the situation I have described. " and threatening those who shall take them, to plunder
Now, Sir, what will the adversary say to both these " and murder them; and this affair stands in all the Pro-
Acts ? If the principle of the Declaratory Act was not " vinces, that unless the Act, from its o\vn nature, enforce
good, the principle we are contending for this day is " itself, nothing but a very considerable military force can
monstrous. If the principle of the repeal was not good, " do it."
why are we
not at war for a real substantial effective reve- It is remarkable. Sir, that the persons who formerly
nue ? If both were bad, why has tliis Ministry incurred trumpeted forth the most loudly, the violent resolutions of
all tlieinconveniences of both and of all schemes ? Why Assemblies the universal insurrections the seizing and
;
;

have they enacted, repealed, enforced, yielded, and now the burning of the stamped papers the forcing Stamp Offi-
;

attempt to enforce again ? cers to resign their commission under the gallows the ri- ;

Sir, I think I may as well now, as at any other time, flingand pulling down of the houses of Magistrates and ;

speak to a certain matter of fact, not wholly unrelated to the^expulsion from their country of all who dared to write
the question under your consideration. We, who would or speak a single word in defence of the powers of Parlia-
persuade you to revert to the ancient policy of this King- ment ; these very trumpeters are now the men that repre-.
155 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 156

sent the whole as a mere trifle ; and clioose to date all the Stamp Act ; and those resolves are assigned by Governor
disturbances from the repeal of the Stamp Act, which put Bernard, of the insurrections in Massachusetts
as the cause
an end to them. Hear your officers abroad, and let them Bay,in his letter of the 15th of August, still addressed to
refute this shameless falsehood, who, in all their correspon- the Earl of Halifax ; and he continued to address such ac-
dence, state the disturbances as owing to their true causes, counts to that Minister quite to the 7th of September of the
tlie discontent of the People from the taxes. You have same year. Similar accounts, and of as late a date, were
this evidence in your own archives — and it will give you sent from other Governors, and all directed to Lord Hali-
complete satisfaction ; if you are not so far lost to all Par- fax. Not one of these letters indicates the slightest idee
liamentary ideas of information, as rather to credit the lie of a change, either known, or even apprehended.
of the day, than the records of your own House. Thus are blown away the insect race of courtly false-
Sir, this vermin of court reporters, when they are hoods ! Thus perish the miserable inventions of the
forced into day upon one point, are sure to burrow in wretched runners for a wretched cause, which they have
another but they shall have no refuge I will make them
; ;
fly-blown into every weak and rotten part of the country, in
bolt out of all their holes. Conscious that they must be vain hopes that when their maggots had taken wing, their
baffled, when they attribute a ])recedent disturbance to a importunate buzzing might sound something like the pub-
subsetjuent measure, they tiike other ground, almost as ab- lic voice !

surd, but very common in modern practice, and very Sir, I have troubled you sufficiently with the state of
wicked, which is, to attribute the ill effect of ill-judged America before the repeal. Now I turn to the honorable
conduct to the arguments which had been used to dissuade gentleman who so stoutly challenges us to tell, whether,
us from it. Tliey say, that the opposition made in Par- after the repeal, the Provinces were quiet ? This is coming
liament to the Stamp Act at the time of its passing, en- home to the point. Here I meet him directly ; and
couraged the Americans to their resistance. This has answer most readily they were quiet. — And, I in my
even formally appeared in print in a regular volume, from turn challenge him to prove when, and where, and by
an advocate of that faction, a Dr. Tucker. This Dr. whom, and in what numbers, and with what violence, tlie
Tucker is already a Dean, and his earnest labours in other laws of trade, as gentlemen assert, were violated in
the vineyard will, I suppose, raise him to a Bishoprick. consequence of your concession or that even your other
;

But this assertion too, just like the rest, is false. In all revenue laws were attacked ? But I quit the vantage
tlie pa])ers which have loaded your table ; in all the vast ground on which I stand, and where I might leave tlie
CTOwd of verbal witnesses that appeared at your bar, wit- burthen of the proof upon him I walk down upon the:

nesses which were indiscriminately produced from both open plain, and undertake to shew that they were not only
sides of the House, not the least hint of such a cause of quiet, but showed many unequivocal marks of acknow-
disturbance has ever appeared. As to the fact of a strenu- ledgment and gratitude. And to give him every advan-
ous opposition to tlie Stamp Act, I sat as a stranger in your tage, I select the obnoxious Colony of Massachusetts Bay,
gallery when the Act was under consideration. Far from which at this time (but without hearing her) is so heavily
any thing inflammatory, I never heard a more languid de- a culprit before Parliament I will select their proceedings
;

bate in this House. No more than two or three gen- even under circumstances of no small irritation. For a
tlemen, as I remember, spoke against the Act, and that little imprudently I must say. Governor Bernard mixed in

with great reserve and remarkable temper. There was the administration of the lenitive of the repeal no small
but one division in the whole progress of the Bill ; and the acrimony, arising from matters of a separate nature. Yet
minority did not reach to more than thirty-nine or forty. see. Sir, the effect of that lenitive, though mixed with these
Li the House of Lords I do not recollect that there was bitter ingredients and how this rugged People can ex-
;

any debate or division at all. I am sure there was no press themselves on a measure of concession.
protest. In fact, the affair passed with so very, very little " If it is not in our power," say they, in their Address
noise, that in town they scarcely knew the nature of what to Governor Bernard, " in so full a manner as will be ex-
you were doing. The opposition to the Bill in England " pected, to shew our respectful gratitude to the mother
never could have done this mischief, because there scarce- " country, or to make a dutiful and affectionate return to
ly ever was less of opposition to a Bill of consequence. " the indulgence of the King and Parliament, it shall be
Sir, the agents and distributor of falsehoods have, with " no fault of ours for this we intend and hope we shall ha
;

their usual industry, circulated another lie of tlie same " able fully to effect."
nature with the former. It is this, that the disturbances Would to God that this temper had been cultivated,
arose from the account which had been received in Ameri- managed, and set in action Other effects than those
!

ca of the change in the Ministry. No longer awed, it which we have since felt would have resulted from it. Oa
seems, with the spirit of the former rulers, they thought the requisition for compensation to those who had suffered
themselves a match for what our calumniators choose to from the violence of the populace, in the same Address
qualify by the name of so feeble a Ministry as succeeded. they say, " The recommendation enjoined by Secretary
Feeble in one sense these men certainly may be called " Conway's letter, and in consequence thereof made to us,
;

for with all their efforts, and they have made itiany, they " we will embrace the first convenient ojiportunity to coii-
have not been able to resist the distempered vigour, and " sider and act upon." They did consider; they did act
insane alacrity with which you are rushing to your ruin. upon it. They obeyed the requisition. 1 know the mode
But it does so happen, that the falsity of this circulation is has been chicaned upon ; but it was substantially obeyed ;
(like the rest) demonstrated by indisputable dates and re- and much better obeyed than I fear the Parliamentary re-
cords. quisition of this session will be, though enforced by all your
So little was the change known in America, that the rigour, and backed with all your power. In a word, the
letters of your Governors, giving an account of these dis- damages of pojiular fury were compensated by Legislative
turbances long after they had arrived at their highest pitch, gravity. Almost every other part of America, in various
were all directed to the old Ministry, and particidarly to ways demonstrated their gratitude. I am bold to say, that
the Earl of Halifax, the Secretary of State, corresponding so sudden a calm, recovered after so violent a storm, is
with tlie Colonics, without once, in the smallest degree, without parallel in history. To say that no other distur-
intimating the slightest suspicion of any ministerial revolu- bance should happen from any other cause, is folly. But
tion whatsoever. The Ministry was not changed in Eng- as far as ajipearances went, by the judicious sacrifice of one
land until the lOth day of July, 176.5. Qji the 14th "of law, you procured an acquiescence in all that remained.
the preceding Ju7u\ Governor Faur/uier, from Virginia, After this experience, nobody shall persuade me, when an
writes thus ; and writes thus to the Earl of Halifax : whole People are concerned, tliat acts of lenity are not
'•
Government is set at defiance, not having strength means of conciliation.
" enough in her hands to enforce obedience to the laws of I hope the honorable gentleman has received a fair and
" the community. The private distress, which every man full answer to his question.
" feels, increases the general dissatisfaction^ at the duties 1 have done with the third period of your policy that
;

"laid by die Stamp Act, which bre;dvs out, and shews of your re])eal and the return of your ancient system, and
;

" itself upon every trifling occasion." The general dissa- your ancient tranquillity and concord. Sir, tliis period
tisfaction had produced some time before, tliat is on the was not as long as it was happy. Another scene was
2&tli of May, several strong public resolves against the opened, and other actors appeared on the stage. The
157 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 158

State, in the condition Ihave described it, was dehvered zon was in a blaze with his descending glory, on the oppo-
into the hands of Lord Chatham a great and celebrated — sitequarter of the heavens arose another luminary, and, for
name a name that keeps the name of this country re-
;
his hour, became lord of the ascendant.
spectable in every otlier on the globe. It may be truly This light too
passed and set for ever.
is You under-
called, stand, to be sure, thatI speak of Charles Townshend, offi-

cially the re-producer of this fatal scheme ; whom I cannot

Clarum et venerabile nomen
even now remember without some degree of sensibility.
Gentibus, et multim nostra:quod proderat urbi.
In truth. Sir-, he was the delight and ornament of this

Sir, the venerable age of this great man, his merited House, and the cliann of every \nhate society which he
rank, his superior eloquence, his splendid qualities, his honored with his presence. Perhaps there never arose in
eminent services, the vast space he fills in the eye of man- this country, nor m any country, a man of a more pointed
kind, and, more than all from power,
the rest, his fall and finished wit ; and, (where his passions were not con-
which, like death, canonizes and sanctifies a great charac- cerned) of a more refined, exquisite, and penetrating judg-
ter, will not suffer me to censure any part of his conduct. ment. If he had not so great a stock, as some have had
I am afraid to flatter him I am sure I am not disposed to
; who flourished formerly, of knowledge long treasured up,
blame him. Let those who have betrayed him by their he knew better by far, than any man 1 ever was acquainted
adulation, insult him with their malevolence. But what I with, how to bring together, within a short time, all that
do not presume to censure, I may have leave to lament. was necessary to establish, to illustrate, and to decorate that
For a wise man, he seemed to me, at that time, to be go- side of the question he supported. He stated his matter
verned too much by general maxims. I speak with the skilfullyand powerfully. He particularly excelled in a
freedom of history, and I ho])e without offence. One or most luminous explanation and display of his subject. His
two of these maxims, flowing from an opinion not the most style of argument was neither trite and vulgar, nor subtle
indulgent to our unhappy species, and surely a little too and abstruse. He hit the House just between wind and
general, led him into measures that were greatly mischiev- water. And not being troubled with too anxious a zeal
ous to himself, and for that reason, among others, perhaps for any matter in question, he was never more tedious, or
fatal to his country measures, the effects of which, I am
; more earnest, than the pre-conceived opinions and present
afraid, are for ever incurable. He made an Administra- temper of his hearers required, to \\hom he was always in
tion so checkered and speckled ; he put together a piece perfect unison. He conformed exactly to the temper of
of joinery, so crossly indented and whimsically dovetailed ; the House and he seemed to guide, because he was al-
;

a cabinet so variously inlaid; such a piece of diversified ways sure to follow it.
Mosaic such a tesselated pavement without cement ; here
;
I beg pardon. Sir, if when I speak of this and of other
a bit of black stone, and there a bit of white; patriots and great men, I appear to digress in saying somethmg of their
courtiers King's friends and republicans
; whigs and ; characters. In this eventful history of the revolutions of
tories treacherous friends and open enemies that it was
; :
America, the characters of such men are of much impor-
indeed a very curious show but utterly unsafe to touch,
;
tance. Great men are the guide-posts and land-marks in
and unsure to stand on. The colleagues whom he had as- the State. The credit of such men at court, or hi the
sorted at the same boards, stared at each other, and were nation, is the sole cause of all the public measures. It
obliged to ask, " Sir, your name ? —
Sir, you have the ad- would be an invidious thing (most foreign, I trust, to what
—
" vantage of me Mr. such a one I beg a thousand par- —
" dons." I venture to say, it did so happen, that persons
you think my disposition) to remark the errors into which
the authority of great names has brought the nation, with-
had a single office divided between them, who had never out doing justice at the same time to the great qualities
spoke to each other in their lives, until they found them- whence that authority arose. The subject is instructive to
selves, they knew not how, J)igging together, heads and those who wish to form themselves on whatever of excel-
points, in the same truckle-bed.* lence has gone before them. There are many young
Sir, in consequence of
this arrangement, having put so members in the House (such of late has been the rapid
much the larger part of his enemies and o{)posers into succession of public men) who never saw that prodigy,
power, the confusion was such, that his own principles Charles Townshend, nor of course know what a ferment
could not possibly have any effect or influence in the con- he was able to excite in every thing by the violent ebulli-
duct of affairs. If ever he fell into a fit of the gout, or if tion of his mixed virtues and failings for failings he had
;

any other cause withdrew him from public caies, principles —

undoubtedly many of us remember them we are this ;

directly the contrary were sure to predominate. When he day considering the effect of them. But he had no fail-
had executed his plan, he had not an inch of ground to ings which were not owing to a noble cause to an ardent, ;

stand upon. When he had accomplished his scheme of generous, perhaps an immoderate passion for Fame ; a pas-
Administration, he was no longer a Minister. sion which is the instinct of all great souls. He worship-
When his face was hid but for a moment, his whole ped that goddess wheresoever she appeared, but he paid his
system was on a wide sea, without chart or compass. particular devotions to her in her favourite habitation, ia
The gentlemen, his particular friends, who, with the names her chosen temple, the House of Commons. Besides the
o£ various departments of Ministry, were admitted, to characters of the individuals that compose our body, it is
seem, as if they acted a part under him, with a modesty impossible, Mr. Speaker, not to observe tliat this House
that becomes all men, and with a confidence in him, which has a collective character of its own. That character too,
was justified even in its extravagance by his superior abihtics, however imperfect, is not unamiable. Like all great public
had never, in any instance, presumed upon any opinion of collections ofmen, you possess a marked love of virtue,
their own. Deprived of his guiding influence, they were and an abhorrence of vice. But among vices, there is
whirled about, the sport of every gust, and easily driven none which the House abhors in the same degree with ob-
into any port and as those who joined with them in
;
stinacy. Obstinacy, Sir, is certainly a great vice and in ;

manning the vessel were the most directly opposite to his the changeful state of political affairs it is frequently the
ojiinions, measures, and character, and far the most artful cause of great mischief. It happens, however, very unfor-
and powerful of the set, they easily prevailed, so as to seize tunately, that almost the whole line of the great and mascu-
apon the vacant, unoccupied, and derelict minds of his line viitues, constancy, gravity, magnanimity, fortitude,
friends and instantly they turned the vessel wholly out of
;
fidelity, and firmness, are closely allied to this disagreeable
tlie course of his policy. As if it were to insult as well as quality, of which you have so just an abhorrence and, in ;

to betray him, even long before the close of the first session their excess, all these virtues very easily fall into it. He,
of his Administration, when every thing was publicly who paid such a punctilious attention to all your feelings,
transacted, and with great parade, in his name, they made certainly took care not to shock diem by that vice which is
an Act, declaring it highly just and expedient to raise a the most disgustful to you.
revenue in America. For even then. Sir, even before this That of displeasing those who ought most to be
feai-

splendid orb was entirely set, and while the Western hori- pleased, betrayed him sometimes into the other extreme.
He had voted, and, in the year 1765, had been an advo-
• Supposed to alluds to the right honorable Lord North and cate for the Stamp Act. Things and the disposition of
Oeorge
Couke, Esquire, who wore made joint Pavmastors in men's minds were changed. In short, the Stamp Act
the summer of
17C6, on the reraoyal of tlio Rockinjjham. Administration.
began to be no favourite in tliis House. He therefore at-
IffS TflOnON FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 160

tended at a private meeting in wliich the resolutions moved and what relaxing; what Assemblies dissolved for not
by a rii^ht honorable gentlemaa were settled resolutions ; obeying, and called again without obedience ; what troops
leading to the repeal. The next day he voted for that sent out to quell resistance, and on meeting that resistance,
repeal and he would have sjwken for it too, if an illness
; recalled ; what shiftings, and changes, and jumblings of all
(not as was then given out, a political, but, to my know- kinds of men at home, which left no possibility of order,
ledge, a very real illness) had not prevented it. consistency, vigour, or even so much as a decent unity of
The very next session, as the fashion of this world colour in any one public measure — it is a tedious, irksome
passetli away, the repeal began to be in as bad an odour talk —my duty may call me to open it out some other time ;

in this House as the Stamp Act had been in the session on a former occasion* 1 tried your temper on a part of it
before. To conform to the temper which began to pre- for the present I shall forbear.
vail, and to prevail mostly among those most in power, he After all these changes and agitations, your immediate
declared, very early in the winter, that a revenue must be situation upon the question on your paper is at length
had out of America. Instantly he was tied down to his brought to this. You have an Act of Parliament, stating,
engagements by some who had no objection to such ex- that " it is expedient to raise a revenue in America." By
j)erimeiits, when made at the cost of persons for whom they a partial repeal you annihilated the greatest part of that
had no particular regard. The whole body of courtiers revenue, which preamble declares to be so expedient.
this

drove him onward. They always talked as if the King You have no other in the place of it. A Sec-
substituted
stood in a sort of humiliated state, until something of the retary of State has disclaimed, in the King's name, all
kind should be done. thoughts of such a substitution in future. The principle of
Here this extraordinary man, then Chancellor of the this disclaimer goes to what has been left, as well as what
Exchequer, found himself in great straits. To please uni- has been repealed. The tax which lingers after its com-
versally was the object of his life but to tax and to please,
; panions (under a preamble, declaring an American reve-
no more than to love and to be vnse, is not given to men. nue expedient, and for the sole purpose of supporting the
However he attempted it. To render the tax palatable to theory of that preamble) militates with the assurance au-
the partizans of American revenue, he made a preamble thentically conveyed to the Colonies and is an exhaust-
;

stating the necessity of such a revenue. To close with the less source of jealousy and animosity. On this state, which
American distinction, this revenue was external or port I take to be fair one, not being able to discern any grounds
duty but again, to soften it to the other party, it was a
; of honor, advantage, peace, or power, for adhering either
duty of supply. To gratify the Colonists, it was laid on to the Act or to the preamble, I shall vote for the question
British manufactures to satisfy the merchants of Britain,
; which leads to the repeal of both.
the duty was trivial, and (except that on tea, which touched If you do not fall in with this motion, then secure some-
only the devoted East India Company) on none of the thing to fight for, consistent in theory, and valuable in prac-
grand objects of commerce. To counterwork the Ameri- tice. If you must employ your strength, employ it to up-
can contraband, the duty on tea was reduced from a shil- hold you in some honorable right, or some profitable wrong.
ling to three-pence. But to secure the favour of those If you are apprehensive that the concession recommended
who would tax America,
the scene of collection was to you, though proper, should be a means of drawing on you
changed, and, with the rest, it was levied in the Colonies. further but unreasonable claims —
why, then employ your
What need I say more ? This fine spun scheme had the force in supporting that reasonable concession against those
usual fate of all exquisite policy. But the original plan of um-easonable demands. You will employ it with more
the duties, and the mode of executing that plan, both arose grace, with better effect, and with great probable concur-
singly and solely from a love of our applause. He was rence of all the quiet and rational Peoj)le in the Provinces,
truly the child of the House. He never tliought, did, or who are now united with, and hurried away by the violent
said any thing but with a view to you. He every day having indeed different dispositions, but a common interest.
adapted himself to your disposition and adjusted himself ; If you apprehend that on a concession you shall be pushed
before it, as at a looking glass. by metapliysical process to the extreme lines, and argued
He had observed (indeed it could not escape him) that out of your whole authority, my advice is this, when you
several persons, infinitely his inferiors in all respects, had have recovered your old, your strong, your tenable posi-
formerly rendered themselves considerable in this House tion, then face about —
stop short—do nothing more
by one method alone. They were a race of men (I hope reason not at all —
oppose the ancient policy and practice of
in God the species who, when they rose in their
is extinct) the empire, as a rampart against the speculation of inno-
place, no man hving could any known adhe-
divine, from vators on both sides of the question, and you will stand
rence to parties, to opinions, or to principles from any ; on great, manly, and sure ground. On this solid basis fix
order or system in their politics or from any sequel or ; your machines, and they will draw worlds towards you.
connection in their ideas, what jiart they were going to Your Ministers, in their own and his Majesty's name,
take in any debate. It is astonishing how much this un- have already adopted the American distinction of internal
certainty, especially at critical times, called the attention and external duties. It is a distinction, whatever merit it
of all parlies on such men. All eyes were fixed on may have, that was originally moved by the American*
them, all ears open to hear them each party gaped and : themselves ; and I tliink they will acquiesce in it, if they
looked alternately for their vote, almost to the end of their are not pushed with too much logic and too little sense, in
speeches. While the House hung in this uncertainty, now all the consequences. That is, if external taxation be un-
the hear-hims rose from this side now they re-bellowed — derstood, as they and you understand it when you please^
from the other ; and that party to whom they fell at length to be not a distinction of geography, but of policy that it ;

from their tremulous and dancing balance, always received is a power for regulating trade, and not for supporting es-

tliem in a tempest of applause. Tlie fortune of such men tablishments. The distinction, which is as nothing with
was a temptation too great to be resisted by one. to wiiotn regard to riglit, is of most weighty consideration in prac-
a single whiff of incense withheld gave much greater pain, tice. Recover your old ground, and your old tranquillity
tlian he received delight in the clouds of it which daily try it — I am persuaded the Americans will compromise
rose about him from the prodigal superstition of innumera- with you. When confidence is once restored, the odious
ble admirers. He was a candidate for contradictory and sus])icious summumjiis will perish of course. The
honours ; and his great aim was to make those agree in spirit of practicability, of moderation, and mutual conveni-
admiration of him who never agreed in any tiling else. ence, will never call in geometrical exactness as the arbi-
Hence arose this unfortunate Act, the subject of this day's trator of an amicable settlement. Consult and follow your
debate ; from a disposition which, after niakiiig an Ameri- ex])erience. Let not the long story with which 1 have ex-
can revenue to please one, repealed it to please others, and ercised your patience, prove fruitless to your interests.
airain revived it iu hopes of pleasing a third, and of catch- For my part, 1 should choose (if I could have my wish)
ing something in the ideas of all. that the proposition of the honorable gentleman (Mr.
This Revenue Act of 1767, formed the fourth period Fuller) for the repeal, could go to America without the at-
of American policy. How we have fared since then tendance of the Penal Bills. Alone I could almost answer
what woeful variety of sciismes have been adopted ;
for its success. I cannot be certain of its reception in the
what enforcing, and what repealing what bullying, and :

wiiai submitting what doing, and undoing what straining

; ; * Resolutions moTed in Mat/, 1770.
161 MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 162

bad company it may keep. In such heterogeneous assort- to assimilate to its parent, and to reflect with a true filial
inents, the most innocent person will lose the effect of his resemblance the beauteous countenance of British liberty,
innocency. Though you should send out this angel of are we to turn to them the shameful parts of our constitu-
peace, yet you are sending out a destroying angel too tion ? Are we to give them our weakness for their strength
and what would be the effect of the conflict of these two our opprobrium for dieir glory; and the slough of slavery,
adverse spirits, or which would predominate in the end, is which we are not able to work off, to serve them for their
what I dare not say whether the lenient measures would
: freedom ?
cause American passion to subside, or the severe would in- If this be the case, ask yourselves this question will —
crease its fury —
all this is in the hand of Providence yet ;
they be content in such a state of slavery ? If not, look to
now, even now, I should confide in the prevailing virtue, the consequences. Reflect how you are to govern a
and efficacious ope»ition of lenity, though working in dark- People, who think they ought to be free, and think ihey are
ness, and in chaos, in the midst of all this unnatural and not. Your scheme yields no revenue it yields nothing ;

turbid combination. I should hope it might produce order but discontent, disorder, disobedience and such is tlie state
;

and beauty in the end. of America, that after wading up to your eyes in blood,
Let us, Sir, embrace some system or other before we you could only end just where you begun that is, to tax ;

end this session. Do you mean to tax America, and to where no revenue is to be found, to my voice fails me—
—
;

draw a productive revenue from thence ? If you do, speak my inclination indeed carries me no further all is confu-
out name, fix, ascertain this revenue settle its quantity
: ; ;
sion beyond it.

define its objects provide for its collection and then fight
;
; Well, Sir, I have recovered a little, and before I sit
when you have something to fight for. If you murder down I must say something to another point with which
rob If you kill, take possession
'. and do not appear in
; gendemen urge us. What is to become of the Declarato-
the character of madmen, as well as assassins, violent, vin- ry Act asserting the entireness of British Legislative au-
dictive, bloody, and tyrannical, without an object. But thority, if we abandon the practice of taxation ?
may better counsels guide you! For my part, I look upon the rights stated in that Act,
Again, and again, revert to your old principles seek — exactly in the manner in which viewed them on its very
I
—
peace and ensue it leave America, if she has taxable first proposition, and which 1 have often taken the libertyj

matter in her, to tax herself. I am not here going into the with great humility, to lay before you. I look, I say, on
distinctions of rights, nor attempting to mark their bounda- the imperial rights of Great Britain, and the privileges
ries. I do not enter into these metaphysical distinctions which the Colonists ought to enjoy under these rights, to
I hate the very sound of them. Leave the Americans as be just the most reconcileable things in the world. The
they anciently stood, and these distinctions, born of our un- Parliament of Great Britain sits at the head of her exten-
happy contest, will die along with it. They, and we, and sive empire in two capacities one as the local Legisla^
:

their and our ancestors, have been happy under that ture of this Island, providing for all things at home, imme-
system. Let the memory of all actions, in contradiction diately, and by no other instrument than the Executive
to that good old mode, on both sides, be extinguished for power. The other, and I think her nobler capacity, is
ever. Be content to bind America by laws of trade you ;
what I call her imperial character ; in which, as from the
have always done it. Let this be your reason for binding throne of heaven, she superintends at the several inferior
their trade. Do not burthen tiiem by taxes you were not ;
Legislatures, and guides and controls them all without anni-
used to do so from the beginning. Let this be your reason for hilating any. As all these Provincial Legislatures are onlv
not taxing. These are the arguments of States and King- co-ordinate to each other, they ought all to be subordinate

doms. Leave the rest to the schools for there only they ; to her ; can neither preserve mutual peace, nor
else they
may be discussed with safety. But if, intemperately, un- hope for mutual -justice, nor effectually afford mutual assis-
wisely, fatally, you sophisticate and poison the very source tance. It is necessary to coerce the negligent, to restrain

of Government, by urging subtle deductions, and conse- the violent, and to aid the weak and deficient, by the over-
quences odious to those you govern, from the unlimited ruling plenitude of her power. She is never to intrude
and illimitable nature of supreme sovereignty, you will teach into the place of the others, whilst they are equal to the
them by these means to call that sovereignty itself in common ends of their institution. But in order to enable
question. When you drive him hard the boar will surely Parliament to answer all these ends of provident and bene-
turn upon the hunters. If that sovereignty and their free- ficent superintendence, her powers must be boundless.
dom cannot be reconciled, which will they take ? They The gentlemen who think the powers of Parliament limit-
will cast your sovereignty in your face. No body will be ed, may please themselves to talk of requisitions. But
argued into slavery. Sir, let the gentlemen on the other suppose the requisitions are not obeyed? What! Shall
side call forth all their ability let the best of them get up
; there be no reserved power in the empire to supply a de-
and tell me, what one character of liberty the Americans ficiency which may weaken, divide, and dissipate the whole?
have, and what one brand of slavery they are free from, if —
We are engaged in war the Secretary of State calls upon
they are bound in their property and industry^, by all the re- the Colonies to contribute —
some would do it, I think
straints you can imagine on commerce, and at the same most would cheerfully furnish whatever is demanded one —
time are made pack horses of every tax you choose to im- or two, suppose hang back, and easing themselves, let the
pose, without the least share in granting them ? When stress of the draft lie on the others —
surely it is proper thai
—
they bear the burthens of unlimited monopoly, will you some authority might legally say " Tax yourselves for
bring them to bear the burthens of unlimited revenue too ? ''
the common supply, or Parliament will do it for you."
The Englishman in America will feel that this slavery This backwardness was, as I am told, actually the case of
this legal slavery, will be no compensation, either to his Pennsylvania, for some short time towards the beginning
feelings or his understanding. of the last war, owing to some internal dissentions in the
A noble Lord (Lord Carmarthen,) who spoke some Colonj'. But, whether the fact were so, or otherwise, the
time ago, is full of the fire of ingenuous youth and when ; case is equally to be provided for by a competent sover-
he has modelled the ideas of a lively imagination by further eign power. But then this ouglit to be no ordinary
experience, he will be an ornament to his country in either power, nor ever used in the first instance. This is what I
House. He has said, that the Americans are our children meant, when I have said at various times, that I consider
and how can they revolt against their parent ? He says, the power of taxing in Parliament as an instrument of
that if they are not free in their present state, England is empire, and not as a means of supply.
not free ; and other considerable
because Manchester, Such, Sir, is my idea of the constitution of the British
places, are not represented. So then, because some towns empire, as distinguished from the constitution of Britain
in England are not represented, America is to have no and on these grounds I think subordination and liberty may
Representative at all. They are " our children ;" but be sufficiendy reconciled through the whole whether to ;

when children ask for bread, we are not to give a stone. Is serve a refining speculatist, or a factious demagogue, 1
it because the natural resistance of things, and the various know not; but enough, surely, for the ease and happiness
mutations of time hinders our Government, or any scheme of man.
of Governuient from being any more than a sort of approxi- Sir, whilst we held this happy course, we drew more
mation to the right, is it therefore that the Colonies are to from the Colonies than all the impotent violence of despo-
recede from it infinitely ? When this child of ours wishes tism ever could extort from them. We did this abundant-
Fourth Series. 1
I6d MOTION FOR REPEAL OF DUTY ON TEA. 164

ly in tlie last war. It lias never been once denied —and I shall always speak with veneration but I cannot. Sir,;

what reason have we to imagine that the Colonies would help thinking, that if you repeal this Act, the Americans
not have proceeded in supplying Government as liberally, will consider you weak in the highest degree, and receive

if you had not stepped in and hindered them from contribu- it in the same manner as if you had done it through fear.

ting, by interrupting the channel in which their liberality The disposition to deny your authority in America, was
flowed with so strong a course by attempting to take, in-
; long before the passing or repealing the Stamp Act. The
stead of being satisfied to recei\-e. Sir IViUiam Temple, Assembly address the Council, how an Act of the Legis-
says, that Holland has loaded itself with ten times the lature came to be enrolled in their statute book, not assent-
impositions which it revoked from Spain, rather than sub- ed to by them. Was this not a flagrant instance of their
mit to. He says tnie. Tyraimy is a poor provider. It rebellious disposition ? They consider all the Acts that
knows neither how to accumulate, nor how to extract. restrain trade as illegal, and they want to treat with you
I charge, therefore, to this new and unfortunate system upon an independent footing but if you give up this tax,
;

the loss not only of peace, of union, and of commerce, but it is not here that you must stop, you will be required to

even of revenue, which its friends are contending for. It is give up much more, nay, to give up all. Much has been
morally certain, that we have lost at least a million of free said about requisition but I wish gentlemen would consi-
;

grants since the peace. I think we have lost a great deal der how, and in what manner, the Ministers of this coun-
more and that those who look for a revenue from the Pro-
;
try, treating with the Assemblies of America, are to raise
vinces, never could have pursued even in that light, a tiie money without the aid of their Legislature.
course more directly repugnant to their purposes. Mr. Burke rose to explain, that he did not mean to
Now, Sir, I trust I have shewn, first on that narrow upon the character of the late Mr. Gren-
cast the least slur
ground which the honorable gentleman measured, that you ville ; and concluded whh saying, he would not raise the

are like to lose nothing by complying with the motion, bodies of the dead, to make them vampires to suck out the
except what you have lost already. 1 have shewn, after- virtues of the living.
wards, that time of peace you flourished in commerce,
in Mr. Charles Fox. Let us consider, Sir, what is the
and when war required it, had sufficient aid from the Colo- state America appears in to this country the Americans ;

nies, while you pursued your ancient policy that you ; will appear as useful subjects, if you will use them with
threw every thing into confusion when you made the Stamp that temper and lenity which you ought to do. When the
Act; and that you restored every thing to peace and order Stamp Act was repealed nmrmurs ceased, and quiet suc-
when you repealed it. I have shewn that the revival of ceeded. Taxes have produced a contrary behaviour;
the system of taxation has produced the very worst effects they have been succeeded by riots and disturbances. Here
and that the partial repeal has produced, not partial good, is an absolute dereliction of the authority of this country.
but universal evil. Let these considerations, founded on It has been said that America is not represented here, but
facts, not one of which can be denied, bring us back to virtually the Ainericans are full as virtually taxed as virtu-
your reason by the road of your experience. ally represented. A
tax can only be laid for three purjx)-
I cannot, as I have said, answer for mixed measures ses the first for a commercial regulation, the second for a
:

but surely this mixture of lenity would give the whole a revenue, and the third for asserting your right. As to the
better chance of success. When you once regain confi- two first, it has clearly been denied it is for either as to ;

dence, the way will be clear before you. Then you may the latter, it is only done with a view to irritate and declare
enforce the Act of Navigation when it ought to be enforced. war there, which, if you persist in, I am clearly of opinion
You will yourselves open it where it ought still further to you will eff(3Ct, or force into o]ien rebellion.
be opened. Proceed in what you do, whatever you do, Lord Beauchamp. Sir, I should not intrude at this late
from policy, and not from rancour. Let us act like men, hour of the night, did not wish to express my thoughts,
I
let us act like statesmen. Let us hold some sort of con- that the Americans are not contending for the inode of tax-
sistent conduct. It is agreed that a revenue is not to be ation, but the right. Some years ago, when this Act was
had America.
in If we lose the profit, let us get rid of passed, combinations took place, in order to oppose that
the odium. authority which you wish to exert. Measures are now
On this business o( America, I confess, I am serious, even adopted to induce them to consent to this Act, not by force,
to sadness. I have had but one opinion concerning it but by means which I hope will bring them to a sense of
since I sat, and before I sat in Parliament. The noble their duty. Had this repeal been proposed some sessions
Ijord, (Lord North) will, as usual, probably, attribute the ago, I should most probably have adopted it but the pre- ;

part taken by me and my friends in this business, to a de- sent disturbances in America totally prevent my giving my
sire of getting his places. Let him enjoy this happy and consent to it. I think it impracticable to repeal it, because
original idea. If I deprived him of it, I should take away we give up our right; and I am not prepared to say, that
most of his wit and all his argument. But I had rather at no future moment I would tax America. There may
bear the brunt of all his wit, and indeed blows much be times when the necessity of supplying the exigencies
heavier, than stand answerable to God for embracing a of this country may demand that aid and therefore I would
;

system that tends to the destruction of some of the very exert our authority now by a practicable claiin of right,
best and fairest of his works. But I know the map of whicli I hope will not hereafter be disputed.
England, as well as the noble Lord (Lord North,) or as General Burgoi/ne. Sir, I look upon America to be our
any other person and I know that the way I take is not
; child, which I think we have already spoiled by too much
the road to preferment. My excellent and honorable indulgence. We are desired to conciliate measures with
friend under me on tiie floor, (Mr. Dowdeswell,) has trod the Americans ; I look upon this measure to have a totally
that road with great toil for upwards of twenty years to- diffijrent effect I think it a mis-use of time to go into a
;

gether. He not yet arrived at the noble Lord's desti-

is Committee, and that even the inquiry, the news of whicli
nation. However, the tracks of my worthy friend are those will soon reach America, will tend to nothing but to raise
I have ever wished
to follow because I know they lead to
; heats, and not appease, but irritate and disturb the more.
honor. Long may we tread the same road together It is said, if you remove this duty, you will remove all
whoever may accompany us, or whoever may laugh at us grievances in America; but I am apprehensive that it is
on our journey I honestly and solemnly declare, I have
! the right of taxation they contend about, and not the tax ;

in all seasons adhered to the system of 1766, for no other it is the independent state of that country upon the Legis-

reason, than that I think it laid deep in your truest inter- lature of this, which is contended for but. Sir, I am ready
;

ests —and that, by limiting the exercise, it fixes on the to resist that proposition, and to contend, at any future
finnest foundations, a real, consistent, well-grounded au- time, against such independence. I will not enter into the

thority in Parliament. Until you come back to that system, charactei-s of People, nor will I call the great person vvlio
there will be no peace for England. planned these measures a cherubim, seraphim, or arch-an-
Mr. Solicitor General IVcdderburn. I am not willing to gel but, as a man, I believe he has a good head and an
;

trouble the House long ujMn this occasion, as it is impossi- honest heart. [The House here seemed very noisy, and
ble to say any thing that has not been touched upon be- did not attend.] He therefore sat down, concluding, that
fore but I cannot accede to the characters the honorable
; he wished to see America convinced by persuasion, rather
gentleman has given I differ much from him in the cha-
; than the sword.
racter of that great man, the late Mr. Grenville, of whom Mr. T. Townshend. Sir, I wish much to go into a
165 QUARTERING TROOPS IN AMERICA. 166

Committee upon because the Tea Duty, as

this occasion, necessary in one, sometimes in another, and wherever an
an object of revenue, unworthy your cxinsideration but
is ;
injury has been struck, there Great Britain resents it.
it is an object which, wiien once removed from the Ame- This tax has been said to be not a fruitful one ; I think it
ricans, will give ease and satisfaction to their minds and ; a very fruitful one, for it has produced riots and distur-
it is preserved by you merely to keep up a continual con- bances ; it has been resisted,
it has done its duty, let us

test. I will not go back to the ground of arguments which dismiss have been much quoted for requisitions if
it. I ;

has been so often trod, and which I wisli had not been you will make them with some address, they will comply.
brought forth as the ground of former proceedings, mixing I have been also quoted for the olive branch I say, you ;

them with the present. I shall look upon this Commit- have let slip several millions in the East, and now look for
tee, if granted, as the prelude to that peace which you want a revenue from a pepper-corn in the West. This you will
to restore to America, and shall therefore give my hearty have to lay to your charge, that you will whet your swords
affirmative. in the bowels of your own subjects, and massacre many of
Lord Clare. Every man who has spoken on this occa- your fellow-creatures, who do not know under what con-
sion, has prudently avoided going into any thing that gave stitution of Government they live, by enforcing this tax.
rise to the original taxation. I am sorry to find tiiat there You will at last resort to that romantic idea of requisition.
is even a negative voice against continuing this tax ; but [The House was very noisy, and did not give much atten-
as I find there is dissention upon the occasion, it will give tion to him, which prevented him from speaking, as he had
room to the Americans to say that the question was much usually done.]
debated, and far from being unanimous they will upon that
; Lord North said, he was ashamed to take up the time
account, hold resistance to the measure to be a good ground of the House at that late hour of the night, and more so,
for some time or other producing a repeal. I could have as what he had to say, chiefly related to himself. He gave
wished to have seen the House nearly unanimous against an account of the letter which Mr. Burke had read, from
the motion, as I am afraid our differences here will coun- Lord Hillsborough to the Americans, and stated the mat-
tenance resistance there. What, Sir, would they have us ter of its contents in the best light he could. His Lord-
surrender the right of Great Britain! It is impossible, in ship said, this letter of concession was far from quieting
the nature of things, that he can carry this question and ; the minds of the Americans; that they were guilty of
instead of my honorable friend (Mr. Fuller) wishing to all riots and disturbances that the non-importation agree-
;

restore peace and quietude, he will find he is whetting his ment was as impudent and futile a measure as ever ex-
sword that it may cut with a keener edge. isted ; and said, he was glad he did not, at that time,
Mr. Buller. Sir, I would treat the Americans as sub- propose the repeal of this tax, when all the resolutions
jects of Great Britain, and think them liable to be taxed of the town meetings denied the authority of this coun-
as well as any others. I .am afraid that all these distur- try. Nothing but wisdom on our side, and prudence
bances have been owing to a change of measures in this on theirs, can bring them to a better temper. The tea
country. I think a repeal of this Act will have a bad tax is not an inconsiderable revenue. Convince your Co-
effect, and you will not know where it will end. lonies that you are able and not afraid to controul them,
Mr. Frederick Montagu. Sir, I feel a strong inclina- and, depend upon it, obedience in them will be the result
tion to trouble the House on this occasion. There must of your deliberation and let us conduct ourselves with
;

be one supreme right of taxing, I allow, but I think it in- firnmess and resolution throughout the whole of these mea-
expedient at present to exercise it, and that the only proper sures, and there is no doubt but peace and quietude will
way of taxing of America, is through the medium of com- soon be restored.
merce, and not by hard money. If this motion is reject- Mr. Dowdeswell. I wish the noble Lord would consi-
ed, I do not think it will carry the appearance as if we der what will be the result of these measures. I appre-

meant to be pacific. hend the consequences will be dangerous. We are now

Colonel Barre. I have spoken. Sir, fully on this affair, in great difficulties let us resolve to do justice before it is
;

in what I have said at different times before, and it is im- too late.
possible to tread the same ground, and to make it pleasant
The question on the motion then being put,
to the same hearers. It has been said that millions have

been collected from this country for the use of America ; The House divided ; Yeas, 49 ; Nays, 182.
but it ought to be considered, that the stroke of war has
So it passed in the Negative.
been given in many of his Majesty's Dominions, sometimes

VI. BILL FOR QUARTERING TROOPS IN AMERICA

HOUSE OF COMMONS. Resolved, That thisHouse will, to-morrow morning,

resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, upon
Friday, April 29, 1774.
the said Bill.
Ordered, That leave be granted to bring in a Bill for
the better providing suitable Quarters for Officers and Sol-
TntJRSDAY, May 5, 1774.
diers in his Majesty's service in North America ; and that
The order of the day being read, the House resolved
the Lord Barrington and Mr. Poumall do prepare, and
itself in a Committee, on the Bill.
bring in the same.
When Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair,
Monday, May 2, 1774. Mr. Whitworth reported from the Committee, that
they had gone through the Bill, and made several amend-
Tlie Lord Barrington presented the Bill according to
ments thereunto.
order And it was read the first time.
:
Ordered, That the Report be received to-morrow
Ordered, That the said Bill be read a second time to-
morning.
morrow morning.
Wednesday, May 4, 1774.
Friday, May 6, 1774.

Tlie Bill was read a second time and committed to a Mr. E^itworth, according to order, reported from the
Committee of the whole House. Committee of the Whole, the Bill with the amendments
 167 QUARTERING TROOPS IN AMERICA 168

Committee and the amendments were and spirit of despotism ; but as they are, they ought to be
made by the ;

by the House. remembered as great instances to instruct the world, what

severally a<?reed to
Ordered, That the Bill, with the amendments, be great exertions mankind will naturally make, when they
engrossed. are left to the free exercise of their own powers. And,
my Lords, notwithstanding my intention to give my hearty
Monday, May 9, 1774. negative to the question now before you, I cannot help

An eno;rossed Bill for the better providing suitable condemning, in the severest manner, the late turbulent and
Quarters for Officers and Soldiers in his Majesty's service unwarrantable conduct of the Americans in some instan-
ces, particularly in the late riots of Boston. But, my
in North Americn, was read the third time.
Resolved, That the Bill do Pass. Lords, the mode which has been pursued to bring them
Ordered, That Sir Charles Whitworth do carr)- the back to a sense of their duty to their Parent State has
Bill to the I»rds, and desire their concurrence. been so diametrically opposite to the fundamental princi-
ples of sound policy, that individuals, possessed of com-
mon understanding, must be astonished at such proceedings.
By blocking up the harbour of Boston, you have involved
the innocent trader in the same punishment with the guilty
HOUSE OF LORDS. profligates who destroyed your merchandise and instead ;

Monday, May 9, 1774. of making a well-concerted effort to secure the real offen-
ders, you clap a naval and military extinguisher over their
A Message was brought from the House of Commons, harbour, and piniish the crime of a few laAvless depredatoi-s
by Whitworth, and others:
Sir Charles
and their abettors, upon the whole body of the inhabitants.
With a " An Act for the better providing
Bill, intituled,
" suitable Quarters for Officers and Soldiers in his Majesty's
My Lords, this country is little obliged to the framers
and promoters of this tea tax. The Americans had almost
"service in North America f
to which they desire the
forgot, in their excess of gratitude for the repeal of the
concurrence of this House.
Stamp Act, any interest but that of the mother country :

The was read the first time,

said Bill
there seemed an emulation among the different Provinces,
Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.
who should be most dutiful and forward in their expres-
Thursday, May 12, 1774. sions of loyalty to their real benefactors; as you will
readily perceive by the following letter, from Governor
The order of the day being read, the Bill was accord- Bernard, to a noble Lord then in office " The House of :

ingly read a second time, and committed to a Commit- " Representatives," says he, " from the time of opening
whole House.
tee of the " the session to this day, has shewn a disposition to
Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee " avoid all dispute with me: every thing having passed
upon the said Bill, to-morrow and that the Lords be
;
" with as much good humour as I could desire. They
summoned. " have acted, in all things, with temper and moderation
" they have avoided some subjects of dispute, and have
Monday, May 16, 1774. " laid a foundation for removing some causes of former
" altercation."
The House, according to order, was put into a Com-
mittee upon the Bill. This my Lords, was the temper of the Americans ; and
some time the House was resumed
After
would have continued so, had it not been internipted by
your fruitless endeavours to tax them without their consent
And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee,
but the moment they perceived your intention was renew-
that they had gone tlirough the Bill, and directed him to
ed to tax thcni, under a pretence of serving the iMst
report the same to the House, without any amendment.
India Company, their resentment got the ascendant of
Ordered, That the said Bill be read a third time on
their moderation, and hurried them into actions contrary
fVednesday next; and that the Lords be summoned.
to law, which, in their cooler hours, they would have
Wednesday, May 18, 1774. thought on with horrour for I sincerely believe the de-
:

stroying of the tea was the effect of despair.

The order of the day being read, for the third reading But, my Lords, from the complexion of the whole of
of the Bill the proceedings, I think that Administration has purposely
Ordered, That the said Bill be read the third time, on irritated them into those late violent acts, for which they
Thursday, the 26th day of this instant. May ; and that now so severely smart, purposely to be revenged on them
the Lords be summoned. for the victory they gained by the repeal of the Stamp
Act a measure to which they seemingly acquiesced, but
;
Thursday, May 26, 1774.
at the bottom they were its real enemies. For what other
The order of the day being read, for the third readino- motive could induce them to dress taxation, that father of
of the Bill American sedition, in the robes of an East India Director,

The was accordingly read the

said Bill
but to break in upon tliat mutual peace and harmony,
third time.
Moved, That the Bill do Pass ? which then^ so happily subsisted between them and the
mother country ?

Lord Chatham rose and said :

My am an old man, and would advise the
Lords, I
~ My
Lords, the unfavourable state of health under which noble Lords in office to adopt a more gentle mode of go-
1 have long laboured could not prevent me from laying verning America; for the day is not far distant, when
before your Lordships my thoughts on the Bill now upon America may vie with these Kingdoms, not only in anns,
the table, and on the state of American affairs in general. but in arts also. It is an established fact, that tbe princi-
If we
take a transient view of those motives which pal towns in America are learned and polite, and under-
induced the ancestors of our fellow-subjects in America to stand the constitution of the empire as well as the noble
leave their native country, to encounter the innumerable Lords who are now in office and consequently, they will
;

difficulties of the unexplored regions of the Western world, have a watchful eye over their liberties, to prevent the
our astonishment at the present conduct of their descen- least encroachment on their hereditary rights.
dants will naturally subside. There was no comer of the This observation is so recently exemplified in an excel-
world into which men of their free and enterprising spirit lent pamphlet, which comes from the pen of an American
would not fly with alacrity, rather than submit to the gentleman, that I shall take the liberty of reading to your
slavish and tyrannical principles which prevailed at that Lordships his thoughts on the competency of the British
period in their native country. And sliall we Avonder, my Parliament to tax America, which in my opinion, puts
Lords, if the descendants of such illustrious characters this interesting matter in the clearest view " The High :

spurn, with contempt, the hand of unconstitutional power, " Court of Parliament," says lie, " is the supreme Legisla-
that would snatch from them such dear-bousht privileges " tive power over the whole empire in all free States the
;

as theynow contend for ? Had the British Colonies been " constitution is fixed and as the supreme Legislature
;

planted by any otlier Kingdom than our own, the inha- " derives its power and authority from the constitution, it
bitants would have carried with them the chains of slavery. " cannot over-leap the bounds of it, without destroying its
 169 QUEBEC BILL. 170
•'
own foundation. The and limits
constitution ascertains " assent to several Aots agreed upon by both Houses of
'•
both sovereignty and allegianceand therefore his Ma- :
" Padiament."
•'
jesty's American subjects, who acknowledge themselves Then three of the Lords Commissioners, being in their
" bound by the ties of allegiance, have an equitable claim robes, and seated on a form placed between the Throne
'•
to the full enjoyment of the fundamental rules of the and the Woolsack, the Lord Chancellor in the middle,
•'
English constitution and that it is an essential unalter-
;
with Lord Archbishop of Canterbury on his right
the
" able right in nature, engrafted into the British constitu- hand, and the Earl of Sandwich on his left: and the
•'
tion as a fundamental law, and ever held sacred and Commons with their Speaker being in attendance.
" irrevocable by the subjects within this realm that what a — The royal assent was pronounced to the Bill, by the
" man has honestly acquired, is absolutely his own which ; Clerk's Assistant.
••
he may freely give, but which cannot be taken from him
•'
without his consent."
This, my Lords, though no new doctrine, has always Anno Decimo Q^uarto Georgii III. Regis.
been my received and unalterable opinion, and I will carry
An Act for the better providing mitable Quarters for
it to my grave, that this country had no right under
Officers and Soldiers in his Majesty's Service in North
heaven to tax America. It is contrary to all the princi-
America.
ples of justice and civil policy, which neither the exigencies
of the State, nor even an acquiescence in the taxes, could Whereas doubts have been entertained, whether Troops
justify upon any occasion whatever. Such proceedings can be Quartered otherwise than in Barracks, in case bar-
will never meet their wished-for success and, instead of ; racks have been provided sufficient for the quartering of
adding to their miseries, as the Bill now before you most all the Officers and Soldiers within any town, township,

undoubtedly does, adopt some lenient measures, which city, district, or place, within his Majesty's Dominions in
may lure them to their duty proceed like a kind and ;
North America: and whereas it may frequently happen,
affectionate parent over a child whom he tenderly loves from the situation of such Barracks, that, if troops should
and, instead of those harsh and severe proceedings, pass be quartered therein, they would not be stationed where
an amnesty on all their youthful errours clasp them once ; their presence may be necessary and required ; Be it
more in your fond and affectionate arms and, I will ; therefore enacted by the King's most excellent Majesty,
venture to affirm, you will find them children worthy of by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual
their sire. But should their turbulence exist after your and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament
proffered terms of forgiveness, which I hope and expect assembled, and by the authority of the same, that in
this House will immediately adopt, 1 vi^ill be among the such cases, it shall and may be lawful for the persons who
foremost of your Lordships to move for such measures as now are, or may be hereafter, authorized by law, in any of
will effectually prevent a future relapse, and make them the Provinces within his Majesty's Dominions in North
feel what it is to provoke a fond and forgiving parent 1 America, and they are hereby respectively authorized,
a parent, my Lords, whose welfare has ever been my empowered and directed, on the requisition of the Officer
greatest and most pleasing consolation. This declaration who, for the time being, has the command of his Majesty's
may seem unnecessary but I will venture to declare, the
; forces, in North America, to cause any Officers or Soldiers
period is not far distant, when she will want the assistance in his Majesty's service to be quartered and billetted in
of her most distant friends but should the all-disposing
: such manner as is now directed by law where no Bairacks
hand of Providence prevent me from affording her my are provided by the Colonies.
poor assistance, my prayers shall be ever for her welfare And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
" length of days be in her right hand, and in her left hand That if it shall happen at any time that any Officers or
" riches and honor may her ways be ways of pleasantness,
; Soldiers in his Majesty's service shall remain within any of
" and all her paths be peace." the said Colonies without Quarters, for the space of twen-
When Lord Chatham had concluded, Lord Suffolk ty-four hours after such Quarters shall have been demand-
spoke a short time, and was answered by Lord Temple, ed, it shall and may be lawful for the Governor of the
who closed the debate. Province to order and direct such and so many uninhabited
houses, out-houses, bams, or other buildings, as he shall
The question was then put, whether this Bill shall
think necessary to be taken (making a reasonable allowance
Pass?
for the same) and make fit for the reception of such
And the House divided Contents, 57 Non-Contents,
: ; 16.
Officers and Soldiers, and to put and quarter such Officers
So it was resolved in the Affirmative.
and Soldiers therein, for such time as he shall think proper.
Thursdav, June 2, 1774. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That this Act, and every thing herein contained, shall
The Lord Chancellor acquainted the House " That his continue and be in force, in all his Majesty's Dominions in
''
Majesty had been pleased to issue a commission to the North America, until the twenty-fourth day of March,
" several Lords therein named, for declaring his royal one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.

VII. tilLL FOR GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

HOUSE OF LORDS. Majesty, to desire " That he will be graciously pleased to

" give directions that there be laid before this House copies
Monday, May 2, 1774.
" of such parts of the Instructions given by his Majesty
The Earl of Dartmouth presented to the House a Bill, " to the Governors in tiie royal Governments in America,
intituled, " An Act making more effectual provision for " relative to the taking up of Lands by Settlers, and the
" the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North " granting Lands therein, particularly in the Colony oi
•'
America." " Quebec."
The said Bill was read the first time.
Ordered, That the said Bill be printed. Wednesday, May 4, 1774.

Tuesday, May 3, 1774.

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on
Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to his Monday next ; and that the Lords be summoned.
Hi QUEBEC BILL. 172

Friday, May 6, 1774. Friday, May 20, 1774.

Ordered, Tlial the second reading of the Bill, which Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his
stands appointed for Monday next, be put off to Thursday Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give direc-
next ; and tliat the Lords be summoned. tions, that there be laid before this House, a copy of his

The Earl of Dartmont/i laid before the House, pur- Majesty's Proclamation, respecting the settling the Acqui-
suant to an Address to his Majesty for that purpose, of shions at the Peace, in November, 1763 and also a copy ;

the :3d instant, of General Murray's commission, as Captain General of

No. 1 Copy of Instructions from his Majesty to Guy
. the Province of Quebec.
Carkton, Esquire, Governor of (Quebec, respecting the
f;ranting of Lands in that Province, dated 12th August,
Thursday, May 26, 1774.
1768, and the 2d of July, 1771. The Lord North presented to the House, pursuant to
No. 2. Copy of his Majesty's Instructions to the Go-
their Address to his Majesty :

vernors I^'ew Hampshire, New York, Vir-

of Nova Scotia,
ginia, North Carolina, Sotith Carolina, Georgia, East
No. 1. Printed Proclamation, dated 7th October, 1763 ;

viz :
Florida, and West Florida, respecting the granting of
Lands in those Provinces, dated 3d February, 1774. By the King. —A Proclamation.

Thursday, May 12, 1774. GEORGE R.

Whereas we have taken into our royal consideration
Theorder of the day being read, the Bill was accord- the extensive and valuable acquisitions in America, secured
ingly read a second time. to our Crown by the late definitive treaty of peace con-
Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Com- cluded at Paris, the tenth day of February last and being ;

mittee of the whole House. desirous tliat all our loving subjects, as well of our King-
Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee doms as of our Colonies in America, may avail themselves,
ujwn the said Bill to-morrow and that the Lords be
; with all convenient speed, of the great benefits and advanta-
.summoned. ges which must accrue therefrom to their commerce, manu-
factures, and navigation we have thought fit, with the
;

Fkidav, May 13, 1774.

advice of our Privy Council, to issue this, our royal pro-
Tlie order of the day being read, the House was put clamation, hereby to publish and declare to all our loving
into Committee on the Bill. subjects, that we have, with the advice of our Privy Coun-
After some time the House was resumed : cil, granted our letters patent under our great seal of Great

And the Lord Boston reported from the Committee, Britain, to erect within the countries and islands, ceded
" That diey had gone tlirough tlie Bill, and made several and confirmed to us by the said treaty, four distinct and
" amendments thereto, which he was ready to report when separate Governments, styled and called by the names of
" the House will please to receive the same." Quebec, East Florida, West Florida, and Grenada, and
Ordered, That the said report be received on Monday limited and bounded as follows, viz
next. First, The Government of Quebec, bounded on the La-
brador coast by the river St. John, and from thence by a
Monday, May 16, 1774.
line drawn from the head of that river, through the Lake
The Lord Boston, according to order, reported the St. John, to the South end of the Lake Nipissim ; from
amendments made by tlie Committee of the Whole to the whence the said line, crossing the river St. Lawrence and
Bill: which were severally read and agreed to by the the Lake Champlain in forty-five degrees of North latitude,
House. passes along the highlands, which divide the rivers that
Ordered, That the said Bill be read a third tune to- empty themselves river St. Lawrence, from
into the said
morrow ; and that the Lords be summoned. those which fall and also along the North
into the sea ;

coast of the Baye des Chulcurs, and the coast of the

Tuesday, May 17, 1774.
Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Rosieres, and from thence
Theorder of the day being read, the Bill was accord- crossing the mouth of the river St. Lawrence by the West
ingly read a third time. end of the island of Anticosti, terminates at the aforesaid
Proposed to insert the following Proviso at the end oi river St. John.
the Bill: Secondly, The Government of East Florida, bounded
[" Provided, Tliat this Act shall be in force for the to the Westward by tlie Gulf of Mexico and the Apala-
" space of seven years, and to the end of the then next chicola river to the Northward, by a line drawii from that
;

''
session of Parliament, and no longer."] part of the said river where the Chatahouchee and Flint
Which being objected to rivers meet, to the source of St. Mary's river, and by the
After debate, the question was put thereupon, and it was course of the said river to the Atlantic Ocean ; and to
resolved in the Negative. the East and South by the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf
Moved, " That the Bill do Pass ?" of Florida, including all islands within six leagues of the
Which being objected to ;
sea coast.
After debate, the question was put, whether this Bill Thirdly, The Government of West Florida, bounded
shall Pass ? to the Southward by the Gulf of Mexico, including all
It was resolved in the Affirmative. islands within six leagues of the coast from the river Apa-
A Message was sent to the House of Commons to lachicola to Lake Pontchartrain; to the Westward by the
carry down the Bill, and desire their concurrence thereto. said lake, the Lake Mauripas, and the river Mississippi
to the Northward, by a line drawn due East from that part
of the river Mississippi which lies in thirty-one degrees
North latitude, to the river Apalachicola, or Chatahouchee
and to the Eastward by the said river.
HOUSE OF COMMONS. Fourthly, The Government
of Grenada, comprehend-
Wednesday, May ing the island of that name, together with the Grenadines,
18, 1774.
and the islands of Dominico, St. Vincent, and Tobago.
A Message from the Lords, by Mr. Browning and Mr. And end that the open and free fishery of our
to the
Anguish: subjects may be extended
to, and carried on upon the
.Sir. Speaker, tlie Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, coast of Labrador and the adjacent islands, we have
" An Act making more effectual provision for the Go- thought fit, with the advice of our said Privy Council, to
" veniment of the Province of (Quebec, in North America ;" put all tiiat coast, from the river St. John's to Hudson's
to which tlie I^rds desire the concurrence of the House. Streights, togetlier with the islands of Anticosti and Made-
The Bill was read the first time. laine, and all other smaller islands lying upon the said
Ordered, That tiie said Bill be printed. coast, under the care and inspection of our Governor of
Resolved, That the said Bill be read a second time, to- Neufoundland.
mon'ow sevennight, the 26th day of this instant. May. We have also, with the advice of our Privy Council,
 173 QUEBEC BILL. 174
thought fit to annex the islands of Si. John and Cape We do likewise authorize and require the Governors
Breton, or Isle Royale, with the lesser islands adjacent and Commanders-in-chief of all our said Colonies upon the
thereto, to our Government of Nova Scotia. Continent of North America to grant the like quantities of
Wehave also, with the advice of our Privy Council land, and upon the same conditions, to such reduced
aforesaid, annexed to our Province of Georgia, all the officersof our navy of like rank, as served on board our
lands lying between the rivers Altamaha and .S'^ Martfs. ships of war in North America at the times of the reduc-
And whereas it will greatly contribute to the speedy tion of Louisbourg and (Quebec in the late war, and who
settling our said new Governments, that our loving subjects shall personally apply to our respective Governors for
should be informed of our jjaternal care for the security of such grants.
the liberty and properties of those who are, and shall And whereas it is just and reasonable, and essential
to
become inhabitants thereof; we have thought fit to publish our interest, and the security of our Colonies, that the
and declare, by this our proclamation, that we have, in the several nations or tribes of Indians, with whom we are con-
letters patent under our great seal of Great Britain, by nected, and who live under our protection, should not be
which the said Governments are constituted, given express molested or disturbed in the possession of such parts of
power and direction to our Governors of our said Colonies our dominions and territories, as, not having been ceded to,
respectively, that so soon as the state and circumstances of or purchased by us, are reserved to them, or any of them,
the said Colonies will admit thereof, they shall, with the as their hunting grounds we do therefore, with the advice
;

advice and consent of the members of our Council, sum- of our Privy Council, declare it to be our royal will and
mon and call General Assemblies within the said Govern- pleasure, that no Governor, or Commander-in-chief, in any
ments respectively, in such manner and form as is used and of our Colonies of Quebec, East Florida, or JVest Florida,
directed in those Colonies and Provinces in America, do presume, upon any pretence whatever, to grant warrants
which are under our immediate Government and we have ; of survey, or pass any patents for lands beyond the bounds
also given power to the said Governors, with the consent of their respective Governments, as described in tiieir com-
of our said Councils, and the Representatives of the people, missions as also that no Governor or Commander-in-chief
;

so to be summoned as aforesaid, to make, constitute, and inany of our other Colonies or Plantations in America, do
ordain laws, statutes, and ordinances for the public peace, presume for the present, and until our further pleasure be
welfare, and good Government of our said Colonies, and known, to grant warrants of survey, or pass patents for any
of the people and inhabitants thereof, as near as may be, lands beyond the heads or sources of any of the rivers
ao-reeable to the laws of England, and under such regula- which fall into the Atlantic Ocean, from the West or
tions and restrictions as are used in other Colonies and in ; Northwest or upon any lands whatever, which not having
;

the mean time, and until such Assemblies can be call- been ceded to, or purchased by us, as aforesaid, are reserv-
ed as aforesaid, all persons inhabiting in, or resorting to, ed to the said Indians, or any of them.
our said Colonies, may confide in our royal protection for And we do further declare it to be our royal will and
the enjoyment of the benefit of the laws of our realm of pleasure, for the present, as aforesaid, to reserve under our
England : for which purpose we have given power under sovereignty, protection, and dominion, for the use of the
our great seal to the Governors of our said Colonies said Indians, all the lands and territories not included with-
respectively, to erect and constitute, with the advice of our in the limits of our said three new Governments, or within
said Councils respectively, courts of judicature and public the limits of the territory granted to the Hudson^ s Bay
justice within our said Colonies, for the hearing and deter- Company as also, all the lands and territories lying to the
;

mining all causes, as well criminal as civil, according to law westward of the sources of the rivers which fall into the
and equity, and, as near as may be, agreeable to the laws sea from the West and Northwest as aforesaid ; and we do
of England, with liberty to all persons who may think hereby strictly forbid, on pain of our displeasure, all our
themselves aggrieved by the sentences of such courts, in loving subjects from making any purchases or settlements
all civil under the usual limitations and
cases, to appeal, whatever, or taking possession of any of the lands above
our Privy Council.
restrictions, to us, in reserved, without our especial leave and license for that
Wehave also thought fit, with the advice of our Privy purpose first obtained.
Council as aforesaid, to give unto the Governors and And we do further strictly enjoin and require all persons
Councils of our said three new Colonies upon the continent, whatever, who have either wilfully or inadvertently seated
full power and authority to settle and agree with the inha- themselves upon any lands within the countries above de-
bitants of our said new Colonies, or with any other persons scribed, or upon any c<her lands, which not having been
who shall resort thereto, for such lands, tenements, and ceded to, or purchased by us, are still reserved to the said
hereditaments, as are now, or hereafter shall be, in our Indians as aforesaid, forthwith to remove themselves from
power to dispose of, and them to grant to any such person such settlements.
or persons, upon such terms, and under such moderate And whereas great frauds and abuses have been com-
quit-rents, services, and acknowledgments, as have been mitted in the purchasing lands of the Indians, to the great
appointed and settled in other Colonies, and under such prejudice of our interests, and to the great dissatisfaction
other conditions as shall appear to us to be necessary and of the said Indians; in order therefore to prevent such
expedient for the advantage of the grantees, and the im- irregularities for the future, and to the end that the Indians
provement and settlement of our said Colonies. may be convinced of our justice and determined resolution
And whereas we are desirous, upon all occasions, to to remove all reasonable cause of discontent, we do, with
testify our royal sense and approbation of the conduct and the advice of our Privy Council, strictly enjoin and require
bravery of the officers and soldiers of our armies, and to that no private person do presume to make any purchase
reward the same, we do hereby command and empower from the said Indians of any lands reserved to the said
our Governors of our said three new Colonies, and all other Indians within those parts of our Colonies where we have
our Governors of our several Provinces on the Continent thought proper to allow settlement but that if at any
;

of North America, to grant, without fee or reward, to such time any of the said Indians should be inclined to dispose
reduced officers as have served in North America during of the said lands, the same shall be purchased only for us,
the late war, and to such private soldiers as have been or in our name, at some public meeting or assembly of the

shall be disbanded in America, and are actually residing said Indians, to be held for that purpose by the Governor
there, and shall personally apply for the same, the follow- or Commander-in-chief of our Colonies respectively within
ing quantities of land, subject, at the expiration of ten which they shall lie and in case they shall lie within the
:

years, to the same quit-rents as other lands are subject limits of any proprietary Government, they shall be pur-
to in the Province within which they are granted, as also chased only for the use and in the name of such pro-
subject to the same conditions of cultivation and improve- prietaries, conformable to such directions and instructions
ment, viz: as we or they shall think proper to give for that purpose
To every person having the rank of a field officer, and we do, by the advice of our Privy Council, declare
5,000 acres. and enjoin, that the trade with the said Indians shall be
To every captain, 3,000 acres. free and open to all our subjects whatever, provided that
To every subaltern or staff" officer, 2,000 acres. every person who may incline to trade with the said In-
To every non-commission officer, 200 acres. dians, do take out a license for carrying on such trade,
To every private man, 50 acres. from the Governor or Commander-in-chief of any of our
175 QUEBEC BILL. 476

Colonies respectively, where such person shall reside, and First, intituled, "An .\ct forthe further security of his Ma-
also give security to observe such regulations as we shall " jesty's person and Government, and the succession of the
at any time think fit, by ourselves or by our Commissa- " Crown in the heirs of the late Princess Sophia, being
ries, to be appointed for this purpose, to direct and appoint " Protestants, and for extinguishing the hopes of the pre-
for the benefit of the said trade and we do hereby autho-
:
" tended Prince of Wales, and his open and secret abet-
rize, enjoin, and require tlie Governors and Commanders- " tors ;" as also that
you make and subscribe the declara-
in-chief, of all our Colonies respectively, as well those tion mentionedan Act of Parliament made in the twenty-
in

under our immediate Government, as those under the Go- fifth year of the reign of King Charles the Second, inti-

vernment and direction of proprietaries, to grant such li- tuled, " An Act for preventing dangers which may happen
censes without fee or reward, taking especial care to insert " from Popish recusants;" and likewise, that you take the
therein a condition that such license shall be void, and the oath of office usually taken by our Governors in the other
security forfeited, in case the person to whom the same is Colonies for the due execution of the office and trust of
granted, shall refuse or neglect to observe such regulations our Captain General and Governor-in-chief in and over
as we shall think proper to prescribe as aforesaid. our said Province, and due and impartial adminis-
for the

And we do further expressly enjoin and require all offi- tration of justice; and
you take the oath re-j
further, that
cers whatever, as well military as those employed in the quired to be taken by the Governors of the Plantations, to
management and direction of Indian aflairs williin the ter- do their utmost that the several laws relating to trade and
ritories reserved, as aforesaid, for the use of the said In- plantations be duly observed whicii said oaths and decla-
:

diana, to seize and apprehend all persons whatever, who rations our Council of our said Province, or any three of
standing charged with treasons, misprisons of treasons, the members thereof, have hereby full power and authority
murders, or other felonies or misdemeanours, shall fly from and are hereby required, to tender and administer to you.
justice and take refuge in the said territory, and to send All whicii being duly performed, you shall yourself ad-
them under a proper guard to the Colony where the crime minister to each of the members of our said Council, and
was committed of which they stand accused, in order to to the Lieutenant Governors of Montreal and Trois Ri-
take their trial for the same. vieres, the said oaths mentioned in the said Act, intituled,
Given at our Court at St. James's, the seventh day of " An Act for the further security of his Majesty's ])erson
October, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, " and Government, and the succession of the Crown in the
in the third year of our reign. " heirs of the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and
" for extinguishing the hopes of the pretended Prince of
God save the King. " Wales, and his open and secret abettors ;" and also to
cause them to make and subscribe the afore-mentionetl
IVo. 2. Copy of a Commission for James Murray, Esq,.
declaration, and also shall administer unto them the usual
to be Captain General and Governor-in-chief of the Pro-
oaths for the due execution of their places and trust.
vince of Quebec ; viz :

And we do further give and grant unto you, the said

G. R. James Murray, full power and authority fiom time to time »
George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Biitain, and at any time hereafter, by yourself, or by any other to
France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and be authorized by you in this behalf, to administer and give
so forth, to our trusty and well-beloved James Murray, the oaths mentioned in the said Act, " for the further se-
Esquire, greeting : " curity of his Majesty's person and Government, and the
We, reposing especial trust and confidence in the pru- " succession of the Crown in the heirs of the late Princess
dence, courage, and loyalty of you, the said James Murray, " Sophia, being Protestants, and for extinguishing the
of our especial gi-ace, certain knowledge and mere motion, " hopes of the pretended Prince of Wales, and his open
have thought fit to constitute and a])point, and by these " and secret abettors ;" to all and every such person or
presents do constitute and appoint you, the said James persons as you shall think fit, who shall at any time or
Murray, to be our Captain General and Governor-in-chief times pass into our said Province, or shall be resident or
in and over our Province of Quebec, in America ; bounded abiding there.
on the Labrador coast by tlie river St. John ; and from And we do hereby authorize and empower you to keep
thence by a line drawn from the head of that river through and use the public seal which will herewith be delivered to
the Lake St. John to the South end of the Lake Nipissim, you, or shall be hereafter sent to you, for sealing all things
from whence the said line crossing tthe river St. Lawrence whatsoever that shall pass the great seal of our Province.
and the Lake Champlain, in forty-five degrees of northern And we do hereby give and grant unto you. the said
latitude, passes along the highlands which divide the rivers James Murray, full power and authority, with the advice
that empty themselves into the said river St. Laivrence and consent of our said Council to be appointed as afore-
from those which fall into the sea and also along the
; said, so soon as the situation and circumstances of our said
North coast of the Baye des Chaleurs and the coast of the Province under your Government will admit thereof, and
Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Rosieres; and from thence when and as often as need shall require, to summon and
crossing the mouth of the river St. Lawrence by the West call General Assemblies of the freeholders and plantei-s
end of the Island of Anticosti, terminates at the aforesaid within your Government, in such manner as you in your
river St. John : together with all the rights, members, and discretion shall judge most proper or according to such
;

appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging. further powers, instructions, and authorities, as shall be at
And we do hereby require and command you to do and any time hereafter granted or appointed you under our
execute all things in due manner that shall belong to your signet or sign manual, or by our order in our Privy
said command and the tmst we have reposed in you, ac- Council.
cording to the several powers and directions granted or ap- And our will and pleasure is, that the persons tiiereupon
pointed you by this present commission, and the instruc- duly elected by the major part of the freeholders of the re-
tions and authorities herewith given unto you, or by such spective parishes or precincts, and so returned, shall, before
other powers, instructions, and authorities as shall at any tlieir sitting, take the oaths mentioned in the said Act, in-
time hereafter be granted or appointed under our signet and tituled, " An Act for the further security of his Majesty's
sign manual, or by our order in our Privy Council, and ac- " person and Government, and the succession of the Crown
cording to such reasonable laws and statutes as shall hereaf- " in the heirs of tlie late Princess Sophia, being Protes-
ter be made and agreed upon by you with the advice and " tants, and for extinguisiiing the hopes of the pretended
consent of the Council and Assembly of our said Province " Prince of Wales, and his open and secret abettors;"' and
under your Government, in such manner and form as is also make and subscribe the fore-mentioned declaration :

hereinafter expressed. which oaths and declaration you shall commissionate fit
And our will and [ileasure is, that you, the said James persons under the public seal of that our Province to ten-
Murray, do, after the publication of these our letters jiatent der and administer unto them and, until tlie same shall
;

and after the appoiiument of our Council for our said Pro- be so taken and subscribed, no person shall be capable of
vince, in such manner and form as is prescribed in tlie in- sitting, t'lMHigh elected.
structions whicii you will herewith receive, in the first And we do hereby declare, that the persons so elected
place, take the oaths appointed to be taken by an Act and qualified shall be called the Assembly of that our Pro-
passed in the first year of tb.c reign of King George the vincje of Quebec ; and that you. tlie said James Murray,
177 QUEBEC BILL. 178

by and with the advice and consent of our said Council and And we do hereby give and grant unto you, the said
Assembly, or the major part of them, shall have full power James Murray, by yourself, or by your Captains and Com-
and authority to make, constitute, and ordain, laws, statutes, manders by you to be authorized, foil power and autlicffiiy
and ordinances, for the public peace, welfare, and good to lev\-. arm, muster, command, and employ all person^
Government of our said Province, and of the people and whatsoever residing within our said Province ; and, as occa-
inhabitants thereof, and such others as shall resort thereiui- sion shall ser\-e, them to march, embark, or transport, fitMii
to, and for the benefit of us, our heirs and successors one place to another, for the resisting and withstanding of
which said laws, statutes, and ordinances, are not to be re- all enemies, pirates, and rebels, both at land and sea and ;

pugnant, but. as near as may be, asreeable to the laws and to transport such forces to any of our Plantations in America.
statutes of this our Kinsdom of Grea' Britain. if necessity shall require, for the defence of the same against

Provided that all such laws, statutes, and ordinances, of the invask)n or attempts of any of our enemies ; and such
what nature or duration soever they be, shall be, within enemies, pirates, and rebels, il' there should be occasion, to
three mcHitlis, or sooner, alter the making therecrf", trans- pursue and prosecute in or o»it of the Umits of our said Pro-
mitted to us, under our seal of our said Province, for our ap- vince and, if it shall so please God, them to vanquish, ap-
:

probation or disallowance of the same, as ako dupUcates prehend, and take ; and, being taken, according to law to
thereof, by the next conveyance. put to death, or keep and preserve alive, at your discretion
And in case any, or all, of the said laws, statutes, and and to execute martial law in time of invasion, war, or other
ordinances, not before confirmed by us, shall at any time times, when by law it may be executed and to do and
;

be disallowed and not approved, and so signified by us, our execute all and everv- otiier tiling and things which to our
heirs, and successors, under our, or their, signet and sign Captain General and Grovernor-in-chief doth, or of right
manual, or by order of our, or their, Priv\- Council, unto ought to belong.
you, the said James Murray, or to the Commander-in- And we do hereby give and grant unto you fiill power
cljief of our said Province for the time being, then such and authority, by and with the advice and consent of our
and so many of the said laws, statutes, and ordinances, as said Council, to erect, raise, and build in our said Province,
shall be so disallowed and not approved, ^all firom thence- such and so many forts, platforms, castles, cities, boroughs,
forth cease, determine, and become utterly void and of no towns, and fortifications, as you, by the advice aforesaid,
efiect ; any thing to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. shall judge necessar}-, and the same, or any of them, to
And to the end tliat notiiing may be passed or done by fortifv- and fornish with ordinance, ammunition, and all sorts
our said Council or Assembly to the prejudice of us, our of arms fit and necessary for the security and defence of our
heirs, and successors, we will and cMtlain tliat you, the said said Province and by the advice aforesaid, the same again,
;

James Murrai/, shall have and enjoy a negative voice in the or any of them, to demolish or dismantle as may be most
making and passing all laws, statutes, and ordinances, as convenient.
aforesaid ; and tliat you shall and may likewise from time And forasmuch as divers mutinies and disorders may hap-
to time, as you shall judge necessary, adjourn, prorogue, pen by persons shipped and employed at sea during the
or dissolve all General Assemblies as aforesaid. lime of war, and to the end that such as shaU be shipped
And we do by these presents give and grant unto you, and employed at sea during tlie time of war may be better
the said James Murray, fail power and autliority, with the governed and ordered, we hereby give and grant unto you,
advice and consent of our said Council, to erect, constitute, the said James Murray, foil power and authority to consti-
and establish such and so many courts of judicature and tute and appcMnt Captains, Lieutenants, Masters of Ships,
public justice within our said Province under your Go- and other Commanders and Officers ; and to grant to such
vermnent as you and they shall think fit and necessar)', Captains, Lieutenants, Masters of Ships, and other Com-
for the hearing and detennininsr of all causes, as well crimi- manders and Officers, commissions to execute the law mar-
nal as civil, according to law and equity, and for awarding tial, durins the time of war, according to tlie directions of

execution thereupon, with all reasonable and necessarj- an Act passed in the twent}' -second year of tlie reign of our
powers, autliorities, fees, and privileges belonging thereto late royal grandfather, intitided, " An Act for amending,
;

as also to appoint and comraissionate fit persons in the " explaining, and reducing into one act of Parliament, the
several parts of your Government to administer the oaths •'
laws relating to tlie Government of his Majesty's ships,
mentioned in the albresaid Act, intituled, " An Act for " vessels, and forces, by sea ;" and to use such proceedings,
" the further security of his Majesty's person and Go- authorities, pmiisliments, corrections, and executions upon
" vemment, and the succession of the Crown in the heirs ever)' offender or offenders, who shall be mutinous, sedi-
" of the late Princess iiophia, being Protestants, and for tious, disorderly, or any way unruly, either at sea, or during
" extinguishmg the hopes of the pretended Prince of the time of their abode or residence in any of the pans,
" Wales, and his open and secret abettors ;" as also to harbours, or bays in our said. Province, as the case shall be
tender and administer the aforesaid declaration to such found to require, according to martial law ; and the said
persons belonging to the said courts as shall be obliged to directions, during the time of war, as aforesaid.
take the same. Provided, that nothing herein contained shall be con-
And we do hereby grant unto you fiill power and au- strued to the enabling you, or any by your authority-, to
thority to constitute and appoint Judges, and, in cases re- hold plea, or have any jurisdiction of any offence,' cause,
quisite. Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, Justices of matter, or tiling committed or done upon the high sea, or
the Peace, and other necessary officers and ministers, in within any of the havens, rivers, or creeks of our said
our said Province, for the belter administration of justice, Province under your GJovemment, by any Captain. Com-
and puttini: the laws in execution and to administer, or
; mander, Lieutenant, Master, Officer, Seaman, Soldier, or
cause to be administered, unto them, such oath or oatlis as person whatsoever, who shall be in actual service and pay,
are usually given for the due execution and performance of in or on board any of our ships of war, or other vessels
offices and places, and for clearing the truth in judicial acting by immediate commission or warrant fiom our Com-
causes. missioner for executing the office of High Admiral of Great
And we do hereby give and grant unto you full power Britain, or fixjni our High Admiral of Great Britain, for
and authority, when you shall see cause, or shall judge the time beins, mider the seal of our Admiralty but that
;

any offender or offenders in criminal matters, or for anv such Captain, Commander, Lieutenant, Master, Officer,
fines or foriieitures due unto us, fit objects of our mercy, to Seaman, Soldier, or otlier person, so offending, shall be
pardon all such offenders, and remit all such offences, fines, left to be proceeded against, and tried, as their offences

and forfeitures, treason and wilful murder only excepted ; shall require, either by commission under our great seal of
in whicli cases you shall likewise have power, upon extra- this Kingdom, as the statute of the twenty-eightli of Henry
ordinary' occasions, to grant reprieves to the offender until, VHL directs or bv commission from our said Commis-
;

and to the intent that, our royal pleasure may be knowTi sioners for executing the office of High Admiral of Great
therein. Britain, or from our High Admiral of Great Britain, for the
And we do by these presents give and grant unto you full time beinsT, accordins; to the aforementioned Act, intituled,
power and authority to collate any person or persons to anv ' An Act for aniendins, explaining, and reducing into one
ciiurches. chapels, or other ecclesiastical benefices within '•
act of Parliament, the laws relating to the Government
our said Province, as often as any of them shall happen to " of Majesty's ships, vessels, and forces, by sea;" and
his
be void. not otherwise.
Fourth Series. 18
179 QUEBEC BILL. 180

Provided nevertheless, that alldisorders and misdemea- death or absence, residing within our said Province, shall
nors committed on shore by any Captain, Commander, take upon him the administration of the Government, and
Lieutenant, Master, Oflicer, Seaman, Soldier, or other per- execute our said commission and instructions, and the sev-
son whatsoever, belonging to any of our ships of war, or eral powers and anthorities therein contained, in the same
other vessels acting by immediate commission or warrant manner and to all intents and purposes, as other our Go-
from our Commissioners for executing the office of High vernor or Commander-in-chief should or ought to do, in
Admiral of Great Britain, or from our Higii Admiral of case of your absence, or until your return, or in all cases
Great Britain, for tiie lime behig, under the seal of our until our further ])leasure be known.
Admiralty, may be tried and punished according to the And we do hereby declare, ordain, and appoint, tliat
laws of the place, where any such disorders, offences, and you, the said James Murray, shall and may hold, execute,
misdemeanors shall be committed on shore notwithstand-
; and enjoy the office and place of our Captain General and
ing such offender be in our actual service, and borne in Governor-ill-chief, in and over our said Province of Qtie-
our pay on board any of our ships of war, or other ves- bec, and all the territories dependant thereon, with all and
sels acting by our innnediate commission, or warrant from singular the powers and authorities hereby granted unto
our Commissioners for executing the office of High Admi- you, for and during our will and pleasure.
ral of Great Britain, or from our High Admiral of Great In witness whereof we have caused these our letters to
Britain, for the time being, as aforesaid, so as he sliall not be made patent.
receive any protection for the avoiding of justice for such Witness ourself at Westminster, the twenty-first day
offences committed on shore from any pretence of his being of November, in the fourtii year of our reign.
employed in our service at sea. By writ of Privy Seal.
And our further will and pleasure is, that all public (Signed) & YORKE. YORKE
moneys raised, or which shall be raised, by any act here-
after to be made vvitliin our said Province, be issued out
The Order of the Day, for the second reading of the Bill,

by warrant from you, by and with the advice and consent being read,
of our Council, as aforesaid, for the support of the Govern- Mr. T. Townshend said, the very deplorable situation of
ment, and not otherwise. the Canadians ever since the late peace, has been a matter,
And we likewise give and grant unto you full power and I confess, which has repeatedly engaged my attention.
authority, by and witli the advice and consent of our said Without law, without regulation, or any protection what-
Council, to settle and agree with the inhabitants of our said ever, I must own, I often pressed that they should be
Province, for such lands, tenements, and hereditaments, as put under some form of Government, or left to themselves,
now are, or hereafter shall be in our power to dispose of, to choose a mode of regulation suited to their immediate
and them to grant to any person or persons upon such wants but little did I think that my solicitude was press-
;

terms and under such moderate quit-rents, services, and ing on to a measure of so extraordinary a nature as the
acknowledgments to be thereupon reserved unto us, as you, present; little did I think, that a country as large as half

with the advice aforesaid, shall tiiink fit which said grants
; Europe, and within the Dominions of the Crown of Great
are to pass, and be sealed by our public seal of our said Britain, was going to have the Romish religion establish-
Province, and being entered upon record by such officer ed in it, as the religion of the State.
or officers as shall be aj)pointed thereunto, shall be good Little did I think, that so many thousand men, entitled
and effectual in law against us, our lieirs, and successors. and born to the rights of Englishmen, settling on the faith
Provided the same be conformable to the instructions of the King's proclamation, should, contrary to that assis-
herewith delivered to you, or to such other instructions as tance, contrary to every idea of the constitution, be sub-
niay hereafter be sent to you under our signet and sign jected to French Papists, and French laws. Little did I
manual, or by our order in our Privy Council which in-
; think, that when the noble Lord opposite me v\as frequent-
structions, or any articles contained therein, or any such House, to restore
ly applied to, session after session, in this
order made in our Privy Council, so far as the same shall order and regulation, in a country where nothing for full
relate to tiie granting of lands as aforesaid, shall from time twelve years had prevailed but anarchy and confusion
to time be published in the Province, and entered on re- and that his liOrdship assured us, that the Crown Officers
cord in like manner as the said grants are hereby directed in that country, the Crown Officers over the way (Solicitor
to be entered. and Attorney General,) the sages learned in the law, the
And we do hereby give you, the said James Murray, first great law officer under the Crown in the other House,

full power and authoiity to order fairs, marts, and markets ;

nay, even the Lord President of the Council, had been
and also such and so many ports, harbours, bays, havens, consulted, and had turned their closest attention to this
and other places for the conveniency or security of ship- subject little did I think, 1 say, that any measure like the
;

ping, and for the better loading and unloading of goods and present could have been the united result of so many great,
merchandises, in such and so many places, as by you, with wise, grave, and learned men. Standing as 1 do, and as-
the advice and consent of our said Council, shall be thought tonished as I am, 1 call upon the noble Lord to answer
fit and necessary. and tell to whicii of those sages does the nation, do the
And we do hereby require and command all officers and Canadiam, stand indebted for this extraordinary act of le-
ministers, civil and military, and all other inhabitants of our gislation. Is it to the Lord President, to the first law officer
said Province to be obedient, aiding, and assisting unto you, in the other House ? Is it to tiie very able and learned
the said James Murray, in the execution of this our com- gentleman over tlie way ? or to his Majesty's law servants
mission, and of tlie powei-s and authorities therein contain- in Canada 1 JJut let it have originated where it might, 1
ed and in case of your death or absence from our said
; rise not only to condemn the several clauses, but the very
Province and Government, to be obedient, aiding, and as- principle of the Bill, and shall be therefore against its being
sisting, as aforesaid, to the Commander-in-chief for the time read a second time.
i)eing, to whom we do therefore by these presents give and The Bill a despotic Government in that
establishes
grant all and singular the powers and authorities herein country, to whicli Royal Proclamation of 1763 promis-
tlie
granted to be by him executed and enjoyed, during our ed the protection of tlie la^vs of England. I call it despo-

pleasure, or until your arrival witliin our said Province. tic ; for so in fact it is, as the Council of Seventeen or
And in case of your deatii or absence from our said Pro- Twenty-three with the Go\ernor, tlie legislative authori-
is,

vince, our will and pleasure is, that our Lieutenant Go- ty of the Province. This Council the Governor can ap-
vernor of Montreal or Trois Rivieres, according to the point, suspend, and turn out, at his pleasure there is no :

priority of their commissions of Lieutenant Governor, do (]uoruin appointed ; for what purpose omitted, no one can
execute our said commission with all the powers and au- tell. Now, Sir, tliis is rendering the Governor securely
tliorities therein mentioned, as aforesaid. And in caSe of absolute you had much better have made him literally so,
;

the death or absence of our Lieutenant Governors of Mon- and then he would not have had a Council to screen him:
treal and Trois liivieres from our said Province, and that he is resjionsible in England, if he acts tyrannically but ;

there shall be no person within our said Province ajipoint- by means of this convenient Legislative Council, he can do
ed by us to be Lieutenant Governor or Commander-in- any thing with impunity.
chief of our said Province, our will and pleasure is, that Well, Sir, not content with constituting this Legislative
die eldest Counsellor, who shall be, at the time of vour Council, the mere creature of a Governor, who must ne-
181 QUEBEC BILL. 182

cessarily be the creature of a Minister, you go farther, and Mr. Dunning. I cannot omit this opportunity of giving
throw under this absokite power a country never considered my hearty protest against a Bill, which, in my conscience,
as Canada, and peopled by British subjects alone for you ; I think destnictive of every principle of freedom, and
extend the Government to the Mississippi on the West, abounding with mischief of a most serious tendency. Sir,
to the Ohio on the South, to Hudson's Bay on the North, I shall beg leave to follow the noble I>ord in the reply he
and on the East, to God knows where for no mortal can ; has given to the honorable member who stated his objec-
tell from the Bill where the Eastern boundaries are, so ex- tions to the Bill ; a reply which by no means answers those
ceedingly indefinite and unintelligible is the Bill. I should objections on the contrary, they appear to me to remain
;

be glad to know for what purpose the Colony is thus ama- And in endeavouring to do this, 1 shall divide
in full force.
zingly extended. what I have to observe into two considerations first, the :

In the next place, Sir, the internal arrangement of the consequences which will attend this Bill if it passes, in case
Colony consists in leaving the inhabitants the civil law Canada siiould ever be restored to France, an idea which
of France. You take away tiie trial by Jury, in civil by no means hurts me for if it should pass, I must own ]
;

mattere, and you cut off the habeas corpus from them. would as soon see the one Sovereign reigning there as the
Thus, in giving a Government to the Canadians, you de- other I mean, it will be of little consequence to the
;

prive many
British borri subjects, residing in countries People, and they will be as free in one case as in the
where they never dreamed of such innovations, of the other. My
second consideration will be, if the Province
dearest birth-rights of Britains. And as by this Act all should remain to England.
commissions to the legal Magistrates are revoked, I sup- Consider what it was for which you engaged in the
pose the Province change her present excellent Chief
is to last war, encroachments of the French upon our Colon-
Justice for a new one
to be appointed. It is for these ies ;they passed down their rivers, they seized upon
reasons, Sir, and for others, which I am clear will suggest large tracts, and built forts about this very country to
themselves to all the members of the House, that I shall the southward of Canada, claiming it as a part of Canada.
give my hearty negative to the Bill. You repelled force by force they offered to you to with-
;

Lord North. Tlie honorable gentleman has put a string draw from the South of the Ohio, and retire to the North,
of questions to me, which I am in no way able, nor, if I were, making that river the boundary of the two Colonies. No,
should I look upon myself bound to answer. I know not you replied ; the river of St. Lawrence is the boundary of
who drew the Bill up. I know not whether it was this great Canada ; we will admit of no other the tracts which you ;

Lawyer, or that noble Lord. All I know about the matter claim are parts of our Colonies of Virginia, Pennsylvania,
is, that it is a Bill from the other House offered to us for &;c., and we cannot grant away the certain and undoubted
consideration, and on which the House is at liberty to form rights of our subjects in such a manner. This refusal
that opinion best suited to its wisdom and judgment. I brought on the war; and in case a future war should
know and uncommon pains have
further, that very great happen, in which your arms do not succeed in the manner
been taken to form a Bill least liable to inconvenience or they did in the last war, you may then find yourself treat-
objection from any quarter. The honorable gentleman has ing upon the re-cession of Canada to France ; will not the
often pressed the King's servants on this subject, and now French demand the cession of Canada as you limit it by
owns that the affairs of that country call loudly for regula- Act of Parliament ? Will they not say, you have, by a
tion and redress yet the very first attempt that is made to
;
solemn act of your whole Legislature, proved to all the
put them on a proper footing, he at once condemns in the world, that in the dispute of limits at the opening of the
gross, and is willing to continue the evils he complains of, war we were right, and you wrong ; you have chalked out
rather than attempt their correction in the first instance. the very limits to it, which we insisted on and you have ;

For my part, all circumstances considered, I think the Bill confirmed them by an act of Parliament how therefore can ;

is tlie best that can at present be devised

other gentlemen, ; you, with any propriety, talk of restoring any thing less
may but at all events it seems to me
think otherwise ;
than what we always claimed as Canada, and what you
proper that it should be permitted to go to a Committee ;
have since solemnly adjudged to be Canada 1 And this, I
and if it shall then appear to be the sense of tlie House, think, in a negotiation, may be attended with most serious
that the Bill should pass in its present form, that it should consequences.
receive amendments, or that particular clauses should be Next Sir, supposing you preserve the possession of it,
struck out, and others substituted in their stead ; or, in fine, let us consider the consequences that flow from this Act
that should be totally rejected ; in any or either of these
it you throw at once the whole People of that Colony into an
events, I shall be perfectly satisfied. arbitrary power, for such is that of your Governor, as it has
wish to give the right honorable member all the satis-
I been well stated and you not only do this to the Canadian
;

faction in my power upon this measure. Respecting the subjects, but, by giving to the new Province this monstrous
Government given to the Province, the right honorable southern extent, you run it down upon the back of the
gentleman objects, I suppose, to an Assembly not being planted part of many of our Colonies, and take away, by
appointed. The reason why a Council alone, appointed one stroke, the charter properties confirmed by act of Par-
by the Governor, was preferred, was the small number of liament of those Colonies, you violently seize their rights,
English settlers who must choose that Assembly, in order and the People who pass the mountains to settle on the
for their acts to govern and bind all the French and eastern side of them, will immediately find, that by going
Roman Catholic subjects. This, Sir, was thought to be to live in what they ever esteemed their direct property,
very unequal, and even cruel, tohave an Assembly, chosen they find themselves gone from the freedom of the British
by so small a body, govern so large a one and if the busi- ; constitution, and meet with all the power of despotism.
ness is considered maturely, it will, I believe, be found the This is not only a cruel, violent, and odious measure, but
most conducive to the happiness of the People. Next, it tears up justice, and all its principles, by the root. To
Sir, as to the extent given to this Colony it takes in no ;
think that the inhabitants of those countries, settling in
countries regularly jilanted by British settlers, but merely them under the protection of this free Government, and as-
distant military posts, at present without any Government sured by law and Parliament that they settle under the
but that of tiie respective commanding officers. Now, the liberty of their old charter constitutions, finding themselves,
question here is you annex them under
merely this, will by crossing an imaginary line, deprived of the dearest
the present Government ? Will you leave them without rights and privileges of English subjects, is a most tyran-
any Government ? Or will you form separate Govern- nical and inhuman conduct. It is sporting with property

ments and Colonies of them ? in a manner that cannot be defended, and for attaining no
It was thought by the Lords, that the plan in which there end whatever that deserves attention.
were the fewest inconveniences, was to throw the scattered But there are much greater and more solid objections to
{)osts to the Government of (^mhcc. As to the civil law the present Bill, than can possibly arise from the limits
of France being left to the Canadians, it was thought more within wliich it is intended to operate. I am well warrant-
humane to them than to change it for a now law, of which ed in and do without reserve affirm, that it is
affirming,
they must be entirely ignorant, as the trial by Jury, in a Bill the most pernicious in its frame, and destnictive of

criminal mattersis given them. The present officers in the principles of the constitution in its tendency, that was
the Province were not meant to be changed, most cer- ever introduced into this House. What does it do ? It
tainly. appoints a Legislative Council, under the absolute controul
183 QUEBEC BILL. 184

and dominion of the Goveraor ; that Governor equally de- Colonel Bar re said, that the Bill was every way com-
pendant on those in power here that Council to he com- ; plete ; that its clauses perfectly corresponded with its princi-
posed of Papists and Frenchmen ; and this is the Govern- ple and that taking them unitedly, diey were the most
;

ment and the mode of legislation which British subjects and flagrant attack on the constitution that had hitherto been
Englishmen are hound implicitly to obey. But what are attempted. He probable number of
next stated the
they to l)ave in return ? Oh ! The criminal law of English settlers and inhabitants
the situation of the Pro-
;

England is to be retained ; that is, when they grossly of- vince at the time of the conquest ; explained the terms ol'
fend against the laws of society, they are entitled to the the Definitive Treaty of Peace ; the King's Proclamation
superior lenity of those criminal laws ; but when they do in October, 17G3 and demonsliated how repugnant they
;

not ofiend, but demean themselves peaceably, or are in the W'Cre to the design and provisions of the present Bill. He
fair and honest prosecution of their rights and properties, entered pretty I'ully into several points before spoke to,
both one and the other are to be determined on, not by the particularly relative to ihe French laws; and finished with
fair and equitable laws of England, but by constitutions observing —
I cannot agree that there is any thing in the
they cannot be supposed, nor ever will be able to under- laws of England, in the trial by Jury, ami the habeas
stand. Suppose those laws were as intelligible as they corpus, that the Canadians would not very easily under-
are otherwise, would it not add to the misery of an En- stand and it is preposterous to suppose, that tlie superiori-
;

glishman, that he perfectly understood the full meaning and ty of good and just law, and freedom, should not be telt by
extent of a lettre de cachet ? Is not this part of the con- People, because they had been used to arbitrary power.
stitutions of Paris, on which the laws of Canada are But why is the religion of France, as well as the law of
framed ? It may be objected, that being within the France, to become the religion of all those People not
criminal jurisdiction, no such thing can possibly happen ;
Canadians, that pass out of one Colony into another? By
but I contend for the contrary, as letters of this kind are this Act you establish the Roman Catholic religion where
issued upon a thousand occasions, in which no crimes are it never was established before, and you only permit the

imputed to the person arrested and confined motives of ;

practice of your own you do not so much as let them go
;

prudence, motives ofconvenicnce, of family regulation, he, hand in hand. For what purj)ose is the Illinois and the
frequently give birth to steps of this nature. On the whole, Ohio to be Roman Catholics? Why is that to be made
if any thing were wanting to give me the worst opinion of the established religion of that vast country, in which are
this Bill, the trial by Jury in civil cases, and the habeas very many English settlers ?
corpus law being omitted, would be motive strong enough Lord John Cavendish objected to many of the principles
with me to give it my strongest negative. laid down by Mr. Attorney. He said he did not contend
Mr. Attorney General Thurlow. Respecting the ill for the total introduction of the English laws, particularly
consequences that may flow from enlarging the Province on a sudden, but that by blending them with their own,
of Quebec, in case of being forced by a future war to they might gradually conciliate the Canadians to them, and
restore it, I cannot see that in the same light as my learned in the end be able to conquer all their present prejudices,

friend because I think that the limits and importance of so as to lead to the final establishment of tlie laws of this
;

cessions are never dependant upon such arrangements as country. He added, that whatever compromise of this
these, but upon the length of the sword it is success in kind might be entered into on the present occasion, he
;

war that gives success in peace, and by no means the could perceive no possible good reason for withholding
imaginary lines drawn by a State in its Colonies nor have from them the extension of the Habeas Corpus Act, and die
;

the limits now drawn any thing to do with old Canada trial by Jury.

they take in countries never claimed by France ; it is a Mr. Sergeant Glynn controverted most of the positions
new scheme, and by no means the restoration of those old laid down by the Attorney General, particularly relative to
limits the French once contended for. the true construction of the Definitive Treaty, his Majesty's
With regard to the supposed cruelty of not giving the Proclamation, and the propriety of allowing the conquered
Canadians the same laws in every instance as we enjoy in to retain their own laws. He observed, that whatever
England, 1 am so far from being of the same opinion, contrary opinion might be maintained, it was his, that all
that I think you could not act more cruelly to that People, conquests, as soon as made, vested in the King, Lords, and
than to change at once their law of property, and give them Commons but that, until the two latter interfered, the ;

our trial by Jury, which is necessarily giving our law of King, as actual representative of the whole, was justified in
actions. I am clear it would so completely confound them, making such regulations as he might think proper, so that
as to be more tyrannical than can be easily imagined. they were not actually repugnant to the laws or constitution.
They would not understand the rule of their own actions The latter not being the case of the Proclamation, he
;

they would not know on what principles they stood possess- thought the nation in every respect bound to fulfil every
ed of their own property. In a word, you would give thing promised by that solemn' engagement. He instanced
them the greatest curse, under the notions of a blessing. likewise the cases of Wales and Ireland, as conquered
There is not a circumstance dearer to a man, nor one which countries, where our laws had been established and en- ;

he ought to be more jealous of, than to be tried in all points larged, in a very able manner on the many imjjortant and
by laws to which he has been used, and whose principles salutary effects that had arisen from our extending them to
are known to him. those countries.
He condemned in very harsh terms the advisers of the Mr. Solicitor General denied the fact as stated by the
proclamation, and the imperfect, improper manner in which learned Sergeant insisted, that it was not till the reign of ;

it was drawn up. He denied however, that it contained Henry the Eighth, that they were introduced into Wales, nor
any such assurance as that contended for by the gentlemen until that of James the First, that they obtained in Ireland.
on the other side. He said, that no such encouragement He said, that among all the great or powerful nations we
should have been given that it was impolitic to hold out
; had an account of, the Romans and English were the only
any benefits to the natural horn subjects of this country to two who forced their laws on the conquered that it was a ;

emigrate thither from lience, or to go from the other Colo- most cruel and barbarous policy, and that the English laws,
nies that to form settlements in North America, far dis-
; how much soever we might prize them, would be die
tant from the sea, or from the neigjibourhood of the great greatest curse imaginable to the Canadians.
navigable rivers, was extremely improper that as to the Mr. Charles Fox objected to the Bill, as being contrary
;

establishment of the French laws, relative to property, to the established usage of Parliament. He said a pro-
being not so proper as those of England, he was astonished vision was made in it for securing the tythes to the Romish
to hear any gentleman object to them, as it would be in tlie clergy that this was raising money on the subject, and
;

last degree cruel and unjust to force the laws of the con- that consequently its originating in the odier House, was
querors on the conquered that the uniform custom of all
; not only irregular and inliirmal, hut directly repugnant to
;;reat and conquering nations had been against it; and, that the custom and law of Parliament.
therefore taking tiie present Bill as applying to French or Mr. Dempster said, the inqiropriety of the Bill stnick
English, it was perfectly right the former should receive him, for it certainly was a Bill cither to take away or im-
every possible encouragement to become good subjects, and pose a tax, and therefore should have orij^inated in the
the latter meet witli every possible obstruction from settling Commons, but he should be glad of die Speaker's opin-
in that Province.
 185 QUEBEC BILL.
I8i
Mr. Sawbridge
rose, saying, he found the Speaker was Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the table,
unwilling to but that he should not ask his opinion as
rise, until theReport be received from the Cominittce of the
a favour, but as a part of his duty, and, if the honorable whole House, to whom die said Bill is committed and ;

gentleman (Mr. Dempster) was willinj;, he would make it that the Petitioners be then heard, by their Counsel, upon
a question, whether the Speaker should give his opinion or their petition, if they think fit.
not? Mr. Mackworth. The Petition which I have in my
The Speaker rose, seemingly very angry, and said, he hand, from the merchants of London, trading to Quebec,
is

was not used to be called on in that manner, and that he who finding that a Bill is about to pass this House, which
did not think it his business to give any opinion on the they apprehend will essentially injure them in their com-
affair. mercial transactions with that Colony, rely on the justice
A strong debate ensued, in which Mr. Charles jPoa;, Mr. and the candour of this House to take their case into
Dempster, Mr. T. Townshend, Mr. Dunning, Sergeant consideration. As to the merit. Sir, of the Bill, which is
Glynn, and Sir George Savile, strongly contended that now coming before us, I must make this general observa-
the Bill was, to all intents and purposes, either a Bill to tion, that a Bill which has confessedly taken nine years
impose a tax, or to repeal a part of a tax, and therefore it for Administration to consider of effectual means to remedy
was against a standing order, concerning the privileges of the evils complained of; such a Bill, Sir, surely will
all money bills, originating in that House. Lord North, and demand more time than a few days for the members of
the Attorney and Solicitor Generals, defended the Bill. this House, to judge in what manner to give their vote.
Information is what we want. I know not what opinion I
The question was then put. That the Bill be now read
a second time
am to form upon the necessity which can call for such a
Bill, and for want of that information which ought now to
The House divided : Yeas, 105 ; Nays, 29.
So was resolved be before the House. I cannot but condemn most sin-
it in the Affirmative : and the Bill was
cerely several arrangements in the Bill, which seem de-
accordingly read a second time.
structive of that liberty which ought to be the ground-work
Resolved, That the Bill be committed to a Committee
of every constitution formed by this House but I cannot
of the whole House. ;

Resolved, That the House will, upon Tuesday morning

judge what are the causes which call for such measures,
while I remain so uninformed as at present. There were
next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House,
reports from the Board of Trade, to the King in Conucil,
upon the said Bill.
upon the state of the Province there were representa-
;

Tuesday, May 31, 1774. tions from men in the highest offices in the Provinces, upon
the proposed constitution to be given to it there were
Mr. Baker presented a Petition of Thomas Penn, ;

opinions in writing from the Attorney and Solicitor Gene-

Esquire, on behalf of himself, and of John Penn, Esquire,
ral, upon the plans proposed these papers would, if laid
true and absolute Proprietaries of the Province of Penn- ;

before us, give that information which we want, and with-

sylvania, and the three lower Counties of New Castle,
out which it will be impossible for us to give any other
Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, in America, setting forth,
than blind votes, which will, fi-om every thing that we can
that his late Majesty King Charles the Second, by letters
at present see in the Bill, establish a most fatal system of
patent under the great seal, bearing date the fourth day of
March, in the three and thirtieth year of his reign, was
Government in that country.
graciously pleased to grant unto William Penn, Esq., (late
Mr. Mackivorth then presented a Petition of the seve-
ral merchants of the City of London, trading to the Pro-
fiither of the Petitioner, Thomas Penn, and grandfather of
vince of Quebec, in North America, whose respective
the Petitioner, John Penn,) in fee, the said Province of
Pennsylvania ; the extent and bounds whereof were expres-
names are thereunto written, setting forth, that there is a
clause in the said Bill, by which his Majesty's Royal Pro-
sed in the said letters patent and taking notice of the Bill
;

clamation, and the grants and commissions issued in conse-

for making more Government of
effectual provision for the
quence thereof, will be revoked and made void and that
tiie Province of Qiiebec, in North America; and alleging ;

that, from the best observations which have been made,"and

by anotlier clause in the said Bill, all matters of contro-
versy, relative to the property and civil rights of any of his
the most correct maps which have been laid down of those
Majesty's subjects of the said Province, are to be decided
parts, and from other evidence, it appears, that the river
Ohio, intersects a very large tract of the Northwestern,
by the laws of Canada, and by the Judges presiding in the
courts of judicature of that Province, without the inter-
Western, and Southwestern parts of the said Province,
position of a Jury and representing to the House, that the
as granted by the said letters patent, the limits or bounda- ;

ries whereof, in that part, have not, as yet, been allowed

system of government and administration of justice in the
said Province of Quebec, which have taken place in con-
and confirmed by the Crown and that, in order to have
;

the limits and boundaries of the said Province ascertained,

sequence of his Majesty's said Royal Proclamation, have
the Petitioners did, on the 27th day of March, 1773,
been hitherto, as nearly as might be, according to the laws
of England, and such government and administration of
present a petition to his Majesty, in Council, praying that
justice have been perfectly satisfactory to his Majesty's sub-
his Majesty would be graciously pleased to appoint such
jects residing in the said Province of Canada ; and the Pe-
disinterested pereons in those parts, as his Majesty should
titioners conceive it will be highly injurious to his Majesty's
think proper, to join with such persons as should be named
said subjects trading to the said Province, to have the laws of
by the Petitioners, to mark out and ascertain the Northern,
Western, and Southwestern boundaries of the said Pro- Canada substituted in the place of the laws of England,
vince which petition has been referred, by his Majesty, and to have the trial by Jury abolished and therefore :
;

praying (in behalf of themselves and others interested in

to the consideration of the Lords Commissioners for Trade
the prosperity of the said Province) that the said Bill may
and 'Plantations, and is now under consideration of that
not pass into a law, with the above-mentioned clauses
Board and that the Petitioners conceive that the said
;

remaining in it and that they may be heard, by their

;
Bill will be injurious to them, if it should pass into a law,
Counsel, against the same.
without containing some provision, that the same may not
affect the Petitioners rights under the said letters patent
Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the
consideration of the Committee of the whole House, to
and therefore praying, that the description of tlie Territo-
ries, Islands, and Coinitries, to be annexed to the said
whom the said Bill is committed and that the Petitioners
;

Province of (Quebec, may be so confined, as not to affect be heard, by themselves or Counsel, before the said Com-
mittee, upon their petition, if they think fit.
tlie Petitioners said Province or that a provision mav
;

be made in the said Bill, that the same shall not affect
A motion was made, by Mr. Mackworth, that an
ilie Petitioners Province, granted to them by the said let-
humble Address be presented to his Majesty, that he will
ters patent and that the Petitioners may be at liberty to be be graciously pleased to give directions, that there be laid
:

lieard, by their Counsel, upon the matter of their Petition.

before this House
Copy of a Report made by Major General Carleton,
Upon the Petition being read, Lord North rose and Governor of the Province of Quebec, to his Majesty, rela-
said, that he should not think of opposing it, as it was tive to die state of the Province.
never the intention of tlie Bill to affect tlie just rights of Copy of a Report made by William Hey, Esquire,
any proprietors, or of any of the Colonies. Chief Justice of the said Province.
187 QUEBEC BILL. 188

Copy of a Report made by Francis Maseres, Esquire, conduct in this Bill would bear the light, they would
late Attorney General of the said Province and ; give you light to view it in, and rejoice in the opportunity
Copies of the Reports of liis Majesty's Advocate Gen- of giving such a proof of their abilities and moderation.
eral, Attorney General, and Solicitor General, relating to For what purpose is it that you would precipitate this
the said Province. affair ? You have been
nine years considering, weighing
Lord North. I sliall oppose the calling for those pa- maturely, and reflecting perpetually upon what Govern-
pers they will take some time in copying
; there have ; ment should be given to this Province what harm can :

been several reports from the Board of Trade, vvliich are arise from a delay of a single year? What prodigious
long, and if we wait for addressing the Crown to lay them mischief is to result from the Government of the Province
before us, the season will be delayed too late, and for no continuing one year more in the present situation ?
purpose, as we may have the same information at our bar.
And the question being put, the House divided : Yeas,
The Governor of the Province I see at the bottom of the
45 ; Nays, 85.
House, who may be ordered to attend when you go into
the Committee Mr. Hey, who is Ciiief Justice, is near
; So it passed in the Negative.
Canterbury, and may be ordered up and Mr. Maseres, ;
Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his
who was Attorney General of that Province, is also in
Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give direc-
Ltondon ; as to the Attorney and Solicitor General, we
tions that there be laid before this House :

iiave them amongst us therefore I do not see but we may

;
The last Report from the Lords Commissioners of Trade
have just as good information in this manner, and much
and Plantations, to his Majesty, in Council, relative to the
more expeditiously, than by addressing for the papers.
Constitution of the Province of Quebec; and
Mr. T. Townshend. As this is not the proper time for
The Reports from the Lords Commissioners of Trade
going into the principle of the Bill, I shall confine myself
and Plantations, to his Majesty, in Council, dated the 11th
to the absurdity, to say no more of it, of bringing in a
of January, and 3d of September, 1765, relating to the
Bill of such magnitude and importance so late in the
said Province.
session, without previously upon the table the
laying
Ordered, That Francis Maseres, Esquire, late Attorney
necessary information ; at present we have none and if
;
General of the Province of Quebec, do this day attend the
the noble Lord means that we should know the subject
Committee of the whole House, to whom the engrossed
upon which we are to debate, he certainly will not object
Bill from the I^ords, intituled, " An Act for making more
to giving us that information, without which we cannot " effectual provision for the
Government of the Province
proceed with propriety. Let us, in the name of common " of Quebec, in North America," is committed.
sense, see what are the complaints of the Canadians
Ordered, That Major General Carleton, Governor of
against their present Government, what are their distress-
the said Province, do attend the said Committee, at the
es ; what their desires and let us see the opinions of
;
same time.
the great law officei-s which have been given upon this
Ordered, That William, Hey, Esquire, Chief Justice of
point.
the said Province, do attend this House upon Thursday
Colonel Barre. I think there will be very little dif-
morning next.
ficulty in shewing, that the proposition now made by the
Ordered, That Doctor James Marriott, his Majesty's
noble Lord will be very far from answering the purpose of
Advocate General, do attend this House upon Thursday
those who wish for full information on this subject. The
morning next.
papers we now call for would give us that information
The Order of the Day being read
those papers are drawn up coolly, attentively, and upon
The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole
long and mature consideration and they have been drawn
;
House, upon the Bill.
up at leisure by men of great character and abilities.
Mr. Mansfield, counsel Merchants of London,
for the
Now, Sir, the noble Lord will not, he cannot assert, with
petitioners against the Bill, was who, after a long
called in,
any appearance of justice, that calling those men to your
speech, setting forth the dangerous tendency of the Bill,
bar, to be questioned in the desultory manner common
desired leave to call in Edward Watts.
upon those occasions, and in the midst of the contention
He was asked a number
being accordingly called in,
between those who patronise the Bill, and others who
—
condemn it 'will he tell us that this is such information as
of questions by Lord Barrington, Lord North, Lord
Clare, Lord Carmarthen, Colonel Barre, Capt. Fhipps,
we should receive from the papers referred to? It is
Mr. W. Burke, Mr. Mackworth, Gov. Johnstone, Mr.
impossible. As to the two great law officers who are
Hopkins, Sic. as to the French and English laws in Can-
present, I admit that their standing in their places, and
ada, and to which the inhabitants gave the preference.
reciting the opinions they gave would be satisfactory but ;

then tliey ought simply to inform us what those opinions After he withdrew, Mr. Samml Morin was called in.
were, and not to enter into the debate on the merit of the
They both spoke in favour of the English laws being
Bill at the same time, or, by a side wind, to warp infor-
exercised in Canada, and mentioned that the English resi-
mation concerning a past fact into an opinion of a debate
dents there highly approved of the trial by Jury, and seem-
in question. That satisfaction should be made the House
ed to think that an annihilation of that right would greatly
on these points nobody can doubt for to tell us that we
;

hurt the Colony. The former of the witnesses had been

cannot have information for want of time to copy papers,
nine years resident in Canada, the latter eleven.
is to tell us plainly that we are to proceed in the dark it ;
The Committee then rose, reported progress, and asked
ii and will be a deed of despotism, and therefore may well
leave to sit again.
be linked with darkness. I wish it to be the deed of a
Resolved, That this House will, upon Thursday morn-
single hand ;it is a projjer exertion of arbitrary power, in
ing next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole
which the less concern Parliament has, tiie better. Intel-
House, to consider further of the said Bill.
ligence must be kept from us because it will not bear the
Ordered, That the several persons, who were ordered
light; if it was openly and fairly laid before you, it would
to attend the said Committee this day, do attend the said
condemn in the strongest and clearest manner the princi-
Committee upon Thursday morning next.
ples and the provisions of this Bill, all of which it would
be found are equally unnecessary and pernicious. Wednesday, June 1, 1774.
Mr. Attorney General. My opinion, and that of my
learned colleague, were in writing, and lodged among our The Lord North presented to the House, pursuant to
State papers nor have we any right to read them in our
; their Addresses to his Majesty :

jilaces as servants of the Crown. l\o person, without his Copy of a Representation of the Lords Commissioners
Majesty's consent, has a right to them. for Trade and Plantations, to tlie Lords of the Committee
Mr. Edmund Burke. I am very sorry to find from of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated Whitehall, 2d
the turn which the debate takes on the other side of the September, 1765.
House that we are to have no satisfaction relative to the Copy of a Representation of the Lords Commissioners
information which every man of common sense must think for Trade and Plantations, to the Lords of the Committee
necessary on this occasion this is a fresh reason for
: of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated Whitehall, July
condemning the Bill, since if Administration thought their 10th, 1769.
189 QUEBEC BILL. 190

Copy of a Representation of the Board of Trade, to the General Carleton. Much the greatest part of them
King, dated January 9th, 1765, on affairs of tlie Province are not. There are some that have purchased seignories,
of Quebec. some in trade, and some reduced soldiers but the majority
:

are men
of small substance.
Tlie Lord North also presented to the House, by his
Mr. Jenkinson. Is there much intercourse or commu-
Majesty's command
nication between those three hundred and sixty and the
Copy of a Memorial of the new subjects of Qitebec, to
rest of the Province ?
his Majesty.
General Carleton. Very little.
Copy of a Memorial of Canadian subjects, to the King.
Lord North. Are those People, upon the whole,
Copy of a Memorial of the citizens and Burgesses of
proper and eligible for an Assembly to be chosen from
Montreal, to the King.
them ?
Copyof a Memorial of the principal citizens of Quebec.
General Carleton. I should apprehend by no means.
Memorial of the principal French inhabitants of Cana-
Mr. Phipps. What is the extent of the cultivated and
da, in support of their Petition to the King.
populous part of Canada 1
And the titles of the said Papers were read
General Carleton. About three hundred miles.
Ordered, that the said Papers be referred to the consi-
Mr. Phipps. Are there any populous settlements de-
deration of the Committee of the whole House, on the
tached from that line, at a distance ?
Bill.
General Carleton. None of consequence.
Thursday, June 2, 1774. Mr. Phipps. Is the cultivation of the lands and the
trade of the Province much increased since the conquest ?
The Lord North presented to the House, by his Majes- General Carleton. Very much.
ty's command Lord North. Does General Carleton attribute that
A paper intituled, " Petition from the new Inhabitants increase to the introducing of the trial by Jury, and the
" of Quebec, to his Majesty." English law?
Ordered, That the said Paper be referred to the consi- General Carleton. By no means.
deration of the Committee of the whole House, on the Mr. T. Townshend. To what then does the General
Bill. attribute it ?

The Order of the Day

being read, the House resolved General Carleton. To the change from a state of war
itself into a Committee of Whole, upon the Bill. to one of peace the Government was before extremely
;

military and military expeditions ever going on to a dis-

;
General Carleton was called in and examined.
tance, great numbers of men lost, population hurt, and the
Mr. Mackworth. What was the proceedings and course People taken from the culture of the earth for those
of justice in Canada, when you first went there ? purposes. This change (for they have now enjoyed above
General Carleton. There is a Court of King's Bench ten years peace, with none of the inhabitants taken for the
and Court of Common Pleas, in which the proceedings are military) has wrought the increase of People.
in the English form. Mr. Turner. Has not the increase of trade and wealth
Mr. Macktvorth. Did the Canadians express a dislike been much owing to the free export of corn ?
to the distribution of justice in that form ? General Carleton. I take it to be owing to the increase
General Carleton. In some things they did, in others of People.
they did not. I never heard them express a disapproba- Mr. Turner. Was not the increase of cultivation owing
tion of the criminal law of England; but in relation to to the export ?
the law in civil trials, they have disapproved it greatly. General Carleton. The cultivation I attribute to the
Mr. Mackworth. Did they disapprove the trial by Jury ? increase of People. There must be the People before
General Carleton. Very much they have often said
; there could be the cultivation.
to me, that they thought it very extraordinary that En- Lord North. Does the General know any thing of a
glish gentlemen should think their property safer in the Monsieur Le Brun ?
determination of tailors, shoe-makers, mixed with people General Carleton. I know him very well. He was a
in trade, than in that of the judges. blackguard at Paris, and sent as a lawyer to Canada :
Mr. T. Townshend. But if they had juries such as there he gained an extreme bad character in many re-
they approved of, would they then object to the English spects he was taken up and imprisoned for a very filthy
;

civil law ? crime with children of eight or nine years old for tliis he ;

General Carleton. Their objections to that law are was fined, I think, twenty pounds, but being unable to
very numerous they do not know what it is
; and they
; pay it
expressed great apprehensions at being governed by a law Mr. T. Townshend. 1 desire the General may with-
of which they were ignorant they also complained of
: draw. [He withdrew.] Sir, I know not what use is to
the proceedings of tlie Courts being in a language they did be made of this part of the evidence but sure I am, it is ;

not understand. a most unprecedented thing, and such an one, as an inde-

Lord North. Did the General hear them complain of pendent member of Parliament, I cannot see and hear

——and with whom you seem have

the want of the trial by Jury in civil causes ? without interrupting it ;
you man un-
are criminating a
General Carleton. Never. Though I have heard the heard —
not before you to
same men praise the English law in points wherein it nothing to do.
favoured their own causes, who at other times were much Ijord North. This Monsieur Le Brun has come over
against it. from Canada to make the gen-
representations that it is

Lord North. Did they express wishes of having an and wish of the Canadians, to have an
eral opinion, desire,
Assembly ? Assembly I thought it right to know how likely he was
:

General Carleton. Very much the contrary. In the to know the opinion of that country and what degree of ;

conversation I have had with them, they have all said dependance could be placed in his testimony but I shall —
that when they found what disputes the other Colonies ask no more questions concerning him.
had with the Crown, upon account of Assemblies, they
[The General called in again.]
would much rather be without them and when they
;

supposed tliat an Assembly, if they had one, would be Mr. Phipps. Were there any other objections to the
chosen from tiie old British subjects only, expressed an English law than what the General has mentioned i
horror at the idea of one. General Carleton. I recollect an instance against the

Lord North. Does the General know the proportion criminal law. Some Canadian and English gentlemen
of old subjects to those of new ones in Canada 1 were ajipreliended for a crime, and laid in goal the ;
—
General Carleton. Tlie Protestants in Canada are un- whole Province supposed them innocent, and the Jury
der four hundred; about three hundred and sixty; but found them so the nobility complained, that by our law
;

the French inhabitants, who are all Catholics, amount to they were punished by a severe imprisonment, which, in
one hundred and fifty thousand. the French law, they would have escaped. This made a
Lord North. Are those three hundred and sixty, men great impression upon them, and prejudiced them very
of substance ? much against even our criminal law.
 191 QUEBEC BILL. 192

Mr. Maseres called in and examined. the legal prerogative of the Crown of France, whatever
Mr. Soltritor General. What form of Government might be its origin.
have the Canadians expressed themselves most desirous Mr. Solicitor General. Mr. Maseres does not rightly
of? apprehend my question. I will explain myself. I want
Mr. Maseres, They have no clear notions of Goveni- to know in what capacity the French King is supposed,
ment, having never been used to any such speculations. by writers upon the French laws and Government, to act,
They will be content with any you give them, provided it when he issues a lettre de cachet 7
be well administered. Mr. Maseres. I do not yet thoroughly comprehend
Mr. Mackworth. Have they expressed any dissatisfac- the question.
tion at the trialby Jury in criminal matters ? Mr. Solicitor General. I mean to ask whether Mr.
Mr. Maseres. They like it very well. Maseres does not understand the King of France to act in
Mr. T. Toivnshend. Do you know that they have any his legislative capacity, when he issues one of those letters ?
objection to the same trial in civil cases ? Mr. Maseres. I have never yet considered the rela-
Mr. Maseres. Certainly they have but they ])rinci-
; tion between a lettre de cachet and the legislative authority.
pally consist in the expense and trouble of that attendance. It may perhaps be on that authority that the right of issu-

Were they allowed a compensation, I should apprehend ing those letter is grounded, or said to be grounded.
they would be well satisfied in all cases and I think so
; I cannot say to the contrary. Yet there seems, at first
small a sum as five shillings a man would do for that sight, to be a considerable diflierence between a law and a
purpose. lettre de cachet ; since a law is generally understood to be
Mr. Solicitor General. Does Mr. Maseres think that a previous declaration of the will of the lawgiver, or lawgi-
they would be pleased with the abolition of their old cus- vei-s, whetlier one or many, upon a particular subject, witli

toms by the introduction of our civil law ? penalties annexed to the breach of it, when so previously
Mr. Maseres. A
total abolition of their customs rela- declared wliereas a lettre de cachet is a sudden exercise
;

tive to descents, dower, and the transfer of land, would of power without such a previous declaration of the will of
be highly offensive to them. In other matters I beheve the legislator.
they would be very well satisfied with the English Mr. Solicitor General. Though Mr. Maseres has not
laws. considered it in that light, yet it is certain, that the French
Mr. Mackworth. Would they have any objection to King's power of issuing lettres de cachet is generally un-
the law^ of habeas corpus ? dei-stood by the writers on the French laws and Govern-
Mr. Maseres. It is impossible that any People should ment to be a part of his legislative authority, by which he
object to that law. provides for the sudden emergencies that occur in Govern-
Mr. T. Townshend. Did not the Canadians think ment, as he does by the more formal kind of laws for the
themselves promised, by tlie Proclamation, the benefit of usual business of the State. And, consequently, as the
an Assembly, and do they not now desire to have it ? King of Great Britain has not in himself alone the legis-
> Mr. Maseres. As to an Assembly, they have a very lative authority over this Kingdom, and the other dominions
confused idea of what it is the generality of the People of the Crown, but this authority belongs to the King and
;

have no desire to have it, for they know not what it is tiie two Houses of Parliament conjointly, this power of

but there are a few among them who have considered the issuing lettres de cachet, in the Province of (Quebec, which
matter, and they would prefer an Assembly. 'had formerly belonged to the French King, by reason of
Mr. Mackworth. Does Mr. Maseres think that the his being the sole legislator of that country, cannot, by
pro\nsions of this Bill for the Government of Canada are this revival of the laws of Canada, accrue to the King of
the freest that could with propriety be granted ? Great Britain, who is not the sole legislator of it, but only
Mr. Maseres. Certainly not I have sufficiently ex- to the King and the two Houses of Parliament, who are
;

plained to the world how I think there might have been a so. I dare say Mr. Maseres must now see this matter in
judicious mixture of a law for the free Government of that the same light that I do, and be convinced, that no lettres
Province. de cachet can legally be used in Canada, by virtue of
Mr. Dunning. Is Mr. Maseres acquainted with the this Act.
laws of Canada 1 Mr. Maseres. This reasoning may perhaps be just. It
Mr. Maseres. I iiave some slight knowledge of them. is so new to me that I cannot undertake just at present to

Mr. Dunning. As by this Bill resort is to be had to form a judgment of it. But though it should be just, and,
the laws of Canada, and not the laws of England, in all in consequence of it, the use of lettres de cachet should
matters of jjroperty and civil rights, I would ask Mr. not be legal, yet I cannot help thinking that, if they were
Maseres, whether the Governor of the Province will not used, the subjects against whom they were em|)loyed
have a right by the laws of Canada, if this Bill should would be without any legal remedy against them for if a ;

))ass, to issue a lettre de cachet to imprison any of the motion was made on the behalf of a pei-son imprisoned by
King's subjects in the Province ? one of them in the Court of King's Bench in the Province,
Mr. Maseres. I believe he would not have a riu-ht to for a writ of habeas corpus, or any other relief against such
imprison persons by Icttres de cachet signed by himself; imprisonment, the Judges would probably think themselves
because I have always heard that no Icttres de cachet are bound to declare that, as this was a question concern-
ever used for that purpose in France, or the French Do- ing personal liberty, which is a civil right, and in all
minions, but such as are signed by the French Kin;' matters of property and civil rights they are directed, by
himself. But I have also been told, that blank Icttres dc this Act of Parliament, to have resort to the laws of
racket, ready signed by the King, are sometimes given to Canada, and not to the laws of England, they could not
Governors .and Intendunts of Provuices, to be used by award the writ of habeas corpiis, or any other remedy
them as occasion shall require. prescribed by the English law, but could only use such
Mr. Dunning. I desire then to Ivuow, whether if lettres methods for the relief of the prisoner as were used by the
dc cachet, signed by the King, were to be delivered to the French Courts of Justice in the Province during the time
Governor of Canada, after this Bill shall be passed into a of the French Government, for the relief of a person
law, these Icttres dc cachet might not, in Mr. Maseres' imprisoned by the Intendant or Governor, by a letti'c de
opinion, be lawfully made use of by the Governor, to cachet, signed by the King of France. And such relief
imprison the King's subjects in that Province ? would, I imagine, be found to be none at all. Tlierefore,
Mr. Maseres. [After some pause.] I think tliev if it is intended that the King's subjects in Canada should
might. have the benefit of the Habeas Corpus Act, I apprehend
Mr. Solicitor General. I desire to know of Mr. it would be most advisable, in order to remove all doubts
Maseres, upon what principle of the French law he sup- and difficulties upon the subject, to insert a short clause for
lioses the authority of issuing lettres de cachet to be found- that purpose in this Act.
ed ? Lord North. I desire to know of Mr. Maseres, whe-
I\Ir. Maseres. I do not know. It seems probable, ther he does not think it would be criminal in a Governor
that it was at first an usurped authority. But it is now to make use of any such lettres de cachet, and in a Ministei'
constantly practised, and acquiesced in throughout the of State to advise the King to sign them and whether they
;

French Dominions, and is therefore now understood to be would not be punishable here in England for doing so ?
Its QUEBEC BILL. 194

Mr. Maseres. If the lettres dt cachet should not be in principles of the polity of this country. I would have left
themselves illegal, I do not see how the Governor could the Canadians laws that in any degree concerned
all their

be punished in the courts of law for making use of them, the transfer, possession, settlement, or mortgage of landed
nor the Ministers of State for advising the King to sign property. 1 would have secured them their religious
them. The use of legal powers is in general no crime. toleration and security : but I proposed to give them the
Indeed if legal powers are employed to bad purposes, there ciiniinal law of England, and the civil law as far as it
is one method of proceeding against the persons concerned concerned the rights of moveable property, the modes of
in such abuse of them, and but one, and that is by &ic.
trial, Tliis was a mixture which 1 imagined would
impeachment by this House, before tiie House of Lords. answer the purposes that were wanting.
But tliis is an operose way of proceeding, and out of tlie Mr. Mackworth. Is Mr. Hey acquainted with the laws
common course of things. So that if the issuing lettres de of Canada, by which, in matters of property, he must
cachet should not be absolutely illegal when this Bill shall conduct himself in case this Bill passes.
be passed into an Act (and 1 am still inclined to think they Mr. Hey. Not as a system only in the cases which
:

will not be so,) the poor objects of them may linger a have come before me from the Court of Common Pleas.
long time in prison, indeed one may say indefinitely, with- Mr. Baker. If this Bill passes, will there be any legal
out any legal method of redress ; therefore a short clause remedy for a man's being arbitrarily imprisoned ?
to establish the Habeas Corpus Act in the Province seems Mr. Hey. That must depend very much on the con-
to be highly expedient. stitution which his Majesty may be pleased to give to his
Lord North. I would ask the witness one question Courts of Justice, which he is enabled to erect by this
more before I sit down. Does he think it probable that, Bill. But if, as a Chief Justice, I knew of a man's
if this Bill should pass into a law, such lettres de cachet imprisonment, I should be much induced, if 1 found no law
would be made use of? for the purpose, to make one, to have the prisoner brought
Mr. Maseres. I do not think it probable that they before me, that the cause of his commitment might be
would be used. known.
Mr. Hey, Chief Justice, called in. The Committee then reported to the House.
Resolved, That this House will, to-morrow morning,
Mr. Mackworth. Does Mr. Hey think that the Cana-
resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to
dians are well satisfied with the trial by Jury, in criminal
consider further of the said Bill.
matters ?
Ordered, That Major General Carleton, Governor of
Mr. Hey. They are well satisfied with it.
the Province of Quebec, William Hey, Esquire, Chief
Mr. Mackworth. Would they not be also satisfied with
Justice of the said Province, Doctor James Marriott, his
the same trial in civil matters ?
Majesty's Advocate General, and M. De Lotbiniere,
Mr. Hey. Under certain regulations they might: for
Esquire, do attend the said Committee at the same time.
instance, if the unanimity required in England was dis-
pensed with, and a majority of two-thirds of a Jury of Fkiday, June 1774.
3,
thirteen or fifteenwas sufficient and if they were allowed
;

some compensation for the expense and trouble of atten- The House being informed that the ^eriffs of the City
dance ; also if the trial by that mode was optional in the of London attended at the door, they were called in ; and,
parties under these regulations, 'I apprehend, they would
; at the Bar, presented to the House,
be very well satisfied with that mode of trial in civil as A Petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com-
well as criminal cases. Half tlie year in Canada all mons, of the City of London, in Common Council assem-
business is stopped by the climate, which makes them bled.
much the busier the other half, and at that season they And then they withdrew.
consequently find the attendance as jurymen a burden. And the said Petition was read
Mr. T. Townshend. Would they wish for and approve
To the Honorable the Commons of Great Britain, in Par-
the other parts of the English law in civil matters ?
liament assembled, the humble Petition of the Lord
Mr. Hey. They are very little acquainted with the
Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the City of Lon-
English law, and from their ignorance of it, would be
don, in Common Council assembled, sheweth :
very much against its establishment. They are tenacious
of their ancient laws and customs, and would esteem a That your Petitioners are deeply concerned, and much
total change a great injury to them. alarmed, to find there is now a Bill depending before this
Mr. Baker. Would they esteem the Habeas Corpus honorable House, intituled, " An Act making more effectual
Act an injury ? " provision for the Government of the Province of Q«e-
Mr. Hey. I cannot imagine that any People would be " bee, in North America," which, in all civil cases, takes
so stupid as not to esteem it a benefit. away the exercise of the English law, and that sacred part
Mr. T. Townshend. Would not the Canadians think of it, the Trial by Jury, and substitutes in its stead the
an Assembly also a great benefit ? French law of Canada, whereby the freedom of the per-
Mr. Hey. Very far from it they ai'e too ignorant a
: son, and security of the property of his Majesty's subjects,
People to understand the value of a free Government are rendered very precarious.
they are exceedingly obedient: would obey the King's That if this Bill passes into a law, the Roman Catholic
commands let it be what it may if he ordered an Assem-
: will be the only legal established religion, without any pro-
bly to meet they would go, but they would not know what vision being made for the free exercise of the Protestant
to do when they came there the fact is, they are not
: religion, which may prove greatly injurious and oppressive
capable of that Government they do not expect it it is
: : to his Majesty's Protestant subjects, who do now, or may
contrary to all their ideas, to all their prejudices, to all hereafter reside in the said Province.
their maxims their idea of a House of Assembly is that
: That the Legislative power is vested solely in persons
of a House of and confusion, which meets only to
riot appointed during pleasure, by the Crown, which is totally
impede public business, and to distress the Crown all : inconsistent with the liberty and principles of the English
which is a system extremely contrary to the ideas and Constitution.
principles of the Canadians. Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray that th«
Mr. T. Totvnshend. Did Mr. Hey ever hear of a plan said Bill may not pass into a law.
or representation of what Government would probably be
Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the table.
successful in Canada 1
Mr. Hey. There was a commission from his Majesty The Order of the Day being read, the House resolved
toGovernor Carleton, the Attorney General, and myself, itself into a Committee of the Whole, upon the Bill
to draw up a report of that Government which would be French.
M. De Lotbiniere was called in, and examined in
most proper for Canada. In that deliberation I had the
misfortune to differ in opinion from Governor Carleton Mr. T. Townshend. Are you of Canada ?
my ideas were, that the laws of Canada might be blended M. De Lotbiniere. I am.
with those of England, so as to form a system perfectly Mr. T. Tomtsherid. Of the corps of nobility ?

adapted to the wants of the Canadians, and also to the M. De Lotbiniere. Yes.

FouHTu Series. 13
 195 QUEBEC BILL.

Mr. T. Totvmhend. Do you know if the Canadians Mr. Dempster. I mean, will it be wise and prudent ?

are desirous of having an Assembly to represent them in Mr. Marriott. By the words " expedient, wise, and
tlie Government of the Province ? prudent," I understand the question to mean, whether it
M. De Tiiey are very desirous of it.
Lotbiniere. will be pohtically wise and prudent. Expediency is min-
Mr. T. Townshend. Why then have they not made isterial language. It is a word of State State expediency. :

representations to tiiat purpose ? It means that high policy, that great arcanum, the sublime

M. Dc Lotbiniere. Because tiiey understand, that if of Government, extended almost beyond the reach of hu-
tliey were gratified witii an Assembly, they would in con- man wisdom. Few that can pry into this sort of know-
sequence have the expenses of the Government to sujjport, ledge. Fewer that can comprehend it. I am sure I do not-
which, in the present state of the Province, would be much Mr. Dempster. The gentleman, by the nature of his
more than they can support. office, and greatly informed as he is from his connections
Lord North. Did M. De Lotbiniere ever hear any with Government, and his own reading, must know much
material objections to the establishment of a Legislative concerning the actual state of the Province of Quebec ; I
Council ? desire he will answer what sort of Government he would
M. De Lotbiniere. I never heard it particularly debated, give to it ?
nor any objections. Mr. Marriott. The giving laws to mankind is the per-
Mr. T. Townshend. Does he think the Canadians are fection of all knowledge, human and divine. It is not the
not desirous of a more free Government than a Governor, work of days, of months, of years, but of ages. For me
with a Council, the members of which are appointed, re- to answer that gentleman's question, what sort of Govern-
moved, and suspended by him? ment I would give to the Province, I must be the vainest
M. De Lotbiniere. They would certainly desire a freer of men.
Government. Mr. Dempster. From such papers and informations as
Lord Beauchamp. But if some of the noblesse were have been laid before the gentleman for his consideration,
admitted into that Council, would tliey not then be well I desire to know, in general, what is his idea of a civil es-
satisfied ? tablishment for the Province of Quebec, the properest to
M. De Lotbiniere. Tliey might tlien be satisfied. be given it by the Legislature of tills country?
Lord North. Would the noblesse be desirous of an Mr. Marriott. It depends upon a most extensive know-
Assembly in which the Bourgeois were admitted to sit in ledge, infinite indeed, of the relations of men and things,
common with themselves ? times and circumstances the positions of both countries
;

M. De Lotbiniere. I do not apprehend they would ob- the manners and genius of the People the wants of the ;

ject to that, if it was the King's pleasure so to have it. Province the views of the mother country the conduct
; ;

Mr. T. Townshend. Have they been displeased with of tlie neighbouring Colonies the state of the nation vis
;

the Ens^Ush law ? a vis, or respecting them and the designs of the rest of
M. De Lotbiniere. While the circumstances of lands Europe. These relations change every moment this vast ;

have been left to the Canadian laws, they like the English political prospect is for ever doubtful and floating it con- ;

judicature very well. tains too many objects for my short vision and poor com-

Dr. Marriott, his Majesty's Advocate General, was call-

prehension. —My answer therefore to the question (what
is the properest establisliment for the Province of Quebec,
ed in.
to be given by the Legislature of this country) is, I can-
Mr. Macliworth. I desire to know of the gentleman at not tell.

the bar, what would be the best establishment of laws in Mr. JV. Burke. There is an absurdity in this answer.
the Province of Quebec, in his opinion ? The gentleman spoke knowledge of men
of an infinite
Mr. Marriott. It is difficult to say upon any subject, and things, times and circumstances, and yet he says he
in this world, what is best for any men or set of men of cannot tell.

speculation that which succeeds best in public and private

: —
House. Read the Minutes.
life is best and therefore I cannot tell what will be best
; —
The Clerk read the Minutes as Mr. Burke had repre-
for the Canadians. sented them.
Mr. Mackworth. Does he think that the Canadians Mr. Marriott. They were not my words It depends —
would chuse the system of English law, or the French law ? upon a most extensive knowledge, &,c., Stc, that is, the
Mr. Marriott. 1 do not know a single Canadian. I question depends —
The words "it depends" were left out.
never was in Canada. Repeats as above.
Mr. Mackworth. Does the gentleman think that the Mr. Baker. I would ask the gentleman at the bar if
commerce of this country, and the Province, would be ever he has read any thing of the laws of France 1 I
hurt by a revival of the French laws in cases of property? believe he has read a great deal.
Mr. Marriott. I cannot tell. Mr. Marriott. I have read a little of the French law.
Mr. Mackworth. Does he know any thing of the state Mr. Baker. Does he understand it ?
of Canada Mr. Marriott. Not the style of it, nor its forms very
Mr. Marriott. What I know is from such papers as well.
have been laid before me, by order of the King, in Coun- Mr. Baker. What does he mean by the style of it ?
cil, and by information of other persons. Mr. Marriott. There is in every civilized country, in
Captain Fhipps. I desire to ask if he understands tlie which a system of civil laws is established, a law language
French law? as there are in every art and science words and phrases
Mr. Marriott. I find it very difficult to understand any peculiar to them, only understood by the persons who
law. practise those arts and sciences I correct myself: not
;

Captain Phipps. Does he know the power of the always understood perfectly even by them, for they fre-
French King, under the constitution of the French laws ? quently dispute about the force and meaning. The law
Mr. Marriott, I do not well understand the constitu- therefore calls these arts, crafts, and mysteries. The French
tion of France. I never was in France. It is a very have a serious word for the style of law they call it ;

hard thing for a foreigner to obtain an adequate idea of the jargon; we ludicrously use \i jargon. It is a cant word.
constitution of another country. The constitution of one's Mr. Baker. Did he ever see any system of the French
own requires a great deal of close application and study: law in Canada 1

I wish understood it better and that many other People

I ; Mr. Marriott. I have read a collection of Frenchlaws,
would study it more, and understand it better than I fear which contains, by way of abstract, the laws and usages
they do. of that Province, founded on the laws of the Prevote of
Captain Phipps. Does he understand the constitution Paris : and it also contains several ordonnances of police .

of Ireland 1 and arrets of tiie French King.

Mr. Marriott. No: I never was in Ireland. Mr. Baker. Does he understand them ?
Mr. Dempster, Does ho think it expedient to give the Mr. Marriott. Some part of them the law language :

Province of Quebec any part of the French constitution ? is difficult.

Mr. Marriott. The question is upon the word " expe- Mr. Baker. Is there not in that collection something
dient." concerning the jus retractus 1
197 QUEBEC BILL. 198
Mr. Marriott. I suppose the gentleman who puts the little of law, I drew up my opinion with all that modesty

question means the retrait lignager. It is the right which and diffidence which became me. The danger of positive-
a Lord of a fief or a manor, and the first original possessor ness in speculative opinions is too obvious to every man of
of a grant from the Crown, has to receive some indemni- a right mind. The more I viewed the subject on every
fications from those persons who are called the arrier side, the more difficulties occurred to me. I weighed all
tenants, who hold under him. There is such a title as factsand reasonings in a true balance, without bias to any
retrait lignager. man or any party, but found it hard, after the whole result
Mr. Baker. If the French civil laws were revived, or of my inquiries, to fix decisively what the system of law
suffered to remain in Canada, would it not be a discourage- ought to be for a People so remote from home, of whose
ment to the old British subjects to go and trade there, and manners and wants we know so little. My method of pro-
make purchases of lands ? ceeding was, I collected all facts as represented to me, and
Mr. Marriott. If old British subjects were to go as far as other persons, who well knew the Colony by
thither, the French civil law remaining in force, or being having been in it, were agreed in their reports made to the
revived, they would go thither at their option, and of their King's Government. I then brought all the facts and pro-
own free will, as they now go to Jersey or Guernsey, bable reasonings together in one general point of view, for
where the French laws prevail. Or for another instance, the assistance of my two colleagues in office, that they
if you please if any person on speculation thought of
; might form an easier decision on their part. I drew indeed
going to buy an estate in Scotland, if he found that he did my own conclusions, but they were not positive, but open
not like the Scotch law and inhabitants, he might do a to better reasonings. I therefore, through the whole,
better thing, keep his money in his pocket and stay at adopted the style and manner of that which Cicero calls the
home a thing much wanted in this country.
; deliberativum genus dicendi ; I submitted every thing to his
Mr. Dempster. On what terms do you think, in the Majesty's wisdom in Council, aided by opinions and argu-
state of things in Canada, an English merchant going to ments of much higher authority than any which I could
settle there, would hold any lands which he should pur- offer.
cliase? Mr. Dempster. Can the gentleman recollect any parts
Mr. Marriott. On the same terms as the Canadians of the opinion which he gave?
held them who convey the lands or if the new settler
: Mr. Marriott. I answered before, that doubtless if this
takes them by grant from the Crown, he will then take House will address his Majesty, they will have the whole
them on the same terms as any other grantee would do of it before you I have no objection, I am sure, for my
:

that is to say, on such terms as the granter shall please. part but my memory will not serve me to repeat so ex-
;

All is voluntary on the part of the purchaser or grantee tensive a work.

he may take the lands, or he may leave them. Mr. Dempster. Does it agree in substance, or part,
Mr. Dempster. Has he given no opinion upon the with the Bill now depending before this House ?
subject of Canada! Mr. Marriott. I know nothing of such a Bill officially.
Mr. Marriott. I have. A printed paper, with a title of a Bill relative to the Go-
Mr. Dempster. In what capacity, and to whom ? vernment of Quebec, was put into my hands only two days
Mr. Marriott. As his Majesty's Advocate General, to ago, by a friend accidentally. Not having the honor to be
his Majesty, in Council, I drew up a plan of a code of laws. a member of this House, I cannot, according to the rules
Mr. Dempster. Will the gentleman be pleased to give of it, take notice of any thing proposed within its walls.
the House some account of the plan ? If the House were pleased to refer the Bill to me, I should
Mr. Marriott. I had the honor of his Majesty's com- desire to take it home, to read it with great care and de-
mands in Council, together with my brethren in office, the liberation. And were within the bar, as I am now
if I

Attorney and Solicitor General, to consider a great number without, I would give my opinion upon the Bill in my
of papers referred, and to call for such persons as could give place as freely, and with as much courage, as any man
me information upon the subject and to prepare a plan of
; upon this ground.
civil and criminal law for that Province it was referred
: Mr. Dempster. The
gentleman owns that he has had
separately to each of us three, as being the law officers of much wish he would tell us what ?
information : I
the Crown. I drew up my plan accordingly. Mr. Marriott. The same as the House has already
Mr. Dempster. What was the plan ? heard just now, and from some of the same persons.
Mr. Marriott. I drew my plan in the following Mr. Cavendish. If we cannot have the whole of his
method: after stating the principles of legislation, and opinion, will he give us some of the very learned quota-
representing what appeared to me to have been the late tions in his book.
condition, and now, to be, and likely to be hereafter, the Mr. Marriott. So many compliments would naturally
state of the Colony, I formed my plan under four heads draw a positive answer from any person capable of feeling
the Courts of Judicature ; the Common Law of the Pro- the flattery and giving an answer but I do not know what
;

vince ; the Revenue ; the Religion. the honorable gentleman thinks of me. It is not a little

Mr. Dempster. To whom did he deliver that plan ? memory or a little time will serve to repeat all the quota-
Mr. Marriott. To his Majesty in Council. tions of civil and common law, and all the French and
Mr. Dempster. As doubtless it was very extensive in latin extracts which I have used. I have used a great
point of knowledge and information, the House would be many in dressing out my own thoughts. Quotations are
glad to know tlie contents ? commonly among authors but the mere ornaments, the
Mr. Marriott. I stand here as his Majesty's servant fringe and trappings of a book. They only shew that the
my colleagues next to me in office, who have given their man who uses them, has read a great deal but they do ;

opinions as well as myself to his Majesty, are within the not prove how much he has thought, and whether well or
bar. When an advocate or counsellor gives his opinion, ill ;and they shew he has thought like other people who
it is the property of his client.His Majesty is in posses- have thought and wrote before him. If I could possibly
sion of my opinion. If this House does me the high honor recollect and repeat this amass of the opinions and infor-
of being desirous to know my sentiments, such as they are, mations of other men, I must be very tedious, and appear
(and they are very free ones) the House will then address very pedantic to the House. I question much whether a

his Majesty to lay my opinion before the House. If tiie walking library would be tolerable in these walls. I cannot
House will not agree to that address, my sentiments must remember quotations.
remain deposited with his Majesty, in his great wisdom, Mr. JV. Burke. Will the gentleman tell us how long
where they now most happily rest. he was composing his plan ? (It must require great labour
Mr. Dempster. When somebody moved to have all the and study) and how many pages it contained ?
papers laid before the House, the motion was overruled, Mr. Marriott. About three hundred closely written.
on the ground that we might have complete information at Mr. W. Burke. What was the time it took to com-
the bar. I fear we shall not have it where we wish it, and pose it.

were bidden to expect it. What is the sum and conclu- Mr. Marriott. I cannot exactly tell.
sion of that opinion ? Mr. W. Burke. Was it several months ?
Mr. Marriott. In a question so extensive, and which Mr. Marriott. Ten or twelve months, at different in-
inrolved every possible consideration of policy, and very tervals, to compose it. Bui if I am to speak to all the
199 QUEBEC BILL. 300

time that I vras thinking on the subject, the time was near to a witness, but am sure the Committee sees, by this time,
two years. 1 took it up, laid it in my desk took it up, ; that if we proceed have been called
thus, the witness will
and laid it in my desk again, that it might ripen in my to the bar to very little purpose. Besides, Sir, there is a
mind. I saw my difficulties of coming to a decision in- conduct in witnesses that is not at all consistent with tha
creased. 1 dreaded being hasty or positive, and 1 thought dignity of this House. I therefore hope, tliat the witness,

no trouble too much on such a public subject, which ap- as well as any others that may come to this bar hereafter,
peared too much for the life of any man, and most certain- would recollect, that although the House owes much to
ly for any one man's understanding. the situation of a witness, yet does the witness owe some-
Mr. ff^. Burke. 1 desire to know, Mr. Chairman, thing to the dignity of the House.
what was the name of the thing which he took up and laid Lord North. 1 rise to answer the honorable gentleman
down so often, and which he delivered in at last to his who was so warm. He is angry that the gentleman will
Majesty ? not tell you what his opinion was. He made a complete
Mr. Marriott, I think Mr. Chainnan, I remember the answer to his (juestion. He said it was a deliberative
face of that gentleman who asks me the question, " what opinion that he made no decision.
: I do admit, that the
" is that thing which I took up and laid down so often, and answer of a witness, by the rules of this House, should not
" delivered in to his Majesty." I answer, when that gen- be any thing personiil to the member questioning, however
tleman was himself in office, he very well know what sort impertinent, rude, or absurd, the question may appear to
of things are the opinions of Crown lawyers. him. Tlie rank and station of the gentleman at the bar
Mr. fV. Burke. Mr. Chairman, the witness at the bar ought to be considered. The word " thing" is understood
has behaved without any respect to the House. It was generally as a word of contempt. Nothing contemptible
enough for the House to be insulted elsewhere. are We comes from tiie gentleman at the bar: such a word might
in an abject state. I say so, and others think so. We are naturally strike him and his not being a member of this
:

very ill used. The upper House had used us ill. They House, so as to know the rules of it, excuses him for
shut us out, not for fear we should hear what they did, but shewing his spirit on the occasion, when he thought himself
for fear we should see they did nothing. They frame the affronted. He is under the j)rotection of the House, and
Bill there, delay it by keeping it in their hands, aad then no improper question ought to be asked. In that case he
send it down to us ; and now we are to hurry through it may demand the protection of the House, and so may
without sufficient information and nobody will own it.
; every person who is examined at this bar.
The doors are shut upon us; nobody will give us informa- Mr. Edmund Burke. I rise to apologize for the honor-
tion. 1 said, the gentleman at the bar said he had a able gentleman next me. 1 am perfectly sure he did not
knowledge of men and things, and yet he said he could mean to affront the gentleman at the bar. I know the
not tell. I am not guilty of any blunders, any Iricism. gentleman there extremely well, his great abilities, learn-
The Clerk mistook as well as I. The gentleman says, he ing, and character he has distinguished himself by his
;

does not know the constitution of France ; he doas not writings and beliaviour, and nobody here or any where else
know the constitution of Ireland ; he never was in Cana- can treat him with contempt; but we should have been
da ; the King is his client he will not tell you what ad-
; very glad to have had his information. 1 am sensible that
rice he has given the King we have a right to be inform-
; he is in a very trying situation. His information is with-
ed by him. The Minister told us we sliould be so and ; held. It is a distress upon him, and an insult upon us to
now truly the witness will not give an answer to any thing, refer us to him, when it was known beforehand that it was
what his real ophiion is. By the rules of this House, no not likely that he should think himself at liberty to give us
witness at the bar is to answer any thing personally, touching his opinion viva voce, after what he has written was refused
a member. It is a disrespect to the House. The questions us by others. It was, however, very natural for us to call
are to be put to the Chair by a member and tlie Chair,
; for him. We had no other hope of obtaining any informa-
which represents the House, is to put the questions to a tion of great authority. All tlie world knows that the
witness. He is to return answers to the Chair, that is to the King's Advocate General, the Attorney and Solicitor Gen-
House. If an improper question is put, the House may eral, from the nature of their very high offices, have the
overmle it. I always behave like a gentleman I know ; power of obtaining every sort of information. All is open
the gentleman at the bar, though I am not intimate with to them in every department of Government. They can
him. He has taken fire at my expression I did not mean
; enter behind the veil. The sanctum sanctorum of State
to affront him. He would not tell us what it was he had must be frequently and confidentially submitted to their
delivered: he himself therefore forced me to call it " that view but the curtain is drawn u))on us, and the door is
;

thing" which he delivered. I had no other way to express shut. How, then, are we to get information ? I ask ; shall
it. I am ready every where to demand or give satisfaction, we liave it from the other Crown lawyers ? The answer
where there is an aflront offered or received. I desire the is, they stand upon their own ground, and take and narrow
gentleman may withdraw, and to know the sense of the itwhen and where they please, as members within the
House, whether I put an improper question, or the gentle- bar and thf gentleman who proceeds in office, but who
;

man made an improper answer ? stands without the bar, necessarily suffers from a variety of
torturing questions put to him on speculative points, which
[Mr. Marriott was ordered to withdraw.]
itmust put any man under difliculties to answer, especially
Mr. Pulteney. It is certainly very irregular for a witness one in his station. I never should have concurred in the
at the bar to answer any thing relating to a member, per- motion to examine him, if the former motion for the
sonally, who puts the question. It was always in my address for papers in general had not been overruled.
opinion wrong, considering that gentleman's situation, to
Mr. Marriott was again called in.
call him to be examined : but we were refused the penisal
of his opinion, and the papers. The Attorney and Solici- Chairman, Sir, you are to address yourself to th«
tor General here refused to tell us what were the opinions Chair.
which were given in by them. I often have observed Captain Phipps. Under what denomination are the
much debate and confusion occasioned in the House, when papers which were delivered in by Mr. Marriott to the
a witness of wit and abilities is examined. It should be King?
remembered by both the persons, by tlie one who puts the Mr. Marriott. A Report.
question, and by the other who gives the answer, that the Mr. Mackworth. I wish tiie gentleman would give a
question is put by the House, and tiie answer is returned short account of the substance of that report, as concise as
to the House. An attention to this would preserve reci- he pleases to make it.
procal decorum. Mr. Marriott. I thought I had before given an account
Captain Phipps. I must observe to the Committee, of the contents, and of the plan. It is impossible to give a

that this examination is getting into a train which appears short account of a long affair.
to me to be very improper. Sir, when men of great parts Mr, Mackworth. In tiiat report does he approve of
and abilities, and much wit, come to tliis bar, I cannot Juries docs he like them
;
what does he think of them ?
;

help condemning that kind of applause which is given Mr. Marriott. I should choose to be tried by thenu
tliem for exertions of that wit, though very unseasonable. But I think of Juries as I do of every thing else in this
I may have been guilty of joining in this encouragement wofld—every thing is imperfect, I have often considered
201 QUEBEC BILLs 202

the different modes of trial in different countries ; the Civil Mr. Marriott. 1 have read some ofhis works ; if the
Law Courts, the Courts of Common Law, and Chancery ; writings I mean are really his although some people have
;

tlieir modes are all defective in discovering truth. Juries doubted the title, " Oeuvres du Phitosophe de Sans Souci."
are like most other men and things ; they have their ex- His religion may be judged from tliem.
cellent qualities, and they have their bad ones. Colonel Barre. I desire to know. Sir, what he judges
Mr. Mackworth. Does he think it will be a hardship the King of Prussia's religion to be ?

upon the Canadians not to have Juries? Not to liave Mr. Marriott. From them? I believe his Majesty
Uieir lives and properties tried by a Jury out of tiieir own has no (formal) religion.
neighbourhood ? Would it be tlieir happiness or unhappi- Colonel Barrc. Jf the Province of Canada were to be
ness ? ceded to his Prussian Majesty, what religion would he in-
Mr. Marriott. If I were a Canadian I could tell what troduce into it ?
would make me happy if I were to go to Canada I could
; Mr. Marriott. A
soldier's religion.
tell the same. As an Englishman, I say that Juries are a Colonel Barre. What is a soldier's religion ?
mode of trial which I like ; they are very favourable to the Mr. Marriott. If I were a soldier, Sir, I would answer
property of the subject, and the natural liberties of man- the words —
my honor.
kind. Colonel Barre. What is a lawyer's religion ?
Mr. Dempster. Does Mr. Marriott think that the Mr. Marriott. His honor too ; not to give up his
present Bill is calculated to give as much freedom to Cana- client. But I suppose the gentleman knows there are two
da as expedient to give ?
is orders of men in this country, the civilians, and the com-
Mr. Marriott. Expedient to give them I answered ! mon lawyers. I am no conunon lawyer. —
^The religion of
before to that question ; it involves a thousand others. which ?

Mr. C. Jenkinson. Does he think that the Canadians Colonel Barre. Of both.
will not suffer greatly if the habeas corpus law is not intro- Mr. Marriott. The common lawyers must answer for
duced among them ? themselves. I can readily answer for the civilians they ;

Mr. Marriott. I desire the question may be repeated are ecclesiastical lawyers, and subscribe ; they are of the
the merit of the habeas corpus law is a great constitutional religion of this country by law established.
question. Colonel Barrc. I see, Sir, there is no hitting the gen-
Question repeated. tleman at the bar. But I have read an opinion of some
Mr. Marriott. The idea of the suffering is the idea of weight in a book here in my hand it is so laid down,
:

the sufferer, and not of a third person ; I cannot answer for that I think the gentleman cannot escape answering to it.
the feelings of the Canadians. With the leave of the House, I will read it :

Mr. C. Jenkinson. Cannot the gentleman conceive the " In order to judge politically of the expediency of suf-
pain of another person ? " feringthe Romish religion to remain an established religion
Mr. Marriott. No
person has a true impression of the " of the Statein any part of your Majesty's Dominions, the
degree of pain or pleasure of another being; there is " Romish religion, I mean its doctrines, not its ceremonies
no complete medium to convey the sensations words will ;
" ought to be perfectly understood. The opinion of the
not do it. No person can tell what a man of probity and " royal author of the Memoires de Brandenburgh, seems to
reflection, who wishes to judge without error, and to do his " be conclusive on this head to every sovereign power, that
public duty in an arduous question, feels, when put upon " the Protestant religion is best both for the Prince and the
tlie rack of opinion. No man in this place exactly knows " People because there is in it no middle power to inter-
;

how I feel, in my particular and relative situation, by being " vene and stand before the Prince against the People, nor
so long kept at this bar, and called upon to answer every " before the People against the Prince."
sort of question that can be imagined about all possible and The House now sees why I put the other question.
probable things from such a variety of persons. Witnesses, Colonel Barre. Did the gentleman ever read the Me-
by all the law I know in the world, are called every where moires de Brandenburgh ? Is that which I have read the
only to speak to facts to opinions, no where
; except in ;
— King of Pi-ussia's opinion? Is that opinion in the Me-
one court of religion, in the world. moires de Brandenburgh 1
Mr. C. Jenkinson. The gentleman then has, I find, Mr. Marriott. I have read a book with that tide but :

some sort of idea of another man's suffering, although not whether that book was his writing or whether, being his
an adequate and perfect one. Cannot he tell the House, book, that was his opinion, (for many people write books,
supposing I were to give the gentleman who sits below me who are not of an opinion with their own book,) I do not
a slap on the face, what he would suffer? I mean, what know. There is something very like that opinion in the book.
would a person struck suffer when there are visible signs Colonel Barrc. The book. Sir, in which this opinion is
of a violent blow ? Suppose that the blood gushes out of recommended and adopted, ends with the name of the
tlie nose ? gentleman at the bar. He has subscribed to that opinion.
Mr. Marriott. The noses of some people bleed without Mr. Marriott.[Bowing with great respect round to the
pain. That gentleman might have a blow on the nose, and House, and laying his hand on his bosom.] I now subscribB
he might feel it. I should not. I mean, he would feel it if to that opinion most seriously —and most sincerely.
he were sober if he were drunk he might not he might
; ;

Mr. Marriott. Was ordered to withdraw.

take it all in good part ; and as for the blood, swear it was
all good claret. The House went into a debate, in the course of which
A
Member. Repeat the answer. Mr. Charles Fox and Mr. 7'. Toiunshend agreed witli Mr.
Mr. Marriott. If he were inebriated he might not feel. Edmund Burke, that it was wrong to have examined the
Mr. Chairman, I hope my answers are not improper. I King's Advocate General, and to force him to give an
desire to be serious. I am in earnest. The answer, I opinion to the House and laid the blame on the Minister,,
;

take by the law of all evidence, ought to be of the same

it, and those persons who opposed the motion for the papers.
colour with the question, and pointed to it. Mr. Baker moved, " That General Murray be examin-
Chairman. Right, certainly. ed as a witness."
Colonel Barrc. I would not desire to distress the learned Notice being given, that the General was not in the
gentleman at the bar. He is certainly under personal diffi- House, the Sergeant was sent out for him, but he was
and not being a member.
culties in his situation of office, gone home.
But I see he bears his examination with much patience and The Committee then reported progress, and asked leave
good humour. We were all going to be very dull, and he to sit again.
has enUvened us. He has been asked above one hundred Resolved, That this House will, upon Monday mommg
questions, and has parried them all not one decisive : next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House,
answer. I did not expect he would have kept his ground to consider furtiier of the said Bill.
M) stoutly against numbers. I will now beg leave to try Mr. Baker then moved, "That Lieutenant General
him. I undertake, Sir, to ask him one very easy question, " Murray, late Governor of Canada, and present Govem-
which I think he may and will answer. What does he " or of the town of Quebec, do attend the said Committee,
(hiok is the King of Prutsia's religion I " on Monday next."
203 QUEBEC BILL. 204

motion was seconded by

The (which another member informed the House, was no less
Mr. T. Toumshend, who set forth the necessity of his than 11,400,000 acres more than as claimed by France,)
attendance and said, he could assign no other reason for
; read a list of propositions, which, he said, appeared to him,
his evidence being denied, unless it was that he himself to be contained b the Bill, amongst which were
had been imprudent enough to declare to the House, tliat That a state of Slavery is better than a state of Free*
General Murray coincided with Mr. Maseres ; and said, dom:
lie believed when the noble Lord gave his consent to hear That the Popish Religion is better than the Protestant
him, and sent the Sergeant to look for him, he well knew That Juries are unnecessary, and therefore to be disused;
he was not in the House. That Monopolies are useful to Trade
Lord North rose in a terrible passion, and said, he cared That French Laws and Commercial Regulations aro
not what the honorable gentleman thought of him that he ; preferable to English
never paid any respect to what a passionate and prejudiced And that the Constitution which our ancestors had fram-
person said that he knew the honorable gentleman had an
; ed widi so much wisdom, and established at the expense
ill opinion of him, and he was welcome to think so still. of so much blood and treasure, is to be destroyed by their
He said, had General Murray been in the House he would wiser sons.
have heard him, but as he was not, summoning him for Mr. E. BurJce spoke against the Bill but confined himself
;

another day would greatly delay the business, and he to the point of ascertaining the limits of New York ; and
should therefore oppose the motion. proposed the following to be the boundaries of Canada,
Mr. T. Townshend rose, and in a spirited manner an- against that Province, viz by a line drawn from a point
:

swered, that he would submit to the House which seemed on the East side of Lake Champlain, in 45 degrees North
most passionate that he was certain General Murray's latitude, and by a line drawn in that parallel West to the
;

evidence was material and as to prejudice, he desired river St. Lawrence, and up that river to Lake Ontario),
;

nothing but that it miglit be remarked, he was prejudiced and across that lake to the river Niagara, and from Niaga-
to hear General Murray, the noble Lord was prejudiced ra across Lake Erie, to the Northwest point of the boun-
against hearing him. He then set forth, that, by this law, dary of Pennsylvania, and down the West boundary of
the fishery on the Labrador coast would be altered, which that Province, by a line drawn from thence till it strike the
would affect the Newfoundland fishery that as it was an; Ohio. After some debate this passed. The limits of
affair of great consequence. Admiral PaUiscr would be ne- Qtiebec were next carried along the Ohio to the Missis-
cessary to be examined but as the noble Lord objected as sippi.
; Governor Johnstone spoke against the annexing
to time, he would not move for his attendance, but only tlie Illinois to Canada. There was another debate on an-
wish to refer the noble Lord to him for information. nexing the coast of Labrador to Quebec. The objection
Colonel Barre set forth how material it was to have was begun by Sir C. Saunders, who deduced from it the
General Murray's evidence, as he was at the taking of loss of the fishery to the Americans. Lord North gave an
Quebec, was Governor of the Colony the first after it was account of the sea cow and seal fishery on the Labrador
taken, and remained Governor several jears after, and coast, and shewed, that from the sedentary nature of it, it
therefore, consequently, knew the manners and customs of could not be conducted upon the same principles as the
the Canadians; that, as he had been resident there at so Newfoundland fishery.
critical a juncture, he must have seen how they liked the Upon tliis clause the House divided: Yeas, 88;
French laws, and how they liked the English laws. Nays, 49.
Captain Phipps was likewise much for the General The Committee then reported progress and it was. ;

being heard, saying, that the evidence produced had been Resolved, That this House will, to-morrow morning,
deficient in many points of information which he could have resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to
wished to have heard. consider -further of the said Bill.
Mr. Charles Fox rose, and in the most sarcastic manner
Tuesday, June 7, 1774.
attacked Lord North, as to passion and prejudice. He
said, the noble Lord always had two opinions that most The House, according to order, went into a Committee
;

people's second opinion was best, but the noble Lord's of the Whole, upon the Bill.
second thought was generally the worst that he was al- ; An objection was made to a part of the preamble of a
ways very uniform in his conduct for about half an hour clause, which says, " It will be highly expedient to grant
;

before he gave leave for General Murray to be heard, but " them the same laws, by which their lives and property
now he was against it. He said there had been no other " have been heretofore governed, protected, and ordered."
objection started against the motion except want of time Mr. Dempster and Mr. E. Burke objected to the word
that that was ridiculous, for the persons who brought in " protected," as it was, in their opinion, not true, and was
the Bill now, might have brought it in at tl^e beginning of at the same time, paying the French too great a compli-
the session, or even last session ; that they could not make ment.
an excuse, and say it was a case of such urgent necessity, Lord North, Lord Beauchamp, and Mr. Grey Cooper,
tliat if the Bill did not pass in a day or two, the place insisted the word was proper, and that the law that govern-
would be entirely ruined, therefore the Bill must pass. ed, protected.
Ijord North rose to explain himself, and said he had The next objection was made to the clause, which re-
often been accused of having panegyrists in pay to write in peals all laws and ordinances passed by the Governor and
favour of him in the newspapers that he then would
; Council, for the civil Government of Quebec, and the King's
solemnly protest that he never had employed, or knew any Proclamation, in 1763, so far as it relates to the Province
person that ever did write in favour of him that he did not of Quebec, from and after the first day of May, 1775.
;

wish for newspaper applause, as it was generally meant to A very strong debate ensued, in which Mr. Dunning
serve some end and as to panegyrics on him, he believed,
; spoke for near an hour and an half against it he was sup- ;

if they only looked into the opposite scale, that which held ported by Mr. E. Burke, Captain Phipps, Mr. Howard,
abuse, they would find the account had been more than &,c. Lord North, Mr. Cornwall, Lord Clare, Mr. Rice,
balanced. &ic., &CC., as strongly suppoi'ted the clause.
Mr. Dempster, Governor Johnstone, Mr. Burke, Mr. And on the motion, that the clause shall stand, tlie
Baker, Mr. Turner, &.C., spoke in favour of the motion, Committee divided Ayes, 91
: ;
Nays, 31.
and none but Lord North against it. The next objection was made to the clause, which
When the question was put, the House divided Yeas, : settles that Tytlies and Dues shall be paid to the Romish

36; Nays, 90. clergy.

So it passed in the Negative. A .very strong debate here ensued, in which Mr. E.
Burke, Mr. Baker, Mr. Dunning, Mr. W. Burke, Mr. C.
Monday, June 6, 1774.
Fox, Captain Phipps, Stc, strongly opposed, not only the
The House again went into Committee of the Whole, whole clause, but particularly an alteration proposed by
upon the Bill. Ijord North, which was, " that his Majesty should have
Governor Johnstone, after stating his objections to the " power to appropriate, when he thought proper, the said
principle of the Bill, and to/ the extension of Canada, " tythes unto the establishing a Protestant clergj'."
 205 QUEBEC BILL, 206

Lord North, the Attorney and Solicitor General, &c., Mr. Dempster, Governor Johnstone, Mr. Baker, &c.,
fcc, as strongly supported the clause, with the amendment, attacked Lord North, for hurrying the two clauses through
which was carried without a division. the Committee at such an improper time of the morn-
A motion was then made to adjourn, it being past eleven ing.
o'clock, but the friends of the Bill insisting to go on, a Mr. C. Jenkinson, Mr.Welhore Ellis, Lord Beau-
debate arose, and the Committee divided ; for proceeding, champ, he,
supported Lord North, and said, as they were
75 against it, 31.
;
Roman Catholics, and were deemed near their end, it
Several of the most strenuous opposers of the Bill now would be kind to let them die in peace but that they
;

quitted the House, and the Committee proceeded, with found their case was like most Roman Catholics, who,
very little interruption, through the two next clauses, the generally, at their end, were surrounded by a number of
fourth and fifth. After which troublesome People.
The Committee reported further progress ;
The House was full two hours and a half thus wrangling
And it being half an hour after twelve of the clock, on about the manner in which the business had been conduct-
Wednesday morning. ed the night before. After which. Sir Charles Whit-
Resolved, That the House will, this day, resolve itself worth, the Chairman, read the clause which mentions the
into a Committee of tlie whole House, upon the said Bill. number of the Legislative Council to be appointed, which
is not to be more than twenty-three, nor less than seven-
Wednesday, June 8, 1774.
teen.
The House, according to order, was resolved into a Mr. Dempster objected as to the number, and proposed
Committee of the Whole, upon the Bill. thirty. Lord North strongly opposed the amendment, and
Mr. Burke said, he had last night, when it was past on the question being put, it was rejected.
eleven o'clock, moved to adjourn, hut his motion was re- Mr. jB. Burke, Captain Phipps, Mr. Baker, Mr. C
jected on account of the great necessity of going through Fox, Mr. Dempster, Governor Johnstone, &,c., opposed
die Bill with all possible d^patch ; yet he understood they the clause, and Lord North, Lord Beauchamp, Mr. C.
were to adjourn on account of a champetre to be given by Jenkinson, Mr. Welhore Ellis, Mr. Gascoigne, &,c., sup-
a noble Lord (Stanley,) and therefore desired to know ported it which clause, on the question being put, was
;

which ought to be given way to most, the pleasures of dis- carried without a division.They next proceeded to seve-
sipation, or a Bill of such magnitude as that before them ? ralof the provisos annexed to the clause, which likewise
He said, he had several very material amendments to pro- occasioned much debate. Several amendments were pro-
pose to the clauses, which had been so slovenly and scan- posed by the enemies to the Bill, but rejected, and other
dalously gone through that morning, but now he was pre- amendments inserted in their stead, proposed by Lord
cluded. North; after which the last clause was read without any
Lord North replied, he was sure he had shewn great debate.
candour to the House at the time the honorable gentleman Mr. Jenkinson said, he had the other evening heard an
.
mentioned, and that he should always trust to his con- honorable gentleman mention, that the oath to be taken by
science for the uprightness of his conduct. any person who was entrusted with power, would not suit
Mr. T. Townshend rose, and answered the noble Lord the Roman Catholics, he had therefore substituted a new
as to the slovenly manner in which the two clauses men- oath, which he begged leave to bring up, and to have it in-
tioned had been carried through the Committee he said, ; serted as a clause, which being brought up and read, was
he likewise understood that the House was to adjourn a day approved of, as follows
on account of a champetre, and to be sure, the ninth day of " Provided always, and be it enacted. That no person
June was more proper for a champetre, than for a Com- " professing the religion of the Church of Rome, and re-
mittee of the House of Commons to be sitting on so impor- " siding in the said Province, shall be obliged to take the
tant a Bill but he, at the same time, could not but allow
;
" oath required by the said statute, passed in the first year
that the noble Lord had an amazing foresight, in ordering, " of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, or any other oaths sub-
above all days in the year, the tenth day of June, for the " stituted by any odier Act in the place thereof; but that
finishing a Bill to establish Popery he said, the day was
:
" every such person, who by the said statute is required to
truly characteristic to the business and he made no doubt,
;
" take the oath, therein mentioned, shall be obliged, and is
but the noble Lord and his party would come with white " hereby required to take and subscribe the following oath,
roses in their breasts, which would at once make them " before the Governor, or such other person, or in such
tndy respectable he said, however, he should have a
;
" court of record, as his Majesty shall appoint who is
;

dause to introduce on the report, which, if the noble Lord " hereby authorized to administer the same ; videlicet
would suffer it to pass, he should be so far devoted to him " I, A — —
B do solemnly promise and swear, that I will
,

ts to smirk and smile with the rest of his friends. " be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty, King
Mr. Edmund Burke also, in a most pointed speech, at- " George, and him defend to the utmost of my power,
will
tacked the noble Lord as to candour and conscience he ;
" against all and attempts whatso-
traitorous conspiracies
ran on in such a vein of humour that the House was in a " ever, which shall be made against his person, crown, and
continual laugh during the whole of his speech. He said, " dignity ; and I will do my utmost endeavour to disclose
the noble Lord ought to be highly commended for his hu- " and make known to his Majesty, his heirs, and successors,
mility, for he always gave way to the majority of the " all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts
House he said, as to the father of the Bill, he would be
;
" which I shall know to be against him, or any of them;
bold to say the noble Lord was the father; he brought it " and all this I do swear, without any equivocation, mental
into that House, he supported it, and he was responsible " evasion, or secret reservation, and renouncing all pardons
for the mischiefs that might ensue from it. " and dispensations from any power whomsoever, to the
Colonel Bar re severely attacked the noble Lord as to " contrary. So help me God.
his candour and conscience. He said, the Bill had origin- " And every such person who shall neglect or refuse to
ated with the Lords, who were the Romish Priests that " take the said oath before mentioned, shall incur, and be
would give his Majesty absolution for breaking his promise " hable to the same penalties, forfeitures, disabilities, and
given by the Royal Proclamation, in 1763 that they, in ;
" incapacities, as he would have incurred, and been liable
this Bill, had done like all other Priests, not considered " to, for neglecting or refusing to take the oath required by
separately the crimes with which the Bill abounded, but " the said statute, passed in the first year of the reign of
had huddled them all up together, and, for despatch, had " Queen Elizabeth."
determined to give absolution for the whole at once. He The Committee
then rose, and
said, the noble Lord might go on and support that or any Charles Whitworth reported from the Committee,
Sir
sinful affair, as he was sure of getting absolution for all at that they had gone through the Bill, and made several
last. He said, he was certain, by the noble Lord and his amendments thereunto ; which they had directed him to
dependants proceedings, that after their death. People report, when the House will be pleased to receive the
might say as they did after the death of King Charles, same.
" that by papers found in their closets, they appeared to Ordered, That the Report be received on Friday
" have died in the Roman Catholic belief." morning next.
*07 QUEBEC BILL. 208

Friday, June 10, IT74. a Grand Jury there had presented the Roman Catholics
as a nuisance he said, the Canadians, in their petition K>
;

The Order of the Day

being read,
the Throne, had desired to have the whole of their ancient
Sir Charles Whitworth reported the amendments made
laws restored to them, which the Bill was meant to do that ;

to the Bill, by the Committee of the whole House.

in his opinion, the trial 'by Jury was not necessary there
And the House being informed, Thomas Penn, Esquire, and that, by what he had been informed, the French law»,
who petitioned this House, upon the 31st day of May last, were sufficient to protect property without it that People ;

on behalf of himself, and of John Pcnn, Esquire, true and

had very industriously circulated a report that he had mado
absolute Proprietaries of the Province ol Pennsylvania, and
a ministerial question of this he would assure the House,
;

tlie three lower Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Hu^sex,

upon his honor he had not that, after once fixing the Go-
;

on Delaware, in America, praying to be heard by Counsel

vernment of (Quebec, in the hands of this nation, it was a
upon the matter of said Petition, and which Petition was
matter of indifference to him what law or religion was esta-
then ordered to lie upon tlie table, until the Report should
blished, so that it made the People happy that the British ;

be received from the Commhtee, to whom the said Bill merchants saying their property would not be secure with-
was committed, declined being now heard by Counsel upon out English laws, let gentlemen recollect that British
the said Petition.
merchants trade to all parts of the world, and think their
The amendments of the Committee, were then severally
property secure in Portugal or Sjjain, where they know
read and agreed to by the House, except that made on
the Roman Catholic religion is the religion of the land,
the motion of Mr. Burke, on the 6lh instant, in relation
and that the number of old or English subjects in Canada
to the Southern boundary of Canada, which was amended
were so few in number, that the cries of one hundred and
to read as follows, and then adopted
fifty thousand ought to be given way to in preference of
'•
Bounded on the South by a line drawn from the Bay three hundred and sixty.
" of Chaleurs, along the iiigh lands which divide the rivers Sergeant Glynn recapitulated the parts of the evidence
" that empty themselves into the river St. Lawrence, which the noble Ijord had so. ingeniously selected he ;

" from those which fall into the sea, to a point of forty-five said, tlie noble Lord had laid great stress on the imprudence
" degrees of Northern latitude, on the Eastern bank of the of the Grand Jury presenting the Roman Catholics as a
" river Connectiait, keepuig the same latitude, directly nuisance, and seemed to think, for that reason, they ought
" West, through the Lake Champlain, until, in the same to have the trial by Jury taken away did the noble Lord ;

" latitude, it meets the river ^V. Lawrence ; from thence, never recollect, that the British House of Commons had
" up the Eastern bank of the said river, to the LaJce On- committed equally flagrant acts of injustice and that, if ;

" tario ; thence through the Lake Ontario, and the river the reason for abolishing held good in one point, it ought in
" commonly called Niagara, along the Eastern and South- the other yet he sincerely hoped that the House would
;

" eastern bank of Lake Erie, following the said bank, until never be taken away for, bad and corrupt as it was be-
;

" the same shall be intersected by the Northern boundary lieved to be by ignorant People, it still remained some
" granted by the charter of the Province of Penmylvania, safeo-uard to the nation he afterwards launched forth into
;

" in case the same shall be so intersected ; and from thence the praise of Juries, and mentioned many particular
" along the said Northern and Western boundaries of the circumstances where Juries had been found extremely
" said Province, until the said Western boundary strike the beneficial to the welfare of the public he afterwards ;

" Ohio. But in case the said bank of the said lake shall stated the account of the seizing the papers of Mr. Wilkes,
" not be found to be so intersected, then following the said the general warrants, &ic., Sic. He said, all State causes
" bank, until it shall arrive at that point of the said bank would be carried as desired, was it not for Juries :he mein
" which shall be nearest to the Northwest angle of the said tioned tlie affair of Hampden, concerning ship money, and
" Province of Pennsylvania ; and thence, by a right line concluded with saying, that the tenth day of June, 1774,
" to the said Northwest angle of the said Province ; and would be handed down to posterity as a day when the
" thence along tlie Western boundary of the said Pro- members of a British House of Commons preferred
" vince." Popery and French laws to the established religion and
Mr. Mackioorth moved, that a clause should be added laws of their own country and, at the same time, that
;

to the Bill, " That in all trials relating to property and civil trials by Jury, which their forefathers accounted a blessing,
" rights, where the value shall exceed a certain sum, either they deemed a curee.
" of the contending ])ailies may demand a trial by Jury, Mr. Attorney General Thurlow said, he did not agree
" constituted according to the laws of England, and that with the honorable and learned gentleman, that whoever
" the issue between the parties shall be determined by the was against the allowing a trial by Jury in that Bill thought
•'
verdict of such Jury, and not otherwise." He recom- the mode a curse far from it
; he had, himself, in many ;

mended the clause as a security for the English, in Quebec, cases, often thought the trial by Jury a great blessing yet ;

aoTiinst the French laws. it would be highly imprudent, unparliamentary, ridiculous,

Iiord North opposed it. He recapitulated part of the and absurd, to establish a clause at the end of the Bill, (as
evidence that had been produced at the bar, and said Go- that must be,) which clause would entirely repeal that
vernor Carkton had informed the House, that the Cana- clause in the body of the Bill, which allows the Canadians
dians had a dislike to the English laws in general and it ; all their ancient laws for would any body say, that trial by
;

was his opinion, that giving the Canadians their old sys- Jury was one of their ancient customs, or assert that it was
tem of laws would be the only means of making them a necessary that, as for the petitioning Canadians, they
;

happy People ; that Mr. Hey, the Chief Justice, had said only desired to have their ancient laws and customs restored
it was his opinion, that the Canadians, at first, might have to them ;and that he by no means thought an optional
been brought to like the English laws, but since they had Jury any thing like an English Jury that, by the former, ;

been so indulged, they expected now nothing less than a any party that thought he could gain a preference in his
repeal of the whole of the laws by which they are governed trial over the other, would adopt it and that it must be ;

at present and that the noblesse of the country thought

; allowed, that where the option was would liked by one, it

trial by Jury was humiliating and degrading to them, as it displease the other ; had
besides, the evidences at the bar
subjected their property to the decision of barbei-s and tai- declared, that the Canadians were averse to the form of an
lors ; that Mr. Maseres, had to be sure, said, that Juries, English Jury, especially in that part which obliges them
he believed would be liked under proper regulations, but to be unanimous in their verdict and that, if you took ;

the People of Canada did not choose to irive their time away that part, in his opinion, you destroyed the whole;
and attendance for nothing ; that Mons. Lotbiniere, on a that lie believed the learned gentleman had been wrong in
que^ion being put to him, whether he did not think the giving {iraise to a Jury in the case of Mr. Hampden, for
Enrrlish laws the best for the Canadians in general? Said, no Jury was consulted on that case.
" Imake no doubt but your hws are good and wise, and Mr. Dunning said, that as to the learned gentleman men-
" make you a happy People, but I do not think they are tioning that he by no means approved of optional Juries,
" suited to every climate." His Lordship afterwards en- had we not, every term, instances in the Court of Chan-
tered much upon the subject of Juries, and said, the Cana- cery, where it was in the power of the Lord Chancellor to
dians could have but a bad opinion of English Juries, when appoint a Jury, if he thought proper ? That, as to the es-
209 QUEBEC BILL.
210
tablishing theFrench laws in Canada, who had we fit to ministerial members, who just then came into the House in
administer them ? Had not the two learned and respect- great numbers, said, he should not then have risen, only he
able gentlemen at the bar, Mr. Hey and Mr. Maseres, thought he now seized a happy moment when he should
informed the House, that they by no means thought them- carry his point, for the House, had filled, all of a sudden,
selves capable of learning the French law sufficiently to with members who had not heard any thing that had been
administer it with justicesuch learned gentlemen
; and if said against the Bill, no, not even from its being first agi-
had not abilities sufficient to understtuid it, sure he was, tated in the House ; that they had now come with good
that no person the Minister could produce was capable of English dinners in their bellies, which would, he trusted,
undertaking the task, so as to do justice to the People and make them good humoured, and by being thus full of likg-
honor to himself. He said, the noble Lord had been lish meat, would undoubtedly be for English laws that
repeatedly called upon to declare the author of the Bill ; let could secure to them that meat that he should have been
;

the author now stand forth and clear himself; but he would afraid to attack such a body of power and wisdom as the
be bold to say, no man would dare to own a bill which other side of the House contained, had he not fortunately
was meant to establish Popery. The noble Lord had said observed, that the noble Lord, and his two great oracles of
the Canadians had not desired to have a Jury could the ; wisdom and order, had all difiiered in their opinions ; that
noble Lord say the Canadians had desired not to have a finding them thus at variance, he thought the moment
Jury ? He then entered fully into the nature of Juries; would be fortunate to his cause the one was for a Jury,
;

said they were fit in all cases that he had known many
; only now was not the proper time ; the other against any
instances where Juries had found for the Crown, and that Jury at all and a third that it could not be inserted in the
;

he could wish to see Juries established throughout the world, Bill. He then divided the People concerned in the Bill
as they were a check upon evil judges, and consequently under three heads first, the English merchants second,
: ;

if they were not so good judges of law, they were judges the English subjects and thirdly, the Canadians ; he
;

of fact he said, as to the People of Canada being negli-

; said they all deserved support and, though the noble
;

gent of attending to serve on Juries, it was the case here ;

Lord, and his supporters, had so industriously always made
there was scarce a term passed but jurymen were fined use of the number three hundred and sixty, as suitable to
for non-attendance. their cause, let them only recollect what all the evidence
Mr. Solicitor General Wedderhum said, he could not at the bar agreed in, which was, that the English subjects
agree with the learned Serjeant, that the supporters of the were possessed of upwards of two-thirds of the whole
Bill deserved the appellation of traitors to their country trade :did the noble Lord think then that they were a
that he had no objection to a Jury hereafter being establish- body of People to be minded ? That as to their numbers
ed there, but let it be left in the power of the Crown, and being small, the noble Lord might recollect that there was
if they saw it was necessary, they could at any time adopt an old vulgar saying, " that one Englishman was always
it ; but this was not the time, when the People were so worth two Frenchmen," that, in this case, he thought
much enraged against the proceedings of Juries in that them preferable to fifty Frenchmen ; that he would be
country that as to the Jury which Mr. Maseres had
; willing to give a Canadian every indulgence in his power,
formed for that country, in the pamphlet he had published, but not grant that indulgence at the expense of the jEn^^--
he by no means thought it like an English Jury, for it lish ; that if these noblesse were the only persons (as
was to be formed of an odd number of people, thirteen, they appeared to be by the evidences at the bar,) that were
fifteen, or seventeen, and a majority of those people to be against the English laws, he would sacrifice them and all
decisive, and the jurymen to have five shillings per day the noblesse of England and other countries, but he would
allowed them for their attendance. He said he never would make the majority of the People happy. But the reason
allow that the Canadians were fit persons to serve, upon a the noblesse did not like the English laws, was on account
Jury ; they understood nothing of its form, and therefore of the manner in which they had been represented to
were not judges enough how to act upon it that as to ; them namely, that they were a string of religious and civil
;

cases of revenue, we had had two instances of their de- persecutors, which would entirely hinder them either from
ciding different to an English Jury that a Jury in Eng- ; exercising their own religion, or from having any share in
land had found for the Crown, they in Canada had twice, the Government of their own country that, remove those ;

on the same trial, found for the defendant and the witness ; prejudices which the noblesse had imbibed from misrepre-
at the bar, Mr. Hey, had informed the House, that he had sentations, and he would be bound to say they would not
often been put to trouble, because he never could get the only admire our laws, but petition to have them ; that, as
Canadians to give a special verdict. to the noblesse hating Juries, because it trusted their pro-
Mr. Byng. The noble Lord had given them such of perty to their inferiors, it was a principal reason why he
the evidence as he thought proper, and mentioned the would give the Canadians a Jury, in order to protect their
equality of the numbers of the two sorts of subjects that ; property from the arbitrary proceedings of the noblesse,
as to the numbers, it was a matter of indifference to him who, in all countries, always wished to have the poor under
whether they were three hundred and sixty or three hun- their controul ; that as to the English laws not being
dred and sixty thousand, they had equally a claim to com- esteemed by the French, he could produce mountains of
passion that he thought it proper, that wherever an Eng-
; books written by Frenchmen, on the justness and excellen-
lish Colony was settled, English laws ought to be esta- cy of our laws, where they approved of the trial by Jury
blished that he did not approve of the clause now offered,
; as one of the greatest excellencies our Constitution pro-
because he thought it not sufficient, yet he would gladly duced that the noble Lord had invited him, and others, to
;

accept of it as part of a good thing, and he made no doubt come and offer their opinions; setting forth, that the Bill
but the Canadians would, when they became used to the was imperfect, and he wished to alter it, yet he had not at-
nature of it, love it, and wish to have it in its full extent tended to what had been offered that, in the Committee, ;

that General Carleton had informed them that the Cana- when he meant to propose a clause, the noble Lord told
dians were a docile People had we any occasion to go to
; him he might do it with propriety on the Report, and that
Canada to look for docile creatures ? No There was a ! there would be no other obstacle in his way, than that he
sufficient number always to be seen on the opposite side of would oppose it he said he was greatly obliged to the
:

the House, docile enough to do any thing the noble Lord, noble Lord for his candour, for it had spared him much
their leader, should direct them to do. trouble, having intended to offer several clauses, which he
Governor Johnstone spoke highly in favour of Juries, should, with great justice be called obstinate, were he now
and recommended the clause. to attempt it, when he knew there was such a glorious
Mr. T. Townshcyid spoke against the whole of the Bill, triumvirate of power and wisdom formed against him that ;

and much in praise of Juiies and recommended the clause

; he sincerely believed the French were in awe of us, yet
offered in a strenuous manner, setting forth, that the Eng- he could not help thinking that they must be astonished
lish residents there had not gone to that Colony, had that a People, who had such powerful arms, should have
they not been invited by his Majesty's Jloyal Proclama- such weak heads he strongly recommended the state of
:

tion ; but those who advise him to break his promise, the merchants as an object of the noble Ijonl's attention,
would advise him to do any thing that was bad. setting forth, tiiat their property was always in a fluctuating
Mr. Edmund Burke, in a long speech, the first part of state, and that they run great risks of their whole fortune,
which was a keen, pointed vein of humour, against the to benefit Government as well as themselves.

FouKTH Series. 14
211 QUEBEC BILL. 212

The question was then put, and tlie House divided a thousand difficulties, and in the worst of despotism, and
Yeas 40 Nays, 83.
; put the whole People under arbitrary power ; that it was a
So it passed in the Negative. most cruel, oppressive, and odious measure, tearing up
justice and every good principle by tlie roots; that by
Mr. T. Townshend offered an amendment, making tem-
abolishing the trial by Jury, he supposed the framers of the
porary tliat part of the Bill which relates to the Legislative
Bill thought that mode of proceeding, togetlier with the
Council.
habeas corpus, mere moonshine, whilst every true Eng-
Tiiis produced a short debate, but it passed in the Nega-
lishman was ready to lay down his life sooner than lose
tive, without a division.
those two bulwarks of his personal security and property.
Mr. Dempster offered an amendment, for establishing
The merely supposing that the Canadians would not be
rules to be observed in the making of Ordinances ; which
able to feel the good elFects of law and freedom, because
also passed in tlie Negative.
tliey had been used to arbitrary power, was an idea as
Mr. C. Fox proposed an amendment, to secure the reli-
ridiculous as false. He said the Bill established a despotic
gious Orders their rights and properties, as a corporate
Government in that country, to which the Royal Proclama-
body claiming under the capitulation.
tion,of 1763, promised the jirotection of the English laws.
Which was rejected without a division.
Here the noble Lord read part of the Proclamation, and
Mr. Dempster then proposed to amend the Bill, giving
then entered fully on tlie Council and power vested in the
to the Canadians, claiming it, the benefit of the English
Governors, tlie whole mode of which, he said, was tyran-
laws oi habeas corpus, and bail, in cases of commitment.
nical and despotic he was likewise very particular on the
:

And the question being put, the House divided : Yeas,

bad consequences that would attend the gr^at extension
21 ; Nays 76.
of that Province, tliat the whole of the Bill appeared to
So it passed in the Negative.
him to be destructive of that liberty which ought to be the
Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time, upon ground-work of every constitution ten thousand objec-
:

Monday morning next. tions, he was confident, might be made to the Bill, but the
extinction of the mode of trial above mentioned, was a
Monday, June 13, 1774.
very alarming circumstance, and he would pronounce him
The Order of the Day being read, the Bill was accord- a bold man who proposed such a plan. When his Lordship
ingly read the third time. came to the religious part of the Bill, he directed his
Mr. Cooper moved, that the Bill do Pass. discourse to the bench of Bishops, telling them, that as by
Mr. Charles Fox opposed this, on the ground of its the Bill the Catholic religion was made the establisiied
being a money Bill, and having originated in the other religion of that vast Continent, it was impossible they
"House ; he moved, therefore, that the Journals of the could be silent on the occasion. He called the Bill a child
House of Commons, of the 5th of March, 1677, might be of inordinate power, and desired and asked if any of that
read ; and the same being read accordingly, it appeared bench would hold it out for baptism he touciied again ;

that they had rejected a Bill from the Lords, for the pur- upon the unlimited power of the Governor, in appointing^
pose of collecting customary tythes and other dues. He all the membei-s, and who might be made up of Roman

then argued from this precedent as a case exactly applica- Catholics only. He also took notice of an amendment
ble and in point to the clause in the Bill, which provides which had been made in the House of Commons, which
for the security of the accustomed rights and dues of the was a new clause, repealing so much of the Act of Refor-
Romish clergy and appealed to the sense of the House if mation of the first of Elizabeth, as relates to the oath of
;

the present Bill, under such circumstances, was permitted supremacy, and substituting a common oath of allegiance
to pass, whether it would not be, in fact, a relinquishment in its place. This Act of Elizabeth, he said, had always
of the ancient and hitherto undisputed right of the House been looked upon as one that the Legislature had no more
of Commons, to originate money Bills. right to repeal, than the Great Charter, or the Bill of
Mr. Cooper, in answer, quoted another precedent, from Rights.
the Journals in the year 1691, on the Bill for the recovery His Lordship stated, with great force, many objections
of small tythes, in which the Lords had made an amend- to the clause giving to the French Canadians so advanta-
ment. geous a part of the fisheries of cod on the Labrador coast,
Mr. Howard observed, that Mr. Cooper^s precedent did to the great prejudice of the English fishemien on the
not apply, and that he knew of but one in the whole banks of Newfoundland; considering the said fisheries of
records of Parliament that did, which was in the reign of Labrador as a nursery of French Canadian seamen, to
Edward the Sixth, on which the learned Bishop who wrote man, in case of a French war, any squadrons of France,
the History of the Reformation remarked, that it was a in those seas. He exposed the train of fatal mischiefs
direct infringement on the rights and privileges of the attending the establishment of popery and arbitrary power
Reformation. in that vast and fertile region now annexed to the Govern-
Then the question being put, That the Bill, with the ment of (Quebec, and capable of containing (if fully peo-
amendments, do Pass the House divided
;
Yeas, 56
: pled) not less than thirty millions of souls. He deduced the
Nays, 20. whole series of laws from the supremacy first re-vindicated
So it passed in the Affirmative. under Henry the Eighth, down to this day, as fundamentids
constituting a clear compact that all establishments by law
are to be Protestant which compact ought not to be
;

HOUSE OF LORDS. altered, but by tlie consent of the collective body of the

Tuesday, June 14, 1774. People. He further maintained, that the dangerous inno-
vations of this Bill were at variance with all the safeguards
AMessage was brought from the House of Commons,
and barriers against the return of Popery and of Popish
by Mr. Cooper and others :

influence, so \visely provided against by all the oaths of

To return the Bill, and to acquaint this House, that they office and of trust, from the Constable up to the members
have agreed to tlie same, with some amendments, to which
of both Houses, and even to the Sovereign, in his corona-
they desire their Lordships concurrence thereto.
tion oath. He pathetically expressed his fears, that it
Ordered, That the said amendments be taken into
might shake the affections and confidence of his Majesty's
consideration on Friday next and that the Lords be
;
Protestant subjects in England and Ireland ; and finally
summoned.
lose the hearts of all his Majesty's American subjects.
Ordered, That the said Bill with the amendments, be
His Lordship then said, that for these and other reasons,
printed.
he gave his hearty negative to the Bill.
Friday, June 18, 1774.
Lord Dartmouth said a few words in favour of the Bill.
The Order of the Day being read, the amendments to Lord Lyttclton he'^aii by observing, that whatever fell
the Bill were read three times by the Clerk from that noble Earl, fell with such weight as to make the
it was proposed, " To agree with the Commons in tlie deepest impression on those who heard him that from the :

said amendments." solemn opposition he had given to that clause of the Bill,
Lord Chatham rose, and entered fully upon tlie subject which excused the Canadians from the oath of suprema-
of tiie Bill. He said it would involve a great country in cy, and imposed an oath of allegiance in the room of it,
213 QUEBEC BILL. 214

he was induced to give his reasons why he differed from the mild Constitution of this country would be rejected
Lord Chatham ; that so far from thinking with the noble with contempt by the sons of despotism in Asia, and the
Lord hxst named, that no man who was a Protestant in his excess of liberty happily spread over England, would
heart could give his consent to the passing of that clause, degenerate to an excess of licentiousness in Canada. As
he affirmed that no true Protestant could refuse it his to the idea of the noble Earl, that this political separation
hearty concurrence, because the doctrinal principles of our of Canada from the rest of America might be a means of
holy religion, drawn from that pure and excellent source dividing their interests, and that French Canada would in
die Gospel of our Saviour, breathed forth a spirit of mo- a future day be used as a proper instrument to quell
deration, candour, and universal toleration to all religions British America, Lord Lyttelton said, he was not appre-
that were not incompatible with the precepts of morality, hensive of these consequences ; but that if British Ame-
and the general welfare and happiness of mankind. That rica was determined to resist the lawful power and })re-emi-
to oblige Catholics to deny the supremacy of the Pope, nence of Great Britain, he saw no reason why the loyal
was to compel them and
forcibly to abjure their religion, inhabitants of Canada should not co-operate with the rest
in reality, to commence them that
a persecution against ; of the Empire in subduing them, and bringing them to a
opposition always grew and strengthened under the scythe right sense of their duty and he thought it happy, that,
;

of persecution, and that fanaticism was never formidable from their local situation, they might be some check to
till it was oppressed. He said that the Canadians had, those fierce fanatic spirits that, inflamed with the same
ever since the conquest of that country, behaved like good zeal which animated the Round-heads in England, directed
and peaceable subjects, that therefore they were justly that zeal to the same purposes, to the demolition of regal
entitled to a beneficial code of civil policy, and to a free authority, and to the subversion of all power which they
exercise of their religion. That though he had the great- did not themselves possess ; that they were composed of
est reverence for the Protestant faith, yet he had no less the same leaven, and whilst they pretended to be contend-
respect for the safety and good government of the State ing for liberty, they were setting up an absolute indepen-
that to force the inhabitants of Canada to renounce those dent Republic, and that the struggle was not for freedom,
errors which they had imbibed with their mother's milk, was but power, which was proved from the whole tenor of
to alter by violence the constitution of their mind, and by so their conduct, even to demonstration.
doing, to lay a foundation for resistance, which if it did not
The question was then put, and the House divided
proceed to rebellion, would at least tend to alienate their
Contents, 26; Non-Contents, 7.
minds from that allegiance which they had but just adopt-
So it was resolved in the Affinnative.
ed, and which, under the mild government we exercised
over them, would, he hoped, be daily strengthened and The following Lords were the minority the Duke of :

matured by time. That it was matter of triumph to this Gloucester, the Earls Chatham, Coventry, Eff,ngham, and
great and free country to treat the conquered subjects of Spencer, the Lords Sandys, and King.*
France with more lenity, and to give them a better form
of Government than that which they had received from Wednesday, June 22, 1774.
their mother country that so far was he from believing
;
[The Lord Mayor, Aldermen Crosby, Lewis, and Plomer,
that Administration had predetermined in the closet the
the Recorder, upwards of one hundred and fifty of the
result of the proceedings of Parliament, and that, as the
Common Council, and City Officers, went from Guildhall
noble Earl expressed himself, " what must be, must be,"
to St. James's, (Alderman Sawbridge joined them in the
that on the contrary, in every stage of the Bill, they had
way,) in order to present an Address and Petition to his
shewed the greatest candour and desire of information, and
Majesty, previous to his going to the House, relative to the
in the House of Commons, liad actually adopted many
Bill for thegovernment of Quebec. They arrived at St.
ideas that had been thrown out by opposition, especially
in regard to a very important part of the Bill, the defini-
James's a quarter before one. A
little before two, the

Lord Chamberlain waited on the Lord Mayor with a Mes-

tion of the limits of Canada. He said, he approved of
sage from the King, which he had committed to writing, to
the Bill, chiefly from Us lenity and moderation, and that
prevent any mistake ; and he read the following paper :

he deemed it sound policy for a conquering nation to lay

tlie yoke lightly over the necks of those who were subject- * The Session was drawing near to the usual time of recess and ;

ed to its dominion. That as the noble Earl had observed the greatest number of the members, fatigued with a long attendance
on the American Bills, were retired into the country. In this situa-
how much Canada was inclined towards France, he tion, a Bill which has engaged a great deal of the public attention,
thought nothing was more likely to win them over to Eng- was brouglit into the House of Lords ; —
" The Bill for making more
land than to improve and meliorate their commercial as "effectual provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in
" North America." Tliis passed through that House with very little,
well as political situation, and, above all, to give them if any observation. But wlien it came down to the House of Commons,
liberty of conscience in religious matters. it met with a very different reception. A
disposition immediately ap-
His Lordship then observed, the dark times of super- peared in that House to criticise it with unusual severity. The party
for Ministry seemed to be a little alarmed at this spirit, partly because,
stition were past, that the gloomy reign of persecution
from its easy passage through the House of Lords, it was not so much
and priestcraft were now at an end, that science every e.\pected ; but principally, because tliey apprehended it would create
—
where diffused had every where enlightened the human more uneasiness among the People out of doors than any of the former
Bills. In this case, the passions which had been excited by the disor.
mind; he took notice that the noble Earl had said, if the ders in America, did not operate in their favour. And as the Act had
Bill passed you might take down the bells from your for a part of its objects establishments touching religion, it was far
steeples, and the steeples from your churches but that if
;
more likely to give occasion for popular complaint. The Ministry
therefore found it necessary not to carry things with so high an hand
even that was to happen, the evil would not be great, for as in the preceding Bills.
that Christian men might meet in the faith of Christ and in Tlie Bill received in the course of these debates [in the Commons]
Christian charity without these things, which to the pure many amendments, so as to change it very greatly from the state in
which it came down from the House of Lords but the ground-work
;

of heart and to the truly devout were of little importance ;

remained the same. Throughout the whole progress of the business,
tJiat they were the externals of religion, the internals of though well fought, the numbers in the minority were uncommonly
which were charity and universal benevolence; and that small. It produced, nevertheless, much greater uneasiness and dis-
content out of doors than any of the Bills for punishing of the old
these principles gave birth to the clause which the noble
Colonies.
Earl had so unciiaritably censured. This discontent called on the attention of the House of Lords ; so
After Lord LijHelton had thus answered Lord Chotham^s that wlien the Bill was returned to them with the amendments, ther«
was a considerable opposition to it, although in some respects less ex.
objections to the religious tendency of the Billy he pro-
ceptionable than when it had passed tlicir House with so little notice;
ceeded to shew why he approved of the genersf policy of but, as in all other questions, so in this, the minority shewed no
it: hesaid, he would not pretend to be sufficiently versed strength in numbers.
The session had now stretched far into the Summer. The business
in the deep science of politics to affirm whether or no a
of it had been of as much importance as that, perhaps, of any session
better system of legislation might not have been invented, since the revolution. Great changes had been made in the economy
but that lie insisted upon the code contained in the Bill to of some of Die Colonies, wliich were thought foundations for changes
of a like nature in others and the most sanguine expectations were
be conformable to the genius of the country over which it
;

entertained by tlic Ministry, that when Parliament had shewn so

is to be exercised ;that it was consistent with the political determined a resolution, and the advocates for the Colonies liad ap-
notions of the inhabitants, and the form of Government to pearcd so very little able to protect them, the submission throughout
America would bo inunediate and complete obedience and tranquilli-
which they had been accustomed that forms of Govern-
;
;
ty would be secured in future. Tlio triumphs and mutual congratu-
ment must always be suited to the dispositions of the lations of all wlio supported these measures, within doors and without,
governed, and infinitely varied in different climates that ; were unusually great. Ann. Regit.
215 QUEBEC BILL. 216
" As your Petition relates to a Bill agreed on by the " Your Petitioners, therefore, most humbly supplicate
" two Houses of Parliament, of which his Majesty cannot your Majesty, as the guardian of the laws, liberties, and
" take public notice, until it is presented for iiis royal as- religion of your People, and the great bulwark of the
" sent in Parliament, 1 am commanded by the King to in- Protestant faith, that you will not give your royal assent
" form you, that you are not to ex))ect an answer." to the said Bill.
The Lord Mayor immediately sent the Remembrancer, " And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever
to present his duty to the King, and inform his Majesty, pray."]
" That they waited to present their Address, agreeable to
His Majesty, being seated on the Throne, adorned with
" his Majesty's order ;" which was in a little time complied
his crown and regal ornaments, and attended by his Offi-
with when no other answer was given.
;
cers of State, (the Lords being in their robes,) and the
The following is a copy of the City Address:
" To the Kinir's Most Excellent Majaty, the humble Ad-
Commons, with their Speaker, being in attendance,
The Royal assent was pronounced to the Bill, by the
dress and Fetition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and
Clerk's Assistant.
Ci)mmons, of the City o/ London, in Common Council
assembled : Then his Majesty made a Speech, in which he said :

" Most Gracious Sovereign, My Lurds and Gentlemen,

"
" We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the " I have observed, with the utmost satisfaction, the
Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the City of " many eminent proofs you have given of your zealous
London, in Common Council assembled, are exceedingly " and prudent attention to the public service, during the
alarmed that a Bill has passed your two Houses of Parlia- " course of this very interesting session of Parliament.
ment, entitled " An Act for making more effectual provi- " The very peculiar circumstances of embarrassment in
" sion for the government of the Province of (Quebec, in " which the Province of (Quebec was involved, had render-
" North America," which we apprehend to be entirely " ed the proper adjustment and regulation of the Govern-
subversive of the great fundamental principles of the " ment thereof, a matter of no small difficulty. The Bill
Constitution of the British Monarchy, as well as of the " which you prepared for that purpose, and to which I
authority of various solemn acts of the Legislature. " have now given my assent, is founded on the clearest
" We beg leave to observe, that the English law, and " principles of justice and humanity and will, I doubt not,
;

that wonderful effort of human wisdom, the trial by Jury, " have the best effects in quieting the minds, and promot-
are not admitted by this Bill in any civil cases, and the " ing the happiness of my Canadian subjects.
French law of Canada is imposed on all the inhabitants of " I have long seen, with concern, a dangerous spirit of
that extensive Province, by which both the persons and " resistance to my Government, and to the execution of
properties of very many of your Majesty's subjects are " the laws, prevailing in the Province of Massachusetti
rendered insecure and precarious. " Bay, in New England. It proceeded at length to such
" We humbly conceive, that this Bill, if passed into a law " an extremity as to render your immediate interposition
will be contrary, not only to the compact entered into with " indispensably necessary and you have accordingly made
;

the numerous settlers of the reformed religion, who were " provision, as well for the suppression of the present dis-
invited into the said Province, under the sacred promise of '•
orders, as for the prevention of the like in future. The
enjoying the benefits of the laws of your realm of England, " temper and firmness with which you have conducted
but likewise repugnant to your royal Proclamation of the " yourselves in this important business, and the general
7th of October, 1763, for the speedy settling the said new " concurrence with which the resolution of maintaining the
Government. " authority of the laws, in every part of my dommions,
" That consistent with the public faith, pledged by the " hath been adopted and supported, cannot fail of giving
said Proclamation, your Majesty cannot erect and consti- " the greatest weight to the measures which have been the
tute Courts of Judicature and Public Justice for the hear- " result of your deliberations. Nothing that depends on
ing and determining all cases, as well civil as criminal, " me shall he wanting to render diem eflectual. It is my
within the said Province, but as near as may be agreeable " most anxious desire to see my deluded subjects, in that
to the laws of England ; nor can any laws, statutes, or " part of the world, returning to a sense of their duty ac- ;

ordinances for the public peace, welfare, and good govern- " quiescing in that just subordination to the authority, and
ment of the said Province, be made, constituted, or or- " maintaining that due regard to the commercial interests
dained, but according to the laws of this Realm. " of this country ; which must ever be inseparably con-
" That the Roman Catholic religion, which is known " nected with their own real prosperity and advantage."
to be idolatrous and bloody, is established by this Bill, and
no is made for the free exercise of our
legal provision
reformed nor the security of our Protestant fellow
faith,
subjects of the Church of England, in the true worship
Anno Decimo (Quarto Georgii, III. Regis.

of Almighty God, according to their consciences. An Act for making more effectual provision for the Go-
" That your Majesty's illustrious family was called to the vernment of the Province of Quebec, in North
throne of these Kingdoms, in consequence of the exclu- America.
sion of the Roman Catholic ancient branch of the Stuart [N. B. The words printed within crotcliets [ ], denote what w.n»
line, under the express stipulation that they should pro- leilout by the Commons and those printed witliin a parenthesis ( ),
;

what have been inserted by them.]

fess the Protestant religion and according to the oath es-
;

tablished by the sanction of Parliament, in the first year of Whereas his Majesty, by his Royal Proclamation, bear-
the reign of our great deliverer, William the Third, your ing date the seventh day of October, in the third year of
Majesty, at your coronation, solemnly swore that you would, his reign, thought fit to declare the provisions which had
to the utmost of your power, maintain the laws of God, been made and
in respect to certain Countries, Territories,
the true profession of the gospel, and Protestant reformed Islands, inAmerica, ceded to his Majesty by the Definitive
religion, established by law. Treaty of Peace, concluded at Paris, on the tenth day of
" That although the term of imprisonment of subjects is February, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three
limited to three months, the power of fining is left indefi- And whereas, by the arrangements made by the said Royal
niteand unrestrained, by which the total ruin of the party Proclamation a very large [part of the territory of Cana-
may be effected by an enormous and excessive fine. da,] (extent of country) within which there were several
" That the whole Legislative power of the Province is Colonies and setdements, of the subjects of France, who
vested in persons to be solely appointed by your Majesty, claimed to remain therein under the faith of the said
and removable at your pleasure, which we apprehend to be treaty, was left, without any provision being made for the
repugnant to the leading principles of this free Constitution, administration of civil Government therein, and [o^Aer]
by which alone your Majesty now holds, or legally can (certain) parts of the [said country] (territory of Canada)
hold, the imperial crown of these Realms. wiiere sedentary fisheries had been established and car-
" That the said Bill was brought into Parliament very ried on by the subjects of France, inhabitants of the said
late in the present session, and after the greater number of Province of Canada, under grants and cf'oncessions from
tlie members of the two Houses were retired into the coun- the Government thereof, were annexed to the Government
try, so that it cannot fairly be said to be the sense of those of Newfoundland, and thereby subjected to regulations
parts of tlie Legblature. inconsistent with the nature of such fisheries May it :
217 QUEBEC BILL.
218
tlierefore please your most excellent Majesty, that it may void, from and after the first day of May, one thousand
be enacted, and be it enacted by the King's most excellent seven hundred and seventy-five.
Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords, And for the more
perfect security and ease of the minds
Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Par- of the inhabitants of the said Province, it is hereby
liament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that declared, that his Majesty's subjects professing the religion
all the [suid] territories, islands, and countries, [heretofore of the Church of Rome, of, and in the said Province of
part of the Province of Canada.] in North America, [ex- Quebec, [as the same is described in and by the said Pro-
tending Southivard to the banks of\ (belonging to the Crown clamation and commissions, and also all the territories, part
of Great Britain, bounded on the South by a line from the of the Province of Canada,
at the time of the conquest
Bay of Chaleurs, along the high lands which divide the thereof, tvhich are hereby annexed during his Majesty's
rivers that empty themselves into the river St. Lawrence, pleasure, to the said Government of Quebec,] may have,
from those which fall into the sea, to a point in forty-five hold, and enjoy, the free exercise of the religion of the
degrees of Northern latitude, on the Eastern bank of the Church of Rome, subject to the King's supremacy, de-
river Connectimt ; keeping the same latitude directly west clared and established by an Act made in the first year of
tlirough the Lake Champlain, until, in the same latitude, the reign of Queen
Elizabeth, over all the dominions and
it meets tlie river St. Lawrence ; from thence up the countries which then did, or thereafter should, belong to
Eastern bank of the said river, to the Lake Ontario; the imperial Crown of this realm ; and that the Clergy of
thence through tiie Lake Ontario, and the river called the said churci), may hold, receive, and enjoy their accus-
the Niagara; and thence along by the Eastern and tomed dues and rights, with respect to such persons only
Southeastern bank of Lake Erie, following the said bank as shall profess the said religion.
until the same shall be intersected by the Northern boun- Provided nevertheless. That, [nothing herein contained
dary, granted by the Charter of the Province of Penn- shall extend, or be construed to extend, to the disabling]
sylvania, in case the same shall be so intersected and ; (it shallbe lawful for) his Majesty, his heirs, or successors,
from thence along the said Northern and Western bounda- [from making] (to make) such provision (out of the rest
ries of the said Province, until the said Western boundary of the said accustomed dues and rights) for the encourage-
strike the Ohio: but in case the said bank of the said ment of the Protestant religion, and for the maintenance
lake shall not be found to be so intersected, then following and support of a Protestant clergy within the said Pro-
the said bank, until it shall arrive at that point of the said vince, as he or they shall, from time to time, think neces-
bank which shall be nearest to the Northwestern angle of sary and expedient.
the said Province of Pennsylvania; and thence by a right {Provided always, and be it enacted, That no person
line to the said Northwestern angle of the said Province, professing the religion of the Church of Rome, and residing
and thence along the Western boundary of the said Pro- in the said Province, shall be obliged to take the oath
vince, until it strike) the river Ohio (and along the bank required by the said statute, passed in the first year of the
of the said river) Westward, to the banks of the Missis- reign of Queen Elizabeth, or any other oaths substituted
sippi, and Northward to the Southern boundary of the ter- by any other Act in the place thereof, but that every such
ritory granted to the Merchants Adventurers of England, person, who by the said statute is required to take the
trading to Hudson's Bay; and [which said] (also all oath therein mentioned, shall be obliged, and is hereby
such) territories, islands, and countries, [are not within the required to take and subscribe the following oath, before
limits of some other British Colony as allowed and con- the Governor, or such other person, or in such court of
firmed by the Crown, or] which have, since the tenth of record as his Majesty shall appoint, who are hereby
February, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, authorized to administer the same ; videlicet :

been made part of the Government of Newfoundland, " I, A — —

B do sincerely promise and swear that I will
,

be, and they are hereby, during his Majesty's pleasure, " be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King
annexed to, and made part and parcel of, the Province of " George, and him will defend to the utmost of my power,
(Quebec, as created and established by the said Royal Pro- " against all traitorous conspiracies and attempts whatso-
clamation of the seventh of October, one thousand seven " ever, which shall be made against his person, crown and
hundred and sixty-three. " dignity and I will do my utmost endeavours to disclose
;

{Provided always. That nothing herein contained rela- " and make known to his Majesty, his heirs, and succes-
tive to the boundary of the Province of Quebec, shall in " sors, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts,
any wise affect the boundaries of any other Colonies.) " which I shall know to be against him, or any of them,
(Provided always, And be it enacted, that nothing in " and all this I do swear, without any equivocation, mental
this Act contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, " evasion, or secret reservation and renouncing all par-
;

to make void, or to vary or alter any right, title, or pos- " dons and dispensations from any power or person whom-
session, derived under any grant, conveyance, or otherwise " soever to the contrary. So help me God."
howsoever, of or to any lands within the said Province, And every such person who shall neglect or refuse to
or the Provinces thereto adjoining, but that the same shall take the said oath, before mentioned, shall incur, and be
remain and be in force, and have effect, as if this Act had liable to the same penalties, forfeitures, disabilities, and
never been made.) incapacities, as he would have incurred and been liable to,
And whereas the provisions made by the said Proclama- for neglecting or refusing to take the oath required by the
tion, in respect to the civil Government of the said Pro- said statute, passed in the first year of the reign of Queen
vince of (Quebec, and the powers and authorities given to Elizabeth.
the Governor, and other civil officers of the said Province, And by the authority aforesaid.
be it further enacted
by the grants and commissions issued in consequence That all his Majesty's Canadian
subjects, within the Pro-
tliereof, have been found, upon experience, to be inappli- vince of Quebec, the religious orders and communities
cable to the state and circumstances of the said Province, only excepted, may also hold and enjoy their property
the inhabitants whereof [amounting] (amounted) at the and possessions, together with all customs and usages
conquest, to above [one hundred] (sixty-five) thousand relative thereto, and all other their civil rights, in as large,
persons, professing the religion of tiie Church of Rome, ample, and beneficial manner, as if the said proclamation,
and enjoying an established form of constitution and system commissions, ordinances, and other acts, and instruments,
of laws, by which their persons and property had been had not been made, and as may consist with their allegiance
protected, governed, and ordered for a long series of years, to his Majesty, and subjection to the Crown and Parliament
from the first establishment of the said Province of Cana- of Great Britain; and that in all matters of controversy
da ; Be it therefore further enacted by the authority afore- relative to property and civil rights, resort shall be had
said the said Proclamation, so far as the same relates to tlie to the laws of Canada, (as the rule) for the decision of
said Province of (Quebec, and the commission under the the same, and all causes that shall hereafter be instituted
authority whereof tiie Government of the said Province in any of the courts of justice, to be appointed within
is at present administered, and all and every the ordinance and for the said Province, by his Majesty, his heirs, and
and ordinances made by the Governor and Council of successors, shall, with respect to such property and rights,
(Quebec for the time being, relative to the civil Govern- be determined [by the Judges of the same] agreeably to
ment and administration of justice in the said Province, the said laws and customs of Canada [and the several]
and all commissions to Judges and other officers thereof, (until they shall be varied or altered by any,) ordinances
be, and the same are hereby revoked, annulled, and made that shall, from time to time, be passed in the said Pro-
219 QUEBEC BILL. 220

vince by tlie Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Com- Provided also, and be it enacted by the authority
mander-in-chief, for the time being, by and with tlie advice aforesaid, That every ordinance so to be made shall, with-
and consent of the Legislative Council of the same, to be in six months, be transmitted by the Governor, or in liis
appointed in maimer hereinafter mentioned. absence, by the Lieutenant Governor, or Cqmmander-in-
(^Provided always, That nothing in tiiis act contained chief, for the time being, and laid before his Majesty, for
shall extend, or be construed to extend, to any lands that his royal approbation ; Majesty shall think fit to
and if his

have been granted by his Majesty, or sliall hereafter be disallow tliereof, the same and be void from
shall cease
granted by his Majesty, his heii's, and successors, to be the time that his Majesty's order in Council thereupon
holden in free and common soccage.) shall be promulgated at (Quebec.
Providtd [always] (also,) That it shall and may be Provided also. That no ordinance touching religion, or
lawful to and for every person that is owner of any lands, by which any punishment may be inflicted greater than fine
goods, or credits, in the said Province, and that has a or imprisonment for three months, shall be of any force or
right to alienate the said lands, goods, or credits, in his or effect, until the same shall have received his Majesty's
her life time, by deed of sale, gift, or otherwise, to devise or approbation.
bequeath the same, at his or her death, by his or her last Provided also, That no ordinance shall be passed, at
will and testament any law, usage, or custom heretofore
; any meeting of the Council, (where less than a majority
or now prevailing in the Province, to the contrary hereof of the whole Council is present, or at any time,) except
in any wise notwithstanding. between the first day of January, and the first day of May,
[Provided also, That nothing in this Act contained unless upon some urgent occasion; in which case, every
shall extend or be construed to extend, to any lands that member thereof resident at Quebec, or within fifty miles
have been granted by his Majesty, or shall hereafter be thereof, shallbe personally summoned by the Governor,
granted by his Majesty, his heirs, and successors, to be or, in his absence, by the Lieutenant Governor, or Com-
holden in free and common soccage;] (such will being mander-in-chief, for the time being, to attend the same.
executed either according to the laws of Canada, or And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid.
according to the forms prescribed by the laws of England.) That nothing herein contained, shall extend, or be con-
And whereas the certainty and lenity of the criminal strued to extend, to prevent or hinder his Majesty, his
law of England, and the benefits and advantages resulting heirs, and successors, by his, or their, letters patent, under
from tlie use of it, have been sensibly felt by the inhabi- the great seal of Great Britain, from erecting, constituting,
tants from an experience of more than nine years, during and appointing, such courts of criminal, civil, and ecclesias-
which it has been uniformly administered be it therefore
; tical jurisdiction, within and for the said Province of Que-
further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the same bec, and appointing, from time to time, the Judges and
shall continue to be administered, and shall be observed as oflicers thereof, as his Majesty, liis heirs, and successors,
law, in the Province of (Quebec, as well in the description shall think necessary and proper, for the circumstances of
and quality of the offence, as in the method of prosecu- the said Province.
tion and trial, and the punishments and forfeitures thereby {Provided always, and hereby enacted, That no-
it is

inflicted, to the exclusion of every other rule of criminal thing in this Act contained be construed
shall extend, or
law, or mode of proceeding therein, whicii did or might to extend, to repeal or make void, within the said Province
prevail in the said Province before the year of our Lord of Quebec, any Act or Acts of the Parliament of Great
one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four; any thing in Britain, heretofore made, for prohibiting, restraining, or
this Act to the contrary thereof in any respect notwithstand- regulating the trade or commerce of his Majesty's Colonies
ing subject nevertheless to such alterations and amend-
; and Plantations in America; but that all and every the
ments, as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Com- said Acts, and also all Acts of Parhament, heretofore made,
mander-in-chief, for the time being, by and with the advice concerning or respecting the said Colonies and Plantations,
and consent of the Legislative Council of the said Pro- shall be, and are hereby declared to be, in force, within
vince, hereafter to be appointed, shall from time to time, the said Province of Quebec, and every pan thereof.)
cause to be made therein, in manner hereinafter directed.
And whereas it may be necessary to ordain many
regulations, for the future welfare and good Government of
the Province of Quebec, the occasions of which cannot
An Act to prevent the Exportation to Foreign parts of
Utensils made use of in the Cotton, Linen, f'Voollen,
now be foreseen, nor without much delay and inconve-
and Silk Manufactures of this Kingdom.
nience be provided for, without entiusting tiiat authority for
a certain time, and under proper restrictions, to persons Whereas the exportation of the several tools or utensils
resident there : And
whereas it is at present inexpedient made use of in preparing, working up, and finishing, the
to call an Assembly be it therefore enacted by the author-
; cotton and linen manufactures of this Kingdom, or any
ity aforesaid, that it shall and may be lawful for his or either of them, or any other goods wherein cotton and
Majesty, his heirs, and successors, by warrant under his linen, or eitlier of them, are used, will enable foreigners
or their signet, or sign manual, and with the advice of the to work up such manufactures, and thereby greatly dimin-
Privy Council, to constitute and appoint a Council for the ish the exportation of the same from this Kingdom there- :

affairs of the Province of (Quebec, to consist of such fore, for preserving as much as possible to his Majesty's
persons resident there, not exceeding twenty-three, nor British subjects the benefits arising from those great and
less than seventeen, as his Majesty, his heirs, and succes- valuable branches of trade and commerce, be it enacted by
sors, shall be pleased to appoint; and upon the death, the King's most excellent Majesty, by and with tlie advice
removal, or absence, of any of the members of the said and consent of the Lords, Spiritual and Temporal, and Com-
Council, in like manner to constitute and appoint such and mons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the au-
so many other person or persons as shall be necessary to thority of the same. That if at any time after the first day
supply the vacancy or vacancies ; which Council, so ap- of July, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, any
pointed and nominated, or the major part thereof, shall person or persons, in Great Britain or Ireland, shall upon
have \full] power and authority to make ordinances for any pretence whatsoever, load or put on board, or cause
tlie peace, welfare, and good government of the said Pro- to be laden or put on board, of any ship, vessel, or boat,
vince, with the consent of his Majesty's Governor, or, in which shall not be bound directly to some port or place in
his absence, of the Lieutenant Governor, or Commander- Great Britain or Ireland, any such tools or utensils as are
in-chief, for the time being. commonly used in, or are proper for the ])reparing, work-
Provided always, Tiiat nothing in this Act contained ing up, or finishing, of the cotton or linen manufactures,
sliall extend to authorize or emjiower the said Legislative or any or eitlier of them, or any other goods wherein
Council to lay any taxes or duties within the said Province, cotton and linen, or either of them, are used, or any parts
(such rates and taxes only excepted, as the inhabitants of or parcels of such tools or utensils, by what name or
any town or distinct witliin the said Province, may be names the same shall or may be called or known ; the
authorized by the said Council to assess, levy, and apply, person or persons so offending shall, for every such offence,
within the said town or district, for tlie purpose of making not only forfeit and lose all such tools and utensils, or parts
roads, erecting and repairing public buildings, or for any or parcels thereof, which shall be so laden or put on board
other purpose respecting the local convenience and econ- as aforesaid, but also the sum of two hundred pounds of
omy of such town or district.) lawful money of Great Britain ; to be recovered by ac-
221 BILL PROHIBITING EXPORTATION OF TOOLS USED IN MANUFACTURES. 222

lion of debt, bill, plaint, or information, in any of his Ma- and if, when such person or persons shall be so brought
jesty's courts of record at fVestminster, or in the Court of before such Justice or Justices, he, she, or they, shall not
Session in Scotland, or in any of tlie four courts of Dub- give such an account of the use or purpose to which such
wherein no essoine, protection, privilege.
lin respectively, tools, utensils, or parts or parcels thereof, are intended to
Of wager of law, shall be allowed, or more than one im- be appropriated, as shall be satisfactory to the Justice or
parlance. Justices before whom he, she, or they, shall be brought as
And further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
be it aforesaid, then, and in such case, it shall and may be law-
That from and after the said first day of July, it shall and ful to and for such Justice or Justices, not only to cause

may be lawful to and for any officer of his Majesty's all such tools or utensils, or parts or parcels Uiereof, which

Customs in Great Britain, and for any officer of the Re- shall have been seized as aforesaid, to be detained, but
venue in Ireland, to seize and secure in some or one of also to bind the person or persons so charged to appear at
his Majesty's warehouses, all such tools or utensils, or the next assizes, general gaol delivery, or quarter sessions
parts or parcels thereof, by this Act prohibited to be export- of the peace for the county, city, riding, or division,
ed, as such officer shall find or discover to be lade or put where such offence shall be conmiitted, with reasonable
on board of any ship, vessel, or boat, which shall not be sureties for his, her, or their appearance and in case such ;

bound directly to some port or place in Great Britain or person or persons shall refuse or neglect to give such
Ireland, and that every officer who shall seize and secure security, then, and in such case, it shall and may be lawful
any of the said tools or utensils, or parts or parcels thereof, to and for such Justice and Justices to commit the person
shall be fully and absolutely indemnified for so doing and ; or persons so refusing to the county gaol, there to be kept
all tools and utensils, or parts or parcels thereof, so seized until the next assizes, or next quarter sessions of the
and secured as aforesaid, shall, after condemnation thereof county, city, riding, or division, where such commitment
in due course of law, be publicly sold to the best bidder, shall be, at the election of such Justice of the Peace, and
and one moiety of the produce arising by the sale of such until he, she, or they, shall be delivered by due course of
tools and utensils shall be to the use of his Majesty, his law and in case any such person or persons shall be con-
:

heirs, and successors, and the other moiety to the officer victed upon any indictment or information against him, her,
who shall seize and secure the same as aforesaid. or them, at such assize or general goal delivery, or quar-
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, ter sessions of the peace as aforesaid, of collecting, ob-
That from and after the said first day of July, if the taining or getting into his, her, or their custody or posses-
captain or master of any ship, vessel, or boat, in Great sion, such tools or utensils, or parts or parcels thereof, with
Britain or Ireland, shall knowingly permit any tools or such intent as aforesaid then, and in such case, the per-
;

utensils, by this Act prohibited to be exported as aforesaid, son or persons so offending, shall, for every such offence,
to be put on board his said ship, vessel, or boat, every not only forfeit and lose all such tools and utensils, and
such captain or master shall, for every such offence, for- parts and parcels thereof, which shall be so seized and
feit the sum of two hundred pounds of lawful money of detained, but also the sum of two hundred pounds of law-
Great Britain; to be sued for and recovered in such ful money of Great Britain ; to be recovered by action
manner as the penalties by this Act upon persons export- of debt, bill, plaint, or information, in any of his Majesty's
ing the said tools and utensils are to be sued for and reco- courts of record at Westminster, or in the Court of Session
vered and if the said ship, vessel, or boat, belongs to his
: in Scotland, or in any of the four courts at Dublin re-
Majesty, his heirs, or successors, then the captain or mas- spectively, wherein no essoine, protection, privilege, wager
ter thereof shall not only forfeit the sum of two hundred of law, or more than one imparlance, shall be allowed.
pounds, to be sued and recovered as aforesaid, but shall
for And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid.
also forfeit his employment, and be uicapable of any office That one moiety of the respective forfeitures by this Act
or employment under his Majesty, his heirs, or successors. inflicted upon offenders against the same, shall, when
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. recovered, go and be applied to the use of his Majesty, his
That any Customer, Comptroller, Surveyor, Searcher,
if heirs, and successors, and the other moiety to the use of
Waiter, or other officer of the Customs in Great Britain, the person or persons who shall sue and prosecute for the
or any officer of the Revenue in Ireland, shall take, or same respectively.
knowirgly or willingly suffer to be taken, any entry out- And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid.
ward, or shall sign any cocket, warrant, or sufferance, for That any suit or action shall be commenced against any
if
the shipping or exporting of any of the said tools or uten- person for what he shall do in pursuance of this Act, such
sils by tins Act prohibited to be exported, or shall know- action shall be commenced within six months after the
ingly or willingly permit or suffer the same to be done, fact committed ; and the person, so sued, may file com-
directly or indirectly, contrary to the true intent and mean- mon bail, or enter a common appearance, and plead the
ing of this Act, every such Customer, Comptroller, Sur- general issue, not guilty and may give this Act, and
;

veyor, Searcher, Waiter, or other officer of the Customs the special matter, in evidence and if the plaintiff or
;

of Great Britain, or officer of the Revenue in Ireland, prosecutor shall become nonsuit, or suffer discontinuance,
shall, for every such offence, forfeit the sum of two hun- or if a verdict pass against him or her, or if upon demurrer,
dred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain ; to be sued judgment be given against the plaintiff, the defendant shall
for and recovered, as aforesaid, and shall also forfeit his recover treble costs.
office, and be incapable of holding any office or employ-
ment under his Majesty, his heirs, or successors.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That if any person or persons, from and after the said first
The following Speech of Lord North, on presenting the American
day of July, shall collect, obtain, or have, in his, her, or
papers to tlie House of Commons, 7th of March, 1774, was, through
llieircustody or possession any such tools or implements as
accident, omitted to bo inserted in its proper place ; See folio 32.
aforesaid, or any tools or implements used in the woollen
or silk manufactures of this Kingdom, or any parts or par- These papers, his Lordship said, consist of copies and
cels thereof, and complaint shall be made upon the oath of extracts of letters from the Commander of the forces, and
one or more credible witness or witnesses before any Jus- from the several Governors in America ; of threats and pro-
tice or Justices of the Peace, that there is reason to believe phetic warnings to the gentlemen to whom the tea lately sent
tliat such person or persons have or hath collected, obtain- over by the East India Company was consigned of copies ;

ed, or got into his, her, or their custody or possession, such of letters from the several consignees at Boston to a ring-
tools or implements as aforesaid, or parts or parcels thereof, leader of the faction in that tow n of votes and resolves of;

with intent to export the same to some other port or place the town of Boston, previous to the an-ival of the tea; of
than Great Britain or Ireland; then, and in such case, it narratives of transactions that happened after the arrival

shall and may be lawful to and for the Justice or Justices of of a Petition from the consignees to the Council of Massa-
the Peace unto whom such complaint shall be made, to chusetts, praying diat they and their property might be taken
Issue his waiTant or waixants, not only to seize all such under the protection of Government; with the absolute de-
tools or implements, and parts or parcels thereof, but also nial of the Council to interfere in the business of notes from ;

to bring the person and persons so complained of before the India House of letters from the Admiral commanding
;

him or them, or some other of his Majesty's Justices of in Boston harbour and from Lt. Col. Leslie, of the sixty-
;

the Peace for the same county, riding, division, or city fourth regiment, in barracks at Castle William; of a Proc-
223 LORD NORTH'S SPEECH, MARCH 7, 1774. 224

lamation of the Governor's against the factious meetings of compliance, were very fairly reported by Mr. Botch ; upon
the inhabitants, which they treated with tlic most insolent which a signal way given, and presently a number of men
contempt ; of copies of treasonable printed paj)ers of the ; disguised like Indians, boarded the vessel in wltich the
transactions of the Massachusetts Council, condemning the tea was stowed, broke open the chests, and committed the
destruction of the tea, and advising legal prosecutions contents to the sea.
against the perpetrators, none of whom were publicly This is a succinct account of the proceedings at Boston,
known. — So far regards the Massachusetts only. as they happened, in regular succession. It happened that

Tlie papers written and printed from the other Colonies, the ship bound for Boston was the first, of those employed
partake in a great measure of the nature of those already by the Company to carry the tea, that reached her destined
mentioned, and are formed exactly on their model. Besides port. Every civil precaution appears to have been tried, to
the regular official information of the different Governors, preserve the property, and the peace of the town; his Ma-
transmitted to the American Secretary of State, tl)ere are jesty's Council, the cadets, and the militia, were all applied
copies of many inflammatory fugitive pieces, handbills, to, without effect :the Sheriff read a Proclamation to the
alarms, resolves of town meetings, and minutes of Council faction, commanding them to dissolve their assembly, and
but as there was no outrage committed but at Boston, it this Proclamation was immediately afterwards inserted in

were unnecessary to trouble the House with all the incen- the Gazette both the Sheriff and the Proclamation were
;

diary scribbling and printing in the different Colonies. It treated with insult.
may, however, be necessary to observe, that all the printed The people of Boston were, on this occasion, fairly
and circulated trash were plentifully larded with tlie fash- tried. The Governor from the beginning had formed the
ionable phrases of " desjjerate plans of despotism ; niinis- resolution not to call in either the naval or military force,
" terial designs to ruin their liberties slavery ; galling
; but to trust the management of the whole affair to the
" fetters; forging infernal cliains ; encouraging poj)ery ;
conduct of the civil power. The loyal and peaceable
" despotic rule;" &,c. he. people of the mercantile town of Boston, as they have
The letters from the different Governors contain a mi- ever affected to be thought, were wholly left to the exer-
nute and regular detail of the state of their respective cise of their own judgment, and they have given all the
Provinces, and particularly of the capital cities of each, world a notable proof of their justice and moderation, by
from the first intelligence of the teas being shipped at home wantonly committing to the waves a valuable commodity,
till its anival in America, and return back, or destruction. the property of another mercantile body of loyal subjects,
Above all Governor Hutchinson's letters are the most when all they had to do, in order to defeat any supposed
precise, exact, and circumstantial. He appears to have imposition, was, to keep firm to their resolution, not to
left nothing untried to preserve the peace of the town, and buy or to use it. It is but reasonable, however, that they
secure the property of the Company. He appears to have should be made to pay for their outrageous pastime, and
endeavoured, first, to sooth, and when that did not do, to be constrained to make good the loss such an indemnifi-
;

intimidate the faction. It was the Governor who advised cation will be, to them, the more bitter as they must pay
the consignees to apply to the Council for their advice, for for a commodity they did not taste, and which they pre-
the preservation of the tea committed to their care, and for tend to abhor.
their personal security ; for two of his sons were the two The other Governors, after the accomplishment of the
principal consignees. He also, during the height of their Bostonian exploit, wisely agreed to sufler the tea to be
turbulent, unlawful, and seditious assemblings, before the carried back from whence it came. The consignees refus-
tea was destroyed, sent the Sheriff to the town-meeting at ed to receive it, and as no one had ordered it, no one was
Boston, commanding the people there to break up and obliged to hazard his own personal safety, in taking upon
depart. When the Sheriff, Mr. Grcenleaf, entered tlie himself to be the owner of it. They, therefore, well
liall, and intimated that he had a paper to read from the knowing that what had already happened, was fully suf-
Governor, the faction put it to the vote, whedier he should ficient to rouse the resentment of the British people and
be permitted to read it or not ? After some debate, per- Parliament, very prudently acquiesced in the applications
mission was granted, and the Sheriff accordingly proclaim- that were made to them by the respective Captains, for
ed the Governor's orders for them to disperse. Tlie in- leave to return home, thereby avoiding an unnecessary
stant he had done speaking, the faction saluted him with occasion of involving their Provinces in a troublesome
an universal hiss, which continued during his stay, and dispute, the issue of which could not but be foreseen.
accompanied him in his retreat. The Proclamation was With respect to Governor Hutchinson, had it not been
afterwards published in the Gazette, from whence it was for his determined resolution not to irritate the people by
copied into the other papers, and commented upon with calling in the assistance of the naval power, the Compa-
every mark of contempt and indignity. ny's tea might undoubtedly have been saved but, as the
;

Before the arrival of the tea, the Governor appeared to leading men, in the town of Boston, have always made
have taken every measure that prudence could suggest, or great complaints of the interposition of the army and
good policy justify, both for the security of the Company's navy, and not only declared, but insisted that they were
property and for the safety of the consignees. The prin- the aggressors in every riotous disturbance that has happen-
cipal leader of the faction was applied to he commanded
; ed among them, it cannot but give pleasure to every un-
the Governor's company of cadets ; and although it was prejudiced mind, that their Governor gave them no such
hardly to be expected that he would muster the cadets to plea on this occasion. They were left wholly to them-
oppose his own party, it was judged necessary to make him selves, and their present conduct has given tiie lie direct
acquainted with his duty, and to leave him without excuse. to their former declarations.
The application, as was foreseen, was without effect; and By an impartial review of all the letters and papers
no steps were taken either to preserve the peace, or to now laid before the House, 1 may venture to assert, that it
secure the tea. The Selectmen of the town insisted, will manifestly appear, that nothing can be done there by
indeed, that IMr. Botch, the owner of Captain Hall's ship, officers, civil, military or naval, to effectuate the re-establish-
should demand a clearance outward from the custom- ment of peace in that Province, without additional Parlia-
house, in order that the tea might be carried back Mr. ; mentary powers to give weight to their proceedings. They
Botch, knowing that the demand was unusual, resisted for can make no movement, even the most trifling, but what is
a long time, till finding his life in danger, he was constrained exclaimed against by the licentious as an infringement of
to comply. The custoin-liouse refused to grant him an their liberties. It is the settled opinion of the wisest men
illegal clearance. The Governor was then applied to for in that and this country, that no effort in the Colonies by
a pass, without which the vessel would have been stopped any body of men, civil, or military, can remove the evils
at Castle William; but this was also refused to Mr. Botch, that now reign amongst them. It is Parliament, and Par-
because it was totally inconsistent with the duty of a Go- liainent only, which can restore that turbulent people to
vernor to grant a pass to a vessel that had not been regu- peace, and bring order out of confusion. It is therefore
larly cleared at the custom-house. This negotiation, there- incumbent upon every member of this House, to weigh
fore, being to a crisis, a town meeting was called about the and consider the purport of the papers that his Majesfy
middle of December last, wlien an account of the several has been graciously ))leased, unasked, to communicate and ;

denrands and refusals, with the reasons that prevented the to lay all prejudice aside in forming an opinion of them.
 ^^1

PROCEEDINGS IX THE SEVERAL COLONIES

THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT;

LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS

RELATING TO THEIR CONDITION AND AFFAIRS, GENERALLY, IN 1774.

MR. BOLLAN TO THE HON. JOHN ERVING, WM. BRATTLE, On Tuesday evening, having before heard of nothing
JAMES BOWDOIN, AND JAMES PITTS, ESq,RS., A COMMIT- but hostile intentions, I was informed that American affairs
TEE OF THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. would come on in the House of Commons to day, where-
fore on Wednesday I resolved to prepare, as far as the un-
Covent Garden, March 11, 1774.
certain state of the affair would then permit, for petitioning
Gentlemen : Late evening of Saturday, the 5th
in the that House, my chief intent being to ascertain the rights of
instant, I received certain information that on Monday a the Colonies, a point the least objectionable, though in its
Message from the King would be sent to the two Houses nature efficacious ; and for that purpose gain admittance at
of Parliament, respecting the late proceedings in North least to lay before the House authentic copies from the re-
America, and at Boston in particular, accompanied with cords of many letters, patent royal, passed for acquiring and
papers of correspondence and Lord North, on that day,
; settling new dominion inAinerica, never yet laid before them,
presented the following Message to the House of Com- thereby proving that the several Princes, numerous Nobles,
mons " His Majesty upon information of the unwarran-
: and other worthy persons who were concerned in the set-
" table practices which have been lately concerted and tlement of the Plantations, as well as the actual Settlers,
" carried on in North America, and particularly of the were very far from understanding that they who by their
" violent and outrageous proceedings at the town and port merits should enlarge the public dominion, should thereby,
" of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, with a contrary to natural justice, lessen their own liberties ; and,
" view of obstructing the Commerce of this Kingdom, and after preparing a few general articles that might possibly
" upon grounds and pretences immediately subversive of serve on the occasion, in order to have my Petition pre-
" the Constitution thereof, has thought fit to lay the whole sented when ready, and proper in point of time, I waited
" matter before his two Houses of Parliament, fully con- yesterday morning on General Comcay, who had in the
" fidinc as well in their zeal for the maintenance of his House denied the authority of Parliament to tax America.
" Majesty's authority, as in their attachment to the com- On proposing the presentation to him, he answered it would
" mon interest and welfare of all his dominions, that they be more proper for him to support the petition, expressing
" will not only enable his Majesty effectually to take such clearly his readiness to do it at the same time complaining
;

" measures as may be most likely to put an immediate that violence and disorders in the Colonies laid difficulties
" stop to the present disorders, but will also take into their in the way of their friends obtaining the relief they wanted.
" most serious consideration what further regulations and Waiting upon Sir George Savile, he declined the presenta-
" permanent provisions may be necessary to be established tion because he was in honour obliged various ways to apply
" for better securing the execution of the laws, and the himself closely to another business. He told me Lord
" just dependence of the Colonies upon the Crown and North had put such an insidious question to him respecting
" Parliament of Great Britain." the measures proper for the House to take, that after giving
In consequence of my information, after doubting some him a suitable answer, he directly went out of the House,
time on Sunday what was the best step now to be taken, out of resentment, as I understand. From him I went di-
and being sensible that Ministers, after taking as much time rectly to the mansion house, where the Lord Mayor very
to prepare their own measures as they think fit, sometimes readily and kindly promised to present my Petition. From
so far hurry on execution as to distress their opponents; him, pursuant to his recommendation, I went to Mr. Al-
for this and other reasons, to check in some measure, if I derman Oliver, whom I found very intelligent and candid,
could, the torrent in this case, I resolved to prepare, and and who me that my Petition might be presented
satisfied
publish with all possible despatch, my late Petition to the at a more day than I had supposed, when a certain
distant
King, with illustrations ; and thereupon went into the city object of opposition would have arisen. He told me the
to the printer, who, during some time past, had been em^ West India merchants had agreed to meet on Thursday
ployed in my intended vindication of the Colonies, a labo- next, in order to oppose any injurious measures agreeing
;

rious work, requiring great care ;

after collecting numerous with me that this was one common cause of all tlie Colo-
proper materials, told him he must lay that aside for the nies. I had the pleasure of being informed by the Lord
present, and prepare for printing a short pamphlet, with Mayor that the spirit of resentment in their House was
all speed, promising to make proper allowance to the men abated, and he seemed to think in no small degree, seve-
who should work out of common hours, directing him to ral of the members to whom he had spoke having changed

send the next morning for part of the copy when, going ; their minds.
about it, and attending to it without intermission, tlie copy I had, since being refused to be heard before the Lords
was completed on Tuesday, hehrc dinner; and, by my of the Committee, made as great progress in my examina-
Clerk's attendance, and my going to the printer's in person, tion and observations on the most material parts of the
several times, and afterwards going late farther into the Governor's letters, with intent to complete and publish
city, to two of the principal publishers, in consequence of them with my petition, as the time and avocations would
Mr. Almon's telling me at the printer's it was too late for permit, when the late proceedings in Parliament began,
the next day's publication, I prevailed on them to publish which obliged me to change my measures, and publish the
iton Wednesday morning, and now send herewith enclosed Petition as you will find if, which I understand, has not
two copies of it. been unserviceable, and the aflair of the letters, you are
Fourth Series. 15
227 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 228

sensible, must give way to others more important during patch proper for presenting my Petition immediately before
their continuance. It is no easy matter to prepare a Peti- the House proceeded upon American affairs. The reading
tion in efficacious terms for the Province service, and agree- and admittance of my Petition in a full House is a favour-
able to the different sentunents of those who are to support able circumstance.
it, and, moreover, least liable to objection from your ad- It is impossible for me
the present interesting state of
in
versaries wherefore to this, and the other difficulties at-
; the Province affairs, and my
concerns therein, to acquaint
tending this important business, I must now go on with my you with many particulars otherwise desirable ; however I
preparations. must by no means longer omit mentioning what gave me
am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, for you, and
I great pleasure, to wit, that when your affairs were consi-
the othermembers of the Council, your most obedient and dered in the House of Lords, the right of Parliament to
most humble servant, W. Bollan. tax the Americans was not only denied by I^ord Camden,
Tlie Hon. John Erving, Wm. Brattle, James Bowdoin, esteemed by many the most able judge of this question in
and James Pitts, Esqrs. the Kingdom, but he, according to my information, vvith
great learning and historical knowledge, shewed that taxa-
tion and representation were inseparable companions; among
otiier things reading in the House a passage in Mr. Locke,
MB. BOLLAN TO THE COMMITTEE.
heretofore cited by me, in some public essay, for this pur-
Covent Garden, March 15, 1774.
pose.
Gentlemen: Having begun my Petition to the House In case I had in my Petition expressly opposed the Par-
of Commons upon a larger scale, with
after conferring liament's right of taxation, instead of stating the rights of
j)roper members, I reduced it to as small compass as the the Colonies incompatible with it, in order to give proper
sufficience and perspicuity of proper matter would permit, proofs of the same, and so laying the foundation of oppo-
and now send a copy of it. As soon as completed yester- sition, my Petition would certainly have been rejected.
day morning, waiting on the Lord Mayor, in order to its March 17M.
presentation, 1 found him less spirited for the business than I wrote in order to despatch
haste on the loth inst., in
before, and inclined to postpone the presentation ; where- my letters, with a copy of my Petition and the duphcates,
upon observed that it was uncertain what measures the
I by the Captains Lloyd and Scott, who, I understood, were
Ministers might take that some time past, when a Petition
; on the point of sailing but going into the city, at noon, I
;

from another Colony was prepared and proposed to be found their departure was postponed for a short time. At
presented in season. Administration got it delayed, and af- present I have not much to add, and less time for doing it.
terwards, when offered, objected with success, that it came On Monday, having risen early, and been in a constant
out of time and that, in point of fairness to all parties, as
; state of hurry and anxiety until my Petition was admitted,
well as safety to my constituents, I earnestly desired my I then went away directly, to get necessary sustenance,
l^etition might be presented that day, before the House getting home about five, having before coming away de-
pixK-eeded to their consideration at large on the state of clined writing to the Speaker, as the Door-keeper had
American affairs. He at length assented, and received my proposed, for the favour of leave of admittance into the
Petition accordingly having in the course of what passed
; House. According to my information, next morning great
observed Ministers could carry any point they were set disappointment took place by the principal persons, men
upon; to which I answered, that was no sufficient reason, I of the greatest weight in the opposition, not speaking at all;
thought, for ceasing opposition and despairing of the Com- and Lord North's drift seemed to be to adopt the ancient
monwealth, wherein he agreed. Then going directly to maxim divide et impera, and to make the town of Boston
Mr. Oliver's, and finding he was gone to the House, I the chief source of all the opposition made by the Colo-
went tliither, when, being informed, that the Lord Mayor nies to the measures of Government, and by punishment
was not come, nor General Conway, for whose use I car- suitable to this idea to make an example of them, intcrro-
ried a copy of my Petition, I went up into the great rem, to others, supposing the old maxim, proximus ardet,
committee room to speak with Alderman Oliver, whom I would not take place in the Colonies.
found in the chair, which, upon speaking with him, I was Lord Camden was not at home yesterday when I went
satisfied he could not leave in season to assist or second to wait on him, whereupon I left, to be delivered to him,
the Lord Mayor ; then returning towards the lobby the at his return, a copy of my Petition to the House of Com-
Under Door-keeper met me and told me the Lord Mayor mons, and a printed copy of my late Petition to the King,
had come out of the House and inquired for me where- ; &.C. American affairs being appointed to come on in the
upon, as soon as possible, I got the Door-keeper to send in House of Lords to-day, upon my waiting on him tiiis morn-
a message to let his Lordship know I was waiting in the ing his Lordship told me his servant informed him Serjeant
lobby, where I staid a considerable time in painful suspense, Baldwin had left some papers for him, which he had not
till Joseph Mawhey came out and told me the Lord
Sir looked into, and he was in such haste, that I had bare time
Mayor had desired him to present my Petition, being to inform him that Calias, which, you are sensible, Wiis
unacquainted with the usual proper proceeding and after ; obtained by conquest, at the expense of much blood and
saying a few things, he went into the House, and soon treasure, had, in process of time, right of election of two
coming out again told me the Speaker had endeavored to members to set in Parliament, to which he seemed quite a
throw cold water upon my Petition; but after making proper stranger, the knowledge whereof after making many re
inquiry into the nature of the Council, on whose behalf I searches in vain, I had at length acquired. The rights of
petitioned, he directly returned into the House with the taxation being hastily mentioned, he said an Act of Pariia-
spiritproper for pi-esenting it. After waiting a consider- nient hung over his head, and, at my coming away,
said he
able time he came out again and told me he had got my should be glad to see me any other time; and, as the Min-
Petition so far allowed and accepted, as to be laid upon tlie isters proceed against you by Bill, that will give opportu
table, where it would lie ready to be taken up when any nity, of course, for my waiting on him.
prejudicial measure should require it. Upon asking what I am, with the greatest respect, for you, gentlemen, and
countenance the House shewed when it was read, he an- all the other honorable members of the Council, your most
swered, favourable by many, and the question being put, obedient and most humble servant, VV. Bollan.
whether it should be received, a considerable majority The Hon. John Erving, Wm. Brattle, James Bowdoin,
answered in the affirmative. The Minister, I found, with
and Jaw,es Pitts, Esqrs.
another member, setting on the Treasury bench, at first
rather ridiculed the Petition however, he did not chuse to
;

divide the House upon the question. Among other things

Sir Joseph told me, Governor Pownall objected tliat it
ARTHUR lee to RICHARD H. LEE.

did not appear I was the proper agent for the Council to ;
London, March 18th, 1774.
whom he answered, my authority would be shewn when I Dear Brother : The affairs of America are now be-
appeared, and produced my proofs; afterwards adding, they come very serious the Ministry are determined to put
;

were once very near calling me in. Upon the whole Sir your spirit to the proof. Boston is their first object. On
Joseph behaved extremely well, with the spirit and desr Monday the I4th, it was ordered in tlie House of Com-
229 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 280

mons, that leave be given to bring in a Bill " for the imme- not relate to the Bill depending ; but in the course of the
" diate removal of the officers concerned in the collection opposition it was allowed there would be a time for my
" andmanagementof his Majesty's duties of Customs from being heard upon a proper Petition. Sir George Savilt,
" the town of Boston, in the Province o{ Massachmetts Bay, who first came out of the House, told me he had endea-
" in North America; and to discontinue the landing and voured to have the time ascertained when I should be
" discharging, lading and shipping of goods, wares and mer- heard; but this was not done. Afterwards, the Lord
" chandise, at the said town of Boston, or within the har- Mayor coming out with Sir Joseph Mawby, they declared
" hour thereof." their readiness to promote another Petition, after giving me
If the Colonies in general permit this to pass unnoticed, some farther information hereupon. Before they came
a precedent will be established for humbling tliem by de- out the Bill had been read a second time, and committed
grees, until all opposition to arbitraiy power is subdued. for to-morrow, when I expect the debates will take place.
Tiie manner, however, in which you should meet this As soon as this hasty letter is concluded I shall apply my-
violent act should be well weighed. The proceedings of self to the preparation of another Petition, proper, and
the Colonies, in consequence of it, will be read and regarded least objectionable.
as manifestos. Great care, therefore, should be taken to Enclosed you have copies of the past proceedings in
word tlieni unexceptionably and plausibly. They should the House, received from the proper officer.
be prefaced with the strongest professions of respect and I am, with the greatest respect for you, gentlemen, and
attachment to this country of reluctance to enter into any
; the other members of the Council, your most obedient and
dispute with her of the readiness you have always shown,
; most humble servant, W. Bollan.
and still wish to show, of contributing according to your The Hon. John Erving, Wm. Brattle, James Bowdoin,
ability, and in a constitutional way, to her support and of ;
and James Pitts, Esqrs.
your determination to undergo every extremity rather than
submit to be enslaved. These things tell much in your
favour with moderate men, and with Europe, to whose in- MR. BOLLAN TO THE COMMITTEE.
terposition America may yet.owe her salvation, should the
Covent Garden, March 23, 1774.
contest be serious and lasting. In short, as we are the
weaker, it becomes us to be suaviter in modo, however we Gentlemen I am just : returned from the House of
may be determined to act fortiter in re. There is a per- Commons, to which I went in order to have my second
suasion here that America will see, without interposition, Petition, whereof you a have a copy enclosed, presented,
the ruin of Boston. It is of the last importance to the before the House was resolved into a Committee of the
general cause, that your conduct should prove this opinion Whole, for their consideration of the Bill for the port of
erroneous. If once it is perceived that you may be at- —
Boston; although in some doubt whether this was the
tacked and destroyed by piecemeal, actum est, every part proper time for presenting my Petition, which opposed the
will in its turn feel the vengeance which it would not unite principle of the Bill, being determined to petition as soon
to repel, and a general slavery or ruin must ensue. The as possible, to prevent your adversaries saying I did not
Colonies should never forget Lord North's declaration in come in season. When
shewed my Petition to Sir
there I

the House of Commons, that he would not listen to the com- George Savile, having not found him at home, in order to
plaints of America until she was at his feet. The character his supporting the motion for its admission. Upon his
of Lord North, and the consideration of what surprising perusal he said he saw nothing at all improper in it, ob-
things he has effected towards enslaving his own coun- serving at the same time that he was not well acquainted
try, makes me, I own, tremble for ours. Plausible, deep, with the forms of proceedings. Soon after I met widi Sir
and treacherous, like his master, he has no passions to divert Joseph Mawby, who, on reading the Petition, and being
iiim, no pursuits of pleasure to withdraw him, from the informed of what Sir George had said, readily declared he
accursed design of deliberately destroying the liberties of would present it before the House went into a Committee.
his country. A perfect adept in the arts of corruption, and Afterwards he came out and told me that he had shewed it
indefatigable in the application of them, he effects great to the Speaker, spoken to the Clerk of the House, and con-
ends by means almost magical, because they are unseen. sulted the friends of the Petition, upon the proper time of
In four years he has overcome the most formidable opposi- its presentation, and that it was agreed on all hands that

tion in this country, from which the Duke of Grafton fled my Petition, opposing the principle of the Bill, could not
with horror. At the same time he has effectually enslaved be regularly presented now, because the Bill itself might
the East India Company, and made the vast revenue and be lost in the Committee but the proper time of present-
;

territory of India, in eflect, a Royal patronage. Flushed ing it, wherein the Speaker agreed it would be admissible,
with these successes, he now attacks America ; and cer- was before the third reading of the Bill and so the matter;

tainly, if we are not firm and united, he will triumph in rests at present. While at the House I understood the
the same manner over us. In my opinion, a general reso- objection mentioned to me some days ago by Sir Joseph,
lution of the Colonies to break off all commercial inter- gained ground, to wit, that the Bill as it now stands gave
course with this country, until they are secured in their no election for paying the value of the tea destroyed, and
liberties, is the only advisable and sure mode of defence. thereby preventing the shutting up of the \ ort, but pro-
To execute such a resolution would be irksome at first, but posed to shut it up directly, to be opened oh condition of
you would be amply repaid, not only in saving your money, future payment, which would be a precipitate, compulsory
and becoming independent of these petty tyrants, the mer- proceeding, without any certain necessity ; and it seemed
chants, but in securing your general liberties. to me not improbable that some temperament of this na-
You are, however, more capable of judging what is ture might take place to day. However 'tis necessary for
proper and practicable. My great wish is to see you firm me to save the present ship, to despatch what little I have
and united. Adieu. Yours affectionately, said, without waiting for any thing more.
Arthi;r Lee. I am, with the greatest respect for you, gentlemen, and

Richard II. Lee. the other members of the Council, your most obedient and
most humble servant, W. Bollan.
The Hon. John Erving, Wm. Brattle, James Bowdoin,
MR. BOLLAN TO THE C6MMITTEE.
and James Pitts, Esqrs.
Covent Garden, Marcli 22, 1774.
Gentlemen Contrary
: to my information, received from
House of Commons, the forenoon of
several officers of the
a gentleman in LONDON TO A FRIEND IN ANNAPOLIS, MD.
the lOth, who supposed American affairs would be defer-
London, March 31, 1774.
red to some day this week, the Bill, of which you have a
copy enclosed, was brought into the House in the after- Dear Sir This covers a Bill brought into the House
:

noon, and being read, no debate ensued whereupon, yes-

; of Commons by Lord North, against the town of Bos-
terday was appointed for tlie second reading. Before that ton, for destroying the tea sent out on account of the
took place Sir Joseph Mawby moved tliat I might be heard East India Company liy its complexion you may judge
;

in support of my Petition, which being opposed by Ad- what will be the ftite of America. I am sorry to see wliat
ministration, was refused, chiefly on this ground, that it did little opposition it met with in the House of Commons—
231 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 382

not a divbion on the passage of the bill In the House ! having reserved themselves, I suppose, for the third read-
of Lords it met with more opposition ; a number of able ing, so surprised them they could scarce credit the ac-
speakers opposed it, but the court party prevailed. You count I gave of the matter, but soon found it true.
may be surprised that tiiere was not a Petition presented to My business was now to get my Petition presented in
the House sooner than there was ; the Amerkans residing season, which was attended with some fresh difficulties Sir ;

here waited for the body of merchants to take the lead, Joseph Mawby was gone out of town, expecting the Bill
but they acted on this important occasion as in every other would not be read the third time till Monday following, when
matter of this nature heretofore. he would be ready to ])rcst:nt it. Some of the chief mem-
I suppose there will be a general Congress from the bers in the House were more inclined to support than pre-
Colonies ; —
on their deliberations the fall or rise of your sent the Petition. After various applications Mr. Alderman
country will depend. You will imdoubtedly form some Crosby undertook to present it. He attended accordingly,
resolutions, and strictly adhere to them, or give up the shewed my Speaker, and afterwards, in
Petition to the
dispute and submit at once to English tyranny. deter- A point of fairness, to Lord North, and other members of
mination to stop the exports of your country, and not different inclinations, without any objection being made to
import any British manufactures, will in two years restore it. After waiting a considerable time Lord North went
you to liberty, and draw poverty and ruin on the mother out of the House, and I was soon informed the Boston
country. Bill would not come on till next day, and presently
I have enclosed you the Petition to the King, with the Alderman Crosby coming out, told me what he had done,
names of those who signed it. adding that he would slay and present it that evening, if
Lord North made a motion in the House of Commons opportunity offered. Afterwards, while 1 was stept out of
for leave to bring in a bill to regulate the government of the lobby through necessity, he left the House fikewise.
the Massachusetts Bay, the substance of which, I under- The next morning waiting upon him, he said the friends
stand, is to invest such powers in the Governor as to enable of the Petition were inclined to put oft' the presentation to
him to hear, determine, and turn out at pleasure in fact, ; that day, and that it had been objected that 1 was not Agent
he pleases.
to be as arbitrary as for the Council, upon which I shewed him my authorities,
If Boston acquiesces, the next step will probably be to wherewith he was fully satisfied, appearing from the fii-st
punish Philadelphia for sending the tea back, and thus, well disposed to present and support the Petition and be- ;

by crushing each respectively, enforce a submission by the fore the tiiird reading he offered it to the House, stated dis-
whole, to any tax Britain may please to impose. its contents, and added, that hav-
tinctly all the particulars of
May heaven protect you, and direct your resolutions to ing seen my authority
from the Council he was fully satisfied
the happiness of your country —
may you be free from the with it, and doubted not the House would be so likewise
chains of slavery intended by a wicked and arbitrary upon my producing the same but the Ministry having no
;

Government. inclination that I should comet here, opposed the Petition's

being brought up, and a debate thereupon ensuing the Alder-
man, as he told me, was well supported, but on a division
MK. BOLLAN TO THE COMMITTEE. of the House the Ministry had a great majority against
Covent Garden, April 2, 1774. me and in the evening, after the merits of the Bill were
;

Gentlemen After being several times assured Jenkins

: debated, it passed.
would not take away his bag before Monday, my servant The next day it had the first reading in the House
is now, after two, returned in great haste to let me know of Lords, and was appointed to be read the second
his bag might be taken away in a few hours, which obliges time on Monday. On Saturday morning I went to
me to discontinue writing a letter of information at large, Lord Temple's, in hopes that he would be inclined to
and few words to inform you that after various difficul-
in oppose the Bill. He being rode out, and his return
ties myPetition to the House of Lords was presented, on uncertain before noon, I took the liberty to write to him,
which considerable debate ensued, and at length it was enclosing copies of my two Petitions, and praying the
determined that I should be heard in support of my Peti- favour of leave to wait on him In the afternoon his Lord-
:

tion, and was called in, and heard accordingly. That soon ship by a civil message, in writing, informed me he would
after the Bill passed to be enacted —
that Lord North has receive me. On the next morning, at ten o'clock, when
not yet brought in his Bill for the better regulating of the waiting on him, a li'ee conference respecting the state of
government of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in America began, and continued for an hour and more,
North America, for which leave was given on the 28th wherein he discovered friendly sentiments towards the
ult —
that after being at the offices of the two Houses of Colonies in several respects, but seemed to have a firm
Parliament this morning, calling at the Secretary of State's opinion of the unlimited authority of Parliament granting ;

office, I saw General Gage, who, in a few minutes, Mr. indeed, at the same time, that no benefit could arise from
Pownall told me was Governor of Massachusetts Bay, or exercising the power of taxation. He said he had of late
at least, would be appointed by the King to-morrow. declined attendance in Parliament, mentioning the state of
I am with the greatest respect for you, gentlemen, and his health as a reason for it and I have since been told he
;

the other members of the Council, your most obedient and has not been able to get over a hurt he received by a fall
most humble servant, W. Bollan. from his horse some time ago. In the evening before, by

The Hon. John Erving, Wm. Brattle, James Bowdoin, letter to Lord Camden I took the liberty after informing

and James Pitts, Esqrs. his Lordship of the proceedings in the House of Com-
mons to lay before him an office copy of the amended
Bill as it passed.
MR. BOLLAN TO THE COMMITTEE. On Monday morning being solicitous to make the
best preparation for presenting my Petition to the Lords,
Covent Garden, April, 1774.
I first waited on Lord Stair, to whom, when an ad-
Gentlemen : The
present recess of the two Houses of vocate in Scotland, his titledescended from the
lately
Parliament, during the holidays, admits of resuming a more famous Earl of Stair. When the affair of the Colonies
regular, though brief, relation of what has passed since was first moved in the Lords' House, pursuant to the
the account given of what was done in the former part of King's message, he had espoused your cause, being the
the day on the 23d ult., by letter then despatched, but first, if I remember aright, who spoke in their behalf. He
came an hourtoo late for Captain Scott. In the evening the now appeared very friendly towards you but on propos- ;

House, after resolving themselves into a Committee, went ing to his Lordship to present my Petition, after observing
througli the Boston Bill, filled up the blanks, and made he had particular reasons for not presenting it, he took no-
several amendments ; and then, the Speaker resuming the tice thatit was the proper office of the Secretary of State

chair, the same were reported, and ordered to be engrossed, for the Colonies to present it. On my discovering a
and to be read tlie third time the next day. At nine in the doubt of the utility of this proceeding, he immediately
evening a gentleman belonging to the House of Connnons, mentioned the Duke of Richmond, as the most proper
to my great concern, acquainted me with this precipitate man in all respects. From his Lordship, who had frankly
proceeding, the mention whereof next morning to some of told me twice that if 1 could get no other person to
the principal members who were not down at the House, present it, he would, 1 went directly down to the Duke's
233 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 234
house, who was gone out, and upon the best inquiry found away the proper officer came out of the House, and cal-
there was no certainty of liis return, saving to dinner, ling me by name introduced me. Upon my standing up
about four, and no prospect of seeing his Grace before six, at the bar the Lord Chancellor told me I had petitioned
when attending again 1 found he had been gone down the House to be heard against the Bill depending, and
to the House a considerable time, and was told that upon that the Lords had agreed to hear me ; and, after remind-
his being informed of my having come to wait upon him, ing me of the great dignity of the House of Peers,
he said he was sorry he had not seen me before he went, observed it was necessary for me to confine myself to the
and that he was going to his seat in the country the next matter in question to whom, having answered that I
;

morning. From thence I went down to the House, where should endeavour to beiiave in the most proper manner, and
1 found he was speaking on your behalf. While there a that if I erred, I should with great pleasure stand corrected,
noble Lord, with whom several years ago I had the honour I proceeded to set forth the great importance of the port

of some acquaintance, coming out of tlie House, and of Boston, wherein as to the number of ships of late
passing through the room, hastily came up to me and employed by the constant trade between it and Great
taking me by tlie hand, said he had not seen me this age, Britain, I had not long since received useful knowledge
and so passed on. This suddenly inclined me to think I from Mr. Temple, whom I described by his late offices
might prevail with him to present my Petition, but after- without naming him then mentioned the very great num-
;

wards considering that his Lordship holds one of the most ber of entries inwards and outwards, which appeared with
important and valuable offices in the Kingdom, I laid aside certainty upon a trial, wherein I was many years ago con-
the thoughts of applying to him. Admission into the House cerned adding that about thirty-five years ago Mr. Din-
;

being impracticable 1 returned home. Early the next morn- widdie, who was a long time Surveyor General of the
ing my servant was informed by the Duke's porter that Customs for the South district, afterwards Governor of Vir-
his Gracious' carriage was ordered to be ready at nine ginia, told me that the annual value of the goods imported
whereupon I soon attended. On seeing his Grace I found from Great Britain into the ])ort of Boston, amounted to
him extremely well disposed to serve you, and that he £600,000 sterling, which exceeded the value of the goods
had used his best endeavours to do it in the course of the imported into any other American port, save that of Kings-
debate, which, he told me, lasted till ten o'clock. As to ton, in Jamaica, where the amount of the imports were
presenting my Petition, he said that was the proper busi- much increased for the sake of the Spanish trade.
ness of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and after- I have not time to state all particulars, and if practica-
wards favoured me with some farther advice. From him ble I do not perceive any great benefit would thence arise.
I went to Lord Stair, who, among other things, told me he Below 3'^ou have a note of some things taken in haste, as
spoke with Lord Dartmouth, touching the presentation of proper, with others, to be mentioned and explained and it ;

my Petition, and advised me directly to apply to him, in may not be amiss to take notice that on coming to the fish-
order to its being presented the next day, before the third ery, I observed to their T^ordships that I was as well ac-
reading of the Bill whereupon going to Lord Dartmouth's
; quainted with the rise of the English and French navies as
he was gone out, and on going a second time found it my poor abilities would permit and after touching upon the
;

very uncertain whether I could see him that day where- ; agreeable nature of the present business to the French, I
fore in the evening 1 wrote to his Lordship, enclosed my observed, that in my humble opinion, it would be a pleasure
Petition, with my authority from the Council, and prayed to them to see the English begin to lay difficulties in the
the favour of his Lordship to present it in season. Attend- way of carrying on their fishery. Upon coming to a short
ing the next morning, I met with such difficulty in seeing pause, when preparing, if I remember aright, to speak to
his Lordship as obliged me to urge the necessity of speak- the great hardships imposed by the Bill on the numerous
ing a few words with him immediately, whereby gaining Boston and British merchants and manufacturers, a noble
admittance, I mentioned the contents of my letter as the Lord stood up and observed to this effect, that I had peti-
reason for my application ; whereupon he seemed less tioned as Agent for the Council, but did not confine myself to
inclined to the presentation than Lord Stair supposed, and their concerns ; whereupon the noble Lord who, on coming
objecting to the sufficience of my authority, said the Coun- out of the House the day before spoke to me kindly, and
cil was an annual body, though the members chosen were who, on my standing up at the bar, changing his seat,
generally the same, and that the Council's vote of last came and sat near me, cried out with othere, go on, go on.
June, appointing persons to correspond with me as their After observing that the innocence of the merchants was
Agent, was not a regular appointment of me for that pur- a fact stated in my Petition, and that during the long time I
pose to which 1 ansvi^ered that in this case no set form of had lived at Boston, the body of merchants never frequent-
;

words was requisite, and that the Council's express decla- ed the town meetings, but, like other merchants, were a
ration of my being their agent is reason sufficient as well peaceable set of men, and that they considered themselves
for this purpose as any larger fonn of words ; that the as a distinct order, of which I had the proper evidence, to
former vote manifested the nature of the trust reposed in wit, a letter from a committee of eight, written to me
me, and that the latter vote clearly shewed the contin- respecting the great difficulties attending their commerce
uance of it. He did not seem fully satisfied with my since the late unhappy difference. A short time after my
reasoning however, having the Petition, with the two coming out of the House, the Bill passed to be enacted.
;

votes, in his hand, he did not refuse to present it, but said On the Friday preceding, an intelligent member of the
he was going to the King with a Petition of some natives lower House assured me it was a point detennined by
of America to his Majesty, not to give his royal assent to Government that the Bill should pass, and receive the
the Bill ; that it was uncertain how long he might wait Royal assent on Thursday. This account was not long
before he should be admitted to see his Majesty, and how after confirmed by a noble Lord, who nevertheless agreed
long he might be detained by him, so that it was uncer- with me, that my business was to go on. I had not the

tain whether he should be down at the House in time to least expectation of succeeding in my opposition to the
present it. This reason, added to his Lordship's objec- Bill, but considered, first, that the establishment of the
tion to the sufficience of my authority, made me readily right of your being heard was beneficial second, that the
;

take back my papers. Lords having the supreme judicial authority of the King-
From him I went directly to Lord Stair, who seemed dom, together with the legislative, their admittance of the
surprised at the difficulty I had met with ; and having sufficience of my authority to be heard on the Coimcil's
before settled my Petition to his mind, and now ac- behalf, may probably promote the like admittance into the
quainted him with Lord Dartmouth's objection to my Commons' House, in order to oppose two other disagreeable
bills, which I am told Lord North intends to bring
authority, after considering the matter, he undertook to in,

present it, in such manner as clearly shewed he was de- having had a constant view towards this point while speak-
termined to support it. Upon his presenting it a consider- ing before the Lords, and was therefore particularly care-
able debate ensued, wherein Lord Camden gave the most ful to avoid every occasion of censure and upon inquiry
;

sensible and sjiirited support to its admissibility. Other was informed by a noble Lord that I had not given the
particulars cannot now be mentioned ; however at length least offence to any one member in the House.
the debate ceasing, as I suppose, an officer who came out During the former part of the proceedings in Pariiament,
of the House on some other occasion, said the matter was subsequent to the King's message, I had considerable ex-
all over; nevertheless, when I was preparing to come pectation that the honorable India merchants would assist
235 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 236

and strengthen your defence ; aftenvards that the manufac- the appointment of the Council by mandamus another, ;

turers in tlie principal towns, wlio, according to my infor- giving power to the Governor to appoint Magistrates,
mation, were alarmed, and stirring, would make their without consent of Council another, the abolishing of
;

opposition to the Bill for shutting up the port ; but all town meetings, or making it unlawful to hold them, till the
failed, even the London merchants declining their opposi- business to be proposed, has been certified to the Governor,
tion to it. The Duke of Richmond told me that Barclay, and his permission obtained. A
motion has also been
a quaker, had presented some petitions witiiout mention- made in the House of Commons, with a view to conciliate,
ing particulars so that no other Petition but my own was
; as is said, that all tlie Duty Acts should be revised, and in
presented, save a Petition of several natives of North the revision and re-enacting, without formally or expressly
America, which was presented to both Houses, admitted, repealing the tea duty (which will hurt the dignity of
and ordered to lie upon the table. The number of persons Parliament) sink or omit it, and add an equal value in some
who signed the Petition to the House of Commons was of the coasting port duties and the tea duty being thus
;

seventeen ; Lords were twenty-

and the petitioners to tiie taken out of the way, it is supposed will have the salutary
nine; this Petition was well drawn but a noble Lord, who
; effect of preventing the other Colonies from making a com-
was your faithful and active friend from first to last, told mon cause with ours. Some advantages in trade, are at
me on these different occasions that tiiis Petition had hurt the same time to be given to America, for the same
the cause, by reason of the small number of petitioners, purpose, such as carrying wine and fruit directly from Spain
considering how numerous the natives of North America, and Portugal, without touching in England.
residing in this metropolis, were, whence those Lords who I send enclosed, the proceedings of the Ijords on Wed-

contended for the Bill drew this prejudicial argument, nesday, which show their zeal in the business, by appoint-
" that the voice of the country was plainly against you." ing a Committee to sit during the recess, and the Easter
If agreeable to the honorable the Council, it may not be holidays.
amiss, I conceive, for them to give me authority to make, in With great esteem, I am, sir, your most obedient and
their behalf, proper grateful acknowledgment to their prin- humble servant,
cipal friends in each House, for their kind endeavours to Benjamin Franklin.
serve them, desiring at the same time that no public Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esq.
mention may be made of any of tlieir names.
I am with the greatest respect for you, gentlemen, and

the other members of the Council, your most obedient and Extract of a L<jtter from the Rev. Mr. ** ***, of Wakefield, in
T
most humble servant, Yorkshire, (England,) to Dr. Price, dated March 20, 1772; enclosed
in the preceding.
W. BOLLAN.
The Hon. John Erving, Wm. Brattle, James Bowdoin, Most wretched is the state ' of the poor about Dews-
and James Pitts, Esqrs. bury, through the languishing condition of the woollen
manufactory. I am told, that the poor's assessment for
amounted to five shillings in the pound,
the last half year,
and
preceding half year, to three shillings and six
for the
B. FRANKLIN TO THOMAS GUSHING, SPEAKER.
pence, and tl)is merely to preserve the poor wretches from
London, April 2, 1774. absolute starving. Many of the lesser manufacturers have
Sir My last was of the 22d past, since which I have already been broken and sold up, and the rest say, with
:

received none of your favours. tears in their eyes, that they expect it will soon be the
I mentioned that the Bill brought into Parliament for common fate. Unfortunately, the chief branch of the busi-
punishing Boston, met with no opposition. It did, how- ness of that very populous neighbourhood is making duffil
ever, meet with a little before it got through, some few of blankets for the North American market, the total stagna-
the members speaking against it in the House of Commons, tion of which trade has chiefly brought on this distress.
and more in the House of Lords. It passed, however, But the cloth business is almost as bad. I am told, that
by a very great majority in both, and received the Royal last Tuesday an account was taken at Leeds, of the
assent on Thursday the 31st, past. You will have a cloths that lie there unsold, and they amounted to near
copy of it from Mr. Lee. nineteen thousand cloths. Measures are also taken to get
In mine of February second, I informed you, that the number of cloths unsold in the manufacturer's posses-
after the treatment I had received at the Council Board, sion, which, it is not doubted, will be found exceedingly
it was not possible for me to act longer as your Agent, ap- great and this is the time of the year when business should
;

prehending 1 could, as such, be of no further use to the be most brisk. Mr. W*****
h, I hear, is going up again
Province; I have, nevertlieless, given what assistance I to London furnished with these, and other proper facts,
;

could, as a private man, by speaking to members of both to be laid before Parliament. Even the principal manu-
Houses, and by joining in the Petitions of the natives of facturers express their apprehensions, that they must either
America, now happening to be in London, which were stop entirely, or soon will be reduced to the common
ably drawn by Mr. Lee, to be presented separately, to the level. In short, the present state of things here is lamen-
several branches of the Legislature. They serve, though table, and the prospect dismal. Our work people at Wake-
without other effect, to show our sentiments, and tiiat we ficld are tolerably well off, for tlie Milneses do a great deal
did not look on and let the Act pass, without bearing our this year; but at Leeds, I am told, little is done. Several
testimony against it. And, indeed though called Petitions, families are already gone from Bristol this spring for North
(for, under another name, they would not have been re- America, and carry their arts and manufactures with them.
ceived,) they are rather Remonstrances and Protests. If they succeed, swarms will follow. All our hope of
By the enclosed extract of a letter from Wakefield, in relief, while suffering the severities of sm hungry and
Yorkshire, to a friend of mine, you will see that the manu- cold winter, was the revival of the demand from America.
facturers begin to take the alarm. Another general non- What astonishment and indignation then must we feel at
importation agreement is apprehended by tiiem, which the measures that blast that hope forever, and fill us with
would complete their ruin. But great pains are taken to apprehensions, that these are but the beginning of sorrows.
(juiet them, with the idea that Boston must immediately Such measures for the supporting authority, are ridiculous
submit, and acknowledge the claims of Parliament, for that enougli but alas, we are too miserable to laugh.
; I was

none of the other Colonies will adhere to them. A num- exceedingly affected last Friday, on observing the settled
ber of the |)rincipal manufacturers from different parts of gloom and dejection tiiat sat on the countenances of the
the Kingdom, are now in town, to oppose the new duty on poor manufacturers, who brought their cloths to Mr.
foreign linens, which they fear may provoke the Germans M****'s wareiiouse. How different from the looks they
to lay discouragements on British manufactures they wore two years ago!
; In short, our situation here, is a too
have desired me to meet and dine with them, on Wednes- forcible confirmation of the principles so affectingly exhibi-
day next, when I shall have an opportunity of learning ted to public attention, in Dr. Price's additional preface to
their sentiments more fully, and communicating my own. his appeal to the public, &.C., which Mr. Lindscy has just
Some alterations of the Constitution of the MassachU' sent. Beyond a doubt, if the event he so probably prog-
setts Bay, are now hotly talked of, though what they are nosticates takes place, the manufacturing part of the nation
to be, seems hardly yet settled one thing mentioned, is will first, and most severely suffer.
;
237 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 238
ARTHUR LEE TO FRANCIS L. LEE. alas, I have not the powers of pleasing. Horrors only
Extract. dwell on my imagination. Public corruption at present,
Ijoadon, April 2d, 1774. and public calamity for the future, are the dismal ob-
The Parliament are now bringing tlie question to that jects which incessantly fill my mind. The busy haunts
decision, which makes me tremble for the virtue, the cha- of men furnish more to lament than to rejoice in to ;

racter, the liberties of my countrymen. They have censure, than to praise. They are filled with scenes of
passed an act to take away the port of Boston, till every false happiness, and real misery, variety of vice and
compensation is made for the tea, and perfect obedience is wretchedness. It is rural retirement only, rural innocence,

acknowledged. And then it is to be restored in such rural tranquillity, which excite an uninterrupted flow of
iwrtions as the King pleases. What makes this more ideas, amiable and delightful. In these pleasing scenes,
alarming is, that no accusation is brought against the town ;
the perturbed spirits settle into a calm, productive of more
no evidence produced to criminate it and it is avowed, ; real happiness than all tliat the splendour of fortune, all that
that this is the first step towards reducing all America to an the pomp of power can bestow. It is there the golden age

acknowledgment of the right of Parliament to impose taxes revives, and all things inspire the spirit of love and delight.
upon her, and to a submission to tlie exercise of that right. My best love awaits her. Remember me at Mount Airy,
The Americans who are here, have thought it of so Stradford, Chantilly, and wherever else you think the
much consequence, that they have petitioned the three mention of my name will not be disagreeable.
branches of the Legislature, against passing such a bill Adieu, Sic, Arthur Lee.
but as you may imagine, without success. Francis L, Lee.
The next proceeding against Boston and the Province,
is already announced in the House of Commons. The
Selectmen and town-meetings are to be abolished. The SAMUEL ADAMS TO ARTHUR LEE.
Governor is to be endued with the power of calling the Boston, April 4th, 1774.

citizens together, when, and for what purpose he pleases. My DEAR Sir : My last letter to you I delivered to the
They are not to deliberate on any thing, but what he care of Dr.' Williamson, who Captain *****^
sailed with
dictates. The Council and Judges are to be suspended at in December last. The General Assembly has since been
the Governor's pleasure. The constitution of Juries is to sitting, and the important subject of the Judges of the
be altered, so as to render them more manageable, in find- Superior Court being made dependent on the Crown for
ing bills and verdicts against the friends of liberty. their salaries, was again taken up by the House of Repre-
We are just informed that General Gage is going over sentatives with spirit and firmness. The House had, in a
immediately, with three regiments, as Governor of Massa- former session, passed divers resolutions expressing their
chusetts, and Commander-in-chief; that he is to collect an sense of the dangers of this irraovation, and declaring, that
army about Boston, in order to impose these measures, unless the Justices should renounce the salaries from the
and reduce the people to entire obedience. Crown, and submit to a constitutional dependence upon the
The storm, you see, runs high and it will require ; Assembly for their support, they would proceed to impeach
great prudence, wisdom, and resolution, to save our liberties them before the Governor and Council. One of them,
from shipwreck. In my opinion, there ought to be a gene- Mr. Trowbridge, very early in the session, in a letter to
ral Congress of the Colonies and I think Annapolis
; the Speaker, expressed his formal compliance with that
would be the place, where it would be less liable to milita- resolve, which letter was communicated to the House and
ry interruption, than at New York or Philadelphia. If voted satisfactory. The other four had taken no notice of
you have virtue enough to resolve to stop, and to execute the resolve. The House, therefore, having waited from
the resolution of stopping your exports and imports for one the 26th of January, which was the first day of the session,
year, this country must do you justice. till the 1st of February, then came to a resolution, that
The shipping, manufactures, and revenue, depend so unless they should conform to their order on or before the
much on the Tobacco and Carolina Colonies, that they fourth of the same month, further proceedings would be
alone, by stopping their exports, would force redress. had on such neglect. The effect of this resolve was, that
Such a measure, should be attended with an address to the three of them, viz. Hutchinson, (a brother to him who is
merchants, manufacturers, and traders of this country, called Governor) ****** *j and *******, made similar
stating the necessity which compels you to a measure in- declarations to that of Trowbridge, which were also voted
jurious to them professing every thing, to flatter or con-
;
satisfactory. Mr. Justice Oliver, who is brother of the
ciliate them. Such a measure, operating at the general Lieutenant Governor, and is connected with the Governor
election, next April, would probably produce such a by the marriage of their children, came to a different
return of men)bers, as would listen to tmth and redress, determination, which occasioned a controversy between the
not so much for our grievances, as their own. Governor and the two Houses, inserted at large in the en-
This is the only effectual measure I can conceive. If closed papers. Therein you will see that the Governor
there is not virtue enough for it, I am afraid American has treated the petitions, complaints and remonstrances of
liberty is no more ; for you may depend upon it, that if the Representative body with haughty contempt. The
they find the chains can be easily imposed, tliey will make people view it with deep resentment, as an effect of his
them heavy, and rivet them fast. independency whereby he is aliened from them, and
;

It is impossible for me, to describe how much I am become a fitter instrument in the hands of the Ministry to
grieved at these proceedings, and with what anxiety I look carry into effect their destructive plans. They are irritated
forward to the event. You know I have doubted the to the highest degree, and despair of any constitutional re-
virtue of my countrymen. God grant that I may be medy against the oppressions of a corrupt officer, while the
mistaken that by a wise, temperate, and firm conduct,
; Governor, be he who he may, is thus dependent on Minis-

they may escape the blow intended, and preserve their ters of State. They
have, ever since the trial of Preston
freedom. The friends of liberty here, look to your and his soldiers, been murmuring at the conduct of the
conduct with great anxiety. They consider it as de- Superior Court, and tne partiality which many say is so
cisive, either to establish or overturn the present plan of clearly discovered in causes between revenue officers and
despotism. the Government, abettors, and other subjects. Indeed,
Tliere is a spirit of violence, injustice, and persecution the House of Representatives, two or three years ago,
in Administration, against every active friend oi America, passed a resolution that such conduct, in several instances,
which makes that character perilous. I caimot see that had been observed, as appears in their printed journals.
any service can be done here, until the event of these To give you some idea of what the temper of that court
measures is seen, and the popular prejudices begin to abate. has been, a lawyer* of great eminence in the Province, and
I am therefore determined to withdraw myself, by taking a member of the House of Representatives, was thrown
the advantage of a favourable opportunity of visiting Rome, over the bar a few days ago, because he explained in a
for some months from whence however, I shall return
; public newspaper the sentiments he had advanced in the
sooner, if any great event should hold out a probability of House when he had been misrepresented and a young ;

my being useful. lawyer of great genius in this town, who had passed the
Mrs. Lee well knows the power of her praise and ; regular course of study, (which is more than can be said of
how ambitious I should he of meriting it from her. But, « Joseph Hawley, Esq., of North Hampton.
239 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 240

the Chief Justice,) has been, and still is, refused by the This laid a foundation of distrust, animosity and hatred, till

Governor, only because he mentioned the name of Hutch- the emigrants, feeling their own vigor and independence,
inson with freedom, and that not in court, but in a Boston dissolved every former band of connexion between them,
town meeting, some years before. And to show you from and the islanders sunk itito obscurity and contempt.
whence this influence springs, I must inform you, tliat not May I your ear that you paid a compliment
whisper in
long ago the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and three to the Speaker told him you " always spoke
when you
of the Judges, which make a majority of the bench, were under the correction of his better judgment." I admire
nearly related and even now the Governor has a brother
; what you say to him, and I hope it will have a good im-
there, and is brother-in-law to the Chief Justice. Such pression on his mind that we shall be respected in Eng-
;

combinations are justly formidable, and the people view land exactly in proportion to the firmness and strength of
them with a jealous eye. They clearly see through a our opposition. I am sincerely your friend,

system formed for their destruction. That the Parliament Samuel Adams.
of Great Britain is to make laws, binding them in all cases Arthur Lee, Esq.
whatsoever; that the Colonies are to be taxed by that As Captain Wood is now about is not time
to sail there
Parliament without their own consent; and the Crown to have copies of the papers ; 1 will send them by the next
enabled to appropriate money for the support of Executive opportunity. In the mean time I refer you to Dr. Frank-
and arbitrary powers ; that tliis leaves their own Assembly lin, to whom they are sent by this vessel. S. A.
a body of very little significance while the officers of
;

Government, and Judges, are to be totally independent of

the Legislature, and altogether under the controul of the London, April, 5, 1774.

King's Ministers and Counsellors and there an union will

; Sir : Such my
regard for the Americans, that though
is

be effected, as dangerous as it will be powerful the whole ; a native of this country, I do not know how 1 would wisji
power of Government will be lifted from the hands into our rulers to act at this time. The great folly which the
which the Constitution has placed it, into tiie hands of Americans are running into is luxury. I hope we shall
the King's Ministere and their dependants here. This is, teach them to be wise, and attend to their real interest.
in a great measure, the case already and the consequences
; Though the present resentment seems levelled at Bos-
will be, aniiry debates inour Senate, and perpetual tumults ton, yet as the principle is common to all, viz., the Parlia-
and confusions abroad until these maxims are entirely
; mentary tax, I Northern Colonies will
fear the rest of the
altered, or else, which God forbid, the spirits of the people so far take it as aimed at all, as in some degree to interrupt
are depressed, and they become inured to disgrace and ser- our commerce with them. This will in every shape be a
vitude. This has long been the prospect in the minds of loss to us for though it may lessen the profit of their pro-
;

speculative men. The body of the people are now in vision vessels, bound to the Spanish and French islands,
council. Tiieir opposition grows into a system. They yet the loss of the sale of the British commodities they
are united and resolute; and if the British Administration carried is ours. This will likewise show them, that their
and Government do not return to the principles of mode- lasting and certain expectation of profit in commerce, must
ration and equity, the evil which they profess to aim at arise from their own productions which will naturally send ;

preventing by their rigorous measures, will the sooner be them out of their maritime towns, to attend to the cultiva-
brought to pass, viz. the entire separation and indepen- tion of their land and thus they will become every day
;

dence of the Colonies. more independent of us whereas their profit on the sale of
:

Mr. Gushing obliged me with a sight of your letter to our manufactures to the Spaniards and French, at present
him of the 22d of December last. I think I am not so diverts many from that true domestic policy.
clearly of opinion as you seem to be, that '- the Declara- The French make cloth which pleases the inhabitants of
tory Act is a mere nullity," and that therefore, " if we can Turkey and Italy better than our iniquitous fabric does. It
" obtain a repeal of the Revenue Acts frdm 1764, without may perhaps equally please the Americans, and when once
" their pernicious appendages, it will be enough." Should commerce has taken a channel, who shall stem the tide
they retract the exercise of their assumed power, you ask, Our cruisers? Can they guard a coast of at least 1500
when will they be able to renew it ? I know not when, miles, abounding in creeks and inlets ? Wise policy What !

but I fear they will soon do it, your worthy bro-

unless, as is the loss we may thereby sustain ? Only of a clear profit
ther in Virginia, in a letter I yesterday received from him, of about a million and a half sterling from the Provinces
expresses himself, " we make one uniform, steady effort, of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, with
" to secure an explicit bill of rights for British America." our loss from the other Colonies. trifle to so rich a A
Let the Executive power and right on each side be therein nation as we are !

stipulated, that Britain may no longer have a power or Iwould, as a Politician, divide our American settlements
right to make laws to bind us, in all cases whatsoever. ijito two classes. The first, and favourite one, the West
While the claim is kept up, she may exercise the power India islands import hither a million sterling more than they
as often as she pleases ; and the Colonies have experienced export from us, the whole being almost articles of luxury
her disposition to do it too plainly, since she in anger made and consumption. Cotton is, I think, the only rough ma-
the claim. Even imaginary power beyond right begets terial they send us. Tine but the |)roj)rietors spend their
!

insolence. The people here, I am apt to think, will be fortunes here. inquiry was made, I fancy it
If strict
satisfied on no other terms but those of redress and they ; would be found that large remittances are made from hence
will hardly think they are upon equitable terms with the to Madeira and France for wines, and several articles of
mother country, vi'hile, by a solemn act, she continues to luxury. I Ciannot suppose, from what I have seen in these

claim a right to enslave them, whenever she shall think fit islands, that less than half a million goes that way. What
to exercise it. I wish for a permanent union with the mo- is pretty singidaris, that New England exports from hence

ther country, but only on the principles of liberty and truth. more than Jamaica does, and that Jamaica exports from
No advantage that can accrue to America from such an hence nearly as nuich as all the other islands so that ;

union, can compensate for the loss of liberty. The time Nciv England and New York export a greater quantity of
may come sooner tiian they are aware of it, when the British manufactures, then all the favourite islands.
being of the British n^iUon, i mean the being of its impor- New England, New
York, and Pennsylvania, send us,
tance, however strange it may appear to some, will de])end in articles of luxury, a few furs, but in cash and bills, at an
on her union witli America. It requires but a small portion average of several years, about a million and a half sterling,
of tlie gift of discernment, for any one to foresee that and about two hundred thousand pounds in rough mate-
Providence will erect a mighty empire in America ; and rials, to be worked up by our people. While the flags of
our posterity will have it recorded in history, that their truce were permitted during the last war, their remittances
fathers migrated from an island in a distant pan of tlie world, were much greater. In the year 1760, the balance in our
the inhabitants of which had long been revered for wisdom favour, from these three Colonies, was one million nine hun-
and valour. They grew rich and powerful these emigrants ; dred thousand and odd pounds. Shall we, then, on the
increased in numbers and strength. But they were at last whole, call our present conduct wise ? What can we do ?
absorbed in luxury and dissipation and to support them-
; What would a parent do to reclaim a wayward child, on
selves in their vanity and extravagance, they coveted and whose reformation the parent's subsistence greatly depends ?
seized the honest earnings of those industrious emigrants. Set them down as they were at the close of the last war.
 241 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 242
and glory in amending an injudicious measure too long their conduct in the affair of the tea, would do well if they
pursued. endeavoured, before they passed judgment upon it, to
Tlie word war brings to my mind another transgression obtain proper ideas of right and wrong, and qualified them-
of these wicked Bostoniam. They very simply imagining selves to distinguish what is unlawful from what is inexpe-
that it would be for tlie advantage of Britain, conquered dient only; otherwise they may be led to condemn, as
Cape Breton, in the war before the last and we restored ; criminal, measures that were ill judged only and by the ;

it, without indemnifying tliem, so far as I have heard, for false colourings of Jesuitical writers, may be induced to

their expense. These very miscreants continued a greater believe actions to be unjustifiable and wrong, that were
number of men constantly in arms, during the last war, only impolitic and foolish.
than they were required to do and most cruelly injured
; I think the affair of the tea is, in general, rather ill un-

us, in a very essential manner, by sending to the Havana derstood and that the Constitution of England, the fun-
;

a supply of men, without whose aid the city had not been damental law of property, and the inalienable rights of
taken, nor our exhausted troops carried off in safety. As human nature, seem to have been but little regarded in
a just punishment on the gentleman who conducted that this dispute, concerning American taxation.

supply, to the ruin of his own fortune, he remained here That the Constitution of England has been but little
for several years in a starving condition and, as if a gene- ;
regarded must appear evident when it is considered what
ral infatuation had at that time seized all ranks of people, the spirit of that Constitution is with respect to its idea of
even the then House of Commons returned thanks to that taxation. Does the Legislature levy a tax upon the
people for these exertions of Loyalty, Kingdom in the same manner, and with the same preten-
sions as the King of France, by his edict, imposes taxes
upon his subjects ?—certainly not The Commons give :

and grant for themselves and jheir constituents the Lords ;

rROM A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON TO ONE IN NEW YORK. answer for themselves and tlie King, by his assent and
;

London, April 5, 1774. acceptance of such gifts, binds the parties to fulfil the con-
I know not in what language to speak my concern and tract, and gives the deed the sanction of the law. But,
indignation relative to theBoston Port Bill. He who may say the advocates for American slavery, taxation is a
view it singly, as pointed at a part of America, knows but necessary part of legislation; forgetting, or rather infa-
little of the temper and designs of Administration. mously misrepresenting the truth, which is that our Con-
The liberty of this country seems to have expired in their stitutionknows of no arbitrary legislative money bills, nor
hands. —
You must summon all the wisdom and firmness of acknowledges any other source of taxation but free gift.
the United Continent of AmeHca to preserve youi-s. I Can any man, then, have a right to give away another
know be the design, and an indispensable measure, to
it to —
man's property? certainly not. And the Commons of
divide —
you must, therefore, subdue every prejudice, and
bear with every infirmity, among yourselves, that, like a
Great Britain may give and grant away as much as they
please of their own property, but they have no right to
bundle of tender rods, you may not be separately broken give and grant away the property of the Americans.
to pieces. If the other Provinces do not warmly and So much touching the constitutional part of this dis-
firmly support an opposition to this horrid attempt to ruin pute, which I should have thought too obvious to have
the town of Boston, you must fall the easy victims of required any discussion, had there not appeared to have
tyranny, and become the most abject slaves of the earth. been much pains taken to confound the two very distinct
Let me entreat you, therefore, to turn a deaf ear to ideas of legislation and taxation, and to persuade mankind
every prejudice and idle report against your suffering fellow that legislation, which is essential to all Government, is
subjects forgive their errors, and think of nothing but
; nugatory without that power, which is incompatible with
mutual defence. the very end of Government itself, an arbitrary and
There were a few of us who petitioned Parliament, unlimited power of taxation ; for the end of Government
which was all we could do. The Sheriffs of this city is the preservation of property, and there can be no pro-

stand at the head of the several petitions they behaved ;

perty where there is an arbitrary power of taxation for ;

nobly and spirited on this occasion for they were first in;
what property can any man have in that which another
proposing, and active in the execution of the affair being — can, by right, take from him when he pleases, against his
consent?
the first in rank in the county of Middlesex, where the
petitions were signed, their example gave weight and dig- And that the fundamental law of property has been but
nity to the proceedings. littleattended to in this dispute, the application of the
do not hold myself answerable to give reasons why
I foregoing observation will sufficiently demonstrate for ;

those gentlemen, who formerly spoke the language of ^me- what security can the Americans be said to have in their
rica, should have become so few in number but, for your ;
property, if the people of Great Britain can give and
satisfaction, can assure you that Lord Chatham holds the grant it away when they please ? or rather, can they truly

same friendly sentiments of you. he is asked why When be said to have any property at all, if the people of Great
he does not attend the House of Lords, he says, 1 have Britain have, under this pretended right of taxation, a
talked long enough to the tapestry* power of taking from them, when they please, what they
The times are growing dangerous, and I know they possess, and of using and disposing of it afterwards in
would be glad to have my head therefore you will excuse
;
what manner they think proper ?
my not writing my name you know my hand.- — But how
dispute ? To
human nature violated in this
are the rights of
answer, that the law of nature, being
this I
Yours.
founded in reason and justice, admits of property for the ;

better preservation of which, and for the use and enjoy-

AN APOLOGY FOR THE LATE CONDUCT OF AMERICA. ment of it in peace and quiet, men entered into society.
If therefore, any man, or body of men, claim a right to
From the Ixindon Gazetteer, April 7, 1774.
take away at pleasure from other men their property, and
Tliere are those who
are clearly of opinion that the to dispose of it as they please such claim tends to a disso-
Commons of Great Britain have no rigln to give and lution of society, and is repugnant also to the law of nature,
grant away the property of the Americans.
as it would place mankind in a worse condition than the
If such people are consistent in their notions, they must
state of nature, wherein they had liberty to defend their
allow that the Americans would be justified in refusing to right against the injuries of others.
make good such gifts, and to comply with the requisitions Unforiunately also for these flaming advocates for the
in such grants. high prerogative doctrine of a necessary and unlimited
And if they would be justified in refusing to comply right of taxation in the British Legislature, and who as-
with such requisitions, it must also be allowed that there is sert that the power of legislation in the regulation of
a line of conduct which it would be proper for them to commerce, without that of unbounded taxation also, would
pursue, and that they are not left altogether without a be nugatory and futile, I must mention the cases of Scot-
I remedy.
They that are most violent against the Americana for
land before the union, and Ireland. If the British I^e-
gislature must necessarily be possessed of that power, with
• The House of Loriig ih hung with tapeitry. respect to America, why was it not necessary with respect
Fourth Series. 16
248 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL, 1774. 244

to Scotland before the union ? and why is it not at this odium of such an action, and knowing the sentiments of
nionient necessary with respect to Ireland 1 machine If the the Americans, the Company
at first hesitate ; but being
of Government cannot move on without this power over formally and regularly indenmified, they are at length pre-
the poor dispersed, divided and defenceless Americans, liow vailed upon by Administi'ation to become parties in the
could it so long have moved on witliout the same power cause, and tomake a direct attack upon the liberties and
over the rebellious Scots, or the discountented and fickle property of America. A
party also in America, either
Irish 1 dependent upon, or looking up to Government for advance-
I could mention also the Charters of the Americans, ment, or influenced by the mean consideration of the com-
which would be entirely subverted by this right of taxa- mission to be got by the sale of the tea, are procured, who
tion but those who, in their utmost pursuits, scruple not
; scruple not, to conspire with her external enemies, against
to violate the Constitution and polity of Great Britain, the freedom of America, and become zealous advocates for
the fundamental law of property, and the rights of human taxation and slavery.
nature, will pay, I am afraid, but very little regard to char- When the vessels arrive in America, such are the con-
tered rights. vulsions into which the whole Continent is thrown, that
But what of conduct is to be observed by that peo-
line the parlies concerned are prevailed on to consent to their
ple whose and property are invaded ? In answer
liberties immediate return.
to this question, I shall beg leave to subjoin a few short In one instance, the Governor and officers of the
extracts iiom Locke : " Tyranny is the exercise of power Customs interfere a proper clearance for the vessel is
;

" without right. Wherever the power that is put in any denied the return of it is prevented
; and a day for the ;

" hands for the Government of a people, and the preserva- landing of the cargo and the execution of their plan, is
" tion of their properties, is applied to otiier ends, and fixed upon.
" made use of to impoverish, harrass, or subdue them to What now ought the Americans to have done ? Ought
" the arbitrary and irregular commands of them that have they to have tamely submitted to this taxation, and by
" it, there it presently becomes tyranny, whether those acknowledging the principle to be just, from which it origi-
" that thus use it are one or many. Where law ends, nated, confessed themselves in so humiliating a condition,
" tyranny begins. The exceeding the bounds of authority as that the whole of their property, and every convenience
" is no more a right in a great than a petty officer no ; of life that commerce could aflbrd them, depended upon,
" more justifiable in a King than a Constable but is so ; and was held at the pleasure of the people of Great
" much the worse in him, in that he has more trust put in Britain 1
" him. May the commands then of a Prince be oppos- This would have been to have imitated the lamb, who
" ed ? To this I answer, that force is to be opposed to yielded his throat to be torn by the imperious wolf.
" nothing but unjust and unlawful force. Where the in- Ought they to have submitted first, and then petitioned ?
" jured party may be relieved, and his damages repaired They have repeatedly petitioned, but their cries were
" by appeal to the law, tliere can be no pretence for force, not regarded.
" which is only to be used where a man is intercepted Ought they to have appealed to the law ?
" from appealing to the law for nothing is to be accounted
; But what appeal can be made to the law, if the unjust
" hostile force but where it leaves not the remedy of such acts done against a man, are maintained by the power of
" an appeal and it is such force alone that puts him that
; the aggressors, and the remedy which is due by law, be
" uses it into a state of war, and makes it lawful to resist by the same power obstmcted ?
" him. Men can never be secure from tyranny, if there Ought they, when the tea had been landed, to have
" be no means to escape it, till they are perfectly under taken it from the consignees, and locked it up?
" it and therefore it is that they have not only a right
; But what man could prudently have stood forth in tiiis
" to get out of it, but to prevent it." way ; wrested the property fiom its owners, locked it up,
Bearing these axioms of eternal truth in our minds, let and openly exposed himself to the rage of the blind and
us now take a slight view of the controversy between infatuated Ministry of Great Britain 1
Great Britain and America. Whatever were the sentiments of the Americans upon
The three estates of Great Britain claiming a supreme this head, or whether in the heat of their resentment, they
legislative power over Great Britain and its dependencies, thought at all, is foreign to my purpose ; it is sufficient for
the Commons of Great Britain claim an absolute and un- me to observe, that in the conflict, that commodity, which
limited right of giving and granting away the property of was to have been instrumental to the introduction of slavery
the Americans. and taxation, was destroyed.
America admits the supreme legislative power of Great Let us next consider in what light the East India
Britain, as extending to the regulation of commerce, &.C., Company ought to have been considered by the Ameri-
but denies the inference drawn from it, the right of taxation, cans : as merchants trading to America, under the sanction
alleging, that such a right is not only contrary to the Con- of the law of nations, or as a banditti hired to attack their
stitution of Great Britain, and the venerable Charters of privileges, and indemnified against any loss which might be
America, but that it cannot, in the very nature of things, sustained in such attack ?
exist because, if it did exist, it would be unpossible for an
; And if the indemnification by them required, places the
American to possess any property. nature of their act in so very unfriendly a point of view,
The Commons of Great Britain, proceeding to carry shows that they were fully acquainted with the sentiments
their claim into execution, give and grant away a tax upon of the Americans, and considered the measure a^ danger-
all teas that shall be imported into America, to be collected ous, because unjust, in w-hat light must tiie indemnifiers,
in their very ports, at or before the landing thereof, and the suborners themselves, appear ?

the Executive appoints his tax-gatherers to collect the And if the agents in this business appear so black, let
same. us next examine in what light their commodity o»ght to
The Americans petition and remonstrate against the —
have been considered in the same sacred liglit as the pro-
measure, as looking upon it to be a violation of their rights, perty of the honorahJe trader, or as the indifferent
and a total .annihilation of their property but obtaining no
; property of men combined together to subvert the liberties
redress, rather than submit to so humiliating a iDeasure, of America 1 But neither of these ideas fully expresses
the whole Continent resolves to import no more tea, nobly its true nature.
choosing rather to have one natural right violently taken Ought it not rather to have been considered as that
from tiiein, than to become themselves the instruments of identical property, that very engine, by which the enemies
surrendering up the whole. oi America meant to subvert its privileges, and by introdu-
Great Britain, not satisfied with letting things remain cing along w'ith it an unlimited and discretionary right of
in this situation, the East India Company are instigated to taxation, totally to aniiiliiiate American property ? Cer-
attempt, in open violation of the Charters of the Ameri- tainly, property so circumstanced, brought thither with
cans, in opposition to the general voice of the people, and such an intent, and become so maliciously involved in the
in defiance of honour and justice, by a hostile importation subject of dispute, had lost those sacred sanctions which
of their tea, and by a submission to the tax so imposed, to are tiie defence of common property, and may figuratively
sap the foundation of their liberties and property, and to be said to have changed its very nature, and to have
establish a precedent for future inroads. Dreading the become an instrument of war.
245 CORRESPONDENCE, APRIL 1774. 246

If, then, it appears, that the Executive would not suffer submission ; and his Majesty's dignity
demands, that until
it to be taken back, and that the landing of it would, in the that submission be made, the town of Boston, where so
opinion of the Americans, have proved as fatal to Ameri- much anarchy and confusion have prevailed, should cease
ca, as the introduction of the wooden horse of the Grecians to be the place of the residence of his Governor, or of
did to Troy, though the alternative which they chose may any other officer of Government, who is not obliged by law
have procured them many enemies, there will, doubtless, be to perform his functions there. It is, therefore, his Majes-
found many others who will pity and excuse. ty's further pleasure, that so soon as the law for discon-
tinuing the port shall have taken place, and every step has
been pursued that is necessary to insure the execution of it,
you do make the town of iSalem the ])lace of your resi-
KARL OF DARTMOUTH TO GOVERNOR GAGE.
dence that you do require all officers (not included in the
;

Extract. above exception) to attend you there and that the Gene- ;

Whitehall, 9th April, 1774. ral Court, and all other courts and offices which are not by

The King having thought fit that you should return im- law fixed at Boston, be appointed and held at Salem, until
mediately to your command in ISorth America, and that his Majesty, satisfied on your representation, that the laws
you should proceed directly to Boston, on board his Majes- of this Kingdom will be duly observed, and Government
ty's ship Lively, now lying at Plymouth, ready to sail with be again administered at the town of Boston, without op-
the first fair wind, I send you herewith, by his Majesty's position, shall have signified his Royal will and pleasure for
command, a commission under the great seal, appointing the return of his Governor to, and for holding of the Gene-
you Captain General and Governor-in-chief of his Ma- ral Court at that town.
jesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay, together with such The proceedings of the body of the people at the town
instructions as have been usually given to Governors of of Boston, in the months of November and December last,
tJiat Province, for their guidance in the exercise of the were of such a nature and criminality as to have fixed a
ordinary and more permanent powers and authorities inci- deep degree of guilt upon those who were the principal
dent to that command. ringleaders and abettors of those proceedings, and the mea-
What is further necessary for your direction in the pre- sures proper to be taken for inducing the punishment of
sent state of disorder and commotion within that Province, such guilt, become a very necessary part of the present
and for enabling you to carry into execution the measures that consideration, relative to the state of the Province oi Mas-
have been, and probably will be adopted, for reducing it to sachusetts Bay.
a state of obedience to lawful authority, is of a more deli- The King considers the punishment of these offenders
cate and important nature, and requires more precise and as a very necessary and essential example to others, of the
particular instructions. ill consequences that must follow from such an open and
With this letter you will receive an Act of Parliament, arbitrary usurpation as tend to the subversion of all govern-
passed in the present session, for discontinuing the loading ment, and the rendering civil liberty unsafe and precarious ;
and unloading of goods and merchandise at the town and and his Majesty's subjects in the Province of Massachusetts
within thQ harbour of Boston ; and also a Minute of the Bay in general, cannot give a better test of their love of
Treasury Board, containing the substance of such instruc- justice, and respect for the Constitution, than in their zealous
tions as their Lordships have thought fit to give to their endeavours to render effectual a due prosecution of such
officers inconsequence thereof; and it is the King's com- offenders.
mand you do give them all proper and necessary
that however, the prejudices of the people should appear
If,

assistance and support in the execution thereof. to to be such as would in all probability prevent a con-
you
To this end it will be expedient that you do, immedi- viction, however clear and full the evidence might be, in
ately upon your arrival, and as soon as your commission that case it would be better to desist from prosecution, seeing
has been read and published, in the usual form, appoint a that an ineffectual attempt would only be a triumph to the
meeting, either at the town or within the castle, (as circum- faction, and disgraceful to Government.
stances shall point out,) with the Commander-in-chief of The foregoing is all that I have at present in command
his Majesty's ships, the Lieutenant Governor, and the from the King to say to you. I need not suggest to you
Commissioners of the Customs, the Chief Justice, and the the very great advantage that will result from your obtaining
Secretary of the Province, in order to consider what steps a just and perfect knowledge of the characters, inclinations
it may be proper to take for carrying the Act into execution, and tempers of the principal people in the Colony such ;

and for enforcing, if necessary, a due obedience thereto information must, of necessity, be of great benefit, and your
and if Mr. Hutchinson should not be come away, in con- own discretion will point out to you the use that is to be
sequence of the leave he has obtained for that purpose, his made of it.
advice and assistance, in this case, as well as in the execu- The last advices from Boston are of a nature to leave but
tion of every other part of your instructions, will be of little room to hope that order and obedience are soon likely
very great use and advantage to you. to take the place of anarchyand usurpation. His Majesty,
His Majesty trusts that no opposition will, or can, with however, confides your fortitude and discretion, and
in
any effect, be made to the carrying the law into execution, doubts not that all other officers, civil and military, ani-
nor any violence or insult offered to those to whom the mated by your example, will exert themselves in such a
execution of it is entrusted. Should it happen otherwise, manner, in support of the Constitution, and for enforcing
your authority as the first Magistrate, combined with the obedience to the laws, as will recommend them to his
command over the King's troops, will, it is hoped, enable Majesty's royal grace and favour.
you to meet every opposition, and fully to preserve the pub-
lic peace, by employing those troops with effect, should
Enclosed in the Earl of Dartmouth's Letter to Governor Gage, of
the madness of the people, on the one hand, or the timi- April 9th, 1774.
dity or want of strength of the peace officers on the other
hand, make it necessary to have recourse to their assistance. COPY OF A MINUTE OF THE TREASURY BOARD.
The King trusts, however, that such necessity will not Whitehall Treasury Chambers, 31st March, 1774.

occur, and commands me to say, that it will be your duty Present Lord North, Mr. Townshend, Lord Beau-
to use every endeavour to avoid it to quiet the minds of
; champ, Mr. Cormvall.
the people to remove their prejudices, and, by mild and
; MyLords take into consideration an Act to discontinue,
gentle persuasion, to induce such a submission on their part, in such manner and for such time as are therein mentioned,
to this law, and such a proper compliance with the just re- the landing and discharging, lading and shipping, of goods,
quisitions it contains, as may
give full scope to his Majesty's wares and merchandise, at the town and w itliin the harbour
clemency, and enable Majesty to exercise the discre-
his of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North
tionary power given him by the Acl,of a^ain restoring to the America : and being desirous that the provisions of the said
town of Boston those commercial privileges and advantages Act should be carried into execution with all possible vigi-
which it hath so long enjoyed, and which have raised it to lance, despatch and circumspection, as far as the same relate
its present state of opulence and importance. to the officers of his Majesty's Customs, established in the
At the same tin>e the sovereignty of the King, in this same town and Province, transmit a copy of the said Act
Parliament, over the Colonies, requires a full and absolute to the Commissioners of the Customs in America, and
247 CORRESPONDENCE, MAY, 1774. 248

directthem forthwith to take such steps as they shall find board any of the vessels under their command, direct the
necessary for the removal of their Board from the said town Conmiissioners to take care that all such requisitions be
of Boston to tlie town of tSalevi, in the said Province of duly complied with.
Massachusetts Bay, and that as soon as proper offices can Transmit a copy of this Minute to Mr. Stephens, for the
be prepared for their reception and accommodation. information of the Lords of the Admiralty, and to Mr.
Direct them, together with all the otlicers belonging to Pownall, for the information of the Earl of Dartmouth.
their Board, to repair to the said town of Salem, and there to
execute the duties and functions of their commissions, until
they shall receive further orders respecting the future resi- FROM A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON TO ONE IN NEW YORK.
dence and establishment of their Board. Extract.
Direct them, at the same time, to give orders for the re- London, April 27. 1774.
moval of the Collector, Comptroller, Surveyor, and such I hope there is no necessity of admonishing you to unite

other officers of the port of Boston as they shall judge ne- in the defence of the liberty of America. The stroke may
cessary, to the town of Plymouth, or to the island of Nan- first be felt in Boston ; but that man who does not perceive

tucket, or to such otiier town or place within the limits of it meant against the whole line of Colonies must be blind

the said port, as siiall appear to them most proper and most indeed. Trust me, the views of Administration are to sub-
convenient for the trade of his Majesty's subjects and let; due and enslave you. They have so sure a majority in
the said Collector, and other officere, be ordered to establish both Houses of Parliament, that they find no difficulty in
themselves in the said town of Flyviouth, or such other executing every wish of the King, either in the ruin of this
town or place as the Commissioners shall appoint, within country or America. I love to speak the naked tmth.

the limits of the said port of Boston ; and there to proceed Tell the people of America, that the favourite Ministry of
and carry on, in the usual manner, the business of their the most powerful Monarch in Europe, hate the name of
several departments in the collection and management of liberty, and abhor the man who dares support the princi-
his Majesty's Customs, and in the execution of the Laws ples of it. They suffer no man to share their confidence,
of Trade. until he has proved himself an unprinci])led apostate, and
And inasmuch as it may be reasonably expected, that spurns at the idea of a virtuous opinion. This may be sup-
the trade within the jiort of Salem and Marblehead, will posed one of the great reasons why so few of the first rank
be considerably increased during tiie continuance of the among us openly espouse the cause of America ; for it is
said Act of Parliament, and may require an additional num- the cause of virtue, in which nothing can be gained, but
ber of officers to be stationed at those places to transact the much lost. The infinite increase of perquisites, pensions,
business of the Customs, and places, in consequence of an uncontrolled direction of
Direct the Commissioners to take with them to Salem, the India Company, has almost silenced opposition. Hav-
such of the Tidesmen and incidental officers, now employed ing, therefore, but few friends left, and even those left

at Boston, as they shall think the service at Salem and without power to do you any essential service you must rely
Marblehead niay demand and recommend to their par-
: upon nothing but your own wisdom and virtue to disappoint
ticular care and attention, that clause of the said Act which the wicked purposes of your powerful enemies; for their
relates to vessels carrying coastwise, under the restrictions interest, inclinations,and even existence, all unite to work
therein mentioned, fuel and victual for the necessary use your ruin. do not venture to point out what steps you
I
and sustenance of the people of the town of Boston ; and should take to avert the storm, or direct it to your advan-
direct them to give express orders to the proper officers to tage. If you mean to negotiate any thing with this country,
be vigilant and alert in visiting and searching all such ves- let it be done with dignity and firmness.
sels laden with fuel and provisions, as aforesaid, which shall I have the satisfaction of assuring you that Ijord Chat-
enter the harbour of Marblehead, for the purpose of obtain- ham is that kind of friend to America which he ever has
ing a transire, or let pass, pursuant to the said Act of Par- been he came to town on purpose to watch and oppose
;

liament. And in case it shall appear to the officers em- the present proceedings, but has ever since been confined
ployed on that service, by information, or by any probable to his bed. Lord Camden and Lord Bockingham are your
cause of suspicion, that there are concealed on board any friends.
sucli vessels, any goods, wares or merchandise, other than The two Sheriffs of London, with other gentlemen,
such fuel or victual, that then, and in every such case, such natives of America, have another petition now ready to pre-
officers should be directed to oblige the master or comman- sent to the House of Commons, against the Bills now before
der of such vessel so informed against or suspected, to them. Sir George Savile has agreed to bring it in and
unlade his cargo, before lie obtains such transke, or let pass, support it.

in order to proceed to the town of Boston. As to the merchants, many of them were such idiots
Let the Commissioners take care that, after the first day as to wait on Lord North, and return to their country houses
of June, 1774, and during the continuance of the said Act, perfectly satisfied that he meant nothing inimical to you,
no officers of the Customs whatsoever be suffered to reside because he said so. He served the East India Directors
within the town or harbour of Boston. the same trick not many months since.
In consideration of the losses which the Collector, Comp- I have no doubt but that the people of England will,
troller, and other officers upon the establishment, within in six months time see the folly of those measures, and
the said port of Boston, must inevitably suffer by the dimi- drive the Ministry to the necessity of giving up the ques-
nution of the fees and perquisites of the respective offices, tion, especially if you have spirit enough to act properly.
during the continuance of the said Act,
My Ijords direct the Commissioners to report to their
Lordships, as soon as they can form any opinion of the
LtEUT. GOVERNOR COLDEN TO EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
matter, how much it may be reasonable to allow to such
Extract.
officers respectively, as a compensation for such their losses.
Direct them, from time to time, by every opportunity, to New York, 4th May, 1774.
inform my Lords of the several steps they shall have taken Captain Lockyer, with the so long looked for tea fiom
in the execution of the said Act, and of their Lordships the India Company, arrived at Sandy Hook on the 19th of
orders. last month. The ship came no farther up, and a few days
Acquaint them that they, and all the officers under their after sailed from thence again for London, with the tea on
authority, may depend on being supj)orted and protected board. Neither the Captain, nor any other, made the least
in the execution of the duties of their respective offices. ajiplication to me about the ship or her cargo. The account
Inform them that the Ijords Commissioners of the Ad- of this affiiir, published in the enclosed Newspaper, is as
miralty have despatched orders to the Admiral, comman- particular and full as any I could procure.
ders and commissioned officers of his Majesty's ships of In the same p- per your Lordship will find an account
war on that station, to use the utmost vigilance and activity of some more violent proceedings against a parcel of tea
in the execution of the several provisions of the said Act imported by Captain Chambers, of the ship London, who
of Parliament and in case any of the officers in any of
; arrived here while Captain Lockyer wn^ in this place. As
his Majesty's ships, or sloops of war, shall see occasion to no application was made to me by Captain Chambers, or
require any officer or officers of the Customs, to be put on any other, before or since the riotous event, I cannot give
249 CORRESPONDENCE, MAY, 1774. 250

your Lordsliip a better account of it than is contained in end, corresponding with the advice transmitted from Phil-
tiie printed paper. adelphia, except some variation in the mark. This morn-
It happened early the evening, and tliough a pretty
in ing the following handbill was distributed :

large number of were assembled, the quarter

spectators
where I reside, and the greater part of the town, was per-
—
" To the Public. The sense of the city, relative to the
" landing the East India Company's tea, being signified to
fectly quiet. It is said Captain Chambers drew the par-
" Captain Lockyer by the Committee, nevertheless, it is
ticular resentment of the people upon himself by the du-
" the desire of a number of the citizens, that at his depar-
plicity of his conduct. Last voyage he claimed applause
" ture from hence, he should see, with his own eyes, their
here for being the first who refused to take the India Com- " detestation of the measures pursued by the Ministry and
pany's tea on board his ship, and received public thanks " the India Company, to enslave this country. This will
from the people of this place for it. " be declared by the convention of the people at his de-
A few days after Governor Tryon wenX from hence, a " parture from this city, which will be on next Saturday
small sloop loaded with Dutch tea, duck, &tc., was seized
" morning at 9 o'clock, when, no doubt, every friend to this
by an oflicer of the custom-house. She was taken in
" country will attend. The bells will give the notice about
this port at noon day, and secured without any tumult on
" an hour before he embarks from Murray's wharf.
tlie occasion.
" By order of the Committee."
" New York, April 21, 1774.
Enclosed in Lieutenant Governor Colden't Letter to the Earl of
Dartmouth, of May 4, 1774. Friday, at Captain Chambers came into the
noon.
Mew York, April 28, 1774. the Hook; the asked him if he had any tea on
Pilot
On Monday se'ennight, April 18, advice was received board ? He declared he had none. Two of the Committee
from Philadelphia, that Captain Chambers, of the ship of Observation went on board of Captain Chambers, and
London, of this port, had taken on board, at the port of informed him of the advices received of his having tea on
Ltoiulon, eighteen boxes of fine tea, which were regularly board, and demanded a sight of all his cockets, which was
cleared, and the mark and numbers were taken from the accordingly given them but the cocket for the tea was not
;

cocket by Captain All, of Philadelphia. As Captain found among them, nor was the mark or number on his
Chambers was one of the first who refused to take the manifest.
India Company's tea on freight the last summer, for which About 4 P. M. the ship came to the wharf^ when she was
he received the thanks of the citizens, they could not be- boarded by a number of the citizens. Captain Chambers
lieve that he knew of the tea's being on board, and therefore was interrogated relative to his having the tea on board,
supposed it to have been shipped by some Ministerial tool, but he still denied it. He was then told that it was in vain
under another denomination, in order to injure the owners, to deny it, for as there was good proof of its being on board,
or the reputation of the master, or to make an experiment it would be found, as there were Committees appointed to

of this mode of introducing the teas to America. The open every package, and that he had better be open and
Committee, and tlie inhabitants, were, therefore, determined candid about it, and demanded the cocket for the tea upon ;

to examine into the matter with great vigilance. which he confessed it was on board, and delivered the
In the night, the long expected tea ship Nancy, Captain cocket. The owners and the Committee immediately met
Lockyer, arrived at Sandy Hook without her mizenmast, at Mr. Francis's, where Captain Chambers was ordered to
and one of her anchors, which were lost in a gale of wind attend. Upon examining him who was the shipper and
the 2d inst., when her maintopmast was sprung, and thrown owner of the tea? he declared that he was sole owner of it.
on her beam-ends. Letters being delivered to him by the After the most mature deliberation, it was determined to
Pilot, from sundry gentlemen of this city, informing him of communicate the whole state of the matter to the people,
the detennined resolution of the citizens not to suffer the who were convened near the ship, which was accordingly
tea on board of his ship to be landed, he requested the Pilot done. The Mohawks were prepared to do their duty at
to bring him up to procure necessaries, and make a protest a proper hour but the body of the people v.ere so impa-
;

but he would not do it till leave was obtained. Early the next tient, that before it arrived a number of them entered the

morning this was communicated to the Committee and it ; ship, about 8 P. M., took out the tea, which was at hand,
appearing to them to be the sense of the city that such broke the cases, and started their contents into the river,
leave should be granted to him, the ship to remain at the without doing any damage to the ship or cargo. Several
Hook, the Pilot was immediately despatched to bring him persons of reputation were placed below to keep tally, and
up. This intelligence was immediately communicated to about the companion to prevent ill-disposed persons from
tlie public by an handbill. going below the deck.
At 6 P. M. the pilot boat returned with Captain Lockyer At 10 the people all dispersed in good order, but in great
on board and although the people had but a very short
; wrath against the Captain and it was not without some
;

notice of it, the wharf was crowded with the citizens, to risk of his life that he escaped. Saturday, in the morning,
see the man whose arrival they long and impatiently wished, the shipping in the harbour displayed their colours, and a
to give them an opportunity to co-operate with the other large flag was hoisted on the Liberty Pole, and at 8 A. M.
Colonies. The Committee conducted him to the house of all the bells of the city rang, pursuant to the notice published

the Honorable Henry White, Esq., one of the consignees, on Thursday. About nine, the greatest number of people
and there informed Captain Lockyer, that it was the sense were collected at and near the coffee house, that was ever
of the citizens that he should not presume to go near the known in this city. At a quarter past nine the Com-
custom-house, and to make the utmost despatch in procur- mittee came out of the coffee house with' Captain Lock-
ing the necessary articles he wanted for his voyage. To yer, upon which the band of music attending played God
this he answered :
" That as the consignees would not re- save the IGnir. Immediately there was a call for Captain
" ceive his cargo, he would not go to the custom-house, Chambers. Where is he ? Where is he ? Captain Lockyer
" and would make all the despatch he could to leave tlie must not go till we find Captain Chambers, to send him with
" city." A Committee of Observation was appointed to the tea ship. This produced marks of fear in Captain Lock-
go down in a sloop to the Hook, to remain near the tea yer, who imagined some mischief was intended him but upon ;

ship till she departs for London; and four Committees assurances being given him to the contrary, he appeared
were appointed to watch the ship London, on her arrival, composed. The Committee, with the music, conducted
day and night, till she should be discharged. him through the multitude to the end of Murray's wharf,
Wednesday night, April 20th, arrived Captain Law- where he was put on board the pilot boat, and wished a
rence, from London, who confirmed the account received safe passage upon which the multitude gave loud huzzas,
;

from Philadelphia, of Captain Chambers having on board and many guns were fired, expressive of their joy at his
eighteen boxes of fine tea, but could not tell who was the departure. Tiie Committee of Observation at the Hook
shipper, or to whom was addressed. Thursday the Com-
it have cognizance of him till a fair wind offers for his depar-
mittee interrogated Captain Lawrence relative to what he ture from thence. Thus, to the great mortification of the
knew of the tea's being on board of Captain Chambers secret and open enemies of America, and the joy of all
when he showed them a memorandum in his pocket-book, the friends of liberty and human nature, the union of these
which he took from the cocket in the middle of Captain Colonies is maintained in a contest of the utmost importance
Gtambers' file of papers, in the Searcher's Office at Graves- to their safety and felicity.
3St COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 252

On Sunday 8 P.
Committee of Obser-
night, at M ., the PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL.
vation returned from the Hook,
lliey inform us, that the
sailors of the tea ship, being unwiUing to proceed witii Memoravdom. 16th March, 1771.
lier to London, made a raft of spars and boards, in order Tlie Governor day received the following letter from
this
to quit tiie siiip with the tide of flood, but were observed Lord Dunmure, Go\crnor of Virginia, by express, in
by the Captain, and being aided by the Committee, wlio answer to his Honor's letter of the 31st of January :
offered their assistance to him, they desisted from their
project. Williamsburg, 3d March, 1774.
That on Sunday, 10 A. M., the ship and the sloop,
at Sir: I have been fav'oured with your letter of the 31st
with the Committee, weighed their anchors and stood to January, 1774, and duplicate of the same, the occasion of
sea and at 2 P. M. the pilot boat and the Committee's
; which having been the appointment of certain officers by
sloop left her at the distance of three leagues from the me in a remote district of the county of Augusta, in this
Hook. Colony, which includes Fittsburg, which having been
^Vith Captain Lockyer, in the ship Nancy, went pas- done, as is my rule, with the advice of his Majesty's
alw ays
senger Captain James Chambers. Council, could not, till I had an opportimity of laying
1

Many pei-sons still suspecting that Captain James Cham- your letter before them, return you an answer, and it is not
bers continues privately in this city, they may be assured till now that I am enabled so to do. From the opinion,
that he sailed out of the Hook, for Ijondon, on Sunday therefore, of his Majesty's Council of this Colony, I nmst
last, on board the Nancy, Captain Lockyer, who afforded inform )ou, tiiat altiiough the calculations on which you
him a very hospitable and gentlemanly reception and ; rely in the plan accompanying your letter, may possibly be
whose whole behaviour, during his stay in this city, proved found exact, yet they can by no means be considered,
him to be a sensible, discreet, and a very well bred man.* by us, as the observation, on which they were founded, was

*/n the same Paper, enclosed by Lieutenant Governor Colden to the were fully informed of our sentiments, relative to the obnoxious Act,
Earl oj Dartmouth, in the preceding Letter, was this additional it would Tiot be necessary to take any notice of the animadvertor.
notice of the same transaction. He would in tliat case be left to tlie just reproaches of liis fellow. citi-
Mr. RiviNGToN You declare your paper is impartial ; ns such please
:
zens, of which, I am persuaded he is not ignorant. But as the paper
to insert the following particul.irs relative to the idle paragraplis in under consideration, was designed to induce a belief in those places,
Mr. Gaines's Gazette of last Monday. that wo are greatly divided in tliis city upon the Revenue Act, and
What is the Committee of Observation ? By whom were they ap- tho point of returning tlie tea and that it was done by the approba.
;

]>oiuted, and what autliority had they to order Captain Chambers, or tion only of an inconsiderable number: I shall, therefore, for the in.
any body else, to attend them at Mr. Francis's, or any other ]>laco formation of those who are at a distance from us, and the honour of
whatsoever ? Who
says, and upon what authority does he say, that the the Colony, show these representations to be void of truth. This will
sense of the city was asked, relatively, either to the sending away Cap. appear, by a proper attention to the following facts, viz lu tliu :

tain Lockyer, or the destruction of the tea on board the London ? Has Session of Parliament of 1767, the Commons of Great Britain gave to
not every London Captain brought tea under the same circumstances ? his Majesty, the property of the Americans, by granting, among other
And, if so, what were the Apostates that informed against the unfor- imposts, three pence sterling per pound, " for every pound weight,
tunate man, who was threatened with death for obeying the laws of avoirdupois, of tea," which should be, "imported I'rora Great Britain
his country ? Who
were the persons of reputation tliat were placed into any Colony or Plantation in America." The merchants of this
below to keep tally, saving one, who acted according to honour and city, and a groat number of the other inhabitants of all ranks, being

principle ? Let us know their names, or else we will dispute their alarmed at this attempt to enslave them, on the Ulth of August, 1768,
pretensions. What did they get by conducting Captain Lockyer in signed an agreement to decline tiie most valuable part of their com-
public through the crowd.but a mortilying disgust in finding he would merce with Great Britain, until this Act should be repealed and th'i ;

not even pull off his hat to the insulting huzzas of all the people? All, violators of this compact were declared to be " deemed enemies of
indeed when I am persuaded that not one twentieth part joined in
!
their country." This compact, commonly called tlie Non-Importation,
such outrage though " the greatest number were collected at and
:
met with the general approbation of the citizens, which was demon-
near the Cotfje House, that ever was known in this city." Marvellous strated by their conformity to it. In consequence of this, tlie Captains
indeed, and utterly beyond belief! Much like the narrative in the of our ships, trading to Great Britain were, by standing orders from
introduction to this noble and authentic history, wherein the his'orian their owners, forbid to take on board there any of the goods prohibit,
informs ua that the Nancy's " maintopmast was sprung and the ship ed by the agreement. In order that the sense of the (Colony might
thrown on her beam-ends ;" or when he says, the tea on board tho be known, the General Assembly in their next Session, on the 3lst of
London was cast into- the river without doing any damage to the ship December, 1768, passed the following resolution, with several others,
or CARGO. This, too, was undoubtedly effected to the joy of all the declarative of our rights and privileges, viz
" Resolved, nem. con. That it is the opinion of this Committee
friands of liberty and human nature.
" that no tax, under any name or denomination, or on any pretence,
But, Mr. Printer, to end the matter for the present. says Who
" or for any purpose whatsoever, can or ought to be imposed or
that ALL the bells were rung on this solemn occasion ? when it is
assorted that several did not ring at all ; and that several others did "levied, upon the persons, estates, or property of his Majesty's good
" subjects, within tins Colony but of their free gift, by their Rcpro.
not ring but by means of fellows breaking into churches where they ;

bad no and for which they ought, and every good man hopes,
Ijusiness,
" sentatives, lawfully convened in General Assembly."*
so far as I know, that they will be pros.jcuted according to law. This resolution had evidently the Revenue Act for its object. The
I wish the Printers of public Chronicles would be cautious of dis-
opinion of the Colony, in legal consideration, having been thus dc.
gracing their papers by publishing party relations. While they adhere clared, against tlie Parliamentary principle of taxing the Colonies, by
to matters of fact, 'tis all well but when they expand their columns
;
Parliamentary authority it was judged of equal importance to the
;

to either patriot or ministerial minions, without any known evidence common cause of America, that a declaration should be representa-
—
nay, contrary to tiie truth of fact they must not, they cannot, they tively made of the public sense, on the means which tlie merchants
and others had adopted, to defeat the execution of that act, which
shall not hope to escape the animadversions of a lover of Constitu.
tional liberty, but a sworn foe to Coblers and Tailors, so long as they proclaimed to the world, that the Americans had no property they
take upon their everlasting and unmeasurahle shoulders, the power could call their own. Accordingly, on the 10th of April, 1769, Mr.
of directing the loyal and sensible inhabitants of the city and Province Philip Livingston, an eminent merchant of this city, made the follow.
of New York. April 25, 1774. ing motion in the Assembly, viz:
" That the thanks of this House be given to the merchants of this
" city, and Colony, for their repeated, disinterested public spirit, and
The following Notice and Reply, appeared in the two succeeding " patriotic conduct, in declining the importation, or receiving goods
numbers of the Gazetteer — " from Great Britain, until such Acts of Parliament as the General
New York, May 5. " Assembly had declared unconstitutional, and subversive of the rights
A full Answer
animadversions on the conduct of the inhabi-
to the •• and liberties of the people
of tliis Colony, sliould be repealed and ;

tants of Captain Lockyer, &.C.,

this city, relative to the return of " that Mr. Speaker signify tho same to the merchants at their next
which were inserted in last weeks' Gazetteer, will be presented in our " monthly meeting.
next. " Ordered, That IMr. Speaker signify the thanks of this House
New York, May 12, 1774. " to the merchants of this city, at their next monthly meeting ac.
To the Printer of the New York Gazetteer. " cordingly." t
Sir When any man attempts to call tho attention of the public to
: .\fter advice was received in 1770, of the partial repeal of the
his compositions, under the specious character of an advocate for Revenue Act, a number of the merchants were inclined to import
truth, he should strictly adhere to the principle he pretends to main- such goods from Great Britain as were not subject to the paj'menl
tain ; otlierwise, however loud and artful ho may be in his profession, of an American duty; and in order to induce the consent of the
thoywill consider him as an imposter. I was led to these reil'sctions in citizens to depart from tho first form of the non. importation agree.
perusing the animadversions, published in your Gazetteer, on the con- nient, they, on the 12th of June, 1770, published a p^per, which
duct of the inhabitants of this city, relative to the dismission of Captain they intended as the basis of the new agreement. It contains,
Lockyer, and his tea, and tho narrative thereof, in Mr. Gaines's —
among other stipulations, the following, viz. "If any goods shall
Gazette. "arrive contrary to this and our former agreement, they shall bo
It may when an anonymous author calls
justly be expected, that " re-shipped immcdiatoly. And any persons, masters of vessels,
for names
to authenticate facts, wh
ch he disputes, he will not be de- " or others, that shall import or receive a consignment of any dutia-
ficient in that kind of proof to support his assertions or suggestions, " ble goods (that is subject to tho payment of duties in America,)
which he requires of otiiers but the contrary is evident to every one,
; " shall be deemed enemies to the Colonies, and treated accordingly."
who will be at the trouble to peruse the piper in question. Eviry From this it appears that the old agreement was confirmed, so far as
man of information in this Colony, knows that it contains gross mis- it prohibited the importation of merchandise, subject to an American
representations, to say no worse ; for the .Assembly, and the inhabi. duty. The importation of goods was resolved upon the 9th of July,
tants of this Colony have, more than once, declared their abhorrence
•Seethe Journal of the A iBemblv, that endt.-tl by dUsolution the Sd January, 1709,
of the Revenue Act, and consequonlly, of the importation of tea, while
pasfe 73.
the Act exists ; and therefore, if Great Britain and the other Colonics 1 3e« the Journal of the Aiseiubl}', for April, 1760, page 23 and SS,
253 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH .AND APRIL, 1774. 254

made without the participation of this Government, or the revoke die commissions and appointments already made, or
assistance of any person on the part of the Crown and ; defer the opportunity of such other officers as I may find
even if they were admitted, we apprehend tiiey would necessary for the good government of that part of the
decide nothing in the present case for tiie right of the
; country, which we cannot but consider to be within the
Proprietaries of Pennsylvania to the country about Fitts- dominion of Virginia, until his Majesty shall declare the
burg, jnust be founded on better autiiority than is there contrary and I flatter myself 1 can rely so far on the pru-
;

adduced to make it vahd, and we are strengthened in this dence and discretion of the officers whom I have appointed,
opinion by tlie principles you yourselves adopt, and the- that the measure which I have pursued may have no ten-
opinion ol' Lord Camden, which you have produced in dency to raise disturbances in your Province, as you seem
your dispute with Connecticut. With respect to the right to apprehend, and if any should ensue I cannot but believe
of this Colony to that country, the transactions of the late they will be occasioned, on the contrary, by the violent
war sliow suihciently what was ever the sense of the proceedings of your officers in which opinion 1 am jus-
;

Government of Virginia with regard to it. And it seems tified by what has already taken place in the irregular com-

to me that the step wliich I have taken ought not to have mitment of Mr. Joltn Conolly for acting under my autho-
been either unexpected or surprising, as you are pleased rity, which, however, as 1 must suppose, it was entirely

to say it was to you, when it is well known that formal without your participation, I conclude he is before this
declarations were made by the Assembly of Fennsyhania, time released. But, nevertheless, the act having been of
that Fittshurg was not within the jurisdiction of that so outrageous a nature, and of a tendency so detrimental
Government at the time that retjuisitions were made to to both Colonies, that, with the advice of his Majesty's
them for the defence of that place, the burden of which, Council of this dominion, I do insist upon the most ample
on that account, fell on this Government. reparation being made for so great an insult on the autho-
In conformity to these sentiments you will easily see I rity of his Majesty's Government of Virginia ; and no
cannot possibly, in compliance with your request, either less can possibly be admitted than the dismission of the

1770, agreeable to the plan proposed in that paper, the non-importa. " gressors of any of those resolves." In short, it contains the
tion agreement thus restricted, continued, as it still does, in full force, strongest terms of opposition, without actual violence, against the im-
until we were alarmed with accounts in the latter end of September, portation of that commodity, under those circumstances, leaving the
1773, by the arrival of our London ships, that the East India Com- use of force to prevent the mischief, to be resolved in some future
pany intended to ship their own tea for America. Tlie masters of time, in case any emergency might thereafter render that measure un-
tliese vessels gave public information, that it had been offered to them necessary. Of this association paper, none among us can be igno-
on freight ; and tliat they had refused to receive it. For this patrio- rant. It was signed by a vast number of our inhabitants, including
tic and spirited conduct, they at a meeting called for the purpose, by most of the principal lawyers, merchants, landholders, masters of
iidvortisament, received tlie public thanks in writing, from a great ships, and mechanics in t \c city, under the name and style of the
body of merchants, and a number of other inhabitants, in which Sons of Liberty of New York; was published in Mr. Holt's New York
honour. Captain Ctiambera, whose apostacy could not be foreseen, had Journal, number 1615.
his share. Our citizens, being thus informed of the refusal of our On the I6th of December last, a Committee of the Associates, pub.
London Captains, it was concluded, that such refusal would discour- lished an advertisement in this (No. 35,) and Mr. Holt's paper. No.
age the India Company from shipping their tea ; and therefore, it was 1615, and in handbills, dispersed about this city, cordially inviting
judged unnecessary to call a meeting at that time, to agree on pre- the Association of the Sons of Liberty, and every other friend of ths
cautions against an event which was not expected ; especially as the Liberties and Trade of America, to met at the City Hall, on the next
friends of tlie intended consignees gave frequent assurances, that they day, at one o*clock, on business of the utmost importance. At the
well knew the sense of the inhabitants on the subject, and were time and place appointed, about two thousand of the inhabitants,
resolved to refuse the trust on the arrival of the tea. though the weather was bad, attended on the occasion, and were ad-
A number of our citizens, however, fearing that the tea ship would dressed by one of tlie members of the Association, who informed them,
bring the first intelligence that the tea was actually shipped, were that on request of a number of his fellow-citizens, he had several
jealous that it might be landed, unexpectedly, and therefore, without letters to communicate to the assembly, from the Committee of Cor-
proper opposition. For this reason, they had frequent meetings, to respondence at Boston, and a letter from Philadelphia, relative to the
concert a plan for guarding against the danger. And at one of those importation of the East India Company's tea. The letters were ac-
meetings, a committee was appointed to present, who accordingly did cordingly read, and a committee of gentlemen chosen, by suffrage of
present to the consignees, the following Questions, viz : the meeting, without a dissenting voice, to correspond with our sister
" First, Are you, gentlemen. Commissioners, satisfied that it is Colonies on the subject. After this, the association paper, which ha^i
" contrary to the general sense of the inhabitants of this city, that the then been signed, as above mentioned, was publicly read ; and the
" tea about to be imported by the India Company, should be received Speaker having put the question, whether they agreed to the resolves
'• or sold by you ? it contained ? It passed in the affirmative, nem, con.
" Second, Will you, gentlemen, declare upon your honours, that in So respectable was this meeting, that Government thought proper
" case you are appointed the Commissioners, for the sale of the said to send a message to them by the Mayor and Recorder, which was
" tea, that you will not receive, or sell, or be in any respect aiding or delivered to the whole body by the first Magistrate of the city, to
" assisting in receiving or selling the same ? the following purpose :
" That the Governor declared that the tea
" JVoremier 24, 1773." " should be put into the Fort at noon-day ; and engaged his honour that
To tliese queries, they gave the following Answer, in writing
"it should continue there, till the Council should advise it to be
** delivered out, or till the King's order, or that of the proprietors should
" Genti.kmen : At present we have received no appointment from
" the East India Company, nor any certain information on what terms " be known ; and that then the tea would be delivered out at noon.
" the t^a is to come out to this Colony when it arrives, (if addressed to " day."
;

" us) the community shall be acquainted with the conditions on which Having communicated his message, he asked, " Gentlemen, is this
** it is sent. Should the tea be shipped, liable to the payment of the satisfactory 1" The question was answered with a general no no ! no !
!

" American duty, we believe it is against the sentiments of the inhabi. The Speaker of the meeting then read, with a loud voice, the Act of
*' tants, tiiat it stiould bo sold by us, or any otiier person, and there- Parliament, imposing the duty on tea ; and after some proper remarks
" fore we cannot execute the commission nor shall we in any respect,
;
on the disposal of American property, by the Commons of Great
** act therein contrary to the general sense of our fellow-citizens. Britain, and observing that the duty became duo on landing the tea,
"New York, November 25th, 1773." he put the following question, " Is it then, gentlemen, your opinion,
" that the tea should be landed under this circumstance ?" This was
These gentlemen, when they were certainly informed that the tea carried so generally in the negative, that there was no call for a divi.
was shipped, subject to the duty, did, in compliance with their en- sion.
gagement, make the following resignation to a Committee who waited He having then informed the assembly that the patriotic inhabi.
on tliem for that purpose, to wit
tants of Philadelphia and Boston had determined that no tea, subject
" The Agents since find, that the tea will come, liable to American
to duty by Parliamentary authority, for raising a revenue in America,
" duty and agreeable to their former promise, have declined receiving
;
should be landed in either of those; places ; it was Resolved, nem. con.,
" and selling it under that predicament. " That this body highly approve of that spirited and patriotic conduct
" New York, December 1, 1773." " of our brethren of the city of Philadelphia, and the town of Boston,
That no means might be neglected to secure a
unanimity of con- " in support of the common liberties of America ;" and it was voted,
duet in tlie several Colonies, on so importjnt a point, an
instrument of that those proceedings should be published, and transmitted by the
association was framed ; fifteen hundred copies of which were printed, Committee, to the other Colonies ; which was accordingly done.
and dispersed through the city that the inhabitants might be well
; And to show that our citizens were determined not to preclude
apprised of its contents, before they were requested to sign it. Tiiis themselves from the use offeree, if it should be necessary, to prevent
association paper, in its preamble, most fully and expressly declares the landing of dutiod tea, it is notorious, that on the Monday follow,
against the unconstitutional imposition of taxes on the Colonies, by ing, a few persons, among whom Messrs. Jacob Walton and Isaac
authority of Parliament particularly points at the evil of importing
; Low, were the most active, endeavoured to procure a subscription to
tea, subject to duty; expresses the warmest sense of liberty in the the following paper :

subscribers their resolution, by all lawful means to defeat the perni-

;
" Whereas an Association has been lately entered into, by the in.
cious project; to transmit to posterity the blessings of freedom, " habitants of the city of New York, concerning the tea now expect d
derived from their ancestors ; and to contribute to the support of the " from England, on account of the East India Company, and a doubt
common liberties of America ; which were, (as they still are) in " has arisen, whether it is the goneral sense of the subscribers, and
danger of being subverted. It contains five resolves, substance de- " the rest of the inhabitants, that the landing or storing of the said
claring, " the abettors of the importation, landing, carting, storing, " tea should be opposed by force ?

" sale and purchase of tea, subject to Parliamentary duty, and until " We the subscribers, to remove the said doubt, as far as concerns
" the statute 7 George the Third, chapter 46, commonly called the " our respective sentiments, do declare, and resolve as follows :

" Revenue Act, shall be totally and clearly repealed, enemies to their " 1. That wo do concur with the pirties to the said association, that
" conntry. That whether such duty be paid in Britain or America, " the said tea ought not, on any account, to be suffored to be sold or
" our liberties are equally afiected ; and that the subscribers will " purcliasod while it remains subject to a duty imposed by the authority
" neither deal with, employ, or have any connection with the trans. " of Parliament, for the purposes of an American revenue.
255 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 256

clerk {St. Clair) of Westmoreland county, who had the public nature, I could not possibly give your Lordship's
audacity, without any authority, to commit a Magistrate letter an answer by the return of your messenger, who
in the legal discharge of his trust, unless he (St. Clair) stayed but a very short time in town. I am sorry the

can prevail, by proper submission, on Mr. Conolly, to papers 1 enclosed you had not the desired effect. 1 never
demand his pardon of me. I am, sir, your most obedient expected they would be taken as decisive of the boimdaries
humble servant, Dunmohe. of Pennsylvania, as conclusive upon your Government,
John Penn, Esquire. but I had reason to hope they contained such infonnation
as would show at least a very strong probability that Pitts-
burg, the place of dispute, was within this Province, and
Memorandum. SIhI March, 1774. not subject to the Government of Virginia, and from
The Governor having taken the foregoing letter into them 1 concluded you would be convinced of the impro-
consideration, with the advice of the Council, wrote a let- priety of a step which I conceived must have been taken
ter tliis day to the Earl of Dunmore, in answer thereto, upon a supposition that that place was certainly beyond
and sent the same by express, which letter follows in tliese our limits. But I perceive your Lordship hath taken up
words, viz an opinion that it is not material whether it be within our
Philiuielphia, Slat March, 1774. charter bounds or not, and that the right of the propri(itors
My Lord :was favoured with yours of the third of
I of Pennsylvania to the country about Pittsburg must be
tliis month by express, which arrived when several of the founded on better authority than the Royal grant And !

gentlemen of the Council were out of town, and it being as your Lordship seems to imagine yourself supported in
also my rule to consult the Council upon all occasions of a this sentiment by our own principles in Lord Camden'

" 2. That to carry this resolve into execution, a firm and rigorous the resolve and vote of thanks of the 10th of April, 1769, in which
" opposition ought to be given to all pursons who sliall attempt to the merchants of this city, were so highly, and so justly compliment,
" betray our liberties, either by purchasing or vending the said tea. ed for their disinterested and self-denying patriotism, manifested in
" 3. That we are deterniinod to have no agency in landing or the non. importation agreement ? Surely nothing less than that the
" storing the said tea. general voice of the people of all ranks, and in all quarters of the
"4. That as our liberties, with respect to tliis imposition, must Colony, was raised in favour of liberty, and against Parliamentary
" effectually bo secured by a strict adherence to the preceding re- impositions.
" solves, we do not conceive it necessary or expedient to hazard the The restriction of our original non-importation agreement, and it*
" peace of the city, by opposing the landing or storing the said tea present subsistence, under that modification, is the clearest proof of
" with force. our permanent resolution, that commerce and liberty shaJl keep pace
•• Dated in New York, the — day o{ December, 1773." with each other and serves as a standing memorial, that we scorn to
;

But the general sense of the citizens ran so much against the list have more of the former, than is consistent with our due enjoyment
resolve, that they were obliged to abandon tlie project on Tuesday of the latter ? Had not the spies of Administration here been fully
having been able, with the utmost industry, to procure, only a few convinced that the pulse of freedom beat high in every vein that tlie
;

subscribers. In tiio evening of that day, an express arrived, with an constitutional resolves of our representatives, on the most interesting
Account of the destruction of the tea at Boston; which made so deep points, spoke the universal language of their constituents, could their
an impression on the minds of those who were foremost in promoting information have produced the fruitless and merely verbal suspension
the last mentioned resolves, that some of them declared, that tlie tea of our internal power of legislation ? By no means. This would
expected, would not be safe in the city. have been an attempt to punish every individual for the transgressions
In this state matters continued until the tea ship had arrived, and we of a few. It is therefore, to a demonstration evident, that the Genius
had received intelligence from Philadelphia tliat Captain Chambers of Liberty spreads her banner over the whole C'olony.
had taken on board eighteen boxes of fine tea, at the port o{ London, Moreover, when wo consider that Parliamentary taxations, are not
attended with a regular clearance. The arrival of the tea ship at the as to their present value, a matter of moment, either to the mother
Hook, induced the Committee of Correspondence, who relied on the country, or the Colonies that the contention between us, is upon the
;

well known general sense of the inhabitants, to appoint a Committee points of principle and precedent that it is not the quantum, but the
;

of Observation, to attend her, and to watch the arrival of Captain jnanner of exacting those unconstitutional imposts, which is the bone
Chambers. When Captain Lockyer came up to town, he was in. of contention, our public jealousies must necessarily be increased.
formed by the city Committee, antecedent to the appointment of the When the taxation was more general, there was some colour for
Committee of Observation, that the general sense was fully against the assertion in the Revenue Act, that it was intended for the safety
the lauding of the tea; and attended him to the house of the Honora- and defence of the Colonies . But if is not only true, that this cannot
ble Henry White, Esquire, one of liis Majesty's Council, and one of bo asserted of the paltry duty on tea; we know, we were assured by
the consignees, where they informed him that the same general sense our enemies, that when the other articles charged by the Revenue
was, that he should not presume to go near the custom-house ; but Act were exempted by the partial repeal, the duty on tea was lef^ as a
make the utmost despatch in procuring necessaries for his voyage. standing memorial of the right of Parliament to tax Americans.
To this declaration, which was fully authorized by the above We have, therefore, no reason to believe that our spirit of liberty,
mentioned transactions, he answered, that as the consignees would founded on a just constitutional basis, waxes cooler as the design of
not receive the tea, he would comply with the injunction. The city enslaving us grows more evident. The contrary is most true ; it has
Committee, appointed four other Committees to watch the ship Lon- become more inveterate by habit ; and is increased by every fresh
don, on her coming into the harbour, and attend her day and night, evidence, of a fixed resolution to reduce us to bondage. Who then
till her cargo should be discharged. Saturday, the 23d of April, can wonder at the firmness and animation of the people of all ranks;
being fixed for Captain Lockyer's departure, an handbill was circu- so conspicuous in every line of our association paper ? Who can
lated by the Committee : signifying it to bo the desire of a number of wonder that such vast numbers, after the most cool deliberation, gave
citizens, that, added to the declaration he had received of the general it their sanction ?
ense of the inhabitants against landing of the tea, he should, from a Who cannot well account for that universal suffrage of a public
convention of the people, liave ocular demonstration of our detesta- meetingof our inhabitants in its favour, after it had been signed, and
tion of the measures of the Ministry and East India Company, to their laudable and animated rejection of a temporising expedient of
enslave us. Government, ineffectually calculated to cool our ardour, and lay
Tlie friends of the country were therefore desired to attend his em. public jealousy asleep ? To what principle can our attention to the
barkation, al the appointed time, at Murray's wharf; which would bo unanimity of the Colonics, be ascribed when at the same public
;

notified an hour before hand, by a general peal of the bells. To add meeting, a Committee was unanimously chosen, to correspond with
to the striking solemnity, it was fortunately preluded by the arrival of our brethren on the common interest ? Can any one in his senses,
Captain Chambers, on Friday ; and the destruction of his tea, by some imagine, tiiat the American Lion, which has once roared so loudly, as
of the impatient inhabitants, at an earlier hour than was destined for to have been heard with astonishment, across the Atlantic, is now
that purpose. The next morning, all the church bolls of the city, for fallen asleep ? What has been done by Administration, to quell his
it is again repeated, sounded the general joy of the inhabitants, on our rage ? On the contrary, are they not daily practising every art to
deliverance from the odious burden. And this may be relied on, as a exasperate him? And yet an anonymous scribbler has. had the un.
true and authentic narrative of our opposition to the scheme of sub. paralleled effrontery to arraign our late political man<Buvres; to con.
JBctiiig us to a duty on tea, from its first projection, to the fruitless trast the tailors and coblers with the loyal and sensible inhabitants of
attempt to execute it. the city of New York; to attribute that to a few, which is evidently
This state of facts, must abundantly prove the general sense of the expressive of the sentiments of the whole body of our citizens.
loyal, free people of this Colony, to be permanently and unalterably With this view he begins his truly contemptible production, by ask-
fixed against Parliamentary imposts on America. For, to wliat other ing, What is the Committee of Observation ? And by whom were they
princi]ilo, can the non-importation agreement be attributed ? Are men appointed ? Let him receive his answer from the above state of facts.
easily induced to sliut up the main avjnues to the support of them, They were a select Committee, nominated for the express purpose of
selves and their familii's ? Must uot the call to such a measure be watching the tea ship, and Captain Chambers ; nominated by the city
the loudest, and most irresistible ? Or can the trade of the capital of Committee, who were appointed at a general meeting of its inhabi-
a large and populous country bo essentially impeded by the virtue of tants, and a number of the citizen", to |)revent the landing of dutied
a {ew 1 By no means, nothing less than the sense ; nothing short of tea. This he must know. How impertinent, then, is his other quos.
the determined resolution of a great majority could produce an event tion concerning the authority by which a man, acting in the charac.
so important in its nature ; an event which must unavoidably have ter of an enemy to his country, was amened to their tribunal. If the
sharpened the edge of a thousand wants. fact was really so, it is evident that he was summont d in virtue of a dele-
But who can pretend that public virtue and public spirit wore con- gation of a general meeting. But the trutli is, tliat it wa« the city
fined to this city, while the Journals of our Assembly so emphatically Committee before whom he was arraigned. 'I'he cause of liis arraign-
declare the sense of the whole Province? How small is the represen ment was a breach of the non-importation agreement, solemnly en-
tation of this capital when compared to that of the rest of the Colony ? tered into by his owners and to which, by his orders, if he was in
;

And by what kind of reason or example can it be shown, that a pre- heart averse to it, he was, nevertheless, bound to pay implicit obe-
valent interest in a representative body, can by a trilling minority, be dience. How insolently does the scribbler inquire, who, and upon
induced to belie their constituents, and make them speak a language what authority, says that the si'nse of the city was asked about the
contrary to their sentiments ? Again, what may we justly infer from dismission of Captain Lockyer, or the destruction of the tea ? If he
the spirited declaration of our rights, on the Slst of December, I76ti, can want an answer, let him take it from the association paper ; from
257 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 258

opinion upon our case with Connecticut, tiie transactions of In the year 1754, Mr. Dinwiddie came to a resolution
the late war, and tlie dechirations of our Assembly some of raising men and building forts to the westward, in order
time a^o, I will take the liberty of endeavouring to set you to repel the invasions of the French. He had fixed u]>on
right in some matters which )ou do not seem to be fully the forks of Monongahela proper situation for one of
as a
informed of, can be so happy as
being persuaded that if I these forts, supposing be on his Majesty's lands, and
it to
to place them in a different point of light from what you issued a proclamation, expressing his purpose of erecting a
have heretofore viewed them in, you will be candid enough fort at that place, and inviting the people to enlist in his

to change your sentiments. Majesty's service against the French ; and as an encourage-
In theyear 1752, the Proprietors of Vennsylvania, ment, promising that the quantity of two hundred thousand
understanding that the Government of Virginia were acres of land should be laid out and divided amongst the
about to erect forts upon the Ohio, in order to repel the adventurers, when the service should be at an end one ;

encroachments of the French on the properties of the hundred thousand acres of which to be laid out adjoining
subjects of his Britanic Majesty, they instructed their the fort, and the other one hundred thousand acres on the
then Governor, Mr. Hamilton, to assist in any measures of Ohio.
that sort, taking an acknowledgment from the Governor of Upon the appearance of this proclamation Mr. Hamilton
Virginia that such settlement should not be made use of wrote to Governor Dinwiddie, the 13th March, 1754,
to prejudice their right to that country, and at the same reminding him of his former intimation respecting these
time allowed him to give assurances that the people should lands, and enclosing an abstract of the Proprietaries' in-
enjoy their lands they bona fide settled on theconmion quit structions, and also requesting from him such an acknow-
rent. Of this instruction Mr. Hamilton not long after ledgment as the Proprietaries expected to which Mr. ;

gave notice to Governor Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie, in his letter of the 21st March, 1754, answers:

itsre-enaction at a public town meeting ; from their rejection of the George's Chapel sounded in the hearing of Messrs. Isaac Sears and
proposal of Government to put the expected tea in a state of safety Hercules Mulligan; the ringing of the bells of the tliree Reformed
on its arrival from their open declaration that it should nol be landed;
; Protestant Dutch Churches can be proved by Mr. Garret Rapalje
from the fruitless attempt of a fow to procure subscribers to a set of that of the French Church by Mr. Frederick Basset; the bell of the
roKolves calculated to prevent a forcible opposition to its debarkation, English Presbyterian Church was rung by Mr. Brown, their sexton
and from the appointment of a Committee to correspond and support and that of the German Calvinist Church by their proper sexton. So
a harmony of measures with our sister Colonics. From all these ho that, if the universality of the expression all the bells, can be justified,
will bo instructed, that the public sense required the sending back of though those of the City Hall and the College could not join in the
the one, and the destruction of the other. Let us suppose, with this enlivening concert, the narrator has spoke the truth, and his imperti-
vain contemner of the rights of mankind, that every London Captain nent adversary has insinuated an egregious falsehood. He is now
brought tea to this port. Will he have the assurance to say, they all called upon to point out which of the churches was broke open on
imported it like Captain Chambers, regularly cocketted and cleared the occasion, and by whom, and what good men hope they will be
for entry at our custom-house ? Will he say, that they, like liim, in prosecuted according to law ? Let him learn that the respectable pub-
defiance of repeated warnings, and under the guise of the most solemn lie is not to be laughed, jeered, or frightened out of their liberties, by -

and most shamefully false asseverations, persisted in a wicked design a Jaoobitish, ministerial tool, whose most exalted and tremendous
to import tea into this Colony subject to duty ? Or is it not a public character is that of sworn foe to coblers and tailors whose heart ;

virtue, while this badge of slavery is held over us, to supply the wants aspires at the glorious satisfaction of seeing us stripped of our cloaths,
of our inliabitants at the risk of a seizure, and by tliat means to elude and stalking in sullen melancholy barefooted, or in rags. But, how-
the payment of the odious tax ? If any of them, but his friend, who ever despicably he may think of those classes in community, let him
so willingly walks with him in chains, liave imported tea in any other recollect with Pope, that
manner, let the latent and dastardly accuser stand forth with his *' Honour and sliame from no condition rise

proofs. Wo shall then join with him in l)randing them as apostates

**
Act well your l>art ; there all
" Fortune in men has some sniatl diff 'rence made
the honour lie*.
;
we shall despise them as villanous informers we shall pronounce
; •' One flaunts in raffs one flutters in brocade
;

them as deserving that infamous death which has been justly inflicted '* The cobler aproipd, and the pai-son ffown'd;

on many lessdangerous enemies to their country than Captain Cham,

'•
The friar hooded, and the monarch crowu'd.
*' What difft-r more fyoii crj') the crown or cowl ?
hers. The of tliis high-flying zealot for despotism is manifest
spirit ** I'll tell you, friend a wise man and a fool.
!

in his assertion, that the vvfortnntite man was threatened with death **•
You'll tiiid, if once the monarch acts the monk ;
** Or, cohler-like, the Doctor will get flrunk ;
for obeying the laws of his country. A most excellent comment upon ** Worth makes the man, and want of it the fellow ;
the Revenue Act Let him point out a single passage in that statute
! " The rest is all but leather or prunella."
which requires or commands all, or any of our ship Captains, to im. But to be serious ; there was no alternative left between the do.
port tea subject to duty. Should such a liberal commentator become struction of the tea at Boston and New York, and a submission to the
a good authority, we should soon be paraphrased out of our liberties. odious duty. Had the tea been landed without opposition, the duty
Does he des'ro to be informed who were the persons of reputation that must have been paid, or the commodity would have been seized ; and
kept the tally 'it the destruction of the tea? Let him stand forth
,
when individuals foolishly or rashly, and against the most certain
himself and meet thom, and ho will soon know whether he or they intelligence, will risk their property in the cause of despotism, or for
will be support-d by thj public sense. If he would bo told what they
the sake of sordid and flagitious profit, no good member of society
and their honest fellow citizens got by publicly conducting Captain will hesitate to pronounce, that private interest fails a just sacrifice
Lockijer through the crowd I answer, all that was expected all that
: ;
to public utility. Thus much to you, Mr. Printer. word or two to A
was intended, by one of the above mentioned publications, wa.s, that the public.
this servant of the Ministry, and of tlie East India Company, should
My friends and follow countrymen, be excited by a frequent review
have ocular demonstration of our detestation of Parliamentary taxes, of the above narrative, to a steady pursuit of that liberty, your high
and bear the unwelcome tale to his employers. He cannot, surely, be relish for which you have in so many luminous instances displayed
so weak as to believe that he was carried through the greatest crowd Continually provoke each other to fresh proofs of your unalterable
that ever was collected in this city, merely to procure the compliment Let neither the imperious designs of an
love for the public weal.
of the hat, or a smile or nod of approbation of a private ship Cap- arbitrary Ministry, or the insidious machinations of your pretended
tain; who, though respectfully treated among us, was indebted for
friends, awe or cajole you out of your birthright. It is a sacred deposit
liis good treatment to the humanity of our citizens, and their regard to
bestowed by the great Parent of the universe on our ancestors,
due order and decorum. How, then, can it bo supposed that any were entrusted by their venerable hands to our care, to be preserved and
mortifyingly disgusted at his not pulling oft' his hat, or that the huzzas transmitted by us to posterity pure and uncontaminated. Strain
of all the people were intended to insult him ? But what principles every nerve with an honest and spirited zeal in the common cause.
other than such as would induce a man to put the moat public con. Demonstrate to our dear fello\^ countrymen in the neighbouring Colo,
tempt on the character of our great deliverer from slavery and arbi- nies that we have put our hand to the plough, and that far from look-
trary power, could induce any one to call a regular and orderly, ing back, we will co-operate with thom in tearing out every plant of
though striking exhibition of our detestation of unconstitutional im- slavery by the roots. Show them by your every act, tiiat you feel
positions, an outrai^e ? Surely, in this fellow's view the revolution
the solemn obligations into which you have, with them, cheerfully
itself was an unparalleled outrage an outrage, however, productive
;
engaged. Convince them by a thousand proofs, if possible, that you
of the fullest security to our civil and religious liberties, and the esta. will never cease, till, with them, you are in full possession of civil
hlishment of tlio illustrious House ok Hanover on the British throne !
liberty, or with them are buried in one common grave. Beware, in par-
Did any nuin in his senses ever doubt whether that happy revolution ticular, of those among you who are well known to excite sedition, or
was brought about by all the people of Britain, because every subject, countenance a suppression of the laudable spirit of liberty alternately ;

to a man, did not actually enlist under the banners of the glorious
and as it suits their private purposes who are never to be depended:

and imniort il King Willium III. ? How marvellously does this hero on eitlier by Administration or tlie people ; who ever wear two faces;
in politics discover his talents, wlien he attempts to be witty about the
one to recommend tlicm to ministerial favour, another to beguile the
ship Nancy's disaster, and the supposed blunder of the narr;itor, in dis.
sons of liberty into bondage who liavo long practised the art of ex.
;

tinguishing between C^.ipt-iin Chambers's tea and the cargo of his ship ? citing and assuaging tumults, to distinguish themselves as leaders of
The mention of that disaster, the truth of wliich has been proved by the people in the nyes of Government, that they may he courted
by ti
the Captain's protest liefore a notary, was evidently the eft'ect of the sordid Minister into offices and honours. To whom the cause
of the
narrator's intention to give a strict and circumstantial account of tlie people is no longer their cause than while some private ends are to be
events relating to the tea ship, which had been so long tiie object of answered, unconnected with, and often opposed to the good
of the
general expect ition and our writer must be truly a novice in trade,
;
people. I need not mention their names— their
persons and their
who knows not how to distinguish between tlio cargo of a ship and threadbare system of politics are well known to you.
But for the
Captain's j>rivate adventure. is broke.
tlie
happiness of the country, the chain of their influence
Hut, Mr. liiBington, lot me assist you to answer the last question of Oppose it with all your might their interest is declining;
;
let it never
this donglity hero of a Jacobite, and to end the mutter with him, by proots ot a permanent
rise again till they have given you the fullest
giving him the following evidence, that all the i>clls in tlic City rang attaclimont to this countrys weal. Persist, and if they do not alter
at tlio departure of tlio t:!a slii|). Rudulphns liitzema, Esq., will in. their measures, incapable as they now must
appear to lead this t.olony,
form him that the bell of the Lutheran Church rang on the occasion; swelling tide of
they must lose all credit with Government, and the
the same thing he may learn concerning the bell of Trinity Church everlasting oblmon.
public virtue will speedily whelm thom into
from Messrs. Anthony Griffiths and Thomas Tucker; that of St. Brutus.

Fourth Series. 17
259 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 260
" Your private letter of the 13tli cunent, I have duly the strictest truth, that the Government of Virginia, with
" received, and am much misled by our Surveyors if the great justice, concurred in this precaution.
" forks of Monongahela be within the limits of your Pro- Upon the whole, then, my Lord, I hope the papers I
" |)rietaries grant. I have for some time wrote home to heretofore had the honour of sending you, when properly
" have llie line run, to have the boundaries properly attended to, w'ill satisfy you that Pittsburg is at least pro-
" known, that I may be able to appoint Magistrates on the bably within tiie charter limits of this Province ;and 1
" Ohio, (if in tliis Government) to keep the traders and flatter myself tliat what I have now urged will be sufticient
''
others in good order, and I presume soon there will be to convince you tliat nothing can be inferred from the
" Commissioners appointed for lliat service. In the mean transactions of the late war, the con'espondence between
" time, that no hindrance may bo given to our intended the Governors of the two Provinces, the proceedinns of our
" expedition, it is highly reasonable, if these lands are in Assembly, or the principles of Lord Camden's opinion, to
" your Proprietor's grant, that the settlers should pay the contract the extent of our charter bounds, or establish the
" quit rent to Mr. Penn, and not to his ; and,
Majesty right of Virginia to any part of this Province. I there-
''
tiierefore, as much as lies in my power, agree thereto,
I fore still ho])e that your Lordship will, u))on a review of
" after the time granted by my proclamation, to be clear of the subject, be induced to defer attempting to extend the
''
quit rent, ceases." jurisdiction of Virginia within the bounds of this Province,
From this correspondence between the Governors of and thereby avoid the occasions of disturbances and dissen-
Virginia and Pennsylvania, it appears beyond a doubt, tions amongst his Majesty's subjects, which will probably
that the terms upon which forts were built, and settlements ensue from such a step, however prudent and cautious the
made in that country, by the Government of Virginia, Magistrates on each side may be inclined to be, and tlie
were well understood, and the rights of Pennsylvania rather, as a petition for a conuuissioh to am out and mark
carefully guarded and these transactions entirely exclude
;
the boundaries between us is now depending before his
the idea of that kind of settlement, or acquiescence and Majesty. And to prevent the setting up claims, and
agreement of which Lord Camden speaks, and which making conclusions of right by the Government of Vir-
are the only princi))les in his opinion from which your ginia, from the circumstances of settlement on the one
Lordship can draw any conclusions in favour of the right side, and non-claim on the other, I must take this opportu-

of Virginia. nity of notifying to your Lordship tliat the Proprietaries

From this view of the matter I flatter myself your of Pennsylvania do claim, by their said petition, as part of
Lordship of Lord
will readily perceive that the principles their Province of Pennsylvania, all the lands lying west of
Camden's opinion do not apply to the present case.
at all a south line, to be drawn from Dixon and Mason's line, as
As to the opinion of our Assemblies, on which you seem it is connnonly called, at the westernmost part of the Pro-

also to rely, the case is shortly as follows : When Gover- vuice of Maryland to the beginning of the fortieth degree
nor Dinwiddie resolved to erect forts on the waters of the of north latitude, to die extent of five degrees of longitude
Ohio, and to carry an expedition against the French, who from the river Dclaivare ; and 1 must request your Lord-
had fortified themselves in several parts of the country ship will neither grant lands, nor exercise the Government
to the westward, he applied to Governor Hamilton to pro- of Virginia withm those limits, till his Majesty's pleasure
cure him the assistance of this Province. Unfortunately be known.
at this time there w^as no very good understanding between I am truly concerned that you should think the conmiit-
the Government and the Assembly, and when Mr. Hamil- ment of Mr. Conolly so great an insult on the authoritv of
ton laid Mr. Dimviddie's requisition before them they the Government of Virginia, as nothing less than Mr. St.
declined complying whh it, and urged for reasons, that, by Clair's dismission from his offices can repair. The lands
the Royal orders to the several Governors, they were not in the neighbourhood of Pittsburg were surveyed for the
to act as principals out of tiieir own Governments. That Proprietaries of Pennsylvania early in the year 1769, and
they (the Assembly) would not presume to determine a very rapid settlement under this Government soon took
upon the limits of the Province and that by the papers
;
place, and Magistrates were appointed by this Government
and evidences sent downi to them, and referred to by the to act there in the beginning of 1771 who have ever since
,

Governor, the limits of the Province had not been clearly administered justice without any interposition of the Gov-
ascertained to their satisfaction. ernment of Virginia till the present affair. It therefore
be observed, that at this time there had been no
It is to could not fail of being boUi surprising and alarming that
real mensurations from Delatvare to the westward, except Mr. Conolly should appear to act on that stage under a
the temporary line between this Province and Maryland, commission from Virginia, before any intimation of claim
which extends only one hundred and forty-four miles from or right was ever notified to this Govermnent. The adver-
Delaware. From this line, and from sundry informations tisement of Mr. Conolly had a strong tendency to raise
of Indian traders, founded on computed distances, and disturbances, and occasion a breach of the public peace, in
mountainous and crooked roads, Mr. Hamilton concluded a part of the country where the jurisdiction of Pennsyl-
tiiat the French forts were considerably within this Pro- vania hath been exercised without objection, and therefore
vince, and it hath since appeared with certainty that the Mr. St. Clair thought himself bound, as a good Magis-
fact was so, though the Assembly were not satisfied with trate, to take a legal notice of Mr. Conolly.
those proofs. And it appears, by a report of a Committee Mr. iSt. Clair is a gentleman who for a long time had
of Assembly, appointed to examine those evidences, that the honour of serving his Majesty in the regulars with
they laid no great stress upon the opinions of traders reputation, and in every station of life has preserved the
founded on computed distances. character of a very honest worthy man and though per-
;

Upon the whole I cannot find that the Assembly ever haps I should not, without first expostulating with you on
made any thing like formal declarations " that Pittsburg the subject, have directed him to take that step, yet you
was not within this Government," but that they rather must excuse my not complying with your Lordship's requi-
declined making any determination upon the extent of tlie sition of stripping him, on this occasion, of his offices and
Province. But if their declarations had been ever so livelihood, which you will allow me to think not only
formal or positive, I cannot conceive how any proceedings unreasonable, but somewhat dictatorial.
of theirs could affect the state of the Province, controul I should be extremely concerned that any misunder-

the jurisdiction, or prejudice the rights of the proprietors. standing should take |)lace between this Government and
Your Lordship is pleased to say " With respect to the
: that of Virginia. 1 shall carefully avoid every occasion

" rigiit of this Colony to that country, the transactions of of it, and shall always be ready to join you in the proper
" the late war sufficiently show what was ever the sense of measures to prevent so disagreeable an incident, yet I
" the Government of Virginia with regard to it." I do cannot prevail on myself to accede in the manner you
not know to what particular transactions you allude, nor require, to a claim which I esteem, and which I think must
can I apprehend upon what [)rincii)le the sense of the a})pear to every body else to be altogether groundless.
Government of Virginia can prejudice the right of Penn- I am your Lordship's obedient humble servant,

sylvania, especially when the Governor of this Province John Pf.nn.

was so far from concurring in any such sense, that he took To the Right Honorable Earl of Dunmore, Governor and
the most effectual measures to guard against any conclu- Commander-in-chief of his Majesty's Province of Vir~
sions which might be drawn from it and I may say, with
; ginia, IVilliamsbarg.
 261 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 262
Memorandum, 11th April, 1774. Richard Peters, James Tilghman, Andrew Allen, Edtcard
A few days ac;o the Governor received the following Shippen, Jun., Esquires.
Letter from Jonathan Tnimhull, Esquire, Governor of
The Governor laid before the Board a Letter which he
Connecticut, viz :

Lebanon, 24th Murch, 1774.

received this morning by George Wilson, Esq., express,
from William Crawford, Esq., President of the Court of
Sir : I received your letter of the 24th February last.
Westmoreland county, with several papers enclosed, rela-
It iswith pleasure I ohserve, " that you will do every
tive to the disturbances created, and still continued, by the
" thing in your power to avoid contentions and disorders
people of Virginia within that county, which were sever-
" among his Majesty's subjects." A great number of
ally read, and are as follows, viz :

people possessed and settled on, a part of the lands of

of,
the Colony of Connecticut, at or near a place called Westmoreland County, April 8th, 1774.

fVyoming, lying west of the river Dclaivare, within the Sir: As some very extraordinary occurrences have
boundaries and descriptions of our Royal charter, made lately happened in this county, it is necessary to write an
their application to our Assembly for protection and account of them to you. That which I now give is at the
government. In consequence thereof the town of West- request, and with the approbation of all the Magistrates
moreland was made, constituted and annexed to our that are at present attending the court. A few weeks ago
county of Litchjicld, thereby forbearing the exercise of Mr. Conolly went to Staunton, and was sworn as a Justice
our jurisdiction over a great number of others who have of the Peace for Augusta county, in which it is pretended
more recently entered under grants from the Proprietaries that the country about Pittsburg is included. He had
of Pennsylvania, and claim other parts of tiie lands belong- before this brought from Williamsburg commissions of the
ing to Connecticut. It is not to be doubted that your peace for several gentlemen in this part of the Province,
j)ower and influence may prevent the attempts of others to but none of them, I believe, have been accepted of. A
settle under your claim, and the disagreeable consequences number of new militia officers have been lately appointed
which may follow the want on your part of a similar for- by Lord Dunmorc. Several musters of the militia have
bearance towards the people of Westmoreland, until a been held, and much confusion has been occasioned by
legal and constitutional decision of the point in question them. I am informed that the militia is composed of men
may be obtained, which both you and Mr. Wilmot, soli- without character and without fortune, and who would be
citor of the Proprietaries, have acquainted us they will equally averse to the regular administration of justice under
never dechne. the Colony of Virginia, as they are to that under the
It is the duty of our Governor and Company, in faith- Province of Pennsylvania. The disturbances which they
fulness to the trust reposed in them, to assert and support have produced at Pittsburg have been particularly alarm-
the rights of this Government and its inhabitants. They ing to the inhabitants. Mr. Conolly is constantly sur-
do not look upon themselves chargeable with any fault for rounded with a body of armed men. He boasts of the
their exercise of jurisdiction over the people who inhabit countenance of the Governor of Virginia, and forcibly
land they have good reason to think themselves entitled to obstructs the execution of legal process, whether from the
l)y legal purchase from the Aboriginal true proprietors Court or from single Magistrates. A Deputy Sheriff has
thereof, and hold the primaiy possession of under the right come from Augusta county, and I am told has wTits in his
of pre-emption, for the benefit, and within the limits of this hands against Captain St. Clair and the Sheriff for the
Colony. arrest and confinement of Mr. Conolly. The Sheriff was
I am to acquaint you that several gentlemen from hence, last week arrested at Pittsburg for serving a writ on one of
by virtue of an Act of our Assembly, are employed and the inhabitants there, but was, after some time, discharged.
instructed to ascertain the latitudes of certain places at and On Monday one of Coiwliy's people grossly insulted
last
beyond Delaware river. They design to set out the Mr. Mackay, and was confined by him in order to be sent
ISth of next month for that purpose. to jail. The rest of the party hearing it immediately
I am, sir, with truth and regard, your obedient humble came to Mr. Mackay's house and proceeded to the most
servant, Jonathan Trumbull. violent outrages. Mrs. Mackay was wounded in the arm
Honorable John Penn, Esquire. with a cutlass the Magistrates, and those who came to
;

their assistance, were treated with much abuse, and the

The said Letter being taken into consideration, the prisoner was rescued.
Governor, with tlie advice of the Council, wrote a letter Some days before the meeting of the court, a report
in answer thereto, in the words following, viz : was spread that the militia officers, at the head of their
Philadelphia, 11th April, 1774.
several companies, would come to Mr. Hanna's, use the
Court ill, and interrupt the administration of justice. On
Sir : I have your letter of 24th March last by the post.
Wednesday, while the court was adjourned, they came to
My sentiments of exercising the jurisdiction of this Govern- the court house and paraded before it. Centinels were
ment, in every part thereof, and the impropriety of extend-
placed at the door, and Mr. Conolly went into the house.
ing your jurisdiction within our bounds, before you have
One of the Magistrates was hindered by the militia from
laid your claim before Majesty, are so plainly expressed
his
going into it till permission was first obtained from their
in the several letters I have wrote you, and in those which
commander. Mr. Conolly sent a message to the Magis-
passed between your Commissioners and me, that they
trates informing them that he wanted to communicate
need not be repeated and I cannot but think it strange
:
something to them, and would wait on them for that pur-
that you should persist in attempting to support a possession
pose. They received him in a private room. He read
gained from the people of this Province in a course of
to them the enclosed paper, together with a copy of a
absolute hostility, before your Government had any claim
letter to you, which Lord Dunmore had transmitted to
to lands within the bounds of this Province. It appears
him, enclosed in a letter to himself, which was written in
to me that your taking the latitudes at or beyond Dela-
the same angry and undignified style. The Magistrates
ware, within the bounds of this Province, is prema-
gave the enclosed answer to what he read, and be soon
ture, and that no act of your Assembly can authorize
afterwards departed with his men. Their number was
such a proceeding. I therefore cannot concur in that step,
about one hundred and eighty or two hundred. On their
jjut, on the contrary, must protest againt it, and desire it
return to Pittsburg some of them seized Mr. Elliott, of
may not be done, lest it should produce effects which may
the Bullock Penn, and threatened to put him in the stocks
be injurious to the public peace.
for something which they deemed an affront offered to
I am, with due regard, your most obedient and humble
their conmiander. Since their return, a certain Edward-
servant, John Pf.nn.
Thompson, and a young man who keeps store for Mr.
I To the Honorable Jonathan Trumbull, Escjuire, Governor
and Commander-in-chief of the Colony of Connecticut,
Spear, have been arrested by them and Mr. Conolly,
;

wlio in person seized the young man, would not allow him
Lebanon. In other parts of the
time even to lock up the store.
country, particularly those adjoining the river Mononga-
At a Council held at Philadelphia, on Wednesday, hcla, the Magistrates have been frequently insulted in the
April, 1774 most indecent and violent manner, and are apprehensive
Present, The Honorable John Penn, Esquire, Governor, that unless they are speedily and vigorou.'sly supported by
263 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, m4. 264

Government, it will become both fruitless and dangerous lock up the store, and was endeavouring to go towards the
for them to proceed in the execution of their oQices. Tliey up and seized Amberson
store door, wlien 3Ir. Conolly ca.me
))resnme not to point out tiie measures proper for settling by the breast, and and store go to the
said, let the skins
the present disturbances, but beg leave to recommend the devil, if your master was here I would serve him in the
fixing a temporary line, with the utmost expedition, as one same manner; that tiien Conolly, with several armed men,
step which in all probability will contribute very much took said Amberson down to the Fort that after some ;

towards producing that eft'ect. time this deponent saw said Amberson and Edward
For further particulars concerning the situation of tliis Thompson brought up from the Fort to the town, and
county, I refer Colonel Wilson, who is kind enough
you to guarded by a number of armed men that after tliey had
;

to goon tlie present occasion to Philadelphia. drank some toddy at ]\Ir. Ormsby's porcii, they took
I am, sir, your very humble servant, Amberson and Thompson to William Christy's house, and
W. Crawfokd. placed several armed men at the door that in this state ;

To the Honorable John Penn, Esquire. this deponent left them, and came off express to give infor-
mation to Mr. Spear at Westmoreland court that tiiere ;

Avas in Mr. Spear's house, a large quantity of goods and

Here follows Doctor Connlly's Address to the Magistrates skins. And further this deponent saith not.
of Westmoreland County, referred to in the foregoing Henrv Read.
letter. Sworn and subscribed this 7th day of April, 1774.
Gentlemen :
W. Crawford,
I am come here to be occasion of no disturbances, but Van Swearingen.
to prevent them. As I am countenanced by Government,
The Board taking the above Letters and papers into con-
whatever you may say or conceive, some of the Justices
sideration,thought it advisable for the Governor to defer
of this Bench are tlie cause of this ajjpearance, and
writing an answer thereto, or taking any steps in conse-
not me. I have done tliis to prevent myself from being
quence of the intelligence they contain, till the return of
illegally taken to Philadelphia. My orders from the the express from Williamsburg, who was lately despatched
Government of Virginia not being explicit, but claiming
by this Government to tlie Earl of Dunmore, on the sub-
the country about Pittsburg, I have raised the militia to
ject of the above mentioned disturbances.
support the civil authority of that Colony, vested in me.
I am come here to free myself of a promise made to Cap-
tain Proctor, but have not conceived myself amenable to
this Court by any authority from Pennsylvania, upon which At a Council held at Philadelphia, on Thursday, 21»<
account I cannot apprehend that you have any right to April, 1774 :

remain here as Justices of the Peace, constituting a court

Present, the Honorable John Penn, Esquire, Governor,
under that Province; but in order to prevent confusion, I
agree that you may continue to act in that capacity in all
Richard Peters, Andrew Allen, James, Tilghman, Edward
such matters as may be submitted to your determination by Shippen, Jun., Esquires.
the acquiescence of the people, until I may have instruc- The express sent to WiUiamsburg being returned with-
tions to the contrary from Virginia, or until his Majesty's out any answer from the Government of Virginia, the
pleasure shall be further known on this subject. Governor recommended to the Board the consideration of
J. CONOLLY. the subject relative to the disturbances and violences com-
mitted by the people of that Colony within the county of
Westmoreland, and laid before them three letters he
The Answer of the Magistrates of Westmoreland County received two days ago by express from y^neas Mackay,
to the foregoing Address of Doctor Conolly, viz :
Devereux Sviith, and Andrew McFarlane, Esquires,
The Court and officers of the county
jurisdiction of the Magistrates of that county, each dated the 9th of April
of Westmoreland, rests on the legislative authority of the instant, which were severally read, and Messrs. Mackay
Province of Pennsylvania, confirmed by his Majesty in and Smith's letters follow in these words, viz
Council. Tiiat jurisdiction has been regularly exercised,
Pittsburg, 9th April, 1774
and the Court and officers will continue to exercise it in the
same regular manner. It is far from their intentions to Sir : have just time to inform your Honor that the
I

occasion or foment disturbances, and they apprehend that Justices, Devereux Smith, Andreiv McFarlane, and
no such intentions can with propriety be inferred from any myself, returned from court late last night to this place

part of their conduct; on the contrary, they wish, and will

and that we were all three taken prisoners at half an hour
past nine o'clock tiiis morning by order of Doctor Conolly;
do all in their power to preserve the public tranquillity. In
order to contribute to this very salutary purpose, they give and because we refused giving bail we are ordered to be
information that every step will be taken on the part of the sent off this afternoon to Staunton, in Virginia, where I

Province of Pennsylvania to accommodate any difl'erences suppose we will spend the most of this summer, which
that have arisen between it and the Colony of Virginia, gives me no manner of concern so fur as it affects my own

by fixing a temporary line betwixt them. person, although I cannot but feel for, and lament the dis-
tressing situation of my wife and ciiildren, left here exposed
to the insults and tyranny of a lawless mob, whose aim is
The Deposition of Henry Read, relative to the distur- to subvert government and good order, and enrich tiiem-
bances made in Westmoreland County by the Virgin- selves with the spoils of their neighbours.
ians, viz : I am, with due respect, sir, your most humble and most
Westmoreland County, ss obedient servant, .^neas Mackay.
The deposition of Henry Read, of Pittsburg, yeoman,
(he being of full age,) taken before us, two of his Majesty's Pittsburg, April 9th, 1774.

Justices of tlie Peace for the county aforesaid, on his Sir: When Justices Mackay, McFarlane, and I,

solenm of the Evangelist of Almighty God, is as fol-

oatli returned from attending the court last evening, we were
lows, viz That on tiiis day, about eleven o'clock. Doctor
: informed that Doctor Conolly was determined to issue
John Conolly, at tlie head of a number of armed men on King's warrants for us, which were served on the above
horseback, came into Pittsburg and alighted near the mentioned gentlemen and myself diis day by Mr. Conolly'
houses of Jolm Ormshy and Joseph Spear, Esquire, Sheriff. The crime which we are charged with is for the
when said John Conolly came into Mr. Spear's house, answer we gave Doctor Conolly in writing by the concur-
and soon after went out again that tiiis deponent, William
; rence of the Court of Westmoreland, a copy of which was
Amberson, and some others, were tying up Mr. Spear's enclosed to your Honor per favour of Colonel Wilson.
skins at his door that Conolly tiien ordered one Reily to
; Mr. Conolly offered to enlarge us on condition of giving
lay hold of that fellow, pointing to said Amberson, who bail to take our trial at Staunton court in Virginia, wliicli
is at Mr. Spear's, and acts for him as storekeeper and the other gentlemen and 1 refused, so that we go to jail
clerk ; that Rtily laid hold of Amberson by the arm this day, where we intend to remain till your Honor's
that Amberson then requested he might have liberty to pleasure is known, which we make no doubt will be in a
 265 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774.
266
short time. It is true, our going away from our families Philadelphia, April 22, 1774.
and business at this time, will be attended with very great
Gentlemen The
present alarming situation of our
;

inconveniences, but we are willing to suffer that, and a

afl^iirs in
yyestmoreland county, occasioned by
great deal more, rather than bring a disgrace on the com- the very
unaccountable conduct of the
mission which we bear under your Honor. Government oi Virginia,
requires the utmost attention
I am, witii great respect, your Honor's most obedient of this Government, and
dierefore I mtend, with
and most humble servant, all possible expedition, to send
Commissioners to expostulate with my
Devereux Smith. Lord Dunmore
upon the behaviour of those he has
thought proper to
Mr. McFtirlane's Letter is of the same tenor with the nivest with such power as hath
greatly disturbed the peace
foregoing one from Mr. Smith. oi that county. As the Government of Virginia hath the
power of raising a and there is not any such in this
militia,
The Board taking into consideration the said letters, as
Province, be in vain to contend with them in the
it will
will as tlie letters and papers laid before them at their last
way of force ; the Magistrates therefore, at the
meeting, are of opinion, that the most advisable step to be same time
that they continue with steadiness
taken on this occasion by the Government will be to to exercise the jurisdic-
tion of Pennsylvania with respect
appoint Commissioners to go as soon as possible to Wil- to the distribution of
justice and punishment of vice, must
liamsburg, in order to re])resent to the Government of be cautious of enter-
ing into any such contests with the
Virginia the ill consequences which may happen to the officers of my Lord
Dunmore as may tend to widen the present unhappy
persons and properties of his Majesty's subjects, if an
breach; and therefore as things are at
immediate stop be not put to the disorders and violent present circum-
stanced I would not advise the magistracy
proceedings which have been begun and are now carrying of Westmore-
land county to proceed by way of
on under the authority of the Government, within the criminal prosecution
against them for exercising the Government of Virginia.
western lands of diis Province and also to confer with the
;
I flatter myself that our
said Government on the most proper measures for establish- Commissioners to Virginia will
succeed according to our expectations, and that our
ing peace and good order among his Majesty's subjects of affairs
to the westward will soon be put
both Governments; and for that purpose to endeavour to upon a peaceable and
quiet footing. I am gentlemen, your very humble
agree upon a temporary line of jurisdiction and further, ;
ser-
to request the said Government will, without loss of time, "^""^
„^„. John Penn.
lo Wilham Craioford, Esq., and
join with the Proprietaries of this Province in an application his Associates, of
Westmoreland County.
to the Crown to appoint
Commissioners for running and
ascertaining the true boundary lines between Pennsylvania
and Virginia.
The Board were likewise of opinion that a letter should
CORRESPONDENCE LAID BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
be wrote to the three Magistrates who have been put
under an arrest by Mr. Conolly, thanking them for their
spirited behaviour, and acquainting them that proper care
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN.
shall be taken to supply them at the expense of this
Government, with all necessaries which may render their Ligonier, January 15, 1774.

situation as comfortable and easy as possible until their Sir : Tliis will be delivered by Mr. Hanna, one of tlie
discharge can be obtained; and also that a letter of trustees for Westmoreland county. To some management
instructions be sent to the other Magistrates of Westmore- of his I believe, the opposition to fixing the county town
at
land respecting their future conduct. —
Pittsburg is chiefly owing it is his interest it should
continue where the law has fixed the courts, pro tempore;
he lives there ; used to keep public house there ; and has
now, on that expectation, rented his house at an extrava-
At a Council held at Philadelphia, on Friday, 22d gant price. Erwen, another trustee, adjoins, and is also
Aj>ril, 1774: public house keeper. A
third trustee lives in the neigh-

Present, the Honorable John Penn, Esquire, Governor, bourhood, which always make a majority for continuing
Richard Peters, Andrew Allen, James Tilghman, Edward the courts at the present place. passage in the law for A
Hhippen, Jun., Esquires. erecting the county is, that the courts shall be held in
the
foregoing place (the house of Robert Hanna) till a court
A member of Council laid before the Board draughts house and jail are built; this puts it in their power to
of two letters proposed to be sent to the Magistrates of
Westmoreland county, which were read, and after a (ev/
continue them as long as they please
ment might prevent a court house and
for a little manage- —
jail being built this
alterations made to them, were ordered to be fairly trans- twenty years. This is explanation of a petition to the
cribed, and despatched to morrow by the express, who
came from that county.
House, which was sent down lately it was begun and
ended on the Friday of the court week. An unexpected
—
The letters follow in these words, viz :
opportunity to Philadelphia offered that day, by reason of
Philadelphia, April 22, 1774. which it is to the House only, and signed but by a few
Gentlemen received your several letters informimr
: I
people, but the few that have signed it are the principal
me of your arrest and confinements on warrants issued by people and who acted more from their feelings for multi-
;

Doctor Conolly, and cannot but greatly approve your tudes, who they saw suffering than from their own incon-

spirit and the attachment you have shown to the interest venience. A like petition to the Governor will soon be
of Province.
this But as the confinement of your persons forwarded, which will be countenanced, by, I am certain,
at so great a distance from your homes must be very five-sixths of the whole people.

injurious to your private concerns, if you can procure your Mr. Hoofnagle I hope will be almost home before you
enlargement, by finding bail, I shall by no means dis- receive this. I beg you will excuse inaccuracies as I wrote
approve such a step. I shall with all possible expedition,
in the greatest hurry — Mr. Hanna holding his horse
send Commissioners to my Lord Dunmore, to apiily for whilst I write. I will see you early in the spring.
your discharge and as Colonel Wilson is so oblio-inir as to
;
And am, sir, your most humble and most obedient
offer to call at Staunton, in his way home, I have instructed servant, Ar. St. Clair.
him to procure for you any security or credit you may Joseph Shippen, Jun., Esq.
stand in need of, and shall do every thing in my power to
free you from your disagreeable situation, or to make it as
comfortable as may be. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOR PENN.
I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, Ligonier, February 2, 1774.
John Penn. am honored with your letter of the 20th January,
I
To jUneas Maclcay, Devereux Smith, and Andrew which reached me the 28th, and am happy to find the
McFarlane, Esquires, Justices of the Peace for the County method pursued at Pittsburg, on the 25th, did not very
of Westmoreland. materially differ from that you had been pleased to direct.
267 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, n74. 268

Doctor Conolhj was arrested previous to the meeting, but the rapid progress Pennsylvania has made, the num-
bv mv orders, on his avowing liimself the author of the bers of people tiiat flock to it from every part of the
advertisement requiring tlie people to meet as a militia, world, and particularly the much greater value of landed
and connuitted on refusing to find sureties for his good property than in the adjoining parts of the neighbouring
beiiaviour till next court. countries, evince that it is no very defective one evince ;

was in hopes the sending him out of the way would have
I that its laws are mild and salutary, and that property and
put an end to it altogether but I was mistaken.
; About liberty, civil and religious, is well secured, and that it has
eighty persons in arms assembled themselves, chiefly from some advantages over its neighbours.
Rlr. Croghan's neighbourhood, and the country west of We doubt not but you will readily acknowledge these
and below the Moiwiigahcla, and after parading through matters; but you will reply, it is nothing to us; the soil
the town and making a kind of feu tie joy, proceeded to we live on being no part of Pennsylvania ; we can have
the Fort where a cask of rum was produced on.tiie parade, no jjart of the advantages or di-^advantages arising from its
and the head knocked out. This was a very effectual constitution.
way of recruiting. We well know much pains have been taken to persuade
As a scene of drunkenness and confusion was likely to many of you to a belief of this, and likewise that the
ensue, I got the Magistrates (who attended in consequence Proprietaries have industriously delayed to settle their boun-
of tlie letters I had sent them) together, and read the dary. There is not the least foundation for either.
enclosed paper, which we had concocted tliat morning, and The Proprietaries of Pennsylvania claimed the country
at the conclusion, when they were required to disperse, about Pittsburg, and the settlers quietly acquiesced in that
they replied they had been invited there, but came with claim and as soon as doubts began to arise about it they
;

peaceable intentions, and would go home again without took effectual pains to satisfy themselves whether or not
molesting any one on which we left them
; however, ;
they were right in that claim, and actually found the coun-
towards night, their peaceable disposition forsook them, try a considerable distance west of that place within their
ajid I should probably have felt their resentment had I not Province And so far are they from delaying tlie running
:

got intimation of their design. I thought it most prudent their boundaiy line, we have the best authority for saying
to keep out of their v.'ay. that a petition has been a considerable time before his
have no doubt but the Magistrates will do their duty
1 Majesty for that very purpose. You must be sensible it
with spirit, and 1 shall take the earliest opportunity to would be to little purpose to run it without the concurrence
make them acquainted with the support your Honor is of the Crown certainly it would never be conclusive.
;

determined to afford them. In some parts of the country The jurisdiction of Pennsylvania has been regularly
they will have a difficult task, and I am really af&aid this extended to Pittsburg, and exercised there for a number
affair will be productive of a great deal of confusion. 1 of years, as the records of Cumberland, Bedford, and
shall not fail to give them the necessary cautions with Westmoreland counties testify and you yourselves have
;

regard to the Riot Act, and I think I can judge pretty acknowledged it, by applying for your lands in that
nearly how far it may be safely extended. Province. Whether that extension has been legally made
Mr. ConoUy has most certainly a commission from or not, can be determined by the Crown alone but must ;

Lord Dunmore, expressly for Pittsburg and its dependen- be submitted to till it is determined. And it must be
cies, and his subalterns are John Stephenson, a brother of evident to you that Lord Dunmore, as Govemor of Vir-
Mr. Crawford, our senior magistrate, WiUiam Harrison, a ginia, can have no more right to determine this matter then
son-in-law of his, and Dorsey Penticost, who was lately one of us, for this plain reason the charters of Pennsyl-
:

in the commission of the peace here. Mr. Penticost has, vania and Virginia both flowed originally from the Crown ;

I hear, been down to Mr. ConoUy since his confinement, on that footing they are perfectly independent of each
and taken the necessary oaths to qualify him for his military other but they are both parties in this dispute, and conse-
;

office, and is to assemble the people at Red Stone and take quently neither can be judge.
possession of Fort Burd. I have wrote to the Justices in We would fondly hope no person in this country would
that part of the country to watch his motions. Mr. McKee wish to be from under the protection of law. A state of
is said to be appointed a Justice by Lord Dunmore, but I anarchy and confusion, and total subversion of property
would fain hope without his consent at any rate he; must inevitably ensue. We
cannot help thinking contend-
beiiaved very well on the late occasion, and as he was ing jurisdictions in one and the same country must produce
doubted, I made a point of having him there under pre- similar effects, and every attempt to introduce modes or
tence of his being Indian Agent, but in fact, if he was a regulations not warranted by the laws or constitution of
friend or abettor of ConoUy's measures. Pennsylvania will also do so in a certain degree.
It is, sir, extremely grateful to me that my conduct in Any grievances the inhabitants of this part of the coun-
any part meets with your approbation but should I forget
; try suffer there is no doubt the Legislature want only to be
to be attentive to any thing that may disturb the happiness informed of to redress. Should it be imagined the pro-
of your Government, or from which you may receive a tection of a military force is necessary, the votes and
personal injury, I should be guilty of the grossest breach of proceedings of the last winter session of Assambly will
duty, as well as the blackest ingratitude, neither of vi'hich shew that, probably, it was owing to the representations of
1 trust will ever be the case. the Indian Agent, that an Indian war would certainly
1 am, your most obedient and most humble servant,
sir, follow, establishing a military force at Pittsburg, that such
Ar. St. Clair. protection was not then granted, and time seems to have
The Honorable John Penn, Esq. shewn he was not in the wrong.
If that effect would have supervened at a time when
his Majesty's troops were just withdrawn, when die coun-
Papar enclosed in Arthur St. Clair's Letter to tlie Governor, of try was naked, defenceless, and alarmed, and when the
February 2, 1774.
Indians were accustomed to the idea of trooiis in their
As friends and fellow countrymen, which we ought all neighbourhood, much more is it to be doubted the estab-
to consider each other, from whatever difierent quarters of lishing a militia, which
is a military force, will ])ro(luce

the globe we have met here, suffer that we make you that effect now when
they have been so long disused to it.
acquainted with some things of which you ought not to be As his Majesty's Justices and Protectors of the public
ignorant. peace of Pennsylvania, it is our duty to tell you your
We do not blame you for having an affection for the meeting is an uidawful one, and that it tends to disquiet
laws of the countries and provinces in wiiich 30U have die minds of his Majesty's liege subjects. We do in his

been bom ; 'tis a natural, "tis a praiseworthy affection And ! Majesty's name require you to disperse, and retire your-
it requires a length of time and diligent application to selves peaceably to your respective habitations.
discover and give the deserved preference to different Present when this was read.
systems of laws and forms of Government, for which but Alexaner McKee, jEneas Mackav,
few have either leisure or opportunity. William Louhry, Van Swearinoen,
We do not tell you tiie plan of Pennsylvania is a James Pollock, William Bracken,
jierfect one. Such no human institution is or ever was ; James Cavet, Arthur St. Clair.
269 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 270
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN, JUN. On the 30th of March a party from Chaster settlement
Ligonier, February 25, 1774.
joined the Doctor at this place. On hearing of that
circunistance Sheriff Proctor,
and the Justices Smith,
Dear Sir: The
disturbances that liave begun in this
McFarlane, and myself repaired to the Fort in order to
country seem still to be increasing, and, unless some effect-
discover the Doctor's intentions, and if we found them
ual method is soon fallen ujjon to put a stop to them, will
any wise tumultuously disjiosed, to read them the Riot Act.
soon come to a formidable head. What that method
There we found about twenty odd men, some with and
should be it is difficult to say, but possibly the running a
some without arms, and the Doctor before them with two
temporary line might quiet the people a little, though I
letters in his hands, both of which he said he had just
doubt very much if even that would not now be opposed. re-
ceived from Lord Daimore, with orders to make them
As much the greatest part of the inhabitants near the
(the mihtia) acquainted with the contents, and this he im-
line have removed from Virginia, they are inexpressibly
mediately did by reading the papers to them. In the first
fond of any thing that comes from that quarter, and their
of these letters bis Lordship greatly applauded the Doctor's
minds are never suffered to be at rest. Mr. Croghari's
conduct, when taken by the Sheriff, for not giving bail,
emissaries (and it is astonishing bow many he has either
and commanded him to persevere in the prosecution of
duped or seduced to embrace his measures) are continual-
the plan he begun upon, maintaining the possession of
ly irritating them against Pennsi/Ivania, and assuring them
Fort Pitt and its dependencies, and to put the militia and
they are not within its limits so that unless Lord Diinmore
;

other Virginia laws in force, concluding with a promise of

does formally recede from what he has undertaken in this
being powerfully supported by his Lordship.
country, it will be next to impossible to exercise the civil
authority. From the very beginning I foretold a second The other letter the Doctor declared to be a duplicate
of his Lordship's answer to Governor Penn's letter, relat-
Carolina affair was intended, I am now convinced of it.
I have letters from all the Magistrates in that part of
ing to the militia muster, when first set on foot in this place
last January. Just as the Doctor had done reading these
the country, complaining of the difficulties they are ex-
instruments, he turned on his heel, and gave us to under-
posed to, and the open and avowed determination of the
stand he would be glad to speak to us in a bar room just at
people not to submit to their jurisdictions. However, they
band, when he said that although he, in obedience to Lord
are all still as yet, and I will do what in my power lies to
Dunmore's positive orders, had assembled these men, in
continue them so; as one step towards it, and to convince
order to hear the aforesaid letters read, he had no inten-
the others that we in some measure are in earnest, I in-
tion to take any step contrary to the established rules of
tend immediately removing my office to Pittsburg, adjoin-
law at this place, until after the court, which would set in
ing, there to live the moment I can get my farm off my
a few days, when he said he was determined to deliver
hands here.
himself up, and abide by the judgment of the same, and
I enclose you a letter from Mr. Spear, which I received
requested of us to observe the like pacific measures in the
by the bearer. I shall immediately write to Mr. Swearin-
mean time. We told the Doctor we are averse to violent
gen to commit, %yithout ceremony, any person who shall
proceedings, unless forced to it in our own defence, but ex-
attempt to oppose or molest him in the execution of his
])ected he, the Doctor, did not mean we should desist from
office. Excuse the haste I am almost always obliged to
exercising the duty of our station, as conservators of the
write to you in opportunities offer unexpectedly, and the
;

people waiting.
peace, till that time. To this he replied, he did not. .

Next morning, the 31st of March, the Sheriff served a

I am, dear sir, your very humble servant,
writ on JVilliam Christy, a militia Lieutenant, on notice of
Ar. St. Clair.
which the Doctor had the Sheriff taken by a King's war-
rant, and was actually in custody for some little time and ;

Enclosed in Arthur St. Clair's I^etter to Joseph Shippen, Jun., of ever since that time there are parties of armed men in con-
February 25, 1774. stant pursuit of our Deputy Sheriff and Constables, by

Pittsburg, February 23, 1774. which means it is impossible for us to do any business.
Dear Sir: I am just now informed that the Virginians
The Doctor is now in actual possession of the Fort,
with a body guard of militia about him, invested, as we
up the Monongahela have had two or three musters late-
are told, with both civil and military power to put the
ly ;one at Red Stone Old Fort, and one yesterday at Paul
Virginia law in force in these parts and a considerable
Froman's, on the other side of the Monongahela ; and I ;

niunber of the inhabitants of these back parts of this

am also told they had a meeting at Mr. Penticost's own
county are ready to join him on any emergency. Every
house, in consequence of which Mr. Penticost wrote to
Mr. Swearingen to act no longer there as a Pemisyhania
artifice are used to seduce the people some by being pro-
;

moted to civil or military employments, and others with

Magistrate at his peril. I therefore think it would be
the promises of grants of lands on easy terms and the :
athisable to endeavor to have a stop put to those proceed-
giddy headed mob are so infatuated as to suffer themselves
ings, if possible, as it creates the greatest disturbance, and
to be carried away by these insinuating delusions for in-
very much retards the execution of our civil process. ;

stance of which, the two Constables appointed to serve as

I am, in haste, dear sir, your humble servant,
such in this township, (one of whom, Philip Reily by
Joseph Spear.
name, was sworn in at last January court,) both deserted
P. S. Tliis news has just come to hand, otherwise I
us and joined the Doctor's party. It is most certain the
would have wrote you more full. Dr. ConoUij is just now
Doctor is determined to carry his point, or lose his life in
going over the run to Red Stone, I know not what for.
the attempt and it is equally certain he has all the en-
;

couragement and promises of support from Virginia that

he can wish for, so that unless an effectual remedy be
«neas mackay to governor penn.
speedily applied we know not what may be the conse-
Pittsburg, April 4, 1774.
quence, very dangerous length
for matters are carried to a
Sir: Since the return of the celebrated Dr. Corw/Iy already, and are likely to become more
so every day.
from Virginia last to this place, which he did on the 28th We are told the Colonel of militia of Augusta county
March, our village is become the scene of anarchy and is under orders to be in readiness to march to this place on
confusion. The Doctor was taken into the Sheriff's cus- the shortest notice. Lord Dunmorc has actually enclosed
tody here the 24th day of last January, in consequence of twelve commissions to the Doctor to fill up for mihtia offi-
his extraordinary advertisement. He was but a (ew days cers at his own discretion.
in jail before he found means to prevail with the Sheriff, We have another general muster at this place some
will
and obtained his leave to visit his a.ssociates at this place, time month, and we are well assured a strong body of
this
where he staid a few days, and then, instead of returning the militia will appear with arms at the court, with an
to jail, according to his promise to the Sheriff, he went up intention no doubt, to rescue Conolly, and perhaps will
to Red Stone settlement, where, widi the assistance of his attempt something else.
friends in that quarter, he assembled about twenty armed The Indians are greatly alarmed at seeing parties of
men, who guarded him from there to or near the frontiers armed men patroling tlirough our streets daily, not knowing
of Virginia. but there is hostility intended against them, and their
27 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH AND APRIL, 1774. 272

country. I remain, sir, your most humble and most Governor with the bearer of this, and then he read a dupli-
obedient servant, jiEneas Mackay. cate ofLord Dunmorc to our Governor, together with the
letter mentioned before.
The Court told him they would soon return an answer to
GEORGE CKOGHAN TO DAVID SAMPLE. what he had said. (They did not think it prudent to do
April 4tli, 1774. it without consulting together and taking the opinion of

Sir: I have been long convinced that Fort Pitt and the Bar.) We soon agreed on the terms of the answer,
its dependencies was without tiic limits of Pen)isi/lva7iia, and the gentleman who had the principal hand in forming
and no less convinced that the laws of that Province could it, has done it in such a manner as I am persuaded will

have no force or power beyond its limits, yet as I have procure him the thanks of the Government. It contains

always considered any law better than no law, 1 have firmness and moderation, and, as far as I am capable of
countenanced the law of that Province hitherto, by plead- judging, it was not possible to form one more free from
ing to some' actions brought against me, and being bail to exceptions in our present situation. One in any other
others, though at the same time I have always denied the form might have been the occasion of altercations, which
jurisdiction by not paying any taxes, as in tiiat case my might have produced undue concessions, or been attended
liberty and property was in as much danger as all the rest with the most flual consequences for I have reason to
;

of my fellow subjects in tlie Colonies have thought theirs, believe that the greatest part of them were wishmg for
by submitting to a tax laid on them by the British Par- some colourable reason to quarrel. The Bench purposed
liament, and which they have always withstood. Now, sir, to deliver the answer in tlie court house. However, in
as the Colony of Virginia has this winter extended the that particular they counted without their host, for they
laws of that Government to this part of the country, by were refused admittance, and Conolly waited for them at
raising the militia and appointing civil officers, I shall no the court house door, where Mr. Wilson, at the request of
longer countenance the laws of your Province by pleading the Court, delivered it, and after exchanging copies they
to any actions brought against me, unless brought by the departed more peaceably than might have been expected.
Colony of Virginia; for it must be granted, that if any However, the consequences of such proceedings are too
Colony has a right to extend their laws to this country, apparent to need be enumerated the administration of ;

Virginia nmst, till his Majesty's pleasure be known therein. justice must be entirely at a stand, and, indeed, I cannot
Since this change has happened, two actions have been help thinking that this mob has collected for that purpose,
brought against me from your court, one at the suit of as I am well assured that amongst all those who assembled
Michardnnd William Butler, the other at the suit oi Joseph there was not one single man of any property ; on the
Spear. As you are my attorney, I desire, when those contrary, the greatest part of them were such as are
actions are called in court, that you wont appear to them, obliged to hide themselves from their creditors, or such as
and I request that you will inform the Court you have my are under the necessity of taking shelter in this part of
directions so to act, and inform them of my reasons, which the country to escape the punishment due to their crimes.
I should wish them to know, though I have many others ;
It seems Lord Dunmorc gave Conolly blank connnissions,
but as your court can have nothing to do in adjusting the pre- trusting to hisown pnulence to fill them up, by inserting
sent disputes 1 will not trouble you with any thing farther on the names of proper persons. Conolly, in order to be
this head. And am, sir, your most bumble servant, consistent with himself, bestowed one of these commissions
George Croghan. on one Teagardcn, an old fellow, who has several times
To David Sample, Esq. been committed for felony. I don't, indeed, know that he
lias been convicted, because he has always broken the jail.
Once I think he was committed to Lancaster jail and
THOMAS SMITH TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN. escaped. His character is so well known, that those who
Westmoreland County, April 7, 1774. are the strongest advocates for the present disturbances are
Sir : The
present transactions at this place are so very ashamed of his being appointed one of their Captains.
extraordinary that I am persuaded you will be very much The people in this part of the country who would wish
surprised at the relationof them, if any thing that is absurd to enjoy the benefits of society, and would submit to any
and unwarrantable which originates from Lord Dunmorc form of government, are in the most disagreeable situation
can surprise you. I think I am warranted in this obser- that can be imagined their property, their liberty, and
;

vation by his Lordship's letter to his Honor, a duplicate of their lives, are at the mercy of a lawless desperate banditti
which, together with a letter at the same time to Conolhj, In such a situation they look for, and have the utmost rea-
we have had just read to us. son to expect, the protection of that Government under
After Conolly was committed to jail in the manner you which they have settled. What is the most proper method
have been informed, the Sheriff let him at large on his to be taken would be presumption in me- to suggest.
it

word of honour to return at the court. He did return, There two ways the one to agree on a temporary
are but :

indeed, and in such a manner as might have been expected line of jurisdiction until the matter can be finally settled ;

from bis preceding conduct. We heard, when we came the other, to establish a sufficient garrison at Fort Pitt to
up to this court, that he was mustering a large party in withstand the rabble who act under Lord Dunmore's com-
order to prevent the court from sitting. We thought that mission. It would have been a happy thing for this part
there could not be any foundation for such a report, but at of the country, if this last measure had met with success
the same time we thought it prudent to order the Sheriff when it was first recommended to the Legislature and, ;

to raise as many men as he could collect, to prevent us indeed, sensible people in this part of the country, who
from being insulted by a lawless set of men acting under are well affected to tliis Government, cannot help drawing
the colour of authority. The time was so short that few conclusions from the opposition which that measure met
were collected on our side, and those few were ill armed, with, wliich I am persuaded could never be the motives of
.sothat we found ourselves in a very disagreeable situation those who may have made the opposition to it.
when we received certain intelligence that Conolly was The conduct of Lord Dunmorc is really the most extraor-
coming down with two hundred armed men. Wh(?n we dinary, in the light in which the people of this part of the
found they were at hand the Magistrates thought it prudent country are obliged to view and feel it, that can be imagined.
to adjourn the court, as if was near the time. They soon To establish the jurisdiction of a different Province over
after came down to the number of one hundred and fifty the people wlio have purchased, and settled, and lived for
or one hundred and eighty, with colours flying, and their a considerable space of time, peaceably under tliis ; — to
had their swords drawn. The first thin"
roj><fl}Hs, &.C., establish this jurisdiction by a military force, is such an
that they did was to place centinels at the court house absurd measure, that 1 believe it will be difficult to suppose
door, and then Conollij sent a message that he would wait any man in his senses would have ado{)ted it.
on the Magistrates and communicate the reasons of his I hope you will excuse this incoherent scrawl, when I
appearance. The Bench and Bar were then assembled in inform you that it is wrote in a small room amidst the
I\Ir. Manna's house, where we sent him word we would clamour and confusion of a number of people. If you
hear him. He and Fcnticost soon came down, and he think the contents of it are of consequence enough to be
read the paper which will be sent down to his Honor the communicated to his Honor the Governor, 1 will request
 273 VIRGINIA ASSEMBLY, MAY, 1774. 274

you to do it ; if not,you will please to excuse this imper- VIRGINIA ASSEMBLY.

tinence, of, sir, your obliged and most humble servant,
Thomas Smith.
The Speech of Excellency the Right Honorable
his
Joseph Shijppen, Esquire.
John Earl of Dunmore, his Majesty's Lieutenant and
Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of
Virginia, and Vice Adviiral of the same, to the Gen-
REPRESENTATION OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND ASSESSORS. eral Assembly, convened at the Capitol, on Thursday,
the bth of May, 1774.
To the Honorable John Penn, Esijuire, Governor and
Ck)mmander-in-chief of the Province of Pennsylvania. Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentle-
men of the House of Burgesses:
May PLEASE your Honor The Board of Com-
it :

missioners and Assessors for the county of Westmoreland Having had nothing in particular charge from his Ma-
at this critical junction, humbly beg leave to represent to jesty to offer to your consideration, 1 have consulted only
your Honor the disagreeable situation they are now in, by your own ease in the time of assembling you for the neces-
reason of the present disturbances in this county. The sary business of the Colony, in which 1 recommend to you
Board beg leave to inform your Honor, that they have duly to proceed with that despatch which the public conve-
and regularly laid the assessments of the county, according nience requires.
to the laws of this Province they have also issued the
;
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Bur-
proper duplicates to the different Collectors by them ap-
gesses :

pointed to collect the same but the people residing in the

;

I have not, at this time, any thing to require of you

back parts of the county, or the greater part of them,
but I hope that your resolutions, on the various matters
absolutely refuse to pay their taxes, or to serve the county
which shall be the subject of your deliberation, may be
in the office of Collector. On which account the Board
influenced by prudence and moderation.
has been under the necessity to be at a great expense by
reason of their frequent meetings, which consequently Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gen-
must come off the public, and are unable without further tlemen of the House of Burgesses :

assistance to execute their duty.

My ardent desire faithfully to promote the service of
They therefore pray your Honor's advice and assistance his Majesty, who ever evinces the good of his people to
in this matter, and for further particulars, refer your Honor
be the first object of his thoughts, will make me heartily
lo George Wilson, Esquire, who was an eye witness to the
concur with you in all measures, and assent to all such
disturbance of the Court, by the meeting of a number of
laws as shall be for the welfare and true interest of this
armed men and the Board begs leave to assure your
;
country.
Honor that every step shall be taken in their power for
tiie benefit and advantage of the Province.
By order of the Court, To his Excellency the Right Honorable John Earl of
Joseph Beeler, ? /-,
, o V Commissioners. Dunmore, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor
James Smith, 5 General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia,
Wo«tmoreUnd, April 8, 1774.
and Vice Admiral of the same :
The humble Address of the Council.
THOMAS smith TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN, JUN. We
My Lord : and loyalhis Majesty's most dutiful
Bedford, April 13, 1774.
General
subjects, the Council of Virginia, now met in
Sir If you have received my letter, which I did myself Assembly, beg leave to return your Excellency our most
:

tlie favour to write by Colonel Wilson, you will not be cordial dianks for your Speech at the opening of this
surprised to be informed of the continuation of the outrages session and to acknowledge that your Lordship, as well
;

committed by the Virginians. They have now arrested upon this as every other occasion, since the commence-
tliree of the Magistrates of Westmoreland county, who are ment of your administration, hath consulted the ease and
now on their way to Augusta jail, exposed to the insults convenience of the people committed to your care.
of the rabble who are sent as their guard. The crime To promote the service of his Majesty, and to advance
alleged against them is, I am informed, the answer which the interest of our country, ever have been the first objects
tlie Court gave to Conolly's modest address and proposals. of our wishes. Actuated by these motives, we will concur
1 hope, for the honor of this Province, that it will not set with the House of Burgesses in framing such laws as shall
calmly looking on and see its Magistrates, as its Magis- be for the welfare and true interest of this Colony ; and
trates, taken by a set of lawless men, when they were with that despatch the importance of the subjects will
within its known limits, and hurried away like criminals to admit of.
the jail of another Province, there to be confined contrary Permit us to take this opportunity of congratulating
to all law and justice, to satisfy the whim and caprice of a your Excellency on the safe arrival of the Countess of
man who seems either to have totally divested himself of Dunmore, and your family in this country an event, which ;

any regard of natural justice, (I was going to say to the law while it adds greatly to your Lordship's domestic felicity,
of nations, if I might be allowed the expression,) or else be gives us a pleasing earnest of your intention of continuing
made the tool of a set of desperate men, who have more among us.
—
cunning than himself; for I have many reasons to think
that this scheme was hatched at Fort Pitt. The reasons To which his Excellency was pleased to return the
that could induce any man of conmion sense to take such following Answer
a step I am at a loss to guess. Gentlemen of the Council The faithful and unit- :

The bearer of this was sent down to go to Philadelphia ed assistance which I have constantly received of you,
with the account of these proceedings. I thought it my fully convinces me of your zeal for his Majesty's service, as
duty to enable him to pursue his journey, by accommoda- well as of your firm regard to the interests of your coun-
ting him w ilh money he has acted some time as Under try; and makes this fresh declaration of both extremely
;

Sheriff, and if the High Sheriff had conducted himself in grateful to me, as it must be likewise to your Sovereign
the same spirited, unsuspected manner, that this man has and country.
done, I am persuaded that these disturbances might have I thank you very heartily for your kind congratulation
been prevented. But he, in the first place, had so little upon the arrival of my family, the happiness of which will
regard to his duty, that he let Conolly at liberty on his increase to me as it proves more agreeable to you, from

I promise to return at the court, and when he was ordered

to raise the posse, his conduct was a little mysterious, and
be was extremely backward and remiss. The bearer can
whom
tention.
I have received every mark of regard and at-

give you further information in this particular.

I am sir, your very humble servant, To his Excellency the Right Honorable John Earl of
Thomas Smith. Dunmore, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor
Fourth Se&ies. 18
276 VIRGINIA ASSEMBLY, MAY, 1774. 276

General of the. Colony and Dominion of Virginia, expensive administration of justice in Pennsylvania, which,
and Vice Admiral of the same : being a limited and Proprietary Government, hath extended
an unlimited, and (as we think) illegal jurisdiction over
The Humhle Address of the Hodse of Burgesses.
his Majesty's subjects, settled many miles west of their
My Lord : We his Majesty's and loyal
most dutiful bounds, which is op])ressive to the poor, and burthensome
subjects the Burgesses of Virginia, General now met in to all, particularly in trying titles to land, and in recovery
Assembly, beg leave to return your Excellency our un- of small debts, wherein their officers' fees are so dispropor-
feigned thanks for your kind Speech at the opening of tiiis tioned that they seem rather calculated for enriching indi-
session. viduals than the public good tiieir practising attornies
;

Sensible as we are of the importance of that variety of bu- being left at liberty to exact such fees as they may choose,
siness wiiich will probably come before us, we shall esteem in all land trials, and will not plead against their jurisdic-
it our bounden duty to proceed in the discussion of it with tion, however far west it may be extended. Officers of
coolness, deliberation, and as much despatch as circum- Government being generally at the disposal of the Proprie-
stances will admit and we
flatter ourselves that every
; taries' Governor, who will neither appoint nor continue any
resolution, we may expedient to adopt, will be
find it but those who adhere strictly to their master's interest,
marked with that prudence and moderation which you are however contrary to the good of the settlers, his Majesty's
pleased to recommend. subjects ; add to this, a heavy Provincial tax, which they
The fatherly attention of our most gracious Sovereign to likewise exact, a great part thereof being swallowed up by
the happiness of his subjects, in making the good of his peo- the officers who lay and collect the same, to the great
ple the fii-st object of his thoughts, cannot but impress our grievance of the subject.
minds with the liveliest sense of duly and gratitude and ; From the aforesaid several grievances, and the farther
it iswith great satisfaction that we receive from your Ex- ill provided defence of the country in cases of emergency,

cellency those earnest assurances, tliat you will heartUy we humbly conceive our lives and properties in imminent
concur with us in all measures, and assent to all such danger, from our contiguity to the faithless and barbarous
laws as shall be for tlie welfare and true interest of this natives, whose treaties, alliance, and sincerity, are never to
country. be relied on, as well as a hearty conviction tiiat the present
It will ever, my Lord, afford us much pleasure to ob- Government is usurped.
serve an increase of your domestic felicity : we therefore, We humbly entreat your Lordship and Council, and the
with the greatest cordiality, embrace this first opportunity Honorable House of Burgesses, to make such provision
to congratulate your Excellency on the happy arrival of for us, in our present distressed situation, as to you shall
the Right Honorable the Countess of Dunmore, your seem meet; and your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will
Lordship's amiable and most respectable lady, with so ever pray, &;c. Signed by 587 Inhabitants.
many promising branches of your noble family, an event
which we consider as having brought with it the surest Upon which the House addressed his Excellency as

pledges of our mutual happiness. follows

To which Excellency was pleased to

his return the Mr Lord We : his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal

following Answer: subjects, the Burgesses of Virginia, now sitting in Gen-

»eral Assembly, beg leave to returnyour Excellency our
Gentlemen of the House or Burgesses :

sincere thanks for the written message, and the several

The terms of duty and gratitude in which your loyal papers therein referred to, which you were pleased to lay
Address is conceived afford me the highest satisfaction, and before us.
must ensure his Majesty's most favourable countenance It is our most earnest wish and desire to cultivate and
and protection to this faithful Colony. I shall ever retain improve that good understanding and friendship which hath
a cordial remembrance of the parts you take in my do- hitherto subsisted between our sister Colony of Pennsyl-
mestic happiness, and of your obliging manner of ex- vania and Virginia, and therefore we cannot sufficiently
{iressing it on the occasion of the arrival of my family, lament that any unhappy incident should have interposed
which event I shall be much pleased to find considered as which may tend to destroy this pleasing harmony, and
a pledge of my regard and attachment to this Colony. create any dissention between us. But, my Lord, how-
ever strongly we may be impressed by these sentiments, we
shall, on all occasions, think it our indispensable duty to
[May 12, 1774. By an express, just arrived from Fin- support the just rights of our inhabitants, and protect them
castle county, we are informed that very lately three or from oppression, in whatever quarter it may arise.
four skirmishes happened bptween the white people and The imprisoning officers, acting under the authority of
the Shawanese Indians. We
cannot affirm what occasion- Government in either country, upon a dispute about a
ed the dispute, but are told one white man had taken boundary, which appears to us never to have been esta-
some small matter from the Indians, which irritated them blished with any degree of accuracy, we cannot but consi-
to arms but were soon repelled by the other party, who
;
der as a wide departure and deviation from that plain and
killed eleven of them, seven of which they scalped. simple plan of accommodation which has been observed
Another of the Indians was terribly wounded in the groin, in former contests of this nature, and should have suggest-
and it was imagined, when this express came away, that he ed a more conciliatory conduct on this occasion much ;

could not possibly recover.] more should we have expected that it would have pre-
vented that sanguinary measure of subjecting men to death,
which, with concern, we observe halh been so precipitately
On the 13th of May, his Excellency the Governor or- and incautiously adopted.
dered the following Petition, with several Papers relative For the present, we take the liberty of recommending
to the imprisonment of Mr. John Conolly, by the Officers to your Excellency to endeavour to have an equitable
of Pennsylvania, while he was acting as a Magistrate temporary line fixed between this Colony and Pennsylva-
under the authority of this Government, to be laid before nia, until his Majesty shall be pleased to direct the pro-
the House of Burgesses. per and true boundary to be established.
It gives us pain, my Lord, to find that the Indians have
To his Evcellcncy John Earl of Dunmore, his Majesty's made fresh encroachments and disturbances on our fron-
Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and tiers. We have only tp request that your Excellency
Dominion of Virginia, and Vice Admiral of the same, will be pleased to exert those powers with which you are
and the Honorable the Council and House or Buh- fully invested, by the acts of Assembly, for making provi-
sion against invasions and insurrections; which, we doubt
not, will be found sufficient to repel the hostile and perfi-
The Petition of the Inhabitants settled on the Waters of
dious attempts of those savage and barbarous enemies,*
the Ohio showeth:
That the major part of your Petitioners have formerly *0f all the Nortliprn Colonics, Pennxyhania has ever been the most
vigilant to discover and active to avail herself of every commercial
lived in his Majesty'sColony of Virginia, and preferring advantage. Maryland too, of late, lias oxhibit'.'d, some symptoms of
the mild, easy, and equitable Government thereof, to the attention to her true interests. Aware of the profits accruing from
277 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MAY, 1774. 278
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL. John Penn, Esq., one of the Proprietaries of the Pro-
vince of Pennsylvania, and Counties of New Castle, Kent,
At a Council held at Philadelphia, on Saturday, 1th of and Sussex, on Delaware,
May, 1774 :

To James Tilghman and Andrew Allen, Esquires,

Present, the Honorable John Penn, Esquire, Governor, two of the Council of the said Province and Counties,
Benjamin Chew, James Tllghnan, Andrew Allen, Esqrs. Greeting

Mr. Tilghman, and Mr. Andrew Allen having agreed, Whereas his Majesty King Charles the Second, by
at the particular request of the Governor, to undertake a his letters patent, bearing date the fourth day of March,
journey to WilUamsbwg, as Conimissionei-s from this Go- Anno Domini 1681, did, for the considerations therein men-
vernment, to treat with the Governor of Virginia on the tioned, give and grant the Province of Pennsylvania, by the
subject of the disturbances in Westmoreland county, occa- bounds and limits therein particularly set forth and describ-
sioned by his extending the jurisdiction of his Government ed, to William Penn, Esquire, his heirs and assigns, forever,
within the western limits of this Province, and to negotiate constituting him and them Proprietary and Proprietaries
such other matters with him as were agreed upon in Coun- thereof, with divers powers, franchises and jurisdictions,
cil the 21st of last month, one of the members laid before for the better government thereof, as by the said letters patent
the Board a draught of a commission, and a letter of in- may at large appear: And whereas the western lines and
structions, to the above named gentlemen and also a letter; bounds of the said Province, specified in the said letters
to be sent with them to the Earl of Dunmore, which being patent, having never yet been regularly and precisely run,
severally considered, were fairly transcribed and signed by marked out or ascertained, divers differences and disputes
die Governor, and follow in these words, viz have of late arisen between the Right Honorable the Earl of
the Indian nnd frontier trade, in her last Assembly she has taken into wards us ; but some recent transactions of theirs, with which (if report
consideration the state of her public roads, and levied several thou- speaks the language of truth) your Lordship has boon already made
sand pounds to render more tolerable, the capital pass over the ^We- acquainted, leaves us no room to doubt that the storm which has been so
ghaiiy only. Virginia, regardless of emoluments of this kind, still long gathering, will, ere long, break forth in all its fury. And should
continues in a profound lethargy and while the transmontane Terri.
; this ill-fated event take place while the inhabitants on the confines of
lories of Penn and Baltimore, during the space of several years past, the Colony remain in their present undisciplined, distressed situation, it
have, notwithstanding the senseless prohibiting proclamation, been will not be easy to give your Lordship an adequate idea of the horrid
rapidly peopled, those of this Colony remain in a manner unseated, consequences that must ensue. The indiscriminate massacre of men,
except a small spot bordering on Pennsylvania, seized on by needy or women and children, the depopulation of an infant Colony, whose
foreign adventurers. To apply a remedy to this evil, it was destined fertility has alroady been sufficient to induce us to foster the most
to the good sense and activity of Lord Dunmore, Not contented with sanguine anticipations of its future value, the forcing from their peace-
the reports of partial or uncertain fame, disregarding his own ease, ful habitations those adventurous people whom it ought ever to be the
and the difficulties of a tedious journey through almost impassible first object of Government to support these, my Lord, with an infinite
;

and uninhabited mountains, his Lordship penetrated to the seat of our series of other melancholy circumstances, must be the certain concomi-
grievances, and on the spot rendered himself an eye and car witness, tants of an Indian war, should we tamely suffer those savages to be
of the indispensable necessity of granting the back lands aud, by ; the first invaders. It is neither by the suggestions of a blood-thirsty nor
doing this, not only to deal justice to his own people, but with the an avaricious disposition that I am instigated to dictate thus freely to
same blow, to give a check to the aspiring and encroaching spirit of your Lordship on this subject, but by the. forebodings of a sympathetic
the princely Proprietor, who has been boldly venturing to extend his apprehension of the impending destruction which awaits my country-
writs and precepts a hundred miles beyond his true limits, far into the men in the frontier counties. Their emergency loudly calls for the
Government of Virginia. To this end, his Lordship's leading step relief of the Supreme Magistrate, and that, my Lord, must apologize for
was ap])ointing a militia officer to preside at Fort Pitt, and magis. the freedom which an obscure individual has assumed with your Lord-
trates to transact the business incident to their office in that quarter of ship, should you suppose any apology on that score necessary. Ten
Augusta. By this judicious measure, our countrymen there might thousand incidents conspire to render a war at this time necessary,
expect to be relieved from the intolerable inconvenience of being nay, inevitable and the innocent lives of niunbers might be saved by
;

dragged before the tribunal of PenTi. These were their hopes. How the timely proclamation of it. The very smiles of those faithless
vain for, behold the issue These officers, the Captain commandant,
! : tribes ought to be considered as the harbingers of perfidy but when ;

and the Justices, were threatened with the horrours of a jail, if they they dare openly to annoy us with acts of hostility, surely a more
but ventured to act in virtue of their commissions. This, however, solid resentment is due. Should an instance of any hostile act of
did not deter the spirited Captain Conolly from doing his duty. Not- theirs be demanded, I need only mention the unhappy murder of young
withstanding these, I will not call thenj impotent throats, he ordered Russell, committed not long ago, and, as has since been ascertained,
and appointed a muster; but an unlucky circumstance rendered the was perpetrated by a Cherokee Chief. Numberless other examples, of
Captain incapable of giving attendance, for the day before he was to hostilities equally atrocious, might be adduced, were it not hoped that
have mot his officers and men, the haughty Pennsyhanians realized this of itself is sufficient. Whether it would be prudent to wait for a
their threats, and conducted him to prison. second stroke let the provident determine. The spring, it seems, is
To the guardians, therefore, of our rights and liberties, I venture the stated period for an invasion ; and, in all probability, the attack will
to drop these few loose hints, and shall detain neither you nor the bo earlier on the more remote inhabitants. The month of May is the
public longer than just to close with this query: "Whether the es- time appointed for the convention of the Assembly so that it is more
;

"tablishing our Courts of Justice upon a certain footing, adjusting than probable to suppose those barbarians will be scattering havoc and
** the boundaries of our Colony and counties, and in consequence de- desolation around, while our House of Burgesses are spending much
"termining what lands may or may not, with propriety and safety, time in debating in what manner to prohibit such outrages. By con.
" be located and surveyed by the late military grantees, are not ob- vening them a month or two sooner, what mischiefs might not be pre-
**ject8 of that importance as to demand the immediate consideration vented ? You have it now in your power, my Lord, to render the name
'•of the Legislature; or if deferred until the summer, whether that of Dunmore as memorable in Virginia as that of Marlborough is in
"short delay must not prove the sure fruitful source of litigation, Great Britain. Do not let slip the golden opportunity.
" confusion, and dispute." A
Virginian. Williamsburg, March 24, 1774. Virginius.
W1L1.1A.M8BURG, March 3, 1774.
The subscribers, patentees of land, at the Falls of the Ohio, hereby
inform the public, that they intend to lay out a Town there in the most
Extract of a Letter received at Williamsburg, dated Pittsburg, convenient place. The lots to be eighty feet front, and two hundred
March 26, 1774. " You may depend that no disturbances have hap- and forty deep. The number of lots that shall be laid off at first, will
pined with t'le Indians on the Ohio this winter, and that more is to be depend on the number of applications. The purchase money of each
dnadf'd from the animosities subsisting between the settlers from Penn. lot to be four Spanish dollars, and one dollar per annum quit rent, for
sylvmiin and Virginia tlian those barbarians. Governour Penn h;»3 ever. The purchasers to build within the space of two years from the
sunt up a Proclam.ition, strictly enjoining all Magistrates and Sheriffs first day of December next, on each lot, a log house, not less than
to seizv) upon any twcdve men that shall be found together, for the sixteen feet square, with a stone or brick chimney and, as in that
;

s))ace of an iiour, after being told to dis])erse. Doctor Conotly is re- country, it will be necessary the first settlers should build compactly,
lieved from his confinement, and has lately been qualified in Augusta the improvements must naturally join each other,. It is further pro-
Court as a Magistrate. He is daily expected to roturn, and will not posed, for the convenience of the settlers, that an out lot, of ten acres,-
let any insult pass that may be offered to the authority reposed in him contigious to the town, shall bo laid off for such as desire the same,;
by Lord Dunmore." at an easy rent, on a long lease.
Attendance will be given by the patentees at Pittsburg, till the
To his Excellency the Right Honorable John Earl of Dunmore, &c., middle of June, at which time one of them will set off to execute thO;
&-C., Sec. plan. The advantageous situation of that place, formed by nature as
My Lord Though I know it is an estabhshed maxim with your
: a temporary magazine, or repository, to receive the produce of the very
Lordship that, as you are ever open to personal access, to take but littlo extensive and fertile country on the Ohio and its branches, as well as
notice of addresses connnunicated to you througli tiie channr-l of a the necessary merchandise suitable for the inhabitants that shall emi-
coimnon newspaper, yet I dare hope, tliat should some chance direct grate into that country, (as boats of fifty tons may bo navigated from
your Lordship's eye to this letter, it will engage your closest attention. New Orleans up to the town,) is sufficient to recommend it but when ;

it is considered bow liberal, nay, profuse, nature has been

I do not me:in to spread abroad causeless apprehensions, or aggrcvato
to it other-

reports that have been already disseminated through the country but it; wise, iu stocking it so abundantly, that the slightest industry may sup-
is my intention to give you informations founded on undoubted veracity, ply the most numerous family with the greatest plenty and amazing
nnd then leave it to your I/ordsliip's wisdom to determine what is most variety of fish, fowl, and flesh tlie fertility of the soil, and facility of
;

expedient to be done. Doubt it not then my Lord, when I assure you, ctdtivation, that fit it for producing commodities of great value with
from testimony scarcely to bo invalidated, that the situation of the little labour tlie wholesomeness of the waters, and serenity of the air,
;

fi-ontier countiis of this Colony is of the most alarming nature a; which render it healthy and when property may be so easily acquired,
;

situation so truly critical, as to require the instant assistance of both wo may with certainty affum that it will in a short time be equalled
tlio Executive and Legislative powers. by few inland places on tho American contiuent.
Our treacherous and clandestine foes, the Indians, have ever greedily John CAMrBELL.
acobracvd ail opportunities of inauifcsting theii inimical affections to. WuxiAMSBUSG, April 7, 1774. John Conollt.
 3t9 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MAY, 1774. 280

Dunmore, Governor and Commander-in-chief, fee, of his an exact report of the whole transaction, but to found affi-
Majesty's Colony or Dominion of Virginia, and the Honor- davits on to be sent to England, if necessary. As great
able the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, reliance is had on your knowledge and abilities, any further
their respective grantees, tenants, and officers, respecting instructions are unnecessary. John Penn.
the western bounds and limits of the said Province, and I'hiladclphia, Ttli May, 1774.

the jurisdiction of the said Colony or Dominion and Pro-

vince, which have been productive of great troubles and
disquiets to the settlers and inhabitants there, and endanger Here follows the Governor's letter to the Earl of Dun-
the King's peace and the public tranquillity : To the end, more, Governor of Virginia, viz :

tlierefore, that the evils which have already arisen, and Philadelphia, 7th May, 1774.
which are likely to arise in the premises, may be remedied My Lord : By accounts received from the westward,
and prevented, I have nominated and appointed, and do since my last letter to your Lordsliip, I find that the disor-
by these presents nominate and appoint you, the said James ders in that quarter are greatly increased by your Lordship's
Tilghman and Andrew Allen, Esquires, to be Commis- extending the jurisdiction of Virginia to Pittsburg, and
sioners on the part of the Proprietaries of this Province, the country thereabouts and that Dr. Coriolty's proceed-
;

to confer and treat with his Excellency the Right Honora- ings have been such as are very alarming, and have a ten-
ble the Earl of Dunmore, of and concerning the premises, dency to put the whole country beyond the Alleghany
and to agree upon such measures as you shall judge most mountains into a state of confusion. The consideration of
expedient for settling and composing the said differences, these unhappy cirrumstanccs have induced me to send two
troubles and disquiets, either by a temiwrary line or boun- gentlemen of my Council, Mr. Tilghman and Mr. Allen,
dary of jurisdiction, or otherwise, as may best answer the to wait on your Lordship, in order to confer with you on
good purposes of preserving his Majesty's peace, and quiet- this important subject, and, if possible, to conclude with
ing the minds of the inhabitants on or near the borders of you upon such measures as may restore and establish the
the two Colonies or Provinces, until the final settlement of public tranquillity until the lines and boundaries of this
the said boundaries shall be effected, hereby ratifying and Province can be finally settled by his Majesty's authority ;
confirming whatever you shall do in the premises. for which good purpose 1 flatter myself your Lordship will
In testimony whereof, I have set my hand, and caused not hesitate to join with us in representing to his Majesty
the great seal of the said Province to be hereunto affixed at the necessity of such a settlement. In tJie mean time, I
Philadelphia, the seventh day of May, 1774. am in hopes such temporary expedients may be fallen upon
John Penn. as may put an end to the present disturbances, secure the
public peace, and quiet the minds of tiie people concerned
Instructions to James Tilghman and Andrew Allen, in unhappy differences which at present subsist between
the
Esquires, Commissioners appointed to treat and agree the Governments of Virginia and this Province.
with the Right Honorable John Earl of Dunmore, I am, with great respect, your Lordship's most obedient

Governor of Virginia, concerning the settlement of the humble servant, John Penn.
Western hounds and limits of the Province of Penn- To the Right Honorable the Earl of Dunmore, Governor
sylvania, and preserving the public peace and tranquil- and Commander-in-chief of his Majesty's Provinces of
lity on the Borders, till a final settlement of the said Virginia, Williamsburg.
lines.

1st. You are to proceed, without loss of time, to Wil-

Memorandum, tst June, 1774,
liamsburg, the place of his Lordship's residence in Vir-
The Reverend Dr. Peters having, at the instance of tlio
ginia, and enter upon the execution of your commission as
Governor, wrote a letter to Henry Wilmot, Esquire, the
soon as possible after your arrival. Should his Lordship
same was ordered to be entered on the Minutes of Council,
be from home, and not gone to too great a distance, you
and follows in these words, viz :
will wait his return, or send an express, (as you judge most
proper,) to acquaint him with your being sent from this Philadelphia, 18tli May, 1774.
Government to treat with him on public business, and re- Sir: I am desired by the Governor to give you an ac-
quest his return. count of what 1 know with respect to an Indian deed, under
2d. Your first point should be to prevail with him to join which some private people, calling themselves the Susque-
with the Proprietaries of this Province in a Petition to his hanna Company, inhabitants of the Colony of Connecticut,
Majesty in Council, to appoint Commissioners to run and claim all the lands in Pennsylvania between the forty-first
—
mark out the boundary or division line such as his Majesty and forty-second degrees of latitude. This, then, follows
shall please to order and direct, between this Province and will give a true notion of the whole transaction, as far as
Virginia ; the expense of which to be equally borne by my remembrance will enable me to recollect the matter.
the two Colonies. In the year 1741, the proprietor, Thomas Penn, went
3d. Wiiether his Lordship should accede to the above from here for England, and from that time to this I have
proposal or not, you should urge every argument in your been well acquainted with all sorts of Indian negotiations,
power to induce him to agree to the settling a temporary and have had a great share in the management of them,
line of jurisdiction between the two Colonies, till the said cither as Proprietary Secretary, or as member of (Council,
boundary line shall be settled, or his Majesty's orders and or as Provincial Secretary so tJiat 1 can speak from the best
,

directions can be obtained respecting the same. grounds of every matter relating to Indians hr above thirty
4th. Should bis Lordship come into the last mentioned years ; and I can witli truth declare, tbat before the year
measure, you will no doubt endeavour to fix the temporary 17.53, 1 never, that I can remember, heard of any claim set
line of jurisdiction as favourably as possible for this Pro- up by the Government, or any of tiie inhabitants of the
vince, and as near to the Charter bounds as you can and
; Colony of Connecticut, to any lands within this Province.
in order thereto you will refer yourselves to the map or In the year 1753, I received information of a claim set up
plan heretofore transmitted by me to him, which shows to by some Connecticut people to a degree of longitude within
demonstration that Fort Pitt is near six miles to the east- this Province in virtue of the Connecticut Charter, and that
ward of our five degrees of longitude. At any rate, how- there was a party gone into the Indian country to make a
ever, you are not to accede to any proposed temporary line purchase of lands between Susquehanna and Delaware, to
which shall give jurisdiction to Virginia over any lands begin at or near Wyomink. Mr. Hamilton, and several
lying to the eastward of the river Monongahela. others, were alarmed at this wicked attempt, and Conrad
5th. Whatever may be the temporary line agreed on, Wciser, the Indian Interpreter, was ordered to give the
you should take care to insert a clause in the articles to be Six Nation Indians an account of tiiis intelligence, and to
drawn up, containing a saving of the rights on both sides, put them upon their gtiard. Colonel Johnson, the Indian
to the lands up to the true lines or boundaries where they Agent for his Majesty in the Ncio York Government, was
shall be finally settled. likewise made acquainted witii this new project, and desired
6th. If the business is not carried on by the interchange likewise to apprise the Indians of it. The intelligence
of letters, or written proposals between you, you should was likewise conmiunicated to the Governor and Deputy
take private notes, or minutes, by way of diary, of every Governor of Connecticut, who both disavowed the thing,
tiling material that passes, not only to enable you to make and declared that the Government had no concern in it
281 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MAY, 1774. 282
and the letters which passed between Mr. Hamilton and money, together with the expenses attending that treaty,
the Government of Connecticut, were put into the Council amounted to the sum of eight thousand pounds, or some
books, and a copy of tiiose minutes of Council are exem- sum near that ; and in that very treaty, this attempt of the
plified under the great seal and sent to you. Connecticut people was solemnly mentioned, and as so-
The year following, namely, in the year 1754, there was lenmly condemned by all the Indians.
a Congress, by order of the Crown, at Albany, between As this great treaty is deservedly esteemed the basis and
the whole body of the Six Nations and the King's Agent, foundation of all matters relating to lands between the
together with the Governments of all the Northern Colonies. Indian nations and his Majesty, it was transmitted by Sir
Four Commissioners were sent on the part o{ Fennsylvania William Jolmson to the King's Ministers, and lies among
Mr. Jo/m Penn and myself on the part of the Governor, the public papers in the Privy Council, and may be con-
and Mr. Isaac Norris and Mr. Benjamin Franklin on the sulted for the truth of what is here set down by the Pro-
part of the Assembly, were the four Commissioners for this any future time.
prietaries' solicitors at
Province at that Congress. This being deemed a proper As supposed that the Susquehanna Company have
it is

time to get a purchase fiom the Indians of more' land, and assigned over their right under this deed to the Government
which was become absolutely necessary by the numbers of of Connecticut, I have been thus particular and this detail
;

people that had come into the Province, and could not be of the circumstances that attended the obtainment of the
kept within the bounds of the purchased lands, Mr. John Indian deed, may be kept among the Proprietary papers,
Penn and myself were instructed and empowered to make together with the exemplified minutes of Council that
as extensive a purchase as the Indians could be prevailed have been sent to you, and may be made use of, in order
on to make and belts were sent to the Onondago Council
; to furnish ample proofs for the invalidating of this pretended
by the Governor, to signify to them his desire to make Indian deed, if it should ever be set up by the Connecticut
another purchase of them when they should be altogether Government. I am, sir, your most humble servant,
at this public treaty at Albany. Accordingly, as both sides Richard Peters.
were beforehand prepared for a new Indian purchase, the To Henry Wilmot, Esquire, Bloomsbury Square, London.
matter was gone upon, and a large extent of country, even
as far as the western boundary of tiie Province, was treated
for, and agreed to in open Council, and a deed executed CORRESPONDENCE LAID BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
hy t\\e Indians ; and likewise another deed was executed
by them, confirming to the Proprietaries a former deed,
wherein the Indians bound themselves not to sell to any
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO BENJAMIN CHEW.
Carlisle, April 28, 1774.
persons whatever any of the lands comprised within the
bounds of his Majesty's Charter to the Proprietaries. Sir In conversation with Colonel Wilson the other
:

The Connecticut attempt was likewise made known by day, he mentioned a transaction in Virginia, which if it be
tlie Indians to us and they, in tlieir speeches, declared
;
as he represents it, will throw some light upon what has

tlieir absolute refusal to make any grant to them of any been the " sense of that Colony, with regard to the
lands they were soliciting for and, indeed, in their public
;
country about Fort Pitt." Colonel Stephens, it seems, in
treaty, they over and over declared that they would sell the year 1764, when that fortress was besieged by the
none of the Wyomink country, either to them or to us, it Indians, sent a detachment of the militia to escort some
being what they had reserved for their own use, and for tha provisions for the relief of the besieged for this he was
;

reception of such other Indians as would want to come and complained of to the Assembly, and censured for sending
reside amongst them. These, and further particulars, are the militia out of the Government.
to be seen in the exemplified copy of the report of that I have heard, sir, that you are to go to Williamsburg,

treaty made by Mr. John Penn and myself to Governor and imagined in that case, this hint would not be disa-
Hamilton, as the same is entered in the minutes of the greeable. I wish you a pleasant journey, and am, sir,

Council. your most obedient humble servant,

This will serve to show, that at that time there was no Ar. St. Claik.
Indian deed made to the people of Connecticut by the The Honorable Benjamin Chew, Esquire.
Onondago Council, and that if any deed is set up it must
have been obtained in a clandestine manner from private
Indians. Indeed, it was there currently reported that one a;NEAS MACKAY TO GOVERNOR PENN.
Lydens, of the city of Albany, had undertaken this mat- Staunton, May 5, 1774.
ter for the Connecticut people, and as he lived (and I think May please yodr Honor: I have taken the liberty
it
kept a public house) at Albany, he made it his business of acquainting your Honor with the proceedings of Doctor
to get the Indians, as they came to trade there, into his Conolly, in regard to the Justices Smith, McFarlane, and
house, and by liquor, or private bribes, by two's or three's, myself, the 9th of April last, when we were torn from our
as he could find opportunity to prevail with them, to exe- families and business by Conolly, and his militia, and sent
cute a deed, which was lodged with him for this infamous prisoners to this Colony, where, when we travelled together
purpose. have further to observe, that the persons to
1 one day's journey, Messrs. Smith and McFarlane accom-
whom this pretended Indian deed was made were private panied the Sheriff to this place, and I found means to
people, and acting in direct opposition to their own laws, procure leave to go to Williamsburg, in order to lay
and in open violation of the right, if any, of the Colony of Conolly and his militia's conduct before my Lord Hun-
Connecticut to those lands. The Indians themselves, in more, in as true and clear a light as we had experienced
public treaties, made mention that these very lands were from their tyranny and oppression.
formerly given by them to Colonel Hungan, by deeds re- After six days riding, I arrived at Williamsburg, where
gidarly and duly executed, but in trust for them, as they my Lord heard my story to an end, and then told ine that
said ;
and that Colonel Hungan sold those lands to the late Conolly was authorized by him, as Governor of Virginia,
proprietor, Mr. Penn, who, notwithstanding this purchase to prosecute the claim of that Colony to Pittsburg and its
from Colonel Hungan, did not hesitate to buy them over dependencies, and as to taking of prisoners, he, Conolly,
again of the Indians, and to give them the full considera- only imitated the Pennsylvania officers, in respect to
tion for them. Let it further be observed, that in the gen- Conolly's imprisonment by them.
eral treaty held at Fort Stanwix, by Sir William Johnson, After his Lordship and I spoke our minds very free to
his Majesty's Indian Agent with all tiie Six Nation Indians, each other, relating to Conolly's claims and lines, he dis-
in 1768, for the King's purchase of lands from them, and missed me at that time, desiring 1 would call upon him the
to settle a general boundary between the Indians and the next day, which I did, but all the satisfaction 1 could ob-
King's subjects, at which the Governor of Jersey, and the tain, after waiting at Williamsburg three days, was a letter
Commissioners from the other Provinces, and from Penn- to the Sheriff of this county, toNvhose custody we were
sylvania in particular, were present and assisting, the In- committed, a copy of which, together with one of the pro-
dians executed a deed to the Proprietors of Pennsylvania clamations sent to Conolly, by express from this place
for all the lands within the bounds of this Province, so far yesterday, I take the liberty of enclosing with this for your
es tliey had then settled the general boundary with his Honor's perusal.
Majesty. Tliat this purchase contains all, or most of the In consequence of the above letter, we are to set off
lands claimed by Connecticut, and that tlie consideration from this place inunediately, but how to act after our re-
288 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MAY, 1774. 281

turn, is a mattar we are at this time unable to determine, take notice of " that their grandfather, the Delaware
for \vc are certain with his militia force, oppose
Conolly will " Nation, should not be concerned, but be easy and quiet
us in every step we may attempt, in the execution of our " let the traders traffic among them, and not hurt tiiem. or
office. We
would, therefore, be glad to know your Honor's " any otiier white people in that quarter that the women ;

sentiments on that subject as soon as possible. In the " should continue to plant until they could further see
mean time, I remain with perfect respect, your Honor's " what would happen." This seems to signify a.s if they
most humble and most obedient servant, intended to keep the road to Pittsburg clear, and not hurt
iEwEAS Mackay. the Pennsylvanians, but only to contend with the Vir-
ginians.
May 9. In die evening, arrived Mr. Anderson and
Enclosed in tlie Letter of JEiieat Mackay to Governour Pejin, of 5tli
another white man, in company with the Indian Chief
May, 1774.
Williamsburg, April 26, 1774.
White Eyes, who came from Pittsburg, and went towards
the Shawanese little wanted, or these messengers would
;
Sir I send you a packet, containing a Proclamation of
:
have fallen into the hands of the Mingoes, who had fled
which you have herewith one enclosed, which by tlie ad-
from the other side of the Ohio, and kept by the road
vice of his Majesty's Council, I have issued for the Govern-
leading to Gtkelemuckepuck. But some of our Indians
ment of the people in the district of your country, wherein
going from here to Kaskaskum, warned them, so that they
is included Pittsburg, which I beg you will forward by
turned oft' the common road, and arrived here safely.
express to Mr. Conolly.
They are sent to make anotlier trial to persuade the Shawa-
With respect to Mr. Mackay, and the other two gentle-
nese to peace, and to desist from all ho."'tilities. So as we
men committed to your custody by Mr. Conolly, I desire now hear it is but a gang of white people on Ohio, wiio
they may be permitted to return to their homes and occu-
committed the murders of the Indians. And die people
pations I will become answerable for their appearance, in
;
of Pittsburg do not believe that they were acting by order
case it may be required, and bear you harmless therein.
of the Governor of Virginia. They have also killed some
1 am, sir, your obedient and humble servant,
traders, because they carry merchandise and annnunition
DuNMORE.
to the Indians. We
also heard that many people about
Daniel Smith, Esquire.
Pittsburg, and below, on Ohio, have fled to the seule-
ments.
Eiiolosad in the Letter of JSneas Mackay to Governour Penn, of 5th May 15. In the morning arrived a messenger, inviting
May, 1774. some of our Indian brethren to a Council at Gckele-
L.ORD DUNMORE's PROCLAMATION. mnckepuck ; at the return of one of them, we heard that
the Shawanese and Mingoes had left Gekelemuckepuck,
Whereas, I have reason to apprehend that the Govern-
very angry, and threaten to kill all white people they
ment of Pennsylvania, in prosecution of tiieir claim to
shall meet with. These Mingoes, about twenty in num-
Pittsburg and its dependencies, will endeavour to obstruct
ber, were present at the aforesaid massacre at Ohio, stirring
his Majesty's Government thereof, under my administra-
up the Shaivanese, who have not suffered much but the ;
tion, by illegal and unwarrantable commitments of the
Delatcares will do their utmost to hinder them. Tlie
officers I have appointed for that purpose, and that that
Indians at Gekelemuckepuck have taken all the white
settlement is in danger of annoyance from the Indians also ;
people there within their protection, and keep a watch in
and it being necessary to support the dignity of his Majesty's
the night that they may not be surprised.
Government, and protect his subjects in the quiet and
May 18. Another of our Indians retuined from the
peaceable enjoyment of their rights, I have therefore,
Council, whobrought an imperfect account, but some
thought proper, by and with the advice and consent of his
hopes that would turn out well. The Chief has spoke
all
Majesty's Council, by this Proclamation in his Majesty's
to the Shaivanese, who have heard him, and promised to
naine, to order and require the officers of the militia in that
give their answer this day.
district, to embody a sufficient number of men to repel any
May 19. A messenger arrived from Mr. Croghan, at
insult whatever; and all his Majesty's liege subjects within
Pittsburg, to the Delawares, Mingoes, and Shawanese,
tliis Colony, are hereby strictly required to be aiding and
advising them to be quiet, not to think of war, and not
assisting therein, as they shall answer the contrary, at their
hurt the traders that the people of Pittsbiirs; did their
;

peril. And I do further enjoin and require the several

utmost to apprehend the white people that have committed
inhabitants of the territory aforesaid, to pay his Majesty's
the murder, and that they had taken one of them.
quit rents, and all public dues, to such officers as are, or
May 20. The rest of our /n(/jans returned, and brought
shall be appointed to collect the same, within this Dominion,
the agreeable news that the Shawanese had accepted of
until bis Majesty's pleasure therein shall be known.
the proposals made to them, so that we hope peace will be
Given under my hand, and the seal of the Colony, at
re-established, and that they will not hurt the traders
Jfilliamsburg, this 25th day of April, 1774, in the four-
among them, but rather assist them, that they may return
teenth year of his Majesty's reign. Dunmore
to their friends. There were about fifty Delaivares and
God save the King.
Monsys in their first day's journey from Gekelcmuckejnuk
arriving to Mochivesung, where mostly Monsys live ; they
Extract of a Journal of the United Brethren'n Miision on Muskingum, see them dance the war dance, and, they said, how they
from Februanj iil to May 20, 1774. heard war was declared, for some of the Mingoes had
April 30. Youngman and Schabosch returned from passed by, having a white scalp. Three of our brethren
Pittsburg,who brought information that the Government who were of the Monsy Nation, told them to leave off, and
was changed there, and the place now belonged to Virginia. keep to the resolves of their own Nation, and of the Dda-
That they were afraid of the Shawanese, and it was sup- wares.
posed they would fall upon the white people below the
Ohio, and opposite them, but the message from Sir tVil- Extract of the Missionary's I.etter, dated, May 21, 1774.
liam Johnson is come to all the other Nations, warning
This moment we are informed that another compa-
them not to join the Shawanese.
ny of traders, from the lower Shawanese Country, ha\e
May 6. Several Indians from Mochwesung came to arrived at G ekelemuckepuck, whom we expect to receive
visit us, and we received the account that one Shawanese
here this night, and from hence they will proceed to
Chief on the Ohio, was killed by the white people, and
join the others.
another wounded. It seems an Indian war will break out.

We hear the Virginians on the Ohio, threaten to fall

upon the Shawanese setdements, and to destroy their [Extract of a Letter from David Zkisburoer, Missionary at Sciioic.
BRi'NN, dated 24th May, 1774.]
towns.
May 8. In the evening arrived an express from Geke- In my last I informed you of the critical situation in
lemuckcpuck, with the disagreeable news that the white which we find ourselves here. We then were in hopes
people on die Ohio had killed nine Mingoes, and wound- that the dark cloud would pass over soon, and peace be
ed two the messenger arrived, making a terrible noise as
; re-established, as the Shawanese in the Council at Woake-
it is usual in war time. He had also a message from the tameka, had given seemingly a pretty favourable answer.
Shawanese, which the Chief of Gekelemvck sent to us to But it appears now that they were only afraid of the
285 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MAY, 1774. 286
Delaware paity in die Council, for we heard since that a " Weare in great distress and dont know what to do our ;

party of twenty warriors were gone to make an incursion Indians keep watch about us every night, and will not let
wliere the Mingoes have been killed. The Chief Netaw- us go out of town, even not into our corn fields. If there
ativees broui,dit this account himself mournfully to Gnaden- should be more bad news, we will be forced to move from
hutttn, desiring some messengers might be sent after one here, for we are in danger from both sides. I heard from
Killbuck, who was on the road to Pittsburg, with the some, tl:at if the white brethren should be forced to leave
traders. We sent directly two men with a letter to Mr. them, the greatest part would return to the Susquehanna.
Aiulerso7i, that they may know of it at I'ittsburg. The But if only the Delawares continue in their peaceful mind
messengers returned last night after having delivered their it may go better than we now think. At the Council at
message. The Delawurts suppose that the S/iawanese Woakatameka, were several Headmen of the Delawares
w ill soon move far off. I think our greatest danger would present, who live at Schonbrunn and Gnadenhutten, being
be if the white people would make an incursion into the particularly sent for by Netawatenees for to assist them in
Indians' land and ii' they should strike the Delawares, the
;
the good work of preserving peace. The Chief address-
war would be general, and we then could not continue here ed the Shawanese and Mingoes present in a fatherly man-
but we uill keep unto the Lord a solemn feast of thanks- ner, shewing unto them the blessing of peace and folly of
giving if he rules things so that we can stay here, for our war; and pressed it very much upon their reason, what
flight would be subject to many dilliculties and where ; misery they would bring upon themselves and others by
should such a number of people find a twelve months' their madness, and told them positively that they had not
subsistence, if they must forsake all that they have to expect any help or assistance from the Delawares, and
planted, for we are more than two hundred souls in this enjoined them very earnestly not to stop the road to Fhit-
place only, besides the congregation at Gnadenhutten, and adelphia, but to let it be free and open. The Shawanese
to move into the settlements of the white people with our gave him in answer, they did believe his words to be
Indians, I cannot find advisable we know how it was
; good, and they would take notice of them, and desired
in the last war. him to give also a fatherly admonition to their wives to
In a Letter dated 27th May. plant com for them which he did, but they seemed more
;

Froth and his familyhaving been hindered from setting off inclined to move off than to plant."
from here till this day, I will mention what we heard since
my last. It is but too true that two parties of Shawanese
are gone against the settlements we also heard that some
;
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOR PENN.
with no good intent would visit us, and other terrifying re- Ligonier, Miiy 29, 1774.

ports of that sort. But last night a stranger, a sensible In- I doubt not before this time you have expected some
it is only the Shawanese at Woaketameka,
dian, told us that account from nie of the situation of this country, but as I
who want war, and are so mad because some of their could not write with certainty respecting the intentions of
people have been killed these only have sent out the
; the Indians I choose to defer it.
parties. The lower Shawanese were peaceable yet, and In my last to Mr. Shippen I think I mentioned that Mr.
would have no war and when the Mingoes came thither
; Croghan had sent a Delaware Chief (White Eyes) with
Shawanese took them into their
to kill the traders there, the two of our traders with a message to the Shawanese ; their
protection, and told the Mingoes " if they would war return had been impatiently expected. Tired at last with
" against the white people, they would not hinder them, the suspense, I determined to go to Fort Fitt whatever might
" but they should not kill such people in their town who be the consequence, and am just returned from thence. I
" could not defend themselves ; they would take them into was lucky enough to arrive there the day they came in,
" their bosom and not suffer that any harm should be done and though their accounts are alarming enough, yet I can-
" unto them." I believe this to be a true account that the not think they are equal to the panic that has seized the
Shawanese are far from unanimous for war, and I am yet country.
in hopes things will be settled again. The Shawanese message is insolent enough and we ;

The Cosh, alias John Bull, writes, dated 24th May have a certain account that twenty of their warriors are
last: " About three weeks ago John Jungman and myself gone out, but we have still reason to think they do not
were at Fort Fitt. On the way thither we heard that tliree mean mischief to the people here, as they lay all to the
Cherokee Indians going down the river had killed one charge of the Big Knife, as they call the VirginiaTis.
trader and wounded another, and plundered the canoe the : The substance of their speech is, that they think what Mr.
traders had imprudently shewn their silver things they had Croghan and Mr. McKee says to them is lies that they ;

for trading. In the Fort we heard that the Mingoes had know the path is open from Fhiladelphia, and that they
stolen that niglit fifteen horses, and that they were all gone will keep it so if they please but that the Big Knife has
;

off from below Logtown. The white people began to struck them, and when they have satisfaction they will
be much afraid of an Indian war. We hastened to get speak to him, but not before that now they have no King,
;

home again, and after our return received the news that a and are all upon their feet, with other threatening expres-
company of Virginians, under one Cresap, enticed some sions in their way. There were several Chiefs of the
of the Mingoes, living at the mouth of Yellow Creek, to Delawares, and the Deputy of the Six Nations, (Goyasu-
the other side of the river, and gave them rum to make tha) with eight others of the Seneca tribe, at Fittsburg,
them drunk, and then they killed five two others crossing
; by Mr. Croghan' s advice. They were called together and I
the river to look after their friends were shot down as soon made a short speech to them they received it with plea-
;

as they came ashore. Five more were going over the sure, and in return gave the strongest assurances that they
river whom they also waylaid, but the Indians perceiving wished for nothing more than to continue in peace with
them, turned their canoe to make their escape, but being this Province, and to become as one people. I think there
immediately fired at, two were killed and two wounded. can be no doubt of the sincerity of the Delawares ; they
The day following they killed one Shawanese and one have given substantial proofs of it in the care they have
Delaware Indian, in a canoe down the river with two tra- taken of the traders that were to have gone to the Shaw-
ders. The same party killed John Gibson's wife, a Shatv- anese and if the Six Nations are in the same disposition,
;

ancse woman they further pursued a canoe, killed a Shatv-

; the war will be of httle consequence, but I fear it is to be
anese Chief, and wounded another man. Tliey said they doubted whether Goyasutha knows the sense of the league
would kill and })1 under all that were going up and down or not.
the river. But they soon fled and left the poor settlers as One of the traders who went with Wliite Eyes was
victims to the Indians ; many are flod and left all their detained at Newcomers Town ; they it seems thought it
effects behind. The Mingoes took their way up Yellow imprudent that more than one should go very soon after
Creek, and stmck our road just were it turns off from ihe the others left it. They were met by a Shawanese man who
road to Gekelemuckepuck, where they hunted for ten fired at Duncan, within a very small distance, but fortun-
days to catch some traders, but as the Delawares had ately missed him. White Eyes immediately called to him
found them out, they stopped the traders from going that to make back to the town, and he himself got betwixt the
road. The Mingoes having sent word to the Shawanese Indian and him, and came up with him where he had
they fetched them to their town IVoakatameka, where they stopped to load his gun, and disarmed him ; they both got
had a Council of War. safely back to the town, and were immediately shut up
287 COUiNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, MAY, 1774. 288

in a strong house, and a guard kept on them day and night them and threatened them with the weight of the law i(

to preserve them from any attempt tliat might be made by they persisted but so far from preventing them, it only
;

the Shawnncse or Mingoes (a small parly of these last live produced the enclosed letter. The body was discovered
near the Skawanese, and are in a manner incorjwrated with hid in a small run of water, and covered with stones. I

them) and was continued till H'hite Eijes went down

this immediately sent for the Coroner, but before he had got a
to the iShauianesetown and returned, during all which time jury together the body was removed, so that no inquest
they were furnished with provisions and every thing that could be taken. I have issued warrants on suspicion, but

could he procured for them in the most liberal manner. This they are so much on their guard I doubt they cannot l)e
1 think must be an unequivocal mark of their disposition. executed. Your Honor will please to consider whether it
The mischief done by Cresap and Gieathouse had may be proper to proclaim them it is most unlucky at this
;

been much exaggerated when 1 wrote to Mr. Shippen, but time. The letter may perliaps be made use of as evidence.
tlienumber of Indians killed is exactly as 1 informed Mr. McKee had not time to transcribe the speeches
Mr. Allen, viz: thirteen. Cresap has lately been in the of the Indians, but in a few days 1 shall probably receive
neighbourhood of Pittsburg, with intention it appeared to them, and will forward them by the first opportunity.
pursue the blow he had before struck, but Mr. Conolly Nobody offered the arrest they have threatened me so
sent a message to him forbidding him to attempt any thing much with.
against the Indians ; this he has taken in high dudgeon,
and declares publicly that what he did before was by
Mr. Conolly s orders so that it is to be hoped some of the
; A Speech of the Shawanese, directed to Alexander

devilish schemes that have been carrying on here will McKee, George Croghan, Esrj., and the Com-
Es(/.,

come to light. I ventured to say that an Indian war was mandant at Pittsburg, Captain John Conolly.
part of the Virginia plan I am satisfied it must at least
; Brothers We are sorry to see so much ill doing be-
:

be part of Mr. ConoUy's plan, for he has already incurred tween you and us. First you killed our brother Othaw-
such an expense by repairing the fort and calling out the akeesquo (or Ben,) next our elder brothers the Mingoes
militia, that I think it is impossible that Colony will ever then the Delaioares. All which mischiefs, so close to
discharge it uidess disturbances be raised that may give his each other, aggravated our people very much ; yet we all
manoeuvres the appearance of nec-;ssity. determined to be quiet till we knew what you meant our ;

It scarcely possible to conceive the distressed situa-

is people were all getting ready to go to their hunting as
tion of this country one day the spirits of the people are
:
usual, but these troubles have stopped them. The traders
raised a little, and some prospect of their being able to that were amongst us were very much endangered by such
remain on their farms ; the next a story worse than any doings from the persons injured, but as we are convinced
they have heard before, and a thousand times worse than of their innocence, we are determined to protect them,
tlie truth, sinks them in despair; and those ahoni Pittsburg and sent them safe to their relations and other friends,
are still in a more pitiable state, being harrassed and o[)press- and it will, we hope, be looked upon as a proof of our
ed by the militia, who lay their hands on every thing they good intentions.
want without asking questions, and kill cattle at their plea- I, the Cornstalk, do send my brother to be along with
sure they indeed appraise them, when the owner happens
; the traders in case any of the parties injured should be in
to know of it, and give him a bill on Lord Dunmore, their way, and in revenge for the loss of their friends, fall
which is downright mockery. on them therefore, we request that you will present our
;

From what I saw it was evident to me that the country good intentions to the Governors of Virginia and Penn-
must very soon be totally evacuated unless something was sylvania, and request that a stop may be put to such
done to afford the inhabitants the appearance at least of doings for the future. We hkewise request that the Com-
protection. I therefore consulted with some of the inha- mandant, Captain Conolly, of Pittsburg, will do his en-
bitants at Pittsburg, and Mr. Mackay, Mr. Smith, Colonel deavour to stop such foolish people from the like doings
Croghan, Mr. Butler and myself entered into an associa- for the future. And I have with great trouble and
tion to raise victuals, and pay a ranging company of one pains prevailed on the foolish people amongst us to sit
hundred men for one month, to which a number of the in- still and do no harm till we see whether it is tlie intention

habitants, as I came down, readily acceded, and I think in of the white people in general to fall on us, and shall still
a few days we will have it completed. We flattered our- continue so to do in hopes that matters may be settled.
selves indeed that your Honor if you approve the measure, I did intend to go myself, not to talk, but to carry home
would take such measures witli the House as would release the traders, but in my stead I send my brother, and expect
us from the expense but as you may probably want a
;
that Mr. McKee, Mr. Croghan, and Mr. Conolly, and
formal requisition to lay before the House, I have acquaint- each other of our brothers will shew him the same regard
ed you with it in another letter. One thing further I had that they would me, as in seeing him they see me all the
in view the inhabitants of Pittsburg propose stocka-
:
same as if personally present. This is all that I have to
ding the town when that is done should your negotiation
; say now to you.
with Lord Dunmore miscarry, throwing a few men into N. B. what concerned the traders I have said to them-
that place would recover the country the Virginians have selves, as the wampum we have given them will testify.
asurped.
I beg pardon for so long a letter, and yet I beheve I
should have given you more but tiiat 1 am detaining Mr. A short Speech to the Chiefs of the Delawares and a
Montgomery, who charges himself with forwarding this to few of the Six Nations, by Mr. St. Claib, at Pitts-
your Honor. I have only to request that you will please burg, May 1774.
to give us your directions as soon as possible.
Brothers of the Six Nations and Delawares Tlie :

I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Governor of Pennsylvania has heard your good speeches,
Ar. St. Clair.
and I am come from him to thank you for the care you
The Hon. John Penn, Esq., Governor of Penn'a. have taken of our traders, and the pains you have been
at to preserve the general peace. Your brothers of Penn-
P. S. An affair that has given me mi'jh trouble and vex- sylvania are detennind to maintain the friendship sub-
ation had like to have escaped my memory, the murder of sisting betwixt the Six Nations and Delawares and them
a Delaware Indian, Joseph Wipey, about eighteen miles entire, but as they are alarmed at the threatenings of
from this place. It is the most astonishing thing in the
the Sha^vanese, we recommend it to you to prevent your
world the disposition of the common people of this coun- people from hunting on our side of the river for some time,
try actuated by the most savage cruelty, they wantonly
;
as our people will not be able to distinguish betwixt them
perpetrate crimes that are a disgrace to humanity, and seem
and those who may be enemies.
at the same time to be under a kind of religious enthusiasm,
usually inspires. Two
We wish and will endeavour to keep the path open to
whilst they want the daring spirit that
our brothers, and will on our parts keep bright that chain
of the persons concerned in this murder are John Hinkson of friendship which has been so long held fast by their
and James Cooper. 1 had got information of their design and our forefathers. Ab. St. Claib.
some time before they executed and had wrote to Hink-
it,

ton, whom I knew to be a leader amongst them, to dissuade

 289 CORRESPONDENCE, MAY, 1774. 290
GENERAL HALDIMAND TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH. long been distinguished among the nations, as a land of
Extract. freedom and happiness, and an asylum against tyranny and
New- York, May 15, 1774. oppression. A
distinction, alas! that now subsists no more!
Tlie accounts received before the arrival of the packet, And must beever lost
for —
unless kind Providence should
as late as tlie 14lh of April, liad made known the plan of interpose, save us from that slavery and darkness,
to
operation intended to brinj; Boston to a sense of order and which has well nigh overspread the face of the whole earth.
decency, so that on the arrival of Lieutenant General Gage, America, the last resort of retiring freedom, is now to
the inhabitants of that place will not be at a loss what they be invaded, and the fugitive driven from her peaceful re-
are to expect if they will prove refractory. It is the cesses there, that so she may find no resting place on this
opinion of many people here, that they will acknowledge side heaven.
tlieir fault, pay for it, and endeavour to reinstate themselves A plan of despotism and arbitrary power has incessantly
into his Majesty's favour by a proper submission.* . been pursued during the present reign through all the ;

I wish itbe the case, as there is no knowing how

may ministerial changes and manoeuvres, that has still been the
far the factious spirit of a few leading men may carry an grand object in view and may explain all those intricate
;

ijiconsiderate multitude, who have imbibed the most movements of Government, which otherwise appear quite
romantic notions of independence and liberty and there ; mysterious, and unaccountable, especially with regard to
will not fail to be such papers propagated amongst them, in the Colonies; it may account for that obstinate perseverance

order to spirit them up. The Act of Parliament relative in measures palpably inconsistent with every principle of
to the port of Boston is already reprinted here, with such the English Constitution, of justice, and of common sense
representations, as may possibly answer that end. I take which have been attended with almost infinite expense,
the liberty to enclose to your Lordship one of those papers trouble, and difficulty, both to the Colonies and Great
handed about this town gratis. Britain itself; when at the same time, a plain, easy, and
certain way to peace, harmony, and prosperity, lies so open
before us, that none can mistake it, and yet offers itself in

attracts of private Letters from London, dated April 7

vain. An arbitrary Government, has infinite
absolute,
charms multitude of haughty luxurious parasites and
for a
and 8, to persons in New-York and Philadelphia.
flatterers, that ever surround a throne, and hope to share
[ Printed on the back of the Boston Port Bill, and distributed in New. with it in tyrannizing over the people, and rioting on their
York, oa the 14tli May, 1774.t]
spoils. No wonder that such as these should prevail on
AjJril 7. With the most anxious and deep concern, I a young Monarch be pleased with, to countenance, and
to
sit down to give you some account of the bitter things that adopt their plan. Unlimited power is generally a most
are meditated against America, and through her, against desirable object, especially to youth and inexperience and ;

England herself, and that Constitution, by which it has few are distrustful of themselves, or imagine that it would
be unsafe in their hands.
"A British American, who is a lover of peace, as well as hater of
overy species of tyranny, whetlier monarchical or parliamentary, propos:'B
In England, almost every obstruction to the execution of
to the considsration of the public of Boston, whether it would not be this plan is removed places of high trust and importance
;

tlieir wisust course in tiie present critical situation of affairs, to raise are bestowed upon those who will act in subserviency to
JMMKDIATKLY, by subscription, a sum equal to the estimated value of the
DROWNED TEAS, and deposite it in some public office, ready to be tendered the views of the Court ; those who might impede those
to his Excellency General Oaire, immediately on his first requisition views, are divested of power, and disabled from any effec-
for restitution of the India Company's loss, with a solemn declaration tual opposition. Experience has shown that the pensions
(conceived in respectful and conciliating terms,) that tliey make the
reimbursement with real i)loasura, as they thereby have at once an op.
and places, in the gift of the Crown, have as great an
. portunity of testifying their readiness to repair every private lose that influence, on the nobility, whose estates might set them
individuals may sustain, in the present unhappy struggle for the above dependence, as upon common men, for luxury is
maintenance of their just rights—of manifijsting the cheerfulness with
which they would lo id thems?lves with any burden for tlie public boundless, and can render the possessor of the greatest
good, whilst left to the exercise of the constitutional power of disposing estate as needy as a beggar, and as vulnerable to the in-
of their own property for that purjtose; and showing their promptness fluence of a bribe. As for the Commons,- those natural
to act in consonance with the sentiments of the British Parliament in
every thing they can, without sacrificing their liberties. Such a pro- guardians of the liberties and properties of the people,
cedure will contain ample declaration of their steady continuance in though there are many worthy men among them, who
their patriotic s^utiments ;and, at tlie simo time, would so entirely do their utmost to stem the torrent of corruption, and
conform to the requisitions in the Act of Parliament that now threat-
ens their destruction, as could not fail to j>lace them at once in the preserve their country yet, their number is too small to
;

light of constitutionally dutiful subjects to the Crown, as well as answer the end ; the eloquence of Cicero, the most con-
zealous defenders of the liberty of the subject. sumate knowledge of the interests of their country, and
Tlie Querist ])resumes, that by adopting some such mode of manage.
ment as this, " good may be brought out of evil;" and that hasty act zeal for its service, the greatest abilities and integrity, are
of violence which moderate men now look on with high disapproba- all rendered entirely useless, by a corrupt majority of minis-
tion, be thereby rendered a circumstance honourable to the Bostoniana terial tools, who vote just as they are directed this House, ;
in particular, and advantageous vo the Colonies in general, who doubt-
less would cheerfully bear their proportion in the sum to be raised.
therefore, which used to be the bulwaik of the people's
It certainly wo)ild be the maddest of all possible Quixotisms to think security, serves now only to give the form or appearance
of making an hosftile opposition to such a naval and military force as it of legality to acts of real tyranny and oppression, by which
is certain is coming out with General Gage, and therefore some plan
of constitutional policy that will afford means of evading the heavy they are deprived of their liberty and property. A great
thnaten'Hl crils, bIkiiiIiI b.; fallen upon. majority of the House are returned by little venal boroughs,
N'ew.Yoek, May 16, 1774. bribed by the nation's own money, to elect such men as
tA report having been circulated, that a printed paper, published as the Ministry choose, and afterwards command to vote as
extracts of letters from London, dated there the 7th and 8th of April, they please. A
friend well acquamted with the internal
hurt, which were printed on the back of a copy of the late Act of the state of Great Britain, assures me, " that many boroughs
Ktigliih Parliament, for shutting up the port of Boston, and distributed
" in the Kingdom have scarce ten persons qualified to vote
about town on Saturday last. May 14th, were spurious, and that the
intellig-ncB was not written from England, but fabricated here. As I " for a Representative in Parliament, and that all who are
am able to prove tin siid report to be entirely false, I leave every one " qualified, are under the influence of some nobleman, or
to judge whether it coincs from the friends or the enemies of the rights
" squire, who, if he has no person of his own family to put
and liberties of Great Britain and the Colonies. The letters, wlioae
contents are [irint'.d on the back of the Act aforesaid, were rcc»ivcdon " in, transfers the election, or rather nomination, to such ad-
Thursday, the 12th instant, by the Samson, Cajitain Cuupar, the " venturers as choose to purchase a seat, as a means of
latest ship arrived here from London. They were by one of the writers
" climbing the hill of preferment. In some places, there is
counnitted to the particular ciro of the gentleman who delivered them
here, who is now in town, and can prove both the receipt of tliem in " not even the shadow of an election, or town meeting.
liondon, and the delivery hire. Due of the letters which contains the •'
The Sovereign, Bailiff, or rather Returning Officer, with
nio.st circumstantial account of the facts, is left iu the hands of the
" two or three Burgesses, go privately to the Session House,
printer of the New-Xork .Journal, who can botli vouch for the truth of
the copies, and produce the original of the principal letter ; the other " and in a moment name such a one, as duly elected, without
two letters, which were also seen by him and several other persons in •'
the appearance of a candidate."
town, are now gone to Philadeljihia, by a gentleman of that place, when the liberties of
who was here when Captain Conpar arrived. These lettiirs (one of What a farce are such transactions,
which was from a military officer of eminence, both on account of his the people are thus played away at a game, wherein a cor-
rank and literary abilities) soon after their arrival, were road to several rupt Government, and an ambitious, covetous landlord, are
gentlemen in town, who thought their contents so important, that they
the only gainers All things being thus ripe in England,
Bolicitcd for the copies, and were at the expense of making them
!

public. New-Youk, May 17, 1774. for the open introduction of arbitrary power, nothing seems

Fourth Series. 19
294 CORRESPONDENCE, MAY, 1774. 292

to have prevented it, but tlie stmggles of the A7nericam to you to appear the aggressors —nay, they have orders iK)t
preserve their liberties. Tliese struggles have been doubly to commence hostilities, without further orders. But how
mortifying to the Ministry, as they have thereby, been not soon that restriction may be taken off, God only knows nor ;

only prevented from levying a revenue upon America, but do I think that it was from any regard to justice, or tender-
from executing their scheme in its full extent upon Eng- ness to you, that such a restraint was laid but jjurely from
;

land. And scheme be very soon executed,

unless that fear of the consequences of sanguinary orders therefore, I ;

it is in danger of being blown up entirely for mattei-s have ; think, if you are firm and prudent, you have no occasion at
risen to such a crisis, the uneasiness and distress of the this time, to fear any tragical consequences from a refusal
nation are become so general, tliat some violent commo- to be taxed by die British Pariiament, who have really
tion seems inevitable, and near at hand and if a revolution
; no right at all to tax you not, that I would persuade you
;

should happen, and fail to establish despotism in England, to this refusal merely upon a supposition that the Ministry
it would probably be fatal to those who have attempted to will not proceed to hostile and sanguinary measures for —
introduce it. Tiie most strenuous efforts, therefore, will my opinion is, that there is nothing too absurd or wicked
now be made, both by force and
fraud, to reduce the for them to do but that if they should proceed to such
;

Americans to a conformitywith the measures of tlie Mi- measures it will be better for you to die than submit to
nistry, who arc enraged and distracted at the obstructions them however, as your cause is just, and all the world
;

they meet with from that quarter. must see that you are injured and oppressed, your opjires-
I therefore earnestly warn you to firmness and vigilance ;
sors will be condemned by all the world, both at home and
every be used, both to intimidate, and to deceive
art will abroad and if you are but firm and prudent in your opfKi-
;

you ; may God direct you to be wise and faithful to your- sition, fear not but Providence will interpose in your behalf,
selves, and to your country, and crown your endeavours and raise you up friends to support and assist you.
with success. You have every thing at stake tliat can be Some of the greatest and wisest, as well as the best men
dear to reasonable creatures your freedom, your property,
;
in England, are already on your side, and will stand by
your posterity, your honour. The very Ministry who are you your enemies have nothing but mere power, unjustly
;

striving to enslave you, in spite of themselves, both honour obtained and applied, to support their cause reason and ;

and fear you but if they succeed against you, will despise
; justice are altogether against them they therefore stand ;

and spurn you. on slippery ground, and totter in their stations. Lord
About a fortnight ago, an Act of Parliament of a most Camden exerted himself nobly In the House of Lords in
extraordinary kind, to shut up the port of Boston, was —
your favour he told them the Boston Bill would be pro-
passed in a most extraordinary manner, being smuggled ductive of a train of evils, and they certainly would have
through the House in seventeen days only, from its intro- cause to repent it. Great care is taken to prevent copies
duction. The evidence before the Privy Council was sup- of his speech from getting to America, as well as to deceive
pressed the agents refused a hearing at the bar and no
; ; you by false intelligence. Every tool of power in America
member Boston or America in either House. Nor had
for \vill be called upon, and furnished with means to mislead

the merchants and manufacturers in England, who will bo you, by a misrepresentation of facts, and giving a false turn
deeply eflected by the execution of this Act, any proper and colouring to every thing tiiat it concerns you to know.
notice of it, or opportunity to remonstrate against it. Six hundred pounds per annum, are paid to writers of
Indeed, it is openly said, that many thousand pounds were false intelligence, and letters, as well as newspapers, that
issued from the Treasury, to obtain a majority in the House, might give you such intelligence as the Ministry desire to
and hurry it through, before there should be time for oppo- conceal from you, are all stopped
sition :so that, when a body of merchants, trading to It is given out that severe measures are only intended
Boston and America, waited on Lord North, with a against Boston, to punish their refractory conduct but ;

request that a petition might be heard against the Bill, depend upon it, if they succeed against Boston, the like
before it passed into a law, diey had the mortification to measures will be extended to every Colony in America
find they were too late, and that the Bill had already they only begin with Boston, hoping the other Colonies
])assed. As his Majesty has, by the Act, a conditional will not interpose. But you are all to be visited in turn,
power to suspend its operation, in case the tea destroyed and devoured one after another. You may depend upon
at Boston should be paid for, the merchants offered Lord my intelligence —my oflice gives me access to the princi-
North £19,000 or a security to the India Company pals concerned in the measures, and I think it my duty to
to pay for the tea, if that suspension of the Act might warn the innocent against the wicked devices that I know
be procured from his Majesty. But these offers were to be meditated against them. It behoves the Colonies to

refused, and the merchants went away much dissatis- be united, in their intelligence, councils, and measures ; it
—
fied as thinking people are in general, against the is a matter of the last importance to them, to stand by, and

proceedings of the Ministry, especially in respect to this support one another the most favoured can only expect
;

law, and die manner of getting it passed, which was with to be last devoured. The Ministry are determined to trv
as much privacy and haste as possible, so that it is hardly your metal to the utmost. Mansfield and Bute are sup-
yet known in the manufacturing towns, which will be hurt posed to be the prime directors, and to influence the Royal
by it. It is expected to raise gi-eat clamour and uneasiness ear as they please. The fipo'ils of England me insufficient
as soon as it comes to be generally known, and felt, by the to support the luxury of the minions of power; they have
labouring people, and the trade, the stoppage of which, it fixed their voracious appetites upon the possessions of the
is imagined, in a few months will convince the Ministry Americans, and intend to make a prey of them, in defiance
they have acted wrong. of reason and justice of the Charters of Kings, and the
:

Another new Bill, as extraordinary as the Boston Bill, divine laws of nature. Depend upon it, every Colony is to
only more general in its operation, is in agitation in the be subdued into a slavish obedience to the tyrannical im-
Privy Council and like the Boston Bill, it is intended to
; positions of Great Britain nothing less will suffice,
;

be smuggled through the House. God gnmt it may be nothing less is intended. After the subjection of Boston,
stopped in its progress, or defeated of its design. It is ex- and perhaps all the Nexc England Governments, New-
pected here, that America will be surjwisod or frightened Jersetj and New- York are to be the next in course and ;

into a compliance with it, by the intended alarming clauses they talk of taking away Benn's Charter. Look to your-
in it, and the spirited manner of enforcing it. selves exert all your faculties to the utmost
; your virtues ;

God give you vigilance, fortitude, and wisdom to avoid will be put to a severe trial, and if they are not genuine
the snares laid for you, and enable you to escape them. and well founded, they will not stand the test.
General Gage is appointed Governour and Commander- Alas how is my soul shocked at the present situation
!

hi-chief of Massachusetts Bay, with very extensive of England, my native country —

a groat, a generous, and
powers. Under him are to be a set of officei-s, approved late a happy people —
but now, how changed, how fallen !

by the Ministry, to be made Counsellors, and enforce the The men who are really wise and good, deprived of oppor-
Parliamentary laws, with the (apparent) consent of the tunities of acting the poor and middling people, ruined
;

people. In short, every art will be used to deceive you, and oppressed the rich, lost in luxury and dissipation a
; ;

and either cheat, or frighten you out of your freedom and set of weak and wicked men, misguiding the reins of Go-
property however, I can assure you, the Commanders
; vernment the people taxed to death, without mercy
;

have private orders not to fight, uiiless tliey can provoke placemen and pensioners, without number, Sic.
298 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 294
Many of the officers on tlie intended expedition against " To the Public : An Advertisement having appeared
Boston and America liave nobly thrown up their commis- " Coffee House, in consequence of the late extraor-
at the
sions, and refused to fight against their brethren in the " dinary and very alarming advices received from England,
Colonies, without a just cause ; and it is expected the " inviting the Merchants to meet at the house of Mr.
soldiers will desert in multitudes, from a mere sense of " Samuel Francis, on Monday evening, May 16, in order
honour and justice. " to consult on measures proper to be pursued on the
April 8. News is just now arrived, by a private hand, " present critical and important occasion :

that the discontent of the people, has so far prevailed, that " A
very respectable and large number of the Merchants
orders are sent to unman the fleet, or at least, that it should " and other inhabitants did accordingly appear at the time
not sail till hope the news will prove true.
further orders. I " and place appointed, and then and there nominated for the
The Scots in the House of Commons, have been your " approbation of the public, a Committee of fifty persons,
great enemies. I think it would be but just in the Bos- " of which fifteen to be a sufficient number to do business.
tonians to withold every farthing due to them in that town, " That therefore, no formality may be wanting to con-
which I am told, is very considerable, especially to the " stitute a Committee, duly chosen, the inhabitants of
city of Glasgow. Indeed, I think, as the ))ort is shut up, " this city and county, are requested to attend at the Coffee
the whole debt due from them to Great Britain should be " House, on Thursday the 19th instant, at 1 o'clock, to
stopped, and reprisals be made by every means in your " approve of the Committee nominated as aforesaid, or to
power. The preservation of England itself, and her ex- " appoint such other persons, as in their discretion and
cellent Constitution, require it of you. " wisdom may seem meet."
May God direct and prosper your counsels. New-York, Tuesday, May 17, 1774.

In consequence of the foregoing Advertisement, a great

NEW.YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE. concourse of the inhabitants met at the Coffee House, on
Thursday, May 19, to confirm or alter the nomination of a
New. York, Monday, May 16, 1774.» Committee to correspond with our sister Colonies, when
Mr. Isaac Low addressed his fellow-citizens in the follow-
The Merchants and other inhabitants of the city of New-
ing words :
*
York, assembled at tlie Exchange, in the said city, and
nominated the following gentlemen to form a Committee "Gentlemen: You have been duly apprised, both by
to correspond w'ith our sister Colonies upon all matters of handbills and advertisements in this day's papers, of the
moment, and that fifteen be a Board, all being duly sum- intention of your present meeting.
moned. "1 hope, gentlemen, you will manifest by your conduct
John Alsop, Tliomas Pearsall, Gerardns Duyckinck, that you are actuated by the dictates of calm reason only,
William Bayard, Elias Desbrosses, Peter Van Schaack, in the choice of the Committee I am to propose for your
Tlieopliilact Bacho, William Walton, Henry Remsen,
approbation.
Peter V. B. Livingston, Richard Yates, Hamilton Young,
Philip Livingston, John Do Lmcey, George Bowne,
" It is but charitable to suppose we all mean the same
Isaac Sears, Miles Sherbrook, Peter T. Curtenius, thing, and that the only difference amongst us is, or at least
David Johnston, John Thurmau, Peter Goelet,
ought to be, the mode of effecting it, 1 mean the preser-
(Charles McEvers,John Broome, Abraham Brasher,
Charles Nicholl, John Jjy, Abraham P. Lott, vation of our just rights and liberties.
Alexander McDougall, Benjamin Booth, David Van Home, " Let us, then, call down wisdom to our aid, and endea-
Capt. Thomas Randall, Joseph Hallott, (ierard VV. Beekman.
vour to walk in her hallowed paths.
John Moore, Charles Shaw, Abraham Duryee,
" Zeal in a good cause is most laudable, but when it
Isaac Low, Alexander Wallace, Joseph Bull,
Leonard Lispenard, James Jauncey, William McAdam, transports beyond the bounds of reason it often leaves
Jacobus Van Zandt, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Ricliard Sharpe,
Thomas Marston.
room for bitter reflection.
James Duane, Nichol Hoffman,
IS

Edward Laight, Abraham Walton, " We ought, therefore, gentlemen, to banish from our
hearts all little party distinctions, feuds and animosities,
On Tuesday the following Notice was published in hand-
:— for to our unanimity and virtue we must at last recur for
bills

•At a very general meeting of tlie inhabitants of this city, on Monday • In addition to this Address of Mr. Low, the following appeals to
May the people of New-York were published at this time
:
last, 16,a body of fifty respectable gentlemen were appointed by
the public voice, to be a Standing Committee for the important and
salutary purposes of keeping up a correspondence with our sister Colo-
The late Act of Parliament for blocking up the harbour of Boston,
is so far from discouraging the inhabitants of that town,
that they
nies, and in conjunction with them pursuing in the present important
never were in higher spirits than at the present hour. Confiding in
crisis such judicious and constitutional measures as should appear to
the other Colonies, that they will unite in suspending their exports and
Ije necessary for the preservation of our just rights ; the maintenance
imports, to and from Great Britain and the West Indies, they have
of the public peace ; and the support of that general union, which at
cheerfully resolved to expend their fortunes and lives in the cause.
this time in particular, is so absolutely requisite to be preserved
Several among them, willing to part with all they possess for the pub.
throughout the Continent. They
lie good, have subscribed largely for the support of the poor.
At a time like this, when the public good is concerned, the public
study to preserve good order, and to find employment for those who
good alone should be the object of every individual. Tis therefore
will be wholly turned out of business.
anxiously hoped, that at the general meeting to be assembled this day,
The and welfare of America
liberty is suspended on the issue of the
to declare the universal assent to the choice of tile body who made the
present struggle. If it be successful, our enemies will behold America
nomination, all partial attachments and private animosities will be
tending to greatness in spite of all their devilish machinations. They
laid aside, and the choice be confirmed without any sinister opposition
will see her in full possession of that freedom which they look upon
from narrow and ungenerous sentiments. As the gentlemen appointed
with envy, and which they long to destroy. But, if unsuccessful,
are of the body of the merchants men of property, probity, and un-
wretched will be our condition. The sufferings of Ireland will be
;

derstanding, wliose zeal for the public good caimot bo doubted ; their
own several ])rivate interests being so intimately connected with desirable compared with ours. We
shall be at the mercy of revenge,

thatof the whole community and whose situations, connections, and made terrible by power, and inexorable by disappointment. Thoso
very men who are now embarassed and distracted by the opposition
;

opportunities of an universal knowledge of public circumstances, point

they met with, will then insult and oppress us with all the wantonness
them out as the proper porsons to hold so important a trust.
On Tuesday evening, May 17, an express arrived in town from of security. They who now dread our firmness will then despise our
irresolution. Tliey will spurn us for doing what they now say is
Boston, with an account that the inhabitants of that place had received
rebellion not to do. AVe shall be in the hands of men who are aban-
on the 10th instant, by Captain Jfinkins, the Act of Parliament for
shutting u]) their port. On Wednesday, the Committees of Correspon-
doned to every abominable excess of wickedness ; who are of that
worst of characters, " alieni appeiens,fui profusus ;" men of unbounded
dence ^rom eight of the adjacent towns, were summoned and on ;
" men of blood," " who hate
avarice, and of unbounded intemperance ;
Thursday thoy met at Fanueil Hall, and wrote circular letters to the the grave,
On not covetousness," " whose God is their belly," greedy as
several Committees of Correspondence in the other Colonies.
Friday the inhabitants of tlie town of Boston met, and agreed to send and sanguinary as fiends. .

to all
Canthere be any, then, so lost to feeling, so lost to reflection,
letters to every town in the Massachusetts Government, and to every engaged in
disinterestedness, and all foresight, as not to be deeply
Colony on the C'ontinent, acquainting tlism tliat they were determined ot America and
opposing and frustrating measures big with the fates
to stop all exports and imports to Great Britain and the West Indies.
freedom, of En<rland and posterity ? Let us, with the braw> Romans,
They chose other committees to confer witli tlie inhabitants of Salem, follow the example
consider our ancestors and our offspring. Let us
Marhlehead, &c. ; to collect subscriptions for the employment of the Let us not be ike
and for effectually securing the peace of the city. In of tlie former, and set an example to the latter.
artificers, &.c. ;

that sluggish people, who, through a love of ease,

"bowed themselves
short, tlie inhabitants who had asseml)led in prodigious numbers, were
and became servants to tribute," and whom the
inspired prophet, their
all united in a firm resolution, not to comiily with the Act of Parlia- Had I a voice which could be
father, justly compared to " asses!"
ment. The purport of their letter to the Committees of Correspondence address the Ainericans in the
heard from Canada to Florida, I would
at this city, and in Philadelphia, is to acquaint them with their resolu- a mind to keep thoso
tions, and to desire that they may bo sujiported by their hearty concur-
language of the Roman patriot " If you have:

" things, be they what they will, you are so fond of," (whether your
rence in the measures which have hitherto been concerted by them. whether your very super-
moneyT your freedom, civU and religious, or
Nkw.Yoik, May 19, 1774.
295 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 296

safety and that man will approve himself the best friend
; Schanclc, be a Committee to draw up a set of Rules for the
to his coimtry whose hi^iiest emulation is to inculcate those regulation of the Committee, and present the same to the
principles both by precept and oxam])le." next meeting.
Tlio nomination of the fifty gentlemen made at the Ordered, That the first five members on the list, who
Exchange, on the 16th instant, was then submitted by Mr. shall be in town be a Committee to open all letters directed
Ltow, and confirmed by the meeting, and Mr. Francis to the Committee, in the absence of the Chairman and
Lewis was added to the number by unanimous consent. Deputy Chairman.
Letters from the Committee of Correspondence of Bos-
ton, with the Vote of the town of Botson, of the 1.3th
instant, and a TiCtter from theComiiiittee of Philadelphia,
Now- York, Monday, May 23, 1774.
were read.
The Committee appointed to correspond with our sister
Ordered, That Mr. McDmn>-all, Mr. Low, Mr. Duane,
Colonies upon all matters of moment, met at the Coffee
and Mr. Jay, be a Committee to prepare and report a
House, pursuant to notice for that purpose given Present, :

draft of an Answer to the Boston Committee, at eight

Is&ac Low, Chairman, Nicholiis HofTinan, Edward Laight, o'clock, P. M.; to which hour the Grand Committee were
Tlisophilact Biche, Philip Livingston, William McAdam,
Alexander McUoiigall, William Bayird, tJabric! H Ludlow, then adjourned.
Leonard Lispenard, Alexander Wallace, ('harlos Shaw,
J&mcB Jauncey, Peter Van Scliaack, William Walton,
Isaac Sears, Bjnjimin Booth, Thomas Randall, New- York, May 23, 1774.
Joeaph Bull, Henry Renisen, Gsriirdus Duyckinck,
John Do L^ncpy, Peter T. Curtonius, Abraham Brasher, The Committee met Coffee House, at 8 o'clock,
at the
Abraham Duryee, Abraham Walton, Jacobus Van Zandt, in the evening, pursuant to adjournment Present, :

John Broome, Jolin Moore, Peter V. B. Livingston,

Thomas Marston, David Johnston, Charles McKvcrs, Isaac Low, Chairman, Richard Sharpo, Gerardus Dnvckinck,
Charhs Nicholl, Richard Yates, John Jay, Philip Livingston, Jacol)US Van Zandt, Cliarles Nicholl,

John Alsop, Charl:-s McEvers, Peter V. B. Livingston, Thcophilact Bache,

James Duane, Miles Slierbrook, •

Richard Sharpo, Abraliam P. Lott, Hamilton Young. Nicliolas Hoffman, Abraham Brasln^r, (Jabriel l\. Ludlow,

Peter Goelet, Henry Remsen, Peter Van Schaack, John Moore,

Peter T. Curtenius, James Jauncey, Peter Goelet,
The Committee proceeded choose Mr. Isaac Loiv,
to Isaac Sears, John Jay, L >onard Lispenard,
to be their Chairman, and Mr. John Alsop, their Deputy Abraham P. Lott, David Johnston, Alexander McDougall,
Abraham Walton, William Walton, Gerard W. Bookman,
Chairman. James Duane, Edward Laight, Charles Shaw,
The Committee received a Letter from the body of John Broome, Miles Shcrbrook, John De Lancey,
Mechanics, signed by Jonathan Blake, their Chairman, Abraham Duryee, William Bayard, Thomas Randall.
Thomas Marston, Hamilton Young,
informing them of their concurrence with the other inhabi-
tants of this city, in their nomination. The Committee appointed, this morning to prepare a
Ordered, That Mr. Duane, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Van draft of a Letter in answer to those received from Boston,

" rouse
iluities,) at length, and stand <ip for the liberties of your they have suffered. So that, however reasonable it may appear that
" country." the Company sliould be paid for their loss, yet the remaining terms are
What is it but for the rich to part with gratifications which nature too humiliating and oppressive to be yielded to by men who have a
never called for, and for the poor to be at worst but temporary sufferers sense of the blessings of freedom, and who possess tlic means of seen,
for tlie general good? What but for some to be temperate, and all to ring them. When can the Govemour of Boston venture to give a cer-
bo diligent? We have already seen, in one of the greatest towns in tificate that the officers of his Majesty's revenue, and others, have
America, all ranks consenting thus to deny themselves for their received full satisfaction ? Where will the demands of these officers
country. Be, then, unanimous, and you shall be successful be united ; stop? And how many crouching submissions and offers of obedienca
and be free ; be virtuous and bo happy. to Parliamentary authority, will be expected by his Majesty before he
But lot the Bostoniam pay for the tea it is but about eight thousand
; will declare in Privy Council, that the Bostonians have manifested a
pounds sterling As if our enemies were after nothing mora than this
! spirit of peace and obedience to the laws ? But I will suppose (not
small sum, doubtless greater than that cargo of seven year old tea was grant) that the Governor may have it in his power soon to discover
worth, which could not bo got off in England, and, like unsavoury all the persons who have been injured by the conduct of the Bostoni-
salt, was fit only to be trampled under foot, or thrown overboard ; as ans ; tliat the demands of the suft'erers will bo moderate no advantage
;

if, in order to got this sum, they would lay out, none can tell how taken of this golden opportunity to swell their damages and that his
;

many times as much more, in fitting out a fleet, and bribing men, Majesty will bo satisfied with general piof^ssioiis of a peaceable and
who could not, without reluctance, concur in their measures. Happy obedient spirit. Can you, however, believe tiiat the Govemour will give
land where the most deeply concerted stratagems of crafty tyrants
! such certificate, or his Majesty declare his acquiescence, till the uncon.
are at once seen through by every one ! May she never be guilty of stitutional duties have been paid ? The words of the Act will warrant
forfeiting her liberty Great would the crime be, since she must do it
I the demand of them, and I believe so good an opportunity of obtaining
knowingly. the grand desideratum will not be overlooked and neglected. The words
Tlio Englinh newspapers are stuffed with nonsensical declamations of the Act are, " Provided, also, that notliing herein contained shall
on the right of Parliim^nl to have every farthing in America at their " enable his Majesty to appouil such port, wharf, &c., until it shall be
command, and with virulent invectives against the Boslonians. These " certified that reasonable satisfaction hath been made to the officers of
writers are beneath contempt. They could not think as they do were " his Majesty's revenue, and others, who suffered by the riots and
they not hired. It is not ignorance in their heads, but, to use a strong " insurrections," &c. May it not be said, that tlie officers of his Majesty's
scriptural phrase, " ignorance in their hearts," which makes them revenue have suffered the loss of the duties by means of the riots, (as
talk in this manner. Common sense refutes them all by this short they are called,) and will it not with propriety be declared, that his
question : How
comes another by a right to take away my money Majesty is one of those " others" mentioned in the Act, who have suf.
without my
consent ? But, for our encouragement, let us remember, fered by the means aforesaid ? since, had the tea not been destroyed,
that some of the greatest and best men in England wish us success he would have been entitled to the duty, and, if not paid, might have
the merchants and manufacturers at home are greatly and generally dis- seized the tea to secure it. To me it apj)ears in a high degree proba-
satisfied already, and will soon feel the cause of American liberty to be ble, that the duty which we have so nobly and universally testified
their own. In a word, let all our merchants unite as one man ; let them against as unconstitutional, will be dcmtmded and that the want of
;

strive against division in this crisis of jeopardy ; let them show them- an explicit declaration in the Act to that purpose, is to be attributed to
selves worthy of that divine appellation, " the fathers of their coufi- ministerial art and contrivance to lead us on gradually in the business
try." And let not the Ministers of the Gospel neglect their duty let ; of humiliation till we cannot consistently recede.
them remember the example of the Apostles, who embraced every I will, however, suppose, that neither the Govemour nor his Majesty
opportunity of testifying their zoal for tlie civil and religious liberties will make any demand of the duty but, upon the above mentioned
;

of mankind ; and wliile they teach men to consider their oppressors as concessions, will proceed to execute tlie powers vested in him by the
" the rod of God's anger, and the staff of his indignation," let them Act. In what condition will the Bostonians then bo ? Will they,
not fail to excite and encourage them to a hope of his interposition in after all this distressing sui>mission, be reinstated in their forme.r privi-
their behalf, while they humble themselves by fasting and prayer, and leges? By no means. A great part of their property will be ravished
are in use of all proper means for deliverance. from them, or rendered altogether useless. By the Act of Parliament
the King may, after all propsr concessions made, appoint the bounds
and limits of the port or harbour of Boston, and assign so many
The following Dialooue being conceived, in some measure, calcu-
wharfs and quays for lading and unlading of goods, as his Majesty
lated to advance the cause of Freedom, in the present critical situation shall think expedient, and it shall not be lawful to land or put off from
of affairs, is for that purpose presented to the public :
any others. Here you see the property of all wharfs and water lots
Questiun. What think you of the Act of Parliament for shutting not licensed by his ALijesty, is wrested from the haiuls of their propri-
up the port of Boston ? etors, and without their consent, in the most arbitrary manner, rendered
Answer. It appears to me an unconstitutional and tyrannical Act, useless. By this Act, the merchant who had laid down at night in the
and that a submission to it will greatly endanger the liberties of Ame. possession of well earned affluence, rises in tlic morning despoiled of
rica. his property, and will in vain look for redr'ss from any other source
Question. But would not the Bostonians, making payment to the than the spirit of freedom, and the union of his follow Americana. If
East India Company for the destruction of their tea, reduce every the Parliament of Great Britain are allowed to bring their laws upon
thing to its former situation ? your firms and your soil to regulato your internal policy, and snatch
;

Answer. I think not. The Act does not enable the King to appoint from the honest proprietor his peaceable and well earned po-jsessions,
certain wharfs, quays, &c., for the lading and unlading of goods, until adieu to liberty and all the train of blessings that attend her Why
!

peace and obedience to the laws are restored in the town of Boston did you oppose the Stamp .\ct ? Upon wliat principles make opposition
the East India Company paid for the tea ; and until the officers of to tlie Revenue Law ? And wherefore is the virtuous straggle yet kept
his Majesty's revenue, and others, shall receive satisfaction for what alive against the tyranny of the British Parliament ? For no other
297 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 298

presented a draft to the Committee, which was unanimously- be attended with mischief and disappointment to them-
approved of, and ordered to be signed by the Chair- selves and triumph to the adversaries of our liberty.
man, and transmitted to the Committee of Correspondence, Upon these reasons we conclude that a Congress of
at Boston; in the words following: Deputies from the Colonies in general is of the utmost mo-
ment that it ought to be assembled without delay, and some
;
New-York, May 23, 1774.
unanimous resolution formed in this fatal emergency, not
Gentlemen The alarming measures of tlie British
: only respecting your deplorable circumstances, but for the
Parliament relative to your ancient and respectable town, security of our common rights. Such being our sentiments,
which has so long been the seat of freedom, fill the inhabi- it must be premature to pronounce any judgment on the

tants of this city with inexpressible concern. As a sister expedient wliich you have suggested. We beg, however,
Colony, suffering in defence of the rights of America, we that you will do us the justice to believe that we shall
consider your injuries as a common cause, to the redress of continue to act with a firm and becoming regard to Ame-
wliich it is equally our duty, and our interest to contribute. rican freedom, and to co-operate with our sister Colonies
But wjiat ought to be done in a situation so truly critical, in every measure which shall be thought salutary and con-

while it employs the anxious thoughts of every generous ducive to the public good.
mind, is very hard to be determined. We have nothing to add, but that we sincerely condole
Our citizens have thought it necessary to appoint a large with you, in your unexampled distress, and to request
Committee, consisting of fifty-one persons to correspond your speedy opinion of the proposed Congress, that if it
with our sister Colonies on this and every other matter of should meet with your approbation, we may exert our
public moment, and at ten o'clock this forenoon, we were utmost endeavours, to carry it into execution.
first assembled. Your letter, enclosing the 'vote of the We are, &c.
town of Boston, and the letter of your Committee of
Ordered, That the Chairman send a copy of this Letter
Correspondence, were immediately taken into consider-
to the Committee at Boston, and to the Committee of
ation.
Correspondence at Philadelphia, acknowledging the re-
While we think you justly entitled to the thanks of
ceipt of a copy of their Letter to Boston, and approving
your Colonies for asking their advice on a case of
sister
the sentiments contained in it.
such extensive consequences, we lament our inability to
The Committee adjourned to the Exchange, to meet on
relieve your anxiety by a decisive opinion. The cause is
the 30th of May, iust., at 6 o'clock, in the evening.
general, and concerns a v/hole Continent, who are equally
interested with you and us and we foresee that no remedy
; Mr. Low, according to order, transmitted to the Com-
can be of avail unless it proceeds from the joint act and mittee of Correspondence, in Philadelphia, a copy of the
approbation of all; from a virtuous and spirited union which Letter from the Committee in New-York to the Committee
may be expected while the feeble efforts of a few will only at Boston ; with a Letter, in the words, following

New- York, May 24, 1774.

ends sur.?Iy t!ian to retiin our freedom and transmit it unimpaired to
posterity ; and the same noble considerations ought to impel us more Gentlemen : A
copy of your letter in answer to those
strongly in the present case to use every lawful means to procure a received by express, from Boston, having been communi-
repeal of this detestable Act. Should the other Coloui.'S continue
inactive spectators of tiie struggles of the Bostonians, when she is
cated to the Committee of fifty-one persons, lately ap-
sacrificed to ministerial vengeance, then will a similar Act be forced pointed by our citizens to correspond with the other Colo-
upon us. and so in succession throughout the Colonies ; the teas have nies on all matters of moment, I am desired by the Com-
been destroyed not at Boston alone, some of them have been thrown
overboard at New-York, and the whole sent back from Philadelphia.
mittee to transmit you, the enclosed copy of their letter to
The cries of humiliation will be too pleasant to ministerial ears to suf- the Committee of CoiTespondence at Boston.
fer them to forego a sacrifice so agreeable to them, especially when the I am also directed to inform you that the sentiments
good end of providing for their friends and dependants, and promoting
in future their inimical designs, will be, in some measure, the conse-
contained in your letter, to the Committee of Boston, are
quence of appointing particular landing places at most of the sea port much approved by our Committee, who will be happy in
towns on the Continent. Let us, therefore, give our countrymen, the a free and mutual communication of sentiment on all
Bostonians, every possible and lawful assistance, and encourage them
in a justifiable defence of their rights, by the earliest intimation of our
occasions on matters so important and interesting to the
readiness to unite with them ; and if a non-importation and non-ox- American Colonies.
portation scheme be the best and most likely method to effect redress, I have the honour to subscribe myself, with much respect
(as I believe it is,) we should signify that sentiment to all our sister
Coloni3s, and desire their judgment upon the occasion. This non. and regard, by order of the Committee,
importation agreement should be preceded by a declaration, that as the L Low, Chairman.
East India Company have suffered from our exertions in support of To the Committee of Correspondence, Philadelphia.
the causo of freedom, they, in justice, should be repaid the value of
til jir tea, and that the Colonies in general would contribute to that
payment ; not because it was the requisition of the Act, but as a dic-
tate of justice, at the very time when a resolution was made not to
New- York, May 30, 1774.
import till that Act was repealed. Such a generous resolution, replete
at once with a sense of regard to the rights of the injured, and with a The Committee met at theExchange, at 6 o'clock, in
spirit of firmness to maintain our own freedom and inheritance, would adjournment Present,
the evening, pursuant to :

conciliate us the aftection of thousands on the other side of the water,

and make the enemies of a people so spirited and just, fearful in the Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Laight, Peter Van Schaack,
execution of their iniquitous designs. John Alsop, William Walton, Henry Remsen,
Question. But is not the present situation of the Bostonians similar William Bayard, Richard Yates, Hamilton Young,
to that of a man attacked by a highwayman, who puts a pistol to his Tiieophilact Bache, John Ue Lancey, Peter T. Curtenius,
breast and demands his money ? Can any concessions made by them Peter V. B. Livingston, John Thurinan, Peter Goelet,
bo drawn into precedent, when such a violent act of force compels Philip Livingston, Thomas Marston, Abraham Brasher,
them to the measure ? Isaac Sears, John Broome, Abraham P. Lett,
Answer. I think the cases by no means similar. From the present Charles McEvers, Benjamin Booth, Gerard W. Beekman,
distress of the people of Boston, they may bo relieved by a virtuous Charles Nicholl, Charles Shaw, Abraham Duryee,
union and agreement of their fellow Americans not to import from the Alex. McDougall, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Joseph Bull,
mother coimtry till the Boston Act is repealed. This is like an oppor- John Moore, Nicholas Hoffman, William McAdam,
tunity of striking the pistol from the hands of the robber, and reducing Leonard Lispenard, Abraham Walton, Richard .Sharpe,
him to the terms of reason and justice. In the cause of freedom, in Jacobus Van Zandt, Gerardus Duyckinck, Francis Lewis.
the defence of our liberties, every struggle and effort for victory and James Duane,
relief should be made and poor, indeed, must be the spirit of that
;

Agreeable to a Resolution of the last meeting, the

man, who, whilst an arm can even feebly be raised for its support,
would extend himself under the tyrannical stride of his oppressors, following Regulations for the government of this Com-
and cry out submission to his force. No, my friend whilst a single
!
mitteee in their debates and proceedings, were reported,
effort can bo made, and more es]>ecially when we have so noble and
eff.;ctu:il a one, let us never resign the only sweetener of all our enjoy-
agreed to, and ordered to be entered upon their minutes,
ments, but put forth every power to maintain and defend it. There to wit
are men who think it laudable, and their duty, to die in defence of their
liberties ; and shall wo be afraid of losing a little property, when by \. That tire Chairman, and in his absence, the Deputy
that means we in all probability secure in perpetuity the enjoyment of Chairman, and in the absence of both, a Chairman to be
the remainder ? The robber may take your property when opposition
would endanger your person ; but what competition can the loss of
appointed fro tempore, shall preside at every meeting, and
such trash be put in, with the wreck of all that is dear and valuable keep order and decorum, and that it shall be his duty to
in life. No highwayman, or set of highwaymen upon eurth, should sign all letters from the Board.
bo allowed to spoil us of our freedom, of our liberties, whilst a nerve
2. That a Secretary shall be appointed, who is not a
of opposition can be strvmg against them.
New-York, 20th May, 1774. member of the Board.
 299 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 800
3. Tliat all motions and addresses shall be made to the Now- York, May 31, 1774.

Chair, and standing. At a special meeting, held this evening, at 6 o'clock, at

4. That if more than one shall rise to speak at the the Exchange Present,
:

same time, tlie Chairman shall determine who shall first Isaac Low, Chairman, Miles Sherbrook, Henry Romsen,
be heard. P. V. B. Livingston, John Thurman, Hamilton Young,
5. Tiiat the substance of every motion which is second- Isaac Sears, William Bayard, Peter T. Curtoniug,
Charles McEvers, John Broome, Peter Goolct,
ed, shall be entered on the minutes.
('harlos Nioholl, Benjamin Booth, Abraham Brasher,
6. Tiiat no interruption shall be suffered while a mem- Alex. McDougall, .Toscph Hallett, Abraham P. Lott,
ber is delivering his senthnents. Leonard Lispuuard, t'harlcs .Sliaw, Gerard W. Beekman,
James Duanc, (Gabriel II. Ludlow, Abraham Uuryoo,
That every question sliall be determined by a majo-
7.
Edward Laight, Nicholas Ilolfman, Joseph Bull,
rity of voices and, after a determination, the same ques-
; William Walton, Abraham VV'alton, Francis I^ewis,
tion shall not be resumed, but with the consent of the John Mooro, Gerard Uuyckinck, Theophilact Bicho.
John De Lancey, Peter Van ISchaack,
majority at a subsequent meeting.
8. That when a question shall be determined upon a The Committee a))pointed to write Circular Letters to
division, the names of the membei-s shall be entered as the Supervisors in this different towns in the Province,
they shall vote on each side and the dissentients, or any
; produced a draft of a Letter for that purpose, wiiich was
of them, shall be at liberty to enter their protest. approved of.
9. That the Committee shall meet upon their adjourn- Ordered, That Mr. Francis Lewis procure three
ments. But upon application of any five members, the hundred printed copies thereof, to be transmitted with all
Chairman, or in his absence, the Deputy Chairman, in the convenient speed, enclosed to the Treasurer of each county,
absence of both, the Secretary, shall call a special meet- with a line signed by the Chairman, requesting their care
ing printed notice whereof shall be left at the residence
;
in forwarding them, and that intimation be given in the
of each member. newspapers that such Circular Letters have been sent.
10. That none but members shall be permitted to take
copies of the Committees' letters or proceedings without
A
Letter from Mr. Charles Thomson of Philadelphia,
signed by order of, and in behalf of Deputies convened
leave of the Board. That for the despatch of business,
from the different congregations in Philadelphia, dated
and to prevent interruptions, the doors at our meetings
shall be shut but that any citizen shall have free access
;
May 29th, 1774. The Committee concei\'ing that the
subject of this Letter not being in their province :
to our proceedings, iu the presence of a member.
Ordered, That copies thereof be made out well, and
11. That when both the Chairman and Deputy Chair-
sent to the Clergy of the different denominations in this
man shall be out of town, the five first members named on
city, and that a Letter be written by the Chairman, in-
the list of the body who may be in town, shall be at liberty
forming Mr. Thomson thereof.
to open letters directed to the Committee.
Which was accordingly done a copy of which is as ;
12. That every member who be absent at any
shall
follows
meeting, or shall appear fifteen minutes after the appointed
New.York, June 1, 1774.
hour, (to be determined by the Chairman) shall forfeit a
Sib : Your favour of the 29th ultimo, by express, was
fine of two shilhngs and if any member, after appearing,
;

laid before our Committee of Correspondence last evening.

shall leave the meeting, without obtaining the consent of
I am directed to acquaint you, that, conceiving the sub-
the Chairman, he shall forfeit eight shillings.
ject of it to be out of their province, they could only order
13. That at every meeting these Rules shall be pub-
copies to be delivered to the Clergymen of the different
licly read, previous to the proceeding upon business.
congregations in this city, that they may conduct them-
Ordered, That Joseph AUicoclic be appointed Secre- selves therein, as to them shall seem fit. By order of the
tary, and Thomas Peitit Messsenger of the Board. Committee. your most humble servant,
Sir,
Isaac Low, Chairman.
Ordered, That Messrs. Peter Van Schaack, Francis
Mr. Charles Thomson.
Lewis, John Jay, Alexander McDougaU, and Theophilact
Bache, be a Committee to write a Circular Letter to the Pursuant to a Resolve of the last meeting, the following
Supervisors in the different counties, acquainting them of is a copy of a Letter transmitted to the respective Treasu-
the appointment of this Committee, and submitting to the rers of each county in this Province, enclosing Circular
consideration of the inhabitants of the counties whether it Letters to be by them forwarded to the Supervisors in
could not be expedient for them, to appoint persons to their respective Districts.
correspond with this Committee, upon matters relative to Now- York, June 3, 1774.

the purposes for which they are appointed. Sir having been thought expedient by the Comfnit-
: It
The Committee adjourned to meet at the Exchange, on tee of Correspondence in this city to send circular letters to
Monday next, the 6th June, 1774, at 6 o'clock, in the the Supervisors of the several counties in this Province,
evening.* I am directed to enclose a sufficient number of them to

•Among the Letters written at this time by persons in Neui-York to chinson as a toast. You nor your friends must not imagine thvra w.ts
their Correspondents in Great Britain, were tlie following : any honesty in those marks of joy these Bostonians shewed the (reneral
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON. —
on this occasion; no sir, it was hypocrisy all ; for at the samo time
Notwithstanding the boasteil resolutions of many of tlie principal they weri sending cxprei-s after express to the i^outliern Colonies,
people of this Colony to stand forth in dofjncj of their rights and liberties, assuring them tli.it at several loyal town meetings, as tlicy cull them,
we are well assured that most of them are sorry for embarking in the they had conn to the rt solution of shutting up their port ; that they
cause so f<ir, and that they only want an opportunity to throw off the would fast and pray, and stand firm to the cause of American liberty,
mask, to join with the friends of Govtrnment. If the Minister was raving out invocations to their dear sisters to join them in this firm
wicked enough to load us with the heaviest imposition, I doubt not but work. But allowing the hiyul town of Boston all the merit they
he would bo able to carry his designs into execution, by moans of a assume to themselves, for the verj' curious and remurkahle and no less
few men-of-war for the spirit of the inhabitants here died away as sensible resolution of siiutting up their port, after they and all llie other
;

soon as it wab known that (Jc'ural Gage, with a fleet of ships, arrived Colonies know very well that I'arliaiii'mt had first done that business
at Boston, to shut up the ports and remove the courts of judicature. for tliem, yet it won't all do. It is true the Presbyterian junto, or
I
heartily wish that an end were put to all disputes between us and o\ir self-constituted Committee of the Sons of Liberty for the city of Nexc-
mother country, that trade and commerce miglit flourish again, for York, (as th-y style themselves) which had stood ever since the time of
whilst these contentions last, the merchants of your city must feci tlie the Stamp AcX, had taken upon them to write letters to Bosinn to their
eifccts of it as well as us. The Spaniards alone have had the advan- brethren there, assuring tliem, "that the city of New-York would
" heartily join them against the cruel and arbitrary proceeduigs of the
tage, and thoy are ready to receive us under their protection ; but I hope
the peopl'- are more loyal than to accept of their olfers.
** British Parliament,"
&.c., which as soon as the geiitlemen of property

New-Yobk, il% 30, 1774. in this city knew, they were very justly alarmed, and a meeting of the
inhabitants was d. sired at the Coffee House, when, in spite of all that
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A OKNTLKMAN L\ LONDON. could bo done by the old Committee, which consisted of eight or ten
I have the pleasuri to inform you thit General Gage arrived safs, flaming patriots without prop..'rty, or any thing else but im)mdence, a
and in good health, at Boston, in twenty-five days from Portsmouth. Ho new Committee was chosen, consisting of fifty membirs, most of them
landed at the Castle, and immediately sent for the Council, where ho men of sense, coolness, and property and I understand that nearly the
;

made a speech to them which was spirited, but at the same time tem- same thing was done at Philadelphia. Now, sir, these two new stll-
pered with very sound and wholesome advice. In tv.'o or three days ho authorized Committees have wrote to the Bostonians, "that they arc of
made his entry into Boston, and had his cojinnission read upon which
; " opinion that they certainly ought to pay for the tea they had destroyed,
the Bostonians tell us, in their newspaper, that they showed him evTy " because it would be no more than justice so to do ; that to be sure the
demonstation of their attention that they made him a grand entertain-
; " British Parliament had behaved very cruelly to them iu making such
ment at Faneuil Ilall, but evan could not help affronting him at that " an Act, and they heartily condole with them on account of the
grand Bosionian feast, by hissing him, because he gave Govoruour Hut. " dreadful hard circumstances they were thereby roducod to. but as to
301 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 302
you, requesting the favour of you to direct and forward Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Laight, Henry Rcmsen,
William Bayard, William Walton, Hamilton Young,
tliem to your Supervisors in their several districts.
Thophilact Bache, llichard Yates, Peter T. Curtenius,
By order of tlie Committee, Isaac Low, Chairman. Peter V. B. Livingston, Miles Sherbrook, Peter (Joelet,
Isaac Sears, John Tluinnan, Abraham Brasher,
Directed to the Treasurer of the county of Albany, with Charles McEvors, Benjamin Booth, Abraham P. Lott,
forty copies to the Treasurer of the county of Tryon,
;
Charles Nicholl, Joseph Hallett, Gerard W. Beekman,
Alexander McDougall, C'harles Shaw, John Broome,
with tliirty to the Treasurer of the county of Charlotte,
;
Thomas Umdall, Al 'xander Wallace, Joseph Bull,
with twelve to the Treasurer of the county of Cumber-
; John Moore, Abraham Walton, Richard Sharp?,
land, with twelve; to the Treasurer of the county of West- Leonard Lispenard, Gerardus Uuyckinck, Thomas Marston.
James Duane,
chester, with thirty to the Treasurer of the county of
;

Gloucester, with twelve to the Treasurer of the county

;
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to write a
of Ulster, with twenty to the Treasurer of the county of
;
Letter to the Committee of Correspondence in Boston,
Orange, with twenty ; to the Treasurer of tiie county of acquainting them that we adhere to tlie measure of a
Dutchess, witii forty to the Treasurer of the county of
;
Congress, and that we shall be ready to meet them at any
Richmond, with six to the Treasurer of the county of
;
time and place tiiey shall think fit to appoint, eitlier Depu-
Kings, with six to the Treasurer of the county of Qiieens,
;
ties from the General Assembly, or such other Deputies

with thirty and to the Treasurer of the county of Suffolk,

;
as shall be properly chosen and authorized to speak the

thirty. —
Total two hundred and eighty-eight. sentiments of their different Colonies.
That the Committee at Boton give a sufficient time for
the Deputies of the Colonies to the southward, as far as
New-York, June 6, 1774. Carolina, to assemble, and acquaint them with the measure
The Committee met, by adjournment, at the Exchange, of Congress. Those letters to the southward of us, we
at 6 o'clock, in the evening Present, :
shall with pleasure fcrward.

" shutting up tlie two ports of New-York and Philadelphia, they could do but to be determined, and steady, to put an entire stop to smuggling,
" by no means think of such a nieusuro, bocans^j it did not soem to be at and to make an example of some few of the ringleaders of the faction,
" all the general opinion of the inhabitants of the two cities to do so in every princip;il city on the Continent, and if this is done, 1 fancy
" that they of themselves were but a small number when compared to America will afterwards give very little trouble.
" the inhabitants of these cities, and these few could not pretend to dic- New-York, May 31, 1774.
" tata to them, much less to tlio wholo Province, which must be n ducjd
" to distress and desperation by sccli a measure." This, I am told, was EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN SCOTLAND.
tlij purport of their letter, for 1 was not present, because I never have Sir : I seldom trouble you with politics, but at this time you may

clioscn to countenance s :lf-:ippointed meetings of this sort, which like know what reception tlie Bostoii Port Bill has met
iMjrhaps to
appears to me contra ry to law, and flying in the f ice of Goveiiunent. with. To
give you any tolerable idea of our present system of [Kjlitics
I would have sent you all the papers printed on the occasion of those in America in generjl, would exceed the bounds of a letter. I shall
meetings, together with the impudent and inflammatory pieces published only tell you that the power which it was found necessary to throw
ou account of the Boston Fort Bill, but as those latter pieces are in into the hands of the mob, during the general opjjosition to the .Stamp
general copied or inserted in the newspapers which, I fancy, you will Act, was not extinguished with the re])eal of that Act. The attempt
sje at the coff",;o houses, it is needless and were I to s:^nd i!he former,
;
of the India Company to import their tea was no sooner in agitation,
it would not be worth the heavy charge of postage. Upon the whole than the leaders of the mob, supported by the Dutch tea smugglers,
I think there is little doubt but that all will be prjtty quiet in all the made their appear.ince and finding the men of property careless of
;

Colonies in a short time the most bitter pill will be the acknowledg-
;
shewing themselves, they took upon them to act for the whole com.
ment of the right of taxation in the Parliament. There is a talk of munity. It was the same body who formed the association for oppos-
desiring the different Govcrnours to call their wise Assemblies to settle ing the landing of the tea, and for returning it, which they afterwards
this matter, and that it would be proper to have a Congress of the most deliberately effected. When the account of the Boston Port Bill
sensible men amongst all the Colonies to meet somowiiere to try to ward reached us, the same body assumed the lead, and were hurrying them-
off" the blow aimed at that great goddess of the Dutch East India selves into the most violent measures. The injn of property, however,
t.'ompiiny in America, called American Liberty. You will have dis- finding affairs began to wear too alarming an appearance for them to
covered tliat I am no friend to Presbyterians, and that I fix all the stand any longer neuter, determined to attempt wresting the power onco
blame of those extraordinary American proceedings upon them. You more out of tlicir hands. A
committee of fifty of the marc;intile body
would perhaps, think it projier to ask, whether no Church of England was accordingly opposed to these leaders, and the election was carried
people wore among them ? Yes, there were, to their eternal shame be it in their favours, tliough with some difficulty. In this state has iVcw-
spoken Ibut in general they were interested in the motion, either as York been since the Stamp Act, and that of Philadelphia, Charles,
smugglers of tea, or as b.-ing over!)urdened with dry goods they know ton, and Boston, has been pretty much the same. As the manage,
not how to pay for, and would therefore have been glad to have a non-im- ment, however, has now fallen into the hands of men averse to precipi-
portation agreement, or a resolution to pay no debts to England. But, tate measures, I think the interdict of the Parliament to Boston, and
Sir, these are few in uumb;ir. Believe mo the Presbyterians have been the new moddliug of this Governmoiit will meet with no opposition.
the chi:f and principal instruments in all these flaming measurus, and But what alarms us is their suspicion of the third bill, which we have
they always do and ever will act against Government, from that restless heard is before the House. Should the import of this bill prove to be
and turbulent anti-monarchical spirit whicli has always distinguished what is surmised of it, viz the sending home those suspected or
:

them every whore, whenever they had, or by any moans could assume charged with any act against Government, to stand trial in Westmin-
power, however illegally. In short, I am myself well convinced, that ster Hall, you must not be surprised to find all America in flames.
Government at home, if they meuu to look for genuine loyalty, and The friends of Government and the advocates for the proper subordi-
<;ordial affection to the State, will no where find it except in the hearts nation of America to England, have a hard struggle to keep things in
of the professors of the Church of England : And I am as well con- the situation they are now in ; but should a bill have passed to this
vinced, that if Government would wish to preserve and encourao-e effect, we shall no longer find argument, or, what is more, dare to offer
loyalty in the Colonies, they must countenance the Church of England them though we should.
much more than they have done hitherto. It is an indubitable fact that New-York, June, 1774.
previous to and during all these acts of violence committed in the EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN ENGLAND.
Colonies, cepeci:illy to the eastward, the Presbyterian pulpits groaned You'll see by the papers I sent you by Captains Lawrence and
with the most wicked, malicious and infliimnatory harangues, pro. Miller, that we have published the intelligence we received from all our
nouuced by the favourite orators amongst that sect, spiriting tlicir friends in England, by Captain Coupar, and the last vessels. They
godly hearers to the most violent opposition to Government ; persuading have had as great an eflect as could be wished ; and from one end to
them that the intention of Government was to rule theni with a rod of the other of the British Colonies we shall see but one sentiment, that
iron, and to make them all slaves ; and assuring thun that if they is, to view the treatment and pretensions of Great Britain with the
would rise as one man to oppose those arbitrai-y schemes, God would highest resentment and disdain. We
shall all bo united, and act as
assist them to sweep away every ministerial tool, (the amiable name one man and if you should see any friends to America, pray tell
;

these wretches are i)loased to bestow on the professors of the Church) them to be in no pain for us we shall act as we ought, and, to a man,
;

from the f ice of the earth ; that now was the time to strike, whilst not hesitate to die, rather than submit to be the slaves Briton would
(Jovernment at home was afraid of them togetlier with a long string
; make us. We
fear not to tell the highest of them that wo are as free
of such seditious stuff, well calculated to impose on the poor devils as they are, and so will live and die. If their force should plunder us
their hearers, and make them rim into every degree of extravagance of our rights and property, we will tell them with our latest breath,
and folly, which if I foresee aright, they will liave leisure enough to that they are tyrants and robbers, and we shall leave them a land as
be sorry for But in general, the Church of England people during all
: desolate as our forefathers found it. We
shall leave the stings of their
this time, without any public oratory to spur them, did, from principle, own guilty consciences to avenge our wrongs, and present them with a
from their own truly loyal principles, in which care is taken to educate lively view of the horrours they have caused. AVe are at the same timo
them, eveiy thing tliey could by writing and argument, and their assured. Great Britain will not long survive the destruction of her Colo-
influence, to stop the rapid progress of sedition, which would have gone nies. Alas that a few traitors should occasion such complicated and
!

much firther lengths if it had not been for them. extensive calamity Vi'c are well assured it is but a few, comparatively,
!

I am not a little amr;zed at reading over the speeches in the House a contemptible f3W, that are the authors of all this mischief, and that
in the debates on the Boston Bill, to find those gentlemen saying such the whole body of the nation, as well in England and Ireland, as hero,
mighty pretty things of tile Americans in general, and of Boston in havo the same sentiments that we have, and like us are injured and
pirticular ; if those things have not been sai(l merely out of opposition oppressed. We
love the nation, its Constitution, and constitutional
to the Ministry, believe me, those gentlemen in the House are cgre- Government, and have ever been ready to risk our lives in their defence.
giously ignorant of the state of the Colonies, and have an opinion of We lament their fall as well as our own, in which we see it involved,
them, they arc far from meriting however, I hope every thing will
; unless Providence interpose. Perhaps lie may turn all the mischief
noon be settled, and that the Americans will be taught to pursue their upon the heads of the contrivers of it ; perhaps, by the united exer-
true interest, viz : tlie im]>rovement of their commerce, and the culti- tions of all the Colonies, which there is no doubt of, we may bo
vation of their lands ; if they attend to those particulars, I fancy they delivered and England preserved, though its strength seems now only
will find it full as much to their advantage as the regulation of the applied to crush us, the best friends it had in tlio world. The boat
State. In short, Administration at homo has really nothing further to waits, adieu. NEW-YoBiC, June 2, 1774.
SOS NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 304

Sub-committee for writing the IjCtter are Peter V. B. that your letters for the future may be sealed and directed
lAvingston, John Moore, John Broome, John Thurman, to our Chairman.
Isaac Low. We
are, gentlemen, your friends and most humble ser-
vants, by order of tlie Committee,
Ordered, That tlie Committee of Boston be requested
I. Low, Chairman.
to give this Committee tiie names of tlie persons who con-
stitute the Committee of Correspondence at Boston ; that
they have made a mistake in answering tiiis Committee's Now.York, June lOth, 1771.
Inciter, which mentioned not a word of a suspension of
At a special meeting held at the Exchange, at 7 o'clock,
trade, wliich they say we liave so wisely defined, as we
this evening : Present,
leave that measure entirely to the Congress, and we shall
readily agree to any measure they shall ado|)t to request — Isaac liOw, Chairman, Richard Yates,
Jolin Alsop, Miles Sherbrook,
Hamilton Young,
Peter T. Curtenius,
that their letters for the future be sealed and directed to
Theophilact Bacho, John Broome, Peter Goelet,
the Chairman. P. V. B. Livingston, Jolm Jay, Abraham Brasher,
The Committee adjourned, to meet at the Exchange, on Isaac Sears, Benjamin Booth, Abraham P. Lott,
Charles McEvcrs, Jo.s.ph Hallett, G. W. Beekraan,
Monday, the -iOth of this instant, June, at 6 o'clock, in the Charles NichoU, Charles Sliaw, Joseph Bull,
evening. Alex. McDougall, James Jatincey, Richard iSharpe,
Thomas Randall, Nicholas Hoffman, Thomas Marston,
John Moore, Abraham Walton, Francis Lewis,
Leonard Lispenard, Cerardus Duyckinck, John De Lancey,
Copy of the Letter sent to the Committee of Correspon- Edward Laight, P* tr,r Van Schaack, John Thuruiau.
William Walton, Henry Remsen,
dence in Boston:
Ne«--York, Juno 7, 1774.* A
Letter from the Committee of Correspondence for
Connecticut was received and read, and is as follows
Gentlemen We : have received your favour of the 30th
May, and you may rest assured, we shall eagerly embrace Hartford, June 4, 1774.
all proper opportunities of contributing our mite towards Gentlemen: Mr. Revere, on his return, acquainted us
bringing to a favourable issue the unhappy disputes which w-ith the purport of yours by him, to the Committee at
at present subsist between the parent State and her Colo-
i?o»^on, which being agreeable to our sentiments, and simi-
nies.
lar to what we had previously wrote them on the subject,
You say, that " a speedy, united, and vigorous effort is we take the liberty to enclose you a copy of ours to them of
" certainly all that can be depended upon, to yield us any
this date, and ask your consideration of the proposal, and
" effectual relief, and that this effort is on all liands ac-
your sentiments of the measure, as soon as conveniently
" knowledged to be the suspension of trade, so wisely
they may be had. We
have wrote to the same purport
" defined by you." To the first, we entirely concur with
to the Committees of the Colonies of Rhode Island and
you in sentiments but in the last, we apprehend you have
;
New-Hampshire. And are, with great truth and esteem,
made a mistake —
on revising our letter to you, so far
for
gendemen, yours, &.c.
from finding a word mentioned of a " suspension of trade," By
order and in behalf of the Committee of Corres-
the idea is not even conceived. That, and every other pondence for Conneclicnt, Silas Deane.
resolution, we have thought it most prudent to leave for
To the Committeee of Correspondence for New- York.
the discussion of the proposed general Congress.
Adhering tlierefore to that measure, as most conducive P. S. The
Resolves of our lower House of Assembly
to promote the grand system of politics we all have in addition to w liich they gave us in com-
are enclosed ; in
view, we have the pleasure to acquaint you, that we shall mand to recommend a Congress, and to join therein.
be ready on our part, to meet at any time and place that
you shall think fit to appoint ; either of Deputies from tlie
General Assemblies, or such other Deputies as shall be
chosen, not only to speak the sentiments, but also to Copy of a Letter from the Committee of Correspon-
pledge themselves for the conduct of the people of the dence for Connecticut to the Committee of Correspon-
respective Colonies they represent. dence at Boston, enclosed in the preceding Letter to the

We can undertake to assure you, in behalf of the people New-York Committee:

in this Colony, that they will readily agree to any measure Hartford, June 3, 1774.
that shall be adopted by the general Congress. It will be Gentlemen The
lower House of Assembly, at their
:

necessary that you give a sufficient time for the Deputies session at this place, which closes this day, came into sun-
of the Colonics, as far southward as the Carolinas, to dry resolutions relative to their rights and privileges, a
assemble, and acquaint them as soon as possible with the
copy of which you have enclosed and on the impor- ;

proposed measure of a Congress. Your letters to the tant subject take liberty to add, as our opinion, that a
southward of us we will forward with great pleasure. Congress is absolutely necessary previous to almost every
You may have seen all the names of our Committee in other measure, since, as the injury is general, the mode
the public prints and as we never heard the names of those
;
taken for redress ought to be commensurate, which is not
which constitute your Committee, we request the favour probable to be obtained short of a general conference and
of you to give us that satisfaction in your next. We beg union. The resolves of merchants of any individual town
or Province, however generously designed, must be partial
"Saturday the 4tli instant, being the anniversary of his Mrijesty's
last,
birth day, wlien ho entered the thirty-soventh year of his ago, at 12 o'clocli when considered in respect to the whole Colonies in one
his Excellency General Haldiinand, attended by a nuni)};r of gentle- general view ; while, on the other hand, every measure
men, walked to the Corninons, where they were received by a Royal recommended, every resolve come into by the whole united
salute from the train of artillery, and the Royal Wehh Fnsileers then
under arms, after which his JExccHcney returned to his residence, Colonies, must carry weight and influence with it on the
whore his Majesty's and other loV'il h;?altha were dr.mk, iiniler tlio mind of the people, and tend effectually to silence those
disciiarge of a royal salute from For/ George, his Majesty's ship jSuvi/i,
base insinuations which our enemies are ever ready to
Jamim Ayscottgh, Esquire, commander, and sundry other vessels in the
throw out, of interested motives, sinister views, unfair jirac-
harbour.
In the evening some very curious fire-works were exliibitnd, and a tices,and the like, for the vile purposes of sowing the seeds
small number of houses were illuminat'^d ; but th generality of the
;
of jealousy between tlie Colonies, to divide and render
inliabitants (though perfectly well affoctcd to his M
ijcsty's porson and
family, and preferring the English t'onstitution to every other form of abortive all our designs in favour of the liberties of Ame-
(Vovemmont) were too deaply impress d with t!ie melancholy situation rica. We conceive little or notliing need be added on the
of all the British Colonies, to assume the least upp-jarance of public subject, tlie propriety and utility of which .seems to be
rejoicing, while it remains in suspense, whether we shall remain free,
men by maintaining our rights, or submit to be slaves. universally acknowledged. The time and place must be
Every town in every Colony of America from which we have yet fixed. For the first, the earlier, consistent with having
heard, consider the case of Boston astlieir own, and agree in sentiment,
tlie principal Provinces notified and present, the better
to imite their strength, and cxort every faculty in the most determined
persevering endeavours to preserve their rights and liberties against the say the last week of July, or first in August, by whicti
tyrannical eucroaclmients of Greni Britain. To this end a Congress time all, as far as Virginia, may be informed of, and
soon expected, and a total suspension of all commercial intercourse
invited to attend it ; for the place. New- York, is near the
is
between the Colonies and Great Britain, and Ireland, at least, it is
£oQorally bolieved will very goon take place. centre, but the season of the year make us prefer some
305 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 806
agreeable country town to a city, in which there will neces- Copyof a Letter to Mr. Bernard Lentot, of Branford.
sarilybe more avocations, besides its being disagreeable in New. York, June 11th, 1774.
these months. Norwalk or Fairfield are towns in which Sir Your favour of the 29th of last month has been
:

gentlemen may be well accommodated in this Colony. laid before our Committee of Correspondence. I am
But we submit this, as well as the thne, to the opinion of directed to acquaint you that they esteem themselves
the other Colonies, to whom we shall write, and expect obliged by the communication of your sentiments at this
their answer will be in season. We conceive, as Commit- very important and critical conjuncture. The hints you
tees of Correspondence and Inquiry are appointed in every furnish may be very proper for the consideration and dis-
considerable Colony by their Assemblies, they are the pro- cussion of a general Congress of Deputies from the different
per persons to attend, or to appoint others for that business. Colonies, a measure that seems on all hands agreed will
But of this you are to judge. And we hint it, as the be most likely to produce the desired effect ; but what can
Assemblies of some of the Colonies will probably not or will be done must be submitted to the wisdom of their
have an opportunity of meeting again till next winter, and united councils. We
can only join you in our ardent
consequently will not be able to appoint in any season. wishes that they may prevail in their endeavours to re-es-
We have only to add, that we are sensibly affected with tablish that peace and harmony on which so essentially
your distressed situation. depend the prosperity and happiness of both countries.
We are, gentlemen, with great respect, your obedient We remain, with much respect, sir, your friends and
servants. By order, and in behalf of the Committee of most humble servants. By order of the Committee,
Correspondence for Connecticut, Isaac Low, Chairman.
Silas Deane.
To the Committee of Correspondence for Boston.
Copy of a Letter from the Committee of Correspon-
P. S. Yours of the 31st answer to ours of the
ult., in
dence, appointed by the Assembly of New- York,* to the
26tli, is before us. The situation of the town of Boston, Committtee of Correspondence for Connecticut:
particularly of the poor, and such as must now be deprived
New.York, June 24, 1774.
of employ, and reduced to straits, was considered by both Gentlemen: We
have your letter of the 4th before us,
Houses of Assembly, and a resolution come into to contri- enclosing the resolves of your Assembly, and a letter to
bute to their relief, which passed both Houses. But the the Committee of Correspondence at Boston ; and we
time and mode of carrying it into execution is deferred agree with you, that at this alarming juncture, a general
until they hear more directly from you, which doubtless Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies would be
they will before their next meeting. a very expedient and salutary measure ; such a Congress,
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to answer the consisting of men of coolness, prudence, and understanding,

Letter received from the Committee at Hartford, and would, we conceive, be the best means under Providence,
enclose them a copy of a Letter wrote the 23d ultimo, by of restoring that peace and harmony between Great Britan
this Committee, to Boston ; and also to answer a Letter and her Colonies, which is the surest foundation of happi-
received from Mr. Bernard Lentot, of Branford, and that ness to both, and which every good man, every well wisher
they write a letter to the Committee of Correspondence to his country, ought to labour strenuously to establish.

of South Carolina, enclosing a copy of this Committee's Weare sorry therefore, that we are not sufficiently em-

first letter to Boston, and to acquaint them that this Com-

powered to take any steps in relation to so salutary a
mittee have, in a subsequent letter to the Committee at measure for we are a Committee of Correspondence
;

Boston, desired them to appoint a time and place for a only, and cannot consistently with good order and propriety
Congress, an answer to which they expect daily. interfere in a matter of such importance, without the

The Committee for that purpose were Peter Van appointment and concurrence of our whole House of Rep-
Schaack, Henry Remsen, Alexander McDougall, John resentatives. After what has been said, it would be need-

De Lancet/, Isaac Low. less to mention any thing about the places of meeting,
only this, that if the other Colonies, who may have authority
for so doing, should meet in Congress, in, or near this city,

Copy of a Letter sent to the Committee of Correspon- we shall most gladly and willingly assist with our advice,
&,c., if necessary, which, circumstanced as we are at
dence of Connecticut
New. York, June 11, 1774. present, is all we are enabled to do.

Gentlemen : Your agreeable favour of the 4th inst., We should be glad however to know before we come to
covering a copy of yours of the 3d to the Committee of any final determination on this matter, what steps will be
Correspondence for the town of Boston, and the resolu- taken by the other Colonies, who are in the same situation
tions of your lower House of Assembly on the second with us, by not having an opportunity of knowing the
Thursday of May, came duly to hand, which were last sentiments of their Houses of Representatives when the ;

night laid before us. We

are greatly obliged to you for measures proposed to be adopted by them, shall be com-
your communications on the interesting concern of our municated to us, Ave shall be better able to judge what
country. The sentiments contained in the former of the plan will be most likely to procure a redress of our present
necessity of a Congress, are supported with such reasons grievances, and promote the union and prosperity of the

as must command the assent of every well-wisher to the mother country and the Colonies and we expect daily to
;

rightsand privileges of America, and we are happy to find receive accounts of these matters, of which we shall send

that this measure is so generally adopted, and so much you the most early intelligence. We are with great res-
desired by all the Colonies who have given their opinion pect, gentlemen, your most obedient servants,
John Cruger, S. Boerum,
on the present alarming crisis. Our sense and approbation
of the utility of such a Convention, is fully expressed in Frederick Phillips, Daniel Kissam,
a letter of the 23d ultimo, to the Committee of Boston, a
Benjamin Seaman, Zeb. Williams, late >

copy of which is enclosed. We

have wrote them on the James Jauncey, Zeb. Seaman, 5
7th inst., to appoint the time and place for holding the James De Lancey, John Rapalje.
Confress, where we shall be ready to meet either Deputies Jacob Walton,
of the General Assemblies, or such other Deputies as shall be To the Committee of Correspondence of the Colony of
Connecticut.
chosen, not only to speak the sentiments, but also to pledge
themselves for the conduct of the people of the respective *Remhed, nem. con., That a Standing Committee of Correspondence

Colonies they represent. The substance of this will be and Inquiry he appointed, to consist of the following persons, to wit
John Cruger, Esq., .Speaker, James De Lancey, James Jauncey, Jacob
communicated to the Committee of Charlestown, South Walton, Benjamin Seaman, Isaac Wilkins, Frederick Phillips, Daniel
Carolina, by a vessel that sails to-morrow. are,We Kissam, Zelmlon Seaman, John Rapalje, Simon Boerum, John De
Noyelles, and Gemge Clinton, Esqnirjs, or any seven of theni, whose
gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servants.
business it shiiU be to obtain the most early and autlicntic intelligence
Signed by order of the Committee of Correspondence of all such acts and resolutions of the British Parliament, or proceed-
Netv- York.
for the city of ings of administration, as do or may relate to or aff'ct tlio liberties and
Isaac Low, Chairman. privileges of his Majesty's subjects in the British Colonies in America,
and to keep up and maintain a correspondencs and communication witli
To Silas Deane, Esq., and others, of the Committee of our sister Colonics respecting these important considerations, and the
Correspondence for Connecticut. result of their proceedings to lay before the House.—Januory 20, 1774.

Fourth Series. 90
307 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 308
New-York, June 20, 1774. Now-York, July 4, 1774.

The Committee met, by adjoumment, at 6 o'clock, this Tlie Committee met, by adjoumment, at the Exchange,
evening, at tlie Exchange Present,
:
at 6 o'clock, this evening Present, :

Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Laight, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Liight, Hamilton Young,
John Alsop, William Walton, Gerardufi Duyckinck, John Alsop, William Walton, Henry Rcmsen,
William Bayard, Richard Yates, Henry Reinsen, William Bayard, Richard Yates, Peter T. Curtenius,
Thoophilact Bache, John 0e Lancey, Hamilton Young, Theophilact Bache, Jolm Do lancey, Peter Goolet,
Peter V. B. Livingston, Miles .Slicrbvook, Peter T. Curtenius, Peter V. B. Livingston, Miles Sherbrook, Abraham Brasher,
Isaac Sears, John Thurman, Peter Goclct, Isaac Sears, Jolin Thunnan, Abraham P. Lott,
Charles McEvers, Benjamin Booth, Abraliiiin Brasher, (Miarles McEvers, John Broome, Gerard W. Beekman,
Charles Nicholl, Joseph Ilallclt, Joseph Bull, Charles Nicholl, Benjamin Booth, Joseph Bull,
Alexander McDougiU, Charles Shaw, William McAdam, Alexander McDougall, Joseph Hallett, William McAdam,
Thomas Randall, Alozandor Wallace, Francis Lewis. Thomas Randall, Charles Shaw, Richard Sharpe,
John Moore, John Moore, Alexander Wallace, Thomas Marston,
Leonard Lispenard, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Francis Lewis.
Mr. AUicocke requested for particular reasons to resign Jacobus Van Zandt, Gerardus Duyckinck,
as Secretary to thisCommittee. John Blagge was unani-
mously appointed in his stead.
A dated Annapolis, 26th June, 1774, with
Letter,
printed Resolves, was received and read a Letter from
The Committee then adjourned until Monday, the ;

Shelter Island, dated June 7th, 1774, with Resolves, was

27th June, instant, then to meet at the Exchange, at
received and read one from County Hall, in Suffolk
;
6 o'clock, in the evening.
county, dated 2.5th June, 1774 and one from the Com- ;

mittee of Mechanics, dated New- York, 4th July also ;

one from Dutchess county, dated June 29th, 1774, was

New.York, June 27, 1774.
received and read.
The Committee met, by adjournment, at 6 o'clock, this
Mr. Booth moved, and was seconded by Mr. De
evening, at the Exchange Present, :

Lancey, that the previous question be put. Whether this

Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Laight, Nicholas Hoffman,
William Walton, Gerirdus Duyckinck,
Committee shall determine upon Mr. McDougall's motion,
AVilliain Bayard,
Theophilact B.iche, Richard Yates, Henry Rerasen, referring the nomination of Delegates to the Committee of
Peter V. B. Livingston, John Do Lancey, Peter T. Curtenius, Mechanics for their concurrence, or whether it should be
Isaac Sears, Miles Sherbrook, Peter Goolet,
Abraham Brasher, referred only to the town at large.
Charles McEvors, John Thurman,
Charles Nicholl, John Broome, Abraham P. Lott, Affirmatives. Dissentienis,
Alexander McDougall, Benjamin Booth, Gerard W. Beekman, William Bayard, Gerardus Duyckinck, Peter T. Curtenius,
Thomas Randall, Joseph Hallett, Joseph Bull, John Alsop, Edward L:iiglit Francis Lewis,
John Moore, Charles Shaw, Thomas Marston, Thomas Marston, Benjamin Booth, Isaac Sears,
Leonard Lispenard, Alexander Wallace, John Alsop. Hamilton Young, Williim Walton, Peter V. B. Livingston,
Jacobus Van Zandt, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Richard .Sharpe, William McAdam, Leonard Lispenard,
Joseph Bull, Theophilact Bache, Jacobus Van Zandt,
A Letter from Easthampton, of 17th June, 1774, with Gabriel H. Ludlow, John Da Lancey, Abraham Brasher,
Resolves, received and read a Letter from Fhiladelphia,
;
Miles Sherbrook, Richard Yates, John !\Ioore,
Gerard W. Beekman, Ciiarles Nicholl, Abraham P. Lott,
of 21st June, 1774, with Resolves, received and read ; Thomas Randall,
Charles Shaw, Henry Remsen,
a Letter from Boston, of 16th June, 1774, received and Alexander Wallace, John Thurman, Joseph Hallett,
read. Peter Goelet, Charles McEvers. John Broome,
Alexander McDougall.
On motion of Mr. McDougall, it was debated, which

was the most eligible mode

of appointing Deputies to Mr. Bache moved and was seconded by Mr. De
attend the ensuing general Congress when it was agreed
: Lancey
to postpone the determination of the matter, until Wednes- " That this Committee proceed to nominate five persons
day evening, at 6 o'clock, to which time the Committee to meet in a general Congress, at the time and place which
adjourned. shall be agreed on by the other Colonies, and that the
freeholders and freemen of the city and county of New-
York be summoned to appear at a convenient place to
New-York, June 29, 1774.
approve or disapprove of such persons for this salutary
The Committee met, by adjournment, at 6 o'clock, this purpose also, that this Committee write Circular Letters
;

evening, at the Exchange Present, :

to the Supervisors of the several counties, informing them
Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Laight, Gerardus Duyckinck, wiiat we have
done, and to request of them to send such
John Alsop, William Walton, Henry Remsen, Delegates as they may choose to represent them in Con-
Tlieophilact Bache, Richard Yates, Hamilton Young,
gress."
Peter V. B.Livingston, John De Lancey, Peter T. Curtenius,
Isaac Sears, Miles Sherbrook, Peter Goelct,
Captain Sears moved, and was seconded by Mr. P. V.
Charles McEvers, John Thurman, Abraham Brasher,
Charles Nicholl, John Broome, Abraham P. Lott, B. Livingston
Alexander McDougall, Benjamin Booth, William McAdam, " That Messrs. Isaac Low, James Duane, Philip Liv-
Thomas Randall, Josjph Hallett, Richard Sharpe,
John Moore, Charles Shaw, William Bayard, ingston, John Morin Scott, and Alexander McDougall,
Leonard Lispenard, Alexander Wallace, Nicholas Hoffman. be nominated agreeable to the question now carried."
Jacoboa Van Zandt, Gabriel H. Ludlow,
The previous question being on Captain Sears's motion,
A Letter from Tryon county, dated the 22d June, 1774,
it was carried as follows
was received and read ; a Letter from Southampton, dated
Affirmatives. Dissentients.
the 22d June, 1774, was received and read, together with
Jolm Moore, Gerardus Duyckinck, Isaac Sofir-s,
Resolves. William Bayard, Edward Liight, Petor T. Curtenuis,
Thomas Marston, William Walton, Petar V. B. Livingston,
Mr. McDougall moved, and was seconded by Mr. John John Alsop, Theophilact Bache, Leonard Lispenard,
Broome, in the following motion, viz : Hamilton Young, William McAdam, Jacobus Van Zandt,
Miles Sherbrook, Charbs Nicholl, Abraham Brasher,
''
That this Committee proceed immediately to nominate Thomas Randall,
Gabriel H. Ludlow, Richard Yat:s,
five Deputies and county of New- York, to
for the city Joseph Bull, John Thurman, Richard Sharpe,
represent them in a Convention of this Colony, or in the Gerard W. Beekman, Benjamin Booth, Jolm Broome,
Henry R-^msen, Frmcis L"wis, Abraham P. Lott,
general Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, on the first Alex ind."r McDougall,
Charles Shaw, Charls McEvers,
of September next, if the other counties of this Colony Alexander Wallace, Peter Goelct. Joseph Hallett.
approve of them as Deputies for the Colony and that ; John De Lancey,
their names be sent to tlie Committee of Mechanics for
Mr. De Lancey moved, and was seconded by Mr. Booth
their concurrence to be proposed on Tuesday next to the
;
" That Committee immediately proceed to nomi-
this
freeholders and freemen of this city and county for their
nate five persons to be held up to this city and county as
approbation."
proper persons to serve them as Delegates in a general
Debates arising on the foregoing motion, Congress."
Ordered, That the same be postponed until Monday When the following gentlemen had the greatest number
evening, the 4th of July next, then to be finally determined. of voices for their nomination, viz Philip Livingston, :

To which time the Committee adjourned. John Alsop, Isaac Low, James Duane, and JoAn Jay.
 sod NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 310
Ordered, That an Advertisement, signed by the Chair- was unanimously agreed that this Committee appoint a
man, be published, requesting the inhabitants of this city Committee of their body to attend with the Committee
and county to meet at the City Hall, on Tfiursdai/, the from the Mechanics, at Mr. Francis's, at 10 o'clock
7th instant, at 12 o'clock, to concur in the nomination of to-morrow morning, in order to appoint two or more per-
tlie foregoing five persons, or to choose such others in their sons in each Ward in this city, to take with them a list of
stead as in their wisdom shall seem meet.* the five persons nominated by this Committee, and also a
list of the five persons nominated
The Committee then adjourned, until 6 o'clock, on by the Committee of
Thursday evening, the 7th Mechanics, as Delegates to the proposed Congress and
instant, then to meet at the ;

Exchange. exhibit to the freeholders, freemen, and such of "the inhab-

itants who pay taxes, both lists, leaving it to their
election
to sign either ; for the five names nominated by this Com-
New. York, Tth July, 1774. mittee, or for the five nominated by the Committee of
The Committee met, by adjournment, at 6 o'clock, this Mechanics, as they shall think fit.

evening, at the Exchange Present, :

Ordered, That the following persons be a Committee
Isaac Low, Chairman, Leonard Lispenard, GabrielH. Ludlow, to attend the Committee of Mechanics for the aforesaid
John Alsop, Edward Laight, Nicholas Hoifman, purpose: Joseph Hallett, Charles Shaw, Isaac Sears,
William Bajard, William Walton, Henry Remsen,
Thf^ophilact Bache,
Peter Goelet, Francis Lewis, Peter T. Curtenius, Richard
Miles Sherbrook, Hamilton Young,
P. V. B. Livingston, John Tliurman, Peter T. Curtenius, Sharpe, Edward Laight, Joseph Bull.
Isaac Sears, Benjamin Booth, Peter Goelet,
Charles McEvcrs, Joseph Hallctt, Abraham P. Lott, The following motion was made by Mr. Thurman, and
Charles Nicholl, Charles Shaw, Gerard W. Beekman, seconded by Mr. McEvers
Alex. McDougall, Alexander Wallace, Joseph Bull,
Thomas Randall, Francis Lewis, Ricliard Sharpe.
" Mr. Chairman :An advertisement appeared yesterday
John Moore, in the following words, viz :

A
Letter, dated Albany, 29th June, 1774, from Jacob " The enemies of the o/ America being unwea-
liberties
Lansing, was received and read. " ried in misrepresenting the attachments of the inhabit-
Agreeable to the meeting advertised to be held at .the " ants of this city to the common cause of this country to
City Hall this day, a number of citizens attended, and it " the neighbouring Colonies, a number
of the citizens
* While the question on appointing Delegates to the General Con. or we ? They for endeavouring to impose such laws upon us, or to
gresswas pending, the following publications appeared deprive us of all our right to our own property ; or we, lor endeavour,
To the Lnhabitan'ts of the British Colonies in America. Never ing to prevent the imposition ? Surely Sir, the answer is obvious to
didAmerica behold so alarming a time as the present. The parent all mankind. The parent State is to blame, and not we. But, you
State is big with resentment against us for our late proceedings and say, they seem determined to make us obedient to the laws of the
;

seems detrmined, at all events either to make us obedient to the laws of British Parliament, or to cast us off. What then. Sir ? Should the
the British Parliament, or to cast us off, or let us cast off ourselves, and only happy country upon the face of the earth, should the groat
leave us freely to follow our own inventions. We seem as determined asylum for the distressed of all Europe, give up its right to its own
as they are, to abide by the issue ; otherwise, we should not certainly property, because a present Ministry, and a present House of Commons
encourage the people of Boston to refuse the papnent of a just seem d:,termined that they should ? 1 will venture to affirm. Sir, that
demand. And yet, all are ready to declare, that we cannot hope to if you consider this matter again, you will agree with me, that they
withstand the power of Britain, if once she was to let loose her mili. ought not ; and as to the casting us off, I am told that Britain re.
tnry indignation agiinst us. God forbid that we should ever feel it ceives too much advantage from the connection, to admit the idea.
the consequences might be ruinous to her; to us they must assuredly But we seem as determined as they to abide by the issue otherwise,
;

prove utterly destructive. The British Legislature claims a right you say, wo should not certainly encourage the people of Boston to
of
regulation which we professedly deny. refuse payment for the tea lately destroyed there. In this I have the
How shall the dispute between us bo adjusted ? How shall a firm honour of agreeing with you again ; but you'll excuse my dissent when
foundation be laid for a. future permanent Union ? Surely not by op. you say. Sir, that we encourage Boston to refuse the payment of a. just
posing a military force, wliich, in the event, must infallibly over. demand. How is it possil)le. Sir, tliat the well known honour and
])ower us ; and then we shall have no claim of right as being a con.
quered country. Surely not by making resolves in toicn and county,
— honesty of the British Colonies could encourage a sister Colony to
refuse the payment of a. just demand. No, Sir, they do not ; you quite
and parish meetings —
for tliey can do nothing, if we may judge by
: mistake the encouragement the Colonies give upon that liead ; it is
exjierienco, but inflame and irritate. Surely not by a General Con. only to refuse the payment of an unjust dsmand ; and a demand too
VENTION for that is a measure which never should be adopted, unless
;
that is as unjustly made. But you implicitly take it for granted, that the
we were resolved on the last extremes. Whatever may b3 the proceed. demand lajust. What then. Sir, does that prove it to be so ? Or i» it
ings of such a body, it is too much to bo apprehended that thry will a reason that the Colonies should do so too ? I believe I may venture
have no salutary influence on the British policy; because the Convcn. to inform you, that they consider particular circumstances, wnich that
tion itself will be deemed unconstitutional, and having no existence tea was under, which I think you would do well to consider too,
in
law, it may also be judged to be illegal. These, I hope, are the before you attempt to publish again upon the subject. And pray, Sir,
harshest terms it will be distinguished by ; but much softer ones, in the interim give free scope to your thouglits, and judge from your
I am
too clear, it will not experience. own reason, wlicther that same tea was not a felonious instrument
But we are aggrieved, and must have redress. Redress, I am confi- wafled over the Atlantic, with the express and malicious design of
dent, may be obtained but, I fear, not by any of the moans that we
; murdering the rights and liberties of a whole Continent. The Colo,
have hitherto fallen upon. We
talk much of the Constitution: Con. nies viewing the matter in this ;«»( point of light, can no more con.
stitutionally then let us act. demn its destruction, than you or I could the destruction of a weapon
Let EVERY CoLONV instruct its Representatives in General Assem- raised by the hand of an assassin to deprive us of life, limb, or private
bly, to present an humble address to the KING, requesting the liber- property. And let me assure you Sir, that while there is any private
ty of sending a certain number of their body to England at property lefV in the world, it will ever be defended by those who have
a fixed
time, for the express purpose of settling with the National Council,
a it; though to the damage of those who would unjustly attempt to take
Constitution for America, which hitherto we have not enjoyed, but in it away. But you add, that the British Legislature claims a right of
idea ; and let that settlement be final. regulation, which we professedly deny. True, Sir, such a right of
Tliis a request which a most gracious Sovereign would most gladly
is regulation, as would deprive us of all right to our oion properly, we
accede to; this is a measure which despotism itself could find no fault both professedly and sincerely deny and I believe will continue to do
:

with and in my humble opinion, it is the only measure which can

;
so, till the old principles of natural reason and justice are no more.
ensure to us our liberties, save the effusion of human blood, and make But then you ask, " how can tlie dispute be adjusted ?" I'll tell you.
our children's children adore the memory, and bless the wisdom of Sir, when our oppressors are convinced that it is more for their interest
their ancestors, who not only preserved their country from destruction, to treat ms justly, than otherwise and then, and not till then, will a,
;

))ut procured for them blessings— the blessings of right ascertained firm foundation be laid for a permanent Union ; and j ustico being the
and
acknowledged, with which former ages were almost wholly unac. corner stone, then every subject of the Empire shall be acknowledged
quaintcd. to have an equal right to his own property and that no power on
;

Should be objected that some of the Assemblies are dissolved, and

it earth can take tlie whole or any part of it from him, but by his own
not likely to be culled again, so that their constituents could not have consent, or that of his Representatives. I grant with you. Sir, that
an opportunity of instructing their Representatives ; the answer is this foundation cannot be laid by opposing a military force ; but should
obvious, that when such a disposition shall appear in the people, it be otherwise, should we be forced into a state of tlie most absolute
it
cannot be doubted that all the Gorernours upon the Continent would slavery ; I should take the liberty of denying your consequence, that,
readily embrace the favourable season, and give us all what ought
to
when conquered, we should have no claim of right, as being a con.
be our most ardent, and is our most patriotic wish to obtain. quered country ; for even in that case we should have all the rights

I New-York, July 5, 1774. you are pleased to vouchsafe to us no\v, the sole right of petitioning.
You seem to be very sure that our gjneral resolves can do us no
service and that a General Convention will be ineffectual for you
To the Author of a piece addressed to the Inhabitants of the British ; ;

say, *' that is a measure that should never be adopted, unless we were
Colonies in America, dated New. York, July 5, 1774.
" resolved on extremes." 'I'rue, Sir, no more it ought. But
tlie last
Sir You Address as above, I have read with much attention and
:
; America is now brought
to the last extremity, to the very brink of the
liapiiening to differ in opinion from you, in matters of importance only arbitrary gulf opened wide to devour her. And these being in our ap.
to the public, I hope you'll indulge me with the liberty of publishing prehensions necessarily tending to tlio last extremes, consequently in
my sentiments. your opinion, a General Convention ought now to be adopted to resolve
I agree with you, Sir, that America never did behold so alarming a upon them. But you say again, that Convention will be deemed un.
time as tlie present and that the parent State is big with resentment
; constitutional I hope not by you. Sir, who have been so good as to
;

against us for our late proceedings. But who are to blame for our allow it a right to meet upon tlie last extremity, to resolve upon the
alarming situation, and for our late proceedings ? The parent State last extremes. But having no existence in law, you say also it may
81 i NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 812
" think it highly necessary to convene the good people of Mr. Lewis moved, and was seconded by Mr. Curtenius :

" this metropolis in the Fields on Wednesday next, which " That a Committee be appointed to draw and report,
" will be the 6th instant, at six o^clock, in the evening, without delay, a set of Resolutions to be proposed to the
" where every friend to the true interest of this distressed city, expressing their sense of the Boston Port Act, and
" country is earnestly requested to attend, when matters of our concurrence with such of the neighbouring Colonies as
•'
the utmost importance to their reputations and security have declared what may be pro}>er to be done for the relief
" as freemen will be communicated. Tuesday, 5th July, of the town of Boston, and the redress of America
" 1774." grievances."

" The above advertisement is conceived in such mystic Ordered, unanimously, Tliatthe seven following persons
and ambiguous terms, that no person out of the secret be a Commintee for tliat purpose, viz : Mr. Low, Mr.
could imagine from whence it could proceed. Much sur- Lewis, Mr. Moore, Captain Sears, Mr. Remsen, Mr.
was I, to learn that a member of
prised, therefore, this Shaw, Mr. McDougall.
Committee acted as Chairman to the promoters of the said Mr. McEvers moved, and was seconded by Mr. Booth,
advertisement. " That Mr. Thurman's motion of this evening, with the
" 1 conceive, Mr. Chairman, that no individual whatever, resolve thereon, be immediately printed at large.
especially a member of this Committee, had a right to Which was carried as follows
call a meeting by an anonymous advertisement, much less
Affirmatires. Negiitirfs.
to exhibit a set of resolves calculated for particular pur- Mr. McEvers, Walton, Mr. Curtenius, Mr. Bull,
.

poses, no motion ever having been made for resolves in this Bocknian, Laight, McDougall, Lispenard,
Sherbrook, Bache, Randall, P.V. B. Livingston,
Committee, and that no resolves whatsoever should have Alsop, Nicholl, Lott, Captain Sears.
been entered into, until when well digested by this Com- Shaw, Thurman, Hallett,

mittee, and held up to the public for their consideration. Goelet, Booth.
Moore,
" I therefore move that this Committee disavow all such
proceedings, evidently calculated to throw an odium on this The Committee then adjourned until Wednesday, the
Committee, and to create groundless jealousies and suspi- 13th of July, at 6 o'clock, in ilie evening.
cions of their conduct, as well as disunion among our fel-
low-citizens."

Mr. McDougall moved, and was seconded by Mr. Lis- Proceedings in the Fields, referred to in Mr. Thur-
penard, That the previous question be put, on Mr. John man's motion of this Evening.
Thirman's motion, disavowing the proceedings in the Fields
on the 6th instant. At a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of the city of
Carried in the negative. iVew- York, convened in the Fields by public advertisement,
on Wednesday, the 6th of July, 1774.
Affirmativet, Negathet.
Francis Lowis, John Alsop, Edward Lii^ht, Mr. Alexander McDougall, Chairman.
Peter V. B. Livingston, Charles McEvers, WiUiam Walton, The business of the meeting being fully explained by
Leonard Liepenard, Gerard W, Beekman, Charles Shaw,
Isaac Sears, Richard Sharps, Peter Goclet,
the Chairman, and the dangerous tendency of the numerous
Thomas Randall, Hamilton Young, John Moore, and vile arts used by the enemies of America, to divide
Peter T. Curtenius, Benjamin Booth, Nicholas Hoffman, and distract her councils, as well as the misrepresentations of
Alexander McDougall, Alexander Wallace, Miles Sherhrook,
the virtuous intentions of the citizens of this metropolis,
Abraham P. Lett, John Thurman, William Bay.ird,
Joseph Hallett, Charles NichoU, Gabriel H. Ludlow. in this interesting and alarming state of the liberties of
Joseph Bull, Theophilact Bache. America, the following Resolutions were twice read, and
Henry Remsen,
the question being separately put on each of them, they
Mr. Thurman' s motion being then put, it was carried in were passed without one dissentient
the affirmative.
1st. Resolved, nem. con.. That the statute commonly
Affirmativet, Negatives. called the Boston Port Act, is oppressive to the inhabitants
John Alsop, AViUiara Walton, Francis Lewis, of that town, unconstitutional in its principles, and danger-
Charles McEvers, Charles Shaw, Peter V. B. Livingston,
Gerard W. Beekman, Peter Goalet, Leonard Lispenard, ous to the liberties of British America ; and that, tiiere-
Richard Sharpe, John Moore, Isaac Sears, fore, we consider our brethren at Boston as now suffering
Hamilton Young, Nicholas HofTman, Thomas Randall, in the common cause of these Colonies.
Benjamin Booth, Miles Sherbrook, Peter T. Curtenius,
Alexander Wallace, William Bayard, Alexandsr McDougall, 2d. Resolved, nem. con., That any attack or attempt to
John Thurman, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Abraham P. Lott, abridge the liberties, or invade the Constitution of any of
Charles Nicholl, Joseph Bull, Joseph Hallett. our sister Colonies, is immediately an attack upon the liber-
Theophilact Bache, Henry Remsen.
Edward Laight, ties and Constitution of all the British Colonies.
3d. Resolved, nem. con.. That the shutting up of any of
Resolved, therefore, That such proceedings are evidently
the ports in America, with intent to exact from Americans
calculated to throw an odium upon this Committee, and to
a submission to Parliamentary taxation, or extort a repara-
cause groundless jealousies and suspicions of their conduct, tion of private injuries, is highly unconstitutional, and sub-
as well as disunion among our fellow-citizens. versive of the commercial rights of the inhabitants of this
Continent.
be judged to be illegal by no means. Sir, when you have allowed that
;

the last extremes will make it legal. You are confident that redress 4th. Resolved, nem. con.. That it is the opinion of this
may be obtained, but not by any means we have hitherto fallen upon. meeting, that if tlie principal Colonies on this Continent
If the Congress or Convention which you have permitted to meet
shall come into a joint resolution to stop all importation
upon the last extremes, do fall upon means of redress, we shall be quite
satisfied ; though we have hitherto been unsuccessful. As to your from, and exportation to Great Britain, till the Act of
method of redress, which you say is the only one that a most frraciam Parliament for blocking up the harbour of Boston be
Sovereign would most gladly accede to, and which can insure to us repealed, the same will [irove the salvation of North
our liberties, I do humbly afiirm, that I think it a method so little
caleulated to inture to us our liberties, that, with ninety.nine Ameri. America and her liberties; and that, on the other hand, if
cans out of every hundred, it would bo thought a most cffoctual way to they continue their exports and imports, there is great rea- .

destroy them unless, Sir, you would he pleased

; to give security that son to fear that fraud, power, and the most odious oppres-
our Duputi:,s sent to Parliament sliould not be polluted by the well
known fountains of corruption, that at present have too much existence sion, will rise triumphant over right, justice, social happi-
there. In one place you grant that we have a Constitution, or why do ness, and freedom : Therefore,
you call upon us to act constitution:! lly ? And in another, you are 5th. Resolved, nem. con.. That the Deputies who shall
pleased to inform us that hitherto we have had no Constitution, but in
idea. Pray, Sir, be pleas(«l to inform us of your design in these senti- represent this Colony in tlie Congress of American Depu-
ments ; lest we miglit bo led to think you liad bjen guilty of a small ties, to be held at Philadelphia, about the first of Septem-
contradiction. For my own part, could I bili-ive that hithprto wo
ber next, are hereby instructed, empowered, and directed
have had no Constitution, but in idea, 1 sliould be led to think that
our soveral Governments were ideal also that our courts of justice
;
to enga"e with a majority of tlie principal Colonies, to
were ideal, and that the glorious Conorkss itself will bo l)Ut ideal ; if auree for tliis city upon a non-imiwrtation from Great Bri-
so, surely it cannot be an object worthy of your future opposition.
tain, of all goods, wares and nierchiindises, until the Act
However tliat may be, we shall trust to the wisdom of its imbors, m
and to tiicir nncorrupted patriotis7n coumiit our cause tlie cause of for blocking up the harbour of Boston be repealed, and
;

Gad ; the cause of nature ; tlio cause of America. American grievances be redressed ; and also to agree to
818 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 814
all such other measures as tiie Congress shall in their wisdom that the temper manifested by the majority for publishing
judge advancive of these great objects, and a general secu- Mr. McEvers's motion, is destructive to, and subversive
rity of the rights and privilege* of America. of, the end for which the Committee of Correspondence

6th. Resolved, nem. con., Tliat this meeting will abide was appointed. All of which is, nevertheless, humbly
by, obey, and observe all such resolutions, detenninations submitted to you.
and measures, which the Congress aforesaid shall come Francis Lewis, Isaac Sears,
into, and direct or recommend to be done, for obtaining Joseph Hallett, Thomas Randall,
and securing the important ends mentioned in the foregoing Alexander McDougall, Abraham P. Lott,
resolutions. And that an engagement to this effect be P. V. B. Livingston, Leonard Lispenaru.
immediately entered into and sent to the Congress, to
evince to them our readiness and determination to co-ope- We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, though not
rate with our sister Colonies for the relief of our distressed present at the debates, do likewise request our names may
brethren at Boston, as well as for the security of our com- be struck out of the list of the Committee.
mon rights and privileges. John Broome,
7th. Resolved, nem. con.. That it is the opinion of this
Abraham Brasher.
meeting that it would be proper for every county in the
Jacobus Van Zandt.
Colony, without delay, to send two Deputies, chosen by
the people, or from the Committees chosen by them in
N. B. It may be proper to inform the reader, that
each county, to hold, in conjunction with Deputies for this
printing the proceedings of the Committee has been
city and county, a Convention for the Colony, (on a day
agitated several times, and judged inexpedient, because
to be appointed,) in order to elect a proper number of
every citizen, by the rules of the Board, may have access to
Deputies to represent the Colony in the general Congress.
them in the presence of one of the members that Mr. ;
But that, if the counties shall conceive this mode imprac-
McEvers's motion was made after the Committee adjourn-
ticable or inexpedient, they be requested to give their
ed to Monday next, and some of the members were gone,
approbation to the Deputies who shall be chosen for this
and one going down stairs.
city and county to represent the Colony in Congress.
New.Yoik, July 8tli, 1774.
8th. Resolved, nem. con., That a subscription should
immediately be set on foot for the relief of such poor
inhabitants of Boston as are, or may be deprived of the
means of subsistence, by the operation of the Act of Par- To the worthy Inhabitants of the City and County of
liament for stopping up the port of Boston. The money New- York.
which shall arise from such subscription to be laid out as
the city Committee of Correspondence shall think will best Fellow-Countrymen Your Committee of fifty-one
:

answer the end proposed. having laid before you their proceedings on Thursday even-
9th. Resolved, nem. con.. That the city Committee of ing, I should not have troubled you at this time, had not

Correspondence be, and they are hereby instructed, to use eleven of the Committee made a formal resignation, and
their utmost endeavours to carry these resolutions into published an appeal to you in justification of their conduct.
execution. You are told, that " the people have an undoubted
" right to convene themselves, and come into whatever
Ordered, That these Resolutions be printed in the pub- " resolutions they shall think proper, if they be not con-
licnewspapers of this city, and transmitted to the different " trary to law." This is granted by every one but you ;

counties in this Colony, and to the Committees of Corres- would think me a very impudent ftjllow, and deserving of
pondence for the neighbouring Colonies. the severest reprehension, if I, as a member of that Commit-
tee, was to call you together this evening by an anonymous
advertisement, and propose a set of resolves to you of the
last importance, whhout either giving you the least previous
To the Inhabitants of the City and Ct)Mn<yo/" New- York.
notice of their contents, or consulting your Committee upon
Gentlemen : The trust you were pleased to repose in the occasion. Would you not be all of opinion that I
us, in appointing us members of the Committee of Corres- deserved the highest censure, both from you and the Com-
pondence, renders it necessary to inform you of the above mittee ? This was the ground of your Committee's con-
proceedings, as well as to justify our conduct upon the duct and their disapprobation, as you have seen, was
;

points on which we divided. We

voted against Mr. conceived in the mildest terms the nature of the case could
Thiirman's motion, because the people have an undoubted admit of. And let those who quitted the chamber in a
right to convene themselves, and come into whatever rage, ordering their names struck off, and afterwards bawl-
resolutions they shall think proper, if they be not contrary ing along the streets, " the Committee is dissolved the —
to law and although the manner of calling them might not
; Committee is dissolved" — let them, I say, be answerable
be deemed so regular as might be wished, though practised for the consequences of a division, if a division must take
heretofore in the debates on the Stamp Act, yet consider- place. Your Committee, notwithstanding the. evident
ing that a respectable number of our fellow-citizens did designs of a faction to dissolve them, are determined to
meet, and did no acts but what were conformable to the persevere in promoting, to the utmost of their ability, the
general spirit of all the Colonies in this alarming state of our important ends of their appointment, so long as you, their
public affairs, we therefore conceived that our disavowing constituents, shall signify your approbation of their conduct.
their conduct would naturally tend to hold up the idea of The remainder of the appeal is taken up with a declara-
a division, if not a disapprobation ofthe resolutions and as
; tion of Mr. McEvers's, artfully selected to throw an obli()ue
the resolutions do not so much as insinuate that they came slur upon that gentleman's character. You are told, " that
from the Committee, no charge could lie against them for " he declared, before the question was put, that these pro-
any matter contained in them. For these reasons, also, we " ceedings should be published, in order to be sent home
voted against Mr. McEvers's motion to publish the pro- " by the packet." But they forgot to tell you, that Mr.
ceedings, and because he declared, before the question was McEvers previously declared that the resolves were printed
put, that these proceedings should be published, in order in Mr. Holt's paper on purpose to be sent home by the
that they might be sent home by the packet. This decla- packet, and that he wished our proceedings might accom-
ration from a member of the Committee, has, in our opinion, pany tliat paper wherever it went. This is all that your
such a tendency to hold up a disunion amongst us, which Committee had in view in publishing their proceedings.
must impede the public business, and retard a redress of They conceived that the resolves were printed and held
our grievances, especially as the gentlemen who voted for up to the worid, not only as the act of this Committee,
his motion heard the reasons offered against their being but of the city at large', and that they would evidently
published, that we conceive we cannot, with such a majo- pass under sucii a construction, unless the mode of obtain-
rity, answer the end of our appointment and, therefore,
; ing them was publicly disavowed. But you will readily
in justice to ourselves, and from a regard to the public discover how artfully this lias been rej^resented, with a view
interest, we desire that our names may be erased out of of tarnishing one of tlie most amiable characters among us ;
the list of the Committee. And we are humbly of opinion, a cliaracter^that is strongly marked in the breast of every
315 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 3^6

good citizen, as exhibiting not only a true friend to the all probability they do, yet, as they contain our sentiments,
lil>erties of this country, but a friend to mankind. it is furdier ordered, that diey be immediately published
O.NE OF THE Committee. as such, leaving those who may dissent from us to declare
New. York, July 9th, 1774.* their opinions in such other phrases or modes of expression
as they siiali diink ))roper.
Resolved, That his most sacred Majesty George
1st.
New. York, July 13, 1774.
the Third, King of Great Britain, is our liege, lawful,
The Committee met, by adjournment, at six o'clock, in
and rightful Sovereign, and that it is our indispensable
the evening.
duty, to the utmost of our power, by all constitutional
[ The Committee appointed on the 7th instant, present-
means, to maintain and support his crown and dignity
ed a set of Resolutions to be proposed to the City. ]
that it is our greatest happiness and glory to have been
Ordered, Tiiat the same be forthwith printed, and dis-
born British subjects, and that we wish nothing more
tributed in iiaiidbills, for the consideration of the public, we one
ardently than to live and die as such : that are
who are requested to attend at the Coffee House on Tues- people, connected by the strongest of affection, duty
ties
day next, at 12 o'clock in the morning, to si::nify their
and interest, and that wo lament as the greatest misfortune,
.senseof the said resolves. every occurrence which has the least tendency to alienate
Mr. Laight moved, and was seconded by Mr. McEvers or disturb that mutual harmony and confidence, which, if
" That the five gentlemen nominated by diis Committee as
properly cultivated, could not fail of rendering the British
Delegates to the general Congress, viz Mr. Diiane, Mr.
:
Empire the admiration and envy of the world. That we,
Philip Livingston, Mr. John Alsop, Mr. Isaac Loio, andtherefore, view with inexpressible concern and grief, some
Mr. John Jay, be proposed to the citizens for their appro-
late acts of the British Parliament, claiming rights, and
bation at the same time and place ;"
exercising powers, which we humbly conceive are replete
Which being unanimously agreed to. with destruction, and may be attended with the most fatal
Ordered, That printed Notices be immediately dis- conseqtiences to the Colonies and their parent State.
pei-sed.
2d. Resolved, That all Acts of the UriCuA Parliament,
The Committee adjourned until Tuesday, the 19th of imposing taxes on the Colonies, are unjust and unconstitu-
July, instant, to meet at 6 o'clock, in the evening.
tional, and particularly that the Act for blocking up the port
of Boston, is in the highest degree arbitrary in its princi-
New-York, 19th July, 1774. ples, oppressive in its operation, unparalleled in its rigour,
indelinite in its exactions, and subversive of every idea of
The Committee met, by adjournment, at 6 o'clock, this
British liberty, and therefore justly to be abhorred and
evening: Present,
detested by all good men.
Isaac IjOW, Chairman, Peter Go"let, John Jay,
John Alsop, Charles McEvers, Joseph Bull, 3d. Resolved, That the destrucdon of the tea at Boston
Peter T. Curtenius, Alexander Wallace, Gabriel H. Ludlow, was not die only motive for bringing such unexampled dis-
Henry Remsen, diaries Shaw, Edward L lisrht, tress on that people, because the alternative of suffering
Jolm Da Lancoy, John Moore, Hamiltoii Young,
it, or paying for the tea, had otherwise been left in their
Benjamin Booth, Ahriharn Walton, G ravJus Duyckinck,
William Walton, Willidm Bayard, Richard Yates, option. But we truly lament that the enforcing the right
(ierard W. Beekman, of taxation over the Colonies seems to have been the main
A Letter, dated Charlcstown, S. C, 8th July, 1774, design of the said Act of Parliament.
with Resolves, was received and read. 4tli. Resolved, That vengeance separately directed has
The Resolves proposed by this Board to the inhabitants a more dangerous tendency, and is more destructive of the
of this city, having been pubhshed and dispereed through liberties of America dian conjunctively ; and that dierefore
the town several days previous to this meeting, and every it isthe indispensable duty of all the Colonies, according
person thereby furnished with an opportunity of consider- to their different circumstances, to afford every reasonable
ing them with due deliberation, and as only a small pro- assistance to a sister Colony in distress, especially when
portion of the citizens attended the meeting at the Coffee that distress is evidently calculated to intimidate others
House to signify their sense of same, and the sentiments from contributing what may be in then: power to procure
of the majority still remaining uncertain the desired relief.
Therefore, to remove all doubts and uneasiness on that 5th. Resolved, That the proposed Congress of Dele-
head, it is ordered, that certain amendments be made to gates from the different Colonies, to consult on the mode
the said resolves, [see Resolves, 2d, 3d, and 7th,] and that of procuring relief from our difficulties, is the most pru-
two or more persons be appointed in each Ward to take dent measure that could have been devised at this alarming
tiie sense of the freeholders, freemen, and such others who crisis.
])ay taxes, respecting the said resolutions so amended as ; 6th. Resolved, That as the wisdom of the Colonies
also the Delegates nominated by this Committee to attend will, in all probability,be collected at the proposed Con-
the Congress. But, in the mean time, although the said gress, it would be premature in any Colony to anticipate
resolves cannot with certainty be said to correspond with their conduct by resolving what ought to be done; but
tlie sentiments of the major part of the citizens, though in that it should be left to their joint councils to determine
• Several handbills on the Times have been printed and distributed in on the mode which shall appear most salutary and effec-
this city since the 9th instant, viz : tual to answer the good purposes for which they are con-
Mr. McDougall's Address to the Freeholders and Freemen of this
vened.
City and County, upon the nomination of five gentlemen to represent
the Province in the Continental Congress. In this perrormance, the 7th. Resolved, That nothing less than dire necessity
proposed method of taking the sense of the city upon the nomination, can justify, or ought to induce the Colonies to unite in any
that ought to be adopted, is censured as an infringement of the liber,
measure that might materially injure our brethren, the
ties of the electors;for which reason, and to end a controversy that
might prove injurious to the common causb, this gentleman declines a manufiicturers, traders, and merchants in Great Britain ;
nomination to the Congress. but that the preservation of our inestimable rights and
A Moderate Man's Address to the free.horn Citizens o/ New-York, liberties, as enjoyed and exercised, and handed down to
approving of the Resolves, disapproving of the manner in wliich thoy
were obtained, and recommending that the eleven members be desired us by our ancestors, ought to supersede all other consider-
to resume their seats in the Committee Chamber ;and yesterday was ations and that, therefore, we doubt not the cool, dispas-
;

published an Address to the Inhibitants of this City and County, by

sionate people of England, whose friendship on former
Agricola. T)ie author of this last exhibition undertakes to justify
the mode in which the Committee propos-d, agret^able to that ordained occasions we have experienced, will, on mature considera-
for their direction by the electors at the City Hall, on the Gth instant, tion, notonly applaud our motives, but co-operate with us
to collect the sense of the city and coimty, touching tlie choice of measures, for carrying these our vir-
in all constitutional
Deputies for the Congress. He makes very free, in other resi)ects,
with Mr. McDousaU's Address, and treats tlie Moderate Man (who tuous resolutions into execution, in order to obtain the
would gladly conciliate all differences, and wishes the eleven members desired and just redress of our grievances.
may resume their scats at the Committee Board,) with ineftable con. 8th. Resolved, That if a non-importation agreement
tempt.
List night the Committee of Correspondence mft, and concluded of goods from Great Britain should be adopted by the
upon a set of resolves on our present alarming satuation, wliieh will be Congress, it ought to be very general and faithfully adhered
this day eommuiiieatod to the public for their further consideration,
to and that a non-importation, partially observed, like the
;
and on Tuesday next the inhaliitants will he desired to meet at the
Coffee House to signify their sense of the said resolves. last, would answer no good purpose, but, on tlie contrary,
New-York, July 14, 1774. only serve to expose all the Colonies to further injuries.
817 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 818
9th. Resolved, therefore. That the Delegates to the tion on the Committee of Correspondence, and manifestly
Congress ought to be so cliosen or instructed, that they tends to divide the citizens into factions and parties, at a
may " be able, not only to speak the sentiments, but to time when they should be distinguished by concord and
" pledge themselves for the good conduct of the people of unanimity. Besides, we conceive our attendance could
" the Colonies tliey represent." answer no purpose, nor afford you any assistance. The
10th. Resolved, Tiiat the tribute of our most grateful resolves read yesterday, with a few amendments, contain
thanks is justly due to all the friends of the Colonies in our sentiments as such they will be published, and (some
;

Great Britain who are opposed to the severe measures seemingly exceptionable parts being omitted) offered to
now exerting against them ; and particularly to those the consideration of the public.
illustrious patriots who so ably distinguished themselves in We are, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servants,
both Houses of Parliament, in opposing laws, which, at Isaac Low, Henry Remsen,
the same time that they subvert the liberties of America, John Moore, John Jay.
have a manifest tendency to injure those of the mother To the Gentlemen of the Committee at Mr. Doran's.
country, and may eventually entirely overthrow their once
excellent Constitution.
New-York, July 25, 1774.
The following motion was made by Mr. Jay, and The Committee met, by adjournment, at the Exchange,
seconded by Mr. haight at 6 o'clock, in the evening :Present,
" That a Committee be appointed to take the distresses
Isaac Low, Chairman, Richard Yates, Gerardus Duyckinck,
of the poor of the town of Boston, and ways and means for John Alsop, Jolin De Lancey, Henry Remsen,
their relief, into consideration, and make their report with William Biiynrd, Miles .Sherbrook, Hamilton Young,
Theophilact Bache, Jolm Jay, Peter T. Curtenius,
all convenient speed."
Charles McEvers, Benjamin Booth, Abraham Duryee,
Ordered, That Mr. Also]), Mr. Jay, Mr. Curtenius, Charbs NichoU, Charles Shaw, Joseph Bull,
Mr. Laight, Mr. Duyckinck, and Mr. De Lancey, be a John Moore, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Richard Sharpe,
Edward Liight, Abraham Walton, Alexander Wallace.
Committee for that purpose.
William Walton,
Ordered, That the following persons be a Committee A Letter dated Boston, July, 1774, received and read.
to prepare answers to the Letters which have been
Mr. Remsen, seconded by Mr. Duryee, made the follow-
received, viz John Alsop, Theophilact Bache, Miles
:

ing motion, viz

Sherbrook, Richard Yates, Joseph Bull, Peter Goclet,
Gerardus Duyckinck. " Mr. Chairman, I move that a poll be opened at the
Ordered, That Mr. Shaw, Mr. William Walton, Mr. usual places of election in each Ward in this city, on
Curtenius, Mr. Goelet, Mr. Remsen, Mr. Laight, and Mr. Thursday, the 28th instant, at 9 o'clock, in the morning, to
Bull, be a Committee to apply to the Committee of elect five Deputies for the city and county of New- York,
Mechanics, and request them to appoint certain persons of to meet in Congress, at Philadelphia, the first o( September
their body to join our nominating body to go round the next and in order that the same may be conducted in the
;

Wards to take the sense of the inhabitants on the matters most unexceptionable manner :

above mentioned. " I further move, that this Committee request the Alder-
The Committee adjourned, to Monday, the 25th instant, men, Conmion Council, and Vestry in each Ward to super-
at 6 o'clock, in the evening, to meet at the Exchange. intend the same, and that the Committee of Mechanics be
also requested to appoint two persons in each Ward to
attend with two of this Committee for the same purpose
New. York, July 20th, 1774. that not only the freeholders and freemen, but also persons
To the Respectable Public. —We
conceive the sense who pay taxes be deemed qualified to vote."
of our fellow-citizens, relative to the Delegates to repre- Which being unanimously agreed to
sent them at the proposed Congress, (notwithstanding the Ordered, That the same be forthwith earned into exe-
proceedings of yesterday at the Coffee House,) remains cution, and public notice thereof be immediately given
so uncertain, that until the sentiments of the town are by printed handbills.
ascertained with great precision, we can by no means con-
Ordered further. That the following persons be a
sider ourselves, or any others, nominated as Delegates,
Committee For the East Ward, Theophilact Bache and
:
duly chosen or authorized, to act in so honourable and
Charles McEvers for the South Ward, Charles NichoU
;
important a station. John Alsop,
and John DeLancey ; for the Dock Ward, Charles Shaw
Isaac Low,
and Gabriel H. Ludlow ; for Montgomerie Ward, James
John Jay.
Bull and Edward Laight ; for the North Ward, William
McAdam and Miles Sherbrook; for th.e West Ward,
New. York, 20th July, 1774. Benjamin Booth and Peter T. Curtenius; for the Out
To the Respectable Public. —Certain
Resolves having Ward, William Bayard and Abraham Duryee.
An Amendment having been made, by upwards of fifteen
been proposed by the Committee of Correspondence, to
a number of citizens assembled at the Coffee House yes- persons of this Committee, in their third resolve, and
terday, and rejected,* and instead of desiring that amend- ordered to be printed in Mr. Gaine's paper of this day,*
ments or additions might be made, or a new set drawn up different from what was inserted in Mr. Rivington's and

by the said Committee, more agreeable to their sentiments, Holt's papers of Thursday last, the said Amendment is
they proceeded to nominate a new Committee for the unanimously adopted by this Committee, and ordered to

purpose, and appointed us, the subscribers, on it and ;

remain as such.
being summoned this morning to attend their meeting, The Committee adjourned, to meet on Thursday even-
thought it incumbent on us to return the following answer :
ing, the 27th instant.

Gentlemen : We have received your notice to attend •Whereas a set of Resolves were published in Mr. Gaine's Gazette of
the 25th instant, by some gentlemen and others, styling themselves a
the Committee appointed yesterday to draw up resolves
Committee of the city of New-York, wherein among other things it
for this city. When we consider that the appointment of was proposed to the Committee of Correspondence to send expresses to
this Committee was proposed and carried without any pre- the Supervisors of the different precincts or districts of each county,
in order to collect the sentiments of the people upon the present alarm-
vious notice of such design having been given to the
ing and critical situation of affairs in America.
inhabitants, and made no part of the business for which In case such expresses arrive, an inhabitant of this county would bo
they were requested to assemble, we think our election glad to have answers to a few queries, which may enlighten the minds
of some, and facilitate the measure of joining with their fellow-subjects
too irregular to assume any authority, in consequence of it,
in publisliing a proper set of resolves.
to draw resolves for the town especially as the nomina- right of
; First, Does the King of Great Britain's authority, or his
tion of this Committee seems to cast an invidious reflec- dominion over the American Colonics, stand in any need of being esta-
blished by such resolves of town and parish meetings, as appaar in the
* By a very lato letter we are informed that the people of New.York newspapers ?
have unanimously voted, that the resolves proposed to them were desti- Secondly, Does our resolving that wo are his Majesty's true and
tute of vigour, sense, and integrity that tlicy have chosen a Commit-
; faithful liogn subjects, make us one jot tho more so ?
tee of fifteen persons to draw up new resolves, and that two unexcep- Thirdly, Have or have not tho Boslonians for a series of years past,
tionable friends of liberty wore added to the Delegates. by many of their transactions and publications, discovered an inclina-
Boston, July 25, 1774. tion to subvert the Constitution both in Church and State ?
 319 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 320
New. York, July 27, 1774. The Committee appointed to wait on the Magistrates,
The Committee met, by adjomiiment, this evening: Common Council, and Vestry, to request their superin-
Present, tendence in each Ward, at tlie election for Delegates, to
Isaac Low, Chairman, John Do Lancey, Henry Romson, attend the proposed Congress, reported, that they had ac-
William Bayard, Jolin Jay, Peter T. C^urtoniiu,
cordingly waited on them, and received for answer, that
Philip Livingston, Bjnjaniin Booth, Abraham J)uryeo,
Charles Niclioll, ClinrL-s Shaw, Josepli Bull, they would comply with their request.
Jolin Moora, Aloxander Wallace, Richard Sharpe, The Committee of Mechanics returned the names of
Edward Laight, Gabriel H. Ludlow, IVter Godet, the fourteen persons they were requested to appoint to
William Walton, G<!rard Duyckiiick, Joseph llallett.
Richard Yates, Peter Van iScliaack,
attend the said election.

A
Note from the Commitlee at Mr. Marriner's, to the
A Letter from Charles Thomson, dated Philadelphia,
25th July, 1774, received and read, with Resolves.
Delegates nominated by this Committee, with their Answer
was read, and is in the words following The Committee adjourned to 28th instant.
^ow-York, July 2G, 1774.
Gentlemen : As you are upon the nomination as Dele-
gates to represent this city and county of New-York, at
New- York, July 28, 1774.

the proposed Congress, in order to avoid the inconveniences The Committee met this evening, at 6 o'clock, at the
which may arise from contested elections, we are re- Exchange : Present,
quested as a Conmiitlee from a number of citizens to ask Isaac Low, Chairman, John Mooro, Charles Shaw,
you, whether on your part you will engage to use your John Alsop, Edward Laight, Alexander Wallace,
William Bayard, William Walton, Gabriel H. Ludlow,
utmost endeavoui-s at the proposed Congress, that an
Theophilact Bacho, John De Lancey, Nicholas Hoffman,
agreement not to import goods from Great Britain Philip Livingston, Miles Slicrbrook, GerarduB Duyckinck,
until the American grievances be redressed, be entered C-harles McEvers, John Jay, Peter T. ("urtcnius,
into by the Colonies there to be represented, if you
Charles Nicholl, Benjamin Booth, Peter Goelst.

will so engage, tiie body by whom we are nominated The Committee observing a mistake in the account
will support you, if not, that body have a set of candidates given Mr. Holt's paper, of the opinion declared by the
in
who will comply with the proposed engagement. Delegates nominated to attend the Congress, relative to
Presented by Messrs. Abraham Brasher, Theophi- the more proper measures to be adopted by the Colonies
Lus Anthonit, Francis Van Dyck, Jeremiah Platt, in the present alarming situation,*
Christopher Duyckinck. Ordered, That the proceedings of this Committee
relative to tlie matter, be published in the next paper.
Answer to the foregoing Note :
The gentlemen of this Committee appointed to attend
New- York, July 27, 1774. the poll held in the different Wards of the city, for the
Gentlemen Should we become your Delegates, we
: election of five Delegates to represent this city and county,
beg leave you tliat we will use our utmost endea-
to assure at the ensuing Congress, deHvered the poll lists taken at
vours to carry every measure into execution at the pro- the said election in each Ward of this city, subscribed by
posed Congress that may then be thought conducive to the Magistrates and others under whose superintendence
the general interest of the Colonies ; and, at present, are of the same was held, w'hich said several poll lists being read
opinion that a general non-importation agreement, faith- and examined, it appears that Philip Livingston, Isaac
fully observed, would prove the most efficacious means to Loio, John Jay, John Alsop, and James Duane, the
procure a redress of our grievances. persons nominated by this Committee, were unanimously
Permit us to add, that we are led to make this decla- elected Delegates for the aforesaid purpose.
ration of our sentiments, because we think it right, and not The Committee appointed to take the distresses of the
as an inducement to be favoured with your votes nor have ;
poor of the town of Boston, and ways and means for their
we the least objection to your electing any gentlemen as relief into consideration, reported that they have entered
your Delegates, in whom you think you can repose greater on the inquiry, and will make a full report upon the matters
confidence, than in your humble servants, submitted to them at the next meeting of tlie Committee.
Philip Livingston, John Alsop,
Isaac Low, John Jay.
Copy of a Letter to the Committee of Correspondence
at Charlestown, South Carolina
Tlie following was received in Answer to the above :
New.York, July 26, 1774.
New- York, July 27, 1774.
Gentlemen Your
favour of the 8th instant, enclosing
:

At a meeting of a number of citizens, convened at the

the resolutions entered into by the inhabitants of your
house of Mr. Marriner, it was unanimously agreed. That
Colony, was delivered to us by Captain Hunt and the ;
they acquiesce in the nomination of the following gentle-
resolutions being read to this Committee, were much ap-
men, as Delegates to represent the city and county of New-
proved of.
York, at the ensuing Congress to be held at Philadelphia,
gives us the greatest pleasure to perceive that at tiiis
It
on the first of September next, viz
time, when the liberties of America are so unjustly invad-
Mr. Philip Livingston, Mr. James Duane, ed, your sentiments so exactly correspond with oiu' own,
John Alsop, John Jay. as nothing but a union among all the Colonies can
strict
Isaac Low, ever effect a restoration of our just rights; it is our sincere
Presented by Messrs. Abraham Brasher, Theophi- wish that every Colony will exert themselves to the utmost
Lus Anthony, Francis Van Dyck, Jeremiah Platt, to preserve that union strict and inviolable for our parts, ;

Christopher Duyckinck. you may depend we will readily concur in every constitu-
Fourthly, Was the destruction of the tea at Boston the sole cause of tional measure that carries with it any probability of
tlin gri'^vances underwhich that city now labours ? success in obtaining a redress of our grievances.
Fifthly, Does not our resolving, that the people of Boston are suffer, You will please to observe, there lias been three differ-
ing in the common cause of America, involve us in an imputation
that we concur with tliom in sentiments and inclinations in sucli
ent sets of resolves entered into by the inhabitants of this
schemes as may have created a jealousy in the motlier country, and city but that which is signed by our Chairman, we have
;

brought on thom their present sufferings ? adopted. Thursday next is the day appointed to choose
Sixtiily, Will not a general agroenient of non-iraportation from
England bring on an entire non-exportation, by justly causing our ports Delegates to represent this city and county in the general
to be blocked up like that of Boston ; and tlien what will become of our
• The following the publication referred to
produce, of wliich we are like to have such vast quantities ?
:
is

Lastly, Would not a general agreement, (religiously observed) not "There seems to be at present, a coilition of parties in this city, with
to use t !a, or any other article unconstitutionally taxed together with
; respect to the measures previous to a general Congress of Dologat, s
the united repr sentalion or application of tlieir 1 igal Representatives from the several British Colonies. Both pirtics acqui;sced in the
in the several Provinces, to our most gracious Sovereign, bo the most Delegates nominated for tliis city ; and those g!ntlemon have daclartHi
likely and unexceptionable means for American* to havo their present their present opinion, that a non-importation agreement will be nec.s.
grievances r^'^ressed ? sary, but are left at liberty to conform to the general opinion of th«
Ulster County, Nete-York, July 30, 1774. Delegates at the Congress."
 821 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 322

Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, the first oi September Copy of a Letter sent to the Committee, or Treasurer
next, and we make no doubt the other Colonies will soon of the different Counties
follow our example. When the choice is made, we shall New-York, July 29, 1774.

acquaint you therewith, as well as with every other Gentlemen : We should have answered your letter

measure entered into by the inhabitants of this Province. sooner, but were induced to defer it by the prospect we
In the mean time, we remain, gentlemen, your most had of having all disputes relative to our Delegates (the
obedient servants. By order of the Committee. only matter of moment we had to communicate) settled
before now ; but various cross-circumstances have continu-
P. S. packets enclosed in yours, were carefully
The ally intervened to prevent our endeavours for terminating
forwarded, and the proper direction put on that for so important a controversy.
Quebec. This Committee think themselves highly obliged At length, however, we have the pleasure to acquaint
to Captain Hunt for his civility, in detaining his vessel for
you, that a mode has been adopted which gave universal
your despatches. satisfaction that of opening a regular poll in each Ward of
;

July 28ih. This day a poll was opened in the different this city ;consequence whereof, the following five gentle-
in
Wards for choosing Delegates to represent this city and men, James Duane, Philip Livingston, John Alsop, Isaac
county at the Congress, the first of September next, at Low, and John Jay, were unanimously elected to repre-
Philadelphia and the following five gentlemen, James
; sent this city in the general Congress, the 1st of September
Duane, Philip Livingston, John Alsop, John Jay, and next, at Philadelphia.
Isaac I^ow, were unanimously elected for that purpose. It therefore becomes necessary that the Delegates to
represent the other counties in this Province, be speedily
appointed. The counties will judge of the propriety of
Copy of a Letter to the Committee of Correspondence confiding in the same persons only which we have chosen,
at Philadelphia : or to appoint such others to go with them to the Congress,
New. York, July 28, 1774. Permit
as they may think fit to depute for that purpose.
Gentlemen : After various contests and other interven- us to observe, that the number of Delegates is imma-
ing circumstances to prevent our endeavours for terminat- terial, since those of each Province, whether more or less,
ing the appointment of our Delegates to represent this will conjointly have only one vote at the Congress.
city and county in the general Congress, we have at length In order, however, that the representation of the different
the pleasure to acquaint you, that a mode has been adopted counties may be quite complete, it is absolutely necessary
which has given universal satisfaction ; that of opening that your county appoint, with all possible speed, one or
a regular poll in each Ward of this city. In consequence more Delegates, to join and go with ours to the Congress,
whereof, the following five gentlemen, James Duane, or, if you choose to repose your confidence in our Dele-
Philip Livingston, John Alsop, John Jay, and Isaac gates, that you signify such your determination in the most
Loiv, were unanimously elected. clearand explicit terms, by the first opportunity after the
Circular Letters have also been despatched to the dif- sense of your county can be known on so interesting a
ferent counties in this Province, informing them of what subject.*
we have done, and requesting them each to appoint, with The Committee adjourned, until Monday, August 7th,
ail one or more Delegates to join and go
possible speed, 1774.
with ours to Congress or if they choose to confide in our
;

Delegates, to signify such their determination, in the most New-York, August 7, 1774.
clear and explicit terms the first opportunity after the sense
The Committee met, by adjournment, at the Exchange,
of the counties can be known on so interesting a subject.
at 6 o'clock, in the evening : Present,
We received your favour, enclosing the Resolves and Isaac Low, Chairman, Miles Sherbrook, Peter Van Schaack,
Instructions of your Provincial Committee to the House of John Alsop, John Jay, Henry Remsen,
Assembly they are approved, and do great honour to the
;
Philip Livingston, Benjamin Booth, Peter T. Curtenius,
Charles Shaw, Gerard W. Beekman,
authors. We are gentlemen, your most humble servants. James Uuane,
Edward Laiglit, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Abraham Duryee,
By order of the Committee. William Walton, Nicholas HofFman, Joseph Bull.
John De Lancey, Gerardus Duyckinck,

A Letter from Elizabethtown, dated August 5, 1774,

Copy of a Letter to Matthetv Tilghman, Esquire, was received and read.
Chairman for Maryland : Ordered, That John Jay, James Duane, Philip Living-
Ncw-York, July 28, 1774.
ston, and Henry Remsen, be a Committee to answer a
Wehave received your favour of 26th ultimo, which Letter from Boston ; and to wait on the Chairman of the
brought us your Resolutions for the people of the Province Mechanics' Committee, to request the favour of the
of Maryland. They were read, and their firmness and Boston Letter to them.
I spirit much approved. Ordered, That the following persons be a Committee
You mention the 20th September, at Philadelphia, as to procure proper persons to go round in the different
the time and place for the general Congress ; but the Colo- Wards of this city, with a subscription for the relief of the
ny of Massachusetts has fixed on the 1st of September, at poor in the town of Boston, and to draw up the form of
Philadelphia, for that purpose ; and we with the rest of such subscription, Peter T. Curtenius, Peter Van Schaack,
the Eastern Colonies have agreed to the same time and Charles Shaw, Edward Laight, Nicholas Hoffman, Ge-
place, New-Hampshire excepted, from whence we have rardus Duyckinck, Joseph Bull.
not yet been favoured with their sentiments on the present The above persons to request the Committee of Me-
situation of our American affairs, so that we are uncertain chanics to appoint a Committee from their body, to assist
how they intend acting, but are in hopes they will join in this Committee in the above office. That the moneys
the general plan of operation. when collected, be paid into the hands of Messrs. Gerar-
This city and county have this day elected their five dus Duyckinck, Peter T. Curtenius, a.nd G. W. Beekman.
Delegates to attend at the ensuing Congress their names :
The Committee adjourned until to-morrow evening, at
are Philip Livingston, John Alsop, Isaac Low, James 8 o'clock.
Duane, and John Jay ; whose names will be sent up to the • New-York, August 25. On the 16tli instant there was a meeting
other counties of this Province to know if they approve of of the several Committees of the County of Orange, when Henry
them to represent the whole Province, if not, to add such Wisner and John Waring, Esquires, were chosen Delegates for that
the first
county, to meet at tlio Congress at Philadelphia on or about
others as tliey shall think proper.
day of September next.
You have herewith the Resolves of this Committee, a meetmg
We hear from Albany, that on the 10th instant there wasbusiness of
which seem to be principally adopted in this city ; notwith- of the inhabitants at the Market Place in tliat city, on the
the Uth they
two other sets of resolves in the public appointing Delegates for the general Congress. That on
standing, tl'.ere are Yates, feter
had anotlicr meeting, wiien it was resolved that Robert
newspapers. approved by the
Sylvester, and Henry Van Schaack, Esquires, if
at a general meet-
The delay that has happened in fixing upon our Dele- majority of the Delegates from the several Districts,
county to attend tlie
ina for the county, sliould be deputed for the said
gates, lias prevented our answering your favour until now, hear several other counties havo
Co'ngrcss at Philadelphia. We
for which we must beg your excuse, and remain, with adopted the measure of sending, each for itself, Delegates to the
great respect, gentlemen, your most humble servants. Congress.

FouETH Series. 21
828 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 334
Ncw.York, August 8, 1774. are our countr)'men and brethren, suffering in the common
The Committee met, by adjournment, this evening: cause of liberty, and their hard condition may one day be
Present, our own, and we stand in need of that bounty which it
Isaac Low, Chairman, Edward Laight, Poter T. Curteiihis,
now becomes our duty cheerfully to dispense.
William Bayard, Miles Sherbrook, Abraham Duryeo, From considerations so interesting, this Committee of
Philip Livingston, Benjamin Booth, Joaepli Bull, Correspondence have unanimously recommended to their
Charles NichoU, Charles Shaw, William Walton,
John Moore, constituents a generous subscription for the support of the
Nicholas Hoffman, Peter Van Schaack.
James Duane, Hamilton Young, indigent inhabitants of that oppressed town, and entertain
no doubt but it will meet with all the success to be
Copy of a Letter to the Committee of Correspondence, expected from a people equally distinguished for their
at Boston charity and benevolence, and their unshaken zeal for con-
New. York, August 9, 1774. stitutional liberty. All the collections are appointed to be
Gentlemen : It gives us pain to be infomied that you paid into the hands of Messrs. Gerard William Bcekman,
have the impute our silence to any but the
least reason to Gerardus Duyckinck, and Peter T. Curteniw, of this
true cause, viz our having had nothing of importance to
: city, merchants, and to be expended under the direction
communicate, even in point of ceremony, which at such a of this Committee, for such necessaries as the condition
juncture might be dispensed with. We do not think we of the poor inhabitants require.
have been deficient. When all depends on mutual confi- After laying before you this example, we earnestly
dence, and hannony, much is it to be lamented that the recommend it to the imitation of your county. Per-
letters or whisperings of individuals should become the haps, in some instances, it may be most convenient to the
foundation of jealousy for the rectitude of our intentions, inhabitants to contribute in wheat or flour, which will be
and our sincere desire of supporting the general cause. equally serviceable. Permit us, gentlemen, to submit this
We can cheerfully appeal to our acts, our letters, our salutary measure to your immediate patronage. The
resolves, and the unreserved and open declarations which interest and welfare of a whole Continent require that a
we have frequently and publicly made of our sentiments, provision should be made for all who become sufferers in
in the present alarming state of our Colonies; and by our common cause, and the immediate honour and reputa-
these alone we ought to be judged. Permit us to add, tion of this Colony must animate us to distinguish ourselves
that whatever grounds you have to question the patriotism on so patriotic and benevolent an occasion.
of the order of Merchants, which is so strongly implied in We are, gentlemen, your obedient humble servants.
your letter to our Committee of Mechanics, it is a debt of By order, he.
justice to affirm that the spirited and disinterested conduct The Committee adjourned to Monday evening, the 2'2d
of the commercial part of this city, ought to place them instant, at 6 o'clock, in the evening.
above the reach of suspicion, .since at all times, and upon
every occasion, they have proved themselves the unshaken
friends of constitutional liberty, and have virtuously sacri-
New. York, August 22, 1774.
ficed the advantages of their profession to the public good.
To justify ourselves to you and to the world, far from The Committee met, by adjournment, at the Exchange,
declining, we think it our indispensable duty, and therefore this evening :* Present,
must demand, as a right, that you will candidly furnish us Isaac Low, Chairman, James Duane, Nicholas Hoffman,
with copies of the letters, and the dates of the newspapers, William Bayard, Edward Laight, Peter Van .Schaack,
Theophilact Bache, Miles Sherbrook, Henry Remsen,
in which they were published, and a detail of the facts Philip Livingston, Benjamin Booth, Peter T. Curtenius,
which have given rise to your uneasiness and you may ; Charles McEvers, Charles Shaw, Peter Goijlet,
be assured that they shall become the subject of serious John Moore, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Abraham Duryee.
consideration. In times like these
highly necessaryit is
A Letter, dated tSu^oZZ: County, 11th August, 1774,
that the foes to truth and liberty should be known and received and read.
detected and if they cannot be reformed, at least that a
;

period may be put to their power of sowing the seeds of

discord, one of the most fatal evils which can befall our Copy of a Letter to William Floyd, Esq., Suffolk
country. County :

Wehave the pleasure to acquaint you that we have at New. York, August 23, 1774.

length chosen five Delegates to represent this city in Con- Sir: Your favour of the 11th instant, acquainting that
gress, viz: Philip Livingston, John Alsop, Isaac Low, Colonel William Floyd is appointed a Delegate to repre-
James Duane, and John Jay. They were elected by the sent your county at the ensuing general Congress at Phila-
people, without one dissenting voice. Circular letters have delphia, has been communicated to the Committee of
been sent to the counties informing them of it, and Correspondence in this city.
requesting them either to signify their acquiescence in I am, sir, your most humble servant.
our Delegates, or immediately appoint others to represent
them. Enclosed you have a copy of our Resolves, which
have been generally adopted in this metropolis. Copy of a Letter to Zephaniah Piatt, Esquire, Pough-
The distresses of the poor of your town, and ways and kcepsie, Dutchess County
means for their relief, have engaged the earnest attention of Sir : We received your favour of the 20th instant,
our Committee and for this necessary and benevolent
; enclosing the Resolves of the inhabitants of your precinct,
purpose, we have agreed that a subscription shall be set on and acquainting that you confide in the Delegates chosen
foot throughout the Colony, which we do not doubt will by our citizens to represent them in the general Congress.
meet with the wished for success. On our parts, we beg What good can be effected time must discover, but we are
leave to assure you that nothing shall be omitted which
* On Monday evening, August 22d, the Committee of Corrcspon.
we shall think conducive to your welfare and redress, or
denco met, according to a<ljournmcnt and as this was tlic last time of
which may have a tendency to promote the restoration and
;

their assembling before the dc])nrture of our Delegates, the business of

establishment of our common rights and privileges. the ensiling Congr-Rs was discussed with a manly firmness, and a
We are, gentlemen, &c. becoming freedom of sentiment. Throe of the Delegates were present,
and ]iai<l great attention to the opinions of their follow.citizens, de.
claruig tlKnislvrs hapjiy to receive information on those important
points that were shortly to come before them the whole scope, e.xten.
;

Copy of a Letter to the several Counties of this Pro- sion, and consequences of which, they were unable, as yet, to compre.
hend. The points mostly insisted upon in these debates, were, that if
vince :
it was r;Commended to the Bostunians to piy for the tea, as an act of
New. York, August 9, 1774. justice, tlx'ir port would soon be opened, and then we should stand

Gentlemen : The distresses of the

poor of the town of upon our former ground of importing no goods lialile to a duty. That
notliing but " dire necessity," according to our own resolves, should
Boston, now sinking under the hand of power, and exposed induce us to Ijreak off our conneclions with tlie parent country and ;

to the miseries which must attend so fatal a calamity, call

all that whenever we should be reduced to tlie last sad alternative of
aloud for our tender and compassionate concern. Every entering into a non-importation agreement, it ought not to be a partial
one, like tlie last, when some men made fortunes by the ruin of others,
motive of policy and humanity should excite us to contri- but that it sliould include and suspend the importation of every Euro-
bute with a liberal hand to their immediate redress. They pean commodity from all parts of the world.
835 NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774, 836
confident our Delegates, (and we trust those from the other New. York, September 5, 1774.

Colonies,) will go with hearts most sincerely and zealously The Committee met, by adjournment: Present,
disposed to render the measure productive of every happy Abraham Duryee, John De Lancey, Peter T. Curtenius,
consequence that can be reasonably expected from their Theophilact Bache, Alexander Wallace, Benjamin Booth,
Charles Nicholl, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Charles Shaw,
united councils on matters of so truly important and serious Edward Laight, Peter Van Schaack, Gerard W. Beekman,
a nature. We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants, William Walton, Hamilton Young, Joseph Bull.
By order of the Committee. Mr. Low, the Chairman, and Mr. Alsop, the Deputy
The Committee adjourned until Monday, 29th August, Chairman of this Committee, being out of town, they
1774. proceeded to choose a Chairman pro tempore, when Mr.
Abraham Duryee was unanimously chosen.
A Letter dated Albany, August 27, 1774, with Resolves
New- York, Au^ist 99th, 1774.
and Proceedings, received and read a Letter dated Pough-
;

keepsie, August 31st, 1774, received and read, approving

The Committee met, by adjournment : Present,
the resolves and Delegates for New- York.
Isaac Low, Chairman, William Walton, Nicholas Hoffman, The Committee adjourned to Monday, 19th September.
John AIsop, Miles Slierbrook, Peter Van Schaack,
William Bayard, John Tliurmau, Hamilton Young,
Theophilact Bache, Benjamin Booth, Peter T. Curtenius, New- York, September 19, 1774.
Charles Nicholl, Charles Shaw, Abraham Duryee,
James Duane, Alexander Wallace, Joseph Bull. The Committee met, by adjournment : Present,
Edward Laight, Gabriel H. Ludlow,
A. Duryee, Chairman, Alexander Wallace, Edward Laight,
William Walton, Henry Remsen, Joseph Bull,
A Letter dated Kingston, 19th August, 1774, received
John Moore, Peter T. Curtenius, Charles Nicholl,
and read ; a Letter dated Kingston, 19th Augiist, 1774; Peter Goelet, Nicholas Hoffman, John De Lancey,
a Letter dated New Windsor, 26th August, 1774 ; a Letter Gabriel H. Ludlow, Peter Van Schaack, Charles Shaw.

with Proceedings of Bedford, dated August 9th, 1774 ;

A Letter from Mr. Isaac Low, dated Philadelphia, 17th
a Letter dated Mamaroneck, 7th August, 1774 ; a Letter September, 1774, was received and read.
dated White Plains, 27th August, 1774 ; received and — Ordered, That Mr. Van Schaack, Mr. Moore, and
read, approving of the Delegates adopted for the city and Mr. W. Walton, be a Cofnmittee to prepare a draught of
county of New York. a Letter to be sent to the counties of Richmond, Kings,
The Committee adjourned until Monday,* 5th Septem- Queens, and Tryon, requesting them to send Delegates
ber, 1774. from their respective counties to represent them in the
general Congress now sitting at Philadelphia, or to signify
* On Monday evening, September 5, the Inhabitants of this City their acquiescence in those already assembled there for the
were greatly alarmed with the following Accounts, brought by express,
which had been forwarded with great despatch to our Committee of Province of New-York.
Correspondence : The Committee adjourned to Monday, 3d October
PoMFRET, Connecticut, September 3, 1774. next, 1774.
Captain Cleveland Mr. Keyi this moment brought us the news
:

that the men-of-war and troops began to fire upon the people last night
at sunset at Boston, when a post was immediately sent off to inform New. York, September 30, 1774.
tlie country. He informs, that the artillery played all night that the ;

people were universally rallying from Boston as far as here, and desire
At a special meeting of the Committee at the Exchange,
all the assistance possible. The first was occasioned by the country's at 9 o'clock, A.'M. : Present,
being robbed of their powder from Boston as far as Farmingham, and Henry Remsen, Gerardus Duycklnck, William Walton,
when found out, the persons who went to take them were immediately Charles McEvers, Peter Goelet, William McAdam,
fired upon ; six of our number were killed the first shot, and a number Gerard W. Beekman, John Moore,
Charles Nicholl,
wounded, and beg you will rally all the forces you can, and be upon Richard Sharpe, Peter T. Curtenius, Theophilact Bache,
tlie march immediately for the relief of Boston, and the people that
William Bayard, John Dc Lancey, Edward Laight,
way. Israel Putnam. Charles Shaw, Miles Sherbrook, Peter Van Schaack,
Send an express along to Norwich and elsewhere. Hamilton Young, Joseph Bull, Gabriel H. Ludlow.
Aaron Cleveland.
Forwarded from Norwich per John Durkee.
Mr. Abraham Duryee, the Chairman of this Committee,
New-London, September being out of town, they proceeded to choose one in his
3.
Pray send forward an express to Saybrook, and elsewhere on the stead, when Mr. Henry Remsen was unanimously chosen.
nea shore, and to Eitst Haddam, immediately. I desire those towns to The Chairman laid before the Committee a representa-
forward expresses to their neighbouring towns.
tion of a number of the inhabitants of this city, signed by
Richard Law,
Nathaniel Shaw, Joseph Totten, their President. And the Committee
Samuel H. Parsons. taking into their serious consideration the subject matter of
To Messrs. John Lay, Esquire, and the rest of the Committee of Cor-
the said Address, and being desirous on all occasions to
respondence at Lyme.
New-London, September 3. conform themselves to the true sense of their constituents,
You will see. by a Letter
to your Committee of Correspondenre, the thought proper to publish a notification, immediately to be
necessity of rallying all your forces immediately. Pray let every man
dispersed throughout the city for convening the inhabitants
who values his own, or his country's liberty, appear immedintely. We
shall march before noon to-morrow. I came home to-day ; shall set at the City Hall at one o'clock this day.
out with our forces on the morrow. Let your Captains call their men The Committee then adjourned to this evening at six
a.s early as possible, and make no delay in joining. S. Parsons.
o'clock.
To the Committee of Correspondence in Saybrook, or to the Select.
men in .Savbrook :

It is desired that this may be forwarded to Killingsworth, to be for. New- York, September 30, 1774.
warded w>;8tward. The Committee met, by adjournment, at 6 o'clock, this
Ele. Matther, John Lay, 2d, John McCurdy, William Noyes, Samuel
Mtttther, Jun., Committee of Correspondence. evening : Present,
TO DR. NATHANIEL RUGQLES, AND SAMUEL BROWN, ESQUIRE. H. Remsen, Cham'n. William Walton, Nicholas Hoffman,
Gentlemen :You will doubtless think it prudent, on the receipt of Theophilact Bache, Hamilton Young, Gabriel H. Ludlow,
this intelligence, to forward it at least as far as New-Haven, where, Richard Sharpe, Miles Sherbrook, John Moore,
doubtless, intelligence will be received by the upper road. Nicholas Hoffman, John De Lancey, Edward Laight,
Aaron Elliott, Peter Van Schaack, Charles McEvers, Charles Shaw,
Benjamin Gale. Peter T. Curtenius, Charles Nicholl, Gerard W. Beekman.
Joseph Bull,
Guilford, September 4.
Forwarded by the subscriber to Branford. Samuel Brown. It was unanimously Resolved, That the following Nar-
Branford, September 4. rative of the proceedings of theCommittee on this day be
Forwarded to John Whiting, Esquire, and the rest of the C^ommittee published.
of Correspondence at New-Haven, per .Samuel Baker,
Samuel Jones. At a meeting of the Committee of Correspondence of
New-Haven, September 4. summoned, the following representation,
this city, specially
Gentlemen : We have to communicate the fatal news o' an attack being the result of the deliberations of a number of their
by the King's fleet and troops upon the town of Boston. Enclosed
constituents assembled last night, was presented to the
you have the foundation and conveyance of the melancholy intelli-
gence. We thought it necessary and expedient to communicate by Committee and read :

express, expecting your speedy aid to forward the same to the Congress " To
the respectable body of gentlemen nominated by
at Philadelphia. We are, gentlemen, your friends and brethren in the the public voice as a Committee for managing the affairs of
common cause. Signed for the Committee of Corresi)ondence.
Timothy Jones, Clerk of the said Committee. the inhabitants of this city in the present exigency of our
To the Committee of Correspondence of New- York. public concerns.
327 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 838
H. Remsen, Chairman, Benjamin Booth, Gabriel H. Ludlow,
"The Representation of a number of the Citizens who
John Thurinan, Josepli Bull, Nicholas Hoffman,
chose oil to act in their belialf in all matters relating Abraham Walton,
J Peter Van Schaack, Gcrardus Diiyckcink,
to tlie public weal, respectfully showelh Charles NiclioU, Peter Goelot, William W.ilton,
Edward Laight, Hamilton Young, Charles McEvers.
"That within a few days past a number of persons, very Charles Shaw,
inconsiderable in comparison to the number who constitute
The Committee taking into consideration the exorbitant
the body of the freeholders and freemen of this city, have
price to which sundry articles of goods have advanced,
taken upon themselves to disturb the peace and order of
but more particularly some of the necessaries of life
the town, by assembling, without any notification from you,
Ordered, That Mr. Van Schaack, Mr. McEvers, Mr.
to whom the public voice gave the care of the community's
Bull, and Mr. Booth, be a Committee to draw up an
interest in all affairs of a public nature and have presumed
advertisement, requesting the Importers of Goods in this
;

to call themselves a Connnittee from the body of the

city, to meet on Friday morning, the 7th instant, at 1
inhabitants of the city, and in that character have arbi-
o'clock, in the morning, in order to consider of tlie most
trarily censured and threatened several worthy and respec-
effectual ways for stopping this growing evil.
table persons amongst our fellow-citizens.
" We, therefore, respectfully desire you will call a meet-
Committee Chamber, Ncw-York, October 5, 1774.
ing of the inhabitants to assemble at the City Hall, at one
o'clock, to-morrow, and there declare to them our senti- The Committee of Correspondence, having taken into
ments of such proceedings, and make such public resolves consideration the present dissatisfaction i)revailing in the
for the preservation of the peace, good order, and general city on account of the advance upon several articles im-
weal of the community, as the state of affairs makes ported from Great Britain, and foreseeing that these
requisite. discontents will be likely to increase, when a non-impor-
" We are, gentlemen, with great respect, and the fullest tation agreement shall have taken place, have judged it
confidence in your wisdom and integrity, as the guardians necessary to request a meeting of all the Importers at the
of your fellow-citizens' true interest and liberties, your Exchange, on Friday morning next, at 11 o'clock, to
sincere friends. consider and determine upon such a plan as will be best
" Signed by the unanimous desire of the assembly, likely to remedy these inconveniences.
" Joseph Totten, President." By order of the Committee,
New. York, September 29th, 1774. Henry Remsen, Chairman.
Tlie Committee taking into their serious consideration
the subject matter of the said Address, and being desirous New- York, October 13, 1774.

of giving to our fellow-citizens every satisfaction in our At a meeting of Importers of goods from Great Britain,
power, in the Important capacity they did us the honour to to take into consideration the dissatisfaction that has already
appoint us to, we give this public notice, that, agreeable to appeared, upon the advance of divers articles, some of
their desire, we shall attend at the City Hall at one o'clock them the real necessaries of life: And being determined,
this day, and we earnestly request all the inhabitants of as far as in us lies, to preserve the peace of the city, we
this city to meet us, and assist our deliberations with their think it necessary, in order to remove the cause for any
counsel and support. future murmurings to make tlie following declarations :

Signed by order of the Committee,

Tliat we from the apprehension of a non-impor-
will not
Henry Remsen, Chairman. tation agreement put any unreasonable advance upon our
In consequence of the above Notice, the Committee, at goods; and when such an agreement shall have taken
the time appointed, repaired in a body to the City Hall, place, we will continue to sell them for a moderate profit,
when Mr. Henry Remsen, their Chairman, was proceeding and no more.
to open and explain the business of the meeting to a very That we will do our utmost to discourage all engrosser?
respectable body of his fellow-citizens, but being inter- and persons who buy up goods with a view of creating an
rupted by the noise and clamour of sundry persons, it was thereby to obtain a more plausible pretext
artificial scarcity,

agreed to adjourn to the Coffee House

; and, notwithstand- for enhancing the prices.
ing the attempts which were then again made use of to That if any retailer or other person, should by a contrary
prevent his being heard, the Chairman addressed himself conduct, endeavour to defeat these our good intentions,
to the people as follows : we will, as one man, decline dealing with him, and shall
" Gentlemen : In consequence of an application from consider him or them as the author or authors of all the
disturbances that shall be consequent thereupon.
a number of respectable citizens, communicated by Mr.
Joseph Totten, their Chairman, which has been published Signed, by order of a large number of Importers, met
in handbills, it was thought proper to summon a special
at the Exchange. Henry Remsen.
meeting of the Committee of Correspondence, at which
meeting it has been resolved, that the inhabitants of this New.York, November 7, 1774.

city should be called together, and that the following ques- The Committee met at the Exchange, at 6 o'clock
tions should be proposed for their consideration : Present,
•'
Whether those persons who style themselves a Com- Isaac Low, Chairmaii, Abraham Duryee, Peter T. Curtenius,
David Johnston, Jolm Da Lancey, Gerard W. Backman,
mittee, and have called upon several of our fellow-citizens to
Charles NichoU, John Alsop, James Duane,
inquire into their private business, were audioi-ized by you ?
Gerardus Duyckinck, Josc^li Hull, John Thurman,
And whether you approve of their conduct in so doing ?" Gabriel H. Ludlow, I'hilip I^ivineston, John Moore,
William Walton, Aloxandc-r Wallace, Charles Shaw.
Which questions being severally and distinctly put,
passed in the negative by a very great majority, who A Letter dated Malbro' Town, October 17th, 1774, was
declared that the said persons, styling themselves a Com- received and read.
mittee, had acted without authority from the public ; that Mr. Duane moved. That this Committee inquire what
their conduct was highly disapproved of, and that such progress has been made in the subscriptions and collections
their sentiments, should bo published. ibr the poor of the town of Boston.
Therefore, in conformity to the sentiments of a very Ordered, That Peter Van Schaack, Peter T. Curtenius,
great majority of our constituents, and being ourselves Charles Shaw, James Duane, Nicholas Hoffman, Ger-
fully persuaded that all such irregular proceedings have a ardus Duyckinck, John Jay, and Joseph Btdl, be a Com-
direct tendency to promote a disunion amongst ourselves, mittee for that purpose; who are authorized to take such
we thus publicly declare our disapprobation of all such further measures for cai'rying the above into execution, as
measures. By order of the Committee, they may tJiink necessary.
Henry Remsen, Chairman. Mr. Duane moved, that the following Advertisement be

The Committee adjourned to Monday, October 10, 1774. published in the papere for the purpose therein mentioned:
New.York Committee Clianiber, NoTember 7, 1774.

New. York, October 4, 1774. Whereas, at the Continental Congress, held at Phila-
The Committee had a special meeting at 6 o'clock: delphia, it was
Present, " Resolved, That a Committee be chosen in every coua-
829 NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, 1774. 330
ty, city,and town, by those who are qualified to vote for New.York, November 15, 1774.
Representatives to the Lcfrislature, whose business it shall The Committee met, by adjournment, this evening:
be attentively to observe the conduct of ail persons touch- Present,
ing the Association entered into by the members of tlie said Isaac Low, Chairman, Nicholas Hoffman, Charles Shaw,
Congress in the name, and on the behalf of themselves John Alsop, Willium Wulton, John Tlmrman,
James Duane, Hamilton Younj;, Banjamin Booth,
and tlieir respective constituents and wiien it shall be
;
Phihp Livingston, C^harles Nicholl, William McAdam,
made to appear to the satisfaction of the majority of any John Jay, Henry Rcmsen, Peter T. Curtenius,
such Committee that any person within the limits of their William Bayard, Peter Vmi Schaack, Abraham Duryee,
Theoiihilact Bacho, Joseph Bull, John IMoore.
appointment has violated the said Association, that such
John Dc Lancey,
majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to be
Ordered, That when a Committee for carrying the
published in the Gazette, to the end that all such foes to
Association of the Congress into execution shall be elected,
the rights of British America, may be publicly known,
this Committee do consider themselves as dissolved; and
and univei-sally contemned as the enemies of American
liberty and that thenceforth the parties to the said Asso-
;
that this resolution be immediately made j)ublic.

ciation will respectively break off all dealings with him or

her." New- York Committee Chamber, 15th November, 1774.
Which Congress being this day taken
said resolve of the Whereas it apprehended that inconveniences may
is
into consideration by the Committee of Correspondence arise from the mode lately recommended by this Committee
of the city of New-York, they do hereby recommend to for electing a new Committee to superintend the execution
the freeholders and freemen of the said city, to assemble of the Association entered into by the Congress and this ;

together at the usual places of election in their several Committee of Correspondence having taken the same into
Wards, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, on Friday, the 18th further consideration, and consulted many of their fellow-
inst., then and there to elect and appoint eight fit persons citizens, and also conferred with the Committee of Mecha-
in each respective Ward, to be a Committee of Inspection nics thereupon, and having agreed to dissolve their body
for the purpose expressed in the said resolve of the Con- as soon as such new Committee shall be appointed :

gress. By order of the Committee, Public notice is, therefore, hereby given, that it is now
Isaac Low, Chairman. thought fit, that, instead of the mode prescribed by the
former advertisement, sixty persons, to continue in office
until the first day of July next, shall be chosen by the
Tlie following persons were appointed to prepare a
freeholders and freemen of the said city, to be a Committee
Circular Letter to the different Counties recommending
for the purposes mentioned in the said Association and
them to appoint Committees of Inspection, agreeable to ;

that the said election shall be held at the City Hall, on

the eleventh resolve of the Congress, viz John Jay, :

Peter T. Curtenius, Isaac Low, and James Duane. Tuesday next, at ten o'clock, in the forenoon, under the
The Committee adjourned to Monday evening, the
inspection of the Vestrymen of this city, who shall be
requested by the inhabitants for that purpose.
14th instant.
By order of the Committee,
Isaac Low, Chairman.
New.York, November 14, 1774.

The Committee met, by adjournment, at 6 o'clock, in

the evening : Present At the before mentioned conference with the Committee
Isaac Low, Chairman, Miles Slierbrook, James Duane, of Mechanics, it was mutually agreed :

John AIsop, Joseph Bull, Gerard W. Beekman,

1st. That the Committee nominated and held up to the
Joliu Tlmrman, Hamilton Young, Abraham Duryeo,
William Walton, Richard Sharpe, Peter T. Curtenius, public are not to exceed seventy ; nor to be less than sixty
Henry Romsjn, John Jay, Peter Van Schaack. persons.
Gerardus Duyckinck, Peter Goelet,
2d. To be chosen by the freeholders and freemen, at the
Copy of a Letter to Mr. Daniel Dunscomh, Chairman City Hall, on Tuesday next, under the inspection of the
of the Committee of Mechanics Vestrymen of the city.
Committee Chamber, November 14, 1774. 3d. To continue in office until the first day of July
Sir: Some difliculties have arisen relative to the ad-
next.
vertisement published by this Committee for choosing a 4th. Each Committee to interchange one hundred
Committee of Inspection : and this Committee being names, out of which the Committee is to be nominated.
desirous of adopting a mode that shall be agreeable to 5th. To be styled, " The Committee for carrying into

their fellow-citizens in general, have postponed the further execution the Association entered into by the Continental
consideration of this subject until to-morrow evening, at Congress."
six o'clock, to the end that they may have a conference with The Committee adjourned until to-morrow evening,
your Committee on a matter which is conceived of so 16th November, 1774, at six o'clock.
much importance to the peace and welfare of this city.
You are therefore requested to call a meeting of your Tuesday, November 22, 1774.
Committee, some time to-morrow, and beg the favour of
The Election of a Committee of sixty persons, for the
the whole body to meet us here in the evening, precisely
purposes mentioned in the Association, entered into by the
at six o'clock, and you will oblige, sir, your most humble
Congress, having this day come on, pursuant to advertise-
servant. By order of the Committee,
ments in the public newspapers, a respectable number of
Isaac Low, Chairman.
the freeholders and freemen of this city, assembled at the
To Mr. Daniel Dunscomh, Chairman of the Committee City Hall, where the election was conducted under the
of Mechanics. inspection of several of the Vestrymen, and the following
persons were chosen without a dissenting voice, viz :

Committee Chamber, November 14, 1774. Isaac Low, Henry Remsen, Hercules Mulligan,
Philip Livingston, Peter T. Curtenius, John Anthony,
Whereas it is intended very soon to transmit the donations
James Duane, Abraham Brasher, J'rancis Basset,
that have been collected in the Colony, for the support of John Alsop, Abraham P. Lett, Victor Bicker,
The Committee of Cor- John Jay, Abraham Duryee, John White,
the poor of Boston to that city.
P. V. B. Livingston, Joseph Bull, Theophilus Anthony,
respondence request the favour of the benefactors and Isaac Sears, Francis Lewis, William Goforth,
collectors of that laudable charity as soon as possible to David Johnston, John Lasher, William Denning,
Charles Nicholl, John Roome, Isaac Roosevelt,
pay the several contributions into the hands of Messrs.
Alex. McDougall, Joseph Totten, Jacob Van Voorhocs,
Gerard W. Beekman, Gerardus Duyckinck, and Peter T. Thomas Randall, Samuel Jones, Jeremiah Piatt,
Curtenius, of the city of New-York, merchants, or either Leonard Lispenard, John De Lancey, William Ustick,
Edward Laight, Frederick Jay, Comfort Sands,
of them, who are appointed by this Committee and have Robert Benson,
William Walton, William W. Ludlow,
undertaken lo transact that business. John Broom, John B. Moore, William W. Gilbert,
By order of the Committee, Joseph Hallett, George Janeway, John P^rtian,
Charles Shaw, Rodolphus Ritzema, Gabriel H. Ludlow,
Isaac Low, Chairman. Nicholas Roosevelt,
Nicholas Hoffman, Lindley Murray,
The Committee adjourned until to-morrow evening, at Abraham Walton, Lancaster BurUng, Edward Flemming,
6 o'clock, November 15, 17T4. Peter Van Schaack, Thomas Ivers, Lawrence Erabree.
331 CORRESPONDEISCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, MAY, 1774. 882

TOWN MEETING IN BOSTON. The meeting was therefore adjourned to Monday, the
31st instant, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, by which
Friday, May 13, 1774.
time it is expected we shall have encouraging news from
On this clay there was a numerous and respectable
some of the sister Colonies.
ineeting of tlie freelioUlers and otiier inhabitants of this
Previous to the adjournment the town thought it their
town, warned and assembled at Fanueil Hall,
lesjaliy
duty to pass the following Votes, viz :

to consider an edict lately passed by the British Parlia-

1st. That the trade of the town of Boston has been one
ment, for sluitting u]) the harbour, and otherwise punishing
essential link in that vast chain of commerce, which, in the
the inhabitants ;* and to determine upon proper measures
course of a few ages, lias raised Ncio England to be what
to be taken by the town thereon.
it is, the Southern Provinces to be what they are, the West
After niakine; choice of Mr. Samuel Adams, Moderator
India Islands to their wealth, and, in one word, the British
of the meeting, the edict was distinctly read by the Clerk ;
Empire to that height of opulence, power, pride and splen-
and the nature and tendency, as well as the design of it,
dour, at which it now stands.
being explained in the observations of several gentlemen
2d. That the impolicy, injustice, inhumanity and cruelty
upon it, the town came into the following vote, nem. con :
of the Act aforesaid, exceed all our powers of expression.
Voted, That it is the opinion of this town, that if the
We, therefore, leave it to the just censure of others, and
other Colonies come into a joint resolution to stop all im-
appeal to God and the world.
j)ortations from Great Britain, and exportations to Great
Britain, and every part of tiie fVest Indies, till the Act
for blocking up this harbour be repealed, the same will
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN BOSTON.
prove the salvation of North America and her liberties.
On the other hand, if they continue their exports and Philadelphia, May 17, 1774.

imports, there is high reason to fear that fraud, power, and The post has just brought us an account of General
the most odious oppression, will rise triumphant over right, Gage's arrival,which I hope will give you quiet and secu-
justice, social happiness, and freedom. rity. Many people here were of opinion that neither
And, Ordered, That this vote be forthwith transmitted Govemour Hutchinson's, nor the Commissioners' lives were
by the Moderator to all our sister Colonies, in the name safe before. I sincerely hope that your town and Province

and behalf of this lown.f will, at length, learn a litde wisdom and moderation. I
Then it was moved for consideration what measures were assure you that their friends here are much cast down ;
proper for the town to take on the present emergency ;
their enemies (of which we have a great many) rejoice,
whereupon several judicious, spirited and manly proposals and moderate people are almost silent but all concur in ;

were made, which being debated with a candour, modera- wishing moderation and peace. Your patriots will find
tion, and firmness of mind becoming a people resolved themselves deceived in the general support of the other
to preserve their liberty, it was voted, that the Moderator, Provinces from this they will find none
; and, if they ;

with John Rowe, Esq., Mr. Thomas Boylston, William were so inclined, we are likely to have work enough on
Phillips, Esq., Dr. Joseph Warren, John Adams, Esq., the frontiers, where above fifty Indians have just now
Josiah ^uinci/, Esq., Thomas Cashing, Esq., Mr. Hender- been cruelly murdered, which will certainly bring on an
son Inches, Mr. William Mollineaux, and Mr. Nathaniel Indian war. God bless you, and grant you peace and
Appkton, be a Committee to take the several proposals quiet.
that have been, and others that may be made, into con-
sideration, and report to the town as soon as may be.
After which the town made choice of Mr. Oliver Wen- SAMUEL ADAMS TO ARTHUR LEE.
dell, Isaac Smith, Esq., Mr. William Dennie, Mr. Wil- Boston, May 18th, 1774.
liam Powell, and Mr. John Pitts, to repair immediately My DEAR Sir : The of the British Parliament,
edict
to the towns of Salem and Marblehead, to communicate commonly called the Boston Port Act, came safely to my
the sentiments of this metropolis to the gentlemen there, hand. For flagrant injustice and barbarity, one might
consult with them, and make report at the adjournment. search in vain among the archives of Constantinople to
Then the meeting was adjourned to Wednesday next, find a match for it. But what else could have been
the 18th instant, at ten of the clock in the forenoon. expected from a Parliament too long under the dictates
Wednesday, May and controulof an Administration which seems to be totally
18,t 1774.
lost to all sense and feeling of morality, and governed by
The and other inhabitants of this town,
freeholders
passion, cruelty and revenge. For us to reason against
met again this day, at Fanueil Hall, by adjournment;
such an Act, would be idleness. Our business is to
and the Committee which had been appointed to re-
find means to evade its malignant desiirn. The inhab-
ceive and consider of proposals for the support and
itants view it, not with astonishment, but with indignation.
employment of such as will be sufferers by the operation
They discover the utmost contempt of the framers of it
of the cruel edict of the British Parliament, reported that
while they are yet disposed to consider the body of the
several judicious proposals had been made, and that they
nation (though represented by such a Parliament) in the
conceived that ways and means would be found for the
character they have sustained heretofore, humane and
relief of such inhabitants in the time of distress. They
generous. They resent the behaviour of the merchants in
recommended to their fellow-citizens patience, fortitude,
London : those, I mean, who receive their bread from
and a firm trust in God, and desired further time to agree
them, in infamously deserting their cause at the time of
upon a report.
extremity. They can easily believe, that the industrious
* The Port Bill was received at Bonton by Captain Jrnhn», who manufacturers, whose time is wholly spent in their various
arrived there on Tiirsday, the 10th of itfuy, 1774. On Friday, the employments, are misled and imposed upon by such mis-
13th, about noon, General Gage arrived in the Lively frigate, and creants as have ungratefully devoted them.selves to an
landed at the Castle.
abandoned Ministry, not regarding the ruin of those who
t On Saturday, the 14tli, Mr. Paul Retere was despatched by the
Committee of Correspondence with important letters to tlie Soutliern
have been their best benefactors. But the inhabitants of
Colonies. this town must and will look to their own safety, which
t On Tuesday, the 17tli, his Excellency General Gage landed at the they see does not consist in a servile compliance with the
long wharf, where several of his Majesty's Council, of the House of ignominious terms of thi.* barbarous edict. Tiiough the
Koprescntatives, and many of the principal gentbmen of tlie town,
together with the Cadet Company undi»r arms, waited his arrival, and
means of preserving tiieir liberties should distress, and even
escorted him to the Council Chamber. The Troop of Horse, the ruin the British manufacturers, they are resolved (but
(Company of Artillery, the Company of Grenadiers, and the several with reluctance) to try the experiment. To this they are
companies of militia under arms, saluted him as he p issod. His com.
mission was read, and after the usual ciTjmonies he was sworn in
impelled by motives of self-preservation. They feel
• Jovernour and Vice.Adniiral of the Province. His Proclamation for humanely for those who must suffer, but being innocent,
continuing all officers, &c., in their places, till further orders, was are not the objects of their revenge. They have already
then read by the High .SUeritf, which was answered by thrac huzzas,
firing the cannon from the battery and artillery company, and three
called upon their sister Colonies, (as you will see by the
voUies of small arms. After receiving the compliments, &c., and enclosed note,) who not only feel for them as fellow-citi-
reviewing the railitia, he was escorted to Faueuil Hall, whore an zens, but lookupon them as suffering the stroke of Minis-
elegant entertainment was provided at the expense of the Province.
After dinner, and drinking several loyal toasts, his Excellency went terialvengeance in the common cause of America ; tliat
to the Province House. cause which the Colonists have pledged themselves to
333 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, MAY, 1774. 334
each other not to give up. In the mean time, I tnist in That the Committee of Correspondence of this town be
God thisdevoted town will sustain tlie shock with dignity; desired to assure the town of Boston, that we do consider
and, supported by their brethren, will gloriously defeat the ourselves greatly interested in the present alarming conduct
designs of their connnon enemies. Calmness, courage, of the British Parliament towards them, and view the
and unanimity prevail. While they are resolved not whole English American Colonies equally concerned in
tamely to submit, they will, by refraining from any acts of the event, and that we will, with the utmost firmness, act
violence, avoid the snare that they discover to he laid for accordingly, whenever any plan shall be agreed on in the :

them, by posting regiments so near them. I heartily mean time, we are of opinion that an universal stoppage of
thank you for your spirited exertions. Use means for ail trade with Great Britain, Ireland, Africa, and the
the preservation of your health. Our warmest gratitude West Indies, until such time as the port of Boston shall be
is due to Lords Camden and Shelhurne. Our dependence reinstated in its former privileges, &c., will be the best ex-
is upon the wisdom of the few of the British nobility. We pedient in the case ; and that a proper time should be
suspect studied insult in the appointment of the person generally agreed on for the same universally to take
who is Commander-in-chief of the troops in America to place.
be our Governour and I think there appears to be in it
; Whereas, the inhabitants of America are engaged in the
more than a design to insult upon any specious pretence. preservation of their rights and liberties and as personal
;

We will endeavour, by circumspection and sound prudence, liberty is an essential part of the natural rights of mankind,
to frustrate the diabolical designs of our enemies. the Deputies of the town are directed to use their endea-
I have written in haste, and am, affectionately, your vours to obtain an act of die General Assembly, prohibi-
friend, Samuel Adams, ting the importation of negroe slaves in this Colony ; and
Arthur Lee, Esq., London. that all negroes born in the Colony should be free at
attaining to a certain age.
Voted, That James Angell, Esquire, be added to the
GOVERNOUR GAGE TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH. Committee of Correspondence of this town, and that he
£ztract. sign their letters as Clerk.
Boston, May 19, 177'1.

His Majesty's ship, the Lively, in which I embarked at

Pit/mouth, on the 16th o( April, arrived here on the 13th Chestertown, Maryland, May 18, 1774.

of this month. must be universally allowed, that the essential circum-

It
The late Governour Hutchinson, the Chief Justice, the stauce which constitutes the political happiness of a free
Commissioners of the Customs, and the Consignees, were people, consists in their being governed by laws of their
either at the Castle, or dispersed in the country, not daring own making, or to which their consent is given by Dele-
to reside in Boston. I went to Mr. Hutchinson, and gates of their own choice and nomination. This maxim,
remained with him at Castle William, till preparations were founded, on the genius of the British Constitution the —
made for my reception in Boston, where my commission —
most perfect under Heaven cannot be supposed partial or
was read and published in the usual forms, on the 17th confined but must be as extensively diffusive in its benign
;

instant. operations, as are the regions subordinate to, and claiming

The Act for shutting up the port got here before me ;
protection under that Constitution.
and a town meeting was holding to consider of it at the The Act of Parliament, therefore, subjecting the British
time of my arrival in the determined to
hai-bour. They Colonies in America to the payment of a duty on tea, for
invite the other Colonies to stop all exportsand imports to the purpose of raising a revenue, being passed without
and from Great Britain and Ireland, and every part of their consent, and calculated to enslave them, cannot but
the West Indies, till the Act be repealed and appointed ; be deemed unconstitutional and oppressive ; from whence
persons to go to Marblehead and Salem to communicate it clearly follows, that it highly behoves the Americans as

their sentiments to the people there, and bring them into loyal and free-born subjects of Great Britain, to take
like measures which persons were to make their report at
; every prudent and justifiable measure in order to evade its
the adjournment, on the 18th, when the meeting was again baneful effects thus to baffle the designs of a corrupt and
;

held, and 1 am told, received little encouragement from despotic Ministry. Our brethren of the Northern Colonies
Salem and Marblehead, and transacted nothing of conse- have already declared their opposition to this Act and as ;

quence. it equally affects the good people of this loyal Province of

I do not propose laying any thing before the new Assem- Maryland, a number of respectable gentlemen, friends to
bly at their meeting, except tlie common business of the liberty, met at a public house in Chestertown, on Friday,
Province, if any occurs. the 13th of May, 1774 when a Chairman was chosen a
; ;

I hear from many, that the Act has staggered the most Committee appointed and it was agreed upon to have a
;

j)resumptuous but minds so inflamed cannot cool at once ;

; general meeting of the inhabitants of the county, on Wed-
so it may be better to give the shock they have received, nesday, the 18lh of the same month, to declare their senti-
time to operate and I may find the Assembly in a better
; ments respecting the importation of tea, while subject to a
temper than usual, and more inclined to comply with the duty. A numerous and very respectable meeting was ac-
King's expectations at Salem, to which place they will be cordingly held, when the Committee was enlarged, and the
removed after the first of June. following resolutions were repeatedly read, and unanimous-
ly agreed to, viz
1st. Resolved, That we acknowledge his Majesty
George the Third, King of Great Britain, France, and
At a at Providence, Rhode Island,
town meeting held
on the nth day May, A. D., 1774, called by war-
of
Ireland, to be our rightful and lawful Sovereign, to whom
rant : Samuel Nightengale, Esquire, Moderator. we owe and promise all dutiful allegiance and submission.
2d. Resolved, That no duties or taxes can constitu-
Resolved, That this town will heartily join with the tionally be imposed on us, but by our own consent, given
Province of the Massachusetts Bay and the other Colo- personally, or by our Representatives.
nies, in such measures as shall be generally agreed on by 3d. Resolved, That the Act of the British Parliament
the Colonies, for the protecting and securing their invalua- of the 7th of George the Third, (Chapter 46th,) subject-
ble natural rights and privileges, and transmitting the same ing the Colonies to the payment of a duty on tea, for the
to the latest posterity. purpose of raising a revenue in America, is unconstitu-
That the Deputies of this town be requested to use their tional, oppressive, and calculated to enslave the Americans.
influence at the approaching session of the General Assem- 4th. Resolved, therefore,That whoever shall import,
bly of this Colony, for promoting a Congress as soon as or any way aid or assist in importing, or introducing from
in
may be, of the Representatives of the General Assemblies any part of Great BHtain, or any other place whatsoever
of the several Colonies and Provinces in North America, into this town or county, any tea, subject to the payment
for establishing the firmest Union, and adopting such of a duty imposed by the aforesaid Act of Parliament
measures as to them shall appear the most effectual to or, whoever shall wilfully and knowingly sell, buy, or
answer that important purpose, and to agree upon proper consume, or in any way assist in the sale, purchase, or
methods for executing the same. consumption of any tea imported as aforesaid, subject to
335 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, MAY, 1774. 336

a duty, he, or they, shall be stigmatized as enemies to the our own. Tlie next act of Parliament may summons our
liberties of America, Assemblymen and patriots to expiate their virtue at
5tli. Resolved, Tliat we will not only steadily adhere to Ti/lrum.
the foregoing resolves, but will endeavour to excite our Neiv-York, Philadelphia, and Charlcstou-n, cannot
worthy neighbours to a like patriotic conduct and whoever
; expect to escape the fate of Boston. Our doom is delayed
amongst us shall refuse his concurrence, or after complying, only with a view of dividing and weakening us. We have
shall desert the cause, and knowingly deviate from the true offtjred the same indignity to tiie British Parliament, and
spirit and meaning of these our resolutions, we will mark have done nearly the same injury to tlie property of the
him out, as Inimical to the liberties of America, an unwor- East India Company. Wiien tlie spirits of our brethren
thy member of the community, and a person not deserving in Boston are subtlued, our rivers and shores will probably
our notice or regard. be crowtled with men-of-war, and lined with tide waiters.
6th. Resolved, Tliat the foregoing resolves be printed, An union of the Colonies, like an electric rod, will
that our brethren in this and the other Colonies may know render harmless the storms of British vengeance and tyran-
our sentiments as they are tlierein contained. ny. Remember my dear countrymen, we are contending
Signed by order of the Committee, for the crown and prerogative of our King, as vvell as for
W. Wright, Cleric. liberty, property, and life. The British Parliament have
Tlie above resolves were entered into upon a violated the Constitution in usurj)ing his supreme jurisdic-
N. B.
discovery of the late importation of the dutiable tea, (in tion over us. Our brethren in Boston may perhaps stand
in need of our counsels every stroke aimed at them, is
the brigantine Geddes, of this port) for some of tiie neigli- ;

Furtiier measures are in contemplation, levelled against the vitals of all America. Success has
Iwuring counties.
in consequence of a late and very alarming Act of Parlia-
liitherto crowned our attempts to save our country.
Virtue, unanimity, and perseverance, are invincible.
ment.
Philadelphia, May 18, 1774.

TO THE FREEMEN OF AMERICA.

impossible to re\iew the advantages we derive from
It is Farmington, Connecticut, May 19, 1774.

our connection with Great Britain, without wishing it to Early in the morning was found the following handbill,
be perpetual. We
were formed by her laws and religion. posted up in various parts of the town, viz
We are clothed with her manufactures, and protected by " To pass through the fire at six o'clock this evening, in
iier fleetsand armies. Her Kings are the umpires of our " Jionour to the immortal goddess of Liberty, the late infa-
disputes, and the centre of our Union. In a word, the " mous Act of the British Parliament for farther distressing
island of Britain is the fortress in which we are sheltered " the American Colonies the place of execution will be
;

fron) the machinations of all the Powers of Europe. No " the public parade, where all Sons of Liberty are desired
wonder therefore, we look forward with horrour to those " to attend."
convulsions that must attend (ages hence,) our separation Accordingly, a very numerous and respectable body
Irom that country. were assembled, of near one thousand people, when a
The councils of a State, like the faculties of the mind, huge pole, just forty-five feet high was erected, and con-
are liable to prejudice and decay. Tiie conduct of the secrated to the shrine of Liberty after which the Act of
;

British Parliament towards America for several years past, Parliament for blocking up the Boston harbour was read
carries strong marks of insanity and folly. The laws of aloud sentenced to the flames, and executed by the hands
;

mechanics, apply in politics as well as philosophy a grain

; of the common hangman then the following Resolves were
;

of wisdom ])roperly managed, will outweigh in tliis science passed, nem. con.
the whole annies and navies of Britain. 1st. That it is the greatest dignity, interest, and happi-
We have been in some measure passive spectators of ness of every American to be united with our parent State,
the manoeu\Tes of our mother country. A
Stamp Act while our liberties are duly secured, maintained, and sup-
Revenue Acts a Board of Commissioners ; Judges of
; ported by our rightful Sovereign, whose person we greatly
Admiralty, invested with new powers the Military set
; revere whose Government while duly administered, we
;

over the Civil Governours, and both rendered independent are ready with our lives and properties to support.
of the people Restrictions on our trade ; Dissolutions of
; 2d. That the present Ministry, being instigated by the
our Assemblies and disregarded petitions for redress of
: Devil, and led on by their wicked and corrupt hearts, have
these grievances, have all been borne with a temper and a design to take away our liberties and properties, and to
moderation, which show how much we value peace and enslave us for ever.
order, and how inestimable we esteem the advantages of 3d. That the late Act which their malice hath caused
being connected with Great Britain. We have only as- to be passed in Parliament, for blocking up the port of
serted our right to freedom. This has produced in some Boston, is unjust, illegal, and oppressive and that we, ;

places, a few trifling commotions, but these were conducted and every American, are sharers in the insults offered to
only by mobs, which are always the first-born offspring of the town of Boston.
oppression, and which are not unknown even in Britain ; 4th. That those pimps and parasites who dared to advise
and particularly remembered there for having insulted our their master to such detestable measures, be held in utter
King a few years ago at his Palace gates. Future ages abhorrence by us and every American, and their names
will hardly believe that we were descended from British loaded with the cui-ses of all succeeding generations.
ancestors, when they read of our having borne so long, and 5th. That we scorn the chains of slavery we despise ;

resented so feebly, the outrages committed by a British every attempt to rivet them upon us we are the sons of ;

Parliament, upon the dearest birth-right of a Briton. freedom, and resolved, that, till time shall be no more,
Moderation and gratitude are sometimes an over-balance that god-like virtue shall blazon our hemisphere.
for self-preservation. The first law of nature cannot be
contradicted by any social or national obligations. The
man who refuses to assert his right to liberty, property,
COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE AT WESTERLY TO THE
and life, is guilty of the worst kind of rebellion ; he
COMMITTEE OF BOSTON.
commits high treason against God.
Liberty, projierty, and life, are now but names in Ame- Westerly, May 19, 1774.

rica. Liberty is levelled by the Declarative Act of Parlia- Gentlemen : With mingled concern and indignation,
ment to tax us without our consent property is now an-
; the Committee of Correspondence for this town have sefen
nihilated by the late Act of Parliament, which destroys an Act for blocking up the harbour of Boston.
the trade of Boston : our countrymen are condemned Rome designing to destroy the city of Carthage, barba-
without being heard ; a whole community sufl^er for the rously required of the Carthagenians that they should
conduct of a few individuals. Newspa|)ers, and a private forsake tiieir city, and remove their habitations twelve
letter from a Governour, are their only accusers ; and miles from the sea. The consideration of the inveterate
thousands, accustomed to affluence, are reduced to the hatred occasioned by the long and bloody wars wliich had
lowest species of poverty " they cannot work, and to
: subsisted between Rome and Carthage ; the remembrance
beg, they are ashamed." We
dare not even call our lives of several hundred thousand Romans killed in those wars,
837 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, MAY, 1774. 888

and several liundred towns plundered by the Carthage- attempt to frustrate their hopes, and vindicate the claims
nians, are some excuse for the Roman severity ; but the of the Colonies.
cruel and unnatural treatment which the town of Boston At the discovery of America, no person imagined any
has received from Great Britain, will admit of no part of that Continent to be within the Realm of England,
j)alliation. The metropolis of a most affectionate and loyal which was circumscribed within certain known and estab-
Colony, which in all the wars of Great Britain hath lished limits. Whatever was the title of the Kings of
gloriously supported the British interest in America, and England, at that time, to any share of America, it must
even by their wise and vigorous eflbrts made a conquest have been an acquired title and the Sovereign then had,
:

which gave peace to Europe, is now threatened with de- and still has, an undoubted prerogative right, to alienate
struction, for no other cause, but because the people have for ever from the Realm without consent of Parliament,
bravely determined not to become slaves. any acquisition of foreign territory. This right has been
We have long felt for the town of Boston ; we heartily constandy exercised by the Kings of England, at almost
sympathize with our brethren upon this alarming occasion ;
every treaty of peace, and at the sale of Dunkirk, Uc,
we are much pleased with the noble firmness with which and it was particularly manifested by the Act for annexing
this cruel edict is received in Boston. We highly approve Gibraltar to the Realm. Confonnable to this prerogative
the measures taken by the town, and are entirely of opinion right King James the First, and Charles the First, did alien-
that the joint resolution of the Colonies to stop all impor- ate unto certain persons large territories in America, and
tations from and exportations Great Britain and the
to by the most solemn compacts, did form them into separate
West Indies, until the Act is repeled, will infallibly produce civil States, with all the powers of distinct legislation and

the desired effect. Government particularly those of making peace and war,
;

The country which we possess, blessed be God ! affords coining money, pardoning crimes, comferring titles and
every necessary of life. We
are morally certain, that dignities, erecting and incorporating boroughs and cities,
with the common blessings of Heaven upon our industry establishing ports, harbours, &;c., with a grant and release
and frugality, we can live comfortably, without importing a of all subsidies and customs, to be levied within the same,
single article from Britain or the West Indies ; and we and an express exemption fi-orn foreign taxation. This is
are equally certain, that neither England nor the West evident from the most ancient Charters of Virginia and
Indies can subsist long without us their own preservation
;
Massachusetts Bay, but especially from that of Maryland,
therefore, will compel them to do us justice. which I have particularly stated in another performance.
This horrid attack upon the town of Boston, we consider From these charters it manifesdy appears to have been the
not as an attempt upon that town singly, but upon the Royal intention, to form these Colonies into distinct States
whole Continent. We
are therefore determined to use our like Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Stc, dependent on
whole influence for the support of the town of Boston, in the CroHTi, but not on the Parliament of England ; and
the same manner as if the attack had been made on the conformable to this intention, we find that when a bill was
metropolis of this Colony and we doubt not but the other
;
several times brought into the House of Commons, to
Colonies will consider this arbitrary and tyrannical edict in secure the people of England a liberty of fishing on the
the same light, and heartily unite with the friends of liberty coasts of America, messages were sent to the Commons by
in Boston in support of the common cause. those Monarchs, requiring them to proceed no further in
That infinite wisdom may direct and preserve all the the matter, and alleging that " America was without the
Colonies, is the ardent prayer of, &ic., 8ic. " Realm and jurisdiction of Parliament ;" and on this prin-
ciple the Royal assent was withheld, during all those reigns,
from every bill affecting the Colonies. These and other
COMMITTEE OF PORTSMOUTH, NEW-HAMPSHIRE, TO THE facts, which appear on the journals of Parliament, joined
COMMITTEE OF BOSTON. to the charters of the Colonies, fully demonstrate that they
Extract. were really and intentionally created distinct States, and
Portsmouth, May 19, 1774. exempted from the authority of Parliament. And their
We think the late Act of Parliament, to shut up the port inhabitants having on the faith of such fundamental terms
of Boston, of the most extraordinary nature, and fatal ten- and conditions, accepted, cultivated, and improved the
dency. Administration are taking every method to dis- territories thus granted, have an indefeasible right to main-
unite the Colonies, thereby to render the noble opposition tain and enjoy the privileges so acquired and nothing but ;

to their arbitrary and destructive measures abortive. We an act of union, made with their own consent, can annex
hope a firm union of all the Colonies will still subsist, and them to the Realms, or subject them to its Legislature.
that such a plan may be devised, and resolutely pursued The Crown to alienate the soil of the Colo-
right of the
by all as may prevent the cruel effects of this Act. nies, has not been disputed but the right of exempting their
;

We heaitily sympathize with you under your present inhabitants from the jurisdiction of Parliament, has been
difficult and alarming situation and we will exert our-
;
denied without cause. Allegiance and subjection are due
selves to carry any plan into effect which may be concerted from a people to their Sovereign but the allegiance of;

by the Colonies for the general relief. We

sincerely wish subjects to subjects, is an absurdity unknown to the laws of
you resolution and prosperity in the common cause; and this Kingdom. The freedom of Britains consists in this,
shall ever view your interest as our own. And are with that they participate the power of making those laws by
tiie highest esteem, &ic. which they are governed and wherever this freedom is
;

enjoyed, the Legislative power must necessarily be confined

to those who partake of it, either in person or delegation.
Williamsburg, Virginia, May 19, 1774.
So long America resided within the Realm,
as the people oi
The following Loiter is supposed to bo written by Mr. Edmund shared in its Government, and were protected by it, so
Burke, of the House of Commons.
long they were necessarily bound to obey, and support
To the Right Honourable Lord North :
that Government; but when, by the consent of their
My Lord : As questions of the highest national impor- Sovereign, they migrated to Ireland and America, though
tance are now to be decided, and as measures pregnant with diey continued within the King's allegiance, yet ceasing to
danger and ruin are meditated, permit an American to participate or enjoy the Legislative power of this Realm,
relate a few historical facts, which merit your most serious the operation of diat power over them necessarily termina-
attention. This is probably the only address you will ted and nothing more was necessary to emancipate the
;

receive on behalf of the Colonies ; when, friends, con- people of America from the authority of Parliament, than
vinced of the efficacy of reason or truth in the present to permit them to leave the Realm which nobody will ;

contest, have resolved to leave the British Government, to deny the King's right of doing; and should the people of"
gain wisdom by the more certain, but expensive means of England, by their Delegates, continue to exercise the
unhappy experience concluding, that the consequences
;
powers of legislation and taxation upon the Colonies, after
which must result from one hostile effort against America, such separation from the Realm, tliey must exalt them-
will produce more conviction than volumes of argument. selves to the sovereignty of America, and render the inha-
But as the public papers have been for some weeks aban- bitants of that country the subjects o( subjects ; a condition,
doned to those incendiaries who wish to spread carnage more humiliating than those of the Spartan Helotes; for if
and devastation through America, I shall make one solitary a people be subject to any supreme power, in which
Fourth Series. 22
88^ CORRESPONDEISCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., MAY, 1774. 340
they have no pacticipation, whether it be legal in a single that they even denied the King's right of appointing a
person, or in thousands, the power is despotism, and the Vice Admiral therein, for trying offences committed without
subjects of it are slaves. the Principality and Joseph Morton, the Govemour, was
:

After the death of King Charles the First, the Common- dismissed from the Government for having accepted a
wealth Parliament, which usurped the rights of the Crown, commission of Vice Admiral from the King.
naturally concluded, that by those rights they had acquired In 1691, when the new Charter of Massachnsetis Bay
some kind of supremacy over the Colonies of America was granted by King William, the agents thought it not
the people of New England, had indeed approved their adequate to the deserts and expectations of the Province,
proceedings, and were therefore left without any exercise of and were unwilling to accept it. This, however, the ma-
such supremacy by the Commonwealth Parliament but ; jority of them, after consulting the most able lawyers, re-
Virginia, and other places, having held out for the King, solved to do, and in justification of their conduct subscribed
were reduced by force and tlie conditions on which they
; an instrument containing the reasons of it. The last article
submitted, clearly discover that the supremacy, claimed by of which will shew the idea then entertained of the rights
this Parliament, was no more than nominal. of that Province: "The Colony," say these gentlemen,
The Articles of the Treaty were as follow " is now made a Province, and the General Court has,
" 1st. The Plantation of Firginia, and all the inhabit- " with the King's approbation, as much power in New
ants thereof, siiall be and remain in due subjection to the " England, as the King and Parliament have in England.
Commonwealtii of £nif/flwrZ; not as a conquered country, " They have all English privileges and liberties, and can
but as a country submitting by their own voluntary act " be touched by no law and by 7io tax, but of their own
and shall enjoy such freedoms and privileges as belong to " making." Nor had the people of New England any
the free people of England. reason to alter this opinion of their rights until since the
" 2d. The General Assembly, as formerly, shall convene conclusion of the last war ; no imposition upon them
and transact the affiiirs of the Colony. having in that long interval been attempted by Parliamen-
" 3d. The people of Virginia shall have a free trade, tary authority. There are many other facts which might
as the people of England, to all places, and all nations. be adduced to the same ])urport but these will suffice
;

" 4th. Virginia shall be free from all taxes, customs, to shew that the claim of the Colonies to the privi-
and impositions whatsoever, and none shall be imposed on leges of distinct Legislation and Government, and to an
them, without the consent of their General Assembly and ;
exemption from Parliamentary taxation, are not new, as
that neither forts nor castles shall be erected, nor garrisons some have ignorantly or wickedly pretended. They will
maintained, without their consent." also shew, that from the earliest years of their settlement
From hence your Lordship may discover, that the rights the rights of the Colonies have been known, and with but
of the Colonies, in those early days, were acknowledged little variation have been acknowledged, respected, and

and that even those who had brought a Monarch to the scaf- maintained, even by the Legislature of this country, and
fold, had the moderation and justice to respect, and preserve the few instances which have happened to the contrary,
those rights. Nor did the Virginians esteem the privileges may be considered as usurpations of the strong against the
granted by this treaty as any valuable acquisition for (con- weak and " q%wd ab initio injustum est, nullum potest
—
; ;

sidering themselves as a distinct State) they in January, " habere juris effectum." Grotius.
1659, invested Sir William Berkley with the Government, There are other grounds, however, on which the adver-
and proclaimed Charles the Second King of England, saries of the Colonies have chosen to manage this contest
Scotland, France, Ireland, and Virginia, some time before and upon these grounds I shall meet them in my next.
his restoration to England, I am, my Lord, yours, Sic, fee. E. B.
After the restoration, the Act of Navigation, and that of
fifteenth of Charles Second, were passed but these I have
;
FROM A MEMBER OF THE VIRGINIA ASSEMBLY TO HIS
fully considered in another place as also that of the twenty-
;
CORRESPONDENT IN LONDON.
fifth of the same reign, which for the regulation of Com-
Extract.
merce (as the preamble expresses) first laid duties on certain
Williamsburg, May 20, 1774.
articles in the Colonies. This, however, was held to be
such an infringement of their rights, that a general revo- and equal resentment, has seized
Infinite astonishment,

lution ensued in Virginia, and the King's Govemour was every one here on account of the war sent to Boston. It

deposed and when after Bacon's death, this insurrection

;
is the universal determination to stop the exportation of
subsided, agents were sent to England, to remonstrate tobacco, pitch, tar, lumber, ice, and to stop all importation
'•
against taxes and impositions being laid on the Colony from Britain while this act of hostility continues. VVe
" by any authority but that of the General Assembly." every day expect an express from Boston, and it appears
And this remonstrance produced a declaration from the to me jncontestably certain, that the above measures will

King, under the privy seal, dated the 19th of April, 1676, be universally adopted. We see with concern, that this
declaring " that taxes ought not to be laid upon the pro- plan will be most extensively hurtful to our fellow-subjects
" prietors and inhabitants of the Colony, but by the com- in Britain ; nor would we have adopted it, if Heaven had
" mon consent of the General Assembly, except such left us any other way to secure our liberty, and prevent the

" impositions as the Parliament should lay on the com- total ruin of ourselves and our posterity to endless ages.
" modities imported into England, from the Colony." A wicked Ministry must answer for all the consequences.
And though the duties which had given rise to this remon- I hope the wise and good on your side will pity and forgive

strance and declaration were not wholly repealed until us. The House is now pushing on the public business for
some time after, yet when a supply was wanted for the which we were called here at this time but before we ;

support of Government in Virginia, the King, in 1679, depart our measures will he settled and agreed on. The
framed (in England) an Act for the purpose, and sent it plan proposed is extensive it is wise, and I hope, under
;

thither by Lord Colepcper when it was passed into a law, God, it will not failAmerica possesses virtue
of success.
and " enacted, by the King's most excellent Majesty, by unknown and unfelt by the abominable sons of corruption
" and with the consent of the General Assembly of the who planned this weak and wicked enterprise.
" Colony of Virginia, &c." Here we see the Sovereign
naming himself as a part of the Legislature of that Pro-
vince, and thereby manifesting that he considered it as a At a Meeting of between two and three hundred of the
supreme Legislature. For if the Colonies be a part of the respectable Inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia, at the
Realm it is a violation of the great Charter of King John City Tavern, on Friday even'mg, May 20th, 1774, the
and the bill and Declaration of Rights, for the King person- Letters from the Boston Committee were read: when
ally, or by his Govemours, to join any other Assembly it was
than the Parliament, inAny act for raising money from Agreed, That a Committee be appointed to correspond
them ; it is to subject them to complex taxations, which with our sister Colonies.
are repugnant to the British Constitution. That John Dickinson, Esq., William Smith, D. D.,*
In the year 1663 the Territory o{ Carolina was erected Edward Pennington,* Joseph Fox, John Nixon,* John
into a Principality, with the powers of a distinct state and
; M. Nesbit, Samuel Hotvelt,* Thos. Mijjlin,* Jos. Reade,
so jealous were the Lords Proprietaries of tliese privileges, Thomas PVharton, Jun., Benjamin Marshall, Joseph
9M CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &sc., MAY, 1774. 842
Moulder,* Tlwmas Barclay* George Clymer* Charles We
shall endeavour, as soon as possible, to collect the
Thomson,* Jeremiah Warder, Jun.,* John Cox,* John sentiments of the people of this Province, and the neigh-
Gibson,* and Thomas Penrose, compose the Coniniittee bouring Colonies, on these grand questions, and should also
of Correspondence until an alteration is made by a more be glad to know your sentiments thereon inthe mean ;

general meeting of the inhabitants. time, with sincere fellow-feelings of your sufTerings, and
That the Committee be instructed to write to the people great regard to your persons, we are, gentlemen,
of Boston, that we unhappy situation.
ti-uly feel for their Yours, &.C., &,c. -

That we consider them as suffering in the general cause ;

that we recommend to them firmness, prudence and mode-

ration and that we shall continue to evince our firm adhe-
;
GOUVERKEUR MOBRIS to MR. PENN,
rence to the cause of American liberty. New-York, May 20th, 1774.
That the above resolutions be transmitted by the Com- Dear Sir : You have
heard, and you will hear, a great
mittee to the other Colonies. deal about politics, and in the heap of chaff you may find
That the Committee be instructed to apply to the some good sense. Believe me, sir, freedom and
grains of
Governour to call the Assembly of the Province. religion are onlywatchwords. We have appointed a Com-
That they be authorized to call a meeting of the inhab- mittee, or rather we have nominated one. Let me give
itants when necessary. you the history of it. It is needless to premise, that the
On the day following, these gentlemen of the Committee lower orders of mankind are more easily led by specious
whose names are marked thus, * having met, the following appearances than those of a more exalted station. This
letter was drawn up and signed by them, to be immediately and many similar propositions, you know better than your
forwarded by Mr. Paul Revere to Boston. Copies of it humble servant.

were transmitted to New-Yorlc, and most of the Southern The troubles in America, during Grenville's administra-

Colonies. The gentlemen of the Committee who did not tion,put our gentry upon this finesse. They stimulated
attend at the first meeting were prevented by necessary some daring coxcombs to rouse the mob into an attack
business, but the proceedings of that meeting have been upon the bounds of order and decency. These fellows
since fully approved by them. became the Jack Cades of the day, the leaders in all the
riots, the belwethers of the flock. The reason of the
manoeuvre in those who wished to keep fair with the
Government, and at the same time to receive the incense
A Letter from the Committee of the City of Philadelphia
of popular applause, you will readily perceive. On the
to theCommittee of Boston, sent by Mr. Paul Revere,
whole, the shepherds were not much to blame in a politic
dated May 21st, 1774:
point of view. The belwethers jingled merrily, and
Gentlemen We
have received your very interesting
: roared out liberty, and property, and religion, and a mul-
letter, together with another from the town of Boston, and titude of cant terms, which every one thought he under-
the vote they have passed on the present alarming occa- stood, and was egregiously mistaken. For you must know
sion and such measures have been pursued thereon as the
; the shepherds kept the dictionary of the day, and. like the
shortness of the time would allow. To collect the sense of mysteries of the ancient mythology, it was not for profane
this large city is difficult and when their sense is obtained
; eyes or ears. This answered many purposes the simple ;

they must not consider themselves as authorized to judge flock put themselves entirely under the protection of these
or act for this populous Province in a business so deeply most excellent shepherds. By and bye behold a great
interesting as the present is to all British America. metamorphosis, without the help of Ovid or his divini-
A very respectable number of the inhabitants of this ties,but entirely effectuated by two modem Genii, the god
city was, however, assembled last evening, in order to con- of Ambition and the goddess of Faction. The first of these
sult what was proper to be done, and after reading the prompted the shepherds to shear some of their flock, and
sundry papers you transmitted to us, and also a letter from then, in conjunction with the other, converted the belweth-
the Committee of Correspondence at New-York, the ers into shepherds. That we have been in hot water with
enclosed resolves were passed, in which you may be the British Parliament ever since every body knows.
assured we are sincere, and that you are considered as suf- Consequently these new shepherds had their hands full of
fering in the general cause. But what further advice to employment. The old ones kept themselves least in
offer on this sad occasion, is a matter of the greatest diffi- sight, and a want of confidence in each other was not the
culty, which not only requires more mature deliberation, least evil which followed. The port of Boston has been
but also that we should take the necessary measures to shut up. These sheep, simple as they are, cannot be
obtain the general sentiments of our fellow-inhabitants of gulled as heretofore. In short, there is no ruling them ;

this Province, as well as our sister Colonies. If satisfying and now, to leave the metaphor, the heads of the mobility
the East India Company for the damage they have sus- grow dangerous to the gentry, and how to keep them down
tained would put an end to this unJiappy controversy, and is the question. While they correspond with the other
leave us on the footing of constitutional liberty for the Colonies, call and dismiss popular assemblies, make resolves
future, it is presumed that neither you nor we could con- to bind the consciences of the rest of mankind, bully poor
tinue a moment in doubt what part to act for it is not the
; printers, and exert with full force all their other tribunitial
value of the tea, but the indefeasible right of giving and powers, impossible to curb them.
it is

granting our own money a right from which we never

; But sometimes goes farther than force, and, therefore,
art
can recede. That is the matter now in consideration. to trick them handsomely a Committee of patricians was
By what means the truly desirable circumstance of a to be nominated, and into their hands was to be committed
reconciliation and future harmony with our mother country the majesty of the people, and the highest trust was to be
on constitutional grounds may be obtained, is indeed a reposed in them by a mandate that they should take care,
weighty question. Whether by the method you have quod respublica non capiat injuriam. The tribunes,
suggested of a non-importation and non-exportation agree- through the want of good legerdemain in the senatorial
ment, or by a general Congress of Deputies from the dif- order, perceived the finesse and yesterday I was present
;

ferent Colonies, clearly to state what we conceive our at a grand division of the city, and there I beheld my
riuhts, and to make a claim or petition of them to his fellow-citizens very accurately counting all their chickens,
Majesty, in firm, but decent and dutiful terms, so as that not only before any of them were hatched, but before above
we may know by what line to conduct ourselves in future, one half of the eggs were laid. In short, they fairly con-
we now the great points to be determined. The latter, tended about the future forms of our Government, whether
we have reason to think, would be most agreeable to it should be founded upon aristocratic or democratic prin-

the people of this Province, and the first step that ought ciples.
to be taken the former may be reserved as our last
; I stood in the balcony, and on my right hand were ranged
resource, should the other fiiil, which, we trust, will not all the people of property, with some few poor dependants,
be the case, as many wise and good men in the mother and on the other all the tradesmen, &c., who thought it
country begin to see the necessity of a good understanding worth their wiiile to leave daily labour for tiie good of
with the Colonies upon the general plan of liberty as well the country. The spirit of the English Constitution has

as commerce. yet a little influence left, and bu a little. The remains of

848 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, MAY, 1774. 344
it, however, will give the wealthy people a superiority this permanent foundation ; and particularly, in case the other
time, but would they secure they must banish all school-
it Colonies shall, upon this alanning occasion, put a stop to
masters and confine all knowledge to themselves. This their trade to Great Britain and the West Indies, that we
cannot be. The mob begin to think and to reason. Poor with them in the measure.
will heartily join
reptiles it is with them a vernal morning
! they are strug- ; Voted, That the Committee of Correspondence for this
gling to cast off their winter's slough, they bask in the sun- town, immediately transmit a copy of these resolutions to
shine, and ere noon they will bite, depend upon it. The the Committee of Correspondence for the town of Boston.
gentry begin to fear this. Their Committee will be Voted, Tliat the Committee of Correspondence of this
appointed, tiiey will deceive the people, and again forfeit town immediately send a copy of the above resolutions to
a share of their confidence. - And if these instances of each town in this Colony.*
what with one side is policy, with the other pei-fidy, shall William Coddington, Totvn Clerk.
continue to increase, and become more frequent, farewell
aristocracy. I see, and I see it with fear and trembling, tliat
if the disputes with Great Britain continue, we shall be GENERAL GAGE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBDLL.
under the worst of all possible dominions ; we shall be Boston, May 20th, 1774.
under the domination of a riotous mob. Sir : His Majesty having judged fit to order me to
the interest of all
It is men, therefore, to seek for reunion return to my command of his forces in North America,
with the parent State. A safe com|)act seems,
poor in my and also to appoint me to be Governour of his Province
opinion, to be now tendered. be
Internal taxation is to of the Massachusetts Bay, I think it necessary to
left with ourselves. The right of regulating trade to be acquaint you therewith, and at the same time to assure
vested in Great Britain, where alone is found the power you of my readiness to co-operate with you in all matters
of protecting it. 1 trust you will agree with me, that this that concern the good of his Majesty's service, and the
is the only possible mode of union. Men by nature are welfare of his subjects.
free as air. When they enter into society, there is, there I have the honour to be, with great regard, sir, your
must be, an implied compact, for there never yet was an most obedient humble servant,
express one, that a part of this freedom shall be given up Thomas Gage.
for the security of the remainder. But what part ? The To the Honourable John Trumbull, Sic.
answer is plain. The least possible, considering the circum-
stances of the society, which constitute what may be called
its political necessity.
extract of a letter to sundry GENTLEMEN IN
And what does this political necessity require in the
NEW-YORK.
present instance? Not that Britain should lay imposts
Boston, May 21, 1774.
upon U3 for the support of Government, nor for its defence ;
not that she should regulate our internal police. These On by express, on advice of the
receipt of your letter
things affect us only. She can have no right to inter- late tyrannical Acts of Parliament, we of the Committee

fere. To these things we ourselves are competent. But specially assembled, and feasted on the welcome repast.

can be said that we are competent to the regulating of

it
A general joy spread through the whole city, who had the
trade ? The position is absurd, for this affects every most pleasing resentment of the noble and patriotic gene-
part of the British Empire, every part of the habitable rosity of our worthy brethren in Neii'-York, who even

earth. If Great Britain, if Ireland, if America, if all prevented our solicitations for assistance. are in theWe
of them are to make laws of trade, there must be a collision most assiduous and vigorous motion here. have sent We
of these different authorities, and then who is to decide the circular lettei-s to every town and district in the Province

vis major! To recur to tliis, if possible to be avoided, is and though we have not had time to receive answers from
the greatest of all great absurdities. distant towns, we have this day received from an inland

Political necessity, therefore, requires, that this power town a full declaration of their resolution to stand by us
should be placed in the hands of one part of the Empire. with their lives and fortunes another topic for Wedder-
:

Is it a question which part? Let me answer by taking burne to harangue upon. The British merchants them-
another. Pray, which part of the Empire protects trade? selves have already began to anticipate our non-importation

Which part of the Empire receives almost immense sums agreement, which will be confirmed by a brig which sailed
to guard the rest ? And what danger is in the ti-ust ? Some yesterday for London, with countermands and letters
men object that England will draw all the profits of our enough expressive of the general sense of tlie Colonies, as
trade into her coffers. All that she can, undoubtedly. But far as we have been able to collect it.

unless a reasonable compensation for his trouble be left to The friends of Government (or rather despotism) here,
the merchant here, she destroys the trade, and then she finding their patron Hutchinson in the deepest distress,
will receive no profit from it. have been handing about an address to him, applauding
If I remember, in one of those kind letters with which his virtue and public spirit, declaring his letters quite

you have honoured me, you desire my thoughts on matters harmless', and imploring his interposition with his Majesty

as they rise. How much pleasure I take in complying with on their behalf; at least that the port may be opened
your requests let my present letter convince you. If I am some of them have talked loudly of giving largely to the
faulty in telling things which you know better than I do, sura proposed to be raised by tliem to compensate the
you must excuse this fault, and a thousand others, for JEast India Company's loss in their tea; but this project
which I can make no apology. I am, sir, &.c. drags heavily, though Mr. Hutchinson sent word to the
Mr. Pe7vi. GouvERNEUR Morris. town, that in case they would pay only the fii'st cost of the
tea, he would engagethat every thing else should be made
easy. They absolutely tremble with a dread of the junc-

May 20, 1774.

Newport, Rhode Island, tion of the Colonies, and a suspension of the trade with
Great Britai7i, which, at this critical season, must bury
At a town meeting, called and held at Newport, in the
the authors of this complicated, treasonable conspiracy
Colony of Rhode Island, the 20t!i day of May, 1774 :
against the peace and security of the nation, in the ruins
Henry Ward, Esq., Moderator. of their own scheme.
Voted, That we have the deepest sense of the injuries It given out here, by some of the crew, that your
is

done to the town of Boston, by the Act of Piirliament Chamber of Commerce have wiitten letters to Captain
lately passed for putting an end to tlieir trade, and destroy- Chambers, offering, if he will be easy, and return, they will
ing the port. And that we consider this attack upon them * The above votes were passed in a very full meeting, and it is with
as utterly subversive of American liberty ; for tiie same great pleasure we inlbrm the public that there never appeared a more
]iower may at pleasure destroy the trade, and shut up the universal spirit, firranoss, and determined resolution, to stand by and
support our brethren of Boston against the diabolical Ministerial plan
ports of every Colony in its turn ; so that there will be a
of slavery, there being but one or two hands held up against every
total end of all property. thing bearing the least imaginable appearance of liberty. It is pro-
Voted, Tliat we will unite with the other Colonies in posed that a number of gentlemen immediately form a company for
carrying on the woollen manufacture in this Colony in the most exten.
allreasonable and proper measures to procure tlie estab- sivo manner, there being quite wool enough raised here to clothe all
lishment of the rights of the Colonies upon a just and tho inhabitants.
d45 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., MAY, 1774. 346
pay liim for his tea, and provide him the command of a witli their families, and that they thought tiie whole coun-
good ship, but this report gains no credit here. try was Crcsap, who was the perpetrator of the
fled, as
first offence, was then also on his way to Redstone.

Pliiladelphia, May 23, 17T4.

By intelligence from Pittsburg of the 1st of May, we

Address of the Episcopal Ministers and Wardens in
learn that about the April, as one Stephens,
'26th of
Boston, to Govcrnour Hutchinson, presented Mon-
with two Indians, (a Shawancse and a Dclaivare,) were
going down the Ohio in a canoe, (that had been a few days
i>AV, May 2-3, 1774, at the Castle.

before robbed by three men and a woman of the Cherokee Sir The Ministers of the Episcopal Churches in
:

nation, after they had killed one white man, and wounded Boston, and the neighbouring towns, with as many of the
another,) he discovered a canoe with people near Whcding, Wardens as could conveniently attend, hearinc; of your
coming up the river, which he suspected to be Indians, intention to emlaark in a short time for England^heg leave
and strove to avoid them by making towards the opposite to express our unfeigned gratitude for your generous atten-
shore, when they were upon twice, and the two
fired tion, and unwearied application to the important interests
Indians in his but he could not perceive who
canoe killed ; of this Province, in which your wisdom and integrity have
it was that fired, as the enemy lay concealed in the bushes. been equally conspicuous. If any of our fellow-citizens
He then threw himself into the river, and observed the canoe have viewed your administration in a less favourable light,
that was coming up to contain white men. He made towards we are persuaded it must be owing to some misapprehension
it,and found therein Colonel Michael Cresap, and some of your Excellency's intentions. But that which falls more
other men, who pretended entire ignorance of his misfor- immediately within our province, is the regard you have
tune, although he, the said Stephens, declares, that, from always paid to the interests of religion, and the favourable
several circumstances, he suspects the murder was commit- notice you have taken of the Church of England within
ted by persons in confederacy with Cresap, as he heard your Government. Be pleased, sir, to accept this sincere
him tlireaten to put every Indian to death he should testimony of our respect and gratitude, together with our
meet with on the river ; and that if he could get a number earnest prayers that the divine blessing may attend you
of men together sufficient for the undertaking, he was through the remaining stages of your life, and reward you
determined to mark a small Indian village on Yellow with an eternity of happiness in the life to come.
Creek.
We Major Macdonald, of Virginia, on
also learn, that To which his Excellency was pleased to return the
his return to Pittsburg from the Big Runaicay, gives following Answer :

account that a skirmish had happened between some Vir- Gentlemen Whatever favourable notice I may have
:

ginians and Indians, in which some were killed on both taken of the Church of England, the grateful return you
sides, which had occasioned the surveyors and grantees of
have made in this mark of respect, is alone an ample
land from that Colony to return and that on his way to
;
reward, and will be an additional inducement to me, in
Pittsburg, on the 27th of April, he stopped at the house whatever station I may be the remaining part of my life,
of Colonel Cresap, near Whaling, where one Mahon came sincerely to wish your prosperity, and to contribute every
and informed that fourteen Indians, in five canoes, had thing in my power to the advancement of the interest of
called at his house going down the river, and asked him for religion among you.
provisions, which he refused, telling them that two of their
brethren, the day before, had been killed by the white peo-
ple, which these Indians heard nothing of before, and pro-
Address of the Justices of the Court of General Sessions
ceeded down the river. That, upon this new's, Cresap
collected fifteen men, followed and overtook them at the
of the Peace, for the County q/" Suffolk, in Massa-
chusetts, to his Excellency Governour Gage. Pre-
mouth of a small creek, where they had hauled up the
sented on Tuesday, May 24, 1774.
canoes, and were waiting with expectation of being attacked
as a consequence of what they had heard. That Cresap, Province of Massachusetts Bay :

spying the canoes, fired among them, upon which a skirmish

To his Excellency the Honourable Thomas Gage, Esq.,
ensued and the Indians retired after the loss of one man
:

Governour, Commander-in-chief, and Vice Admiral of

on each side, and left in the canoes sixteen kegs of rum,
said Province, and Lieutenant General of his Majesty's
and some saddles and bridles.
Forces in North America:
Captain Crawford, and Mr. Neville, of Virginia, from
Pittsburg, informed, that about the .3d instant, in their way Sir : The Justices of his Majesty's Court of General
there, they met a number of the inhabitants moving off Sessions of the Peace for the county of Suffolk, are happy
their places, and with them a party who produced several in having an opportunity before the close of tlie present
Indian scalps, and said they got them as follows " That : term, at once to testify their loyalty to the King, and to pay
a number of Indians encamped at the mouth of Yellow your Excellency their dutiful respects, on your advance-
Creek, opposite to which two men named Greathouse and ment to the Chair of Government in this Province.
Baker, with some others, had assembled themselves, at a The appointment of a gentleman of your Excellency's
house belonging to the said Baker, and invited two men eminence and character, we esteem as a mark of the royal
and two women of the Indians over the creek to drink favour we flatter ourselves that it will be acceptable to
;

with them, when, after making them drunk, they killed the people overwhom you preside, as it may afibrd them
and scalped them and two more Indian men then came
; encouragement that the powers with which you are invest-
over, who met with the like fate. After which six of their ed, will invariably be applied to the promotion of their
men came over to seek their friends, and on approaching the peace and prosperity, and thereby they may lose the
bank where the white men lay concealed, perceived them, remembrance of their former troubles.
and endeavoured to retreat back, but received a fire from the We are sensible that the cares of Government are at all

shore, which killed two Indians, who fell in the river times burthensome, and more peculiarly so when increased
two fell dead in the canoe, and a fifth was so badly wounded by any public dissentions. We
therefore wish your Ex-
that he could hardly crawl up the bank." Among the cellency that wisdom which is from above, to direct you
unfortunate sufferers was an Indian woman, wife to a white in every department both of office and duty, and that under
man, one of the traders and she had an infant at her
; your auspices the people of your charge may ever enjoy
breast, which these inhuman butchers providentially spared the benefits resulting from a just and due execution of the
and took with them. Mr. Neville asked the man who had laws, even security to their persons and property, and the
the infant if he was not near enough to have taken its happiness of British subjects.
mother prisoner without killing her ? He replied, that he The administration of justice, we consider as the princi-
was about six feet horn her when he shot her exactly in pal duty of Kings ; in this view, conformable to our duty,
the forehead, and cut the hoppase with which the child's we would tender to your Excellency the eariiest assurances
cradle hung at her back and he thought to have knocked
;
that die Executive powers wherewith wc are intrusted, by
out its brains, but remorse prevented him, on seeing the our commission, shall in all respects be employed for the
child fall with its mother. This party further informed preservation of the peace and good order of this county ;

them, that after they had killed these Indians they ran off" and that both as citizens and Magistrates, we will afford
 847 CORRESPONDEiNCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, MAY, 1774. 348
every assistance in our power, towards rendering your affection for their fellow-subjects in Great Britain, tliey
Excellency's administration easy and happy to yourself, are determined cahnly and steadily, to unite with their
and effective of the most permanent tranquillity and wel- fellow-subjects in pursuing every legal and constitutional
fare of this community. measure, to avert the evils threatened by the late Act of
Parliament for shutting up the port and harbour o( Boston;
To ivhich Address his Excellency was pleased to return
to support the common rights of America ; and to promote
the foUoiving Answer:
that union and harmony between the mother country and
Gentlemen: Tlie loyalty you express to the King, her Colonies, on wliicli the preservation of both must finally
and your kind Address to me on my appointment to this depend.
Government, claim my warmest acknowledgments.
I receive the greatest satisfaction in the assurances you
give of your intentions towards the preservation of the I. TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE BRITISH COLONIES IN
j)eace and welfare of tlie community, and return you thanks AMERICA.
for the assistance you oiFur to render my administration Philadelphia, May 24, 1774.

easy and happy. Brethren : Divine Providence has been pleased to

1 beg you to believe, tiiat as it is my duty, so it is my place us, in this age and country, under such circumstances
inclination to give a close attention to the administration of as to be reduced to the necessity of choosing one of these
justice, and the due execution of the laws and that I ; conditions either to submit to the dominion of others hold-
:

shall exert every power lodged in my hands, for the pro- ing our lives, liberties, and properties, by the precariom
tection of his Majesty's subjects, that every individual may tenure of their will or, to exert that understanding, reso-
;

enjoy the blessings peculiar to a British Constitution, by lution, and power, with which Heaven has favoured us, in
being secured both in his person and property. striving to maintain our rank in the class of freemen.
The importance of these objects is so immensely great,
and the treatment of one of these Colonies so extremely
FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE BOSTON COMMITTEE. alarming, as to call for your most earnest and immediate
Extract. consideration.
Philadelphix, May 24, 1774. The subject of the present dispute between Great
We lament with you the distress of Boston, and Britain and us is so generally understood, that to enlarge
think Great Britain must be out of her senses. VVe are upon it is needless. We
know liie extent of her claims ;
fully sensible your cause is the common cause of all the we begin to feel the enforcement of those claims we may ;

Colonies we must have a push for it, with all our strength
;
foresee the consequences of them ; for, reason teaching us
against the whole strength of Great Britain ; by sea they to infer actions from principles, and events from examples,

will beat us; by land, tliey will not attempt us; we must should convince us what a perfection of servitude is to be
try it way of commerce.
out in a fixed on us and our posterity I call it perfection, because
;

1st. By
suspending all trade with Great Britain, we the wit of man, apprehended, cannot devise a plan of
it is

can lessen the revenue of the Crown near a million ster- domination more completely tending to bear down the
ling per annum. governed into the lowest and meanest state in society,
2d. By suspending all trade with the West Indies, we than tliat now meditated, avowed, and in part executed on
can starve them and ruin their plantations; by withholdinu' this Continent.
our provisions and lumber, in six months, which will stop If this system becomes established, may
with trutli be
it

the four and a half per cent to the Crown, min a great said of the inhabitants of these Colonies, " that they hold
number of mercliants in London, who are concerned in " their lives, liberties, and properties, by the precarious
the West Indies, and deliver us from the slow poison we
" tenure of the will of others.".*
usually import from thence. Allowing the danger to be real at the prospect of so
3d. By withholding flax-seed from Ireland, we can abject and so lasting a subjection, wliat must be the senti-
ruin the linen manufactory in twelve months. Tiiis will ments of judicious and virtuous Americans ? They will
reduce about three hundred thousand people to a want of quickly determine whether the first part of the alternative
employ which, with near an equal number of British
;
should be adopted.
manufacturers in Great Britain reduced to the same state, Here arguments would be absurd not more ridiculous ;

will soon muster tumults enough to fill their hands and would be an attempt to prove vice preferable to virtue
hearts at home, for there is no satisfying starving people, the climate of St. Vincent more pleasant than that of
but by killing or feeduig them. Pennsylvania ; the natives of Indostan, under tlie Govern-
These are the means we are coolly deliberatinir; vve ment of the East India Company, as happy as English
have other things in contemplation; as stopping our ports freeholders or the inhabitants of Great Britain more
;

ent'rely, and laying up all our shipping and some other ;

loyal subjects than those of the Colonies.
things we shall try to convene a general Congress of all
;
That liberty is inestimable, and should if possible, be
the Colonies as soon as may be. May God give wisdom preserved, you know. To pretend to convince you of the
and firmness, prudence, and patience, in this time of trial. truth of the former proposition, or of the duty of the latter,
would be to insult you. You must be you are resolved ;

to observe the most proper conduct for securing your best

Talbot Court House, Maryland, May 24, 1774. and dearest interests. What that may be, deserves,
Alarmed at the present situation
of America, and im- demands, your closest attention, your calmest deliberation.
pressed with the most tender feelings for the distresses of On this venture to submit some observations to
head, I

their brethren and fellow-subjects in Boston, a number of your consideration. I am by every tie of interest and duty

gentlemen having met at tliis place, took into their serious an American ; and, unless my heart deceives me, 1 am an
consideration the part they ought to act, as friends to liber- American in affection my fortunes, hopes, and wishes are
;

ty, and to the general interests of mankind. bound up in your prosperity with my countrymen I must
;

To preserve the rights, and to secure tlie property of mourn or rejoice ; and therefore, though 1 am perfectly
the subject, they appreliend is the end of Government. sensible cannot present to them reflections arising from
I

—
But when those rights are invaded when the mode pre- great abilities, or extensive learning, and adorned by ele-
scribed by the laws for the punishment of offences, and gance of composition yet, I trust they will lend a careful
;

obtaining justice, is disregarded and spurned when, with- :

and candid attention to ])lain thoughts dictated by honest ;

out being heard in their defence, force is employed, and intentions, and a ])articipation of afflictions. Aiming solely
the severest penalties are inflicted the people, they
;
at your welfare, and not at the trifling reputation of a

clearly conceive, have a right not only to complain, but writer, far be from me, the over-weening presumption
likewise to exert their utmost endeavours to prevent the that my opinions are free from errour con=cious of my ;

effect of such measures as may be adopted by a weak or frailties, I desire those opinions to be severely examined ;

corrupt Ministry to destroy their liberties deprive them ;

the correction of them will confer a real obligation upon
of their property; and rob them of their dearest birth-right * " Non nnhis nail svmrts. It is for our posterity we desire to pro-
as Britons. —
" Tide that they rauy not be in worss casi? than villains For a. free.
" mart to bo a tenant at will for his liberty I will not agree to it. It
'.

Impressed with the warmest zeal for, and loyalty to —

" is a tenure not to be found in all Littleton." Speech of Sir Edwako
their most gracious Sovereign ; and with the most sincere —
Coke, Lord Chief Justice. Par. His. Vol. 8. p. 61.
S49 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &ic., MAY, 1774. 350

me, if it serves my country ; and iiappy shall I esteem Williamsburg, May 30, 1774.

myself, if the detection of my

mistakes shall open to you The House of Burgesses, of Virginia, on the 24th of
a clear view of the most expedient measures to be pursued. May, adopted the following Resolution, which was directed
There are some men who say that the late Act of Parlia- to be forthwith printed and published :

ment, abolishing the privileges of the port of Boston, was

"Tuesday, 2.Uh of May, 14th Genr^e III., 1774.
occasioned by the particular imprudence of the inhabitants,
" This House being deeply impressed with apprehension
and in no manner concerns the otiier Colonies.
To form a true judgment on this point, it will be proper of the great dangers to be derived to British America
from the hostile invasion of the city of Boston, in our sister
to take a short review of some other transactions.
Great Britain, triumphant by your assistance in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, whose commerce and
late war, found at the conclusion of it, by a peace hastily
harbour are on the first day of June next to be stopped by
an armed force, deem it highly necessary that the said
bestowed on her haughty and hereditary foes, her Domin-
ions enlarged her armies discip- first
day of June be set apart by the Members of this
her fleets formidable
; :

lined her trade flourishing her enemies intimidated and

;
House, as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer; de-
;

voutly to implore the Divine interposition, for averting the

exhausted her Colonies thriving, affectionate, and dutiful.
;

The cup of prosperity large and full, courted her lips. heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil
Deep she drank of the enchanted beverage, as if the vessel rights, and the evils of civil war to give us one heart and ;

like the cruise of Serepta's widow, could not fail after a

one mind firmly to oppose, by all just and proper means,
;

short, but feverish repose she roused herself, may 1 say,

every injury to American rights and that the minds of ;

his Majesty and his Parliament may be inspired from above

as one of Homer's giants a race, ;

" By wliom no statutes and no rights wer3 known," with wisdom, moderation, and justice, to remove from the
loyal people of America all cause of danger from a con-
to injure those that never injured her. She had conquered
tinued pursuit of measures pregnant with their ruin.
her enemies that, other Kingdoms had done.
; Should no " Ordered, therefore, That the members of this House
exploits of a more transcendent energy illustrate the annals ,

do attend in their places at the hour of ten in the forenoon,

of George the Third ? no achievements so shockingly great
on the said first day of June next, in order to proceed with
and advantageous, that even the pensioned historians of
the Speaker and the mace to the church in this city for
the animated era must weep in tracing them, and blush in
the purposes aforesaid and that the Reverend Mr. Price ;
reciting them. Luckily for her fame, perhaps for her
be appointed to read prayers, and to preach a sermon
profit, the near-sighted policy and low-spirited humanity
suitable to the occasion.*
of every State, in every period, had left untouched for her, " By the House of Burgesses,
the novel glory of conquering friends, children, flesh of
" George Wythe, c. h. b."
her flesh, and bone of her bone, unstained by any former
reproach ; resting in perfect tranquillity, acknowledged
Thursday, May 26. Between three and four o'clock,
loyalty, and actual obedience to every kind of authority
P. M., the Right Honourable the Earl oi Dunmore, sent a
hitherto by her exercised over them perpetually pouring
message to the honourable the House of Burgesses, by the
;

into her lap those fruits of their industry, which she would
Clerk of the Council, requiring their immediate attendance
permit them to collect from the different parts of the world.
in the Council Chamber ; when his Excellency spoke to
Proud of their connection with her confiding in her lov- ;
them as follows ;

ing, revering, almost adoring her and ready and willing as ;

they ever had been, to spend their treasure, and their blood, " Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of
at her request, in her cause. Burgesses I have in my hand a paper published by :

* " Parcere superbis, et debellare subjectos," . order of your House, conceived in such terms as reflect
was a thought that had escaped the sagacity of statesmen, highly upon his Majesty, and the Parliament of Great
and even the fancy of poets. The subtlety of Machiavel's Britain, which makes it necessary for me to dissolve you,
Italian brain had missed it, and no Bceoiian had blundered and you are dissolved accordingly."
upon it.

The temptation was too great to be resisted ; the parent

Friday, May
27. At ten o'clock this day, the honour-
resolved to seize that treasure, and if not tamely resigned, able Membersof the late House of Burgesses, met by
agreement, at the long room of the Raleigh tavern, in
to s])ill that blood herself, f " sapiens et beata regina." O Williamsburg, called the Apollo; when, having formed
The greatest :|:Ministers who had
heretofore conducted
her had discovered, and declared, that we were
afFdii-s,
themselves into a Committee, and appointed the Honoura-
continually toiling for her benefit ble Peyton Randolph, Moderator, the following Associa-
that she was sure of ;

receiving, in the course of commerce, all those emolu- tion was unanimously entered into by the patriotic Assem-
ments of our labour which reason could require ; and, bly, in support of the constitutional liberties of America,

therefore, tenderly cherished and supported us. against the late oppressive Acts of the British Parliament,
Notions
too dull and advantages too just to merit the slightest respecting the town of Boston, which, in the end, must
! !

regard from his Majesty's enlightened and magnanimous affect all the other Colonies.

Counsellors.
" They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the AN ASSOCIATION, BY THE MEMBERS OF THE LATE HOUSE
" balance they fall down yea they worship" (them.) !
OF BURGESSES.
; ;

Remember this, and show yourselves men. We his Majesty's most and loyal subjects, the
dutiful
P.P. late Representatives of the good people of this country,
* " To spare the proud and to subdue the subject."
having been deprived by the sudden interposition of the
t" O wise and liappy Queen." Executive part of this Government from giving our coun-
} Sir Robert Walpule, and every other Minister to whom the project trymen the advice we wished to convey to them in a legis-
of taxing the Colonies was mentioned, rejected it,
" Wlien I had the honour of serving his Majesty, I availed myself of lative capacity, find ourselves under the hard necessity of
tlie means of information which I derived from my office. I speak
adopting this, the only method we have left, of pointing out
therefore, from knowledge. My materiils were good I was at pains ; to our countrymen such measures as in our opinion are best
to collect, to digest, to consider tliom and I will be bold to affirm that
fitted to secure our dearest rights and liberty from destruc-
;

the profit of Great Britain from tlie trade of tlie Colonies, through all
its branches, is two millions a year this is the fund that carried you
;
tion, by the heavy hand of power now lifted against North
triumphantly through the last war the estates that were rented at
; America. With much grief we find that our dutiful appli-
£2,000 a year, tliroo score years ago, are £3,000 at present those ;
cations to Great Britain, for security of our just, ancient,
e.states sold then from fifteen to eighteen years purcliase ; the same may
DOW bo sold for thirty. You owe tliis to America ; this is the prica and constitutional rights, have been not only disregarded, but
that America pays you for her protection. I dare not say how much that a determined system is formed and pressed for reducing
higher these jirofits may be augmented. Upon the whole, I will bog
the inhabitants of British America to slavery, by subjecting
leave to tell the House what is really my opinion it is that the Stamp :

Act be rspealed absolutely, totally, and innnediatoly ; that the reason them to the payment of taxes, imposed without the consent
for the repeal be assigned, because it was founded on an erroneous
principle." Mr. Pitt's Speech. * The order originally was, " that the Reverend Mr. Price be ap.
All the most distinguished writers on tlie trade of Great Britain " pointud to read prayers ; and tlie Reverend Mr. Gmatkin to preach a
previous to the present reign, lield a language entirely agreeing witli " sermon suit ible to the occasion." But upon Mr. Gwntkin'n petition-
—
Mr. Pitt's sentiments. See Davenant, Child, Tucker, Beaaes, Postle. ing to be excused from complying with his appointment, Mr. Price,
thwaile, ^. tlieChaplain to the House, was directed to preach in his stead.
851 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, MAY, 1774. 852

of the people on their Representatives and that in pursuit

; into, as well as resolutions to suspend, at some future clay,
of this system, we find an Act of tlie British Parliament, exporting any of our conunodities to Britain, should the
lately passed, for stopping the harbour and commerce of the present odious measures, so inimical to the just rights and
town of Boston, in our sister Colony of Massachusetts liberty of America, be pursued.*
Bay, until tlie people there submit to the payment of
such unconstitutional taxes, and which Act most violently
and arbitrarily deprives them of their property in wharfs
EARL OF DUNMORE TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
erected by private persons, at their own great and proper
expense, which Act is, in our opinion, a most dangerous Williamsburg, May 29, 1774.

attempt to destroy the constitutional liberty and rights of My Lord The General Assembly of this Colony met
:

all North America. here on the 6th of May, for despatch of the necessary
It is further our opinion, that as tea, on its importation business, and a few days after an account arrived in this
into America, charged with a duty, imposed by Par-
is country of the Act of Parliament, passed for discontinuing
liament for the purpose of raising a revenue, without the the shipping or discharging goods in the harbour of ^Oi/ojj,
consent of tiie people, it ought not to be used by any which has induced the House of Burgesses again, on this
person who wishes well to the constitutional rights and occasion to declare, what they are fond of having it
liberty of British America. And whereas the India Com- thought always originates with them, a determined resolu-
pany have ungenerously attempted the ruin of America, by tion to deny and oppose the authority of Parliament.
sending many ships loaded with tea into the Colonies, Accordingly Robert Carter Nicholas, the Treasurer of this
thereby intending to fix a precedent in favour of arbitrary Colony, made a motion for the order, which .passed, and
taxation, we deem it highly proper and do accordingly which I herewith transmit to your Lordship.
recommend it strongly to our countrymen, not to purchase It was intended by the solemnity of a public fasting

or use any kind of East India commodity whatsoever, and praying to prepare the minds of the people to re-
except saltpetre and spices, until the grievances oi America ceive other resolutions of the House, the purport of which
are redressed. I am not informed of, but from such a beginning may natu-

We are further clearly of opinion, that an attack, made rally be concluded could tend only to inflame tiie whole

on one of our sister Colonies, to compel submission to country, and instigate the people to acts that might rouse the
arbitrary taxes is an attack made on all British Ame- indignation of the motlier country against tiiem in hopes ;

rica, and threatens ruin to tiie rights of all, unless the therefore of preventing the progress of these ill effects by
united wisdom of the whole be applied. And for this the only means in my power, which I fear will not be
purpose it is recommended to the Committee of Corres- effectual, I have with the unanimous consent of the Coun-
pondence, that they communicate, with their several Cor- cil, dissolved the Assembly, and I have determined not to

responding Committees, on the expediency of appointing issue new writs until I hear from your Lordship, and am
Deputies from the several Colonies of British America, informed whether his Majesty shall think it necessary to
to meet in general Congress, at such place annually as give me any command in respect to this undutiful part of

...
shall be thought most convenient there to deliberate on
:

general measures which the united interests of Ame-

those O
rica may from time to tmie require.
A tender regard for the interest of our fellow-subjects,
the Legislature of Virginia.
I have heard from many of the dissolved members, and

I hope it is true, that tlie House in general in the hasty

manner the measure was proposed and agreed to, did not
the merchants and manufacturers of Great Britain, pre- advert to the whole force of the tenns in which the order
vents us from going further at this time most earnestly ; I transmit is conceived, and that if it had, it is believed a

hoping, that the unconstitutional principle of taxing the strong opposition would have been made to it, and proba-
Colonies without their consent will not be persisted in, bly that it might have met a different fate.
thereby to compel us against our will, to avoid all commer- I am, &c. DuNMORE.
cial intercourse with Britain. Wishing them and our peo-
ple free and happy, we are their affectionate friends the
late Representatives of Virginia. Annapolis, Maryland, May 26, 1774.

Signed by eighty-nine Members of the late At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the City of Anna'
House of Burgesses. polls,on Wednesday, the 25th day of May, 1774, after
May 27, 1774. notice given of the time, place, and occasion of this
We
the subscribers. Clergymen and other inhabitants of meeting
the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, having maturely Resolved, That it is the unanimous opinion of this
considered the contents of the above Association, do most meeting, that the town of Boston is now suffering in the
cordially approve and acceed thereto. common cause of America, and that it is incumbent on
Signed by a number of Clergymen and every Colony in America, to unite in effectual means to
other Inhabitants. obtain a repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking
up the harbour of Boston.
On Sunday 29,
afternoon, May were received by
letters That it is the opinion of this meeting, that if the Colo-
express from Boston, Philadelphia, and Annapolis, in nies come into a joint resolution to stop all importations,
Maryland, testifying the resentment of those different from, and exportations to, Great Britian, the said Act
till

places, and the Northern Provinces in general, against the be repealed, the same will preserve North America and
late oppressive Act of the British Parliament which is in- her liberties.
tended so materially to injure the port of Boston, and Resolved therefore, Tliat the inhabitants of this city,
recommending an union of measures to their Southern will join in an Association with the several counties of this
brethren, to induce the Ministry to abate in their rigorous Province, and the principal Colonies of America, to put
and unconstitutional designs against American freedom, an immediate stop to all exports to Great Britain, and
which they consider themselves equally entitled to with that after a short day hereafter to be agreed on that there be
their fellow-subjects in Britain. no imports from Great Britain till the said Act be repealed,
Immediately upon receiving the letters the Honourable and that such Association be on oath.
Peyton Randolph, Esquire, moderator of the Committee of That it is the ojiinion of this meeting that the gentle-
the late House of Representatives, thought it proper to men of the law of this Province, bring no suit for the
convene all the members tliat were then in town who on ; recovery of any debt due from any inhabitant of this
considering those important papers, came to a resolution Province to any inhabitant of Great Britain, until the
to call together the several other members near this city, said Act be repealed.
to whom notice could be given. Twenty-five of them ac-
cordingly met next day, Monday, May 30, at ten o'clock, *On the of June, the Honourable the .Sp-jaker and as many
first
members of the Assembly, as were in town, with the citizens of
late
when it was unanimously agreed to refer the further consi- Williatnsljurg, and numbers from a distance, ansembled at the Court
deration of this matter to the first day of August next at ; House and went in procession to tlie Church, where an excellent ser.
which time it is expected there will be a very general mon, well adapted to the present unhappy disputes between Great
Britain and her Colonies, was preached by the Reverend Mr. Price,
attendance of the late members of the House of Burgesses, cliaplain to tlio House of Burgesses, agreeable to the late order of
and that a non-importation agreement will be then entered that patriotic and very respectable body.
353 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, MAY, 1774. 354

Tliat the inhabitants of this city will, and it is the inhabitants of Great Britain, who, relying witli unlimited
opinion of this meeting, that this Province ought imme- security on our good faith and integrity, have made us
diately to break off all trade and dealings with that Colony masters of their fortunes condemning them unheard,
;

or Province which shall refuse or decline to come into for not having interposed their influence with Parliament
similar resolutions with a majority of the Colonies. in favour of the town of Boston, without duly weighing
That Messrs. John Hall, Charles Carroll, Thomas John- the force with which that influence would probably have
son, Jun., William Paca, Matthias Hammond, and Samuel operated, or whether, in their conduct, they were actuated
Chase, be a Committee for this city, to join with those who by wisdom and policy, or by corruption and avarice.
shallbe appointed for Baltimore town, and other parts of Because, whilst the inhabitants of Great Britain
2.
this Province, to constitute one general Committee, and are partially despoiled of every legal remedy to recover
that the gentlemen appointed for this city immediately what is justly due to them, no provision is made to prevent
correspond with Baltimore town, and other parts of this us from being harrassed by the prosecution of internal suits,
Province, to effect such Association as will best secure but our fortunes and persons are left at the mercy of
American liberty. domestic creditors, without a possibility of extricating our-
selves, unless by a general convulsion an event, in the ;

To Maryland Gazktte contemplation of sober reason, replete with horrour.

the Printers of the :

3. Because our credit as a commercial people will

Your Gazette of the 26th instant, contains an anonymous
expire under the wound for what confidence can possibly
;
publication of the Resolutions entered into by the meeting
be reposed in those who shall have exhibited the most
of the inhabitants of this city, held for the purpose of
avowed and most striking proof, that they are not to be
taking into consideration Letters from Boston and Phila-
bound by obligations as sacred as human invention can
delphia, which it is presumed is entitled to no other than
suggest.
an anonymous answer. The public are desired to sus-
pend forming any judgment of the sentiments of this city Lloyd Dulany, Thomas Neal, Lewis Jones,
William Cooke, William Tonry, William Waiatt,
on a subject of so momentous a concern, until they are James Tilghman, James McKenzie, John King,
furnished with more authentic grounds. Anthony Stewart, Nicholas Minsky, William rrew,
Annapolis, May, 26, 1774. William Stcuart, Martin Water, Thomas Towson,
Charles Steuart, John Warren, William Howard,
David Steuart, William Chambers, John Donaldson,
Annapolis, (A. M. 11 o'clock,) May 27, 1774. Jonathan Pinkney, James Clarke, D. Dulany, of Walter,
William Tuck, Denton Jacques, William Worthington,
.
A
paper having been circulated this morning, in this Thomas Sparrow, Joseph Dowson, Thomas B. Hodgkin,
city, and distributed with the Gazette, desiring the public John Green, Thomas Macken, William Wilkins,
James Brice, Richard Burland, Thomas French,
to suspend forming any judgment of the sentiments of this Dan. Dulany, of Dan. Joseph Selby,
George Gordon,
city, on the subject matter of letters from Boston, and John Chalmers, R. MoUeson, William Gordon,
Philadelphia, until they are furnished witli more authentic John Anderson, Robert Couden, Thomas Hyde,
John Unsworth, William Aikman, John Maconochic,
grounds than the resolutions entered into by the meeting James Taylor, George French, Philip Thomas Lee,
of the inhabitants held for that purpose, all the citi- William Cayton, John Parker, John Ball,
zens, and particularly those who dissent from the printed George Ranken, Archibald Smith, Samuel Owens,
Robert Moor, Thomas Bonner, Samuel Ball,
resolutions, are earnestly requested to meet at the Play- Matthias Mae, Thomas Braithwaito,
Jonathan Parker,
liouse, precisely at diree o'clock, this afternoon. Brice Selden, Alexander McDonald, James Murray,
inhabitants of the city of Annapo-
At a meeting of the John Vamdel, David Crinnig, Richard Mackubin,
John Annis, John Timmis, Michael Wallace,
lis consequence of the foregoing notice, after reading
in David Atchison, William Hyde,
Robert Ridge,
the several letters and papers communicated from Boston, Robert Nixon, James Maynard, Nathan Hammond,
and Philadelphia, the first, second, and third resolutions Thomas Kirby, William Harrison, Peter Psalter,
William Edwards, Robert Kirkland, Joseph Brouing,
of this city, on Wednesday last, were distinctly read, one William Ashton, Thomas Hincke,
Robert Lambert,
by one, and the question being put on them, severally, William Eddis, Robert Morrison, Lewis Neth,
that they be confirmed, the first was unanimously con- John Clapham, Charles Bryan, Edward Dogan,
Elie Vallette, John Haragan, J. H. Anderson,
finned, and, on a division, the second and third were also Hugh Hendley, Richard Burt,
Robert Buchanan,
confirmed, very few dissenting. The fourth resolution William Noke, Richard Thompson, Henry Horsley,
Rcverdy Ghiselin, Cornelius Fenton,
being read, the question was moved and put, that the same James Brooks,
Richard Murrow, Charles Marckel, Richard Addams,
be expunged, and on a division, resolved by a considerable John Randall, George Ranken, Sen.
John Brown,
majority, that it be not expunged. The other resolutions John Hepburn, William Stift; Edward Wilmot,
were read, and on the question being put on each, were Colin Campbell, James Mitchell, Robert Lang,
Nathaniel Ross, Charles Roberts, George Nicholson,
confirmed without any division. Samuel Skingle, Benjamin Spriggs,
William Niven,
Resolved, That this day's proceedings be immediately James Kingsbury, Thomas Stiff, John Horton,
printed, and made public. Per order, James Barnes, Henry Jackson, Charles Wright,
John Sands, William Devenish, Constantine Bull,
John Ducket, Clerk.
James Hackman, Amos Edmons,
James Williams,
Joseph Williams, Charles Barber, Henry Sibell,

John Howard, John Evitts, Joshua Cross,

Annapolis, May 30, 1774.
James Maw, John Woolford,
William Munroe,
A publication of the enclosed Protest, supported by a con- John D. Jaques, Jordan Steiger, Samuel H. Howard,
Weeden,
siderable number of of the City of
die Inhabitants John N orris, Joseph Richards, Oliver
John Steele, Edward Owens, Alexander Finlater,
Annapolis, will, it is presumed, furnish the most authen- N. Macubbin, Thomas Prysse, Cornelius McCarty,
tic grounds for determining the sense of the majority on Thomas Hammond, J. Wilkinson, Jonathan Simpson.
Thomas Pipier, Robert Key,
a question of the last importance.
We whose names are subscribed, inhabitants of the city
of Annapolis, conceive it our clear right, and most incum-
DANIEL DULANV, JUN. TO ARTHUR LEE.
bent duty, to express our cordial and explicit disapproba-
Annapolis, May, 1774.
tion of a Resolution which was carried by forty-seven
against thirty-one, at the meeting held on the 27lh in- Dear Sir I received your favour, which I made it
:

stant. my business to communicate to my acquaintances, who all

we agreed in your proposal. It would give me the highest
The Resolution against which protest in the face of
satisfaction to continue a correspondence with you. Our
the world is the following :

town was assembled a few days ago to consider

let-
it is the opinion of this meeting that the gentle-
That
•'

sent from Boston and Philadelphia.

The subject
'•
of the law of tiiis Province, bring no suit for the
men ters
' recovery of any debt due from any inhabitant of this Boston letter was, to request the Colonies to join
of the
" Province to any inhaiiitant of Great Britain, until the in a non-importation and
non-exportation scheme, as the
" said Act be repealed." method to compel Parliament to restore them to
readiest
their just ri<^hts. The Philadelphians were very cool,
Dissentient,
upon the application. There is a stroke of insult-
1. Because we are impressed with a full conviction, indeed,
founded treachery and rashness, ing pity in their answer which 1 am sure will raise your
that this resolution is in

inasmuch as it is big with bankruptcy and ruin to tliose indignation to the highest pitch.

Fourth Series. 23
855 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, MAY, 1774. 356

We came here to the following resolves : heirs and successors, as fully and amply as if they, and
1st. That it is the opinion of the meeting that the town every of them, were bom within the Realm of England.
of Boston is now suft'cring in the common cause of Ame- That they have a property in their own estate, and are to
rican liberty. be taxed by their own consent, ojily given in person, or by
2d. Tiiat tlie best method to redress the evils they now their Representatives, and are not to be disseized of their
labour under, would be to put a total stop to imports and liberties and free customs, sentenced or condemned, but by
exports to and from Great Britain. lawful judgment of their peers and that the said rights
;

;3d. That the Association be upon oath for that purpose. and immunities are recognised and confirmed by the inhab-
4th. That it is the opinion of this meeting that no itants of the Colony, by the Royal Grant and Charter
lawyer should bring an action for any merchant in Great aforesaid, and are their undoubted right, to all intents,
Britain against an inhabitant till this Act be repealed. constructions and j)urposes W'hatsoever.
5th. That no trade be carried on with any Colony that 3d. That die only lawful representatives of the freemen
does not come into similar resolutions. of this Colony, are the persons they elect to serve as mem-
Tiiese are not to be obligatory till they are agreed to by bers of the General Assembly thereof.
a majority of the Colonies and the several counties of this 4th. That it is the just right and privilege of his Majes-
Province. Every thing passed unanimously except the ty's liege subjects of this Colony to be governed by their
fourth resolution, which I confess 1 opposed, with about General Assembly in the article of taxing, and internal
thirty more. It seems to me to carry with it so much police, agreeable to the powers and privileges recognised
injustice and partiality, that I am afraid it will give a and confirmed in the Royal Charter aforesaid, which they
handle to our enemies to hurt the general cause. I would have enjoyed for more than ti century past, and have neither
have agreed to it if it had extended to merchants in this forfeited nor surrendered, but the same have been con-
country as well as foreign merchants. stantly recognised by the King and Parliament of Great
Every just, indeed, every efficient measure, should be Britain.
taken against the British Parliament in their designs to 5th. That the erecting new and unusual Courts of
tax America ; for I am convinced, that if once the princi- Admiralty, and vesting them with extraordinary powers
ple of taxing were established, property here would not be above, and not subject to, the controul of the Common
worth holding. But, at the same time, let us never give Law Courts in this Colony, to judge and determine in suits
them an opportunity, by our resolves, to accuse us of relating to the duties and forfeitures contained in said
injustice. I hope you will agree with me in this. Acts, foreign to the accustomed and established jurisdiction
It gives me great pleasure to hear that our friend of the former Courts of Admiralty in America, is, in the
Alleyne succeeded so well in the four and a half per cent, opinion of this House, highly dangerous to the liberties of
cause. I have expected to hear from him on business for Ills Majesty's American subjects, contrary to the great

some time past, liis management of which I requested, Charter of English liberty, and destructive of one of their
but Ihave not had the pleasure. Present my compli- most darling rights, that of trial by juries, which is justly
ments to him, and inform him that I should be glad of a esteemed one chief excellence of the British Constitution,
line from him. Remember me to your brother. and a principal branch of English liberty.
I am, with great esteem, dear sir, your most humble 6th. That the apprehending and carrying persons beyond
servant, D. Dulany, Jun. the sea to be tried for any crime alleged to be committed
Arthur Lee, Esq,, London. within this Colony, or subjecting them to be tried by Com-
missioners, or by any court constituted by Act of Parlia-
ment, or otherwise within this Colony, in a summary way,
CONNECTICUT RESOLtJTIONS. without a jury, is unconstitutional, and subversive of the
liberties and rights of the free subjects of this Colony.
In the House of Representatives of the English Colony 7th. That any liarbour or port duly opened and consti-
of Connecticut. tuted, cannot be shut up and discharged but by an Act of
This House, taking into their serious consideration sundry the Legislature of the Province or Colony in which such
Acts of the British Parliament, in which their power and harbour or port is situated, without subverting the rights
right to impose duties and taxes upon his Majesty's subjects and liberties, and destroying the projjerty of his Majesty's
in the British Colonies and Plantations in America, for subjects.
the purpose of raising a revenue, are declared, attempted 8th. That the late Act of Parliament inflicting pains
to be exercised, and in various ways enforced and carried and penalties on the town of Boston, by blocking up dielr
into execution and especially a very late Act, in which
: harbour, is a precedent justly alarming to the British
pains and penalties are inflicted on the capital of a neigh- Colonies in America, and wholly inconsistent with, and
bouring Province, a jirecedent justly alarming to every subversive of, their constitutional rights and liberties.
British Colony in America, and which being admitted 9th. That whenever his Majesty's service shall require
and established, their lives, liberties, and properties, are at the aid of the inhabitants of this Colony, the same fixed
the mercy of a tribunal where innocence may be punished principles of loyalty, as well as self-preservation, which
upon the accusation and evidence of wicked men, without have hitherto induced us fully to comply with his Majesty's
defence, and even without knowing the accuser a pre- ; requisitions, together with the deep sense we have of its
cedent calculated to terrify them into silence and submis- being our indispensable duty, (in the opinion of this House,)
sion wiiilst diey are stripped of their invaluable rights and will ever hold us under the strongest obligations which can
liberties — do think it their duty and expedient at this time, be given or desired, most cheerfully to grant his Majesty,
to renew their claim to the rights, liberties and immunities from time to time, our fiirtlier proportion of men and
of freeborn Englishmeji, to which they are justly entitled money, for tiie defence, protection, security, and other
by the laws of nature, by the Royal Grant and Charter services of the British American Dominions.
of his late Majesty King Charles the Second, and by long 10th. That we look on die wellbeing and greatest secu-
and uninterrupted possession and thereupon do declare
; rity of this Colony, to depend (under God) on our connec-
and resolve as follows, viz tion with Great Britain, which it is ardently wished may
1st. In the first place, we do most expressly declare, continue to the latest posterity ; and that it is the humble
recognise and acknowledge his Majesty King George the opinion of this House that the Constitution of this Colony
Tiiird to be the lawful and rightful King of Great Britain, being understood and practised upon, as it has, ever since
and all other his Dominions and Countries and that It is
; it existed, (till very lately,) is tlie surest bond of union,

the indispensable duty of this Colony, as being part of his confidence, and mutual prosperity of our mother country
Majesty's dominions, always to bear faitliful and true alle- and us, and the last foundation on which to build the good
giance to his Majesty, and him to defend to the utmost of of the whole, whether considered in a civil, military, or
their power, against all attempts upon his person, crown and mercantile light ; and of the truth of this opinion we are
dignity. the more confident, as it Is not founded on speculation only,
2d. That the subjects of his Majesty in this Colony but has been verified in fact, and by long experience found to
ever have had, and of right out to have and enjoy, all the produce, according to our extent, and other circumstances,
liberties, immunities and privileges of free and natural bom as many loyal, virtuous, industrious and well governed sub-
subjects within any of the Dominions of our said King, his jects, as any part of his Majesty's Dominions and as truly
;
857 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., MAY, 1774. 358

zealous of, and as warmly engaged to promote the best assured that I shall with pleasure concur with you to the
good and real glory of thegrand whole, which constitutes utmost of my power in all matters that tend to the welfare
tiie Bntish Empire. and prosperity of the Province. I make mention of the
11th. That it is an indispensable duty which we owe first of next month, because I have the King's particular

to our King, our country, ourselves, and our posterity, by commands for holding the General Court at Salem from
all lawful ways and means in our power, to maintain, defend that day, until his Majesty shall have signified iiis royal
and preserve, these our rights and liberties, and to transmit will and pleasure for holding it again at Boston.

them entire and inviolate to the latest generations and ; The honour of my appointment to the command of this
that it is our fixed, determined, and unalterable resolution, Govemment being so lately conferred, and the time since
faitiifully to discharge this our duty. I took it upon me so very short, I have not at present
any matter to lay before you, farther than to acquaint you,
At their Sessions at Hartford, on the second Thursday that the Provincial Treasurer having informed me that
of Mai/, 177^, in the fourteenth year of his Majesty's
sufficient made for the redemption of the
provision is
reign, the foregoing Resolutions, reported to the House by
Government securities that are now, and will become due
their Committee, were unanimously voted, and ordered to
in June, 1775, you will have no other burden upon you
be entered on their Journal or Record.
but to supply the Treasury for the support of Govemment
for the ensuing year. T. Gage.
Council Chamber, May 26, 1774.
Boston, Wednesday, May 25, 1774.

This being the anniversary day appointed by the Royal

Marblehead, May 25, 1774.
Charter, for convening a great and general Court or Assem-
bly of this Province, and for the election of his Majesty's AN ADDRESS PRESENTED TO OOVERNOUH HUTCHINSON BY
Council, the gentlemen who were returned to serve and SUNDRY GENTLEMEN OF MARBLEHEAD.
represent the several towns, met a Committee from the To Govemour Hutchinjon :

Honourable Board, authorized and appointed by his Excel- Sir His Majesty having been pleased to appoint his
:

lency the Govemour, administered the oaths required by Excellency the Honourable Thomas Gage, Esquire, to be
Act of Parliament to the members of the House, who, Govemour and Commander-in-chief over this Province,
after having taken the oath of abjuration, and subscribed and you (as we are informed) being speedily to embark
the declaration, they unanimously chose Mr. Samuel for Great Britain, we, the subscribers, merchants, traders
Adams for their Clerk the House then proceeded to the
; and others, inhabitants of Marblehead, beg leave to pre-
choice of a Speaker, when the Honourable Thomas Cash- sent you our valedictory Address on this occasion and as ;

ing, Esquire, was unanimously chosen and approved. this is the only way we now have of expressing to you
The following gentlemen were elected Counsellors for our entire approbation of your public conduct during the
the ensuing year time you have presided in this Province, and of making
For the Colony of Massachusetts Bay.
Ipte — you a return of our most sincere and hearty thanks for the
ready assistance which you have at all times afforded us
The Honourable Samuel Danforth, John Erving, James
Bowdoin, James Pitts, Samuel Dexter, Artemas Ward, when applied to in matters which affected our navigation
Benjamin Greenleaf Caleb Cushing, Samuel Phillips, and commerce, we are induced from former experience
John fVinihrop, William Phillips, John Adams, James of your goodness, to believe that you will freely indulge
Prescott, Timothy Danielson, Richard Derby, Jun., us in the pleasure of giving you this testimony of our sin-

Michael Farley, Benjamin Austin, Norton Quincy, cere esteem and gratitude.

Esquires. In your public administration we are fully convinced,

—
For the late Colony 0/ Plymouth. James Otis, Wil-
that the general good was the mark which you have ever
aimed at, and we can, sir, with pleasure assure you, that it
liam Sever, Walter Spooner, Jerathmeel Bowers, Esquires.
is likewise the opinion of all dispassionate thinking men
—
For the Province of Maine. Jeremiah Powell, Jede- within the circle of our observation, notwithstanding many
diah Prebblc, Enoch Freeman, Esquires. publications would have taught the world to think the
For Sagadahock. —Benjamin Chadbume, Esq. contrary and we beg leave to entreat you, that when you
;

At Large. — George Leonard, Jedediah

Jun., Foster,
arrive at the Court of Great Britain, you would there

Esquires. embrace every opportunity of moderating the resentment

of the Government against us, and use your best endeavours
Before the election of Counsellors, letters were received to have the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and
from the Honourable Isaac Royall and James Gowan, this country brought to a just and equitable termination.
Esquires, resigning their seats at the Board. We cannot omit the opportunity of returning you, in a
particular manner, our most sincere thanks for your pairon-
Thursday, May 26. izinjr our cause in the matter of entering and clearing ves-
The of Counsellors chosen yesterday, being, this
list sels at the Custom House, and making the fishermen pay
day, agreeable to the direction of the Royal Charter, pre- hospital money. We believe it is owing to your repre-
sented to the Govemour, his Excellency was pleased to sentation of the matter that we are hitherto free from that
consent to the gentlemen before mentioned, except James burthen.
Bowdoin, Samuel Dexter, John Winthrop, William Phil- We sir, a safe and prosperous passage
heartily wish you,
lips, John Adams, James Prescott, Timothy Danielson, to Great Britain and when you arrive there, may you
;

Michael Farley, Benjamin Austin, Norton ^incy, find such a reception as shall fully compensate for all the
Jerathmeel Bowers, Enoch Freeman, Jedediah Foster, insults and indignities which have been offered you,
Esquires. Richard Hinkly, Robert Hooper, 3d., Robert Hooper,
Samuel Reed, John Prince, John Gallison,

This day his Excellency was pleased John Lee, George McCall, Jacob Fowle,
to make the
Robert Ambrose, Joseph Swasey, John Pederick,
following Speech to both Houses Jonatlian Glover, Nathan Bowen, Richard Reed,
Richard Phillips, Thomas Robie, Benjamin Marston,
Gentlemen of the Council, and Gentlemen of the Isaac Mansfield, John Stimson, Samuel White,
General Assembly: Joseph Bubler, John Webb, Joseph Hooper,
Richard Stacey, Joseph Lee, John Pentice,
His Majesty having been pleased to appoint me Govei- Thomas Proctor, Sweet Hooper, Robert Hooper, Jan.,
nour and Captain General of his Province of the Massa- John Fowle, Henry Saunders, Thomas Lewis.
chusetts Bay, and my commissions liaving been read and
published, 1 have met you for the election of Counsellors
for the ensuing year; on wiiicii business you have been GOVEBNOUR HUTCHINSOn's ANSWER.
convened agreeable to your Charter, and as that work is So kind an Address from so many gentlemen of respec-
finished, you will proceed as you shall judge fit to the con- table characters in the town of Marblehead, requires my
sideration of such other matters as may properly come most grateful acknowledgments. You may be assured of
before you, and that you judge ought to be entered upon mv endeavours, as far as shall fall within my sphere, to
previous to the fiist of next month. And you will be obtain what you desire. Thomas Hutchinson.
S50 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &o., MAY, 1774. 360

A Declaration of Marble head, relative to the Address increased burthen of hospital money brought upon them
from sundry Inhabitants of the town to Governour hereafter, they may have great reason to condemn this
Hutchinson. impudent measure of the Addressers. This town cannot
Be it known to the whole worid, its present generation, but express, on the present occasion, a great satisfaction at
and every future one :
the unanimity wliicii appears in the collective body of
this Province with respect to its enemies. The number
That the town of Marhlehead now legally assembled,
addressing Mr. Hutchinson, compared with the body of
pureuant to appointment, taking into consideration an Ad-
freeholders in the Province, are but as a drop in the
dress which appeared in the last Essex Gazette, from
bucket. May it continue to be the fixed principle of the
sundry inhabitants of this town, to the late Governour
latter, " that the pereons who are declared by the right-
Hutchinson is clearly of opinion, " eous Government of a people to be their inveterate ene-
That as the Address did originate since the com-
1st.
" mies, ought so to be esteemed and treated by them ;
mencement of this meeting, and as the warrant for the " and may we heartily join with our brethren in this Pro-
meeting enabled the inhabitants to take any suitable steps " vince in supporting the honour and dignity of our Gene-
upon the present critical situation of public affairs, whether " ral Assembly, by treating with neglect and contempt
by addressing instructions, or otiierwise, the Addressers, " those persons who are or may be under just censures."
by the secret and clandestine manner in which they have
The preceding is a true copy of a Declaration this day
conducted this Address, have manifested a disposition to
unanimously voted at a legal meetuig of this town, and
destroy the hamiony of the town in its public affairs, and
published by its order.
thus planted the seeds of dissensions, animosities and
Benjamin Boden, Totvn Clerk.
discords. Marblehead, June 3, 1774.
•2d. That a public address to a pereon just leaving a
high and public office in the Province, who is not only
neglected by the two honourable branches of the present In the Home Province of
of Representatives of the
Legislature of it, but has likewise been censured by both New-Hampshire.
Houses of a former Assembly as an inveterate enemy to
Thursday, May 26, 1774.
the liberties of the Province, is such an indignity offered
to those branches of the Government, as this town is in
Voted, That there be allowed and paid unto the Ca|>
tain General of this Province for payment of officers, sol-
duty and gratitude bound to bear testimony against ; more
especially as it itself under lasting obligations to
conceives diers, billetting, firewood, and candles, for support of his

them and virtuous attachment to the liber-

for their steady Majesty's Fort ffilliam and Mary, for one year, viz
ties and true interest of the Province, which they have
from the 25th of March, 1774, to the 25th of March,
strenuously contended for. 1775, the sum of two hundred pounds lawful money, to
;3d. That the Addressers have, to the utmost of their
be paid in four quarterly payments, out of the money
power, strengthened the hands of a subtle enemy to the that is or shall be in the Treasury, with advice of Council.

Province by their Address and this instrument, although

;
Sent up by Mr. Jenness.
Friday, May 27, 1774.
but a fantastical shadow of public respect, will be naturally
improved by Mr. Hutchinson to justify his own conduct, The Secretary brought from the Board the vote for an
and raise still higher the prejudices which so unjustly rage allowance for Fort William and Mary, with a verbal mes-
against this injured Province and Continent. sage from his Excellency that he thought the allowance
4th. That the Address aforesaid is not only in substance insufficient, and desired some alteration might be made by
exceptionable, but insulting and affrontive to this town as ;
allowing a larger sum, or appointing a number of soldiers
the Addressers first say to Mr. Hutchinson, " In your sufficient, with proper allowance.
" public administration we are fully convinced that the The House took into consideration the Message from
" general good was the mark you ever aimed at," (which, the Governour by the Secretary, and came to the following

however, this town could never believe, and having been vote, viz

fully convinced of the contrary, hath publicly declared it.) Voted, That his Excellency the Captain General be
And then they go on to assert, that this, their sentiment, desired to give orders for theenlisting three men, to be

is likewise the opinion of all " dispassionate thinking men

posted at his Majesty's Fort William and Mary, for one
" within the circle of their observation, notwithstanding year, commencing the 25th day of March, 1774, under
" many publications would have taught the world to think such officer as he shall appoint ; the pay of the officer to
" the contrary." By which paragraph this town con- be three pounds per month, and each private twenty-five
ceives that the Addressers have plainly adjudged all the shillings per month, and five shillings per week for billetting,

inhabitants of it who are not, in this their opinion relative and that there be allowed thirty cords of wood for the use
to Mr. Hutchinson, to be passionate thoughtless men ; and of the Fort for the said year, to be paid out of the money
at least nineteen-twentieths of the inhabitants must fall in the Treasury when the muster roll shall be allowed by

under this indecent censure. the General Assembly.

5th. thirty-three inhabitants of this town who
That the Sent up by Colonel Folsom and Captain Waldron,
could publicly pass such an encomium on an opinion of Friday, P. M., May 27, 1774.
their own, which appears to the town both flattering and
Mr. Secretary and Mr. Warner came from the Board
absurd, " as that it is likewise the opinion of all dispas- with the vote for soldiers for the Fort, and observed that it
sionate thinking men ;" who
could not only declare them- was insufficient, which he took notice of in sundry particu-
selves, and those, in their opinion, entitled to the charac-
lars, and left the vote for tiie consideration of the House ;
ters mentioned, but that no other persons in the community
also a written Message from his Excellency, viz :

of which they were a part, were deserving of them and ;

who could in the public papere appear subscribers of such Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly :

a conduct, have exposed themselves to be censured by the The Assembly for the support of his Majesty's
vote of
world as persons in this instance both vain and inattentive. Castle William and Mary, dated this day, appears to me
6th. That the Addressers have needlessly agitated tiie to be so inadeiiuate, tliat
it is my duty to inform the
matter of " fishermen paying hospital money ;" which Assembly that do not think it safe to entrust so important
I

being an affair that nearly affects many considerable towns a fortress to the care and defence of three men and one
in this Province, could not with propriety have been taken officer. Also that the wages, billetting and fuel mentioned
up so publicly by any particular town, witliout consulting in said vote, will by no means engage able men in the ser-
the other towns, as it has been by the Addressers, and vice proposed, more especially as the money for the whole
without noticing an error in the Address, Mr. Hutchinson is to be paid when the muster roll shall be allowed, which

is told by the signers, " that they believe it is owing to necessarily implies an advance, the issue whereof is not
" his representation of the matter that we are hitherto free provided. I therefore earnestly recommend to the Hon-
" from the burthen." By which clause the Government ourable Assembly to make such provision for the support
of Great Britain may have
great reason to think that a of the Castle aforesaid, as may enable me to carry into
demand of money
from the fishery is expected
hospital execution the intention of the grant.
here, and should the poor men who can now scarcely J. Wentworth.
support themselves and families alive by fishing, have an Council Chamber, New-Hampshire, May 27, 1774.
set CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, k.c., MAY, 1774. 362
Saturday, May 28, 1774. by the outrage of the people, we acknowledge to be just
Voted, That the Honourable John fVenttvorth, Esquire, and though we have ever disavowed, and do now solemnly
of this House, Samuel Cutis, John Gedcling, Clement bear our testimony against such lawless proceedings, yet,
March, Joiiah Barlktt, Henry Prescott, and John FicJc- considering ourselves as members of tiie same community,
erins;, Esquires, be a Committee of this House to corres- we are fully disposed to bear our proportions of those
pond, as occasion may recjuire, with the Committees that damages whenever the sum and the manner of laying it
are or may be appointed by tlie several Houses of Repre- can be ascertained. We earnestly request that you, sir,
sentatives in our sister Colonies, and to exhibit to this who know our condition, and have at all times displayed
House an account of such their proceedings when required. the most benevolent disposition towards us, will, on your
arrival in England, interest yourself in our behalf, and
The House taking into consideration themany and great
make such favourable representations of our case, as that
difficulties thathave arisen, and still subsist, between our
we may hope to obtain speedy and effectual relief.
parent country and the Colonies on this Continent, and in
May you enjoy a pleasant passage to England, and
particular the present distressing circumstances of the town
under all the mortifications you have patiently endured,
of Boston, came to the following Resolution, viz :

may you possess the inward and consolatory testimonies of

Resolved and Voted, That the Speaker of this House having discharged your trust with fidelity and honour, and
be directed to answer such Letters, from time to time, as receive those distinguishing marks of his Majesty's royal
he may receive from any of the Houses of our sister approbation and favour, as may enable )'ou to pass the
Colonies relative to the aforesaid difficulties, and to assure remainder of your life in quietness and ease, and preserve
them that this House is ready to join in all salutary mea- your name with honour to posterity.
sures that may be adopted by them at this important crisis, Boston, May 28, 1774.
for saving the rights and privileges of the Americans, and William Blair, Isaac Winslow, David Mitchelson,
promoting harmony with the parent State. James Selkrig, Lewis Deblois, Abraham Savage,
Voted, That his Excellency, the Captain General, be Archibald Wilson, Thomas Aylwin, James Asby,
Jeremiah Greene, William Bowes, John Inman,
desired to give orders for enlisting five men, to be posted Samuel H. Sparhawk, Gregory Townsond, John Coffin,
at his Majesty's Fort William, and Mary, from the 25th of Joseph Turin, Francis Greene, Thomas Knight,
March, 1774, until the 25th of March, 1775, under such Roberts &
Co. Philip Dumaresq, Benjamin Greene, Jr.,
Jolm Greenlaw, Harrison Gray, David Greene,
officer as he shall be pleased to appoint and the pay of
;
Benjamin Clark, Peter Johonnot, Benjamin Greene,
the officer shall be three pounds lawful money per month, William McAlphine, George Irving, Henry H. Williams,
and five shillings lawful money per week for billetting, to Jonathan Snelling, Joseph Green, James Warden,
James Hall, John Vassall, Nathaniel Coffin, Jun.,
be paid quarterly by warrant I'rom his Excellency on the Williiim Dickson, Nathaniel Coffin, Sylvester Gardiner,
Treasurer. The muster roll to be adjusted, and allowed John Winslow, Jun., James Perkins, John S. Copley,

by the General Assembly. And that there be thirty cords Theophilus Lillie, John White, Edward Foster,
Miles Whitworth, Robert Jarvis, Colbourn Barrel!,
of firewood allowed, and paid for out of the Treasury, for Jamas McEweu, William Perry, Nathaniel Greenwood,
the use of the aforesaid officer and soldiers during said time. William Codner, J. and P. McMasters, William Burton,
Diniol Silsby, William Coffin, John Timmins,
William Cazneau, Simeon Sto<ldard, Jun. William Taylor,
Jamss Forrest, John Powell, Thomas Brinlcy,
Edward Cox, Henry Laughton, Harrison Gray, Jun.,
ADDRESS OF MERCHANTS AND OTHERS, OF BOSTON, TO John Berry, Eliphalet Pond, Jolm Taylor,
GOVERNOUR HUTCHINSOiV. Richard Hirons, M. B. Goldthwait, Gilbert Deblois
Ziphion Thayer, Peter Hughes, Joshua Winslow,
To Governour Hutchinson : John Joy, Samuel Hughes, Daniel Hubbard,
Joseph Goldthwait, John Semple, Hugh Tarbett,
Sir: We, Merchants and Traders of the town of Bos- Samuel Prince, Hopestill Capen, Henry Lyddel,
ton, and others, do now wait on you, in the most respectful Jonatlian Simpson, Edward King, Nathaniel Cary,
manner, before your departure England, to testify, for
for James Boutineau, Byfield Lyde,George Brinley,
Nathaniel Hatch, George Lyde, Richard Lechmere.
ourselves, the entire satisfaction we feel at your wise, zeal- A. F. Phillips, John Ervmg, Jun.,
Martin Gay,
ous, and faithful administration, during the few years that Joseph Scott, Rufus Greene, Thomas Gray,
you have presided at the head of this Province. Had Samuel Minot, David Phipps, George Bethunc,
Benjamin M. Holmes, Richard Smith, Thomas Apthorp,
your success been equal to your endeavours, and to the Archibald McNiel, George Spooner, Ezekiel Goldthwait,
warmest wishes of your heart, we cannot doubt that many John Winslow, George Leonard, Benjamin Gridley,
of the evils under which we now suffer, would have been Isaac Wmslow, Jan., John Borland, John Atkinson,
Thomas Oliver, Joshua Loring, Jun., Ebenezer Bridgham,
averted, and that tranquillity would have been restored to William Jackson, John Gore,
Henry Lloyd,
this long divided Province ; but we assure ourselves, that Benjamin Davis, James Anderson, Adino Paddock.
the want of success in those endeavours will not abate your
good wishes when removed from us, or your earnest exer- To which his late Excellency uas pleased to return the
tions still, on every occasion, to serve the true interest of following Answer :
this your native country. Gentlemen : You may be assured that I have nothing
While we lament the of so good a Governour, we
loss so much at heart as to contribute to the relief of my country
are greatly relieved that his Majesty, in his gracious favour, in general, and of the town of Boston in particular, from
hatii appointed as your successor a gentleman, who, having the distresses which you have described so fully in your
distinguished himself in the long command he hath held in Address to me.
another department, gives us the most favourable prepos- Your persons and characters are so well known to me,
session of his future administration. that I am sure you wish to do what may be necessary on
We greatly deplore the calamities that are impending, your part, and your sentiments declared in this open man-
and will soon fall on this metropolis, by the operation of a ner, totrether with your known disposition to promote
late Act of Parliament for shutting up the port on the first peace and good order in the Government, will, I flatter
of next month. You cannot but be sensible, sir, of the myself, have a tendency to facilitate the success of my
numberless evils that will ensue to the Province in general, endeavours.
and the miseries and distresses into which it will particu- 1 entirely agree with you in your just sentiments of
his

lariy involve this town in the course of a few months. Excellency the present Governour, whose administration I
Without meaning to arraign the justice of the British will strive to make easy to himself, as well
as
hope you
Parliament, we could humbly wish that this Act had been prosperous to the Province. I thank you for so warm,

couched with less rigour, and that the execution of it had affectionate, and respectful an Address.
been delayed to a more distant time, that the people might
have had the alternative, either to have complied with the
conditions therein set forth, or to have submitted to the Boston, Tuesday, 21tli May, 1774,
consequent on refusal but, as it now stands, all choice
evils ;
o/ Boston,
is precluded, and however disposed to compliance or con-
Protest of the Merchants and Traders
unanimously voted at a very full meeting this day.
cession the people may be, they must unavoidably suffer
very great calamities before they can receive relief. Whereas a paper called an Address to Governour
Making restitution for damage done to the property of the Hutchinson, has been handed about and signed in a private
East India Company, or to the property of any individual. manner by sundry persons, who style themselves merchants
363 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, MAY, 1774. 364
and others of the town of Boston and whereas the ; Duncan, and Mr. Saundtrson, who were sent down the
merchants and traders, duly notified and met, having; been river from Fort Pitt, in order to accommodate matters
refused a copy of said paper, althougli requested by their with the Shawanese, are returned, but had hard work to
Committee, and apprehending said Address is intended to get back. The Delawarcs, who at present seem to be
justify the administration of Mr. Hutchinson, wlien Gover- friends, had enough to do tp save their Hves, and as to the
nour of this Province, we iiereby utterly disclaim said poor traders down among the Shawanese, no person can
Address, and disavow a measure so clandestinely con- tellwhether they are dead or alive.
ducted, and so injurious in its tendency. White Eyes, on his return to Fort Pitt, said the Shaw-
anese were for war, and that forty odd of them are at pre-
sent out, intending a stroke, as is supposed, at some part of

ADDRESS PRESENTED BY SEVERAL GENTLEMEN OF THE J'irginia. The Delawarcs say they will not go to war
LAW TO GOVERNOUR HUTCHINSON. but there is no dependence on them. We
expect every
To his EtceUency Governour Hutchinson :
day to hear of their striking in some tjuarter.
It is lamentable to see the multitudes of poor people that
Sir : A firm persuasion of your inviolable attachment
are hourly running down the country ; such of them as
to the interests of this your native country, and of
real
stay are building forts. God knows how it will turn out
your constant readiness, by every service in your power,
to promote its true welfare and prosperity, will, wc flatter
with them. We
intend, as soon as we hear of any damage
being done, to erect fortifications here. The Shaicancse
ourselves, render it not improper in us. Banisters and
themselves say, that they have nothing against Pennsylva-
Attorneys at Law in the Province of Massachusetts Bay,
nia, but only Virginia; though we may depend, as soon
to address your Excellency upon your removal from us,
as they strike Virginia, they will also fall on us.
with this testimonial of our sincere respect and esteem.
The various important characters of Legislator, Judge,
and First JMagisti'ate, over tiiis Province, in which, by the JOIN OR DIE I"
suffrages of your fellow-subjects, and by the royal favour
The Act of Parliament for blocking up the harbour of
of the best of Kings, your great abilities, adorned with a
Boston, in order to reduce its spirited inhabitants to the
uniform purity of princijile and integrity of conduct, have
most servile and mean compliances ever attempted to be
been eminently distinguished, must excite the esteem, and
imposed on a free people, is allowed to be infinitely more
demand the grateful acknowledgments of every true lover
alarming and dangerous to our common liberties, than even
of his country and friend to virtue.
that hydra the Stamp Act, (which was defeated by our
The jiresent perplexed state of our public affairs, we
firmness and union.) and must be read with a glowing
are sensible, must render your departure, far less disagree-
indignation by every real friend of freedom in Europe and
able to you than it is to us. We assure you, sir, we feel
America. Though the town of Boston is now intended
the loss ; but when, in the amiable character of your suc-
to be made a victim to Ministerial wrath, yet the insult
cessor, we view
a fresh instance of the paternal goodness
—
of our most gracious Sovereign when we reflect on the
and indignity offered to our virtuous brethren in that capi-
ta], who have so nobly stood as a barrier against slavery,
probability that your presence at the Court of Great Bri-
ought to be viewed in the same odious light as a direct
tain will afford you an opportunity of employing your
hostile invasion of every Province on the Continent, whose
interest more successfully for the relief of this Province,
inhabitants are now loudly called upon, by interest, honour
and particularly of the town of Boston, under their present
and humanity, to stand forth, with firmness and unanimity,
distresses, we find a consolation which no other human
for the relief, support and animation of our brethren in the
source could afford. Permit us, sir, most earnestly to
solicit the exertion of all your distinguished abilities in
insulted, besieged capital of Massachusetts Bay. The
generals of despotism are now drawing the lines of cir-
favour of your native town and country, upon this truly
cumvallation around our bulwarks of liberty, and nothing
unhappy and distressing occasion.
but unity, resolution and perseverance, can save ourselves
VVe sincerely wish you a prosperous voyage, a long
continuation of health and felicity, and the highest rewards
and posterity from what is worse than death slavery —
of the good and faithful.
Newport, Rhode Island, May 30, 1774.

We are, sir, with the most cordial affection, esteem and

respect, your Excellency's most obedient and very humble
sei'vants,
ADDRESS FROM THE MAGISTRATES OF THE COUNTY OF
MIDDLESEX TO T. HUTCHINSON, LATE GOVERNOUR.
Robert Auchmiity, Andrew Cazneau, David IngersoU,
Jonathan Sewall, Daniel Leonard, Jeremiah D. Rogers, To his Excellency Governour Hutchinson :
Samuel Fitch, John Lowell, David Gorliani,
Samuel Quincy, Daniel Oliver, Samuel Sewall, Sir: The Magistrates of the county of Middlesex, im-
William Pinchon, Sampson S. Blowers, John Spraguo, pressed W'ith a deep sense of the miseries and calamities
James Putnam, Shearjashub Bourn, Rufus Cliandler,
Benjamin Gridley, Daniel Bliss, Thomas Dinforth, in which the town of Boston and this county will, espe-
Abel Willard, Samuel Porter, Ebenezer Bradish. cially, be involved, by the operation of a late Act of the
Boston, May 29, 1774. British Parliament, proiiibiting imports and exports to
and from the port of Boston, beg leave to address your
To which Excellency was pleased to return the
his
Excellency on this most interesting occasion, and to beseech
following Answer;
the exertion of those powers and talents for its relief, of
Gentlemen The relation to the Bar which I stood in
:
which we have so long and so often experienced the great
for many years together, makes this mark of your affection
and beneficial effects and we assure you, sir, that not-
;

and esteem peculiarly acceptable. I feel the distress com- withstanding the popular delusion, which prevails in some
ing upon the town of Boston. I am confident nothing
parts of this Province, your Excellency's administration of
will be wanting on your part which may tend to promote
the Government has ever appeared to us so replete with
the free course of law and that peace and good order in evidence of your sincere and uniform desire to promote its
government wliich seems to have been made the conditions best interests, as leaves us no room to doubt your willing-
of obtaining relief from this distress. You may be assured ness to employ your great abilities, to extricate the Pro-
that nothing shall be wanting on my ])art which may tend vince from those calamities in which, notwithstanding your
to procure this relief as speedily and effectually as may be. utmost endeavours to prevent them, it is now unhappily
You certainly may be happy under the administration of plunged. Wecan assure you, sir, tliat tlie Magistrates of
his Excellency the present Governour, and I have great
this county have long beheld, with an indignant eye,
reason to join with you in a testimony to his amiable dis- those riotous and tumultuous proceedings which have, in so
position and character. great a measure destroyed public peace and order, rendered
the safety of persons and property precarious, and drawn
the resentment of Pariiamcnt on this Province and that ;

EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA. none of his Majesty's subjects more ardendy wish for the
Bedford, Pennsylvania, May 30, 1774. restoration and establishment of order and good Govern-
I suppose you have heard of the Indians being killed ment, than we of this loyal county. We hope and trust
at JVIialing. Since that time, Indian White Eyes, Mr. that the future conduct of this whole Province will be
865 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &ic., MAY, 1774. 866
such, as that, aided by your good offices at the Ciurt of sions which may arise concerning us, think it necessary to
Great Britain, we may be restored to liis Majesty's favour, declare, that no person or persons were autiiorized to
and quietly and peaceably enjoy all the rights and privi- represent us on this occasion, and if any of our conmiunity
leges to which English Colonists are constitutionally enti- have countenanced or encouraged this proposal, they have
tled. And we humbly hope that the policy of Great manifested great inattention to our religious principles and
Britain wiW ever be such, as shall induce them to view profession, and acted contrary to the rules of Christian
every desirable benefit, which they can rationally expect to discipline established for the preservation of order and good
receive from their Colonies, as founded in the principles government among us.
of commerce, and not of taxation. Signed, on behalf and at the desire of the elders and
With the most unfeigned sincerity we wish your Excel- overseers of the several meetings of our religious society
lency a safe and easy voyage that you may find that
; in Philadelphia, and other friends met on the occasion,
favour in the eyes of the King which your long and faith- the 30th of the fifth month, 1774.
full services afford you the Ijest grounds to expect from a John Reynell,
wise and virtuous Sovereign and, above all, that after
; James Pemberton,
many more years happily spent in doing good, you may Samuel Noble.
finally receive the apjirobation of the King of Kings.
We have the honour to be, with the utmost gratitude,
and sincerest respect, your Excellency's most obedient and QUEEN ANNE (mARYLANd) RESOLUTIONS.
very humble servants.
At number of the Magis-
a Meeting of a considerable
Signed by thirty-one of the Magistrates.
and other the most respectable Inhabitants of Queen
trates,
Monday, May 30, 1774.
Anne's County, at ^ueenstown on the thirtieth day of
To which his Excellency was pleased to return the follow- May, 1774, in order to deliberate upon the tendency and
ing Anstucr effect of the Act of Parliament for blocking up the port
I thank you, gentlemen, for this honour done me by and harbour of Boston.
your Address. You may depend on my improving every Duly considering and deeply affected with the prospect
favourable circumstance in order to obtain for the peo- of the unhappy situation of Great Britain and British
ple of this Province, a restoration to his Majesty's favour, America, under any kind of disunion, this meeting think
and securing to them the enjoyment of all those rights and themselves obliged by all the ties which ever ought to
privileges which English Colonists are constitutionally preserve a firm union amongst Americans, as speedily as
entitled to ;and I join with you in humbly hoping that the possible to make known their sentiments to their distressed
expectation of benefit from the Colonies to the Kingdom brethren of Boston; and therefore publish to the world :
will be founded on the principles of commerce, and not of That they look upon the cause of Boston, in its conse-
taxation. quences to be the common
cause of America.
This public declaration from the Magistrates of so large Tliat the for blocking up the port
Act of Parliament
a county, of their abhorrence of those riotous and tumul- and harbour of Boston, appears to them a cruel and
tuous proceedings which have drawn the resentment of oppressive invasion of their natural rights, as men, and
Parliament upon the Province, and of their ardent wishes constitutional rights as English subjects, and if not re-
for the restoration and establishment of order and good pealed, will be a foundation for the utter destruction of
Government will, I conceive, have a tendency to promote American freedom.
the success of ray endeavours. That all legal and constitutional means ought to be
used by all America for procuring a repeal of the said
Act of Parliament.
Philadelphia, May 30, 1774.
That the only effectual means of obtaining such repeal,
Observing in the Pennsylvania Packet of this day, a noti- they are at present of opinion an Association inider the
is

fication, "that a number of persons, composed of the mem- strongest ties, for breaking off connnercial connections
all
" hers of all societies in this city, met, and unanimously with Great Britain until the said Act of Parliament be
" agreed, that it would be proper to express their sym- repealed, and the right assumed by Parliament for taxing
" pathy for their brethren at Boston, by suspending all
America, in all cases whatsoever be given up, and Ameri-
" business on the first day of the next month ;"* the
can freedom ascertained, and settled upon a permanent
people called Quakers, though tenderly sympathizing with constitutional foundation.
the distressed, and justly sensible of the value of our religious That the most practicable mode of forming such an
and civil rights, and that it is our duty to assert them in a be a general meeting
effectual Association, they conceive to
Christian spirit, yet in order to obviate any misapprehen- of the gentlemen who are already or shall be appointed
* It having been suggested that tlie first day of June, which will be so Committees to form an American intercourse and corres-
distinguished an era in the American luetory, when the Boston Port pondence upon this most interested occasion.
Bill is to talce effjct, sliould have some particular notice taken of it, a That in the mean time they will form such particular
number of persons, composed of the members of all societies in this city,
Associations as to them shall seem effectual yet profes- ;
met and unanimously agreed that it would be proper to express their syni.
pathy for their brethren at Boston, by suspending all business on that day. sing themselves ready to join in any reasonable general one
Sucli a pause is intended, not only to shew the real concern we feel for that may be desired as aforesaid.
the distresses of our brethren and fellow.subjects, but to give an oppor.
tunity of seriously reflecting on our own dangers, and the precarious
That these sentiments be immediately forwarded to be
tenure of our most valuable rights Philadelphia, May 30, 1774. printed in the Maryland and Pennsylvania Gazettes.
Tliis being the first day of June, when the inhabitants of the town That Edward Tilghman, Solomon Wright, Tarbut
of Boston, our brethren and fellow.subjects, suffering in the common Wright, John Brown, Richard Tilghman Enrle, James
cause of liberty, are to have tlieir port and harbour shut up, and to bo
excluded from all commercial intercourse, except an allowance of
HoUyday, Thomas Wright, William Hemsley, Adam
wood and provisions, just necessary to keep them from perishing with Gray, Clement Sewell, Richard Tilghman, James Kent,
want and cold, in consequence of an Act of Parliament lately passed John Kerr, James Bordley, and William Bruff, be a Com-
for that purpose, many of the inhabitants of this city, of most denomi.
mitteee of Correspondence and Intercourse, until some
nations, propose to express their sympathy and concern for their dis
tressed brethren, by suspending business on thin day, and will be glad alteration is made in this appointment by a more general
of the concurrence of such of their fellow-citizens as approve of the meeting. Attested by
measure. June 1.
James Earle, Cleric to Committee.
Yesterday we had a pause in the business of this city, and a solemn
pause it indeed was. If we except the Friends, I believe nine-tentlis of
the citizens shut up their houses. The bells were rang muffled all the
day, and the ships in the port had their colours half hoisted June 2.
BALTIMORE COUNTY RESOLUTIONS.
Whereas, in the Pennsylvania Packet of this day, it is mentioned,
that " on Wednesday last, being the day wlien the Act for shutting up At a General Meeting of the Freeholders, Gentlemen,
" the port of Boston took cffbct, the bells of Christ Church were muffled
" and rang asobmnpeil, and that the houses of worship were crowded," Merchants, Tradesmen, and other Inhabitants of Bn/^imore
&.C. We are desired by the Rector of that Churcli to acquaint the County, held at the Court House of the said county, on
public that the bells were not ryng with his knowledge or approbation, Tuesday, the .31st of May, 1774 :

«id that, by his express direction, there was no pirticulnr observance

of that day in either of the Churches under his care. It is well known Captain Charles Ridgely, Chairman.
that the established Churcli is restrained from any religious ol^servanco the opinion of this meeting
Resolved, That
1st. it is
of days, except those appointed by the Church, or the public authority
that the to^vn of Boston is now suffering in the common
of Government. June 6.
36T CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Stc, MAY, 1774. 868

rause of America, and that it is the duty of every Colony in a few days. Should so affrontive an application be
in America most effectual means to ohtain a
to unite in the really made me, your Ix>rdship may be assured I shall
to

repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking up the treat it as it deserves. I have, however, been informed,

harhour of Boston. [Dissentient three.] that the movers of this extraordinary measure had not the
Resolved, That it is tiie opinion of this meeting,
•id. most distant expectation of succeeding in it, but that their
that if the Colonies come into a joint resolution to stop real scheme was to gain time by it to see what jiarl the
importations fiom and exportations to Great Britain and other Colonies will take in so critical a conjuncture.
tiie IVest billies, until the Act for blocking up the harbour Should any further steps be taken here that may be
of Boston be repealed, the same may be the means of pre- worthy your Lordship's information, I sliall not fail imme-
serving Sorth America in her liberties. [Dissentient three.] diately to communicate them. I have the honour to be, inc.,

Resolved, That, therefore, tiie inhabitants of this

:jd. John Penn.
county will join in an Association with the several coimties
in this Province, and the principal Colonies in America, to
put a stop to exports to Great Britain and the Ji'tst
GOVERNOUR FRANKLIN TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
Indies, after the first day of October next, or such other Extract.

day as may be agreed on, and to put a stop to the imports Burlington, 31st Miiy, 1774.

from Great Britain after the first day of December next, or Since my last I have received two circular despatches
sue!) other day as may be agreed upon, until the said Act from Mr. Poumall, dated March 10th and April 6th,
sliall be repealed, and that such Association shall be upon enclosing copies of his Majesty's Message to both Houses
oath. [Dissentient nine.] of Parliament relative to the late disturbances in America,
4lh. Resolved, unanimously, That it is the opinion of their Resolutions thereupon, and the Act of Parliament
this meeting, that as the most effectual means of uniting respecting the port of Boston. The latter has been pub-
all parts of this Province in such Association as proposed, lished in the usual manner, though the people in this Colony
a I'eneral Congress of Deputies from eacli county be held are not concerned in carrying on any commerce with the
at Amiajyolis at such time as may be agreed upon, and Province of Massachusetts Bay.
that, if agreeable to the sense of our sister Colonies, Dele- It is didicult as yet to foresee what will be the conse-

gates shall be appointed from this Province to attend a quence of the Boston Port Act. It seems as if the mer-
general Congress of Delegates from the other Colonies, at chants oi Philadelphia and Neio-York, at their late meet-
.such time and place as shall be agreed on, in order to settle ings, were inclined to assist or co-operate with those of
and establish a general plan of conduct for the important Boston, in some degree, but not to carry matters so far as
purposes aforementioned. to enter into a general non-importation and exportation
.3th. Resolved, unanimously, That the inhabitants of agreement, as was proposed to them by the town of Bos-
tliis county will, and it is the opinion of this meeting, that ton, However, I believe it may be depended upon, that
this Province ought to break off all trade and dealings with many of the merchants, on a supposition that a non-impor-
that Colony, Province, or town, which shall decline or tation agreement (so far as respects from Great Britain)
refuse to come into similar resolutions with a majority of will be certainly entered into by next autumn, have ordered
the Colonies. a much greater quantity of goods than common to be sent
^5th. Resolved, Tliat Captain Charles Ridgely, Charles out by the next fall ships from England.
Ridgehj, son of John, Walter Tolley, Jun., Thomas A Congress of members of the several Houses of
C'Oclcey Dye, JVilliam Lux, Robert Alexander, Samuel Assembly has been proposed in order to agree upon some
Purviance, Jun., John Moale, Andrew Buchanan, and measures on the present occasion but whether tliis expe-
;

George Risteau, be a Committee to attend a general dient will take place it is as yet uncertain. The I'ir-
meeting at Annapolis. And that the same gentlemen, ginia Assembly, some time ago, appointed a Committee of
together with John Smith, Tliomas Harrison, William Correspondence to correspond with all the other Assem-
Buchanan, Benjamin Nicholson, Thomas Sollars, l¥il- blies on the Continent, which example has been followed
liam Smith, James Gittings, Richard Moale, Jonathan by every other House of Representatives. I was in hopes
Plowman, and William Spear, be a Committee of Cor- that the Assembly of this Province would not have gone
respondence to receive and answer all letters, and on any into the measure for though they met on the 10th of
;

emergency to call a general meeting, and that any six of November, yet they avoided taking the matter into con-
the number have power to act. sideration, though frequently urged by some of the mem-
7th. Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings be bers, until the 8th of February, and then I believe they
transmitted to the several counties of this Province, would not have gone into it, but that the Assembly of
directed to their Committee of Correspondence, and be New-York had just before resolved to appoint such a
also published in the Maryland Gazette, to evince to all Committee, and they did not choose to appear singular.
the world the sense they entertain of the invasion of their
constitutional rights and liberties.
3th. Resolved, That the Chairman be
desired to return
GOVERNOUR GAGE TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
the thanks of this meeting to the gentlemen of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence fi'om Annapolis, for their polite Extract.

personal attendance in consequence of an invitation by the Boston, 31st M:iy, 1774.

Committee of Correspondence for Baltimore town. I wish I had met with a ready disposition to comply with
Signed per order, William Lux, Clerk. the terms of the Act of Parliament, instead of a resolution
to ask assistance from tlie other Colonies ; but I don't find
there any inclination in the rest to shut up their ports,
is

which was not to be expected considering what they before

UEPUTT GOVERNOUB PENN TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
suffered from their non-importation agreements. If tliey
Philadelphia, 3lst May, 1774. intend, or not, to take any resolutions in behalf of Boston,
My Lokb^ I take opportunity of the Packet to
the farther than giving good words, is not known here.
acquaint your I>ordship, that as soon as the people of Bos- Tiie violent party seems to break, and people fall off
ton knew of the late Act of Parliament for shutting up that from them, but no means are yet adopted to comply with
port, an express was despatched from thence witli tiie the Act. The Assembly has sliown no disposition to begin
intelligence to this city, with a proposal to concur witii ujwn it, but were hurrying the business of supplies through
tlieiTi in putting a total stop to the importing or exporting their House, to tlirow it off tliemselves,and to avoid meet-
any kind of goods whatsoever until the above Act should ing at Salem, by adjourning themselves when the supplies
he repealed. In consequence of this, a considerable num- had passed their House but receiving intelligence of their
;

ber of merchants and others had a meeting at a tavern in designs, I adjourned them, on a sudden, to the 7th of June,
this city, where I understand the matter was taken into and then to meet at Salem.
consideration and debated. The only resolution that I can They, as yet, have only presented me with a petition to
learn they came into was to prefer a petition to me to con- proclaim a day of fasting and prayer, but as they have
vene the Assembly on the occasion and I am told a peti-
; lately had a day of the kind, according to custom, and as I
tion has been framed for that purpose, and is now handed saw no cause for an extraordinary day of humiliation, I
about the town to be signed, and will be presented to me have judged it best not to comply.
369 CORRESPOADENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, MAY, 1774. 370
I liad a meeting with tlie late Govemour, the Admiral, between Great Britain and these Colonies. This may
and Gominissioiiers of the Customs, on tlie subject of put- be looked on as visionary, but I think the crisis is near
ting the Act in force, in which, after |)utting some questions when this must take place, which is the warmest wish of
to liie Attorney Gunenil, the Chief Justice being absent, every free-hearted North American. We have too great
they ap|)eared to aijree in tlie maimer of it. The officers a regard for our parent State (although cruelly treated by
of the Customs remove to-morrow, when I also purpose some of her illegitimate sons) to withdraw our connection.
to leave Boston, and the Admiral has stationed his ships. Of her we have no idea of an independency, and the
No design has appeared of opposing the execution of Colonies are too precious a jewel for the Crown to part
the Act, nor do I see any jwssibility of doing it with effect; with ; therefore 1 think that the wisdom of the English
but many are impatient for the arrival of the troops, and I nation, and that of the Colonies united, might fall on some
am told that people will then speak and act openly, which plan of conciliating their differences, and fix on some prin-
they now dare not do. General Hahlimand took the ciples for each party to resort to, as the great charter of
opportunity of a vessel in the service to send a detachment agreement between the King and his Colonies. Such an
of sixty artillerists, and eight pieces of ordnance, from event would make the Colonies happy, and the British
New-York to Castle fVilliam, which 1 propose to encamp nation great and prosperous.
with the troops. As you will no doubt have the particulars of these mat-
ters handed to you by some of your friends, it will be
needless for me to enlarge.
JOHN SCOLLAY TO ARTHUH LEE. I excuse my troubling you with this epistle,
hope you will
Boston, May Slst, 1774. and believe me to be, with great regard, sir, your most
Sir Mr. Adams informs me that you kindly received
: humble servant, John Scollay.
1 wrote you in December last.
the letter This information Arthur Lee, Esquire, London.
prompts me to address you again. Letter writing, and on
politics, is not my province, but sucli are the times, that
Charlestown, Soutli Carolina, May 31, 177-1.
that man's heart must be callous indeed that does not feel
This morning a packet was received here, despatched
for his country, and that does not give it out in every
from on board the brigantine Sea Nymi}h, Captain Moore,
way. In short, we have all, from the cobbler up to the
from a very respectable Committee at Philadelphia, en-
senator, become politicians.
closing letters from the Committees, and containing the
On the morrow, that Act, cruel Act of our parent
first intelligence of the passing of the Act of Parliament for
State, (or, hard-hearted step-mother,) called the
rather,
blockading of the town of Boston ; which, if we may
Boston Port Bill, is to take place, a Bill fraught with
judge from the indignation with which it is every where
vengeance against this town. However, Lord North
received, will prove the crudest policy that ever disgraced
will find out himself, and that very soon, that he
a British Senate, and be the very means to perfect that
overshot his mark. That which he intended should
imion in America which it was intended to destroy, and
operate against Boston only, will affect every town in this
finally restore the excellent constitution even of the mother
Province. The seaport towns will feel the operation of
country itself".
tiie Act, in a degree as much as Boston, Boston being the
grand engine that gives motion to all the wheels of com-
merce. This being stopped, it will sensibly affect the A LETTER TO THE INHABITANTS OF CHARLESTOWN,
whole trade of the Province. All the seaport towns SOUTH CAROLINA.
depend on this to take off by far die greatest part of their Norfolk, May 31, 1774.

imports they cannot send a vessel to sea again after her

; Gentlemen : The occasion is too serious to admit of
return from a voyage, till they send her cargo to Boston to apologies for diis unsolicited communication of our senti-
be sold. In short, all the running cash in the Province ments you, at this alarming crisis to American freedom
to ;

centres in this town. To this market all the trading towns for die time is come, the unhappy era has arrived, when
repair with their goods to make money of them. Ntivhu- the closest union among ourselves, and the firmest con-
ryport, Marblehead, and Salem, will most sensibly feel the fidence in each other, are our only securities for those
shock, and if the blockade continues long they must haul rights, which as men and freemen, we derive from nature
up their vessels, for no place but Boston can take off dieir and the Constitution. The late hostile Parliamentary in-
cargoes. It is a most melancholy consideration, that this vasion of the town of Boston we deem an attack upon the
town, which was, and is now, the most flourishing in trade liberties of us all. Of the particulars of that unhappy
and commerce, must be devoted to destruction, and in a transaction, we presume, you are already fully informed,
few days be brought to the forlorn condition of a deserted and, we doubt not, shudder with us at this systematic mode
village. Thousands that depend on their daily labour for of depriving the unrepresented American of his rights and
support, must be reduced to die greatest degree of distress possessions, and vesting the Crown widi such despotic
and want. However, they will suffer in a good cause, and power over the free-born inhabitants of the capital of the
that righteous Being who takes care of the ravens who Massachusetts Bay. What measures are most proper to
cry unto him, will provide for them and theirs. ** *** be adopted on this sad occasion we are at a loss to point
****** that purpose we have it in contem-
For out but we look to the wisdom of your city, in cunjunc-
;

plation, if the blockade continues any length of time, tion with the other large commercial towns on this Conti-
to employ the poor in building a horse bridge over Charles nent, to take more immediately the lead in these important
river, a river ajjout as wide as the Thames. By this , matters, and to fix upon such expedients in the regulation
bridge, Charlestown, a large and opulent town, will be of trade, as may be most productive of relief to our suffer-
joined to Boston. This bridge will greatly facilitate the ing bretliren of Boston, and the general establishment of
intercourse between Boston, Marblehead and Salem, and the rights of these Colonies. And you may rest assured
other trading towns. that in every measure conducive to this grand Continental
When the news first arrived of Lord North^s pro- object, you will always meet with our most hearty concur-
posing this Bill in Parliament, it was looked on as a mere rence. Weare under great apprehensions for the peojile
hum. Peojile could not tiiink that a British House of of Boston, least they may sink under the weight of their
Commons would be so infatuated as to pass such a Bill, misfortunes. And at the same time that we highly approve
to punish a whole town for a trespass that was com- of the expediency of a Congress, as proposed by several
mitted in it by nobody knows who, and to carry it into of the Colonies, we think the trading pait of the commu-
execution witliout giving the town an opportunity to answer nity ought particularly to interfere; for nothing but the
to the charge, is an unheard of proceeding. Ahhough it most speedy and efficacious measures can relieve them
was designed this town sliould be ruined, yet I doubt not and if after all, dicre should be found an unhappy neces-
but that it will finally end in great good, not only to this sity to reimburse the India Company for that just punish-
town, but to all the Colonies. 1 believe, by this manage- ment they received for their ungenerous attempts on our
ment, his Lordship's fabric, wiiich cost him so much liberties, we trust there is no inhabitant of these Colonies
laijour, and afforded him so much delight, will be demolish- who feels and thinks himself a freeman, but will cheerfully
ed, and instead of despotism and tyranny over the Colo- put his hand to his purse, and join in the general expense.
nies, a foundation will be laid for lasting peace and harmony Enclosed we transmit you the proceedings of the inha-
Fourth Series. 24
87i CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 372
Norfolk and town of Porismoutk,
bitants of the borougli of wicked instruments of your oppression. Be assured, we
o^ether witli tlie letters and otlier papers from Boston, consider you as suffering in the conuDon cause, and look
Philadelphia, and Baltimore, as also cojjies of the resolu- upon oui-selves as bound by the most sacred and solemn
tions and other proceedings of the Members of our late ties to support you in every measure that shall be found
House of Burgesses, both before and after their dissolution. necessary to regain your just rights and privileges.
We hope to be able to inform you more particularly of the As we have had occasion to communicate our sentiments
collected sense of the trade of this Colony at the general to Charhstown and Baltimore, we refer you to those let-
meeting of the merchants next week at fVilliamsburg, ters, and the other papers transmitted to you ; and although
wiien we expect furtiier despatches from the Nortinvard. we are not one of the larger commercial towns on the
We hope the favour of a free and full communication of Continent, yet, as the trade is more collected here than in
your sentiments on this important occasion, and trust that any other place of this well watered and extensive Domin-
your flourishing and respectable Province will still continue ion, we thought it our duty to communicate what we
their generous endeavours for the establisliment of the apprehended to be the sense of the mercantile part of the
rights of the Colonies, that the opposition of all America community among us.
may be as extensive as the oppression. That the Almighty arm may support you and sliield
With the warmest attachment to the interest of the you in the hour of danger, is the fervent prayer of, gentle-
Colonies, we are, gentlemen, most respectfidly, your most men, your affectionate brethren,
obedient iiumble servants, Thomas Newton, Jun., Henry Brown,
Thomas Newton, Jun., John Greenwood, Joseph Hutchings, Alexander Skinner,
Joseph Hutchings, Alexander Skinner, Matthew Phripp, Thomas Brown,
Pall Loyall, William Harvey, Samuel Kerr, Robert Tayler.
Alexander Love, Niel Jamieson. Robert Shedden,
jSamuel Inglis,

LIEUT. GOVERNOUR GOLDEN TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.

-THE committee OF NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH TO THE Extract.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE. New. York, 1st Juno, 1774.

Norfolk, Juue 2, 1774. The Act of Parliament shutting up the port of Boston,
Gentlemen : We ackno\vledge the receipt of your was brought to this place by a merchant vessel a few days
interesting favour, and hope you will still continue to com- before I received it from your Lordship's office.
municate your sentiments to us on tlie important subject The Act was immediately published in all our newspa-
,of your letter, in the freest and fullest manner. We are pers, and was the subject of all conversation. I knew that
happy in so general a concurrence in opinion with you, people universally in this Colony had received such ideas
and are ready to unite in any njeasures that may be gene- of being taxed at the pleasure of Parliament, that I was
rally tliought for (the advantage of the Colonies^ and the particularly anxious upon this occasion to discover the sen-
jelief of our unhappy bi-ethren ol" Boston. We sympa- timents of those who might have most influence over
thize most sincerely with them in their sufferings our ; others, and was assured by the gentlemen of the Council,
hearts are warjnjed with affection for them and we tmst
; and others of weight in the city, that no means would be
•they will never be deserted, nor Jeft the solitary strugglers omitted to prevent the hot-headed people taking any meas-
against arbitrary power. The Act for hlocking up their ures that might endanger the peace and quiet of the
harbour and stopping their trade, and the Bill for altering Colfflij.
.and amending the Charter of the Colony of Massachusetts The men who at that time called themselves the Com-
Bay, which Lord North iias lately brought into,the House who dictated and acted in the name of the people,
mittee.,
of Connnons, we view as fatal strokes -to the Jiberties of were many of them of the lower rank, and all the warmest
itliese Colonies, and as a public robbery of our rights but :; zealots of those called the Sons of Liberty. Tlie more
we rest with a fii'm assurance that the paHry policy^ of considerable niereliants and citizens seldom or never appear
attacking a town or a Province singly, will nejver so un- among them, but I believe were not displeased with the
happily delude, as to disunite us from that joint, 6rm and clamour and opposition that was shown against internal
.universid opposition of all British America, which, w,e taxation by Parliament.
trust, will ajways render abortive every such piemicians The now afraid that these
principal inhabitajits, being
measure. hot-headed men mightrun the city into dangerous meas-
As we have had occasion to write to South Carolina, ures, ap]>eared in a considerable body at tlie first meeting
.previous to this, our earliest opportunity of answering yoiu- of the people after the Boston Port Act was published
Javour, we Iransmit you a copy of that letter, which you bere. They dissolved the former Committee, and apjxjinted
may please to communicate as you think proper. You a new one of fifty-one persons, in which care was taken
have also enclosed, some other papers, froiy which you to have a number of the most prudent and considerate
will be fuliy sensible that we are ;:eady jto join in a»y people of the place. Some of them have not before
measures for the public good. joined the public proceedings of the Opposition, and were
We are with great esteem ^nd regard, gentiemeB, your induced to ajipear in what they are sensible is an illegal
jiiost obedient, hiiimble servairts, character, from a consideration that if they did not, the
Joseph Hutchings, Paul Loyall, business would be left in the same rash hands as before.
Alexander SkinneHj Wilijam Harvey, Letters had been received from Boston with an invita-
James Taylor, tion from that town to the sister Colonies, immediately to
come into a resolution to refrain from any commerce with
Great Britain and the West India Islands, till the Act
THE committee OF NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH TO THE for shutting up the port of Boston was rejiealed. A
iJOSTON COMMITTEE. jjj-inted handbill of this ))ro^iosal is enclosed.
Norfolk, June 3, 1774. I aminformed that the new Committee, in their answer
Gentlemen : We gladly take this opportunity of
first Jo Boston, have given them no reason to expect that the
assuring our brethren of Boston, on this melancholy occa^ merchants of this place will adopt so extravagant a meas-
sion, that we are not indifferent sijectators of their distres.- ure., and people with whom 1 converse assine me, that

sing situation, under the present cruel .extortion of British they think it cannot be brought about by the \myn zealous
power, to support an edict cakujated to ruiij their trade, advocates of opposition. As yet no resolutions have been
^nd for ever subject a very considerable propjBrty to the taken by the people of this Cobny, and die cool, pmdent
arbitrary pleasure of the Crown ; our bosoms glow with men will endeavour to keep measures in suspense till tliey
tender regard for you we sympathise with you in youi-
; have an opportunity of adopting the best. I am told they
sufferini's ; and thought it our duty devoutly to observe have proposed that the Colonies be invited to send Depu-
the appointment of the first of June as a day of fasting ties to in order to petition the King for
meet together,
and prayer, solemnly to address the Almighty Ruler to redress of grievances, and deliberate upon some plan
support you in your afflictions, and to remove from our whereby the jealousies between Great Britain and lier
Sovereign those pernicious Counsellors tljaf hgiye been the Colonies may be removed. It is allowed by the intelligent
878 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 374
ainono; tliem, that these assemblies of the people, without Resolved, That the proceedings of this Committee, as
authority of Government, are illegal, and may be
dangerous, well as those of other Provinces and Colonies, laid before
but they deny that they are unconstitutional when a them this day, be fairly transcribed by the Clerk in a book
national grievance cannot otherwise be removed. What to be kept for that purpose.
resolutions \\ ill be taken I cannot yet say. The Go^'ern- Per order of the Committee,
ment of this Province lias no coercive power over these Benjamin Johnston, Town Cleric.
assemblies of the people, but the authority of the Magis-
trates, in all other cases, is submitted to as usual.
II. TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE BRITISH COLONIES
IN AMERICA.
Philadelphia, June 1, 1774.
MAJOR GEN. Hj\X,DIMAND TO THE EARL OF DARTMOfTH.
Brethren : not my
design to travel through all
It is
Extract. the Ministerial, manoeuvres respecting us since the com-
New- York, 1st June, 1774. mencement of this Reign it is not necessary. Sufficient,
;

I think it my
duty to acquaint your Lordship with the prove, to lay before you such a series of cor-
I trust, it will

apparent effect which the late vigorous measures adopted respondent facts as will thoroughly convince you that a
by the Parliament of Great Britain have made on the plan has been deliberately framed, and pertinaciously
minds of the people of this country the few who enter- ;
adhered to, unchanged even by frequent changes of Minis-
tained more loyal and liberal ideas of Government, are ters, unchecked by any intervening gleam of humanity, to

now induced and encouraged to speak their mhids with sacrifice to a passion for arbitrary dominion, the universal
more fieedom, and fear not to disapprove the rash pro- property, liberty, safety, honour, happiness and prosperity
ceedings of their countrymen, blindly led by a few hot- of us, unoffending yetdevouted Americans ; and that every
headed and designing men. This has operated so far as man of us is deeply interested in the fate of our brethren
to prevent, hitherto, the effect of the resolution wannly of Boston.
urged by a number of violent enthusiasts, to shut up their If such a series is not laid before you, the combined
ports themselves, both here and at Philadelphia, and to up by the roots, and throw out of
force of wiiich shall tear
decline any importation from Great Britain and Ireland, your bosoms every lurking doubt, censure me as an enthu-
or exportation to any of the West India Islands, until the siast, too violently warmed by a sense of the injustice

Act against the town of Boston should be repealed. practised against my beloved country.
The more timid amongst them, actuated by self-interest The danger of a father's life once racked words from a
and common prudence, have joined the few who dared to dumb son. Worse tlian death, in my view, threatens our
stand forth against such outrageous and illegal combinations. common mother. Pardon, therefore, a brother's imper-
In consequence of which the measure was rejected but it ; fections.
is to be feared that the fire is only smothered at present, Amidst a volume of institutions called regulations, wrong
and might break out anew unless the measures said to be at corrected in other en-ours, again corrected, still
first,

adopted subsequent to the Boston Port Bill, should prove requiring regulation, and remaining, after all their editions,
sufficient to restore thegood order and harmony so essen- if not like Draco's codes of blood, yet codes of plunder,

tial Britain and her Colonies, to assure the dependence

to confounding, by the intricacy and multiplicity of their inven-
of the latter on the Kingdom of Great Britain, and in time tions, and confiscating for having confounded,* appears the
remove the prejudices now subsisting. Fourth of George the Third, chapter 15th styled, " An
Act British Colonies and
for granting certain duties in the
Plantations in America," &ic. This was the
first comet of
Williamsburg, June 2, 1774. this kind that glared over these Colonies since their exist-
By advices from Fincastle, we learn that there has ence. Here first we find the Commons of Great Britain
been a smart skirmish, on the branches of New River, " giving and granting" our money for the express purpose
between a party of white people, who were out surveying of " raising a revenue in America.'"
lands, and a number of Indians, whom they fell in with, We, busy in guiding our ploughs, felling our timber, or
supposed to be Shawanese. Our people drove the Indians sailing in the circuits of traffic prescribed us, and still

off, and killed eight of them, with the loss of eight men veering like bees to our hive, with millions of our gains to
and a boy of their own party among them the noted
; Great Britain, the centre of our toils by land and sea,
Captain John Ashby, who, in the last war, brought the poor harmless husbandmen and traders scarce observed !

first account of General Braddoclis defeat to this city the blow given us. Our hearts filled with confidence by
with amazing expedition. contemplating the pleasing images of her generous, distin-
We likewise hear, that the frontier inhabitants are all in guished virtues, from the splendour of which, in our judg-
motion' at alarming behaviour of the Indians, and
the ment, those of ancient Greece and Rome liid their dimi-
seem determined to drive from among them so cruel and nished heads —
suspicion could find no entrance. We saw,
treacherous an enemy. in tlie preamble, something of the usual forms " for extend-
ing and securing navigation and commerce," were lulled
into security, nor could suppose the stroke was aimed at

FREDERICKSBURG (viRGIXIa) RESOLUTIONS. our vitals. An infant that had tottered along a directed
walk in a garden, and loaded with flowers had presented
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Fredericksburg, in them to a mother, would as soon have expected to be
the County of Spottsylvania, and Colony of Virginia, knocked down by her.
at the Town House, on Wednesday, the first day of June, Not long were we suffered to enjoy our tranquillity.
1774: The fifth of George the Third, chapter the 12th, the
Resolved, That it is the unanimous opinion of this ever memorable Stamp Act quickly followed. By this,
meeting to concur in every proper measure that may be reciting the former Act, the Commons of Great Britain
thought expedient by our sister Colonies, on this important " gave and granted" duties, so called, of our money, on
occasion, respecting the hostile invasions of the rights and almost every piece of parchment, vellum, or paper, to be
liberties of the town of Boston. used in these Colonies, and declared every instrument of
Resolved, That IVIessrs. Fielding Lewis, Charles Dick, writing without a Stamp to be void. Tax gatherere of a
Charles Mortimer, James Mercer, Charles Washington,
• " Omitting the immense increase of people, by natural population,
William Woodford, James Duncanson, William Porter,
in themore Northern Colonics, and tlie migration from every part of
George Thornton, and Charles Yates, be appointed a Eurupe, 1 am convinced the whole conuuerciiil system of J«i«icn may
Committee for tiiis town to correspond with the neighbour- be altered to advantage. You have proliibited where you ought to
ing towns and counties for the piupose of communicating have encouraged; and you liavo encouraged where you ought to have
prohibited. Improper restraints have been laid on the Contment m
to each other, in the most speedy manner, their sentiments
favour of the Islands. You have but two Nations to trade with m
on this present interesting and alarming situation of America. Would you had twenty Let Acts of Parliament m con.
'

America. sequence of treaties remain, but let not an English IMinister become a
Custom House officer for Spain, or for any foreign Power. Much in
Resolved, That Benjamin Johnston be appointed Clerk wrong, much may be amended for the general good of the whole."—
to this Conunittee. Mr. Pitt's Speech.
S75 CORRESPOXDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 376

new kind were ap))ointed to collect these duties. Tlie another country —
filled with its prejudices holding their —
petitions of our Assemblies, previous to its passing, on —
commissions during pleasure totally independent of you
notice received of the design, asserting our rigiits, and sup- claiming fees and salaries to be paid out of your money
j)licating a respect for them, were treated with contempt. condemned by themselves.*
You remember the tiu)e and its distress. You behaved If this be " wisdom," it is not of that kind, the " ways
as you ought.* whereof are jmst finding out."
Convinced that a people who wish to be free, must The Act, thus revoked by you, received soon after a
resolve to be free, you abolished tiie " abominable thing," formal repeal in Parliament. This was done by the sixth
and proceeded in your usual business, without any regard
• " When
the Jury have delivered in their verdict, and it is recorded
to the illegal edict obtruded upon you.
in Court, thoy are then discharged. And so ends a trial by jury. A
Permit me to add two observations relating to remark- trial which, besides the other vast advantages which we have occa.
able attendants on the taxation comprised in that Act, the sionally observed in its progress, is also as e-xpcditious and cheap as it is

memory of which is perhaps grown faint, from length of convenient, equitable, and certain for a commission out of C'lianccry,
;

or the civil law courts, for exaniinirig witnesses in one cause, will fre-
time, in some minds. quently last as long, and of course bo full as expensive, iis tlie trial of
By the statutes granting Stamp Duties in England or a hundred issues at nisi priiiit ; and yet tlie fact cannot be determined
Great Britnin, especial caution has been taken that nothing by such C'ounuissioners at all no, not till the depositions are published
;

and read at the hearing of the cause in Court.

more should be levied upon the subject under any pretence "Ui)on these accounts the trial by jury ever has been, and I trust
whatsoever, than the duties themselves. These words run ever will be, looked upon as the glory of the English law. And, if it
through those Acts, " That the officers shall receive the has so great an advantage over others in regulating civil property, how
much nmst that advantage be heightened when it is a])plicd to criminal
" several duties, and stamp and mark the vellum, parch-
cases ! But this we must refer to the ensuing book of these commen-
'•'
ment, and paper, &c., without any other fee or rcivard taries ; only observing for tlie present, tiiat it is the most transcendent
" which stamp or mark shall be a sufiicient discharge for privilege which any subject can enjoy, or wish for, tliat he cannot be
affected either in his property, his liberty, or his person, but by the
'•
the respective duties," &ic. And " the Commissionei's unanimous consent of twelve of his neighbours and equals. Con- A
" shall take care that the several parts of the Kingdom stitution, that I may venture to atiirm has, under Providence, secured the
" shall, from time to time, be sufficiently furnished witli just liberties of this nation for a long succession of ages. And, therefore,
a CL'lelirated French writer (a) who concludes, that because Kumr,S'iiaita,
" vellum, parchment, and paper, stamped and marked as and Carthage have lost their libcrti':?8, therefore those of England in
" is directed, to the end that the subjects, he, may time nmst perish, should have recollected that Rome, Sparta, and Car.
" HAVE IT IN THEIR ELECTION, either to buy the same of ihage, at tho time when their liberties were lost, were strangers to the
trial by jury.
" the officers and jiersons to be employed, &.C., at the " Great as this culogium may seem, it is no more than this admirable
" usual and most common rates above the said duties, or Constitution, when traced to its principles, will be found in sober rea.
sou to deserve. Tile iuipartiul adiniuistration of justice, which secures
'*
to bring their own vellum, parchment, or paper, to
both our i»erson8 and our properties, is the great end of civil society.
" be stamped or marked as aforesaid. "f But if that be entirely entrusted to the Magistracy, a select bo<!y of
Was the Stamp Act for America like other statutes ? men, and those generally selected by the Prince, or such as enjoy the
highest offices in the State, their decisions, in spite of their own natu-
Judge. By this it is enacted, " That the High Treasurer,
ral integrity, will have frequently an involuntary bias towards those
" or any three or more of the Commissioners of the Trea- of their own rank and dignity. It is not to be expected from human
" sury, shall once in every year set the prices, at which nature, that the few should be always attentive to the interests and good
-" all sorts of stamped vellum, parchment, and paper, shall of the many. On the other hand if the power of judictiture were
placed at random in the hands of the multitude, tlieir decisions would
" be sold," Sic. be wild and capricious, and a new rule of action would be every day
The Stamps were kept in Ihgland. Ship loads of " all established in our Courts. It is wisely, therefore, ordered, that the

" principles and axioms of law, whicli are general propositions, flowing
stamped vellum, parchment, and papers" were
sorts of
from abstracted reason, and not accommodated to times or to men,
sent over to us. We had no choice, either to take these should be deposited in the breasts of the Judges, to be occasionally ap-
or to carry other vellum, parcliment, or paper to be stamp- plied to such facts as come properly ascertained before them. For hero
partiality can have little scope ; the law is well known, and is tiie same
ed. We must not only have paid the certain duties im- for all ranks and degrees: it follows as a regular conclusion from the
posed, but the uncertain " prices" which the Commission- premises of fact pre-established. But in settling and adjusting a ques-
ers should please to " set" for the value of their " vellum, tion of fact, when intrusted to any single Magistrate, partiality and
" parchment, and paper ;" and " penalties and forfeitures" injustice have an ample field to range in either by boldly asserting
;

that to be approved which is not so, or, more artfully, by suppressing

fellupon us every step we took, without paying these im- some circumstances, stretching and warping others, and distinguishing
positions. This surely was not only to be taxed by the away the remainder. Hero, ttierofore, a competent number of sensible
Parliament, but over again for the same articles by the and upright jurymen, chosen by lot, from among those of tlie middle
rank, will be found the best investigators ol' truth, and tlie surest
Commissioners. guardians of public justice. For the most ]>owcrful individual in the
Here some men, whose minds are strongly impressed State will be cautious of committing any flagrant invasion of another's
right, when he knows that the f ict of his ojjprfssion must be examined
with ideas of equity, may ask, if it is possible that even a
and decided by twelve indiff'erent men ; and that, when once the fact
British Parliament should so wantonly degrade us? It is is ascertained the law must of course redress it. This, therefore, pre.
as true as that the port of Boston is this pay shut up. serves, in the hands of the people that share whicli they ought to have
in the administration of public justice, and prevents the encroachments
The •' forfeitures and |)enalties thereby imposed were to
of the more powerful and wealthy citizans. Every new tribunal, erected
'* be sued for and recovered in any Court of Record, or
for the decision of facts, without the intervention of a jury, (whether
^' IN any Court ov Admiralty or V ice Admiralty, composed of Justices of the Peace, t'ommissioners of the Revenue,
"appointed, or to be appointed, and having jurisdiction in Judges of a court of conscience, or any other standing Magistrates,) is
a step towards establishing aristocracy, the most oppressive of absolute
" the respective Colony where the ofTence should be com- (xovernmcnts. The feodal system which, for the sake of military sub-
" mitted," Sic. ordination, pursued an aristoeratical plan in all its arr.ingement8 of
This was no regulation of trade. The facts, to be tried property, had been intolerable in times of peace, bud it not been wisely

in any dispute, must have arisen on land — within the body

counterpoised by that privilege so universally diffused through every
]>art of it, the trial by the f.odal Peers. And in ev^ry country on the
of a county —
as remote from Admiralty jurisdiction on Continent, as the trial by the Peers has been gradually disused, so the
nobles have increased in power, till tho State has been torn in j)iecc-s
every constitutional principle, as a suit on a bond, or an
by rival factions, and oligarchy in effect has been established, though
ejectment for a freehold. Yet thus, by a few lines, was the under the shadow of regal Government, unless where the miserable
inestimable privilege of trial by jury to be torn from you commons have taken shelter un<ler an absolute monarchy, the
and your posterity. Thus the decision of the rights of lighter evil of the two. And particularly it is a circumstance well
worthy an Englishinan's observation, that in Sweden the trial by
propertv, not in controversies between man and man, on jury, that bulwark of Norlliern liborty, which continued in its full
the question of " meum vcl tuam," where, though rung vigour, so lately as the middle of the fast century, (h) is now fallen
into disuse ; (r) and that tlinrj, though the r.'gal power is in no
by oppression, the wretched loser might draw a degree of
country so closely limited, yet the lib.^rti:'S of the commons are extin.
consolation, by reflecting that he had received some consi- guished, and the '(iovernme'iit is degenerated into a mere ariBtocracy.(rf)
deration for the substance taken away or, at least, that a
; It is, therefore, upon tho whole, a duty which every man owes to his coun-
—
countryman gained his spoils but in litigations founded on try, his friends, his posterity, and himself, to maintain to the utmost of

rigid forfeitures and arbitrary penalties —

was to be referred
his power, tills valuable Constitution of all bis rights, to restore it to its
ancient dignity, if at all impaired by the diff'ereut value of property,
to the corrupt uibuiials of single Judges— appointed from or otherwise deviated from its first institution ; to amend it wherever
it is defective ; and, above all, to
guard with the most jealous circum.
* " I rejoice that Ameriea has resisted, Throe millions of people, spection against the introduction of new and arbitrary methods of trial,
go dead to all the feelings of liberty aa voluntarily to consent to he which, under a variety of jilausible pretences, may in time im|)ercepti.
sliivea, would have been fit inntfumeiits to iijake slaves of the rest."-.- bly undermine this best preservative of English liberty." Blackstone's
Mr. Pitt's Speech, Cum, 3(i ml, p. 378, 3cil.

and sixth William and Mary, chapter 31

t Fifth ( (Jjirtjotl} Oeorgf f»)i#im/«o.Sn.UiU.6. (h)K'*Wr/or*<!ofParl. 4S7. (c) Mod. Un. Hilt, xxxiii, 33.
Second, chapter 19, and other statutes,
• • ^ ^'
«""•*"
(dj siod, uu, Ili.t. xuiii, 17.
377 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 878

of George Third, chapter the 11th. Because it was

tlie oppose their impositions, whenever it is in their power to
uiiconstitulional, aswe were not and could not he repre- cause their resentment to be felt.
sented tliere ? No. Because it deprived " three miUions 3d. The interest ruined by this Act of Parliamentary
" of loyal subjects of their darling piivilege of trial by vengeance is immense, 'tis the trade and navigation of an
"jury, tlie best preservative of Emflish liberty ?' "
' No. ancient metropolis of one of the richest and oldest Provin-
Because "the continuance of the Act would be attended ces of English America, whose dignity and merit is second
" with many inconveniences, and might be productive of to none on this Continent whose inhabitants are almost
;

" consequences greatly detrimental to the connnercial in- wholly of English descent; whose affections for the Eng-
•'
terests of" Great Britain. lish nation, and attachment to Hanoverian succession have
Cool, guarded expressions breathing the true spirit of
! been rapturously warm whose patience and perseverance,
;

the modern philosophy, so prevailing among the higher whose expense of lives and treasure in conniiencin"- anil
ranks in that polished Kingdom. How much care to avoid extending the conquests and settlements of English Ame-
inconveniences and detriment to their own commercial in- rica, all far exceed the utmost claim or boast of any other
terests How sovereign a contempt for all the agonies
! English Colony. But they oppose the Tea Duty therelbre ,

that bowed us down to the earth, while indignation, shame, their merits are forgotten, their honour is laid in the dust
grief, affection, veneration, and gratitude combatted within their interest, obtained by long and painful industry to the
our breasts They were advised to speak peace to our
! amount of hundreds of thousands, is ruined their traitors ;

souls, by nobly assigning an " erroneom principle" for the are cherished and encouraged, their humble and dutiful
repeal.* No. The freedom of America is the Carthage petitions are rejected, their claims of right, founded in
of Great Britain cletcnda est. —
" Let us repeal the Act, nature, in the English Constitution, and in their Charter,
" but never resign the principle on which it was founded." under die sacred sanction of the pidjlic faith, are spumed
One gciicrous step tiiey did take, becoming Britons. ought of sight with anger and contempt.
It demands our acknowledgments nor should we withhold
; 4th. The txtent and operation of this baneful Act is
them. Why will they not suffer us to thank them for mostly confined to the harbour of Boston, and its appenda-
other favours? ges, but its princi|)le extends to every inch of English
The repealing Act spoke an indecisive language, subject America. The Bostonians have as good a rigiit to their
to comments, that might differ on different sides of the harbour, their shipping, their wharfs and landing places, a"!
Atlantic. VVe migiit have been too much agitated between they have to their houses, gardens, streets, commons, coun-
hopes and apprehensions. It would have been unkind to try seats, and plantations, and as good a right as the Philn-
leave us in such a state of anxiety. It would have been delphians have to theirs, and, therefore, nothing can be
unworthy of a free people, who were determined to subju- more manifest tiian this, viz : That the same principle,
gate another free people. " Parmenio may steal victories, the same power, that can and wrest the one, can,
seize on
Alexander scorns it." with equal right and authority, seize on and wrest all the
Therefore, the same day, I think, on which they repealed others out of the hands and use of their present proprietors,
the Stamp Act, in the next chapter, however, they can- and, therefore, it follows by a consequence, which I dare
didly explained to us their sentiments and resolutions, be- say the British Parliament don't mean to deny, that if we
yond a possibility of a mistake by the " Act for the better presume to op[)ose any Act they may make, however op-
" securing the dependency of his Majesty's Dominions in pressive and tyrannical we may deem it, or even to affront
" America upon the Crown and Parliament of Great any peevish officer they may appoint over us, or without
« Britain." any of these, if they should even conceit we affront them,
'•
Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold all these : or if, without even such conceit, they should take it into
" gather themselves together, and come to thee Thou : their heads to exercise the absurd plenitude of their power
" shalt SURELY CLOTHE thee with them all, as with an over us, I say, in any of these cases, the same Parliamen-
" ornament, and bind them on thee as a bride doth." tary power which has deprived the Bostonians of their
harbour, wharfs, landing places, &.C., can, with equal
autliority,deprive any and every English Colony on the
Philadelphia, Juno 1, 1774. Continent of theirs, and accordingly send a sufficient force
TO ALL THE ENOLISH COLONIES OF NORTH AMERICA. of ships and soldiers to stop every port in them, and put
Remember the fable of the bundle of sticks given by an end to all their navigation and trade ; and not that only,
the father to his sons ; it could not be broken until it was but drive them all from tlieir houses, streets, cities, and
di.ided. We
must stand or fall together. For the Bos- plantations. I appeal to the public if these are strained

ton Port Act carries in its principle and effects the certain, consequences, and if the power that can do the one cannot,
if not the immediate destruction of all the liberties of Ame-
with equal right, do all the rest.
rica, the ruin of all our property, and greatly endangers 5th. This fatal Act, as far as it relates to personal cove-

the safet)' of our persons ; its nature is so malignant, and nants and contracts, not only makes void all bills of lading,
its operations will be so fatal to our whole tem[)oral happi-
charter parties, Stc, relating to vessels and cargoes destined

ness, that it cannot fail to awaken the attention of all Ame- to the port of Boston, and which may arrive there after
the first day of June next but the principle of this mani-
rica. The most deliberate wisdom, the steady counsel, ;

festly extends to all written contracts and covenants what-

and firm resolution of America, never was, and it is hardly
soever, sealed or unsealed to all deeds of lands, mortga-
conceivable, ever can be more necessary than in this dread- ;

ges, indentures, covenants, bonds, hills, notes, receipts, fcc,

f,il crisis.
comprehend for there can be no doubt that the same power which is
I don't pretend to be able to all the evils,
half the consequences of that alarming able to vacate, by sovereign audiority, covenants and con-
or to point out
but a few that occur appear to me to deserve great tracts relative to navigation made by private j)ersons on
statute ;

reasonable and lawful considerations, can vacate also all

consideration.
1st. The Legislative power, by which it was enacted, is
covenants and contracts relating to inland affairs, so that
if we should happen to disapprove of the Tea Duty, the
founded in a direct violation of the most essential and fun-
damental principle of the English Constitution, viz u that Boston Port Act, or any other law the British Parliament
no Englishman shall be bound by any law to which he has may see fit to make, we may expect soon to he visited
with a law from them, vacating all our deeds of lands, in-
not consented.
dentures of servants, bonds, &.C., empowering all our ser-
2d. Tiie ordinary object of human laws, is either the
vants to run away, and every rascal that ])leases to enter
attainment of some benefit, resulting therefrom, or the
remedy of a mischief. But tiiis is a mere statute of ven- on our estates and turn us out of our houses, &,c.
6th. This dreadful extent of power is claimed by the
geance, wreaked on the Bostonians, for opposing the Par-
British Parliament, on whom we have not the least check,
liamentary duty on tea, and is, tlierefore, a practical proof
and whose natural prejudices will ever induce them to op-
as well as dreadful sample of the disposition of the British
Parliament to hurl mighty destruction against all who press us — they are not of our appointment, they do not
hope for our votes, or fear the loss of them at a future
• " the whole, I will beg leave to tell the Hou«e what is my
Upon election; they have no natural affection for us they don't ;

opinion ; it is, that the Stamp Act be repealed, absolutely, totally, and
feel for us tiiey never expect to see us, and therefore do
;
immediately that the reason for the repeal \>e assi(rnod, because it was
;

founded on an erroneous principle." Mr. Pitt's Upeech. — not court our smiles, or dread meeting our angry countenan-
379 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 380

ces. When they vote away our money, tliey don't, at the Ettract of a Letter from one of the members of the House
same time, of llieir own and tlicir best friends
jjive that of Assembly o/Nkw-Jeksey, and one of the Committee
witli it, but, on tlie contrary, tiiey ease tiiemseives and their of Correspondence, which consists of nine members.
friends of liie whole burthen tiiey lay on us, and, therefore, Dated Jine 2, 1774.
will alwiij's have strong inducements to make or burdens as
" I returned yesterday from New-Bruns^cick, where six
heavy as possible that they may lighten tlieir own. Indeed,
in every view of this Act, it appears replete with horrour,
of our Committee met. We
answered the Boston letters,
informing them that we look on New-Jersey as eventually
ruin, and woe, to all America ; it matters not where it be-
in the same predicament with Boston, and that we will do
gins to operate, no Colony on the Continent is exempt
from its dreadful principle, nor can any one that has a sea-
every thing which may be generally agreed on. have We
signed a request to the Governour to call the General As-
port avoid its execution. But however ghostly, grinning,
sembly, to meet at such time as his Excellency may think
and death-like this awful threatening power lowers over us,
proper, belbre the first of August next. Our Committee
I doubt not there are means left to America to avoid its
is well disposed in the cause of American freedom."
effects, and virtue enough to induce every individual to
tiirow aside every little consideration and unite witii im-
moveable firmness in the important business of self-pre-
ervation. EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA.
We have reason to think this is tlie last effort of the Boston, June 2, J 774.
]K)wer that would oppress us if, it takes place we are
;
We have been, for three weeks past, in a general hurry
undone, undone with our posterity. If we oppose and in business; most of our navigation is gone, and by the i;3th
avoid it, we may still continue to enjoy our liberties, and instant I do not expect to see six vessels in our harbour.
jiosterity will look back to this alarming period, and will One regiment of the troops arrived yesterday, and they arc
admire and boast tlie virtue of their ancejtors that saved marking out the lines in our Common to fix tents. How
them from slavery and ruin. many are to be fixed here we cannot tell, and indeed we
can know nothing certain till the operations take place.
Our Custom House Officers all take their departure to-day,
KENT COUNTY (maRYI^ANd) KESOLUTIONS. if they did not set out Plymouth, (being in
last night, to
this port,) to carry on business there. Governour Hutch-
A numerous and very respectable Meeting of the Inha- inson sailed yesterday morning in Captain Callahan, for
bitantsof Ke7H County, in Maryland, was held at the London, with his second son, one of our consignees, and
Court House in Chcstertown, on Thursday, the 2d day of a daugliter. Governour Gage sets out from Cambridge
June, 1774, pursuant to public notice given for that purpose. this day, for Salem, to meet the General Court there the

Thomas Smith, Esq., was unanimously chosen Chairman. 7th instant. Five gentlemen, in their private capacity,
waited on him three or four days since, to know what the
And, Act of Parliament for blocking
after reading the amount of the tea was, and to whom they might apply
np the harbour of Boston, and sundry letters and papers but they could only obtain from him that they would know,
received from the Conmiittee of Corres|)ondence at Anna- but did not say when. He was much on the reserve but :

polis, the following gentlemen were chosen to coirespond from the conversation 1 have had with two of them, we
with the Committees of the other counties of tliis Province, shall not be able to know any thing, with certainty, till
and of the Colonies in general, viz: William Jiingifohl, either this town, as a town, or the General Court, apply to
(Eastern Neck,) Robert Buchanan, John Maxwell, Emory him. He sent a wTitten order to our Provincial Treasurer,
iSudler, Colonel Bichard Lloyd, Colonel Joseph Nicholson, to move the Provincemoney down to Salem ; but he re-
John Cadwallader, Joseph Nicholson, Jun., Thomas Ring- fused complying, well knowing he could not answer it
gold, Thomas B. Hands, Joseph Earle, Ezekiel Foreman, without the special orders of the Assembly. I hope the
James Anderson, James Uynson, James Pearce, and Isaac Southern Governments will view our case in its true light,
Spencer, Esquires, and Messrs. William Carmichael, John which 1 take to be a besieged city, in which is a gi-eat diver-
Vorhces, Donaldson Yeates, William Ringgold, ( Chester- sity of opinions and interests, and in a very little time will
town,) Eleazer McComh, Dr. John Scott, Jeremiah be the city of a great multitude without business, and
Nicols, Dr. William Bordky, and Captain James Nich- ready to break through stone walls for subsistence.
olson.
The gentlemen present then desired the Committee to
nominate a select number of their members to meet the
THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH TO GOVERNOUR GAGE.
Committees from the different counties in one Grand Pro-
vincial Connnittee, at the city of Annapolis, on a day there- Extract.

after to be appointed, to deliberate on proper measures to be Whiteliall, 3d June, 1774.

taken in conjunction with the other Colonies, in order to bring Since you left England the Parliament has made a very
about a repeal of the above Act of Parliament, so destruc- considerable progress in the American business, and I send
tive in its consequences to the liberties of America in you herewith, by the King's connnand, two Acts to which
general, and of the town of Boston in particular. His Majesty gave the royal assent a tew days ago.
Tlie following gentlemen were appointed for that pur- These Acts close the consideration of what relates to tlie
pose, viz Mr. Chairman, Jfilliam Ringgold, (Eastern
: state of your Government, and it is hoped that they will
Neck,) Joseph Nicholson, Jun., Thomas Ringgold, and have the good effect to give vigour and activity to ci\ il

Joseph Earle, Escjuires, who were directed to use every authority ; to prevent those unwarrantable assemblings of
means in their power to promote unanimity of counsels, in the peoj)le, for factious purposes, which have been the
order that a rational and well concerted plan may be laid source of so much mischief; and to secure an impartial
down and prosecuted to attain the end proposed. administration of justice in all cases where the authority of
The gentlemen of the Committee being moved with the this Kingdom may be in question.
most tender sym]iathy for the distresses of their suffering The Act for the better regulation of the Government of
brethren of Boston, particularly of the labouring poor, who the Province of Massachusetts Bay, provides, that from
are deprived of the means of supporting themselves and the 1st of August next, all elections of the Council under
families by the operation of the Act for blocking up their the authority of the Charter, shall be void, and that, for
harbour, opened a subscription for their relief, which in a the future, the Council shall be ap|)ointed by the King.
little time was filled up to a considerable amount, and is In consequence of that provision, his Majesty has, with
left in the hands of the Chairman to be collected and ship- the advice of the Privy Council, nominated thirty-six per-
ped to them in such articles of provisions as may be most sons, qualified as the Act directs, to be the Council of
wanted, whenever it shall be necessary. Massachusetts Bay, from and after tlie time limited for the
The Committee then adjourned to the house of Mr. continuance of the present Council and enclosed herewith,
;

Edward Warrell, in the said town, where their future I send you his Majesty's additional instruction, under the
meetings are to be held. sign manual, authorizing and requiring you to assemble the
Signed by order of the Connnittee, said Council, and containing such further directions as are
William Hall, Clerk, thought necessary and incident to this new establishment,
381 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JUNE, 1774. 382

and as correspond with the provisions of the Act in relation It is not only its dignity and reputation, but its power,

thereto. nay, its very existence, depends upon the present moment
Itwould, periiajis, iiave heen in some respects desirable for should those ideas of independence, which some danger-
that might have been left to the King's discretion, to
it ous and ill-designed persons here are artfully endeavouring
have directed that, in case of tlie death or absence of both to instil into the minds of the King's American subjects,
Governour and Lieutenant Governour, the administration once take root, that relation between this Kingdom and its
of Government should have been devolved on the Seniour Colonies, which is the bond of peace and power, will soon
Counsellor, as in other Goveniments but as tlie Act re- ; cease to exist, and destruction must follow disunion. It is
serves to the new Council all the liberties, privileges, and not the mere claim of cxen)ption from the authority of
immunities enjoyed by the other, except in cases provided Parliament in a particular case that has brought on the
for, it is appreiiended that such direction cannot be given, present crisis it is actual disobedience and open resistance
;

and for the same reason it has appeared, at least doubtful that have compelled coercive measures, and I have no lon-
whether the Crown could delegate to you the powers of ger any other confidence in the hopes I had entertained
suspension and appointment to vacancies pro tempore, ex- that the public peace and tranquillity would he restored,
ercised in the other Royal Governments. In this situation but that which I derive from your abilities, and the reliance
it became the more necessary that a Lieutenant Governour I have on your pnidence, for a wise and discreet exercise
should be immediately appointed and the King having,; of the authorities given to you by the Acts which I now
ujion Mr. Hutchinson's reconnuendation, nominated Mr. send you.
Oliver, of Cambridge, to that office, enclosed I send you The powers contained in the Act for the more impartial
bis Majesty's sign manual, containing his appointment. administration of justice do, in particular, deserve your at-
There room to hope that every one of the per-
is little tention, for it is hardly possible to conceive a situation of
sons whom Majesty has appointed to be of his Council,
his greater difficulty and delicacy than that which a Governour
will be induced to accept that honour, for there can be no would be reduced to the necessity of exercising his
in, if
doubt that every art will be practised to intimidate and pre- discretion in the case provided for but it is a case I trust
;

judice. I trust, however, that the number of those who that will never occur, and I will hope that, notwithstanding
decline will not be so considerable as to involve you in any all the endeavours, equally flagitious and contemptible, used

difficulty on that account, or to create any embarrassment by a few desperate men to create in the people ideas of
in the execution of a measure upon which so much de- more general resistance, the thinking part of them will be
pends. awakened to such a sense of their true interests, and of the
Whatever vacancies may be created by any of the pre- miseries that await a further continuance of these unhappy
sent members refusing to act, ought to be filled up as soon disputes, as to exert their best endeavours for a preserva-
as possible, and, therefore, you will transmit to me, by the tion of the public peace, and thereby give such effect and
first opportunity, the names of such persons as you think countenance to the civil authority as to render any other
best qualified for that trust, and the most likely to give interposition than that of tlie ordinary Civil Magistrate un-
weight and authority to the measures of Government tak- ; necessary.
ing care, at the same time, not to propose any from whom There another American Bill, for making more effec-
is

you have not received assurances of their readiness to ac- tual provision for quartering of his Majesty's troops, that
cept the office. has passed both Houses, and waits for the Royal assent,
It is to be expected that every artifice which has been which, although of general purport, is founded principally
hitherto used with so much success to keep alive a spirit on a case that occurred in the Province of Massachusetts
of sedition and opposition in the people, will be exerted Bny.
on the present occasion to entangle and embarrass but ; You will remember what happened at Boston in 1770,
the King trusts that by temper and prudence on the one respecting the quartering of the two regiments sent thither
hand, and by firmness and resolution on the other, you will from Halifax, and the artifices used by forced constmc-
be able to surmount all the obstacles that can be thrown in tions of the Act of Parliament to elude the execution of
your way. it, and to embarrass the King's service. In order, there-
It is impossible to foresee what those obstacles may be. fore, to prevent the like in future, the present Bill is adopted,
If the General Court should happen to be sitting at the and enclosed I send you a printed copy of it, hoping to be

time when the new constitution of the Council is to take able to send the Act itself by the first ship.
place, every advantage will probably be taken that such a
and throw the business
situation affords, to create difficulties
into perplexity but however that may be, and whatever
;
Charlestown, S. C, Juno 4.* 1774.

may be urged, there can be no doubt that a prorogation at America has never seen a more critical period than the
least will become absolutely necessary, in order to put an present. The Stamp Act, with all its ruinous conse-
end to any business that may be depending before the old quences, portended less evil to this Continent than the
Council. Perhaps circumstances may require a dissolution, present gathering stomn.
but it is much to be wished that, if possible, such a mea- When I consider the determined resolution of Parlia-
sure may be avoided. ment to enforce their pretended right of internal taxation,
The lettei-s received from Mr. Hutchinson since you and reflect that the free-born Colonists, who have extended
sailed from Plymouth, contain an account of the public the British Empire over this once savage land, will sooner
proceedings down to the 5th of April, at which time it die than sun-ender the privileges of Englishmen, I tremble
does not appear that any intelligence had been received in for the consequences. My heated imagination anticipates all
the Province of the steps that were taking here. It was, the horrours of a civil war, and foresees these flourishing
therefore, reasonable to suppose that the conduct and mea- Provinces deluged with the unnatural bloodshed of our
sures of the faction would be, as they actually were, of the brethren and fellow-subjects In this alarming situation of
same colour and complexion with those they had before affairs, methinks I see every brow contracted into a serious
pursued. gloom, and every thinking man earnestly inquiring " what
The impeachment of the Chief Justice seems to have is to be done."

been the favourite object of bodi Council and Assembly Nothing can be entered upon by honest men, with spirit
but as Mr. Hutchinson had, with equal firmness and dis- and resolution, till they are first convinced of the justice
cretion, defeated that measure by prorogation, it is not ne- of their cause. Let us then, without prej\idice, inquire
cessary for me to say more on so extravagant a proceeding whether the present stmggles of America are defensible on
than that it was altogether an unwarrantable assumption of principles of equity ? If we are wrong, let us with honour
power, to which that Government is not, I conceive, »Charlestown, S. C. June G. last being the King's birth,
Saturday
either in the nature or principles of it, in any degree com- day, when his Majesty entered thirty.seventh year of his age, the
tlie
ning--
petent. same was observed here in the usual way, i. e. the bells were
militia were reviewed
colours displayed— guns, at the forts, fired— the
To what further extravagance the people may be driven, —and his Itonour, the Lieutenant Governour, had company to dme
not a single house
it is difficult to say ; whatever violences are committed must with him in the Council Chamber— but there was
illuminated at night, nor any other demonstration
of joy the people
;

be resisted with firmness ; the constitutional authority of by a Ministry who_

lamnilins that so good a Prince should bo beset
tliis Kingdom over Colonies must be vindicated, and
its its
seem studied to alienate, ratlicr than preserve, the affections ot
to have
laws obeyed throughout the whole Empire. his most loyiJ subjects.
888 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JUNE, 1774. 384

give up before force exacts a submission ; if we are right, earth. Suns would in vain arise, and in vain would show-
iet us act like true [latriots, and lioid it out to tiie last, pre- ers descend ; for who would
be industrious when others
ferring one liour of virtuous liberty to a whole eternity of would reai) the fruit of his labour ? After the subjugation of
bondage. Boston, Aew-York, and Philadelphia, our turn would be
The source of contention, from which every
original next. Methinks I see our courts of justice removed our —
jiarticular actof op])osition has sprinig, is reducible to tiiis harbour blockaded —
navigation stopped ourstreets crowd-—
simple question Has the Parliament of Great Britain
: ed with soldiers, insulting the jieaceable inhabitants, iind
a right to tax America internally : I presume they have raising provisions to a starving price — and, after a little
not. Two perfect rights can never interfere if they have; time, the now flourishing Charlestown reduced to a neg-
a just right todemand our property, we cannot in justice lected plain.
withhold it and if they have a right to take from us one
; Rise just indignation Rise patriotism and every jiub-
! !

])enny without our consent, for the same reason they have lic virtue ! our nntch injured country.
to the aid of IjCt
a right to the whole. From which this consequence is us convince the world that Britons will be Britons still, in
demonstrably evident that we have no property at all,
: every age and clime. Let us instantly join our sister
but are the vassals of the British House of Connnons, Colonies and resent the treatment offered by every possible
holding all our possessions by their gracious forbearance, means, whilst our united opposition can avail. Let us
wl»o have a riglit at pleiisure, to take what, when, how heartily unite in some well digested general plan that cannot
much, and in any manner, they please. Or, in a word, 1 fail to operate to the early relief of our brethren in Boston,

may say with Mr. Locke, " what property has any man now actually suffering in die common cause of Anitrican
in that w hich another has a right to take from him ?" liberty. Let us begin by abolishing all parties and distinc-
It being proved that the Parliament has no right to tax tions —abandoning luxury and pleasure and establishing —
America internally, it follows, that their claim is founded economy. Let us nobly determine to make a willing sacri-
only What name do we assign
in tlieir superior strength. fice of our private interest to this glorious cause this cause —
to that man, or body of men, who demands our property of infinite importance. Let us enter into solemn resolu-
without any riglit, intending to piosecute the claim with tions not to import any British goods, (a very few necessiiry
an armed force? I blush to mention it, and shall only say, articles excejjted) and determine firmly and strictly to ad-
that the man who demands my money with a pistol at my here to them till the privileges of Boston are restored
breast is commonly called a robber and that no proposi-
; the Tea Duty repealed —
and the right of internal taxation
tion in Euclid is more capable of demonstration, than that given uj). Let us, (if we are driven to that extreme ne-
such a man has as good a right to the money in my pocket cessity, and nothing less can restore us to our Constitutional
as the House of Commons to tax us without our consent. freedom,) even desi-t to export —
in which case it will be
In this view of the matter, we are justified by the Con- expedient that we determine not to distress each other by
stitution, by reason, by nature, yea, by God himself, in suits, and apply to the gendemen of the law to decline
opposing, by every prudent measure, the payment of every business. Let us endeavour to make the union amongst
sucii demand. Heaven approves the generous struggle. ourselves, as well as with our sister Colonies, as perfect as
Weare only contending for our natural rights, and that human means can render it. " By uniting we stand, by
liberty wherewith God has made us all free. The cause dividing we fall." I foresee many inconveniences that will

we embarked in is good, and if any of the subordinate

are arise from every measure we can pursue but I maintain it,
;

means used have been rash, the blame of them lies at the they are infinitely short of w hat would follow on our giving
door of those who, by oppression, (which will make a w ise up the point is dispute. If the Parliament's claim of in-
man mad) have hurried the lo) al .(4»i677Va/i.s unadvisedly ternal taxation be established, either by our consent or by
inti) them. a military force, that moment we are transformed into
We are, therefore, reduced to this dilemma, either to ac- slaves —all our property at the absolute disposal of the
knowledge ourselves tenants at will to the House of Com- House of Commons.
mons, or resolutely oppose this claim by every prudent mea- Death itself is an event devoutly to be wished in com-
sure. What are the prudent measures? I answer, that all parison of such a state. Let us then act widely of two ;

the Americans should unite, firndy resolved to stand by one

another even to death one great soul of harmony should
;
evils —
choose the least join with our sister Colonies in a
determined projier opposition to t}'ranny. Resolve rather
animate this whole Continent, and dispose each one to to die the last of American freemen, than live the first of
consider an injury offered to any pait as offered to himself. American slaves.
Hapless Boston ! that firmest bulwark of American liberty,
is doomed to be the first victim at the altar of Ministerial

vengeance. Shall we stand by indifferent spectators be-

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (maRYLANd) RESOLUTIONS.
cause we were spared ? Surely, no The free-born soul
!

of every genuine patriot resents the guilty thought, and At a Meeting of a very considerable and respectable
resolves to stand or fall with these firm defenders of our body of the Inhabitants of Anne Arundel County, inclu-
connnon rights. To enforce this union more, give me sive of those of the City of Annapolis, on Saturday, the
leave to observe, that Acii'-ForAr and Philadelphia are in 4Ui day of June, 1774.
the same predicament with Boston ; and what is Charks-
Mr. Bkice Thomas Beale Wokthington, Moderator.
toicn behind either? Have not all obstructed the opera-
tion of one unconstitutional British Act of Pariiament ? 1. Resolved, unanimously, That it is the ojiinion of this
And where is the miglity difference between destroying meeting, that the town of Boston is now suffering in the
the tea, and resolving to do it, with such firmness as intimi- common cause of America, and that it is incumbent on
dated die Captains to return ? Besides, did not every every Colony in America, to unite is effectual means to
Province applaud the Bostonians with high commendations obtain a repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking
of their zeal for American liberty ? I humbly hope they up the harbour of Boston.
will act so far consistent with themselves, as to resent the 2. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting,
treatment offered to that town as though it were offered that if the Colonies come into a joint resolution to stop all
to every other one. The contrary conduct would be un- importations from, and exportations to Great Britain and
generous, cruel, and contrary to the true interest of the the West Indiis, till the said Act be repealed, the same
whole. will be the most efiectual means to obtain a repeal of the
Why are the Bostonians destined for the first sacrifice ? said Act, and preserve North America and her liberties.
Not because they are most guilty but because the Minis-
; 3. Resolved therefore, unanimously. That the inhabi-
try —
would fondly divide the Province divide and destroy tants of this county will join in an Association with the
— an attempt to punish all at once might unite all. If they several counties in this Province, and the princi|)al Colo-
ever can subjugate the free spirit of iSew England, (which nies in America, to put a stop to exports to Great Britain,
may God that instant the evil genius of tyranny
forbid,) and the West Indies, after the ninth day of October next,
over these Provinces witli gigantic strides,
will begin to stalk or such other day as may be au'ieed on, and to put a stop
blasting the fruits of our virtuous industry. Where gay- to the imports of goods, not already oidered, and of those
fields now smile, bedecked in the yellow robe of full eared ordered that shall not be sliipped from Great Britain, by
harvest, soon would desolation frown over the uncultivated the 20th day of July next, or such other day as may be
885 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 386

agreed on, until the said Act shall be repealed and that ; Charles Carroll, barrister, John Hall, William Paca,
such Association be on oath. Samuel Chase, Thovias Johnson, Jun., Matthias Ham-
4. Resolved, That as remittances can be made only mond, Thomas Sprigg, Samuel Chew, John Weems,
from exports, after slopping the exports to Great Britain Thomas Dorset/, Rezin Hammond, and John Hood, Jun.,
and the West Indies, it will be impossible for very many of be a Committee to attend a general meeting at Annapolis,
the people of this Province who are possessed of valuable and of Correspondence to receive and answer all letters,
property, immediately to pay off their debts, and there- and on any emergency to call a general meetins, and that
fore it is the opinion of this meeting the gentlemen of the any six of the number have power to act.
law ought to bring no suit for the recovery of any debt Ordered, That a copy of these Resolves be transmit-
due from any inhabitant of this Province, to any inhabi- ted to the Committees of the several counties of this Pro-
tant of Great Britain, until the said Act be repealed vince, and be also published in the Maryland Gazette.
and further, that they ought not to bring suit for the By order,
recovery of any debt due to any inhabitant of this Pro- John Duckett, Clerk of Committee.
vince, except in such cases where the debtor is guilty of
a wilful delay in payment, having ability to pay, or is
about to abscond, or remove his effects, or is wasting his
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED AT NEW-YORK.
substance, or shall refuse to settle his account.
0. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, Philadelphia, June 4, 1774.

tliat a Congress of Deputies from the several counties to I pity our brethren in Boston
they are very severely ;

be held at Annapolis, as soon as conveniently may be, will punishedbut some of their friends here, and 1 fear with
;

be the most speedy and effectual means of uniting all the you also, are too warm, and to serve them seem willing to
parts of this Province in such Association as proposed draw us into the same dilemma ; but surely this is not the
and that if agreeable to the sense of our sister Colonies, way to serve the general cause we can be of more use to
;

Delegates ought to be appointed from this Province to our brethren when whole than when broken, and 1 cannot
attend a general Congress of Deputies from the other let go my hopes that we may by a joint petition of our
Colonies, at such time and place as may be agreed on, to rights to the Crown, prevent things from going to extremi-
effect unity in a wise and prudent plan for the foremen- ties, to the same liberties with the
and get Boston restored
tioned purpose. otlier Colonies but some wish to push all things into con-
;

6. Resolved, unanimously, That the inhabitants of this fusion with them I can never join, while any other expe-
;

County will, and it is the opinion of this meeting, that the dient it left. Our letter to Boston is a moderate one, yet
Province ought to break off all trade and dealings with warm and Jirm enough. You have no doubt seen it, as a
that Colony, Province, or town, which shall decline, or copy was sent to your Committee, who are of our senti-
refuse to come into similar resolutions with a majority of ments, and I hope will continue cool.
the Colonies.*
7. Resolved, That Brice Thomas Benle Worthington,
• Questions tubmitted comideration of the Committee far Anne Hartford, Conn., June 4, 1774.
to the
Arundel County. To Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Gover-
the
1. If the Association takes place on the proposed plan, will not a
multitude of artificers and labourers of every denomination be imme-
nour of the English Colony o/ Connecticut, in New
diately deprived of all means of subsistence ? If tliat be the case will England, ^c.
they, if no tender regard be paid to their interest and real importance
in society, no refuge be provided for their inevitable distress, have any
May it please your Honour: In your great conde-
other resource than an appeal to heaven and a strong arm in support scension graciously still please to consider of
methinks me ;

of the natural and inextinguishable right of self-preservation ? For I 1 stand in need of every help and encouragement attain-
assume it as a point granted, that in a common and extreme calamity
the barriers erected by positive law to fjnce and distinguish private
able. May it please your Honour to grant unto me my
property are thrown down, and that every thing relapses into a state of humble request.
nature. Your Honourdoubtless remembers that I made mention
2. Shall not the landlord be bound, neither to demand payment
of another recommendation and pass from your Honour,
in money or produce of the tenant, nor to make charge of rent whilst
the Association lasts ? when I was admitted into your presence, humbly desiring
3. Will it not be most improvident to suffer the accumulation of that it might be more extensive, not confined to one or two
interest to swallow up our efFjcts, and spread itself like a rapid and
consmning disease to our persons, the moment we have by our efforts
journles, or to one or two years, neither to any particular
in a contest equally interesting to all baffled the counsels of a Tyrant place, as I shall be going from one Government unto ano-
Minister? Will it not be strikingly unjust, that the trade of the ther,sometimes I shall be travelling up and down in this
money-lender alone shall continue to produce its fruits without inter-
ruption, to be gathered in season, out of the substance of those who
Government, also in Rhode-Island and York Governments,
are already stunned and exhausted by the suspension of their respective and perhaps also in Boston and Hampshire Governments ;

trades, occupations, and pursuits ? Shall not all bonds then on interest, and I know not where else, and in thus travelling it is very
not only lie to all intents and purposes dead during the existence
of the Association, but be controulled by suitable and temporary restric-
probable that 1 shall see many strangers, and your Honour
tions in the commencement and manner of their operation when it knows that the world is full of inquiries. Also I would
shall expire ? And the observance of this be enforced by obligations inform your Honour that a recommendation and pass from
ss solemn as any other article of the Association ?
thee, is a great help to me it not only causes the gentle-
4. If every issue of wealth be effectually stopped up, how shall the
;

annual interest arisiiig on public bonds be discliarged ? And will not men with whom I have to do, to take more notice of me.
the situation of this Province bo truly deplorable, when the period fixed but it also recommends me to the respects of my Indian
by law for calling in the principal shall arrive, unless some expedient
brethren, and thereby I am rendered more useful, or put
be devised to shield us from the misfortune, without blasting the credit
of our Provincial fund ? in a capacity of being much more serviceable to my poor
5. Will not the exceptions of the fourth Resolve, pointing out the New England brethren, the natives ; and not only this,
conduct which ought to be observed by the gentlemen of the law
but a recommendation from your Honour gives me favour
towards the debtors and creditors residing in this Province, be con-
strued as a banter unbecoming so awful an occasion, unless some in the eyes and hearts of the people in general in these
standard, some precise rule be set up to give them significance and parts, and thereby I am less chargeable in my travels.
effect ? If as it would seem, the gentlemen of the law are clothed
with the power to decide in cases of this moment, shall not the debtor,
But most noble Governour fearing that I have already
upon inquisition, bo obliged to reveal under oath every the most deli- wearied your patience, I must draw towards the conclusion.
cate circumstance, which may contribute to give a complete view of May it please your Honour graciously to grant unto me
his affairs, and furnish a certain ground to judge of his abilitv or dis-
thy favour, with respect of a recommendation and pass at
ability to PAY ? What shall amount to a proof that a debtor is al>out
to ABSCOND or REMOVE HIS EFFECTS ? How shall a debtor clearly know this time, to save me from further trouble, also to save me
the degree of excess whicli shall subject him to the charge of wasting from troubling your Honour any more and not only witii ;

HIS SUBSTANCE sincc, wlicu property is at stake, some men are so

J
respect to this but also with respect of my petition to your
niuch more ready to take the alarm than others, and what one shall
censure as unwarrantable prodigality, another will commend as the Honour and to the Honourable Assembly ;
if }our Honour
laudable exertion of a social heart, and even the secret dispensations of be pleased to grant me thy favour concerning these things,
melting charity are, when detected, by some transmuted into culpable
1 shall think myself happy, and would with all my heart
profusion ? What is meant by settling an account ?
G. Shall tlio inliabitants of Great Britain be deemed by the gentle, cheerfully if it was in my jwwer, make your Honour an
men of the law, tot illy excluded froui the benefit of the exceptions amjile satisfaction. But your Honour knows my pitiful
referred to in the pri-ce<iing section, and yet their effects here bo liable
circumstances. So I end still laying at the feet of your
to be attached for debts duo to the inliabitants of this Province ?
June 13, 1774. Candour. Honour's mercy, and still laying at the feet of the Hon-
FouBTU Series. 25
8S7 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JUNE, 1774. 388

Durable Assembly's mercy ; humbly hopinj; that my ex- In the order of the House of Burgesses, which I before
pectations will not altogether perish. 1 am most noble transmitted, your Lordship will observe that the Rev. ilr.
Governour your Honour's well-wisher and humble Peti- Gwatkin, who was the Professor of Mathematics and Natu-
tioner, Joseph Johnson. ral Philosophy in this College, and is now the principal
An
Indian of the Mohegan Tribe.* master of the Grammar School, and who is of a most exem-
To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour, plary good character, and great literary abilities, is appointed
and at present at Hartford. to preach the sermon on that occasion in justice to whicli
;

gentleman, I think it necessary to let your lordship know,

that his name was made use of entirely without his know-
THE EARL OF DUNMORE TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH. ledge, and that he civilly, but with firmness, declined being
Willi.misburg, June 6, 1774. employed for sucii a purpose, and which proved no little
My Lord Since the dissolution of the Assembly of
:
mortification to the party who dictated the measure.
Virginia, but before all the membci-s of the House of I am your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,
Burgesses had quitted this city, there arrived an express, DuNMORE.
despatched from Boston, to the Committee of Correspon-
P. S, The paper which is herewith enclosed is just
dence here, as I leani, has likewise been done to all the
come out of the printing office, and contains Resolutions
other Colonies, to excite and encourage the whole to shut
which the city of Annapolis has entered into, and are the
up the courts of justice against all English creditors, to
same which I have already mentioned to your Loidship,
join in a general Association against the importing of any
as proposed for this Colony to join in but the time that ;

British manufactures, or even exporting any of their own

has been set for the reconsideration of them may possibly
Droduce to Great Britain, and proposing a Congress of
be sufficient to cool the heat of the party, which is now
Deputies from all the Colonies forthwith.
strenuously endeavouring to establish them. D.
I am really unable to suggest to your Lordship to what
lengths the people of this Colony will be induced to pro-
ceed, further tlian what they have already made manifest
by the order of the House of Burgesses, and subsequent PRINCE WILLIAM (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
Association, the copies of which I have already transmitted
At a Meeting of the Freeholders, Merchants, and other
to your Lordship; but the part of the late Burgesses re-
Inhabitants of the County of Frince William, and town
maining in town at the arrival of the Boston messenger,
of Dumfries, in the Colony of Virginia, at the Court
having taken upon themselves to receive despatches, and to
House of the said County, on Monday, the 6th day of
enter into a consideration of their contents, and then to
June, in the year of our Lord 1774.
summon the inhabitants, all above the age of twenty-one,
to appear at an hour they chose to appoint, and to propose
Resolved, And it is the unanimous opinion of this meet-
ing, that no person ought to be taxed but by his own con-
to them to agree to all those violent measures above men-
sent, expressed either by himself or his Representatives
tioned, which, that they may be more solemnly entered ;

and that, therefore, any Act of Pariiament levying a tax

into, and more generally adopted, they have deferred the
to be collected in America, depriving the people of their
execution of, to a further consideration on the first day of
property, or prohibiting them from trading with one another,
August next, when all the members that composed the
is subversive of our natural rights, and contrary to the first
late House of Burgesses are required to attend these cir- ;

principles of the Constitution.

cumstances give too much cause to apprehend that the
Resolved, That the city of Boston, in the Massachusetts
prudent views, and the regard to justice and equity, as well
as loyalty and affection, which is publicly declared by many
Bay, is now conmion cause of American
suffering in the
liberty, and on account of its opposition to an Act of the
of the families of distinction here, will avail little against
British Legislature, for imposing a duty upon tea, to be
the turbulence and prejudice which prevails throughout [he
collected in America.
country it is, however, at present quiet.
;
Resolved, That as our late Representatives have not
• New-York, December 92. Mr. Johnson, an Indian of the Mohe. fallen upon means sufficiently efficacious to secure to us the
gan tribe,to preach this evening in the Old Presbyterian Church,
is
enjoyment of our civil rights and liberties, that it is the
in this city, when a collection is to be raised for him, to defray a con-
siderable expense he has been at, in preparing the way for the romoTal undoubted privilege of each respective county, (as the
of this tribe and the remains of six other tribes in that vicinity, who fountain of power from whence their delegation arises,) to
are chiefly Christians, unto the Oneida country ; an event that pro-
take such proper and salutary tneasures as will essentially
mises the most salutary effects to this Province. His great merit in
this affair, and his deserving character in other respects, are certified in conduce to a repeal of those Acts, which the general sense
the most ample manner, by the Governour of a neighbouring Colony, of mankind, and the greatest characters in the nation, have
and he has been encouraged in the prosecution of his design by the
pronounced to be unjust.
kindness of his Honour, our Lieutenant Governour, several gentlemen
of the Council, the Mayor of this city, and other principal gentlemen. Resolved, And it is the opinion of this meeting, that
until the said Acts are repealed,
all importation to, and
Mr. Printek May it please you to give the few following lines a
:
exportation from, this Colony ought to be stopped, except
place in your next Thursday's paper, which may contribute a little to
satisfy the curiosity of your numerous customers, not only in this with such Colonies or Islands in North America as shall
renowned city, but elsewhere. And in the doing of which you will adopt this measure.
greatly oblige your humble servant, Joseph Johnson, Resolved, And it is the opinion of tliis meeting, that the
An Indian of the Mohegan Tribe, in the Colony of Connecticut.
courts of justice in this Colony ought to decline trying any
To the Citizens of Nkw-York With all humility I take this
:

method, and cheerfully embrace this early opportunity, publicly to civil causes until the said Acts are repealed.
return my grateful thanks to the inliabitants of this city, whoso goner- Resolved, That the Clerk of this Committee transmit
OU9 hearts the Lord hath graciously opened and hath moved witli pity copies of these Resolves to both the printers in Annapolis
to me-ward, and to my poor Nation, and hath made willing liberally to
contribute out of their abuiulance, for my present r'.dief and future and Philadelphia, to be published in their Gazettes.
encouragement. I thank all those generous, fVec hearted, and public Per order, Evan Williams, Clerk Com'tee.
spirited gentlemen and ladies of this city, who have contributed for
my b>neiit, cither in a i>ul>lic or private manner. I thank all those
persons who have treated me with much respect, since my arrival in
this city. Give mo leave to mnko known unto you the resolution of
my heart. My dear friends, if God should see fit to promote me, and EXTRACT or A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN BOSTON.
in his providence make mo to bo a man of influence amongst the
Philadelphia, June 6, 1774.
Nations that inhabit the Western wildcMiiess, it is the purpose of my
heart, to exert my
uttermost, to cultivate and to establish peace, "Tis urged by some that Boston ought to pay for tlie
between his Majesty's loyal subjects and the Indians that border on tea destroyed tliere. This is to give my
they reasons why
your extensive frontiers. And it is the purpose of my heart to instruct
them in the great things of your holy Religion, according to the should not pay for it.
knowledge that is graciously allowed to me. And give mo leave to 1st. Dulied tea was prohibited by the general consent
say, that whatsoever you, my dear friends, have been pleased graciously of all North America, for certainly nothing can make
to contribute for me, shall by me l)o used with prudence, and with
discretion. But lastly, I shall ever retain in my mind, with a heart goods more perfectly prohibited than a general protest
full of love and gratitude, your great kindness to mc-ward. But I against their importation. If this should want fonn of
end, I am, my kind benefactors, yours, the public's and the whole law, it surely has all the substance of reason that can be
world's well wisher, Joseph Joh.\8on,
An Indian of the Mohegan Tribe, in tlie Colony of Connecticut. necessary to constitute the most absolute prohibition and ;

Ukw-Yor?, December 39, 1774, if any merchant sends prohibited goods to any port, he
989 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 390
consents to risk the loss of them ; his folly only is to be LOWER FREEHOLD (nEW-JERSEy) RESOLUTIONS.
pitied.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
2d. 1 consider that importation of tea, not as a mercan-
Township of Lower Freehold, in the County of Mon-
tile concern of the India Company, but as a political me-
mouth, iu New-Jersey, on Monday, the 6th day of June,
dium agreed upon by that Company and the Ministry
1774, after notice given of the time, place, and occasion of
together, to force the Tea Duty upon America against
thismeeting.
their consent, and therefore the destioiction of it was not,
in the least degree, a malicious design by the Bostonians Besolved, That it is the unanimous opinion of this
to injure the India Company, but a virtuous effort to pre- meeting, that the cause in which the inhabitants of the
serve their own liberties. If a man draws his sword on town of Boston are now suffering is the common cause of
me to deprive me
of life or liberty, and 1 break his sword, the whole Continent of North America ; and that unless
ought 1 to pay for the sword ? If a man shuts me in his some general spirited measures, for the public safety, be
house to deprive me of my liberty, and I break the door, speedily entered into, there is just reason to fear that every
ougln 1 to pay for the door ? If I lie an anchor in a Province may in turn share the same fate with them and ;

ship, and one sends a fire ship down to bum me, and I sink that, therefore, it is highly incumbent on them all to unite
the fire ship, ought I to pay for it? in some effectual means to obtain a repeal of the Boston
3d. But here is property destroyed which ought to Port Bill, and any other that may follow it, which shall be
be paid for then, say I, let those sustain the damage who
; deemed subversive of the rights and privileges of free-born
were the blameable causes of it, and not, by any means, ATuericans.
those whoacted from a virtuous necessity, fi-om which they And that it is also the opinion of this meeting, that, in
could not be excused, without breach of that duty they owed case it shall appear hereafter to be consistent with the
to their country, to themselves, and their posterity. general opinion of the trading towns, and the commercial
4th. An action cannot be good or advisable from which part of our countrymen, that an entire stoppage of impor-
bad consequences and no good ones will necessarily flow tation and exportation from and to Great Britain and the
upon a whole country. Paying for the tea will be deemed West Indies, until the said Port Bill and other Acts be
repentance, a submission, a retraction of that virtue by repealed, will be really conducive to the safety and preser-
which the liberties of America were asserted and saved, vation of North America and her liberties, they will yield
and the grand scheme to destroy them rendered abortive. a cheerful acquiescence in the measure, and earnestly
Virtue relinquished, repented of, and given up with shame, recommend the same to all their brethren in this Pro-
becomes the butt of ridicule for an enemy, and argues a vince.
baseness of soul which even a friend must view with con- Resolved, moreover. That the inhabitants of this town-
tempt. ship will join in an Association with the several towns in the
I bes; tobe free enoun;h to mention another thing which county, and, in conjunction with them, with the several
astonishes me and
all your friends, viz that a number of
: counties in the Province, (if, as we doubt not, they see fit

reputable jieoplc of Boston, (some say forty, some sixty,) to accede to the proposal,) in any measures that may appear
have humbly addressed Governour Hutchinson, to implore best adapted to the weal and safety of North America and
die mercy of the Ministry on poor Boston. I would deny all her loyal sons.
this with great bitterness, but I fear I cannot. I should Ordered, That John Anderson, Esq., Messrs. Peter
have thought the late proceedings of Parliament had dumb- Forman, Ilendriclc Smock, John Forman, and Asher
founded every tory in America, but could not have ima- Holmes, Captain John Covenhoven, and Doctor Nathaniel
gined that a single one in Boston could have remained Scudder, be a Committee for the township, to join with
unconverted. That sort of poor spirited animals must those who may be elected for the neighbouring townships
have wagged their tails, and licked the feet of their des- or counties, to constitute a General Committee, for any
pots so long as to have lost the spirit of an ordinary cur, or purposes similar to those above mentioned and that the ;

they could never do tiiis. To kiss the rod is a submission gentlemen so appointed do immediately solicit a correspon-
that can never be due to any but a righteous chastiser. dence with the adjacent towns.
Imploring mercy is always a confession of guilt, and to do
this without a conviction of guilt is the most abject conduct
conceivable. And in the case in point, to be really and
NORWICH (Connecticut) resolutions.
sincerely convicted of guilt, is worse it is, in principle, to
;

give up all the liberties of America. Can a Bostonian At a very full Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town
compliment a man of Mr. Hutchinson's conduct, whom all of Norwich, in the Colony of Connecticut, legally warned
America believes to be the great instrument of your cala- and convened, in the Town House, on the 6th day of
mities? Can a Bostonian implore his intercession with June, 1774.
your oppressors oppressors who have violated the laws of
;
The Hon. Jabez Huntingdon, Esq., Moderator.
God to wrong you who have deprived you of the wharfs,
;

landing places, and harbour, which the God of nature, the Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to the Meeting
obligation of civil contract, and the law of the land, will House, and there immediately opened, that more con-
conspire to seal to you as your property and right ; who venient room may be had for the number of people now
have vacated the obligations of personal covenants, such as assembled.
are contained in bills of lading, charter parties, &.C., and The meeting was opened at the Meeting House accord-
which the laws of Heaven will oblige the conscience of every ingly, when the following Resolves passed, almost unani-
honest man to fulfil I say, can the virtue, can the pride
; mously.
of a Bostonian submit to implore the mercy of such op- Voted, That we will, to the utmost of our abilities,
pressors, and that too by soliciting the mediation of their assert and defend the liberties and immunities of British
capital tool of oppression ? I always had an exalted America ; and that we will co-operate with our brethren in
opinion of the virtue of the Bostonians. I indeed knew this and the other Colonies, in such reasonable measures as
they might suffer, but never once suspected they could shall, in a general Congress, or otherwise, be judged most
lose their dignity in suffering. Excuse my warm senti- proper to relieve us from the burdens we now feel, and
ments. If they wounds they are the wounds of a
give secure us from greater evils we fear will follow from the
friend. But 1 lament to tell you this conduct of a few principles adopted by the British Parhament respecting
with you, weakens the hands of your friends, and furnishes the town of Boston.
occasion to some to say the Bostonians themselves are Voted, That Captain Jedediah Huntingdon, Christo-
melting away; our support can never save them whilst tliey pher Lc^ngivcll, Esq., Dr. Theophilus Rogers, Captain
want firmness themselves, and whilst they themselves William Hubbard, and Captain Joseph Trumbull, be a
acknowledge that they suffer for their own faults, and not Standing Committee, for the keeping up a correspondence
for the cause of American liberty. Depend on it, it is with the towns in this and the neighbouring Colonies, and
the design of the Southern Colonies to support Boston copy of these votes to the Committee of
that they transmit a
with their united strength, to make their cause a common Correspondence for the town of Boston.
one; but at the same time they greatly rely on your firmness, A true copy of record attest, —
your pi-udence, your virtue, and example in the struggle. Benj. Huntingdon, Jun., Town Clerk.
 391 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JUNE, 1774. 392
£«aex County, N. J^ 7tk June, 1774. however different in sentiment or action, in one
political
All the Inhabitants of the County of Essex, in New- common ruin, gives Deeply impressed
universal alarm.
Jersey, friends to the Constitution, the liberties and pro- with these sentiments, and at the same time solicitous to
perties of .(^Hien'ca, are hereby notified and desired to meet j)reserve peace, order, and tranquillity, we do earnestly en-
at the Court House, in Ntivnrk, on Saturday, the 11th treat the Governour to call the Assembly of the Province,
of June, instant, at two of the clock in the al'ternoon, to as soon as it can conveniently be done, that they may have
consult and deliberate, and firmly resolve upon the most an opportunity, not only to devise measures to compose
prudent and salutary measures to secure and maintain the and relieve llie anxieties of the people, but to restore that
constitutional rights of his Majesty's subjects in America. harmony and peace between the mother country and the
hoped, that from the importance of the sub-
It is, therefore, Colonies, wiiich has Ijeen of late so much and so imha|)-
ject, the meeting will be general. pily interrupted. And your Petitioners shall ever pray, iiic.
Signed by order, at a meeting of a number of the Free- Signed by near nine hundred respectable Freeholders,
holders of the County of Essex, the 7lh day of June, 1774. in and near the Cityof Philadelphia.
John De Hart,
Isaac Ogden. To which his Excellency was pleased to return the An-
swer approved by the Council on yesterday.

Marblehead, June 7, 1774.

We, the subscribers, Merchants and Traders of Marble- FREDERICK COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
head, do hereby offer to our ojipressed, but much respected At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant?
brethren of Boston, and other neighbouring towns thereof, of the County of Frederick, in Virginia, and gentlemen
during the operation of the Act of Parliament, called the practising at the bar, held at the town of Winchester, the
Port Bill, the free use of our stores in this town, reserving 8tli day of June, 1774, to consider of the best mode to be
only sufficient room for our own goods and merchandise. fallen upon to secure their liberties and properties, and
We likewise assure them of our readiness in seeing to the also to prevent the dangerous tendency of an Act of Par-
lading and unlading of their goods in this town, and shall liament, passed in the fourteenth year of his present Majes-
consider ourselves obliged to them for every opportunity of ty's reign, entitled, " An Act to discontinue in such maii-
thus saving them expense, and showing how much we " ner, and for such time as are therein mentioned, the huul-
sympathize with and respect them. We confidently de- " ing and discharging, lading and shipping of goods, wares,
pend on their patience and resolution, the known charac- " and merchandise at the town and within the harbour of
teristics of Bostonians and their neighbours and hope ;
"Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay,\n North
soon to see them relieved from their distress, and the liber- " America, evidently has to invade and deprive us of the
ties of America founded on a permanent basis by an indis- " same."
soluble Union.
The Reverend Charles M. Thurston Moderator.
Signed by twenty-eight of the principal Merchants and
Traders. A Committee of the following gentlemen, viz the Rev- :

erend Charles M. Thurston, Isaac Zane, George Bootes,

N. B. Such of us as have wharfs do likewise heartily Angus McDonald, Alexander White, George Johnson,
and freely give the use of them to our brethren aforesaid, and Samuel Bealt, 3d, were appointed to draw up Resolves
for landing their goods and merchandise in this place. suitable to the same occasion, who, w ithdrawing for a short
time, returned with the following votes, viz :
Voted, 1st. That we will always cheerfully pay due
submission to sucii Acts of Government as his Majesty has
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL.
a right by law to exercise over his subjects, as Sovereign
of the British Dominions, and to such only.
At Council held at Philadelphia, on Tuesday, 1th,
a
2d. That it is the inlieront riglit of British subjects to
oi June, 1774.
be governed and taxed by Representatives chosen by them-
Present, the Honourable John Penn, Esq., Governour, selves only and that every Act of the British Parliament
;

James Hamilton, James Tilghman, Andrcto Allen, Esqrs. respecting the internal policy of North America, is a daring
The Governour laid before the Board the copy of a Pe- and unconstitutional inviision of our said rights and privi-
titionfrom sundry Inhabitants of the Province, to call tlie leges.
Assembly, on occasion of the late Act of Parliament, re- 3d. That the Act of Parliament above mentioned is not
specting the port of Boston, which is to be presented to- only in itself repugnant to die fundamental law of natural
morrow- and requested their advice as to a proper answer
;
justice, in condemning persons for a supposed crune un-
to be given \o the same heard, but also a despotic exertion of unconstitutional power,
Upon which the following Answer was drawn up and calculated to enslave a free and loyal people.
approved : 4th. That tlie enforcing the execution of the said Act
of Parliament by a milltaiy power, will have a necessary
Gentlemen : Upon all occasions when the peace, order
tendency to raise a civil war, thereby dissolving that union
and tranquillity of the Province require it, 1 shall be ready
which has so long happily subsisted between the mother
to convene the Assembly but as that does not appear to
country and her Colonics and that we will most heartily
;
:

me to be the case at present, 1 cannot think such a step and unanimously concur with our suffering brethren of
would be expedient, or consistent with my duty.
Boston, and every other jiart of North America, tiiat may
Wednesday, June 8. The Petition was presented, and is
be the immediate victims of tyranny, in promoting all pro-
words
in the following :
per measures to avert such dreadful calamities, to procure
a redress of our grievances, and to secure our common
To the Honourable John Penn, Esquire, Govemmtr liberties.
and Commander-in-chief in and over the Province of 5th. It is the unanimous opinion of this meeting, tliat a
Pennsylvania, &.C., &;c. joint resolution of all the Colonies to slop all importations

The Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the Province of from Great Britain, and expoitations to it, till the said
Pennsylvania, humbly showeth Act shall be repealed, will prove the salvation of North
That since the recess of the Assembly of tliis Province, America and her liberties. On the other jiand, if they
the proceedings of the British Parliament towards Ame- continue their imports and exports, there is the greatest
rica, and particularly an Act lately passed against the town reason to fear that fraud, {)ower, and the most odious oppres-
of Boston, have filled the minds of your petitioners, and sion, will rise triumphant over rigiit, justice, social happi-
others, tlieir follow-subjects, with deep anxiety and concern ness, and freedom.
that your petitioners appreiiend the design of this Act is 6th. That the jE3a«< /«(/«« Company, those servile tools of
to compel the Americans to acknowledge the right of Par- arbitrary power, have justly forfeited the esteem and regard
liament to impose taxes upon tliem at pleasure that the ; of all honest men and that the better to manifest our
;

precedent of condemning a whole town or city unheard, abhorrence of such abject compliance with the will of a
and involving all its inhabitants, of every age and sex, and venal Ministry, in ministering all in their power an increase
 393 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINiGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 394
of the fund of peculation we will not purchase tea, or
; MESSAGE FROM COVERNOUR WENTWOKTH TO THE ASSEM-
any other kind of East India commodities either im))orted BLY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
now, or hereafier lo be imported, except saltpetre, spices,
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Assembly :
and medicinal drugs.
That As 1 look upon the measures entered upon by the House
7tli. it is the opinion of this meeting tliat Com-
of Assembly to be inconsistent with his Majesty's service,
mittees ought to be appointed for the purpose of effecting
a general Association, that the same measures may be pur-
and the good of tliis Government, it is my duty, as far as
in me lies, to prevent any detriment that might arise from
sued through the whole Continent. That the Committees
ought such proceedings. I do, therefore, hereby dissolve the
to correspond with each other, and to meet at such
places and times as shall be agreed on, in order to form such
General Assembly of this Province, and it is dissolved
accordingly. J, Wentworth.
General Association, and that when the same shall be
Portsmouth, June 8, 1774.
formed and agreed on by the several Committees, we will
strictly adhere thereto and till the general sense of the
;

Continent shall be known, we do pledge ourselves to each Williamsburg, Tunc 9, 1774,

other and our country, that we will inviolably adhere to An express arrived in town last night from Pittsburg,
the votes of this day. with letters to his Excellency the Governour, from Captain
That Charles M. Thurston, Isaac Zone, Angus
6th. Conolly, commandant at that place, giving an account that
McDonald, Samuel Bcall, 3d, Alexander White, and the Shawanese Indians have openly declared their intention
George Rootes, be appointed a Committee for the purposes of going to war with the white people, to revenge the loss
aforesaid and that they, or any three of them, are hereby
;
of some of their Nation who have been killed that they ;

fully empowered to act. had scalped one of the traders, and detained all the rest
Which bemg read, were unanimously assented to and who were in tlieir towns tliat it was expected the Che-
;

subscribed.* rokecs would join them, as they had sent a belt last fall to
the Northern Nations to strike the white people, which
had been received by the Shawanese and Wabash Indians;
COVERNOUR WENTWOKTH TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH. that the Six Nations postponed their answer till diis spring,
Extract. and that there is soon to be a Grand Council in the Lower
New-Hampsliiro, 8th June, 1774. Shawanese town, where about seventy Chcroliecs, and a
In my letter, No. 59, had the honour number of other Indians are to attend, on the subject of
I to write your
Lordship that the General Assembly of this Province stood going to war with the English. Sundry parties are now
prorogued to the 10th oi May, at which time they met and gone out, by order of Captain Conolly, for the protection
proceeded upon business. of the inhabitants, and are to assemble at die mouth of
I took great pains to prevail on
diem not to enter into any extra Provincial measures, yet one Whaling Creek, in order, if it is judged practicable, to go
of the members for Portsmouth read in his place the enclos- Upper Shawanese town.
against the

ed letter. No. 1 to the Committee of Correspondence of

,
The Delavmres, who profess to be our friends, informed
Portsmouth, but the House then declined considerincr it. Captain Conolly that a party of Shateanese were now-
On Friday, 27th of May, it was moved to appoint Com- gone against the settlement, and it is imagined they will
mittees of Correspondence, and, after a warm debate, car- fallupon Greenbrier.
ried by a majority of two only All the country about Pittsburg is in a very niinousand
the next morning it was
;

reconsidered, and carried by a majority of one only, and distressed situation, the inhabitants have chiefly fled, and

passed, as by tlie enclosures, Nos. 2 and 3. forted themselves as low as Old Totvn on Potomac
Immediately
after this, the Supply Bill was passed and sent up to the river.

Council ; being withheld, as 1 imagined for time to effect

the other measure. I directly adjourned the Assembly,
and kept them under short adjournments till this day, in III. TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE BRITISH COLONIES
hopes to obtain a suspension of these votes but finding IN AMERICA.
;

that there were two letters in town for the Speaker, which, Philadelphia, Jun3 8, 1774.
some of those who were most active said, were to a[)point Brethren : These are the words of the Declaratory
a Congress of the Colonies, I considered it to be improper Act, mentioned in the last letter, " Whereas several of the
to admit their proceedings, and, therefore, immediately put " Houses of Representatives in his Majesty's Colonies
an end to the Committees, (who have not as yet wrote or " and Plantations in America, have of late, against law,
acted,) and to the Assembly by a dissolution, in a message, " claimed to themselves, or to the General Assemblies of
(No. 4, herewith transmitted.) cautiously expressed, in such " the same, the sole and exclusive right of imposing duties
general terms, as to prevent any misrepresentations. This " and taxes upon his Majesty's subjects in the said Colo-
mode of dissolution, after such short adjournments, which " nies and Plantations ; and have, in pursuance of said
are attended by few members, precluded any meeting of " claim, passed certain votes, resolutions, and orders, de-
those persons to contrive undesirable measures, or pursue " rogatory to the Legislative authority of Parliarnent, and
those in their private capacity that were attempted as an " inconsistent with the dependency of said Colonies and
Assembly, which was extremely disconcerted, and I hope " Plantations, Sic. therefore be it declared, &,e., that the
;

willcounteract the efforts of those who strive to lead this " said Colonies and Plantations in America, have been,
Province into combinations with the Massachusetts Bay. " are, and of right ought to be, subordinate unto, and
Before the dissolution, all the usual and necessary business " dependent upon, the imperial Crown and Parliament of
of the Province was completed, so that no detriment can " Great Britain, and diat the King's Majesty, by and
arise from my delaying to call an Assembly. 1 am in
" with the advice and consent of the Lords, spiritual and
expectation that a few weeks will convince those who may " temporal, and Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament
be members of the imprudence and errour of measures " assembled, had, hath, and of right ought to have, full power
that tend to weaken or subvert the subordination of the " and authority to make laws and statutes of sufficient force
Colones. " and validity to bind the Colonies and people of America,
" subjects of the Crown of Great Briton, in all cases
* On Monday, the Gth instant, tickets were posted up in difFjrent
" whatsoever."
parts of Frederick ('ounty, Virginia, signed by tlie friends of liberty
requesting the gentlemen, merchants, freeholders, and other inhabitants From the crowd of objects, each pressing for attention,
of the county to meet at the Court House, on the ensuing Wednesday, that present themselves to the mind of a British Ameri-
at throe o'clock in the afternoon, to consider of the most proper mea-
can, on reading this Act, I beg leave to select and particu-
sures to prevent the fatal consequences apprehended from the Act of
Parliament mentioned in the votes, and to defend and secure the rights larly mention only two that you, collecting them, and taking
and liberties oi America. In consequence of which, (though the notice a just view of your present situations, may feel that and
did not exceed forty-eight hours,) a great concourse assembled at the time
only that resentment, springing from virtue, and guided by
and place appointed. The Court House being too small to contain the
company, they adjourned to the Church, where the above votes were wisdom, which the most worthy and the most peaceable men
unanimously argeod to. The general opinion of tlie people there seems must approve.
to be, that tlie Boston scheme of non.imjiortation from Great Britain,
and exportation to it, is the only probable means to obtain redress of
The resolutions, fee, mentioned in this Act, were those
our grievances, and show great eagerness that it may bo universally caused by the Stamp Act. Tliese principal points are
adopted. firmly assijrted by them —
the exclusive right of taxation,
395 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 396

and tlie right of trial by jury. The Parliament, well good and safety of the subject. Saliis populi stiprema
knowing how harsh and jarring it would sound in l^iglish est lex. The
abuse of these ])owers, or the attempt of one
ears to say the right of trial by jury was ' derogatory to branch of the Legislature to extend its peculiar powers so
" the Legislative authority of Parliament, and inconsistent as to abridge those of the others, has been the foundation
" with the dejjendency of the Colonies," planted their most of many civil wars and struggles in Britain.
direct battery against the right of taxation. Common From the earliest period of the English Constitution, it
sense and the experience of all nations, as not a single has ever been deemed the prerogative of the Crown to grant
instance occure to tiie contrary, convincing them if that charters to the subjects, and terms of capitulation to con-
gave way, a general ruin would soon ensue, and all the quered countries, who were taken under the Dominion of the
restwould follow in the train of the chief, like captive Crown. And the statute of ejuo warrento, eighteenth of
nobles attending their conquered Prince. E-lward First, expressly declares that, " illi (pii habent
However, not quite satisfied with the slow work of ex- " chartas regales, seaindum chartas istas et earundem pleni-
terminating them in detail, but improving upon an impartial " tudinem judicentur." On wliicii statute Lord Coke ob-
hint, it was judged fittest, upon the whole, so to consolidate serves, " in the first place that as it was enacted, ex spcciafi
them, that, as if the British Americans had but " one " gratia domini regis, 'it binds the King,' and consequent-
neck," a single stroke might despatch millions, by sub- " ly in binding the King must also bind his Parliament in ;

jecting us at once to the decrees of Parliament in all " the second ])lace, from the words '
earundem plenitudi-
cases whatsoever. " nem,' that this statute is to be construed as fully and
'

NVidely different was the Act of the sixth of George the " beneficially for the charters, as the law was taken at the
First, chapter 5ih, " for the better securing the dependency " time when charters were granted.' " In the third place
" of the Kingdom of Ireland" &c. By that Act, Ireland says he, " certainly this ancient statute was a direction to
was declared " to be subordinate unto, and dejiendent upon " the sages of the law for their construction of the King's
" the Imperial Crown* of Great Britain." Tiiese words, " charters, as it appeareth in our books."
"and Parliament," are not in it. It is said, indeed, that On this foundation rests the Declaratory Act respecting
" the King, with the advice and consent of the Lords and Ireland. When Henry the Second conquered Ireland he
" Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled, granted the Irish peace, and annexed them to his Crown
" had, and of right out to have, power and authority to on this condition " That the Kingdom and people of
:

" make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to " Ireland should forever be governed by the same mild
" bind the Kingdom and people of Ireland." " laws as England was governed." And the statute
Compare the Acts and you will find the Act for Amerita passed in the thirty -first of Edward Third, confirms and
copied from that of Ireland; but in the last mentioned, renews this charter, by declaring that his Majesty's subjects
the annihilating words, "in all cases whatsoever," are not in Ireland, being either natives of that Kingdom or English
to be found. The people of Irclandhave been for several bom subjects, only resident there, " sint vcri anglici, et
centuries bound by English statutes, for regulating their " sub eisdem dcgant domino et rcgimine, et eisdem legi-
trade, and for odier purposes, and this statute, therefore, " bus ufantur." And hence the Act of the sixth George
only asserted the usual authority over them. Tiieir vitals, First, chapter six, assume no new power, lays no new
the exclusive right of taxation, and the right of trial by restrictions upon his Majesty's good subjects of Ireland,
jury, have been preserved. If it was the intention of the nor claims any new right, but simply declares, " that the
British Parliament to exercise a " power and authority" " King's Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the
over that Kingdom destmctive of these rights, it is not " Lords, spiritual and temporal, and Commons of Great
expressed, it is not implied. Why were the unlimited " Britain, in Parliament assembled, hath full power and
words omitted in that Act ? Or why, when the Lords and " authority to make laws of sufficient force and validity to
Commons were copying a pattern, which their fatliers set " bind the Kingdom and people of Ireland."
them, did they deform the transcript by such Eastern Here is no charter violated, no claim of power to deprive
flourishes ? them of property, or levy taxes on them without their con-
The the fathers too much revered the English
truth is, sent. Their Parliament, their right and trial by jury, and
principles, forwhich they had been upon the point of shed- of granting supplies to their King in their own way ibr the
ding their blood in placing their Sovereign upon his throne, support of Government, administration of justice, and
so flagrantly to violate them —
or, if their conduct was not defence of the Kingdom, remain untouched. But the De-
directed by justice, they dared not thus to provoke the claratory Act passed against America, fiftli of George
brave, generous inhabitants of that ancient Kingdom. Third, in violation of their charters, declares, that the claim
" Are there yet the treasurers of wickedness in the of the Houses of Representatives in his Majesty's Colonies
" House, and the scant measure that is abominable. The and Plantations in America, to the sole and exclusive right
" rich men thereof are full of violence." of imposing duties and taxes upon his Majesty's subjects
in the said Colonies and Plantations, is against law that ;

the votes, resolutions, and orders, passed in pursuance of

TO p. p. AUTHOR OV THE LETTERS TO THE INHABITANTS such claim, are derogatory to the Legislative autiiority of
OF THE BRITISH COLONIES IN AMERICA. Parliament that the said Colonies and Plantations in
;

Sir : The Declaratory Act, passed by the Parliament America have been, are, and of right ought to be, subordi-
at the time they repealed the Stamp Act, was such a vio- nate unto, and dependent upon, the imperial Crown and
lation of the Constitution, such an assumption of new Parliament of Great Britain, and that the King's Majesty,
powers, so subversive of liberty, and so destructive of pro- by and with the advice, Sic, hath, and of right ought to
perly, that it deserves particular observation. That it has have, full power and authority to make laws and statutes
hitherto passed unnoticed is owing to die gratitude and joy of sufficient force and validity to bind the Colonies and
with which America received the repeal of the Stamp people of America, subjects of the Crown of Great Bri-
Act. For the same reason the principal on which the tain, in all cases whatsoever. What is this but the high
repeal was founded, was suffered to pass without animad- hand of power to break down the barriers of the Constitu-
version and the people who claimed the repeal as a
;
tion, and make us tenants at will, of our lives, liberty, and

point of equity and right received it with gratitude as a property.

free gift. There was a time when the Crown held lands in Eng-
The English Constitution, whose object is liberty, has, land, " sacra, jyatrimonia coroner," the annual rent of
for the preserving of that liberty, and for the security of which, if now resumed would amount to four millions sterl-

property, vested peculiar powers inthe different branches ing. These have been conveyed to subjects, and are nov/
of the Legislature, which are to be exercised for the held by virtue of charters from the Crown. If the charia.
regales, or chartered rights of the Colonies can be violated
* "A tax granted by tlie Parlianmnl of England shaW not bind those and annulled by Parliament, what security can the posses-
" of Ireland, becauso thoy are not summoned to our Parliani:n>t ;" and
again, " Ireland hath a Parliament of her own, and makotli and sors of those lands have for the estates they enjoy ? Let
" altcreth laws and our statutes do not bind tlieni, because they do
; the Parliament try the experiment on their fellow-subjects
' not send Knights to our Parliament. But their persons are the King's
in Great Britain, and judge of the temper and disposi-
" subjects, like as the inhabitants of Calais, Gascony, and Guienna,
" while they continued under the King's subjection." Blackstone, tion of the Colonies by the effect such a step will produce
vol. 1, p. 101, /rom the Year Books. amonjj themselves.
897 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 398
EXTRACT FROM AN ADDRESS SENT BY THE BOSTON COM- And, whereas the promoting of industry, economy, arts
MITTEE, TO THE PEOPLE OF EVERY TOWN IN THE and manufactures among ourselves is of the last importance
PROVINCE, WITH A PAPER WHICH THEY ARE TO SIGN. to the civil and religious welfare of a community: we
Boston, June 8, 1774. engage,
There but one way tliat we can conceive of to prevent
is 3d. That from and after the first day of October next
what is to be deprecated by all good men, and ought by ensuing, we will not by ourselves, or any for, by or under
all possible means to be prevented, viz: the horronrs that us, purchase or use any goods, wares, manufactures, or

must follow an open rupture between Great Britain and her merchandise, whensoever or howsoever imported from
Colonies or on our part, a subjection to absolute slavery
;
Great Britain, until the harbour q{ Boston shall be opened,
;

and that is by affecting the trade and interest of Great and our charter rights restored.
Britain so deeply as shall induce her to withdraw her And last. As a refusal to come into any agreement
oppressive hand. There can be no doubt of our succeed- which promises the deliverance of our country from the
ing to the utmost of our wishes, if we universally come into calamities it now feels, and which like a torrent are rushing
a solenm league not to import goods from Great Britain, upon it with increasing violence, must evidence a disposi-
and not to buy any goods that shall hereafter be imported tion inimical to, or criminally negligent of, the common
from thence, until our grievances shall be redressed. To safety, we
agree, that after this covenant has been offered
these, or even to the least of these shameful impositions, to any person, and they refuse to sign it, we will consider

we trust in God our countrymen never will submit. them in the same light as contumacious importers, and
We have received such assurances from our brethren in withdraw all commercial connections with them forever,
every part of the Province, of their readiness to adopt such and publish their names to the world.
measures as may be likely to save our country, and that Witness our hands, June , —
1774.
we have not the least doubt of au almost universal agree-
ment for this purpose in confidence of this, we have drawn
;
ADDRESS OF MERCHANTS AND OTHERS, OF THE TOWN OF
up a form of a covenant to be subscribed by all adult BOSTON, TO GOVERNOUR GAGE, PRESENTED AT SALEM,
persons of both sexes which we have sent to every town
;
JUNE 8, 1774.
in the Province, and that we might not give our enemies
time to counteract us, we have endeavoured that every
May it please your Excellency :

town should be furnished with such a copy on or before the We esteem it not one of the least consolations to this
fourteenth day of this month, and v.'e earnestly desire that Province, in this day of its distress, that his Majesty
you would use your utmost endeavours that the subscrip- hath been pleased to appoint to the head of it, a gentle-
tion paper may be filled up as soon as possible, so that they man of your Excellency's known ability, steadiness, and
who are in expectation of overthrowing our liberties, may moderation. The long command which you have held in
be discouraged from prosecuting their wicked designs as ;
another department in America, in which you have dis-
we look upon this, the last and only method of preserving played every good quality of the heart and mind, gives
our land from slavery without drenching it with blood us the most favourable hopes of your future administration ;
may God prosper every undertaking which tends to the and makes us the less regret the parting with our late
salvation of this people. are, &ic.We worthy Governour, whose wise and faithful administration
Signed by order and in behalf of the Committee of Cor- hath given us the most entire satisfaction.
respondence for Boston. William Cooper, Clerk. We therefore, merchants, traders and others, of the town
of Boston, for ourselves, do now wait on your Excellency
to pay you our hearty congratulations on your arrival at
FORM of a covenant SENT TO EVERY TOWN IN the metropolis, to acknowledge our gratitude to our
MASSACHUSETTS. Sovereign for his gracious appointment of you to the head
We the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of ***** * of this Province at this very important conjuncture and ;

having taken into our serious consideration the precarious to give you our firm assurances that we will do every thing
state of the liberties of North America, and more especial- in our power, in our respective stations, to promote peace
ly the present distressed condition of this insulted Province, and good order, and to make your administration easy and
embarrassed as it is by several Acts of the British Padia- happy.
ment, tending to the entire subversion of our natural and We cannot well express to your Excellency the distress of
charter rights ; among which is the Act for blocking up the mind we feel at the approaching calamity, which will soon
harbour of Boston. And being fully sensible of our indis- overwhelm the town o{ Boston, particularly the trading
pensable duty to lay hold on every means in our power to part of it, by the operation of a late Act of Parliament
preserve and recover the much injured Constitution of our for shutting up the harbour.
country and conscious at the same time of no alternative
; The real miseries which this will occasion to our fellow-
between the horrours of slavery, or the carnage and deso- townsmen cannot well be conceived. A mind like your
lation of a civil war, but a suspension of all commercial Excellency's, fraught with tenderness and humanity will
intercourse with the Island of Great Britain, do, in the anticipate our sufferings and requires a description of the
;

presence of God, solemnly and in good faith, covenant and evil, to prompt you to a ready exertion of all your interests
engage with each other: to avert or remove it.
1st. That from henceforth we will suspend all com- We could wish a discretionary power had been lodged
mercial intercourse with the said Island of Great Britain, with your Excellency to restore the trade to its usual
until the said Act for blocking up the said harbour be course immediately on the Act being fully complied with ;

repealed, and a full restoration of our charter rights be but as the Act stands, being only to be repealed by his
obtained. And Majesty in Council, on your Excellency's favourable rep-
2d. That may be the less temptation to others to
there resentation of us, it much time before it can
will take so
continue in now dangerous commerce, we do in
the said, be effected, as will unspeakable misery, and,
involve us in

like manner solemnly covenant, that we will not buy, pur- we fear, total ruin. Making restitution to the East hulia
chase, or consume, or suffer any person, by, for, or under Company for damage done to the persons and property of
us, to purchase or any manner whatever, any
consume, in individuals among us, by the outrage of rash and inconside-
goods, wares, or merchandise, which shall arrive in America rate men, we look upon to be quite equitable; and we,
from Great Britain aforesaid, from and after the lust day who have ever disavowed all lawless violences, do bear
of August next ensuing. And in order as much as in us our testimony against them, and particulariy against that
lies, to prevent our being interrupted and defeated in this action which we suppose to be the immediate cause of our
only peaceable measure entered into for the preservation heavy chastisement, are willing to pay our proportions
and recovery of our rights, we agree to break off all trade, whenever the same can be ascertained, and the mode of
commerce, and dealings whatever with all persons, who, laying it determined on. As soon as compensation shall
preferring their own private interest to the salvation of their be made, and all other terms of the Act complied with,
own perishing country, shall still continue to import goods we have no doubt your Excellency will make such favour-
from Great Britain, or shall purchase of those who do able representations of our case to his Majesty in Council,
import, and never to renew any commerce or trade with as thathe may be graciously pleased to restore us to his
them. Royal favour.
899 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 400

Wesincerely wish that all your Excellency's endea- On Thursday, June 9, 1774, a Committee of the House
vours to promote peace and the general tranquillity of the of Representatives waited on the Governour with the fol-
Province may meet with success and we promise to ; lowing Answer to his Speech at the opening of the
ourselves that the whole of your administration will be Session.
such as may claim tlie warmest testimonies of gratitude
from the people, and the approbation of your Royal
" May it please your Excellency :

" Your Speech to both Houses of the General Assembly,

master.
at the opening of this Session, has been read and con-
Signed by one hundred and twenty-seven of the Inhabi-
sidered w ith ail due attention in the House of Represen-
tants, inclu'ling thosewho signed the Address to Govcr-
tatives.
tiour Hutchinson.
" Your Excellency has therein signified to us, that his
Silem, June 8, 1774.
Majesty has been pleased, to appoint you Governour
'

' and Captain

HIS excellency's answer. General of his Province of Massachusetts
'
Bay ; and that your connnission has been read and
Gentlemen : You will my thanks for your polite
accept '
published.' We congratulate your Excellency on your
Address, and kind congratulations on my arrival in this safe arrival, and honour you in the most exalted station in
Province and be assured that
;
1 receive tiie greatest satis- this Province and confiding in your Excellency tliat you
;

faction, that so respectable a body liave testified an open will make the known Constitution and Charter of the Pro-
disavowal of the lawless violences that have been com- vince the rules of your administration, we beg leave to
mitted in the town o{ Boston. assure you that nothing on our part shall be wanting that
I sincerely condole you on the distresses that many may contribute to render the same easy and happy to
must feel on this occasion of siiuttlng up tlie port, and shall yourself, and to aid your Excellency in promoting the
rejoice in being afforded an early opportunity to make such prosperity of his Majesty's Government, and the welfare
representation as may tend to their relief; but you will of our Constitution. And we thank your Excellency for
believe that no discretionary power is lodged with me. the assurances you are pleased to give of your concurrence
It is greatly to be wished for the good of the coinmunity with us therein.
in general, tliat those in whose hands power is vested, "
It gives us pain to be informed by your Excellency,
should use the most speedy method to fulfil the King's that you have the King's particular commands for holding
expectations, and fix the mode to indemnify the East India the General Court at Salem, from the first day of this
'

Company, and others who iiave suffered ; which could not '
instant June, until his Majesty shall have signified his
fail to extricate the citizens of Boston out of the difficulties ' Royal will and pleasure for holding it again at Boston.'
in which they are involved, with as little delay as the We are entirely at a loss for the cause of this command,
nature of them will admit, and lay a foundation for that as wecannot conceive any public utility arising from it,
harmony between Great Britain and the Colony, which and both we and our constituents are now suffering the
every considerate and good man must wish to see esta- inconvenience of it.
blished and nothing shall b& wanting on my part to
; " The removal of the Assembly from the Court House in
accomplish an end so desirable. Boston, its ancient and only convenient seat, has very
Sjlom, June 8, 1774. lately given great discontent to the good people of this
Province and we cannot but think that misrepresentations
;

from persons residing in this Province, have induced his

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Majesty's Ministers to advise his Majesty to lay your Ex-
The honourable House of Representatives, before they cellency under an injunction whereby the people are In
proceeded to business in Salem, on Wednesday 8th June, , this instance deprived of the benefit of that discretionary
1774, came into the following Resolutions, and ordered power which is vested in the Governour by Charter, and
the same to be entered on their Journals, viz : has been exercised by former Governours, of determining
Resolved, That by the Royal Charter of this Province, in such cases for the good of the Province.

the power of convening, proroguing, and adjourning the

" We
confide, however, in your Excellency's imparti-
ality and justice, that the true state of this Province, and
Great and General Court of Assembly from time to time,
is vested in the Governour, to be exercised as he shall
the character of his IMajesty's subjects in it ; their loyalty
judge necessary and for the good of the people. Therefore, to their Sovereign their affection for the parent country,
;

Resolved, Tiiat it is clearly the opinion of this House, as well as their invincible attachments to their just rights

that whensoever the Governour of this Province doth con- and liberties, will be laid before his jMajesty ; and we hope
vene or hold the General Assembly at any time or place by these means your Excellency will be the happy instru-
unnecessarily, or merely in obedience to an instruction, ment of removing the displeasure of his Majesty, and
and without exercising that judgment and discretion of his restoring harmony, which has too long been interrupted by

own, with which by Charier he is specially vested for the the artifices of designing men.
" Your Excellency has laid no particular business before
good of the Province, it is manifestly inconsistent with
the letter as well as the intention and spirit of the us, excepting the supply of tlie Treasury for the support

Charter. of Government for tiie ensuing year, to which we shall

Resolved, That the town of Boston haih, from the give our immediate attention, as also to any other matters
earliest times of this Province, been judged, and still is on } our Excellency may please to lay before us, and give tliat

various accounts, the most convenient place for holding the despatch to public business, which the manifold and great
General Assembly ; and accordingly, ample provision is inconvenience of our present situation will admit."
there made for the accommodation of the said General
Assembly, at a very great expense to the people of this
Province. In Council. June 9, 1774.

Resolved, As tiie clear opinion of this House, that the Ordered, That Jeremiah Powell, William Sever, and
General Assembly cannot be removed from its ancient seat, Jedediah Preble, Esquires, be a Committee to wait on his
the Court House in Boston, and held in any other place, Excellency the Governour with the following Address, in
without great aud manifold inconveniences to the members answer to his Speech at the opening of the present Gene-
thereof, and injury and damage of those who have neces- ral Court. Thomas Flucker, Secretary.
sary business to transact with the said General Assembly ;
" To his Kicelltncy Thomas Gage, Esq.. Captain-Gen-
many of which inconveniences have been clearly stated,
and expressed by former Houses of Representatives, as eral and Governour-in-chief of the Province of the

appear by their Journal. Massachusetts Bay, fyc. ifc.

Resolved, That this House can see no necessity for the " The Address of the Council of the said Province :
removal of the General Assembly from its ancient and only
convenient place, the Court House in Boston, to the town
" May it please your Excellency:
of Sakm ; and the removal of the said Assembly from the " Your Speech to the two Houses at the ojiening of
Court House in Boston without necessity, is at all times .this Session has been duly considered by this Board.

considered to be a very great grievance. " His Majesty having been pleased to appoint you to the
«ot CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 402

Government of this Province, we take this opportunity to with our most respectful congratulations on your arrival in
wait on you with our congratulations on that occasion. this place.
" Your Excellency has arrived at a juncture when the We are deeply sensible of his Majesty's paternal care
harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies is and to this Province, in the appointment of a
affection
greatly interrupted, whereby your station, though elevated, person of your Excellency's experience, wisdom, and
must needs be rendered less agreeable to you tiian it would moderation, in these troublesome and difficult times.
have been but if you should be the happy instrument of
;
We town is graciously distinguished for
rejoice that this
restoring in any measure that harmony, and of extricating that spirit, loyalty,and reverence for the laws, which is
the Province from their present embarrassments, you will equally our glory and happiness.
doubtless consider these happy effects as more than a From that public spirit and warm zeal to promote the
compensation for any inconveniences arising to you from general happiness of men, which marks the great and
the peculiar circumstances of the times. His Majesty's good, we are led to hope under your Excellency's admin-
faithful Council on all occasions will cheerfully co-operate istration for every thing that may promote the peace,
with your Excellency in every attempt for accomplishing prosperity, and real welfare of this Province.
those desirable ends. We beg leave to commend to your Excellency's patron-
" We
wish your Excellency every felicity the greatest ; age the trade and commerce of this place, which, from a
of a both to yourself and the Province is,
political nature, full protection of the liberties, persons, and properties of

that your administration in the principles and general individuals, cannot but flourish.
conduct of it may be a happy contrast to those of your And we assure your Excellency we will make it our
two immediate predecessors. It is irksome to us to censure constant endeavours by peace, good order, and a regard for
any one, but we are constrained to say there is the greatest the laws, as far as in us lies, to render your station and
reason to apprehend that from their machinations (both in residence easy and happy.
concert and apart) are derived the origin and progress of Signed by forty-eight persons.
the disunion between Britain and the Colonies, and the
present distressed state of this Province —
a Province to HIS EXCELLENCY S ANSWER.
which the latter of them, in an especial manner, owed his Gentlemen : I thank you for this very kind Address,
best services, and whose liberties and rights he was under and your obliging congratulations on my arrival at this
every obligation of duty and gratitude to support. place. The favourable sentiments you are pleased to
" Tlie inhabitants of this Province claim no more tlian entertain of me are extremely flattering, and merit my
the rights of Englishmen, without diminution or ' abridg- warmest acknowledgments.
ment ;' these, as it is our indispensable duty, so it shall be I doubt not that you will continue to cherish that spirit

our constant endeavour to maintain to the utmost of our of loyalty and reverence to the laws that has distinguished
power, in perfect consistence, however, with the truest the ancient town of Salem. And no attention or protec-
loyalty to the Crown; the just prerogatives of which your tion shall be wanting on my part to encourage such
Excellency will ever find this Board zealous to support. laudable sentiments, which cannot fail to increase your
" Permit us, sir, on this occasion, to express the firmest trade and commerce, and render you a happy and flour-
confidence that, under their present grievances, the people ishing people.
of this Province will not in vain look to your Excellency
for your paternal aid and assistance and, as the great end
;
HARFORD county (maRYLANd) RESOLUTIONS.
of Government is the good of the people, that your expe-
rience and abilities will be applied to attain that end the ;
At a Meeting of a very considerable and respectable
steady pursuit of which, at the same time it insures their body of the Inhabitants of Harford County, Maryland,
confidence and esteem, will be a source of the truest enjoy- on the 11th of June, 1774.
ment, self-approbation. AquiLA Hall, Chairman.
" We thank your Excellency for the assurance you Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting
1st.
have given ' that you shall with pleasure concur with the that the town of Boston is now sufiering in the common
' two Houses to the
utmost of your power in all mattei-s cause of America, and that it is the duty of every Colony
;'
'
that tend to the welfare and prosperity of the Province to unite in the most effectual constitutional means to obtain
and your Excellency may be assured that we shall contri- a repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking up the
bute every thing on our part to promote measures of so harbour and port of Boston.
salutary a tendency." 2d. Resolved, That therefore we will join in an Asso-
June \Ath, 1774. The Committee appointed to present ciation with the other counties of this Province, on oath,
the foregoing Address, waited on his Excellency therewith not to export to, or import from. Great Britain, any kind
yesterday, and read as far as that part which reflects on of produce or merchandise after such a day as the Com-
tiie administration of his Excellency's two immediate pre- mittees of the several counties at their general meeting
decessors, when he desired the Chairman not to proceed shall fix, until the repeal of the Boston Port Act.
any and that he would assign his reasons for re-
further, 3d. Resolved, That we will deal with none of the West
fusing to receiveit, in a Message to the Council and on ;
India Islands, Colony or Colonies, person or persons
the same day sent by his Secretary the following Message whatsoever residing therein, who shall not enter into simi-
lar resolves with a majority of the Colonies within such
" Gentlemen of the Council :
time as the General Committees of this Province shall
" I cannot receive an Address which contains indecent agree, but hold him or them as an enemy or enemies to
reflections on my predecessors who have been tried and American liberty.
honourably acquitted by the Lords of the Privy Council, we will join in an Association with
4th. Resolved, Tliat
and their conduct approved by the King. the other counties, to send relief to the poor and distressed
" I consider this Address as an insult upon his Majesty, inhabitants of Boston, to enable them firmly to persevere
and the Lords of his Privy Council, and an affront to in defence of the common cause.
myself. T. Gage." That the merchants ought not to advance
5th. Resolved,
the price of their goods, but sell them as they intended
had not these Resolves been entered into.
ADDRESS OF MERCHANTS AND OTHERS, INHABITANTS OF 6th. Resolved, That the gentlemen of the law ought to
SALEM, TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOUR GAGE, ON bring no suit for the recovery of any debt due from any
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1774. inhabitant of this Province, to any inhabitant of Great
Britain, or or any other Colony, until the said Act
this,
To his Excellency Thomas Gage, Esq., Captain-General,
be repealed, except in such cases where the debtor is
Govemour and Commander-in-chief, of the Province
guilty of wilful delay in payment, having ability to pay,
of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, and Lieu- or is wasting
or is about to abscond or remove his effects,
tenant-General of his Majesty's Forces :
his substance, or shall refuse to settle his account by
May it please your Excellency :
giving his bond on interest, (or security if required) which

We, Merchants and others,of the ancient

Inliabitants fiict or facts are to be made appear to some neighbouring
town of Salem, beg leave to approach your Excellency Magistrate, and certified under his hand.
Fourth Series. 26
403 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 404
That tlie following gentlemen, viz: Rev.
7th. Resolved, 2. That the late Act of Parliament relative to Boston,
JiVliam West, Messrs. Afjuila Hall, likharil Dallum, which so absolutely destroys every idea of safety and
Thomas Bond, son of Thomas, John Love, Captain John confidence, appears to us big with the most dangerous and
Paca, Benedict Edw. Hall, Benjamin Rumietj, Nathan- alarming consequences especially as subversive of that
;

iel Giles, and Jacob Bond, be a Connnittee to meet the very dependence which we should earnestly wish to conti-
Committees of the other counties of this Province, to nue, as our best safeguard and protection And that we :

consult and agree on the most effectual means to preserve conceive every well-wisher to Great Britain and her
our constitutional rights and liberties, and to promote the Colonies is now loudly called upon to exert his utmost
union and harmony between Great Britain and her Colo- abilities in promoting every legal and pnidential measure
nies, on which their preservation depends. And that the towards obtaining a repeal of tlie said Act of Parliament ;
same gentlemen, together with the following. Captain
• and all others subversive of the undoubted rights and
John Matthews, Captain William Smith, Doctor John liberties of his Majesty's American subjects.
Archer, William Young, Abraham Whitaker, William 3. That it is our unanimous opinion, that it would
Webb, Amos Garret, George Bradford, John Rumsey, conduce to the restoration of the liberties of America
Jeremiah Sheredine, William Smithson, William Bond, should the Colonies enter into a joint agreement, not to
son of Joshua, Isaac Webster, and Alexander Cowan, be purchase or use any articles of British manufacture and ;

a Committee of Correspondence, and on any emergency especially any commodities imported from the East Indies,
to call a general meeting, and that any six of them have under such restrictions as may be agreed upon by a
power to act. general Congress of the said Colonies liereafter to be
Signed per order, of the Committee. appointed.
Joseph Butler, Cleric. 4. That this county will most readily and cheerfully
join their brethren of the other counties in this Province,
in promoting such Congress of Deputies, to be sent from
each of the Colonies, in order to form a general plan of
FREDERICK COUNTY (mARYLANd) RESOLUTIONS. union, so that the measures to be pursued for the impor-
At a Meeting of a respectable and numerous body of tant ends in view may be uniform and firm to which ;

the Freemen of the lower part of Frederick County, at plan when concluded upon we do agree faithfully to adhere.
Charles Hungerford's tavern, on Saturday, the 11th day And do now declare ourselves ready to send a Committee,
of June, 1774. to meet .with those from tlie other counties, at such time
and place, as by them may be agreed npon, in order to
Mr. Henry Griffith, Moderator.
elect proper persons to represent this Province in the said
1. Resolved, unanimously. That it is the opinion of this general Congress.
meeting that the town of Boston is now suffering in the 5. That the freeliolders and inhabitants of the other
common cause of America. counties in this Province be requested speedily to convene
2. Resolved, unanimously, That every legal and consti- themselves together, to consider the present distressing state
tutional measure ought to be used by all America for of our public affairs and to correspond and consult with
;

procuring a repeal of the Act of Parliament for blocking such other Committees, as may be appointed, as well as
Lip the harbour of Boston. with our Committee, who are hereby directed to correspond
3. Resolved, unanimously. That it is the opinion of this and consult with such other Committees, as also with
meetin'T that the most effectual means for the securins; those of any other Province ; and particularly to meet
American freedom, will be to break off all commerce with with the said County Committees, in order to nominate and
Gi-eat Britain and the West Indies, until the said Act be appoint Deputies to represent this Province in general
repealed, and the right of taxation given up, on permanent Congress.
principles. 6. We do hereby unanimously request the following
4. Resolved, unanimously. That Mr. Henry Grijlth, gentlemen to accept of that trust and accordingly do ;

Doctor Thomas Sprigg Wooiton, Nathan Magruder, appoint them our Committee for the purposes aforesaid,
Euan Thomas, Richard Brooke, Richard Thomas, Zadock viz :Stephen Crane, Henry Garritse, Joseph Riggs,
Magruder, Doctor William Baker, Thomas Cramphin, William Livingston, William P. Smith, John De Hart,
Jan., and Allen Bowie, be a Committee to attend the John Chetwood, Isaac Ogden, and Elias Boudinot,
General Committee at Annapolis, and of Correspondence Esquires.
for the lower part of Frederick County, and that any six
of them shall have power to receive and communicate
intelUgence to, and from, the neigiibouring Committees.
5. Resolved, unanimously. That a copy of these our EXTRACT or A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN NEW-YORK.
sentiments, be immediately transmitted to Annapolis, and Norwich, (in England,) June 13, 1774.
inserted in the Maryland Gazette. What
a scene of misery and distress are the pernicious
Signed per order, measures of Administration disclosing in this city The 1

Archibald Orme, Clerk. cries of thousands of poor journeymen weavers, and the
clamour of their unemployed mastei-s, with all their
numerous dependants of con)bers, dyers, hot-pressers, Sic,
ESSEX COUNTY (nEW-JERSEy) RESOLUTIONS. will ere long reach the ears of the weak, tyrannic Ix)rd
that occasioned them, and make his name and memory as
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of odious in Europe as in America. Every manufacturer in
theCounty of Essex, in the Province of New-Jersey, at the home trade, who, at this time of the year used to re-
Newark, in the said County, on Saturday, the 11th day ceive prodigious orders for coarse camblets, calliinancoes,
cf June, 1774. and black and white crapes, from the ware-houses in
This meeting taking into serious consideration some late London for the Colonies, are now entirely at a stand ; and
alarming measures adopted by the British Parliament for when business in the foreign houses decline, our work-
depriving his Majesty's American subjects of their undoubt- houses will be crowded with paupers, and the poor-rates
ed and constitutional rights and principles and particu-
; become insupportably high, and numberless families become
larly the Act for blockading the port of Boston, which destitute of bread. It is not many months since a petition

appears to them pregnant with the most dangerous conse- was presented to Parliament, by our worthy members, Sir
quences to all his Majesty's Dominions in America ; do Harbord Harbord, and Edward Bacon, Esquire, setting
unanimously resolve and agree : forth the decay of trade, and the hardships we labour
1. That under the enjoyment of our constitutional pri- under. But alas how does a
! Prime Minister regard the
vileges and immunities we will ever cheerfully render all misfortunes he heaps upon others. Instead of protecting
due obedience to the Crown of Great Britain, as well as and encouraging our commerce, he has taken the most
full faith and allegiance to his most gracious Majesty King direct means to diminish and destroy it; and for what?
George the Third and do esteem a firm dependence on
; To execute his avowed and secret designs, and to gratify
the mother country essential to our political security and his pride, his folly, and his resentment. Because a licen-
happiness. tious rabble in Boston destroyed a dutied article, which
405 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 406
one of the wisest men in this nation has proved ought not to most unjustly depriving that once flourishing town of its
have been taxed, and which would not have been destroyed, whole trade the inhabitants of their private property ; and
;

if the ships that carried it had not obstinately persisted the labouring poor of the means of subsisting themselves
in landing it for that reason, I say, a whole city, a whole
; and families. These proceedings of the parent State
Province, must suffer all the dreadful effects of Ministerial against her American children, call aloud upon all Ameri-
vengeance. The worthy magistrate, the innocent merchant, cans to assemble, consult, and determine firmly to pursue
the honest tradesman, the well disposed poor, all, all must such measures for their own and neighbours future security,
be treated with the most unexampled, the most diabolical as shall be judged most likely to avert the present calamity,
rigour, for the outrage of a few, have, like the city of and secure to them the perfect enjoyment of their liberties
London, their humble petitions and just remonstrances and properties upon a fixed and lasting foundation; for
ridiculed and disregarded ; their Charter violated their; which purpose, the Mechanics of this city did propose, and
ports blocked up ;
removed their inhabitants
their trade ; intend at this meeting to form such resolutions to co-operate
dragged three thousand miles for trial and to complete the ; with the Committee of Merchants, and to strengthen their
tragedy and their slavery, a military Governour and troops hands, as will convince the world Americans were bom
sent over to enforce the Ministerial mandate. Excellent and determine to live free, and that they never will be
measures these to stir up a civil war at liome compel the ; slaves ;
that liberty is their birthright : they cannot, they
exasperated Americans to take up arms, and to ruin the will not give it up. But since the sending out the hand-
trade of the mother country. But whatever gratification bills for calling this great assembly, information was
sucii measures may afford to a wrong headed, deluded received that the present Committee have sent expresses
Minister, they are highly offensive to unemployed and to all the Southern Colonies for their advice wi this alarm-
impoverished manufacturers, whose business is their depen- ing occasion, and returns to those expresses are expected
dence and support, and who are too sensible of the loss, in a very few days ; that the Committee had determined
not to curse those who would deprive them and their to call a general meeting of all the inhabitants in the city
posterity of it. Happy is it for Lord North that he is not and county, to be held here next Wednesday, the 15th
a tradesman, lamenting for orders, and distressed for re- instant, at three o'clock in the afternoon, then to chose
mittances. Unhappy for him that the Kingdom at large one Grand Joint Committee, to represent the whole inhabi-
condemn his American measures, and are ashamed of his tants of this city and county, to correspond with the Com-
conduct. In a word, pensioners may flatter,and levees mittees of the neighbouring Provinces, and to adopt such
may applaud ; but it is too clear, that unless he conciliate measures to be pursued by all, as their united wisdom shall
the esteem of the Colonies by a repeal of the cruel destruc- direct wherefore it is judged best at present to omit going
;

tive laws he has framed, and restore the trade he has taken into particular resolutions, or appointing a particular Com-
away, that he kindle a flame he will find himself
will mittee to represent the Mechanics, as the grand general
unable to quench, and load himself with the execrations meeting is so near at hand.
not only of innumerable poor diat may be deprived of As it was judged there would not be sufficient time to
employment in the manufactory of this city, Birmingham, give proper notice to the county, it was agreed on Saturday
Sheffield, and Yorkshire, but those of every sensible and last by the Committee and a number of the most respect-

spirited person in the Kingdom. able inhabitants called to advise on the present oc<;asion,
that the general meeting be postponed to Saturday next,
at or near the State House, at three o'clock, P. M., at
Williameburg, June 16, 1774.
which time and place the inhabitants of this city and
county, qualified to vote for Representatives, are desired
On Monday evening last, the 13th instant, an express
to attend, in order to take into their consideration certain
arrived in this city from Hampshire, with letters from
propositions prepared to be laid before them.
Colonel Abraham Hite, residing there, to his Excellency
our Governour, which give us fresh assurances of the
determined resolution of the Indians to declare war against
us. It would be needless to expatiate with respect to the GEORGE CI^YMEK TO JOSIAH QUINCY, JK.
distresses of the inhabitants in many of the back parts of Philadelphia, June 13, 1774.
this Colony, as their situation must be sufficiently obvious
Dear Sir: The business I have been engaged in,
to every one who has attended to the many late accounts
almost ever since I had the pleasure of seeing you, has in
of the barbarity of the Indians towards them. Colonel
a great measure prevented me from improving a friendship
Hite reports, that he has received intelligence from Cheet
and correspondence in which I expected the greatest satis-
River, upon which he can depend, that on the 4th instant
faction.
some people going to or by the house of one William
Knowing how much you have at heart the welfare of
Speir, they discovered him, his wife, and four children
—
your country the character you sustain, and your circle
murdered and scalped, with a broad-axe sticking in the
man's breast, and his wife lying on her back, entirely
—
of connexions any information from you respecting the
true springs and motives of action in your people on many
naked. At another place they found a man's coat, with a
late occasions, would have been extremely agreeable to
number of bullet holes in it and a child murdered close
;
me, feeling myself much interested in every thing that
by the same. The cattle they have likewise killed in ;
can affect them.
short, the outrages committed by these barbarians are
I have ever been the advocate for the political conduct
hardly credible ; and, we are told, that scarce a day
of the people of Boston, wherever it has been made the
happens but some cruelty or other is committed. Colonel
subject of conversation; but manners dissimilar to those of
Hite declares, that altliough he resided there during the
many of the more Southern Colonies, and perhaps, some
two last wars, he never saw greater consternation and
other causes, have most undoubtedly contributed to fix
distress among the people than is at this time.
prejudices, which nothing but a clear knowledge of circum-
stances can possibly remove.
I sincerely believe that fair representations of things
Philadelpliia, Monday, June 13, 1774. would always have freed them from any suspicions of an
On Tlmrsday evening last, June 9th, about twelve hun- impatience of good order, and of just authority. Those
dred Mechanics of this city and suburbs, assembled at the among us of the most enlarged sentiments, and who have
State House, to hear a letter and other papers read from elevated ideas of liberty, are unwilling to censure any
the Mechanics of the City of New- York, and to form such irregularities, or even extravagances, which a zeal for her

resolutions as should be judged proper for their future cause may have produced but narrow minds can scarcely
;

conduct at most alarming and critical time, when

this in any case, be brought to approve, where domestic econ-

American liberty is so deeply wounded, and her rights so omy and good order seemed to be disturbed. I would
unjustly invaded by levying taxes on us without our willingly hope that the number of such shortsighted cen-
consent, for the purpose of raising a revenue and for ; surers are diminished, and that the distress now so unjust-

refusing payment of those illegal taxes, blocking up with ly inflicted upon the town of Boston, has fixed their
divers ships of war the port and town of Boston, thereby attention more upon the danger which so fatal a precedent
407 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JUNE, 1774. 4QS
has made common to all the Amtricans. At present, I And it is further voted and agreed
by this meeting,
believe this to be the case, and that almost every one that the following gentlemen, viz William Smith, Esquire,
:

amongst us sees the necessity of ciiecking the progress that Colonel Nathaniel Woodhull, Colonel William Floyd,
arbitrary power is making. Mr. Thomas Fanning, Captain Josiah Smith, Capl;iin
Would to God your rehef could be speedily effected by David Miilford, and Captain Jonathan Baker, be a
the means pointed out by the vote of your town but tlie ; Standing Committee for this place, to correspond with the
minds of men, at least in two of the principal Colonies, Committee of Correspondence in tiie City of New- York
cannot yet be brought to combat with the most powerful and others and that they do immediately communicate
;

principle in human nature I mean self-intercut, which

: the above sentiments to them.
must be so generally renounced during a susjjension of Signed by order of the meeting, W. Smith.
trade. Many indeed who are not swayed by selfishness,
are for offering the olive branch to the mother country,
unaccompanied by the threats and menaces implied in that Charlestown, S. C, June 13, 1774.
measure and proposing through a general Congress such
; At Meeting of the General Committee this day, it was
a
terms of accommodation as will leave us the essential Unanimously agreed. That a General Meeting of tiie
rights of Englishmen, and suffering her at the same time inhabitants of this Colony be called, on Wednesday the 6th
to reap those advantages in trade which some suppose she of July next, at eight o'clock in the morning, at the Ex-
had contemplation, in first settling these Colonies, not-
in change, in Charlestown, to consider of the papers, letters,
withstanding the opinion which old charters in many early and resolutions, transmitted to the Committee from the
transactions justify, that the absolute independence of the Northern Colonies and also of such steps as are neces-
;

Colonies was intended. If these two ideas are not to be sary to be pursued, in union with the inhabitants of all
fairly reconciled in theory, they think, perhaps, a tempora- our sister Colonies on this Continent, in order to avert
ry compromise, which should leave any determinate prin- the dangers impending over American liberties in general,
ciples out of the question, may be effected. Our people by the late hostile Act of Parliament against Boston, and
seem bent upon first trying this experiment ; the necessity other arbitrary measures of the British Ministry And :

of harmony and perfect unanimity, which all seem sensible

that public notice thereof be immediately given in the
of,has reconciled very different interests among us, and by Gazettes."
yielding to each other, the Quakers and Presbyterians,
and other contending sects, have met on this point.
Ameasure of this kind seems calculated rather as a EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN NEW-YORK.
general barrier against the encroaching power of Parlia- Charlestown, S. C, 13th June, 1774.
ment, than to give immediate relief to people in your
Circular letters are despatched by express
to all the most
situation. We all wish, however, that your firmness should leading men throughout Colony, in order to remove
this
remain unshaken, until the remedy to be applied shall
some jealousies which have been industriously excited, to
have had its operation but this seems hardly possible.
;
acquaint them with the present dangerous situation of every
Patriotism, assailed by poverty and want, has seldom stood
American and his posterity, and to engage their union,
its ground. The general subscription to be opened here, assistance, and influence, in their several districts, to attend,
which I hope will be followed in other places, will show
either personally or by deputies authorized to declare their
that your neighbours have not absolutely forsaken you in
sentiments, at a general meeting of Delegates from every
the day of distress it will in some measure alleviate the
;
part of the Colony, to be held at Charlestown, the 6th of
wretchedness of the poor, and stifle then- clamours for
July next.
bread. Would to proposed charity may be
Heaven this
Tiie Virginia packet, which was particularly addressed
in the least adequate to the occasion, that the hard neces-
to our merchants, is to be immediately returned to them with
sity of complying w ith dangerous and disgraceful terms
our thanks for their polite communication, and an intima-
might be utterly taken away.
tion that we shall be glad to have, in a private way, their
It is said there is a crisis in political, as well as in natu-
sentiments before the 28th instant, when our Conmiittee
ral disorders; this may be, when the apprehensions of any
are to meet again, agree upon and prepare what should be
great evils shall have made such progress as to incline men
proper to lay before and recommend to the general meeting
to make the strongest and most decisive efforts to avoid
on the 6th of July, where we should also be glad to see
them. believe we are not ripe yet for these
I efforts
them.
the two bills before Pariiament for taking away the peculiar
Even the merchants now seem generally inclined to a
privileges of your Province, and making the soldiery
non-importation. How much farther we shall go will de-
masters of your lives, will probably quicken and mature
pend upon the expected advices from the other Colonies,
our resentments, and give us a greater certamty of ap-
and the spirit and vigour with which they act.
proaching tyranny.
I could wish your Committee had extended its corres-
But I have to ask your pardon for this tedious letter. I
pondence to Georgia, and beg leave to recommend the
expect in a few weeks to see you at Boston, with a brother
doing it still, without delay.
of Mr. Dickinson's.
I am particularly desired to request from every Colony
I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant,
the most speedy information of their respective annual
George Clymer. How many
exports of unwrought iron, to Great Britain.
Josiah ^uinci/, Jun,
tons each could supply to tliis Colony —
also what quantity
of hoes, axes, tools, cutlery, and other articles usually
imported from Great Britain, each Colony can sup-
SOUTH-HAVEN (nEW-YORk) RESOLUTIONS,
ply, &iC.
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Parish of South-
Haven, in the County of Suffolk, and Colony of JN'ew-
York, the 13th of June, 1774. EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA.
Mr, William Smith, Moderator. Charlestown, S. C, June 14, 1774.

voted and agreed, that the Act of Parliament; for

It is The inhabitants are much alarmed at the arbitrary
blocking up the harbour oi Boston, is unconstitutional, and proceedings of the British Ministry, and our Committee
has a direct tendency to enslave the inhabitants of America, have met, in consequence of the letters received from the
and put an end to all property. Northern Colonies, and are resolved to co-operate with

And it is also the opinion of this meeting, that if the them in any prudent measure which may be thought likely
Colonies all unite, and strictly adhere to a non-importation to remedy the grievance. I believe whatever New-York

agreement from Great Britain and the fVest Indies, and and your city may conclude on, (we place so much confi-
have no trade with them, we should have great reason to dence in your moderation and firmness,) our town will
expect in a short time a repeal of that oppressive Act readily join in with. Our tea remains here entirely unmo-
and for that purpose we do heartily desire that such an lested ; if the duty is not taken off the present session of
agreement may be entered into. Pariiament, we shall probably have orders to send it home,
40» CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 410
which must be a mortifying circumstance, as well to my IV. TO THE INHABITANTS OP THE BRITISH COLONIES
Lord hlorth as to the India Company. We value our- IN AMERICA.
selves mucii on having given our sister Colonies so striking
Philadelphia, June 15, 1771.
an instance of our virtue and o])[)osition to Ministerial
Brethren : The intelligence
received since the pre-
schemes if it is not sent ior soon it will be good for
;
ceding letter was written, seems to render needless every
nothing. I could wish the town of Boston had taken this
attempt to prove {rom former transactions, my first intention,
legal way of destroying theirs, as it is equally effectual
ifhealth had penuitted, that a regular plan has been invari-
besides giving a proof to all the world that we are so much
ably pui-sued to enslave these Colonies, and that the Act o(
attached to the cause of liberty, that there are not even
Pariiament for the blocking up the port of Boston is a ])art
individuals among us who would purchase the baneful
of the plan. However unprecedented and cruel that mea-
herb.
sure is, yet some persons among us might have flattered
themselves that the resentment of the Parliament is directed
solely against the town. The last advices mention two
CHARLES COUNTY (mARYLANd) RESOLUTIONS.
Bills to be passing in Parliament, one changing the char-
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Charles County, on tered Constitution of the Province of Massachusetts Bay
the 14th of June, 1774, at the Court House, in Port-To- into a Military Government and another empowering;

bacco town, to deliberate on the effect and tendency of the Administration to send for and try persons in England
Act of Parliament, for blocking up the port and harbour of for actions committed in that Colony.*
Boston. By we
perceive that Administration has
these instances
not only renounced all respect, and all appearance of
Mr. Walter Hanson unanimously chosen Chairman.
respect for the rights of these Colonies, but even the
1st. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting plainest principles of justice and humanity. Were the
that the Act of the British Parliament passed to block up Representatives of the people of Massachusetts Bay called
the harbour and port of Boston, and suspend the trade upon to make satisfaction for the damage done to private
and commerce of that town, is a violent attack upon the property in any
tumult there?
late No. Yet it was
liberty and property of the inhabitants thereof, and in its known that those Representatives had made ample repar-
consequences tends to render insecure and destroy the ation for the injuries committed on occasion of the Stamp
rights and privileges of all British America. Act. It was known that the like reparation had been
2d. That the town of Boston, now suffering under the made by the Assemblies of New- York and Rhode-Island.
execution of the said Act, justly demands the most speedy In short, it was known, that notwithstanding the incessant
and effectual assistance of every Colony in America to pains taken by many Ministers to tease the Colonies by
obtain a repeal of the same. oppressions and insults into madness, yet they have, with
3d. That the inhabitants of this county will join in an difficulty, excited only a few tumults, for which the popular
Association with the several counties of this Province to branch of the Legislature in the several Colonies has ever
put a stop to all imports from Great Britain after the first been ready to atone, upon requisitions from the Crown.
day of August next, except the articles of medicine, until Great clamour has been raised at home against Massa-
the said Act be repealed. chusetts Bay, on account of resolutions at some of their
4th. That if the said Act of Parliament is not repealed own town meetings, and other writings published in that
by tiie 31st day of October, in the year 1775, that then Colony and better it were that many of them had been
;

the inhabitants of this county will join with the several suppressed. The truth is, that people, animated by an
counties of this Province, and the principal Colonies in ardent and generous love of liberty, saw, and peculiarly
America, to break off all commercial connection with felt, the projects against the freedom and happiness of

Great Britain and the West Indies. America. I know them well and if ever a State deserv- ;

5th. It is the opinion of this meeting, that a Congress ed the character, they are a moral, religious, quiet, and
of Deputies from the several Colonies will be the most loyal people, affectionately attached to the welfare and
probable means of uniting America in one general mea- honour of Great Britain, and dearly valuing their depen-
sure to effectuate a repeal of the said Act of Parliament. dence on her. Observant and sensible as they were of the
6th. That Deputies shall be sent from this county to present and approaching evils, some of them adopted a
meet at the City of Annapolis, on the 22d instant, and very imprudent, but what appeared to them a very peaceable
join with the Deputies appointed by the several counties in and justifiable method, of discouraging Administration from
a general, rational, and practicable Association for this proceeding in such alarming and dangerous measures that —
Province, and to appoint Deputies to attend a Congress of of speaking in a high tone. Words were opposed to inju-
those nominated by the several Colonies, and to adopt any ries and menaces, never designed for execution, to insults
;

other measures for the relief of the people of Boston, intolerable. Whatcould they do? The'w humble petitions
which to tliem seems fit and reasonable. were haughtily and contemptuously rejected. The more
7th. That the inhabitants of this county will break off they supplicated the more they were abused. By their
all trade, commerce, and dealings, with that Colony, town, tears, and Heaven knows many they have shed, their per-
or county, which shall decline or refuse to associate in some secutions flourished as trees by water poured on their roots.
rational and effectual means to procure a repeal of the said Their very virtue and passionate fondness for concord
Act of Parliament. for their mother country, occasioned this objected errour.
8th. That the inhabitants of this county will adopt " Surely," says Solomon, " oppression maketh a wise man
and steadily pursue such measures, as tend to jirotect and mad." A
silly man may disregard it. In playing the
secure the liberties of this county, according to the true fool they showed their wisdom. This is the true history of
principles of the English Constitution, and thereby show those futile pieces that produced so much solid eloquence
themselves loyal and faithful subjects to his Majesty King in Great Britain.
George the Third.
9th. That Messrs. Walter Hanson, William Smallwood, * By the first of these Bills the Govornour
is to be invested witli the

power of a Justice of the Peace, to call out the military to effect, though
Josias Hawkins, Francis Ware, Joseph Hanson Harrison, the Minister says in his speech " I shall always consider that a mili-
;

Thomas Stone, George Dent, Gustavus Richard Brown, *'

tary power, acting under the authority and controul of a Civil Magis-
John Dent, Thomas ^lanson Marshall, Daniel Jenifer, " trate, is a part of the Constitution." By the second, Amfricana are
to be seized, confined, and carried to England, to be tried, that is,
Samuel Love, James Forbes, Robert T. Hooe, Philip hanged on cliarges for an act done in a Colony. This is not all. Sol.
Richard Fendall, Zephaniah Turner, James Key, and diers and others, who shall commit any offence, such as murdering the
James Crailc, or any seven of them, be a Committee of Colonists, under the pretence of supporting the authority of Parliament,
shall be carried to England to bo tried—that is— acquitted. Of the
Correspondence, to receive and answer all letters, and, on Aa4ffl» corjjus and trial by peers, "*<«< nomwit* uwi^o"
any emergency, to call a general meeting of tlie county " That the absolute power, claimed and exercised in a neighbouring
" Nation, is more tolerable than that of the Eastern Ernpires, is in a
and that Messrs. Walter Hanson, Willinm Smallwood,
" great measure owing to their having united the judicial power in
Josias Hawkins, Francis Ware, Joseph Hanson Harrison, " their Parliaments, a body separate and distinct from both the Legisla.
Thomas Stone, John Dent, Daniel Jenifer, and Robert " tive and Executive, and if ever that Nation recovers its former liberty,
" it will owe it to the efforts of those Assemblies. In Turkey, where
T. Hooe, are appointed Deputies for this county to attend
" every thing is centered in the Sultan, or his Minister, despotic power
the general meeting at Annapolis, the 22d instant. " is in its meridiaJi, and wears a most dreadful aspect." 5 Blackstons, —
Signed per order, John Gwin, Clerk. 1369, 270.
411 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JUNE, 1774. 412

Riots and weak publications, by a small number of indi- York, Philadelphia, and Charlestown have denied free-
viduals, are sufficient reasons with Parliament to ruin many dom of trade to ships sailing under the protection of Acts
thousand inhabitants of a truly respectable town, to dissolve of Parliament. Will not the House of Connnons tiiink
charters, to abolish the benefits of the writ of habeas cor- the inhabitants of these places " have disobeyed their
pus,* and extirpate American liberty for the principle — authority," and that a punishment should be inflicted on
reaches all. But in England the Press groans with pub- them ?" Why do we not hear of some measure pursued
lications, seditious, treasonable, and even blasphemous. against those cities? Are they immaculate in the eyes of
The discontented swarm over the Kingdom proclaiming Administration and Parliament ? Has not each of these
their resentments. Many enormous riots have disturbed the places done real damage to the East India Company ?
public peace. The Sovereii;n has been insulted in passing Has there been even a requisition of compensation for that
from his Palace to the Parliament House, on the business damage from any of them ? Why is there such a. profound
of tlie Nation. Is it to be concluded fron) the facts, that silence observed with respect to them ? Because they are
the body of the people is seditious and traitorous? Can judged by Administration and Parliament more innocent
his Majesty believe that he is thought by his Englhh sub- than the Colony of Massachusetts Bay No. Because '/

jects in general to be such a Prince as some of them have Administration and Parlian)ent do us Americans the honour
represented him ? Will the two Houses of Parliament to think we are such idiots that we shall not believe our-
acknowledge what has been spoken and written and acted selves interested in the fate of Boston, but that one Colony
against tliem in England, exjjresses the sentiments of the may be attacked and humbled after another, without show-
Kingdom ? they say the j)eople of England have
Or will ing the sense or spirit of beasts themselves, many of which
forfeited their liberty, because some of them have run into unite against common danger.
licentiousness ? Let a judgment be formed in both cases Why were the Greece broken down into the
states of
by the same rule. Let tliem condemn those or acquit us. tamest submission, by Philip of Macedon, and afterwards
Pretences and reasons aie totally different. The provo- by the Romans! Because tliey contended for freedom
cation said to be givenby our sister Colony, are but the separately. Why were the States of Spain subdued by
pretences for the exorbitant severity exercised against the Carthageniam, and afterwards by the Romans? Be-
her. The —
the policy, des))icable and
reasons are these cause they contended for freedom separately. Wliy were
detestable as of suppressing the freedom of America,
it is, the ancient inhabitants of the Kingdom, that now harasses
by a military force, to be supported by money taken out us. conquered by their invadersTacitus will inform us.
?

of our own pockets, and the supposed conveniency of " Nee aliud adversus validissimas gentes pro nobis utilius,
opportunity for attaining this end. These reasons are " quatn quod in commune non consultunt. Rarus ad pro-
evident from the Minister's speech. The system is formed " pulsandum commune pcriculum conventus. Ita dmn sin-
with art, but the art is discoverable. Indeed, I do not " guli pugnant omnes vincuntur."*
believe it was ex]iected we should have such early and Why did the little Swiss Cantons and seven small Pro-
exact intelligence of the schemes agitated against us as we vinces of the Low Countries so successfully oppose the
have received. Any person who examines the multitude tyrants, that, not contented with an Empire, founded in
of invectives published in pamphlets and newspapers in humanity and mutual advantages, unnecessarily and arro-
Great Britain, or the speeches made in either House of gantly strove to " lay" the faithful and affectionate wretches
Parliament, will find them directed against the Colonies in "at their feet ?" Because they wisely regarded the interest
general. The people in that Kingdom have been, with of each as the interest of «//.
great cunning and labour,! inflamed against the Colonies Our own experience furnishes a mournful additional
in general. They are deluded into a belief that we are in proof of an observation made by a great and good man,
a state of rebellion, and aiming directly at a state of inde- Lord President Forbes. " It is a certain truth," says he,
pendency though the first is a noxious weed that never
;
" that all States and Kingdoms, in proportion as they grow
grew in our climates, and the latter is universally regarded " great, wealthy,and powerful, grow wanton, wicked, and
with the deepest execrations by us —
a poison we never can "
"
oppressive and the history of all ages give evidence of
;

be compelled to touch, but as an antidote to a worse, if a the fatal catastrophe of all such States and Kingdoms,
—
worse can be a curse that if any Colony on this Conti- " when the cup of their iniquity is full." Another "truth,"
nent should be so mad as to aim at reaching, the rest of as " certain," is, that such " States and Kingdoms" never
the body would have virtue and wisdom enough to draw have been, and never will be, checked in the career of
their swords, and hew the traitors into submission, if not their " wantonness, wickedness, and oppression," by a
into loyalty. It would be our interest and our duty thus people in any way dependent upon them, but by the pru-
to guarantee the public peace. The Minister, addressing dent, virtuous, and steady unanimity of that people. To
the House of Commons, uses several expressions relating employ more words to elucidate a point so manifest, would
and
to all the Colonies, calls the stoppage of the port of be the idle attempt of gilding gold.
Boston " a punishment inflicted on those who have dis- Surely you cannot doubt at this time, my countrymen,
obeyed your authority." but that the people of Massachusetts Bay are suffering in
Is it not extremely remarkable, after such a variety of a causef common to us all and, therefore, that we ought
;

charges affecting all tlie Colonies, that the statute of ven- immediately to concert the most prudent measures for their
geance should be levelled against a single Colony ? New- relief and our own safety.
Our interest depending on the present controversy is
• Both Houses of Parliament resolved two or three years ago, that
unspeakably valuable. We have not the least prospect
persons might be sent for from any of the Colonies for acts done there
and tried in England, under the old statute of He/try the Eightli, made
of human The passion of despotism, raging
assistance.
before the Colonies existed. The latL' Court at Rhode. Island was esta- like a plague forabout seven years past, has spread with
blished on that principle. The intention of Parliament in passing the unusual malignity through Europe ; Corsica, Poland,
Bill above mentioned is chiefly to screen persons acting in support of
their unconstitutional claims. They have declared they have no doubt and Sweden, have sunk beneath it. The remaining spirit
but that the thirty-fifth of Henry has established a just and legal mode of fieedom that lingered and languished in the Parliament
of cutting American throiits. of France, has lately expired.^ What Kingdom or State
" I can live, although another, who has no right, be put to live with
" mc ; nay, I c.in live, although t pay excises and impositions more tlian interposed for the relief of their distressed fellow-crea-
" I d» but to have my liberty, which is the soul of my life, taken from
;
tures ? The contagion has at length reached Great Bri-
" me by power, and to have my body pent up in a jail," (then tlirown tain. Her statesmen emulate the Nimrods of the Earth,
into a ship of war, transported three thousand miles across the Ocean,
to a land of bitter, selfish, furious, and revengeful enemies, there •Nor was any thing moro advantageous to us against very powerful
thrust into the jaws of dungeons,) " without remedy by law, and to be nalion-s,than their imprudcnc in not consulting together for the inter-
!
" adjudged : O improvident anc -stors O unwise forefathers to be
! I
erst of the whol •. Conventions for riiwlling a common danger werK
" so curious in providing for the quiet possession of our laws, and the
rare. Thus, while each State resisted singly, all were subdued.
" liberties of Parliament, and to neglect our persons and bodies, and
TacitL'S, in vit. Agrie.
" lot them lie in prison, and that durante bene placiio, remediless I
+The Act for shutting up the port of Boston ord rs, " that it shall
" If this be law why do we talk of liberties? Why do we trouble " not be opened until psace and obedience to the laws shall be so far
** ourselves with a dispute about law, francliiscs, property of goods, " restored in the said town of Boston, that the trade of Great Britain,
" and the like ? What mny any man call his own if not the liberty of " may saf(ly be carried on there, and his Majesty's duties duly col-
" his person ? I am weary of treading these ways." Speech of " lected," &.C. Thus, it ajipears, if the inhabitants renounce the com-
Robert Philips, a member of the trise and moderate Parliament that —
mon cause of the Colonies, the port may be opened if they adhere to
met in the year 1627. that cause will remain shut.
it

t Private letters give a further proof of this fact. t By the new modeling their Parliaments.
413 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JUNE, 1774. 414
and wish to become " nii(:;lity hunters" in the woods of divine protection of us his afflicted servants, most unrea-
America. What Kingdom or State will interpose for our sonably and cruelly oppressed. Let us seriously reflect on
rehef ? Tlic preservation of our freedom, and of every our manifold transgressions, and by a since.e repentance,
attendant blessing, must be wrought out, under Providence, and an entire amendment of our lives, strive to recommend
by ourselves. Let not this consideration discourage us. ourselves to divine favour.
We cannot be false to each other, without being false to In the next place, let us cherish and cultivate senti-
ourselves. We have the firmest foundation of union and ments of brotherly love and tenderness among us. To
fidelity —
that we wish to attain the same things to avoid — whom, under the cope of Heaven, can we look for help
the same things. Tiie friendship of others might be pre- in these days of " darkness and trouble," but one to

carious, suspected, deceitful. another. O mycountrymen Have pity one on another.

!

The and good Being, who gave us

infinitely great, wise, Have pity on yourselves
and your children. Let us, by
our existence, certainly formed us for a state of society. every tender tie, implore you let us mutually excuse
;

He certainly designed us for sucii a state of society as and forgive each other our weakness and prejudices, (lor
would be productive of happiness. Liberty is essential to who is free from weakness and prejudices r) and utterly
the happiness of a society, and therefore is our right. abolishing all former dissensions and distinctions, wisely
The Father of Mercies never intended men to hold and kindly unite in one firm band, in one common cause.
unlimited authority over men.* Craft and cruelty have If there are any men, or any bodies of men, on this
indeed triumphed over simplicity and innocence, in disobe- Continent, who think that an accommodation between us
dience to his holy laws. The Father of Mercies never and Great Britain, or that their own particular interest may
intended us for the slaves of Britons. Craft and cruelty, be advanced by withdrawing themselves from the coun-
indeed, are striving to brand us with marks infamously sels of their countrymen, I would wish them most deliber-
denoting us to be their property as absolutely as their cattle. ately to consider the consequences that may attend such a
Their pretensions to a right of such power, not only conduct. What step can possibly be taken more directly
oppose constitutional principles, but even partake of hn- tending to prevent an accommodation between us and
piety. The sentence of bondage against us is only issued Great Britain than supjjlying Administration with proofs
by the frail omnipotence! of Parliament. of our intestine divisions ? What do our enemies so
" Non sic inflnctere sonsus ardently wish for as for these divisions? Has not the
'* HutuanOB edicta, valenl."t expectation of these events encouraged the Ministry to
We cannot question the justice of our cause. This treat us with such unexampled contempt and barbarity ?
consideration will afford comfort and encouragement to our Will not the certainty of these events excite resolution in
minds. Let us, therefore, in the first place, humbling them to press us, to take every advantage of a people so
ourselves before our gracious Creator, devoutly beseech his industriously studying and labouring to weaken and destroy
themselves? Then a Minister may with reason call upon
• " To
live by one nnn's will became tlip cause of all men's the House of Commons, " Now is our time to stand out
" misery."
"
Hookkr's Eccles. Pol.
not universal misery and ruin the same, whether it comes from
Is
—
" to defy them to proceed with finnness and without fear
" the hands of many or of one ?" Bishop Hoadly's Disc, on Oov.
" to produce a conviction to all America that we are now
" Of so contrary an opinion was this good man {Hooker) to that of " in earnest, and that we will proceed with firmness and
" some others, who can never oppose one extreme, without running into " vigour until she shall be laid at our feet."*
** another, as bad, if not worse, and think they cannot enough con-
" domn rebellion without giving the divine sanction to tyranny and 1 appeal to every man of common sense, whether any
" oppression. This judgment ought likewise to bo of the more weiglit measure will be so likely to induce Administration to think
" with such as profuss the most profound veneration for the memory of
" of an accommodation with us, as our unanimity. Must
Charles the First, and the honour of the old Church of England
*' because this treatise in which it was to be found was chosen out of not, therefore, every measure impeaching the credit and
" many others, by that Prince, to be recommended to his children as weight of this unanimity, in the same degree obstruct all
" the best instructer they could converse with, and was had in such
accommodation ? Will not every such measure naturally
** estimation by all churchmen, from tlio time of its appearance, that it
" may well pass, not only for his own judgment in particular, but for produce haughtiness, perseverance and fresh rigour in our
" the judgment of the whole Church of England at that time." oppressors ? Will not these still more enrage us, and place
Bishop HoADLY, ibid.
" Would not the unhappiness of this Nation in particular have been
us farther from an accommodation ? If the protection and
" the same, whether a late King, alone, or by a former law, has sub- peace we wish to derive from our unanimity be taken from
" jectod it to the religion of Rome and tlie maxims of France ? And, us by the imprudence of our brethren who break that
" upon supposition of such an attempt, would not our lato deliverance
** have been as glorious, as great, and justifiable, as mucli wanted, and
unanimity, or destroy all respect for it in Great Britain,
" as truly beneficial, as it was upon tlie attempt of the King alone ? and thereby encourage her to seize what she will certainly
" Would not the invitation of the Prince of Orange, the election and think the lucky opportunity for pursuing her blows, what
*' meeting of the persons who made the Convention, and tlie conse-
*' queut establishment in tlie Protestant line, have been as requisite and
must be the consequence. We held up a shield fbr our
" as useful ? Nay, would not the ends of Government have been more defence. If our brethren have pierced it through, and
" cffjctually answered this way, than by submission to a total dissolu- rendered it useless, their imprudence will, according to the
" tion of ail happiness at present, and of all liopes for the future ?
usual course of human affairs, compel us to change the
" How then can it be said that the ends of Government require that
** degree of submission upon the one supposition, which they are mode of defence, and drive us into all the evils of civil
" allowed not to do upon tlie other, when tlie same misery and destruc- discords.
" tion must follow a submission in both cases, and the s Line universal
" happiness must in both be tlio consequence of a just and well
What advantages can they gain that can compensate to
'* managed defjnce ? Or would the ends of Government be destroyed, men of any understanding or virtue, for the miseries occa-
" should the miserable condition of the whole people of France, which sioned by their bad policy. Their numbers will be too
" hath proceeded from the King's being absolute, awaken the thoughts
" of the wisest heads amongst them, and move them all to exert
small in any manner whatever to controul the sentiments
** themselves, so as that those ends sliould be better answered for the or measures of America. Their conduct never can pre-
" time to come ?" Bishop Hoadlv, ibid. vent the exertions of these Colonies in vindication of their
It was resolved by tlie House of Commons, that this Bishop, then
liberty. It may by provocations render diose exertions
Mr. Hoadly, and Rector of St. Peter's Poor, London, " for having
" often strenuously justified tlie principles on whicii her Majesty and more rash and imprudent ;but their numbers will be so
" the Niition proceeded in tlie lato happy revolution, had justly merited extravagantly exaggerated, as all facts have been against
" the f.ivour and rocommeiidation of the Housi; ;" and accordingly
us, on the other side of die Atlantic, that Great Britain
addressed Queen Anne, "that she would be graciously pleasjd to
" bestow some dignity in the (Church on the said Mr. Hoadly, for his may be deceived, and emboldened into measures destnic-
" eminent services both to the Church and Stat3." tive to herself and to us. We
are now strenuously
" WhatoVvir dishonours liuman nature, dishonours the policy of a
endeavouring, in a peaceable manner, by this single power,
" Government whicli permits it and a free .State which dojs not com.
;

" municate the natural right of liberty to all its subjects, who have not the force of our unanimity, to preserve our freedom.
" deserved by their crimes to lose it, hardly seems to bo worthy of that Those who lessen that unanimity detract from its force,
" honourable name." Lord Litti.kton's History of Hi:xrv //. must be, therefore, justly
will prevent its effect, and
" Without goodness power would be tyranny and oppression, and
" wisiiom would degen rate into craft and mischievous contrivance." cliargeable witli all the dreadful consequences to these
Arrhbishrp Th.i.otson's Sermons. Colonies.
" Eliamsi non sil moleslus dominus, tamen est miserrimum, posse, si beg leave to recom-
The third important consideration I
velit." CiCKRO. Even if a Sovereign docs not oppress, yet it is a most
miserable condition for the subjects that he has the power, if he has
mend to my countrymen is, to draw such reHections from
the will. their situation as will confirm their minds in that manly
t 1 Blackstont, 161. noble fortitude so absolutely necessary for the maintenance
t Edicts cannot so bend the common acnse of human nature. « Lord North's Speech.
415 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JUNE, 1774. 416

of those inestimable privileges for which they are now con- That the Act of Parliament for blocking up the port
tendinsc. The man who fears difficulties arising from the and harbour of Boston, is an invasion of the rights of the
defence of freedom, is unworthy of freedom. God has inhabitants of the said town, as subjects of the Crown of
given the right and the means of asserting it. may We Great Britain.
reasonably expect his gracious assistance in the reasonable That it is the opinion of the inhabitants of this meeting,
employment of those means. To look for miracles while that the most proper and effectual means to be used to
we abusively neglect the powers afforded us by divine obtain a rej>eal of the said Act, will be to put an immediate
goodness, is not only stupid, but cruninal. are yet We stop to all imports and exports to and from Great Britain,
free —
let us think like freemen. imtil the same Act be repealed.
In the last place, I beg to offer some observations con- That the traders and inhabitants of this town will join
cerning the measures that may be most expedient in the and concur with the patriotic merchants, manufacturers,
present emergency. Other Nations have contended in tradesmen, and freeholders of the City and County of
blood for their liberty, and have judged the jewel worth Philadelphia, and other parts of the Province, in an Asso-
the price that was paid for it. These Colonies are not ciation of solemn agreement to this purpose, if the same
reduced to the dreadful necessity. So dependent is Great shall be by them thought necessary.
Britain on us for supplies that Heaven seems to have That Edward Shippen, Esquire, George Ross, Esquire,
placed in our hands means of an effectual, yet peaceable Jasper Yeates, Esquire, Matthias Slough, Esquire, James
resistance, if we have sense and integrity to make a proper Webh, Esquire, William Atlee, Esquire, William Henry,
use of them. A general agreement between these Colo- Esquire, Mr. Ludwick Lauman, Mr. William Bailsman,
nies of non-importation and non-exportation, faithfully and Mr. Charles Hall, be a Committee to correspond
observed, would certainly be attended with success. But with the General Committee at Philadelphia.
is it now proper to enter into such an agreement ? Let us That these sentiments be immediately forwarded to the
consider that we are contending with our ancient, venerable Committee of Correspondence at Philadelphia.
and beloved parent country. Let us treat her with all Signed by order of the said Committee, ^

possible respect and reverence.* Though the rulers tliere Eberhart Michael, Clerk.
have had no compassion upon us, let us have compassion
on the people of that Kingdom. And if, to give weight
to our supplications, and to obtain relief for our suffering RHODE-ISLAND RESOLUTIONS.
brethren, it shall be judged necessary to lay ourselves At Assembly of the Governour and Com-
the General
under some restrictions with regard to our imports and pany of the English Colony of Rhode-Island and Provi-
exports, let it be done with tenderness, so as to convince dence Plantations, in New-England, in America, begun and
our brethren in Great Britain of the importance of a holden by adjournment at Newport, within and for the
connection and hannony between them and us, and the said Colony, on the second Monday in June, in the year
danger of driving us into despair. Their true interests, of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four,
and our own, are the same ; nor would we admit any and in the fourteenth year of the reign of his most sacred
notion of a distinction till we know their resolution to be Majesty, George the Third, by the grace of God, King of
unalterably hostile. Great Britain, and so forth.*
In the mean time, let us pursue the most proper Tliis Assembly taking into their most serious considera-
methods for collecting the sentiments of all the British tion several Acts of the British Parliament for levying
Colonies in North America on the present situation of taxes upon his Majesty's subjects in America, witliout
affairs, the first apprehended, to which atten-
point, it is their consent and particularly an Act lately passed for
;

tion should be paid. This may be effected various ways. blocking up the port of Boston ; which Act, even upon the
The Assemblies that may have opportunity of meeting, supposition, that the people ol' Boston had justly deserved
may appoint Deputies to attend a general Congress, at punishment, is scarcely to be paralleled in history for the
such time and place as shall be agreed on. Where severity of the vengeance executed upon them ; and also
Assemblies cannot meet, such of the people as are quah- considering to what a deplorable state this and all the other
fied by law to vote in election of Representatives, may Colonies are reduced, when, by an Act of Parliament, in
meet and appoint, or may request their Representatives to which the subjects of America have not a single voice,
meet and appoint. and without being heard, they may be divested of property,
When the inhabitants of this extended Continent and deprived of liberty do, upon mature deliberation,
;

observe that regular measures are prosecuted for re-eslab- Resolve 1st. That it is the opinion of this Assembly
lishing harmony between Great Britain and these Colo- that a firm and inviolable union of all the Colonies, in
nies, their minds will grow more calm. Prospects of counsels and measures, is absolutely necessary for the pre-
accommodation, it is hoped, will engage them patiently servation of their rights and liberties ; and that, for that
and peaceably to attend tiie result of the public Councils, purpose, a Convention of Representatives from all the
and such applications as, by the joint sense of America, Colonies ought to be holden in some suitable place, as
may be judged proper to be made to his Majesty and both soon as may be, in order to consult upon proper measures
Houses of Parliament. to obtain a repeal of the said Acts, and to establish the
" Better is a little with righteousness, than great reve- rights and liberties of the Colonies upon a just and solid
" nues without right." foundation.
2d. That the Honourable Stephen Hopkins, and the
Honourable Samuel Ward, Esqrs., be, and they are hereby
LAKCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) RESOLUTIONS. appointed by this Assembly to represent the people of this
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Colony, in a general Congress of Representatives from the
Lancaster, at the Court House in said Borough, on JVed- other Colonies, at such time and place as shall be agreed
nesday, the 15th day oi June, MIA. upon by the major part of the Committees appointed, or
Agreed, That to preserve the constitutional rights of to be appointed by the Colonies in general.
the inhabitants of America, it is incumbent on every Colony 3d. That they consult and advise with the Representa-
to unite, and use the most effectual means to procure a tives of the other Colonies who shall meet in such Con-
repeal of the late Acts of Parliament against the town of gress, upon a loyal and dutiful petition and remonstrance
Boston. to be presented to his Majesty, as the united voice of his
faithful subjects in America, setting foitli the grievances
* " By justice
(saith tho Scriiiture) the Tlirono is established,' and
they labour under, and praying his gracious interposition
'

'
by Nation shall be exalted.' I roseinl>le justice to Ifebu-
justice a
rhadnezzar's tree, shading not only tho palace of the King, and tho for their relief. And that in case a major part of the Re-
house of nobles, but sheltering also the cottage of the poorest beggar. presentatives of all the Colonies shall agree upon such
Wherefo-e, if now the blast of indignation hath so bruised any of the petition and remonstrance, they be empowered to sign the
branches of this tree, that either our persons, or goods, or possessions,
have not the same shelter as before, let us not, therefore, neglect the same in behalf of this Colony.
root of this great tree but rather, with all our possible means, endeav.
;

ours, and unfeigned duties, both apply fresh and fertile mould unto it, * at the Court House in Newport, on Monday,
The Assembly met
and also water it even with tears, that so those bruised branches may JuH(! 13, 1774 and on Wednesday ;i(]opled these Resolutions, which
;

hf recovered, and the whole tree prosper again and flourish." Mr. passed unanimously, except one, to which there were only two or three
Ckeskeld's Speech in the Parliament that met in 1727. dissentients.
417 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &cc., JUNE, 1774. 418

4tli. That they also consult upon all such reasonable imported now, or hereafter to be imported, except salt-
and lawful measures as may be expedient for the Colonies, petre, sjjices, and medicinical drugs.
in an united manner, to pursue in order to procure a redress 7th. That it is the opinion of this meeting, that Com-
of their grievances, and to ascertain and establish their mittees ought to be appointed for the purpose of effecting
rights and liberties. a general Association, that the same measures may be
5tii. That they also endeavour to procure a regular an- pursued through the whole Continent that the Commit- ;

nual Convention of Representatives from all the Colonies, tees ought to correspond with each other, and to meet at
to consider of proper means for the preservation of the such places and times as shall be agreed, in order to form
rights and liberties of all the Colonies. such general Association and that when the same shall be
;

6th. That the Speaker of the lower House transmit as formed and agreed on by the several Committees, we will
soon as may be, copies of these Resolutions to the present strictly adhere to, and till the general sense of the Conti-
or late Speakers of the respective Houses of Represent- nent shall be known, we do pledge ourselves to each other,
atives of all the British Colonies upon the Continent. and to our country, that we will inviolably adhere to the
Henkv Wakd, Secretary. vote of this day.
Voted, That the Reverend Peter Mecklenbcrg, Francis
Slaughter, Abraham Bird, Taverner Beale, John Tipton,
WOODSTOCK (Virginia) resolutions. and Abraham Bowman, be appointed a Committee for the
purpose aforesaid and that they or any three of them are
;

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants

hereby fully empowered to act.
of the County of Dunmore, held at the town of Woodstock,
the 16th day of June, 1774, to consider the best mode to
be fallen upon and properties and
to secure their liberties ;
the BRITISH AMERICAN, NO. IV.
also to prevent the dangerous tendency of an Act of Parlia- Williiunsburg, Va., June 16, 1774.
ment, passed in the fourteenth year of his present Majesty's
Friends, Fellow-citizens, and Countrymen:
reign, entitled, " An Act to discontinue in such manner and
" for such time as is therein mentioned the landing and dis- Having, under the above signature, formerly addressed
three letters to you, upon the long litigated right of the
" charging, lading or shipping of goods, wares, and merchan-
British Parliament to tax the American Colonies, which
" dise, at the town and within the harbour of Boston, in the
" Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in North America," were not ill received by the public, I intend through tlie
channel of this paper, to give my sentiments of what ought
evidently has to invade and deprive us of the same.
to be the conduct of the inhabitants of British America
The Reverend Peter Mecklenberc, Moderator. in the present alarming state of affairs and I think it more
;

A Committee, of the following gentlemen, viz the : peculiarly my duty to do so at this time, because, (though
Reverend Peter MecJclenberg, Francis Slaughter, Abra- one of the Representatives of the Colony of Virginia,) I
ham Bird, Taverner Beale, John Tipton, and Abraham did not attend the last session of the Assembly indeed, ;

Bowman, were appointed to draw up Resolves suitable to as I live a very retired life, a great distance from ffilliams-
the same occasion, who, withdrawing for a short time, burg, I did not hear of the Act of Parliament relative to
returned with the following votes, which had been Boston, till after the Assembly was dissolved but I urge ;

previously agreed to and voted by the freeholders and not this in justification, nor even in palliation of my offence,
inhabitants of the County of Frederick. since nothing can excuse a Representative of the people
1st. That we will always cheerfully pay due submission from constantly attending in Assembly ; and, as I neither
to such Acts of Government, as his Majesty has a right, expect, or shall attempt, to be chosen again, I take this,
by law, to exercise over his subjects, as Sovereign to the as the only method left me, of atoning to my country for
British Dominions, and to such only. having neglected my duty.
2d. That it is the inherent right of British subjects to In the course of these letters, after explaining what the
be governed and taxed by Representatives chosen by real excellence of the Constitution, (so far as relates to the
themselves only; and that every Act of the British real excellence of the legislation) formerly was after ;

Parliament respecting the internal policy of North Ameri- pointing out how far, and by what means, that Constitu-
ca, is a dangerous and unconstitutional invasion of our tion hath been altered, and that excellence almost annihil-
rights and privileges. ated and after considering the connections between the
;

.3d. That the Act of Parliament above mentioned, is not Colonies and the mother country, I shall endeavour to
only itself repugnant to the fundamental laws of natural prove that it would be really injurious for Great Britain
justice, in condemning persons for supposed crime, unheard; to enforce, or for the Colonies to submit to, the authority
but, also, a despotic exertion of unconstitutional power, of British Acts of Parliament in America.
calculated to enslave a free and loyal people. That the first aim of America ought to be to prevent, if
4th. That the enforcing the execution of the said Act possible. Great Britain from sinking, which by an unani-
of Parliament by a military power, will have a necessary mously, loyal, cool, steady, and intrepid conduct, which I
tendency to raise a civil war, thereby dissolving that union shall endeavour to point out, it is possible for her to effect.
which has so long happily subsisted between the mother But if the utmost exertion of her virtue should not enable
country and her Colonies and that we will most heartily
; her to accomplish this ever to be wished for end; and
and unanimously concur with our suffering brethren of Great Britain is in so corrupt a state that she must fall,
Boston, and every other part of North America, that may that America must take care not to fall with her but by ;

be the immediate victims of tyranny, in promoting all preserving her own liberty, prepare an asylum for such of
proper measures to avert such dreadful calamities to ; the inhabitants of the mother country as still retain a love
procure a redress of our grievances, and to secure our of liberty, or possess a desire of being free.
common liberties. Having thus given a general idea of the subject intended
is the unanimous opinion of this meeting, that
5th. It to be pursued in my future letters to my countrymen in
a joint resolution of all the Colonies, to stop all importa- general, I shall conclude this, with some advice to my
tions from Great Britain, and exportations to it, till the fellow-citizens, of Virginia in particular. Do not enter
said Act be repealed, will prove the salvation of North into any hasty resolves, that you yourselves upon deliber-
America and her liberties on the other hand, if they
; ation ; remember that coolness is
condemn the true charac-
continue their imports and exports, there is the greatest of an intrepid spirit.
teristic However you may be dis-
reason to fear that power and the most odious oppression pleased with the conduct of your late Representatives,
will rise triumphant over right, justice, social happiness, keep your resentment to yourselves. Remember that the
and freedom. best of men may be sometimes mistaken that this is not ;

6th. That the East India Comi)any, those servile tools a time to entertain jealousies, or create dissensions amongst
of arbitrary ]iower, have justly forfeited the esteem and ourselves ; and that to irritate by reproachful language will
regard of all honest men and that the better to manifest
; never reform. Reflect that the merchants and manufac-
our abhorrence of such abject compliances with the will of turers of Great Britain are our fellow-subjects that they ;

a venal Ministry, in ministering ail in their power an probably disapprove the conduct of the British Parliament
increase of the fund of peculation, we will not purchase as much as we do ; that they are possibly warm in our
tea, or any other kind of East India connnodities, either interests at this moment, and if not, that they are at least

Foi'RTH Series. 27
419 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 420

entitled to justice at our hands ; and that, however, discre- that they have rnade all revenue causes triable without
tion ought to prevent us from increasing, common honesty jury, and under the decision of a dependent party Judge;
ought to induce us to discliarge, as soon as possible, the that they have taken from the Assemblies all freedom of
debts we have already contracted that to stop the export-
;
debate and determination, in the instance of suspending
ation of our commodities would be so injurious to your- the Legislative power of New- York ; that they have
selves, that you ought not to risk it till every other extended the obsolete and arbitrary Act of thirty-five Henry
measure has been tried without success and reserve this ; the Eighth, for trial of treason and misprison of treason, to
as your dernier resort but above all things, be careful that
; the depriving the subjects of a lair trial in the proper country,
your honest indignation against the two Houses of the and exposing him to the most grievous exertions of tyranny
British Parliament does not hurry you into any indiscreet and injustice that they have maintained a standing army
;

expressions against, or corrupt your loyalty to, your in time of peace, above tiie controul of civil authority and ;

Sovereign, tliough you owe no obedience to the British that they have not only declared \\:.i they can make laws
Parliament, two branches of it being only your fellow-sub- to bind us in all cases whatsoever, but, to Crown all, have
jects, and not your masters yet to your King you have
;
actually dejnived the great and lately flourishing town of
sworn allegiance his amiable private character entitles
; Boston, of all trade whatsoever, by shutting up their port
him to ) our highest reverence and esteem; his political and harbour with a formidable fleet and army and, it is ;

character as a Sovereign of the Empire in general, and as not doubted, have new-moulded the Charter of the Pro-
supreme head of this Colony in particular, ought to induce vince of the Massachusetts Bay ; and virtually indemni-
you to give him every mark of your warmest loyalty, and fied all officers of the customs, the navy and army, and
most zealous affection to his person. Wait therefore with others acting by their command, from all inurders and
patience my fellow-citizens a few weeks longer. other crimes which they may commit upon the loyal, brave
The expiration of the Fee Bill, by the sudden dissolu- and free people of that Province. These are no phantoms
tion of the Assembly, must shut up the Courts of Justice. arising fiom a heated brain, but real facts, not exagger-
No Sheriff is obliged to serve any process, since under a ated.
positive Act of Assembly, he can no longer receive any It is impossible that any people, impressed with the
reward and neglect of duty can no longer be punished,
; least sense of constitutional liberty, should ever patiently
when the equivalent for that duty is taken away ; the inva- submit, to these enormous grievances, and accordingly we
sion of the Indian enemy the immense debt due from the
;
find our brethren and fellow-subjects in most of the Colo-
public ; and the scarcity of a circulating currency amongst nies are deliberating and resolving upon such measures as
you, are ciicumstances which will probably induce the are thought to be most likely to recover our lost rights and
Governour to call an Assembly immediately. If he should privileges.
be careful in the choice of your Representatives, instruct Shall the people of this large and wealthy county,
them fully how they are to conduct themselves rely seri- ; heretofore the foremost on many occasions, particularly in
ously on their virtue, and expect a constitutional redress the time of the detestable Stamp Act, to oppose all
of your grievances nothing but necessity can justify any
; attempts to deprive them of their personal security and
other. But if the Governour should be restrained by the private property, be now inactive and silent ? Forbid it
instructions of a wicked Minister from relieving the dis- liberty, lethumanity forbid it.
tresses of the Colony by calling an Assembly immediately, You therefore most earnestly requested to meet
are
and writs should not be issued for that purpose before the together at the Court House, in the town o{ New-Castle, on
first day of Jidij, I would then advise the freeholders of Wednesday, the 29th inst., at two o'clock in the afternoon,
each county in the Colony to convene themselves, and to consider of the most proper mode of procuring relief for
choose two of the most able and discreet of their inhabit- our dear countrymen, and brethren of Boston, the redress-
ants to accompany and assist tlieir late Representatives at ing the befbrementioned grievance, the restoring and secur-
the meeting in Williamsburg, on the first day of August ing our invaded property and expiring liberties and estab- —
and let the whole Colony unanimously support whatever lishing, on a constitutional bottom, the wonted, and by us
may be then resolved upon. so much desired, peace, friendship, and love between Great
I do not advise this election of two additional Represent- Britain and these Colonies. It is expected that none

atives of each county, because 1 entertain the smallest who have a due regard to their country, posterity, or them-
doubt of the integrity, zeal, or abilities of the late Repre- selves, will be absent. A Fbeeman.
sentatives to serve their country on the other hand, I ; June 17, 1774.
am certain, that a very great majority of the late Assembly
may be firmly relied on but the increase of their numbers
;

will add weight to their counsels, and convince both our EASTHAMPTON (sUFFOLK CO. NEW-YORk) RESOLUTIONS.
friends and enemies that tiie Colony of Virginia is so
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Easi-
unanimously firm in the common cause of America, that
hamjjton, in the County of Suffolk, legally warned by
no dissolution of your Assembly or change of Represent-
the Trustees of said town, the 17th of June, 1774.
atives, can furnish in future, the smallest hopes of your
giving up your liberty, or of your submitting to the arbi- Eleazer Miller, Esq., Moderator.
trary mandates of a British Parliament. 1st. we will, to the utmost of our
Voted, That abilities,
assert, and manner defend, the liberties and
in a lawful
immunities of British America ; that we will co-operate
Williamsburg, Virginia, June 17, 1774. with our brethren in this Colony in such measures as shall,
His Excellency the Governour, with the advice of his from time to time, appear to us the most proper, and the
Majesty's Council, was this day pleased to order writs to iaest adajned to save us from the burthens we fear, and in
issue for the election of a new Assembly, which is to meet a measure already feel, from die principles adopted by the

on the 11 til of August. British Parliament respcciint; the town of Boston in par-
ticular, and the British Colonies in North America in
general.
2d. Voted, That a non-importation agreement through
To the Gentlemen, Freeholders,and others, in the County
the Colonies is the most likely means to save us from the
q/" New-Castle, upon Dei^aware, who have a vote in
j)resent and further troubles.
the election of Representatives in General Assembly.
3d. Voted, That John Chatfeld, Esq., Colonel Abra-
The several Acts of Parliament made for these ten ham Gardiner, Burnet Miller, Stephen Hedges, Thomas
years last past, relating to the British Colonies in North fi'irkham, E^q.. John Gardiner, Esq., and Captain David
America, and their operations upon the property, liberty Mulford, be a Standing Committee Icir keeping up a Cor-
and lives of the good people of this country, are two well respondence with the City oi New- York, and the towns of
known, and too severely felt, to require any enumer- tills Colony and, if there is occasion, with other Colonies
;

—
;

ation or explanation suffice it to mention, that they have and that they transmit a copy of these votes to the Com-
taken away the property of the Colonists without their mittee of Correspondence for the ('ity of New-York.
participation or consent have introduced the
; that they Voted unanimously, not one contrary vote.
odious and arbitrary power of excise into the customs Burnet Miller, Toivn Clerk.
421 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 422
MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, but his Excellency the Governour declined his consent to
The Honourable House of Representatives of this
late the same. Wherefore this House would recommend, and
Province, having finished all the ordinary public business they do accordingly hereby recommend to the several
of importance that had been before them, on Friday, June towns and districts within this Province, that each town
17, 1774, came into the following Resolutions present, and district raise, collect and pay, to the Honourable
;

one hundred and twenty-nine members, and only twelve Thomas Cushing, Esquire, of Boston, the sum of five
dissentients,* viz hundred pounds, by the fifteenth day of August next,
agreeable to a list herewith exhibited, being each town
In the House of Representatives, June 17, 1774. and district's proportion of said sum, according to the last
This House having duly considered, and being deeply Province tax, to enable them to discharge the important
affected with the unhappy differences wiiich have long trust to which they are appointed ; they, upon their return,
subsisted, and are increasing, between Great Britain and to be accountable for the same.
the American Colonies, do resolve, that a meeting of
Committees, from the several Colonies on this Continent is Whereas the towns of Boston and Charlestown are at
highly expedient and necessary, to consult upon the present this time suffering under the hand of power, by the shut-
state of the Colonies, and the miseries, to which they ting the harbour by an armed force, which, in the opinion
are, and must be reduced, by the operation of certain of this House, is an invasion of the said towns, evidently
Acts of Parliament respecting America ; and to deliberate designed to compel the inhabitants thereof to a submission
and determine upon wise and proper measures to be by to taxes imposed upon them without their consent. And
them recommended to all the Colonies, for the recovery whereas it appears to this House, that this attack upon the
and establishment of their just rights and liberties, civil and said towns, for the purpose aforesaid, is an attack made
religious, and the restoration of union and harmony be- upon this whole Province and Continent, which threatens
tween Great Britain and the Colonies, most ardently the total destruction of the liberties of British America.
desired by all good men. It is, therefore. Resolved, As the clear opinion of this
Therefore, resolved. That the Honourable James Bow- House, that the inhabitants of the said towns ought to be
doin, Esq., the Honourable Thomas dishing, Esq., Mr. relieved ; and this House do recommend to all, and more
Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, especially to the inhabitants of this Province, to afford
Esquires, be and they are hereby appointed a Committee them speedy and constant relief, in such way and manner
on the part of this Province, for the purposes aforesaid, as shall be most suitable to their circumstances, till the
any three of whom to be a quorum, to meet such Commit- sense and advice of our sister Colonies shall be known.
tees or Delegates from the other Colonies, as have been In full confidence that they will exhibit examples of
or may be appointed, either by their respective Houses of patience, fortitude and perseverance, while they are thus
Burgesses or Representatives, or by Convention, or by the called to endure this oppression for the preservation of the
Committees of Correspondence appointed by the respective liberties of their country.
Houses of Assembly, to meet in the City of Philadelphia,
or any other place that shall be judged most suitable by
Whereas this, and his Majesty's other Colonies in North
the Committee on the first day of September next and ;
America, have long been struggling under the heavy hand
that the Speaker of the House be directed, in a letter to
of power, and our dutiful petitions for the redress of our
the Speakers of the Houses of Burgesses or Representa-
intolerable grievances, have not only been disregarded and
tives in the several Colonies, to inform them of the sub-
frowned upon, but the design totally to alter the free Con-
stance of these resolves.
stitution of civil Government in British America, and
establish arbitrary Governments, and reduce the inhab-
Whereas, this House, taking into consideration the many itants to slavery, appears more and more to be fixed and
distressesand difficulties to which the American Colonies, determined. It is, therefore, strongly recommended by

and this Province in particular, are and njust be reduced this House, to the inhabitants of the Province, that they

by the operation of certain late Acts of Parliament, have renounce altogether the consumption of India teas, and,
determined that it is highly expedient that a Committee as far as in them lies, discontinue the use of all goods and
should be appointed to meet, as soon as may be, the Com- manufactures whatever, that shall be imported from the
mittees that are or shall be appointed by the several Colo- East Indies and Great Britain, until the public grievances
nies on this Continent, to consult together upon the present of Ameiica shall be radically and totally redressed. And
state of the Colonies, and to deliberate and determine it is also further recommended to all, that they give all

upon wise and proper measures to be by them recom- possible encouragement to the manufacturers of America.
mended to all the Colonies for the recovery and establish- And it is moreover strongly recommended to the inhabit-
ment of their just rights and liberties, civil and religious, ants aforesaid, that they use their utmost endeavours to
and the restoration of that union and harmony between suppress pedlars and petty chapmen, (who are of late
Great Britain and the Colonies, most ardently desired by become a very great nuisance,) by putting in execution
all good men. And the Honourable James Bowdoin, the good and wholesome laws of this Province for that
Rsquire, the Honourable Thomas Cushing, Esquire, Mr. jmrpose.
Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine,
Esquires, are appointed a Committee on the part of this June 17, 1774. His Excellency the Governour, having
Province, for the purposes aforesaid any three of whom
;
directed the Secretary to acquaint the two Houses that it
to be a quorum, to meet such Committees or Delegates was his pleasure the General Assembly should be dis-
from tiie other Colonies as have been or may be appointed, solved, and to declare the same dissolved accordingly, the
either by their respective Houses of Burgesses or Repre- Secretary went to the Court House, and finding the door
sentatives, or by Convention, or by Committees of Cor- of the Representatives Chamber locked, directed the
respondence appointed by the respective Houses of Messenger to go in and acquaint the Speaker that the
Assembly, to meet in the City of Philadelphia, or any Secretary had a Message from his Excellency to the
other place that shall be judged most suitable by the joint Honourable House, and desire he might be admitted to
Committees, on the first day of September next. And deliver it. The Messenger returned, and said he had
whereas this House did resolve, that there be paid to said acquainted the Speaker therewith, who mentioned it to the
Committee, out of the public Treasury, the sum of five House, and their orders were to keep the door fast.
hundred pounds, to enable them to discharge the import- Whereupon the following Proclamation was published
ant trust to which they are appointed ; they, upon their on the stairs leading to the Representatives Chamber, in
return, to be accountable for the same. And said Resolve presence of several members of the House, and a great
was sent up to the Honourable Board for their concurrence, number of other persons, and immediately after in Council
who accordingly concurred in the Resolve of the House ;
PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
» The following
the gentlemen who
is said to be a true list of the names of eleven of
voted AfiAiNST a Congress tlie remaining one is at
;
By the Governour. —A Proclamation for Dissolving
present uncertain— Colonel Worlhington, Colonel Murray, Colonel
the General Court.
Jo7>es, Major Ingersol, David Thatcher, Esq., Aliijah White, Esq., the House of Representa-
Whereas the proceedings of
Colonel Bacon, Colonel Day, Captain Hayward, of Easton, Mr. Sam-
vtl Field, and Barnabaa Freeman. tives, in the present session of the General Court, make it
423 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 424

necessary for his Majesty's service that the said General Voted, unanimously, That our wannest thanks be trans-
Court should be dissolved : mitted to our brethren on the Continent, for that humanity,
I have, therefore, thought fit to dissolve the said General sympathy and affection with which they have been inspired,
Court, and the same is herehy dissolved accordingly, and and which they have expressed towards this distressed
the members thereof are discharged from any further town at this important season.
attendance. Voted, unanimously, That the thanks of this town be,
Given under my hand, at Sale/n, the 17th day of June, and hereby are, given to the Committee of Correspon-
1774, in the fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign. dence, for their faithfulness in the discharge of their trust,
T. Gage. and that they be desired to continue their vigilance and
By his Majesty's command, T. Fldcker, Secretari/. activity in that service.
God save the King. Whereas the Overseers of the Poor in the town of
Boston are a body politic, by law constituted for the
reception and distribution of charitable donations for the
BOSTON (Massachusetts) resolutions. use of the poor of the said town.
At a legal and very Meeting of the Freeholders and
full Voted, That all grants and donations to this town, and
other Inhabitants of die town of Boston, by adjournment, the poor thereof, at this distressing season, be paid and
at Faneuil Hall, June 17, 1774. delivered into the hands of said Overseers, and by them
appropriated and distributed, in concert with the Com-
The Honourable John Adams, Esquire, Moderator.
mittee lately appointed by this town for the consideration
Upon a motion made, the town again entered into the
of ways and means of employing the jtoor.
consideration of that article in warrant, viz
the " To
Voted, Tliat the Town Clerk be directed to publish
:

" consider and detennine what measures are to be taken

the proceedings of this meeting in the several newspapers.
" on the present exigency of our public affairs, more
The meeting was then adjourned to Monday, the 27th
" especially relative to the late edict of a British Parlia-
June, instant. Attest,
" ment for blocking up the harbour of Boston, and anni-
William Cooper, Town Clerk.
" hilating the trade of this town ;" and after very serious
debates thereon,
Voted, (with only one dissentient,*) That the Com-
ADDRESS FROM THE MERCHANTS AND FREEHOLDERS OF
mittee of Correspondence be enjoined forthwith to write
THE TOWN OF SALEM, PRESENTED TO HIS EXCELLENCY
to all the other Colonies, acquainting diem that we are not
GOVERNOUR GAGE, ON SATUHD.tY, JUNE 18, 1774.
idle ;that we are deliberating upon the steps to be taken
on the present exigencies of our public affairs that our ; May it please your Excellency
brethren, the landed interest of Province, with an
this We, who are Merchants and Freeholders in the town
unexampled spirit and unanimity, are entering into a non- of Salem, beg leave to present you our dutiful respects on
consumption agreement, and that we are waiting with your appointment to the Government of this Province.
anxious expectation for the result of a Continental Con- The universal tribute of thanks and applause paid you for
gress, whose meeting we impatiently desire, in whose wis- the wisdom, mildness, and exact regularity of your conduct
dom and firmness we can confide, and in whose determina- in another command, cannot fail to excite the most just
tion we shall cheerfully acquiesce. expectations tliat this Province will enjoy the happy fruits
Agreeably to order, the Committee of Correspondence of your benignity.
laid before thetown such letters as they had received in We are deeply affected with a sense of our public
answer to the circular letters wrote by them to the several calamities but the miseries that are now rapidly hastening
;

Colonies, and also the seaport towns in'this Province, since on our brethren in the capital of the Province greatly excite
the reception of the Boston Port Bill ; and the same our commiseration and we hope your Excellency will use
;

being publicly read,f your endeavours to prevent a further accumulation of evils

• The town meeting waa as full and respectable as ever was known
on that already sorely distressed people.
their unanimity and firmnesg was never exceeded ; not one, thouirh By shutting up the port of Boston some imagine that die
often called ujron, had any thing to offer in favour of paying for the tea, course of trade might be turned hither, and to our benefit
in compliance with the Boston Port Bill ; all appeared disposed to stand
but nature, in the formation of our harbour, forbids our be-
the utmost efforts of tyranny, rather thaji make a free surrender of the
rights of America. The speeches made on the state of American affairs coming rivals in commerce to that convenient mart. And
would do honour to any assembly. were it otherwise, we must be dead to every idea of justice,
The Solemn League and Covenant for a non-consumption of British
lost to all the feelings of humanity, could we indulge one
merchandise, is an axe at the root of the tree by coming into it we
;

establish our own manufactures, save our money, and finally our thought to seize on wealth and raise our fortunes on the
country from the destruction that threatens it. ruin of our suffering neighbours. But so far from receiv-
t Boston, June 20, 1774. The present aspect of public affairs is ing a benefit, we are greatly injured by the shutting up the
highly favourable to the liberties of America ; the whole Continent
seems inspired by one
harbour of Boston, as it deprives us of a market for much
soul, and that soul a vigorous and determined
one. Virginia is all in motion ; and Maryland lias made amazing pro- the largest part of our We.-t India imports; and there is
gress for the short space since they have taken this fresh alarm from not a town in the Province but will feel the ill effects of it.
the Boston Port Bill. Meetings of towns, counties, and by Delegates
of the whole Province, either nave been held, or are going rapidly on.
Permit us then, sir, to apply to your clemency and justice
Besides the doings of Annapolis and Baltimore, those of Chester are to afford us every alleviation in your power, and to pro-
deserving of our warmest acknowledgments. Subscription papers cure for us every possible relief from this extensive mis-
have been set on foot in that county, and considerable sums already
chief.
subscribed for the relief of our poor in this devoted town. Philadel-
phia is following the generous example, as well as the Jersies, New- W^e account it the greatest unhappiness that this Pro-
York and Connecticut. New-Jersey is very forward, and are on the vince, which has ever been foremost in loyalty to the
point of choosing their Deputies for the Congress by a very regular
method, viz : Of meeting in towns and neighbourhoods, sending Dopu.
—
Kings of Britain in its efforts to defend their Territories
ties from those meetings to county meetings, and others from those to —
and enlarge their Dominions should be the first to feel
a Provincial one. Committees of Correspondence are not now confined our Sovereign's severest displeasure. Our fathers fled from
to the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Ix>rd North's Administration
oppression, braved every danger, and here began a settle-
is become so important that nearly every subject of the Empire feels
himself deeply interested in it, and insists upon being acquainted with ment on bare creation. Almost incredible are the fatigues
the very minutia of all liis plans. and difficulties they encountered to subdue a dreary wilder-
The zeal, firmness and unanimity of our late House of Ropresonta.
ness filled with savage beasts, and yet more savage men
tivos, and the steady support they received from the Honourable his ;

Majesty's Council, does honour to the good sense and patriotism of the but by their invincible resolution they rose superior to them
parties, who at this trying season committed the conservation of their all; and by their astonishing efforts greatly fiicilitated the
inestimable, and now mucii endangered riglits, into such worthy hands.
settlement of the other British Colonies in America. Yet,
Some exceptions wo must allow there have been ; but ignorance, ambi.
tion for the fancied honours of commissions, civil and military, and sir, we speak it with grief, the sons arc ciiecked and dis-
rank cowardice respecting the event of contending to blood for our honoured for exhibiting proofs of their inheriting some
rights, daily giving way to the better information abounding through
portion of that spirit which, in their fathers, produced such
all ranks of people, afford us the comfortable hope, that in a little timj
our House of Ropresentatives shall emulate that of Virginia, in which astonishing effects.
a gentleman lately from thence says, there was not so much as a luke.
warm member, much less a dissentient from the cause of his country.
A happy union with Great Britain is the wish of all

the Colonies. It is their unspeakable grief that it has in

We hear that the patriotic inhabitants of Philadelphia have gener-
ously voted to give the poor of this town fifteen hundred barrels of any degree been interrupted. We earnestly desire to
flour, five hundred of which, it is laid, may be soon expected. repair the breach. We ardently pray that harmony may
425 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JUNE, 1774. 426
be restored. And for these ends, every measure compat- 5th. That it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting,
ible with the dignity and safety of British subjects we shall that the Courts of Justice be kept open but should a non-
;

gladly adopt. exportation agreement be generally come into, in that case

We assure your Excellency we shall make it our con- it is the opinion of this meeting
that the Courts of Justice
stant endeavour to preserve the peace and promote the be shut up.
welfare of the Province and hereby we shall best advance
; 6th. That it is the opinion of the inhabitants of this
the interest of our Sovereign. county, that this Province ought to break off all trade and
In these times the Administration of Government nmst dealings with that Colony, Province, or town, which shall
be peculiarly arduous and difficult but youre we wish may
; refuse or decline to come into similar resolutions with a
be as easy as the nature of things will possibly admit, and majority of the Colonies.
the event happy and that your public labours may be
; 7th. That it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting,
crowned with the noblest reward, the voluntary, disinter- that delegates be appointed from this Province to attend \
ested applause of a whole free people. General Congress of Delegates from the other Colonies,
Signed by one hundred and twenty-five persons. at such time and place as shall be agreed on, in order to
settle and establish a general plan of conduct for the im-
HIS excellency's answer. portant purpose aforementioned.
Gentlemen I thank you for the obliging expressions
:
8th. That Thomas White, William Richardson, Isaac
towards me, contained in your Address, and be assured it Bradly, Nathaniel Potter, Benson Stainton, and Thomas
will always afford me sincere pleasure to be of use to Goldsborough, be a Committee to attend a general meeting
the inhabitants of this town, or any individuals in the Pro- at Annapolis. And that the same gentlemen, togetlier
vince. with Charles Dickinson, Richard Mason, Joshua Clark,
I feel, as well as you, the inconveniences that the inhab- Henry Dickinson, Dr. William Molleson, Charles Blair,
itants must suffer from shutting up the port of Boston William Haskins, Philip Fidernan, William Hopper, the
and should be glad they would co-operate with my endea- Reverend Mr. Samuel Keene, the Reverend Mr. Philip
vours to extricate themselves from them but, without their ;
Walker, Henry Casson, and Benedict Brice, be a Com-
assistance, I can take no step towards their relief; I am mittee of Correspondence to receive and answer all letters,
sorry that the people of that capital should have given such and, on any emergency, to call a general meeting, and
repeated provocations to the King and the British Nation, that any seven of the number have power to act.

as to force them to take the present measures in support 9th. That this paper be considered as an instruction to
of their autiiority. Great Britain is equally desirous as the Deputies nominated for this county to meet at the City
yourselves of a happy union with this, as well as every of Annapolis for the purpose of forming a general Asso-
other Colony, and inheriting the spirit of her ancestors, ciation, in which they are not to come into any engage-

finds it necessary to support her rights, as the supreme ment whatever, but upon condition that the Colonies in
head of her extended Empire. She strives not to check general shall come into a similar measure.
that spirit which you say you inherit from your fathers, 10th. That a copy of these proceedings be published in
but to inculcate that due obedience to the King, in his the Maryland Gazette, to evince to the world the sense
Parliament, which your fathers acknowledged. they entertain of the invasion of their constitutional rights
Salem, June 18, 1774. and liberties. Signed per order,
Henry Downs, Jun., Cleric.

CAROLINE COUNTY (maRYLANd) RESOLUTIONS.

CITY AND county OF PHILADELPHIA (PA.) RESOLUTIONS.
At a very Meeting of respectable Inhabitants of
full

Caroline County, at MelvilVs Warehouse, on Saturday, At a very large and respectable Meeting of the Free-
the 18th day of June, 111 A, by adjournment from Wed- holders and Freemen of the City and County of Philadel-
netday, the 8th of the same month. phia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, held on Saturday,
Charles Dickinson, Esq., in the Chair. June 18, 1774.
Resolved, That the inhabitants of this county are
1st. T. Willing, and John Dickinson, Esqs., Chairmen.
by duty and inclination firmly attached to his most sacred Resolved, 1st. That the Act of Parliament for shutting
Majesty King George the Third, to whom they owe all due up the port of Boston, is unconstitutional, oppressive to
obedience and allegiance. the inhabitants of that town, dangerous to the liberties of
2d. That it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting, the British Colonies, and that, therefore, we consider our
that the Boston Port Act is principally grounded on the brethren at Boston as suffering in the common cause of
opposition made by the inhabitants of that town to the America.
Tea Duty that the said town of Boston is now suffering
; 2d. That a Congress of Deputies from the several
in the common cause of British America, and that it is Colonies in North America, is the most probable and pro-
the duty of every Colony thereof, to unite in the most per mode of procuring relief for our suffering brethren,
effectual means to obtain a repeal of the late Act of Parlia- obtaining redress of American grievances, securing our
ment for shutting up the port of Boston. rights and liberties, and re-establishing peace and harmony
3d. That it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting, between Great Britain and these Colonies, on a constitu-
that if the Colonies come into a joint resolution to forbear tional foundation.
all importations whatsoever from Great Britain, (except 3d. That a and respectable Committee be imme-
large
such articles as are absolutely necessary,) until the Acts of diately appointed for the City and County of Philadelphia,
Parliament for shutting up the port of Boston, and for levy- to correspond with the sister Colonies, and with the several
ing a duty on America, for the express purpose of raising a counties in this Province, in order that all may unite in pro-
revenue, shall be repealed, it will be the means of preserv- moting and endeavouring to attain the great and valuable
ing the liberties of North America. ends mentioned in the foregoing resolution.
Resolved, therefore. That the inhabitants of this county 4th. That the Committee nominated by this meeting
are disposed firmly to unite with tlie inhabitants of this Pro- shall consult together, and, on mature deliberation, deter-
vince and the other Colonies in North America, in an mine, what is the most proper mode of collecting the sense
Association and agreement to forbear the importation of all of this Province, and appointing Deputies for the same to
manner of goods and merchandise from Great Britain, attend a general Congress and having determined there-
;

during the continuance of the said Acts of Parliament, upon, shall take such measures, as by them shall be judged
(except such as may be judged proper to be excepted by most expedient for procuring this Province to be repre-
a general Association,) and that all orders for importation sented at the said Congress, in the best manner that can
(except for articles before excepted) ought to cease. be devised promoting the public welfare.
for
4th. That it is against the opinion of this meeting that 5th. That Committee be instructed immediately to
tlie

the Colonies go into a general non-importation from, or set on foot a subscription for the relief of such poor inhab-
non-exportation to Great Brtiain, but should both or itants of the town of Boston, as may be deprived of the
either of these measures be adopted, they will acquiesce means of subsistence by the operation of the Act of Par-
therein. liament, commonly styled the Boston Port Bill, the money
427 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tc, JUNE, 1774. 428

arising from sucli subscription to be laid out as the Com- or hissing and that if any division should be necessary,
:

mitieee think will best answer the ends proposed.

sb.'ill (which it is hoped may not be case this day,) such division
6th. That the Committee consist of forty-four persons, may be made in a manner desired by the Chairmen, and
viz: John Dickinson, James Femberton, Edivard Pen- with all possible order and decorum.
nington, John Nixon, Thomas IVilling, George Clymer,
Samuel Howell, Joseph Bead, John Roberts, (miller,)
Thomas IVhartoii, Jtm., Charles Thomson, Jacob Barge, CHESTER COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) RESOLUTIONS.
Thomas Barclai/, William Bush, Robert Smith, (carpen- At a Meeting of a respectable body of the Freeholders,
ter,) Thomas Fitzimons, George Boherts, Samuel Krvin, inhabitants of the County of Chester, on Saturday, the 18th
Thomas Mifflin, John Cox, George Gray, Bobcrt Morris, of June, 1774, the following Resolutions were deliberately
Samuel Miles, John M. Ncsbit, Feter Chevalier, IVilliam and unanimously agreed on, viz :
Moulder, Joseph Moulder, Anthony Morris, Jun., John 1. That it is an absolute right, inherent in every English
Allen, Jeremiah Warder, Jun., Reverend Dr. William subject, to have the free use, enjoyment, and disposal of
Smith, Faul Engle, Thomas Fenrose, James Mease, all Idsproperty either by himself or Representatives ; and
Benjamin Marshall, Beuben Haines, John Bayard, Jona- that no other power on earth can legally divest him of it.
than B. Smith, Thomas Wharton, Isaac Howell, Michael 2. That we apprehend the Act of Parliament for
Hillcgas, Adam Hubley, George Schloffer, and Christo- shutting up the port of Boston, (until his Majesty's duties
pher Ludwick, to whose approved integrity, abilities, and be duly collected, &c.,) is highly arbitrary and oppressive
sincere affection for the interest of this immense Empire, to the inhabitants of that town, and in its consequences
their constituents look up for the most propitious events. may endanger the liberties of all the British Colonies in
America.
3. That the two Bills mentioned in the last advices
The Speech of the Beverend William Smith, D. D.,
from London to be passing in Parliament, one changing
Provost of (he College at Philadelphia, at the very
the chartered Constitution of the Province of Massachu
numerous Meeting of the Freeholders and Freemen of
setts Bay into a military Government, and the other em-
that City and County, on the I8th of June, previous to
powering the Governour, or Lieutenant Governour to send
the election of the Committee of forty-four very respect-
any person or persons to England to be tried for actions
able and truly patriotic citizens.
committed in that Colony, are subversive of every idea of
Gentlemen: The occasion of this meeting lias been liberty, and serve as a prelude to the fate of each chartered
fully explained to you, and sundry propositions read, which British Colony on this Continent.
are now to be offered separately for your approbation or 4. That a Congress of Deputies from the said Colonies
disapprobation. But before you proceed to business, it is the most probable and proper mode of procuring relief
has been thought proper to submit a few things to your for our suffering brethren obtaining redress, and preserving
;

good judgment with respect to the order and decorum our natural rights and liberties, and the establishing peace
necessary to be observed in the discussion of every question. and mutual confidence between the mother country and
It need not be repeated to you, that matters of the her Colonies on a constitutional foundation.
highest consequence to the happiness of this Province, 5. That we will concur and join with our brethren of
nay, of all British America, depends upon your deliber- the City and County of Philadelphia in desiring the
ations this day —
perhaps nothing less than whether the
breach with the country from which we descended shall be
Speaker of the honourable House of Representatives of
this Province, to write to the several members of Assembly,
irreparably widened, or whether ways and means, upon requesting them to meet in the City of Philadelphia on
constitutional ground, may not yet be devised, for closing any day not later than the first of August next, to take
that breach, and restoring that harmony from which, in our into their serious consideration our very alarming situation ;
better days. Great Britain and her Colonies derived to appoint Deputies to attend at a general Congress for
mutual strength and glory, and were exalted into an import- the Colonies, at such time and place as shall be agreed on.
ance that, both in peace and war, made them the envy As the notice of this meeting was but short, it is agreed
and terror of the neighbouring nations. that a general meeting be fixed on Saturday, the 25th
While subjects such as these are agitated before us, instant, at the dwelling house of Jacob James, at the sign
every thing that may inflame and mislead the passions of the Turk's Head, in Goshen, at one o'clock, P. M., in
should be cast far behind us. order to choose a Committee of Correspondence, and to
A cause of such importance and magnitude, as that now resolve on such other modes or propositions as may be
under our deliberation, is not to be conducted to its true most likely to attain redress of those grievances that the
issue by any heated or hasty resolves, nor by any bitterness Colonies now groan under at which time and place all
;

nor animosities among ourselves, nor even perhaps by too those who are entitled to vote for members of Assembly,
severe a recapitulation of past grievances but requires
;
and wish well to their posterity and American liberty, are
the temperate and enlightened zeal of the patriot, the pru- requested to attend, and give their advice on this alarming
dence and experience of the aged tiie strength of mind
;
crisis.
and vigour of those who are in their prime of life and, in
;

short, the united wisdom and efforts of all, both high and
low, joining hand in hand, and setting foot to foot upon the EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM GOVERNOUR FRANKLIN TO
fiiTn ground of reason and the Constitution.
THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
Whenever party distinctions begin to operate we shall Burlington, June 18, 1774.

give cause of triimiph to those who may be watchful as My Lord I have just received a copy of some resolves
:

well as powerful to abridge us of our native rights. There entered into at a meeting of a number of freeholders and
ought to be no party, no contention here, but who shall be inhabitants of the county of Essex, in this Province, on
firmest and foremost in the common cause of America. Saturday Inst, which I think it my duty to transmit to
Every man's sentiments should be freely heard and without your Lordship. The meeting was occasioned it seems by
prejudice. While we contend for liberty with others, let us an advertisement, requesting the attendance of the inhab-
not refuse liberty to each other. itantson that day, and published in one of the Netc-York
Whatever vote is known to be now passed upon full papers, and signed by two gentlemen of the law. who
deliberation, and by the unanimous voice of this great city reside in that county. I have likewise had an application

and county, will not only be respected througii all America, made to me by some of the meinbers of the House of Rep-
but will have such a weight as the proudest Minister in resentatives, to call a meeting of the General Assembly in
England may have reason to respect but if it is known
; August next, with which I have not, nor shall not comply,
to be a divided vote, or adopted hastily on some angrj' day, as there no public business of the Province which can
is

it will only be injurious to our own cause. make such It seems now determined
a meeting necessary.
—
What I have in charge to request of you is this that if, by several of the leading men, in most, if not all the counties
on any point, we should have a difference of sentiments, in this Province, to endeavour to follow the example of
every person may be allowed to speak his mind freely, and the freeholders in Essex. Meetings of this nature, there
to conclude what he has to offer, witiiout any such out- are no means of preventing, where the chief part of the
ward marks of approbation or disapprobation, as clapping inhabitants incline to attend them. I as yet doubt, how-
429 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 430

ever, whetlier they will agree to the general non-importation ibleof them in a meeting of the Tradesmen, held last
from Great Britain, which has been recommended. WednesUay, ventured to recommend the measure to their
Tiieir principal aim seems to be to bring about a Congress consideration. Some smart altercations ensued, and it

of Deputies from all the Colonies, as proposed by Virginia; clearly appeared, that it was almost an unanimous senti-
and that that Congress should not only ap]ily to his Ma- ment to suffer the last extremities of oppression, rather
jesty for the repeal of the Boston Port Act, but endeavour than the least shadow of concession should be extorted
to fall upon measures for accommodating the present dif- from them. Still more averse were they to making any

ferences between the two countries, wid preventing the proposals to their oppressors.
like in future. On Friday came on the adjourned town meeting, which
was attended by such numbers, that tlie Hall could not
hold them, when to anticipate every pretence of awilHng-
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED AT PHILADELPHIA. ness in the people to pay for the tea, it was observed, that
Fort Pitt, June 19, 1774. as that scheme had been much recommended both by
The 16th instant, a friendly Indian, who had been speaking and writing, it was therefore requested, that if
reconnoitering the woods with Captain AVKee, was fired any gentleman had any thing to offer on the subject, he
upon by one of Conolly's militia, but luckily made his would speak freely, that a matter of such importance might
escape. Tlie same day, Mr. Richard Bulkr, and Mr. be fairly discussed in the presence of the general body
Alexander Blain, two of the principal traders, arrived here of the people. But not a man ventured to appear in
from the Shawane.se towns, with ten canoes loaded with defence of propositions fit only to be whispered in a con-
peltry. They were escorted to this place by three of the clave of addressers, composed of despicable or interested
Shawancse. All the rest of the traders are coming by persons —
though there were among tliem, a few persons
land with near two hundred horses loaded with peltry, and deserving of better company, who had been unhappily
are expected here in a few days. drawn in to side with them.
Mr. Butler brought a speech from the Shawanese, of Thus Administration, notwitstanding the terror of their
which Captain M'Kee desired him to acquaint Conolly, fleets and armies already investing us, and hourly expected,
and likewise to apply to him for a protection for the have the mortification to find, that in neither the General
Shawanese, who escorted our traders, which Conolly abso- Assembly of the Province, nor this general meeting of the
lutely refused, saying, he could not speak to thein, as he capital, not so much as a single symptom of inchnation
looked upon them as enemies. appeared of complying with their demand, though enforced
Yesterday two Delaware Indians arri\'ed at Colonel with a distressing blockade.
Croghan's, from Newcomers town, with an account that the 1 was yesterday informed that our Attorney General,
traders had got as far as that town four days ago, with their who is also Judge of the Admiralty for Nova Scotia, and
horses and peltry on their way hoine. This morning a notable instrument of the British Administration, was a
Conolly sent out a party of forty armed men to Colonel few days past at Salem,the members on whom
flattering
Croghan's to cut off tiie three Shawanese who had so faith- he could hope to make any
impression with the advantages
fully escorted our traders and their property to this place. of making a concession, even the least, respecting the
Tlie traders, with the assistance of Colonel Croghan, got payment for the tea and, it is said, that the Ministerial
;

the Indians put over Alleghany river paid them a quan-

;
party are now talking of a private subscription for that
tity of goods delivered to them a speech, and parted in
; purpose. If they choose to do so silly a thing, we cannot
the greatest friendship. Conolly's party returned this help it ; but it certainly will be but a poor triumph to the
evening, and both he and they are much enraged at being Minister, if he may even be enabled to pretend that a few
disappointed in the execution of their nmrderous purpose. of his own tools have lent their names to cover his defeat.
He immediately put up advertisements threatening every I am credibly informed the soldiers desert in consider-
person who shall either harbour, trade, or correspond with able numbers. Eighty have left the regiment at the Castle;
any of the Shawanese or Mingoes at this place, with the and a schooner sent up into one of our rivers, has lost all
severest punishment. her hands. Two soldiers of the new-comers, having gone
1 forgot to mention that Colonel Croghan, after being off", the officers are in great perplexity how to proceed
two days on his journey to Virginia, was turned back by with them. They say, should they send privates after
the country people, who gathered about him, expressing them, it would be sending the hatchet after the helve and ;

their dissatisfaction at his leaving this place, and alleging should they go themselves, and even come up with them,
that he was flying for fear of a war. tliey might certainly expect a rescue.
We have an account of Logan's being returned to the
Shawanese towns and that he took with him thirteen
;

scalps. There has been no mischief done by the Indians TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE PROVINCE OF SOUTH
in this fork of the river yet, which gives us the greatest CAROLINA.
reason to believe that the stroke is aimed at the Virginians Charlestown, June 20, 1774.

only. My DEAR Countrymen cannot but hope that the

: I
late Act for intimidating America, by the punishment
of Boston, will open your eyes, and arouse you from your
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED AT NEW-YORK. lethargy. It seems then that we are now to submit to
Boston, June 19, 1774. every imposition of our fellow-subjects, however arbitrary
On our return from Salem, our rejoicing was full on the and cruel, or we are to be dragooned into it. You find
interesting advices we received from all quarters. Those the Parliament, not contented with a claim to the right of
worthy members of society, the Tradesmen, we depend on taxing us without our consent, now rise higher in their
under God, to form the resolutions of the other ranks of demands, and assume the power of breaking all our Char-
citizens in Philadelphia and New-York. They certainly ters, uivinir and jrrantina; our wharfs and shore-lands, and,
carry all before them here. The yeomanry in our country in short, they plainly claim the power of making the King
towns are another effectual support. absolute in America. I shall make a few strictures on the

A covenant is handing about among them, and signed Act of Parliament, and leave you to judge whether there
by thousands, not to purchase any British manufactures ever was an Act of so base and poisonous a nature, stolen
imported after the 31st of August next. This will insure by the vilest Ministry from the most abject Senate.
a non-ini])ortation in this Province, whether the merchants It begins by setting forth the cause of this strange and

are pleased to come into it or not. However, there seems arbitrary measure, and what is it? Why, forsooth, because
to be no disposition at all in the body of the trade here divers ill-affected persons had fomented and raised danger-
to counteract the minds of their countrymen. ous commotions and insurrections in the town of Boston,
The last has been an important week with us. The in which cominotions and insurrections ct-rtain valuable
tools of power suspecting things were not going to their cargoes of tea had been destroyed, &.C., &ic.
• It is not

minds in the General Court, endeavoured to influence the pretended —

it could not be pretended, that the town of
city to come into some measures for the payment of the Boston, as such, was concerned in these riots but some —
tea. They had cabal after cabal, and conceited they had ill-minded and what is the consequence ? That
persons ;

extended their influence so far, that one of tlie most plaus- grave and onuiipotent body, instead of enabling his Majesty
 481 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JUNE, 1774. 432
to prosecute and bring to justice those ill-minded persons, But to crown the whole, my countrjTnen, and to show
proceed to pass an Act to ruin, if possible, a whole town, and you what treatment you are to expect by tame submission
with them, a whole Province in the most cruel and unjust
; to that many-headed tyrant, this oppression is to be contin-
manner to distress and destroy not less than forty thousand ued until all the demands of the East India Company
people more than can be supposed to have had a hand in are satisfied, and all the imaginary injuries received by the
tlie riot. And not only them, but virtually to confiscate, Commissioners in certain times past from the mob, are
not merely the wharfs and quays of Boston, but all the redressed. By w hom ? by the town of Boston ; by the
shore-lands round that great bay comprehended between innocent as well as the riotous, and how ? As a town they
Nahant and AUhrton Points, so that the navigation, upon can do nothing, unless they tax every individual inhab-
which multitudes out of the town of Boston, as well as itant. But when is it to be supposed that satisfaction is
in it, must subsist, is violently taken from them. It is the made ? Why, when the Govemour, who, by office, if not
happiness of all God's creatures, that in him omnipotence by inclination, supposed to be a mere tool of arbitrar}'
is

and it is like to be the curse of America

justice are joined ;
power, shall be brought to certify that it is done. But
if the Parliament allowed to be almighty
is that it has ;
suppose this satisfaction is made, is all then over? No.
neither justice nor mercy. If the Parliament is to have the They have been so kind, after this, as to subject the im-
absolute government of us, we have here a specimen of mense property of so many thousand people, not to the
what we are to expect. If a kw ill-minded persons were future adjudications of another Pariiament they suppos-
:

to take upon them to make water against the door of a ed it possible that another Pariiament might be shocked
custom house officer, or of a cellar where the tea is lodged, with horror with the crime they supposed that the ancient
;

upon the same principle all in Charlcstown might he laid English soul, but now fled to America, might have forti-
in ashes. tude to stand it out for a time they, therefore, put it out
;

But let us advert to the principle of the Act. By the of the power of a future Parliament, by leaving it to the
first and second clauses of it, all the wharfs, quays, land- King. The Minister did not choose to put the delightful
ings, and water lots of that great bay between Nahant and carnage out of his own hands that Minister, who con-
;

AUhrton Points, which are the subsistence of many thous- temptuously refused satisfaction from the merchants at
and people, are condemned, and little better than confiscat- home, determined to keep the matter in his own power,
ed, as no goods are either to be landed upon them or thereby violating the first rights of Englishmen, by which
shipped from them by any vessel down to the size of a our property should be sacred as well as our lives.
common wherry ; and thus under the penalty not merely But have the Parliament been content, then, to throw
of the forefeiture of the vessels and cargoes, with the the town of Boston wholly into the King's hands until
horses, carriages, cattle, and every utensil concerned in satisfaction is made ? No. To complete the massacre of
carrying goods so landed, but of a fine, three times the American liberty, they have, in defiance of all law and
value of such goods at the highest price of them, upon justice, put it into the King's power to judge and deter-
any person that shall so much as aid or abet; these fines mine, for ever hereafter, what use shall be made, or not be
not to be recovered in a common court of law, where you made, of those immense estates in water lots, which sur-
might have a chance for justice upon a trial by jury, but in round one of the most extensive bays in America. They
a Court of Admiralty, that monster of oppression where 1 have, in effect, given and granted to his Majesty all the
the King, who is to receive the fine, is both judge and wharfs and landings in Boston, and around the harbour,
jury. Upon whicii clauses I would only ask, when was through all generations for, if it must be wholly at the
;

the Parliament of Great Britain vested by the Ameri- King's pleasure whether I shall make a wharf or landing
cans with a right to their wharfs and landings ? If the on my land or not or, if I do, whether I shall make any
;

money our pockets is really represented in Parliament,

in use of it, the nature of the property is wholly altered. Is
as the framers of the Stamp Act seemed to imagine, when that my land which I cannot improve as I please, or on
did ever the Americans give one inch of their lands into which I am not allowed to land goods even that have paid
the power of their fellow-subjects in England! Are our the duty ? Shall we be thus given, by our brethren, into
lands then —
all our estates, nay, our peace, and life itself, the hands of the King, to do with our estates as he sees
to lie at the pleasure of any Minister who is knave enough proper ?
to bribe an English Parliament. Compared to this Act, what are all the clauses of Par-
As though this was not enough, and our Ocean itself liamentary power heretofore made ? The design of this
must not be free to our ships, by the next clauses no ship is threefold. First, to establish a precedent of Parliamen-
or vessel of any size is to be permitted, upon any pretence, tary right even to dispose of our lands. Secondly, to pro-
or any exigency, to come into the bay no, not so much ; mote a new wharf office for the support of a thousand more
as to hover off and lie in the Ocean. A
league of the sea bloodsuckers in America; and, thirdly, to give the King
is abridged, not suffered to be sailed upon by mariners power to punish, by these wretches, any wharf holder who
;

nay, vessels of any Nation coming there, though by acci- shall hereafter prove patriotic, or have the honesty to
dent or ignorance, (as no sufficient time is given to spread espouse the cause of his oppressed country. Thus you
the intelligence,) are subjected to the caprice of any find the property of thousands of Americans, not merely
wretch who commands those worse than Spanish guarda taxed by aliens, but effectually taken out of their hands,
costas, to be assigned to whatever port he thinks fit, and if and every one of their grants by which tlie possessors now
not obeyed in six hours, to be forfeited, cargo and all. hold them, the waters, water courses, landings, and every
Dip farther into this production of Hell and you find other appurtenance, rendered null and void. No right is
that not so much as a wood-boat can enter not a market- — too sacred to be violated by a Minister who has a Parlia-
boat can enter —
not a market boat bring a few cabbages or ment at his nod. What an aspect has this upon the land-
bushels of corn to support sixty thousand peo))le, but it holders in America 1 What are you to expect from such
nmst first enter at Salem (twenty miles the straiglitest way a precedent as this ? Have not the Parliament as good a
by land, but by sea a much greater distance) to obtain a right to pass an Act that rice and indigo shall be made
permit, and even not then without an insolent officer and only in such parts of this country as the King shall direct ?
armed men on board. This seems designed to starve For my part, I should not be surprised even to see an
the town, or at least to raise the price of provisions, so as edict restricting the making of these articles to the Colony
to force that capital of America to yield, and by that of Georgia, and imposing heavy fines upon those who
means to discourage all future stnjggles for liberty. should presume to make them here. And all this is done
To force the officers on the station to be faithful and to against the sanctity' of a most solemn Charter, granted
deter any one of them who might othenvise listen to expressly to secure certain rights and privileges to a people
the native suggestions of an English heart, five hundred not only beyond the power of Parliament, but beyond the
pounds sterling fine is imposed upon the one who shall so power of the King himself, the Crown having pledged
much as connive at the smallest breach of the Act. its faith, not to be recalled, never to violate those privileges.

is impossible that by the first of June intelligence of

It And now, when, upon the faith of such solemn agreement,
this measure should have spread even through America, a country is subdued, and cities built, an insolent Minister,
and yet, on that day, all charter parties are rendered void taking affront at the opposition of a favourite scheme of
that have been made for that port, by which the freighters oppression, shall, by a word, overset the whole, we are
on many vessels must be ruined. now threatened with the loss of all the Charters in Ame-
433 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JUNE, 1774. 434
rica, if we do not At this rate, what security have
submit. day as may be agreed on, until the said Act shall be
we of our and all we hold dear ? Was it
lives, liberties, repealed and that such Association shall be upon oath.
;

ever known that the Parliament did give and grant the 4th. That we, the inhabitants of Frederick County, will
landed property of any country or town in England into not deal, or have any connections with that Colony, Pro-
tiie King's power for ever ? No, this is what no Parlia- vince or town, which shall decline or refuse to come into
ment ever thought it had a right to do, even in the country similar resolutions with a majority of the Colonies.
which it represents. But what they cannot do in England, That no suit shall be commenced, after the stop
5tli.

they undertake to do here. Indeed, if we are to be shallbe put to imports and exports, for the recovery of
governed by English Parliaments, we must expect that any debt due to any person whatsoever, unless the debtor
they will lay upon us what they would not venture to lay be about to abscond, or, being applied to, shall refuse to
upon their own constituents. They have actually now give bond and security.
voted away certain property of Americans, which they 6th. That Messrs. John Hanson, Thomas Price, George
dare not do of the English themselves. No Minister Scott, Benjamin Dulany, George Murdock, Philip Tho-
could have the boldness to propose such a thing with the mas, Alexander C. Hanson, Baker Johnson, and Andrew
City of London. Scott, be a Committee to attend the general Congress at
This, ye base advocates for Parliamentary power in Annapolis, and that those gentlemen, together with Messrs.
America, this is the blessed fruit of your doctrines. The John Cary, Christopher Edelen, Conrad Grosh, Thomas
matter now speaks for itself, and it is out of your power to Schley, Peter Hoffman, and Archibald Boyd, be a Com-
disguise it. And now, whether supported by place or pen- mittee of Correspondence to receive and answer letters,
sion, or only formed to slavish principles by connection and on any emergency to call a general meeting, and that
and interest, I call upon you to vindicate these proceedings. any six shall have power to act.
It has often been to me a wonder, that any set of men who Ordered, That these Resolves be immediately sent to
breathe American air can find it in their hearts to wish Annapolis, that they may be printed in the Maryland
America enslaved, and their children to grow up under Gazette. Signed by order,
chains; that any set of men, nourished by its bread, and Archibald Boyd, Clerk of the Committee.
drawn from the kennel of obscurity by American bounty,
should advocate the cause of American thraldom. I '

have often been astonished that, in the midst of a free and JOHN DICKINSON TO JOSIAH ^UINCY, JUN.
spirited people, there should be found a wretch so insolent Fairhill, June 20, 1774.
as to hold up his head in company and speak against the Dear Sir : thank you for your kind letter,
I sincerely
rights of an injured and oppressed country. These intes- and the present attending it. This, without flattery, I
tine enemies are more to be feared than the arms of Bri- think highly valuable, and it gives me inexpressible plea-
tain herself. Mark every man, my dear countrymen, who sure to find myself addressed in so friendly a manner by a
on this occasion slyly attempts to divide you, or weaken gentleman I so heartily wish to call a friend.
your zeal withdraw your countenance and support from
; As far as I have been able to collect the sense of the
him give it to those who merit it, and set him down as a
;
Colonies, they are very unanimous in the measure you
traitor. A Carolinian. mention of a Congress. You, and your worthy fellow-suf-
ferers, would receive a glimpse of joy, amidst your dis-
tresses, to know with what sympathy the inhabitants of
Charlestown, S. C, June 20, 1774. this Province consider your case. What never happened
Letters from the Southern North Carolina
parts of before, has happened now. The country people have so
assure us, that the inhabitants there will go as far in exact a knowledge of facts, and of the consequences
defence of American liberty as can be expected and ;
attending the surrender of the points in question, that they
recommend, if a Congress should be deemed the first step are, if possible, more zealous than the citizens who lie in

necessary to be taken, that subscriptions, or rather collec- a direct line of information. Doubt not that every thing
tions, be set on foot throughout the Continent, to raise and bears a most favourable aspect. Nothing can throw us into a
remit a sum of money to the community in Boston, for pernicious confusion, but one Colony's breaking the line of
the relief of the most distressed of our sufl:ering brethren by advancing too hastily before the rest. The
opposition,
there, who must stand in equal need of such assistance as one which dares to betray the common cause, by rushing
if their town had been destroyed by fire. And we have forward, contrary to the maxims of discipline established
the pleasure to learn, that the inhabitants of this Province by common sense, and the experience of ages, will inevi-
generally, seem ready to contribute their mite as soon as tably and utterly perish.
proper persons are named to receive what their benevolent May God Almighty bless you, and my beloved brethren
hearts shall induce them to offer. of Boston and Massachusetts Bay. My heart is full.
The time will come, I hope, when I may congratulate
them on a more stable security of their liberty than they
FREDEBICK COUNTY (maRYLANd) RESOLUTIONS. ever yet have enjoyed. I am, sir, with truth, your very
affectionate and very humble servant,
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Frederick County,
John Dickinson.
Maryland, held at the Court House in said County, on
J. Quincy, Jun.
Monday, the 20th of June, 1774.
P. S. Our country people appear to me to be very firm.
Mr. John Hanson, Chairman.
They look to the last extremity with spirit. It is right
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting
1st.
they should, if they will submit their resentment to the
that the town of Boston is now suftljring in the common
guidance of reason.
cause of America, and that it is the duty of every Colony
in America to unite in the most effectual means to obtain
Boston, June 20, 1774.
a repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking up the
harbour of Boston. I have read with attention several pieces in the public
2d. That it is the opinion of a great majority of this papers, the authors of which seem to acknowledge the
meeting, that if the Colonies come into a joint resolution to injustice and cruelty of the Act of Parliament, which
sto|) all imports from, and exports to. Great Britain and immediately distresses Boston, and is evidently intended
the West Indies, till the Act of Parliament for blocking up to enslave America ; and they propose a submission to
the harbour of Boston, as well as .every other Act oppres- tyranny in order to be relieved from it, since, " On the
sive to American liberty, be repealed, the same may be side of the oppressor is power." This is certainly an im-
the means of preserving to America her rights, liberties, portant question, and deserves our most serious attention ;

and privileges. and, after mature deliberation, many important reasons

3d. That therefore this meeting will join in an Associa- appear against paying for the tea, or any submission to
tion with the several counties in this Province, and the the present tyranny.
principal Colonies in America, to put a stop to all exports 1. The tea was sent here for the wicked purpose of

to, and imports from, Great Britain and the West Indies, enslaving the Colonies, and the people W'ere under the
shipped after the 25tli day of July next, or sucli other necessity of destroying it to prevent the evils which were

Fourth Series. 28
435 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774. 486
intended by our enemies ; therefore it was a just act of as suffering in the common cause of American freedom,
self-defence. we will assist them to obtain redress by every legal act in
2. The India Company were criminal in sending their our power.
dulied tea to America, as they knew it tended to fix an 3d. That itour opinion the most constitutional and
is

unrighteous revenue, and enslave their American brethren ; effectual method such redress is, by having a
for obtaining
therefore, in reason and justice, they ought never to receive general Congress of Committees, to be composed and
a farthing for their noxious tea, but are bound by the ties chosen out of the members of the different Assemblies of
of justice and honour to make a compensation to the peo- each Colony.
ple here for the injury they liave received from tlie Com- 4th. That a Committee be formed in this county, con-
pany by means of sending tlie tea. It is probable that sisting of six persons, namely, fVilliam Edmunds, George
America will suffer (unless a kind Providence should Taylor, Lewis Gordon, John Okeley, Peter Kachlein,
defeat the Ministerial design) millions by this injurious and Jacob Orndt, Esquires, to correspond with our breth-
plan which the India Company have adopted, and accord- ren in Philadelphia, and the other counties of this Pro-
ing to the rules of equity they ought to make good the vince, and to co-operate with them in such measures as
damage ; and will any one say that this people ought to shall be judged most proper for the general good.
pay for the tea ? 5th. That the Committee be desired to receive the
3. All Colonies are now considered as one body
the subscriptions of such charitable persons in this county who
politic, whose general liberty and interest is inseparable, shall incline to support the distressed and suffering inhab-
and therefore no concessions to arbitrary power must be itants of the town of Boston. And, Resolved, That it is
made, nor any important steps taken by one Colony with- the duty of every inhabitant of this county to contribute,
out consulting the whole in Congress and for this reason; according to his circumstances, to relieve their suffering
we ought to wait for the meeting of the Congress that we brethren. The moneys raised by such subscription to be
may be assisted by the joint wisdom of the Colonies. disposed of for the use of the inliabitants of the said town
4. As to the probability of obtaining relief, without a of Boston, in such way as the Committee shall think fit.
mean submission to tyranny, I apprehend it is very great, 6th. That William Edmunds, Esquire, the Representa-
for the Act is such a flagrant violation of all the principles tive in Assembly for this county, be required by his breth-
of justice and humanity, that every good man in the Nation ren of the Committee of Correspondence now appointed,
wiil exert his influence to have this reproach wiped away to attend and meet the other Representatives of Assembly
as soon as possible. The Nation will be alarmed with the of this Province, in case the Speaker of the House shall
various calamities which this Act will bring upon them, by think proper to call them together upon this deeply inter-
stopping their trade with America, and the measures that esting and alarming occasion and that it is the opinion of
:

our States General may adopt. They will be alarmed his constituents here, that he do give his attendance
with the apprehension of a French and Spanish war. accordingly.
And in this great shifting scene of political affairs, it can-
not be supposed that France, who for many important rea-
sons wants a free trade with America, will remain a silent EXTRACT OF A LETTER KROM A GENTLEMAN IN ENGLAND
spectator she will doubtless think it a good opportunity
;
TO ONE IN NEW-YORK, DATED JUNE 22, 1774.
toopen her ports to the Americans, and endeavour by all
means to gain their trade and friendship, and these con- The Colonies must be in some confusion on account of
siderations will induce Britain to do us justice. the measures taken by the Ministry and Parliament in
An Amekican. England, with the town of Boston, to bring it to obe-
dience; and if they succeed in their scheme there, the
other principal places of trade must not think to escape
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAVE CUMBERLAND, the snare laid for them ; for most certainly the one is but
DATED JUNE 21, 1774. a prelude to the other. Therefore, I hope the prudent
I have had no accounts of my brother since he left conduct of the Colonies, in conjunction with each other,
Fort Pitt, nor is there any news or word of any of the will be able to defeat the machinations of their enemies,
traders of the Shawanese towns. What is come of them both here and among themselves. Bad as things are or
God only knows, but all accounts from that quarter is may be with you, I seem to foresee worse times here.
very bad. We
have received accounts this day by express, You are at a great distance from the source of mischief,
that one Captain McClure, a Virginian, is killed, and but we are near it, and circumscribed within narrow
another man deadly wounded by a party of Indians, which bounds, an Island of small extent in comparison with the
was out near Redstone. All the poor people who was large Continent of North America. If you are persecuted
settled over Alleghany Mountain, are either moved off, or in the city, you can flee to the country but we, on this ;

gathered in large numbers, and making places of defence side, have no country to screen us from the oppressions of
to secure themselves. All those misfortunes, and the lives the great. Our only object for an asylum, is to flee to you
and property of the unhappy people who are among them, on the other side of the Atlantic for shelter. Therefore
are owing to the barbarous murder, no other name can I make room for us for the time is at no great distance
;

give it, committed by Cresap and one Grcathouse, with when such a refuge will be wanting for as many as can find
their men, on a few Iiulians. who resided on, or lived near, the means of transporting themselves. Another war, in

tlie mouth of Yellow Creek. my opinion, (not of mine only, but of many others,) will
shake the foundation of this Kingdom and the enormous ;

debt hanging over it, must crush it whenever the public

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY (pENN.) RESOLUTIONS. credit sinks, and will ruin many thousands of families,
whose whole whence their
fortunes are vested in the funds,
At Meeting of the Justices, the Gentlemen of the
a
subsistence flows ; and when what can
this source fails,
Bar, Grand Jury, and principal Inhabitants of the County
such families do, but, in despair, seek one where it may
of Northampton, held at Easton, on the 21st day of June,
be found, which for Protestants and Englishmen can only
1774.
be with you ? This Nation is already taxed to the utmost
George Taylor, Esquire, in the Chair. stretch of invention. Nor even now, in time of peace,
It being considered that it was necessary for all the has any one been eased, that was in time of the last war,
counties of this Province to join with their brethren of except the land tax, which was then four, and is now
Philadelphia in expressing their sentiments upon the pre- only three shillings in the pound. The poor tax, in many
sent interesting occasion, relative to the oppressive Acts of places, is near double the land tax, and will be still heavier,
Parliament lately passed in Great Britain, tending to if you, on your side, should come to an agreement for non-

destroy the liberties of North America, it was unanimously importation thence the numbers of the poor must multiply
;

resolved as follows greatly, and many families, now in ea-y circumstances by

1st. That the Act of Parliament for shutting up the means of their industry, will be reduced to poverty. The
port and harbour of Boston, is an Act of the highest landed interest, in most parts of England, have lately
oppression, and a violation of the liberties of America. advanced their estates to near a third more than they were
2d. That as we consider the inhabitants of the said town but a few years past by means of which the occupiers
;
437 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 438

of those estates have, in more tlian a just proportion, such a non-importing and non-exporting plan should be
advanced the produce thereof, which renders every article quickly entered upon, as well on the evident principle of
o< provisions now a third dearer than it was no longer than countrymen and
self-preservation, as to relieve our suffering
since the late war, yet the price of labour has not been fellow-subjects in Boston, and to restore between Great
advanced. Therefore, judge how the poor here are able Britain and America that harmony so beneficial to the
if persons in better circumstances are not able to
to subsist, whole Empire, and so ardently desired by all America.
support tliemselves as formerly. 5th. It is the opinion of this meeting that the gentlemen
In England we have the show of liberty without the of the law should not (as long as the non-exportation agree-
reality ; the shadow witiiout the substance. Our Parlia- ment subsists) bring any writ for the recovery of debt, or
ment, for the most part, are creatures of the Ministry, who to push to a conclusion any such suit already brought, it
enable them to carry every thing before them, right or being utterly inconsistent with a non-exportation plan that
wrong, and are, by insensible degrees, leading the Nation judgment should be given against those who are deprived
into a state of slavery, which is not discerned by the bulk of the means of paying.
of the people, who seldom look further than the present 6th. That so soon as the non-exportation agreement
time ; but the more judicious look further, and can see begins, we will, every man of us, keep our produce,
that chains are forging for them, to be made use of at a whether tobacco, corn, wheat, or any thing else, unsold,
proper period. When they have obliged you Americans on our own respective plantations, and not carry, or suffer
to submit to the yoke prepared for you, a much heavier them to be carried, to any public warehouse or landing
willsoon after gall the necks of the people here. By the place, except of grain ; where the same be so done, an
Q^uebec Bill, now passed, it is easy to be seen what Gov- oath being first made that such grain is for the use of, or
ernment is aiming at; nothing less than despotism. Upon consumption of, this or any other Colony in North Ame-
the whole, there is reason to believe, that if any liberty for rica, and not for exportation from the Continent whilst the
Englishmen is to remain, it must be in the North Ameri- said agreement subsists. And this is the more necessary
can Colonies, where, I hope, the inhabitants will have to prevent a few designing persons from engrossing and
virtue enough to exert their utmost strength to secure it to buying up our tobacco, grain, &.C., when they are low in
themselves and their posterity. Let their reliance for the value, in order to avail themselves of the very high price
securing this blessing be on the Lord, in whom there is that those articles must bear when the ports are open, and
strength and wisdom, and by no means to place their foreign markets empty.
dependance on an arm of flesh. 7th. This meeting do heartily concur with the late Rep-
resentative body of this country, to disuse tea, and not
purchase any other commodity of the East Indies, except
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. saltpetre, until the grievences o{ America are redressed.

At Meeting of the Freeholders and other

a respectable
8th. We
do most heartily concur in these preceding
Resolves, and will, to the utmost of our power, take care
Inhabitants of the County of Westmoreland, assembled,
that they are carried into execution and that we will
;

on due notice, at the Court House of the said County, on

regard every man as infamous who now agree to, and shall
Wednesday, the 22d of June, 1774.
hereafter make a breach of, all or any of them, subject
The Reverend Mr. Thomas Smith, Moderator. however to such future alterations as shall be judged expe-
Several papers, containing the Proceedings of the late dient, at a general meeting of Deputies from the several
House of Burgesses of this Colony, and the subsequent parts of this Colony, or a general Congress of all the
determinations of the late Representatives after the House Colonies.
was dissolved, together with extracts of several Resolves of 9th. We do appoint Richard Henry Lee, and Richard
the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, he, Lee, Esquires, the late Representatives of this county, to
being read, the meeting proceeded seriously to consider the attend the general meeting of Deputies from all the coun-
present dangerous and truly alarming crisis, when ruin is ties and we desire that they do exert their best abilities
;

threatened to the ancient constitutional rights of North to get these our earnest desires, for the security of public
America, and came to the following Resolves : liberty, assented to.
1st. That to be taxed solely in our Provincial Assem- 10th. as it may happen that the Assembly now
And
blies, by Representatives freely chosen by the people, is a called to meet on the 11th of August, may be prorogued
right that British subjects in America are entitled to, from to a future day, and many of the Deputies appointed to
natural justice, from the English Constitution, from Char- meet on the 1st of August, trusting to the certainty of
ters, and from a confirmation of these by usage, since the meeting in Assembly on the 11th, may fail to attend on
firstestablishment of these Colonies. the first, by which means decisive injury may arise to the
2d. That an endeavour to force submission from one common cause of liberty, by the general sense of the
Colony to the payment of taxes not so imposed, is a dan- country not being early known at this dangerous crisis of
gerous attack on the liberty and property of British American freedom, we do, therefore, direct that our Depu-
America, and renders it indispensably necessary that all ties now chosen fail not to attend at Williamsburg, on the
should firmly unite to resist the common danger. said 1st of August; and it is our earnest wish that the
3d. It is the opinion of this meeting, that tlie town of Deputies from other counties be directed to do the same,
Boston, in our sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, is now for the reasons above assigned.
suffering in the common cause of North America, by 1 That the Clerk do forthwith transmit the proceed-
1th.
having its harbour blocked up, its commerce destroyed, ings of this day to the press, and request the Printers to
and the property of many of its inhabitants violently taken publish them without delay.
from them, until they submit to taxes not imposed by their By order of the meeting,
consent and therefore this meeting resolve
; : James Davenport, Clerk.
4th. That the inhabitants of this county will most cor-
dially and firmly join with the other counties in this Colony,
and the other Colonies on this Continent, or the majority MARYLAND CONVENTION.
of them, after a short day, hereafter to be agreed on, to At a Meeting of the Committees appointed by the several
stop all exports to Great Britain and the West Indies, and Counties of the Province of Maryland, at the City of
all imports from thence, until, as well the Act of Parlia- Annapolis, the 22d day of June, 1774, and continued by
ment, entitled -'An Act to discontinue, in such manner and adjournment from day to day, till the 25th day of the same
" for such time as are therein mentioned, the landing and month were present
—
;

" discharging, lading, and shipping of goods, wares, and mer- For St. Mary's County. Colonel Abraham Barnes,
" chandise, at the town and within llie harbour of Boston, in Messrs. Henry Greenfield Sothoron, Jeremiah Jordon.
" the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North America," —
For Kent County. Messrs. William Ringgold,
as the several Acts laying duties on America for the purpose Thomas Ringgold, Joseph Nicholson, Jun., Thomas
of raising a revenue, and all the Acts of the British Legisla- Smyth, Joseph Earle.
ture made against our brothers of Massachusetts Bay, in For Queen Anne's Coun/y.—Messrs. Turbut Wright,
consequence of their just opposition to the said Revenue Richard Tilghman Earle, Solomon Wright, John Brown,
Acts, are repealed ; and it is the opinion of this meeting, that Thomas Wright.
489 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 440

i^'or Prince George's County. —

Messrs. iloJert Tyhr, tions and regard to an injured and oppressed sister Colony,
Joseph Sim, Joshua Beall, John Rogers, Addison Mur- tlieirduty to themselves, their posterity, and their country,
doch, Ifilliam Bowie, B. Hall, son of Francis, Osborn demand the sacrifice —
and, therefore, that this Province
Spngg. will join in an Association with the other principal and
For Anne Arundel County, and the City of Anna- neighbouring Colonies, to stop all exportations to, and
—
poms. C/wr/es C'arro//, Esquire, (barrister,) Messrs. B. importations from. Great Britain, until the said Act and
T.B. Worthington, Thomas Johnson, iun., Samuel Chase, Bills, if passed into Acts, be repealed the non-importa-
;

John Hall, fVilliam Paca, Matthias Hammond, Samuel tion and non-exportation to take place on such future day
Chew, John Weems, Thomas Dorscy, Rezin Hammond. as may be agreed on by a general Congress of Deputies
For Baltimore County and Baltimore Town. — from the Colonies —
the non-export of tobacco to depend
Captain Charles Ridgely, Messrs. Thomas Cockey Deye, and take place only on a similar agreement by Virginia
tValter Tolley, Jun., Robert Alexander, MWiam Lux, and North Carolina, and to commence at such time as
Samuel Purviance, Jim., George Ristcau. may be agreed on by the Deputies for this Province and
—
For Talbot County. Messrs. Matthew Tilghman, the said Colonies of Virginia and North Carolina.
Edward Lloyd, Nicholas Thomas, R. Goldsborough, 4lh. 5th. Resolved, That the Deputies of this Province are
—
For Dorchester County. Messrs. Robert Goldsbo- authorized to agree to any restrictions upon exports to the
rough, William Eniialls, Henry Steel, John Ennalk, Rob'i West Indies which may be deemed necessary by a majority
Harrison, Col. Henry Hooper, Mr. Matthew Brown. of the Colonies at the general Congress.
—
For Somerset County. Messrs. Peter Waters, John 6th. Resolved, That the Deputies from this Province
Waters, George Dashiell. are authorized, in case the majority of the Colonies should
—
For Charles County. Messrs. William Smallwood, think the importation of particular articles from Great
Francis Ware, Josiah Hawkins, Joseph Hanson Harrison, Britain to be indispensably necessary for their respective
JJaniel Jenifer John Dent, Thomas Stone.
, Colonies, to admit and provide for the Province such arti-
—
For Calvert County. Messrs. John Wcems, Edward cles as our circumstances shall necessarily require.
Reynolds, Benjamin Mackall, (attorney.) 7th. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee,
—
For Cecil County. Messre. John Veazy, Jun., Wil- that the merchants and others, venders of goods and mer-
liam Ward, Stephen Hyland. chandise within this Province, ought not to take advantage
—
For Worcester County. Messrs. Peter Chaille, John of the above Resolve for non-importation, but that they
Done, William Morris. ought to sell their goods and merchandise that they have
—
For Frederick County. Messrs. Thomas Price, now, or may hereafter import, at the same rates they have
Alexander C'ontee Hanson, Baker Johnson, Andrew Scott, been accustomed to do within one year last past and ;

Philip Thomas, Thomas Sprigg Wootton, Henry Grijffith, that if any persons shall sell any goods which he now has,
Evan Thomas, Richard Thomas, Richard Brooke, Thomas or hereafter may have, or may import, on any other terms
Cramphin, Jun., Allen Bowie, Jun. than above expressed, no inhabitant of this Province ought,
—
for Harford County. Messrs. Richard Dallum, John at any time thereafter, to deal with any such person, his

Love, Thomas Bond, John Paca, Benedict Edward Hall, agent, manager, factor, or storekeeper, for any commodity
Jacob Bond. whatever.
—
For Caroline County. Messrs. Thomas White, Wil- 8th. Resolved, unanimously. That a subscription be
liam Richardson, Isaac Bradley, Nathaniel Potter, opened in the several counties of this Province, for an im-
Thomas Goldsborough. mediate collection for the relief of the distressed inhabit-
ants of Boston, now cruelly deprived of the means of
Matthew Tilohman, Esq., in the Chair,
procuring subsistence for themselves and families, by the
John Duckett, chose Clerk.
operation of the said Act for blocking up their harbour,
It being moved from the Chair to ascertain the manner and that the same be collected by the Committees of the
of dividing upon questions, it was agreed that on any di- respective counties, and shipped by them in such provisions
vision eacli county have one vote, and that ail questions as may be thought most useful.
be determined by a majority of counties. 9th. Resolved, unanimously. That this Committee em-
The Letter and Vote of the town of Boston, several brace this public opportunity to testify their gratitude and
Letters and Papers from Philadelphia and Virginia, the most cordial thanks to the patrons and friends of liberty in
Act of Parliament for blocking up the port and harbour Great Britain for their patriotic efforts to prevent the pre-
of Boston, the Bill depending in Parliament subversive of sent calamity of America.
the Charter of Massachusetts Bay, and that enabling the 10th. Resolved, That Matthew Tilghman, Thomas
Governour to send supposed offenders from thence to Johnson, Jun., Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, and
another Colony, or England, for trial, were read, and after Samuel Chase, Esquires, or any two or more of them, be
mature deliberation thereon Deputies for this Province, to attend a general Congress
1st. Resolved, That the said Act of Parliament, and of Deputies from the Colonies, at such time and place as
Bills, if passed into Acts, are cruel and oppressive invas- may be agreed on, to effect one general plan of conduct,
ions of the natural rights of the people of the Massachusetts operating on the conunercial connection of the Colonies
Bay, as men, and of their constitutional rights as English with the mother country, for the relief of Boston and pre-
subjects ; and tiiat the said Act, if not repealed, and the servation of American liberty and that the Deputies of this
;

passed into Acts, will lay a foundation for the

.said Bills, if Province immediately corres])ond with Virginia and Penn-
utter destruction of British America, and, therefore, that sylvania, and through them with the other Colonies, to ob-
the town of Bosto7i and Province of Massachusetts Bay, tain a meeting of the general Congress, and to communi-
are now suffering in the common cause of America. cate, as the opinion of tliis Committee, that the 20th day
'2(\.Resolved, That it is the duty of every Colony in of September next, will be the niost convenient time, and
America to unite in the most speedy and effectual means the City of Philadelphia tiie most convenient place, for
to obtain a repeal of the said Act, and also of the said a meeting, which time and place, to prevent delay, they
Bills, if passed into Acts. are directed to propose.
3d. Resolved, That it is tlie opinion of this Committee, 11th. Resolved, unanimously. That this Province will
that if the Colonies come into a joint resolution to stop all break off all trade and dealings with that Colony, Province,
importations from, and exportations to, Great Britain, or town, which shall decline or refuse to come into the
until the said Act, or Bills if passed into Acts, be repealed, general plan which may be adopted by the Colonies.
the same will be tiie most speedy and effectual means to 12tb. Resolved, That the Deputies for this Province
obtain a repeal of the said Act or Acts, and preserve upon their return, call together the Conmiittees of the
North America and her liberties. several counties, and lay before them the measures adopted
4th. Resolved, Notwitlistanding the people of this Pro- by the general Congress.
vince will have many inconveniences and difficulties to Orilered, Tliat copies of these Re=;olutions be transmit-
encounter bv breaking off their commercial intercourse ted to the Committee of Correspondence for the several
with their mother couotry, and are dee()ly affected at the Colonies, and be also published in the Maryland Gazette.
distress which will be thereby necessarily brought on many Per order, John Duckett,
of their fellow-subjects in Great Britain, yet their affec- Clerk of the Committee.
441 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Lc, JUNE, 1774. 442
Philadelphia, June 22, 1774. be consulted in the most particular manner that can be
Of modes of appointing Deputies for a gen-
the several imagined. The result of that consultation will be the evi-
eral Congress, their nomination by Representatives met in dence to be relied on and that evidence should be direct
;

a Legislative capacity would, perhaps, be most generally in point.

approved. Besides other advantages arising from the plan proposed,
If that mode cannot be
pursued, the next most advisable, this will be one very considerable the Representatives
:

it appears to me, would be, for the freemen, qualified to for each county will naturally form a Standing Commit-
vote for members of Assembly in the several Colonies, to tee for that county, to correspond with the Standing Pro-
choose a certain number of Delegates, who should compose vincial Committee, appointed by the Provincial Conven-
a Provincial Convention in each Colony, and therein nomi- tion, to act in their behalfs, as the Convention cannot be
nate some of their body, as Deputies to represent that kept continually assembled. The business of the Pro-
Colony at a general Congress. vincial Committee, then, will be to correspond with the
We are now entering upon a contest that may be con- other Colonies, and with the County Committees. The
tinued for a long time and we cannot be too early in
; County Committees may request every small district within
giving all regularity and stability to our proceedings. The the county, whether called township, hundred, &ic., to
—
whole people are oppressed they must relieve them- choose one person to represent that township, hundred, Jkc,
selves and therefore they must act. Nothing should be
: and may convey intelligence to each of these persons by
taken for granted, in a cause of such magnitude. It is — letters, or by stated meetings. Thus a most regular plan
building on a sandy foundation. It is not to be presumed might be solidly established throughout this Continent, for
that the body of the people in any Colony will give their full communicating needful information to the individuals of the
and free assent to a single measure of their Representatives smallest districts in every county, (a point absolutely ne-
assembled as private men. Met in legislation, they form cessary,) and of receiving their sentiments and both
;

a constitutional body, and thence their proceedings derive these offices would be performed by persons the most
their force. Ceasing to be that, their authority reverts to acceptable to them. Unless some such plan as this, is
the people of which they are only a part. In emergencies framed, it requires not the spirit of prophecy to foresee
demanding public exertions, a supposed or implied assent that the affairs of this Continent will inevitably be con-
of the people is not an assent to be regarded or depended fusedly conducted, to an unfortunate issue.
on. They must be represented actually —
not " virtually."
When they have chosen Representatives for the usual
business of the Province the law says, the acts of those
;
LETTER FROM THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGRE-
Representatives are the acts of their constituents. When GATIONAL MINISTERS IN CONNECTICUT, TO THE CLER-
the law will not say this, is it to be inferred ? And is the GYMEN IN BOSTON.
inference to be so extensive as to justify a conclusion of Mansfield, June 22, 1774.
such vast consequence, that the constituents who appointed Reverend and dear Sirs We, your brethren of the
:

men for common affairs to be transacted in one way, freely Colony of Connecticut, met by delegation from the several
and fully assent to their conduct in new affairs of the counties, in general Association at our annual meeting,
utmost importance, and transacted in another way ? Why cannot but feel deeply impressed with the present melan-
should such an influence be made ? Where is the neces- choly threatened situation of America in general, and the
sity for it ? Cannot an appeal be made to the people ? distressed state of the town of Boston in particular, suffer-
—
Their sentiments taken be from themselves, and not ing the severe resentment of the British Parliament, by
guessed at ? If they have not wisdom and virtue enough which the subsistence of thousands is taken away. We
to become agents in promoting their own temporal salva- readily embrace this opportunity to manifest our hearty
tion, it is in vain for others to attempt it. sympathy with you in your present distresses. We con-
The welfare of America depends on each Colony sider you as suffering in the common cause of America in —
knowing what portions of this wisdom and virtue there are the cause of civil liberty which, if taken away, we fear
;

among us. Let us put the cause on its true bottom. If would involve the ruin of religious liberty also. Gladly
those freemen of counties, cities, boroughs, and townships, would we contribute every thing in our power for your
qualified to vote at usual elections, and residing in Colonies encouragement and relief; however, our situation enables
where the Assemblies met in Legislative capacities, cannot us to do little more than to express our sincere and
in time appoint Deputies, meet, and proceed respectively affectionate concern ; and with fervent addresses, to
in the same mode that is practised in choosing Represent- commend your cause, and the cause of America the —
atives for their Assemblies, to elect persons for the express cause of liberty, and above all, the cause of religion, to the
purpose of forming Provincial Conventions, to consider on Father of Mercies, who can easily afford effectual relief
the present alarming situation of public affairs, and to who has the hearts of all at his disposal, and can turn them
concert the most effectual means for redressing grievances as he pleases. We feel deeply sensible what a heavy load
and re-establishing peace and harmony between Great must lie upon the minds of the Ministers of Boston;
Britain and these Colonies, on a constitutional foundation, enough to sink their spirits, unless armed with vigorous
the sentiments and resolutions of this Continent, from one Christian fortitude and resolution. In hopes it may afford
end of it to the other will be perfectly known. Then a you some consolation, we assure you of our sincere condol-
broad and strong foundation will be laid for future measures. ence and unremitting prayers in your behalf; and that we
Until these sentiments and resolutions are thus known, shall, in every way suitable to our character and station,
those who consult together have nothing firm under them. use our influence with the good people of this Colony to
Does any man suspect the prudence of the public spirit of concur in every proper measure calculated to afford relief
any counties, or other districts ? That is one good reason to America in general, and to the distressed town o( Boston
for adopting this mode. Let the tnith be known. Let in particular.
the real friends of freemen and their country understand We pray that the Ministers of Boston may be inspired
tlieir countrymen. Let them not be deceived in an opinion by the great Head of the Church with wisdom sufficient
that the unanimity of sentiments and force of resolutions for their direction in such a critical day as the present
are greater than they are. Let us not collect the sense of and that God would give them and their people, firm-
this country, and of that district by " virtual representa- ness, unanimity, patience, pnidence, and every virtue,
tions," and rely on their zeal by unproved supposition. If which they need to support them under their heavy trials,
there are counties or districts,who choose to lessen the and enable them to stand firm in the glorious cause of
weii^ht of our common country, by taking themselves out liberty, and express such a temper, and exhibit such an
of llie scale in which " the universal property, liberty, example, as shall be well pleasing to God, and recommend
safety, happiness, and prosperity of America" are now them to the favour and compassion of their fellow-men.
wei!;!iing against the opposite scale of tyranny, let them We earnestly pray that God would humble us all under a
instantly declare tlieuiselves. Such discoveries never can deep sense of our numerous transgressions and criminal
do less harm than
at this lime. declensions ; show us the absolute necessity of repentance
Uponthe whole, the success of measures calculated for and reformation humble us under his mighty hand and
;
;

the relief of these Colonic;, wholly depends upon the pour out a spirit of fervent supplication on you, on us, and
unanimity of the people. The people, therefore, should all his people in this land ; and we cannot but liope the
448 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JUNE, 1774. 444
united prayers of America may obtain that audience in ourselves in that glorious Being, who hath ever been the
Heaven, whicii will ensure salvation to us. hope of and the Saviour thereof in time of
his Israel,
Signed by order of the General Association, trouble, and who hath so often and so wonderfully appeared
Benjamin Throop, Moderator. for this people. We are sinful and degenerate, but we
To the Reverend Charles Chauncy, D. D., and the other trust there are many who have not forsaken God, and for
Ministers of the town of Boston. whose sake he will not forsake us. If there had been ten
righteous found in Sodom, the city had not been destroyed.
And will not God have regard to the many thousands in
COPY OF AN ANSWER TO A LETTER FROM THE GENERAL this land, and who walk uprightly before him, and who
ASSOCIATION IN CONNECTICUT, TO THE ASSOCIATED continually implore his favour to their distressed country ?
PASTORS IN BOSTON PREPARED, BUT NOT SENT,
;
The surprising union of the Colonies at this day affords
THROUGH THE CONFUSION OF THE TIMES. the strongest ground of encouragement and their spirited
;

Boston, 1774. measures cannot, according to a human view of things, fail

Reverend and dear Brethren : Your very affec- of success sooner or later. We are sensible at the same
tionate and obliging letter of June 24th, 1774, was com- time, that all depends on him who is the great Governour
municated to us at a time when we greatly needed the of the world. It is an inexhaustible source of comfort,
encouragement and support of our Christian friends. that the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. To him we
You justly suppose that when Boston is treated with refer all, in full confidence that he will do all things well.
such unprecedented cruelty, and involved in the deepest We devoutly wish you the presence of the great Head
distress, a heavy load must lie upon the Ministers of Reli- of the Church in all your labours for the honour of God,
gion in that unhappy town. We have consoled ourselves and the good of men, and are.
witii the thought, that we are suffering in the common With the sincerest gratitude and respect, your breth-
cause of America —
in the cause of civil liberty, with which ren, &c.
religious liberty hath a very close connection. All circum-
stances seemed to make it evident that we were not mis-
Dear Sir: According to your desire, I send you a
taken in this view of things. It gives us the highest
copy of the Letter which was prepared in answer to that
satisfaction to find that the sentiments of others are con-
which was so kindly sent from the Association in Connect-
formable to our own especially to know that this is the
;

icut. It was owing to the forgetfulness of our dear brother

opinion of so wise and venerable a body as the General
Howe, that it was not finished and forwarded. It was
Association of Connecticut.
read by most of the brethren but as it was not formally
We sincerely thank you for your tender sympathy with
voted, it may be not
;

best to take notice

of it as an
us under our sufferings, and tlie very kind and obliging
answer to yours. You may use it as you think proper.
manner in which you express it.
I send it in compliance with your desire, and it will, at
We present our particular acknowledgments for the
least, show that we are not wholly unmindful of the affec-
great consolation you afford in the assurance you give us of
tionate regard expressed to us, though we have not made
your sincere condolence and unremitting prayers in our
the return we ought to have done. I am sir, your brother
behalf; and that you will, in every way suitable to your
and servant, Andrew Elliot.
character and station, use your influence with the good
people of your Colony to concur in every proper measure
calculated to afford relief to America in general, and to the
ADDRESS of THE .TUSTICES OF THE COUNTT OF WOR-
distressed town of Boston in particular. We trust God
CESTER, IN MASSACHUSETTS, TO GOVERNOUR GAGE,
hath heard your prayers, and tlie prayers of other friends
PRESENTED JUNE 22, 1774.
to religion, and to America, and by his all-powerful influ-
ence, hath supported our brethren in this town, under their To his Excellency Thomas Gage, Captain- General and
heavy trials, enabled them to stand firm in the glorious Govemour-in-chief in and over the Province of Mas-
cause of liberty and hath given some degree of that firm-
;
sachusetts Bay, in New England.
ness, unanimity, patience, and prudence, which you so
fervently implore for them in this critical day. May it please your Excellency:
We owe much to our brethren in the other Colonies for The Justices of the Court of General Sessions of the
the very generous assistance we have received. Such Peace, and Justices of the Inferior Court of Common
were the which great numbers were reduced,
difiiculties to Pleas, held at Worcester, within and for the County of
by the almost total stagnation of our trade, that it must Worcester, on the second Tuesday of Ju7ie, 1'74, beg
have been impossible for this town to have subsisted to this leave, at our first session, after your safe arrival, to con-
day, if the inhabitants had not been favoured with such gratulate your Excellency thereon, and also on your ap-
kind and generous relief from abroad. pointment to the most important office of First Magistrate
Tiie Colony of Connecticut distinguisiied themselves not in this Province, in full confidence from the amiable cha-
only by the largeness of their donations, but by the season- racter your Excellency has obtained in your other import-
ableness of their supplies, which were received and applied ant departments in America, you will ever delight in pro-
for the purpose of supporting those who were suffering by moting the good of this Government.
means of the cruel Bill that shut up our port, while the We find a peculiar difficulty in expressing the distress
other Colonies, by reason of their distance, were not able of our minds relating to the unhappy circumstances of this
to afford such immediate help. Province at this time, and can with sincerity say, that we
We think ourselves obliged on this occasion to testify, have no doubt, from your well known character, you will
that your charities have been most faithfully applied to tlie do all that is within your power to extricate us out of our
purpose for which they were sent. The gentlemen who distresses, in every way consistent with the true interests
have undertaken this trust, are of the first character for of Great Britain and her Colonies, which we hold insep-
probity and universal goodness. They generously employ arable. And we do bear our testimony against ail riots,
a very great part of tiieir time in this benevolent work, combinations, and unwarrantable resolves, which we appre-
without the prospect of any reward but what ariseth from hend have been the unhappy occasion of many of our
the pleasure of doing good, and of the approbation of their troubles and as there are now circulating through this
;

great Master and Lord. Province certain inffammatory pieces, signed by order of
While we think we have a right to complain to Heaven the Committee of Correspondence of the town of Boston
and Earth of the cruel oppression we are under, we ascribe and in this county, by order of certain persons calling them-
righteousness to God. We deserve every thing from him, selves a Committee of Correspondence of the town of
and he punishes us less than our iniquities deserve. We Worcester, directed to the several towns in the county,
earnestly entreat the continuance of your addresses to Him stinuilating the people to break off all connections with
who heareth prayer, that He would humble, pardon, and Gnat Britain, whicli havestill a tendency to alienate tlie
bless us. affections of the people of this Province and couniy from
Our own distresses by no means employ all our attention. the mother country, and creiite discord and confusion, we
We are more deeply affected with the general danger of do assure your Excellency that we will do every thing in
our countiy, than with our own difficulties. We encourage our power to discountenance such proceedings, and sup-
 445 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, izc, JUNE, 1774. 446
port the execution of the laws, and render your Excel- last, and again, from Williamsburg, immediately after
our
„„.
lency's administration successful and prosperous. dissolution, enclosing the order
for a fast, which produced
that event and an account
HIS excellency's answer. ; of the subsequent conduct of
the members after
the political death inflicted on them,
Gentlemen : I return you my
most sincere and hearty ihe day before we were dissolved I had prepared
thanks for your very affectionate and truly patriotic Address. a set of
resolutions, the two last of which
Your disavowal of were thus expressed •

malevolent labour of a desperate

the " Resolved, That the blocking up,
faction, who, by raising groundless fears and jealousies, and
or the attempting to
block the harbour of Boston, until the
using every sort of artifice and fraud, endeavour to delude people there shall
" submit to the payment of the taxes
and intimidate the people, and create in them an aversion imposed upon them
" without the consent of their Representatives,
is a most
and enmity towards their brethren in Great Britain, is a " violent and dangerous attempt to destroy
proof that you hold sentiments the most friendly to your the constitu-
" tional liberty and rights of all British
country. America.
" Resolved, That »»•»«»«, be appointed
Mayyour designs to discountenance such proceedings Depu-
" from this House, to meet at ••*•»«•»» such
tjes
meet with all the success that every real patriot must hope " Deputies from the other Colonies as they shall
and wish for and I will, at all times, be ready to advance appoint,
;
" there to consider and determine on ways the
so laudable a work. Which alone can give peace and happi- most effect-
" ual to stop the exports from North America, and
for the
ness to the Province, and restore the union so necessary to
" adoption of such other measures as may be most
be cemented with the Kingdom of Great Britain. decisive
" for securing the rights of America against the systematic
" plan formed for their destruction."
Williamsburg, June 23, 1774. I have not a remaining doubt that
these resolutions
By from Fort Pitt, (since rebuilt, called Fort
letters would have been agreed to had they been proposed. 1
Dunmore,) of the 7th instant, there is advice that two was prevented from offering them by many worthy mem-
days before a family on the west side of the Monongahela, bers, who wished to have the public business first finished,
consisting of a man, woman, and six children, were killed and who were induced to believe, from many conversations
and scalped by a party of Indians, with many circum- they had heard, that there was no danger of a dissolution
stances of cruelty and that a man has been killed near
;
before it had happened. It seems Government were
Grave Creek, on the Ohio. The day following another alarmed at the spirit which the order for a fast denoted,
man was killed on the Monongahela by the Indians. and, fearing the consequences, interposed a dissolution.
The consequent conduct of the members was surely much
too feeble, in opposition to that very dangerous and alaim-
EXTRACT FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE TOWN OF ing degree to which despotism had advanced. So thinking,
WINDHAM, IN CONNECTICUT. I did propose to the dissolved members the plan of a
June 23, 1774. general Congress ; but theymade a distinction between
We cannot close this meeting without expressing our their then state, and that when they were members of the
utmost abhorrence and detestation of those few in a devoted House of Burgesses.
Province, styling themselves Ministers, Merchants, Barris- Most of the members, and myself among the rest, had
ters and Attorneys, who have, against the sense and opinion left Williamsburg before your message from Boston had
of this vast Continent, distinguished themselves in their arrived. Twenty-five of them, however, were assembled
late fawning, adulating Address to Governour Hutchinson, to consider of that Message, and they determined to invite
the scourge of the Province which gave him birth, and the a general meeting of the whole body on the 1st of August,
pest of America. His principles and conduct, evidenced to consider the measure of stopping the exports and im-
by his letters, and those under his approbation, are so ports. Since that an Indian invasion of our frontier has
replete with treason against his country, and with the compelled the calling a new Assembly, for which purpose,
meanest of self-exaltation, as cannot be palliated by art, writs, returnable to the 11 th August, are now out, at which
nor disguised by subtlety. time it is thought the House will meet when, I think, ;

Weesteem those Addresses a high-handed insult on the there is no manner of doubt they will directly adopt the
town of Boston, and the Province of Massachusetts Bay most effectual means in their power for obtaining a redress
in particular, and all the American Colonies in general. of grievances. In the mean time, the sense of some coun-
Those styled Merchants may plead their profound igno- ties is taking, and two have already declared their desire

rance of the constitutional rights of Englishmen, as an to stop the commercial intercourse between Great Britain
excuse, in some degree. But for those who style them- and the West Indies, and this Colony. It seems very
selves Barristers and Attorneys, they have either assumed clear to me that there will be a general agreement. Do
a false character, or they must, in some measure, be you not think, that the first most essential step for our
acquainted with the constitutional rights of Englishmen, Assembly to take, will be an invitation to a general Con-
and those of their own Province. For them to present gress, as speedily as the nature of things will admit, in
such an Address is a daring affront to common sense, a order that our plan, whatever it may be, may be unani-
high insult on all others of the profession, and treason mous, and therefore effectual ? I shall be in Williamsburg
against law. And from that learned profession, who are the 1st of August, and shall continue there until the meet-
supposed to be well acquainted with the English Constitu- ing of Assembly on the 1 1th. It will be exceedingly

tion, and have the best means, and are under the greatest agreeable to me to know your sentiments fully on this most
advantages to defend the rights of society, and who have important subject. I am sure it will be of real conse-

been famed as the greatest supporters of English liberties, quence to the cause of liberty that your Committee of
for any of them to make a sacrifice of their all to this Correspondence write fully your sentiments to ours at the
Paged of vanity and fulsome adulation, is mean, vile, and same time. It will be well so to time the matter, as that
unpardonable, and cannot be accounted for upon any other your letters may be in Williamsburg before the 1st of
principles but those of their master, who would sacrifice his August, at which time a meeting of the late Representa-
country to be the independent head of a respectable Pro- tives will take place, notwithstanding the return of the

vince, and the few leaders of this infamous law band, would, writs to the 11th instant.
it seems, give their aid and support therein to obtain the Ihope the good people of Boston will not lose their
first places in this new Kingdom. The addressing Clergy spirits under their present heavy oppression, for they will
we leave to the reproaches of their own consciences, but certainly be supported by the other Colonies and the ;

lament to find they are the first in their ignominious cause for which they suffer is so glorious, and so deeply
homage to their idol. interesting to the present and future generations, that all
America will owe, in a great measure, their ])olitical salva-
tion to the present virtue of Massachusetts Bay.
RICHARD HENRY LEE TO SAMUEL ADAMS. I am, sir, with very singular regard, your most obedient
Chantilly, Va., June 23, 1774.
and humble servant,
Sir: I did myself the pleasure of writing to you, from Richard Henry Lee.
this place, before my departure for our Assembly, in May To Samuel Adams, Esquire, Boston.
447 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 448

SAMUEL ADAMS TO RICHARD HEXRY LEE. general Bill of Rights, the dispute might be settled on prin-
ciples of freedom, and harmony be restored between Great
Boston, 1774.
Britain and the Colonies.
Sir: I have lately been favoured with three letters I am, with great regard, your friend and servant,
from you, and must beg you to attribute my omitting to Samuel Adams.
make due acknowledgments till this lime, to a multiplicity Richard Henry Lee, Virginia.
of affairs to which I am constant atten-
obliged to give my
tion. The unrighteous and oppressive Act of the British
Charlestown, S. C, June 24, 1774.
Parliament for shutting up this harbour, though executed
with a rigour beyond the intent even of its framers, has Many generous and charitable persons in this Colony,

hitherto and will, I believe, continue to fail of the

fliiled, being desirous to send, and we the subscribers having been
effect wiiich the enemies of America flattered themselves requested to receive, donations for the relief of our distressed
it would have. The inhabitants still wear cheerful counte- brethren in Boston, now suffering for the common cause of
nances; far from being in the least intimidated, they are America, under the late most cruel, arbitrary, and oppres-
resolved to undergo the greatest hardships, rather than sive Act of the British Parliament, for the shutting up of

submit in any instance to the tyrannical Act. They are that port —
in order that so laudable, and at the same

daily encouraged to persevere by the intelligence they time necessary a mark of our real sympathy and union
receive from their brethren, not of this Province only, but with our sister Colonies, may not appear to have the least
every other Colony, that they are considered as suffering slight shown to it Give this public notice, that whatever
:

in the common cause, and the resolution of all to support shall be sent to of us, for that purpose, shall
us, or either

them in the conflict. Lord North had no expectation be faithfully, and as expeditiously as possible forwarded to
that we should be thus sustained on the contrary, he
;
the direction of gentlemen of known probity, public spirit,
trusted that Boston would be left to fall alone. He has and honour in Boston, for tiie benefit of such poor persons
therefore made no preparation for tiie effects of an union. whose unfortunate circumstances, occasioned by the opera-
From the information I have had from intelligent persons tion of that unconstitutional Act, may be thought to stand

in England, 1 verily believe the design was to seize some in most need- of immediate assistance.
persons and send them home ; but the steadiness and pru- Daniel Horry, Paul Trafier,
dence of the people, and the unexpected union of the James Parsons, William Elliott, of
Colonies, evidenced by hberal contributions for our support, William Williamson, Beaufort,
lias disconcerted them, and they are at a loss to know how Miles Brewton, John Neufville,
to proceed further. Four regiments are encamped on our Levinus Clarkson, Charles Elliott,
Common, and more are expected ; but I hope the people Thomas Lynch, Charles Pinckney,
will by circumspect behaviour, prevent their taking occa- Thomas Ferguson, Christ. Gadsden.
sion to act. The Port Bill is followed by two other Acts, N. B. Any rice that shall be sent to Mr. Gadsdeit's
one for regulating the Government of this Province, or
wharf, for the above purpose, shall be there landed, shipped,
rather totally to destroy our free Constitution, and substitut- and (if occasion) stored without a farthing charge.
ing an absolute despotic one in its stead the other for the;

more impartial administration of justice; or, as some term it,

screening from punishment any soldier who shallmurder spottsylvania county (Virginia) resolutions.
an American for asserting his riglits. A submission to We,
the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of
these Acts will doubtless be required and expected but ; Spottsylvania, being assembled on this 24th day of June,
whether General Gage will find it an easy thing to force to advise and consult with our late Representatives (agree-
the people to submit to so great and fundamental a change able to their invitation) on the present state of British
of Government, is a question I think worth his considera- America, and having taken under our most serious consid-
tion. Will the people of America consider these measures eration several Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain
as an attack on the Constitution of an individual Province, made during the present reign, respecting America, particu-
in which the rest are not interested, or will they view the larly one Act wherein a duty on tea is made payable in
jnodel of Government prepared for us as a system for the America, for the purpose of raising a revenue, and three
whole Continent ? Will they as unconcerned spectators, other Acts of the last session of the present Parliament,
look on it to be designed only to lop off the exuberant respecting the Province of Massachusetts Bay, are of
branches of democracy in the Constitution of this Province, opinion
or as part of a plan to reduce them all to slavery. These That the Acts of Parliament are unconsti-
said several
are questions, in my opinion, of great importance, wliich 1 tutional, arbitrary,and unjust, manifestly calculated for the
trust will be thoroughly weighed in a general Congress. destruction of the rights of America, and the British
May God inspire that intended body with wisdom and Constitution in general, and ought to be opposed by all
fortitude, and unite and prosper their counsels. well-wishers, as well of the mother country as of the Colo-
The people of this Province are thoroughly sensible of nies, whose interests are mutual, and ought ever to be con-
the necessity of breaking off all commercial connection sidered as inseparable.
w^ith a country whose poUtical Councils tend only to en- That the levies of Parliament are the free gift of the
slave them. They, however, consider the body of the people, granted by their Representatives, who, as they
Nation as kept in profound ignorance of the nature of the must necessarily contribute thereto, and oftentimes in a
dispute between Britain and the Colonies, and are taught manifold projiortion, the Constitution presumes will not be
10 believe that we ai-e a perfidious and rebellious jieople. over-lavish of the people's money.
It is with reluctance they come into any resolutions, which That the Legislation of Great Britain, and all free
must distress those who are not the objects of their resent- Governments, founded on the essential principle, that
is

ments but they are urged to it by motives of self-preser-

; the Representatives must be affected by the laws of their
vation and are, therefore, signing an agreement in the
; making equally with their constituents.
several towns, not to consume any British manufactures, That the Colonies, since their separation from Great
which shall be imported after the last day of August next, Britain having no representation in the British Parliament,
and that they may not be imposed upon they are to require; and having Pariiaments of their own, under the authority
an oath of those of whom they purchase goods. It is the of the same King, adequate to all purposes of legislation,
virtue of the yeomanry we are chiefly to depend upon. the British Parliament can have no power of making laws
Our friends in Maryland talk of withholding tlie exporta- for the government of the Colonies, but in such cases
tion of tobacco this was hinted to us by the gentlemen of
; wherein tiie authority of the Colony Assembly does not
tlie late House of Burgesses of Virginia, who had been extend.
called together after the dissolution of the Assembly. Resohed, therefore. That we owe all due obedience to
This would be a measure greatly interesting to the mother our most gracious Sovereign George the Third, lawful and
country. rightful Sovereign of Great Britain, France, Ireland, and
Should America hold up her own importance to the of this Colony of Virginia ; that we will, with our lives
bodv of the Nation, and at the same time agree to one and fortunes, support and maintain the honour of his
449 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 450
Crown, the happiness of his illustrious House, and prospe- a more wanton and cruel manner than done in the most
is

rityof his Dominions in general and thai we will in our

; despotic Governments on earth? It would indeed be
Assembly (whereof we boast our most gracious Sovereign greater kindness not to mock them with the hopes of satis-
as the head) recommend and advise all such laws as shall faction.
be necessary for the internal Government of this Colony,
and for the advancement of his Majesty's glory in general,
BERGEN COUNTY (nEW-JERSEy) RESOLUTIONS.
as the ability of his loyal subjects here will admit of.
Resolved, further, That we owe no obedience to any At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of
Act of the British Parliament that is, or shall be made, the County of Bergen, in the Province of New-Jersey,
respecting the internal police of this Colony, and that we convened agreeable to advertisement, at the Court House
will oppose any such Acts our lives and fortunes.
witii of said County, on Saturday, the 25th of June, 1774.
Resolved, That the said Acts of the British Parliament Peter Zabriskie, Esquire, Chairman.
respecting tlie Province of the Massachusetts Bay, and the This meeting being deeply affected with the calamitous
town of Boston, tending to enforce obedience to the afore- condition of the inhabitants of Boston, in the Province of
said unconstitutional Act, imposing a duty upon tea, for Massachusetts Bay, in consequence of the late Act of
raising a revenue in America, ought to be considered as an Parliament for blocking up the port of Boston ; and con-
attempt against the rights and liberties of America in gen- sidering the alarming tendency of the Act of the British
eral, and that the same ought to be opposed by the people Parliament for the purpose of raising a revenue in America,
of this Colony. Do Resolve, 1st. That they think it their greatest hap-
Resolved, That the most effectual method of opposing piness to under the Government of the illustrious
live
the said several Acts of Parliament will be to break off all House of Hanover, and that they will stedfastly and uni-
commercial connection with Great Britain till the said fonnJy bear true and faithful allegiance to his Majesty
Acts shall be repealed. We, therefore, cordially approve King George the Third, under the enjoyment of their
the proposed meeting of the late House of Burgesses, on the constitutional rights and privileges.
1st o( August next, and authorize and request you, George 2d. That we conceive it to be our indubitable privilege
Stuhblejield and Mann Page, Esquires, our late Burgesses, to be taxed only by our own consent, given by ourselves,
to represent us, the freeholders and other inhabitants of or by our Representatives and that we consider the late
;

this county, at such meeting, there to consult with the other Acts of Parliament, declarative of their right to impose
Deputies of the several counties in this Colony, and adopt internal taxes on the subjects of America, as manifest
such measures as shall seem best to answer the general encroachments on our national rights and privileges as
tendency of the foregoing Resolutions, hereby engaging, on British subjects, and as inconsistent with the idea of an
our parts, to conform thereto, and support the same to the American Assembly, or House of Representatives.
utmost of our power. 3d. That we will heartily unite with this Colony in
choosing Delegates to attend at a general Congress from
the several Provinces of America, in order to consult on
EXTRACtS OF LETTERS RECEIVED AT PHILADELPHIA, and determine some effectual method to be pursued for
DATED PITTSBURGH, JUNE 24, 1774. obtaining a repeal of the said Acts of Parliament, which
appears to us evidently calculated to destroy that mutual
Since our last, of the 19th, Conolhj sent out an armed harmony and dependence between Great Britain and her
party to waylay the road about six miles from town, who Colonies, which are the basis and support of both.
fell upon a party of carriers, abused them and searched
And we do appoint Theunis Hey, John Demarest,
their lading, among which they found one load of powder, Peter ZabrisTcie, Cornelius Van Voarst, and John Zabris-
sent up by Mr. Joseph Spear, for the use of the distressed Tcie, Junior, Esquires, to be a Committee for corresponding
inhabitants of this county, of which (Jonolly's party robbed with the Committees of the other counties in this Province,
tliem, and carried
it to the fort. When the master car- and particularly to meet with the other County Committees
rier applied to Conolly for a receipt, he would give him at New-Brunswick, or such other place as shall be agreed
none, but was beat and abused in a most cruel manner for on, in order to elect Delegates to attend the general Con-
asking it, by one Aston, who is a Captain of his appoint- gress of Delegates of the American Colonies for the pur-
ment. poses aforesaid.
We have certain accounts that the three friendly Indians,
who so faithfully escorted the traders and their party to this
place, were waylaid on their return home, near the mouth extract of a letter from governour gage to the
of Beaver Creek, by one of the two parties which Conolly earl of DARTMOUTH.
sent out in the night after them, and who fired upon them Saism, 26th June, 1774.

and shot one of the Indians through the body, and then My Lord The General Court met here on the 7th
:

run off, it is said, like brave fellows! The other two instant, and, after the enclosed Protest, proceeded to busi-
Indians assisted their wounded companion, and got off with ness, and sent me the enclosed Address. During the short
him, without any further damage than the loss of part of sessions several private Bills, and a Tax Bill, were passed.
the presents they had received from our traders for their A Committee of the House sat for some days, keeping
fidelity. The party of Cono//y'« consisted of twelve men, their business very secret ; but, giving out, they were upon
and an officer. Yesterday Captain McKee's servant, one moderate and conciliating measures. They made their
JVilliam Herbert, was shot dead by one of Conolly's cen- Report, I am informed, on the 17th instant, when the door
tinels, as he went into the fort, through the sally-port ; but was ordered to be locked but their proceedings getting
;

we believe this to be an accident. abroad, I sent the Secretary to dissolve them. They
The principal inhabitants are harassed in a manner that would not admit him, and he was obliged to do it by Proc-
cannot be borne. They are under the very worst kind of lamation on the outside of the door. I transmit your
military Government. For surely there can be no law in Lordship the Resolves they have passed.
Virginia, (supposing their laws to extend here,) which The Council sent me the enclosed libel on my prede-
can empower any person whomsoever to seize upon the cessors in this Government, in an Address on which ;

properly of another and apply it to his own use without, or account I sending them the reasons
refused to receive it,

even against, the owner's consent. Yet this is done every for my refusal, which I also send your Lordship. If the
day about Pittsburgh. Do they want provisions it is — dissolution will be productive of good, or not, remains to
only ordering out a party to shoot down the first they met be known but the contrivers of all the mischief in the
;

with of any kind. It is any owner appears, they

true, if town of Boston, 1 am informed, are now spiriting up the
are appraised, and he gets a certificate —
but what is he peo))le throughout the Province to resistance, as well to
better ? He must take a journey of two hundred and fifty the Port Bill, as to three other Acts daily expected, rough
miles to Staunton, to get it allowed by Court, and he must draughts of which were printed here about the 4th instant
take another of the same distance to get his money and ; and die Speeches made upon them in the House of Com-
all this to a poor man for perhaps the only cow he lias in mons, published in the newspaj)ers. Sensible and well
the world, and on the milk of which an infant family is affected people have told me, they have no doubt that
depending. Is not this sporting with people's property in their intention is to try to raise the Province to arms ; but

Fourth Series. 29
451 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. <«»
I hope they respect and fear too much and, however ; forenoon, that the late Burgesses may collect their sen-
prone their inclinations may be to so wicked a project, I timents previous to the meeting appointed to be held at
trust they want power to effect it. Williamsburg, on the 1st day of August next.
In Boston the greatest pains have been, and are taking, William Davis, Clerk.
to oppose all measures tending to open the port, by flattering
As late Burgesses {qt Norfolk County and Borough, we
the people with assistance from the other Provinces, promises
heartily concur in sentiments with the Committee of Cor-
of collections, and presents to enable them to subsist, and
respondence, and propose to attend at the time appointed.
the happy effects of a general Congress, which, they make
Thomas Newton, Jun.,
no doubt, will force Great Britain into their own terms.
James Holt,
On the other hand, several gentlemen, who, through fear Joseph Hutchings.
of the tyranny under which they have lived, dared not to
act or speak, encouraged now by the late resolutions of
Government, have ventured to step forth, and are endea- MORRIS COUNTY (nEW-JERSEy) RESOLUTIONS.
vouring to persuade the people to comply with the Act of
At a Meeting of a respectable body of the Freeholdei-s
Parliament, as the only means to save their town from ruin.
and Inhabitants of the County of Morris, in the Province
Till they are pinched, and find they are deceived in their
of East New-Jersey, at the Court House in Morristown,
hopes of support, by presents and collections, the affair
in the said County, on Monday, the 27th June, 1774.
will probably rest in this situation ; but the Act must cer-
tainly, sooner or later, work its own way. Jacob Ford, Esquire, Chairman.
They will not agree to non-importation either at New- Resolved, That George the Third is lawful and
1st.

York or Philadelphia, or even in this Province, though I rightful King of Great Britain and all other his Domin-
believe a Congress, of some sort, may be obtained but ;
ions and countries, and that as part of his Dominions it is
when or how it will be composed is yet at a distance, and, our duty not only to render unto him true faith and obedi-
after all, Boston may get little more than fair words. I ence, but also with our lives and fortunes to support and
got the consent of Council to my nomination of Mr. Jus- maintain the just dependence of these his Colonies upon
tice Broicn, of the Inferiour Court of Essex County, to the Crown of Great Britain.
succeed the late Judge Ropes, as Judge of the Superiour 2d. That it is our wish and desire, and we esteem it our
Court, and he is appointed and sworn in accordingly. greatest happiness and security to be governed by the
The fourth and forty-third regiments encamped on Bos- laws of Great Britain, and that we will always cheerfully
ton Common the 14th and 15tli instant. The latter came submit to them as far as can be done, consistently with
into the harbour the 1st instant, but their tents having, by the constitutional liberties and privileges of freeborn £n-
mistake, been put in the transports of the fourth regiment, glishmen.
they were obliged to wait for them. Their arrival has 3d. That the late Acts of Parliament for imposing taxes
given spirits to the friends of Government, and we are for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, are
looking out for the troops from Ireland ; three companies, oppressive and arbitrary, calculated to disturb the minds
from thence, of the fifth regiment, are arrived, and the and alienate the affections of the Colonists from the mother
remainder may be daily expected. country are replete with ruin to both, and consequently
;

that the authors and promoters of said Acts, or of such

doctrines of the right of taxing America being in the Par-
Charlestown, S. C, June 27th, 1774.
liament of Great Britain, are, and should be deemed
They write from Georgia that the Mortar, a principal enemies to our King and happy Constitution.
Head-man or Chief of the Creeic Indians, had sent down 4th. That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the Act
ihree Indians to Augusta with a peace talk, which was of Parliament, for shutting up the port of Boston, is
delivered at Colonel Barnard's, requesting that the trade unconstitutional, injurious in its principles to the general
might again be opened. Mr. Graham, a trader, was cause of American freedom, particularly oppressive to the
attacked by some of the friends or relations of the Mad inhabitants of that town, and that, therefore, the people of
Turkey, lately murdered at Augusta, but by the assistance Boston are considered by us as suffering in the general
of some Chickasaw Indians which Mr. Graham had with cause of America.
him for his protection, they were prevented from doing 5th. That unanimity and firmness in the Colonies are
any mischief. The last Indian trader that arrived from the most effectual means to relieve our suffering brethren
Augusta fiom the Creek Country says that Emistisiquo, at Boston, to avert the dangers justly to be apprehended
and the other Indians who were lately at Savannah, had from that alarming Act, commonly styled the Boston Port
delivered their talk at the Coweta Town, and that there- Bill, and to secure the invaded rights and privileges of
upon the leader of the murdering gang, with one or two America.
more, had left the place, whether through fear, or to do 6th. That it is our opinion, that an agreement between
more mischief, is uncertain. Scouts are ordered out from the Colonies not to purchase or use any articles imported
every company of militia in and about Augusta, &.C., to from Great Britain or from the East Indies, under such
scour the woods, make discoveries, and give timely notice restrictions as may be agreed upon by the general Congress
to the inhabitants to provide for their safety in case of hereafter to be appointed by the Colonies, would be of
danger. service in procuring a repeal of those Acts.
The last accounts from the Indian country infoiTOS us 7th. Tliat we will most cheerfully join our brethren of
that the Creeks had appointed a general meeting of all the other counties in this Province, in promoting an union
the chief men and warriors of their Nation, to be holden of the Colonies, by forming a general Congress of Depu-
on the 24th of last month. They were greatly distressed ties to be sent from each of the Colonies and do now
;

by the trade with them being stopped and it is expected

; declare ourselves ready to send a Committee to meet with
that the result of their deliberations at the said meeting, those from the other counties at such time and place as by
will be to give such satisfaction for the late murders as has them may be agreed upon, in order to elect proper persons
been demanded. At the same time, it is confidently assert- to represent this Province in the said Congress.
ed, that the Chcrokees have engaged to join the Creeks in 8th. That it is the request of this meeting that the
case of war. County Committees when met for the purposes aforesaid,
do take into their serious consideration the propriety of
setting on foot a subscription for the benefit of the sufferers
At a Meeting of the Committee of Correspondence for
at Boston, under the Boston Port Bill, above mentioned,
Norfolk and Portsmouth, in Virginia, held at the Court
and the money arising from such subscription to be laid out
House, on Monday, the 27th day of June, 1774.
as the Committees so met shall think will best answer the
Present, Matthew Phripp, Samuel Kerr, James Taylor, ends proposed.
William Harvey, Paul Loyal, Alexander Skinner. 9th, That we will faithfully adhere to such regulations
Voted, That the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the and restrictions as shall by the members of said Congress
County and Borough of Norfolk be earnestly requested be agreed upon, and judged most expedient for avoiding
to attend at the Court House of the said county, on Wed- the calamities, and procuring the benefits, intended in the
nesday, the 6th day of July next, at ten o'clock in the foregoing resolves.
 4»3 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 454

lOth. It is our request that the Ccmmittee hereafter EXTRACT of A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN JOHN CONOLLY TO
named, do correspond and consult witli such other Com- A GENTLEMAN IN PHILADELPHIA.
mittees as shall be appointed by the other counties in this Fort Pitt, June 27. 1774.
''

Province, and particularly that they meet with the said

The inhabitants in general are fled from this place, and
County Committee, in order to elect and appoint Deputies the country is in great confusion. I understand a party of
to represent this Province in a general Congress.
Shatvanese warriors were about to set out to annoy our
11th. We
do hereby desire the following gentlemen to settlements towards Red
Stone, and I have detached one
accept of that important trust, and accordingly do appoint hundred active militia, under the command of good officers,
them our Committee for the purposes aforesaid Jacob :

to fall in with them if possible, and expect to hear of a

Ford, William Windes, Abraham Ogden, William De skirmish between them every hour. 1 have sent down
Hart, Samuel Tuthill, Jonathan Stiles, John Carle, the appraisment of the King's boats, which I was obliged
Philip V. Cortland, and Samuel Ogden, Esquires. up in the hurry to lash the pickets. You will
to tear
observe the necessity of keeping some of the Royal Irish
here, in order to protect so valuable a part of his Majesty's
EXTRACT or A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN NEW-YORK.
property.
Huntin^on, (on Long Island,) June 27, 1774.

Asthe opinion of every part of this Colony is requisite

form a general idea of the dispositions of the people, I
to
think it of some advantage to the cause, that the earliest
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL
intelligence should be communicated, have therefore en-
At a Council held at Philadelphia, on Monday, 27th
closed the Resolves of this town, copied verbatim from the
of June, 1774,
original now in my hands, signed by Mr. Israel Wood,
President, chosen Moderator. Present : The Honourable John Penn, Esquire, Govern-
The profound attention of the people, on the business our, William Logan, James Tilghman, Richard Peters,
of the day being opened, and the unanimity that prevailed Andrew Allen, Benjamin Chew, Edward Shippen, Jun.,
in the passing of these Resolves, indicate a serious attach- Thomas Cadwallader, Esquires.
ment to the cause, and a firmness of resolution to sup- The Govemour laid before the Board several Letters he
port it for I am credibly informed that there never was
;
received by different expresses from Westmoreland, all in-
so numerous a meeting, and not a dissenting voice or hand forming him of sundry murders committed on the frontiers
to every single Resolve. Tuesday next is the day ap- of this Province by the Indians, and representing the great
pointed for holding a General Committee of the county, distress and confusion of the inhabitants of that country
at the County Hall, to open a correspondence with the from the apprehensions of an Indian war ; which being read
New-York Committee, &.c. and duly considered, it was the opinion and advice of the
Board, that writs be issued for convening the Assembly on
the 18th July next, which was done accordingly.
HUNTINGTON, (sUFFOLK CO., NEW-YORk) RESOLUTIONS.
That a letter be wrote by the Govemour to Sir William
At a General Town
Meeting, on the 21st day of June, Johnson, acquainting him with the intelligence received of
1774, the Inhabitants of Huntington came into the follow- these hostile transactions and troubles, and to request his in-
ing Resolutions terposition with the Six Nations to use their influence and
1st. That every freeman's property is absolutely his own, endeavours with the Shawanese and Delawares to prevent
and that no man has a right to take it from him without fi^rther hostilities on their part, and to assure them of the
his consent, expressed either by himself or his Representa- sincere intentions of this Government
to continue their
tive. pacific dispositions our Indian brethren.
towards all That
2d. That, therefore, all taxes and duties imposed on a Letter be wrote to Lord Dunmore, on this subject, to com-
liisMajesty's subjects in the American Colonies by the ])lain of Dr. Conolly's oppressive and tyrannical conduct at
authority of Parliament, are wholly unconstitutional, and Pittsburgh, and the dangerous tendency his military opera-
a plain violation of the most essential rights of British tions, &c., have to involve the Colonies in a general Indian
subjects. war. That a letter be wrote to Captain St. Clair, advising
3d. That the Act of Parliament lately passed for shut- him of the above measures that the Govemour approves
;

tingup the port of Boston, or any other means or device, of what has been done by him, and the inhabitants, for
under colour or pretext of law, to compel them, or any preventing the desertion of the people, and requesting him
other of his Majesty's American subjects, to submit to to use his endeavours to encourage the people to stand their
Parliamentary taxations, are subversive of their just and ground and Mr. Tilghman, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Shippen,
;

constitutional liberty. are appointed a Committee to prepare draughts of the said

4th. That we are of opinion that our brethren of Boston letter.
I are now suffering in the common cause of British It appearing, by the letters received, that the people in
America. Westmoreland were in great necessity of ammunition, the
5th. That, therefore, it is the indispensable duty of all Board advised the Govemour to order a further supply im-
the Colonies upon this Continent to unite in some effectual mediately to be sent to them.
measures for the repeal of the said Act for shutting up the Mr. Tilghman and Mr. Allen laid before the Board a
port of Boston, and every other Act of Parliament whereby Report of their proceedings in Virginia, pursuant to the
they are taxed for raising a revenue. commission and instructions of the 7th of May last, given
That it
6th. is the opinion of this meeting, the most to them to treat with the Earl of Dunmore, Govemour of
effectual means speedy repeal of the said
for obtaining a that Province, concerning the several matters therein con-
Acts will be to bieak off all commercial intercourse with tained, together with copies of their several letters to his
Great Britain, Ireland, and the English West India Lordship, and his original letters to them, which passed in
Colonies. the course of their negotiation at Williamsburg ; all which
7th. And we hereby
declare ourselves ready to enter were ordered to be entered on the minutes of Council, and
into tliese such other measures as shall be agreed
or follow in these words, viz :

upon by a general Congress of all the Colonies; and we do

recommend to the general Congress to take such measures The Report of James Tilghman and Andrew Allen,
Commissioners appointed by the Honourable John Penn,
as shall be most effectual to prevent such goods as are at
Esquire, Govemour of Pennsylvania, to treat with the
present in America, from being raised to an extravagant
Rioht Honourable the Earl of Dunmore, Govemour of
price. ni the
Virginia, on sundry public matters mentioned
And, lastly, We do choose and appoint Colonel Piatt
Governour's instmctions, bearmg
couimision, and the
(Jonkling, John Sloss Hobart, P>sq., and Mr. Thomas
equal date therewith.
Wiclces,^{or a Committee for this town, to act in conjunc-
May In pursuance of your
please your Honour
tion with the Committees of the other towns in the county
:
it
your instructions attendmg it,
a.s a General Committee for the county, to
correspond with Honour's commission, and
on Thursday the 12th o( i«ay,
he Committee of New-York. Signed, we sat out on our journey
Israel Wood, President. 1774, and on Thursday, the 19th, we arrived ar Williams-
 455 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 456
burg and went to Lord liunmore's. He was not then at be established for the good purpose only
jurisdiction shall
home. We waited on him next morning to pay our res- of quieting the disturbances which at present subsist be-
pects, and to know when it would be agreeable to him to tween the two Colonies, without any prejudice to the
have our business laid before him. Saturday morning at Crown, or the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, to the south-
ten o'clock was appointed to wait upon him on the occasion. ward of the said line of Dixon and Mason, continued as
We met him at his house, and infonned him our business far as the fortieth degree of north latitude, (all which land
was to apply to him to pm the Proprietaries of Fcnnsyl- the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania claim,) until the limits
vania in a petition to the Crown to appoint Commissioners of Pennsylvania can be finally settled as aforesaid.
io settle and run the lines of Pennsyhania to the westward, And we would further propose to your Lordship, that
and in the mean time to agree with his Lordship upon until the said lines of jurisdiction can be run, the juris-
some line of jurisdiction to remedy the inconveniences of diction of Virginia be suspended at Fort Pitt and the
the present clasliing jurisdictions between Virginia and country thereabouts, as the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania was
Peunsyhania, and to prevent them for the future. To the unquestionably first extended and executed in that part of
first he readily agreed, and said he had already written to the country, as we think we can clearly satisfy your
Lord Dartmouth on the subject, pointing out the necessity Lordship.
<of setthng the boundaries, but he informed us that the If these proposals, or the maps we send with them,
Colony o( Virginia would not bear any part of the ex- should not be sufficiently clear and explicit, we shall be
fiense. As to the other point., his Lordsiiip answered that ready at any time to attend your Lordship in order to
le should be glad if our propositions, relating to a line of explain.
jurisdiction, were stated in writing, that he might be the We have the honour to be your Lordship's most obedient
better able to consider them and give us an answer, and and most humble servants, James Tilghman,
desired to have a sight of any draughts or papers we had Andrew Allen.
which might illustrate the matter. This request we prom- To his Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Dun-
ised to comply with as soon as possible, and on Monday more, Governour and Commander-in-chief of the Colony
the 23d, at ten o'clock, we sent our written proposals, and Dominion of Virginia.
ropies of wliieh, and of the several other lettei"s which
passed from us to Lord Difnmore in the course of the ne-
gotiation, as also his original letters to us, are hereunto LORD DUNMORE TO JAMES TILGHMAN AND ANDREW ALLEN.
annexed, nnmbered in proper order, and to which we beg No. 2.

leave to refer, afld request that they may be taken as part Williamsburg, 24th May, 1774.
of our Report. Gentlemen : Having considered your proposals of a
We
have the honour to he, with great regard, your boundary line or lines, to ascertain, lor the present, the
Honour's most obedient humble servants, jurisdiction of the Colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania,
James Tilghman, and the terms of the Royal grant, 1 am of opinion that the
Andrew Allen. latter cannot admit of the construction which you give to
To the Honourable John Fenn, Esq, tliem, or that it could possibly be the intent of the Crown
Philadelphia, June 17, 1774. that the western bounds of your Province should have the
very inconvenient, and so difficult to be ascertained shape,
as it would have, if, as you say, it were to correspond with
JAMES TILGHMAN AND ANDREW ALLEN TO LORD DUNMORE, the course of the river Delaware ; but I think, from the
No. I. words of the grant, rather that your western boundary
"
Williamsburg, May 23, 1774. should be determined by a meridian line at five degrees of
My Lord : In compliance with your I^ordship's request longitude from the river Delaware, to be computed from
we are now our proposal of a line or
to state in writing that point upon it which is at the extent of the forty-second
lines, to ascertain, for the present, the jurisdictions of the degree of latitude and the line drawn from that point to the
Colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania. And we would aforesaid meridian, is your north bounds and your south
;

beg leave first to observe, that by the terms of the Royal bounds should be a straight line westward from the circle
grant, the Province of Pennsylvania is to extend five de- drawn at twelve miles distance from New- Castle, northward
grees of longitude from its eastern boundaries, which are and westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree
the river Delaware and the twelve mile circle of New- of latitude, until that straight line westward intersect the
castle. And we do presume, that all the settlements to meridian above mentioned, which is the limits of longitude
the westward, under grants from Pennsylvania, are witliin mentioned in the Royal grant, and no other, as it appears
that extent. But in order to ascertain that matter, and to to me.
prevent for the future such disagreeable ditferences and Conformably to this, I am willing to agree to a tempo-
disquiets as have of late unhappily subsisted between those rary line, that may
serve to ascertain the jurisdiction of
Colonies by the clashing of their jurisdictions, we would both Colonies, and quiet the disturbances which subsist,
propose that as accurate a survey as may serve the present and prevent them in future but if you are
; already deter-
purpose, be, with all convenient speed, taken by Surveyors mined not to depart from the proposals now given in to me,
to be ajjpointed by the Governments of Virginia and Imust inform you that it will be in vain to treat any fur-
Pennsylvania, of the courses of the river Delaware, from ther upon the subject, as it would be utterly impossible for
the mouth of Christina Creek, or near it, where the line me, in compliance with my duty, to suspend the jurisdic-
run between Maryland and Pennsylvania, by Messi-s. tion of Virginia at Fort Pitt, and the country tiiereabouts,
Mason and Divon, intersects the said river, to that part of which you make yourselves, following your own construc-
the said river which lies in the latitude of Fort Pitt, and tion of the Royai grant, to be only five or six miles within
as much further as may be needful for the present purpose. your limits and if that should not, but the other which I
;

That the line of Dixon and Mason be continued to the end have given, be the true construction, then Fort Pitt, by
of five degrees of longitude from the river Delaware, and the river Delaware running very much eastwardly towards
from the end of the said five degrees, a line or lines cor- your northern bounds, will probably be at least fifty miles
responding to the courses of the Delaware, be run to the without your limits, wliich would be a concession, 1 really
river Ohio, as nearly as may be, at the distance of five tliink, too great for me to make, whether it be or not for
degrees from the said river Deloivarc in every part. And you to ask.
that the said line of Dixon and Mason, continued from I must also inform you, that I am clearly of opinion,

the western extent of Maryland to the end of five degrees that were it possible I could admit your own construction
of longitude from the Delaware and the said line or lines, of the Royal grant, and your own surveys and observa-
similar to the courses of the Delaware, he taken, deemed tions, your ascertaining your claim under the former has
and reputed to be lines of jurisdiction between the Colo- been done too late, and your asceitaining your boundary
nies of Virginia and Pennsylvania, until the boundaries of by the latter has consequently been to no purpose for if ;

Pennsylvania can be settled, and nm, and marked by Koyal the lands described by the Royal grant, at the time of the
authority for which purpose your Ijordship has been
; grant being passed, were clearly within the undoubted limits
pleased to consent to a joint application with the Proprie- of his Majesty's Dominions, which is also a question, yet
taries of Pennsylvania to the Crown. That these lines of still Fort Pitt, and the country thereabouts, for want of tiie
457 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 458
Proprietors of Pennsylvania supporting tlieir claim, and mine the western boundary of Pennsylvania. We are at
ascertaining their boundary in due time, was suffered to be a loss to conceive from what expression of the Charter your
claimed and possessed by an enemy, from whom it was Lordship can collect that the western boundary of Penn-
conquered by his Majesty's arms, and by whom it was sylvania should be a meridian line, or why that meridian
confirmed to his Majesty in a treaty consequently, there-
; should be drawn rather from the north than the south boun-
fore, no legal title, as it appears to me, can be set up to dary of the Province. The Charter expresses that the
any of that territory, but under a grant of the Crown, sub- Province shall extend five degrees of longitude from its
sequent to such possession, conquest, &,c. eastern boundary. The eastern boundary- is the Delaware
As to your idea of tlie jurisdiction of Pennsylvania in general ; but if the western bounds are to be determined
having been fii-st extended and exercised in that part of by a meridian line, the Province will extend in some parts
the country it was indeed the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania
: more, and in others less than five degrees of longitude from
having been extended and exercised, not only there where its eastern boundary. This we conceive to be against the
you have extended your claims, but even to a hundred miles tenns of the grant, which we are of opinion cannot be
beyond any that you have yet pretended to, that has given satisfied by any other than a line or lines corresponding
occasion to the inhabitants over whom your jurisdiction with the courses of the Delaivare, and this is the only con-
was exercised, and who think themselves, according to the stniction we have ever heard made of that part of the
general sense of Virginia, subject to the jurisdiction only Charter.
of the latter, to apply to this Government for protection Your Lordship, after expressing a doubt, whether that
and redress, which this Government, in duty, could not part of tiie country now in dispute was within the King of
refuse them, as far as its legal powers extend. But I am England's Dominions, at the time of making the Pennsyl-
so far from thinking, as you suggest, that the jurisdiction vania grant, is pleased to contend " That, though it were
of Pennsylvania having been first extended and exercised " possible for you to admit our construction of the Royal
in that country, is a reason that should induce the Govern- " grant we contend for, should be within the limits of
ment of Virginia to suspend its jurisdiction there, that in " Pennsylvania, according to such construction, yet Fort
my opinion the latter is entitled to some apology from the " Pitt, and the country thereabouts, for want of the Pro-
former for attempting a measure without the participation " prietors of Pennsylvania supporting their claim, and as-
that ought to have the sanction of both, as his Majesty had " certaining their boundaries in due time, was suffered to be
not given his to it. " claimed and possessed by an enemy, from whom it was
I mention not these circumstances for the purpose of " conquered by his Majesty's amis, and by whom it was
engaging in a dispute with the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, " confirmed to his Majesty, in a treaty, and consequently,
or of throwing obstacles in the way of an accommodation " that no legal title can be set up to any of that territory,
which I am sensible it is the interest of both Colonies, and " but under the grant of the Crown, subsequent to such
the duty of the Governours of them, to facilitate but with;
" possession, conquest, &c."
the design of making it appear that I have not, upon very Not to enter in a discussion of the facts of claim and pos-
slight grounds, rejected proposals for settling the disputes session by an enemy, and conquest by his Majesty's arms,
and differences subsisting between the two Colonies, and and the enemy's confirmation, or the effect of them upon
which require no less than that every thing which is con- the right of his Majesty's subjects, which we think needless,
tended for (depending on such a variety of contingencies) we shall only observe, that your Lordship's argument mili-
on the part of Pennsylvania, should be given up on the tates equally against Virginia, as against Pennsylvania,
part of Virginia immediately. since there has been no new grant that we know of subse-
I cannot but think that you entertain an erroneous opinion quent to such possession, conquest, &.C. and that therefore,
;

of the boundaries of your Province, as described in the in our opinion, your Lordship ought not upon your own
Royal grants, but even if not, that your proposals are un- principles, to have extended the jurisdiction of Virginia
reasonable, and that the sincerity of your desire to settle to Fort Pitt, and the country thereabouts. Your Lord-
all disputes between Pennsylvania and Virginia would ship seems to allow that there was a prior exercise of juris-
appear less doubtful, if you had observed in your proposals diction on the side of Pennsylvania, and you urge this as
an equitable regard to the pretensions of this Government, a reason of your interposition, and are pleased to think that
especially as nothing thereby can prejudice the legal title of Virginia is entitled to an apology from the Government
your Government therefore, unless you are authorized to
: oi Pennsylvania, for thus exercising a jurisdiction, without
agree to a plan that favours as much the sentiments of this, the sanction of the Crown's participation. Were it un-
as of your own Government, I see no accommodation that deniably true, that the Government of Pennsylvania had
can be entered into previous to his Majesty's decision, which knowingly extended their jurisdiction beyond the limits of
I shall not fail to join my application for the obtaining as the Charter, we should be far from vindicating such a con-
soon as possible. duct. And we are certain, that if any of our officers have
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, acted officially, beyond the known limits of the Province,
DuNMORE. they will be censured, rather than supported, by the Gov-
Jamet Tilghman and Andrew Allen, Esquires. ernment. But, assured as we arc, that Fort Pitt must
be within our Charter limits, we cannot be induced to think
that our Government were improper in exercising their ju-
JAMES TILGHMAN AND ANDREW ALLEN TO LORD DUNMORE. risdiction there and we are inclined to be of opinion, that
;

No. 3.
if your Lordship, when an application was first made to
Williamsburg, May 25, 1774. you, to take that place under the Government of Virginia,
Mv Lord We : are honoured with your Lordship's an- had thought fit to have given the least intimation of your
swer of yesterday, to our proposals of a boundary line or designs to the Governour of Pennsylvania, much of the
lines, to ascertain, for the present, tlie jurisdiction between disagreeable consequence which has followed, would prob-
the Colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania, to which your ably have been prevented.
Lordsl)ip will be ])lcased to indulge us in a reply which we We are really concerned, to find that our conceptions of
are induced to make, from a persuasion that if we can be the extent of Pennsylvania are so very different, but we
so happy as to support the principles upon which we are not without hope, that your Lordship will, upon recon-
sidering tiie subject, be of opinion that your construction
is
founded our proposals, or to point out just objections to
your [jordsliip's reasoning, we may still come to such an liable to the objections we have made. And, although we
understanding as may answer the good purposes for which are satisfied that we shall be supported in ours, yet we are
we waited on your Lordship. We tliought the western not so tenacious of our first proposals, as to adhere
strictly
reasonable
boundary of Pennsylvania, when clearly understood, ought to them, while we have any hopes that a
effect as
to be one of the lines of jurisdiction. Your Lordship is departure from them will produce so desirable an
the two
of ihe same sentiment, by offering to make what you con- the settlement of harmony and peace between
ceive to be our western bounds, tlic lino of jurisdiction, but Colonies. And for that valuable purpose, we shall be
as to make
you are pleased to differ with us in the construction of the willintr to recede so far from our Charter bounds,
grant. If we have a just apprehension of your Lordship's the river Mononcrahela , from the line of
Dixon and Mason
boundary of jurisdiction, which
meaning, you suppose that a meridian line drawn from the do.\nward, the "western
end of five degrees of longitude from Delaware, at the be- would at once settle our present disputes, without the great
ginning of the forty-third degree of latitude, ought to deter- trouble and expense of ronning lines, or the inconvenience
459 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 460

of keepinj^ the jurisdictions in suspense. This we assure without the least design of refusing obedience to whatever
your Lordship, is tlie farthest we can go in point of conces- decision his Majesty may be pleased to make thereupon,
sion, and if your Lordship is determined to adhere to your the tenor of which attempt, proceeding and determination,
proposal of a meridian line, or indeed to insist upon retain- make another essential consideration, and which renders, I
ing the jurisdiction of Fort Pitt, or the lands to the east- am inclined to believe, the case of Virginia in this dispute,
ward of the Monongahela, we can treat no farther. But, impossible to be assimilated, as you would endeavour, to
we cannot quit the subject, without expressing our concern that oi Pennsylvania.
that your Lordship should entertain a doubt of the sincerity Your interpretation of my first letter, to infer I have
of our desire to settle all disputes between Virginia and allowed there was a prior exercise of jurisdiction on the
Pennsylvania, as we are not conscious of having done any side of Pennsylvania, obliges me to recall to your view, the
thing that could give your Lordship so unfavourable an im- transaction in Governour Dinwiddie's time, and to inform
pression. And we beg leave to assure your Ijordship, you, if you are ignorant of it, of a requisition from General
that nothing less than a most sincere wish and desire to Gage to this Colony, as that to which, by the public
restore peace and harmony, and to settle our disputes, with opinion, the territory belonged, to appoint a Magistrate at
a due regard to the just pretensions of both Colonies, could Fort Pitt, where there then was none, and which Magis-
have actuated our Government to send us hither, or could trate was accordingly appointed, which, while it proves
have induced us to undertake a journey of such length, the prior exercise of jurisdiction to have been, not on the
and so very inconvenient to us. We think the proposals side of Pennsylvania, but on that of Virginia, as these
we have made, contain the most reasonable concessions, were acts of public notoriety, and undertaken under the
and it will give us real concern, should your Lordship's authority of public exigence ; they prove also, still more
ideas be so different from ours, that the desired accommo- the impropriety of Pemisylvania's having exercised their
dation cannot be effected. We thank your Lordship for jurisdiction at all, in tliat district, without other authority
your ready consent to join our Proprietors in an application than their own opinion, and motive than their private ad-
to the Crown to settle our bounds, and have the honour to vantage, and the title still stronger of this Government to
be, with great regard, your Lordship's most obedient, and an apology for it.
most humble servants, James Tilghman, You proceed to intimate that you are certain if any of
Andrew Allen. your officers have acted officially beyond the known limits
His Excellency Lord Dunmore. of the Province, they will be censured, rather than sup-
ported ; I really think I shall be justified in questioning
this assertion for, although much pains, as is pretended,
;

have been taken to ascertain your boundary, it would seem

LORD DCNMORE TO JAMES TILGHMAN AND ANDREW ALLEN.
very strange, I think impossible, that even this very bound-
No. 4. ary is immediately unknowingly exceeded, I am warranted
Williamsburg, May 26, 1774. to say, by near a hundred miles, and yet, I have not heard
Gentlemen : perceive you have fallen Into the errour,
I of the dispensation, even of that gentle punishment you
that from my having alleged the reasons which induced mention, though we know of one of your officers being sup-
me to think your first proposal improper for me to comply ported and justified, in terms not very decent, in a violent
with, I would enter into a discussion at length, of all the act, that has been the cause of whatever disturbances or
points of the claim of the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, disputes subsist between the two Colonies. Nor can I
which I must assure you, was in no wise my design, nor think, that if I had, upon application first made to me to
can I by any means consent to. I must, nevertheless, re- take the country in dispute, under theGovernment of Vir-
peat here, that I think, from the words of your grant, that ginia, intimated my design to the Governour of Pennsyl-
a meridian line, (which is sufficiently described in my vania, (which I ratlier believe you mention by way of ror
answer to your first proposal,) is the line tiiat should deter- crimination) it would have had the effect you say, for there
mine your western boundary ; and the reason very plain, is surely as great a necessity for preventing all disagreeable
that this meridian should be drawn rather from the north, consequences now, as there was then, and the pretensions
than the south, because the grant directs that the survey of both parties were, I suppose, the same then, as now.
shall begin at a point on the south part of the boundary, And what were your proposals to reconcile them ? Why
and proceed northward, as far as three and forty degrees of in your first you propose that every thing in dispute shall

latitude, and it being usual, in like cases, always to proceed, be given up to Pennsylvania. And in your second, that
consequently from thence, extend five degrees of longitude ; Virginia shall be content, without having any thing given
and not return to the south point to draw it from thence, —
up to it at least, 1 can find nothing given up by your
which cannot any way be inferred, no more than it can be proposal of the Monongahela, &ic. What else therefore,
supposed that it was inconsiderately intended the grant can I conclude from both the proposals, but that no real
sliould extend five degrees of longitude from every part of intention is meant to avoid the great and reciprocal incon-

the river Delaware, which would make a line so difficult veniences of a doubtful boundary, which otherwise would,
if not impossible to trace upon the land. I conceive, as it was not intended to be final, have been in

That you should think the circumstances, which 1 cannot a manner that could justify this Government, hi general
but be of opinion, must render the parchment boundary of with the people, for any departure from the conceived
Pcnnsyloania, whatever it were, insufficient now to deter- opinion of the limits of the Colony and myself, in particu-
;

mine the limits of the Province, needless to be considered, lar with his Majesty, for entering into any agreement that
isa point which must be perfectly indifferent to me, for mav eventually affect his right.
the reason I have given in the first part of tiiis letter but ; I join with you in concern that we should differ so

your idea is a mistaken one, but leads you to conclude that widely in conception of the extent of Pennsylvania, as it
the same circumstances militate equally against Virginia, affects Virginia, but must confess that your objections
as against Pennsylvania ; there being no less important a have not altered my opinion of the construction of your
difference than that the one acts for the King, and the grant, notwithstanding you are so confident of being sup-
other against him. The jurisdiction of Virginia cannot be ported in yours. However, I am less anxious about the
exercised over any country, but for the immediate benefit, issue of these different opinions, than I am about the effects
as well as interest of his )\Iajesty, to whom that jurisdiction of them, in the mean time. Your proposals amounting in
secures the quitrents, and every advantage whicli his reality to nothing, could not possibly be complied with,
Majesty had proposed to draw from the granting of his un- and your resolution, with respect to Fort Pitt, (the juris-
appropriated lands, but which, 1 presume, is not meant to be diction over which place, I must tell you, at all events,
uri'cd in vindication of the encroachments of Pennsylvania. will not be relinquished by this Government, without his
But in the present instance, however, Virginia has inter- Majesty's orders) puts an entire stop to further treaty, and
fered only, as you know before, in compliance with the makes me sincerely lament that you have put i: out of my
request and formal petition of a numerous body of inhabit- power to contribute to re-e«tablish the peace and harmony
ants, who, thinking themselves, from the general opinion, of botii Colonies, and to evince my good intentions as well
setded within the Hmils of this Government, applied to the towards the one, as the other.
authority thereof, to be protected againn the usurped juris- I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and humble
diction of Pennsylvania, which Virginia did not think servant, Dunmore.
itself at liberty to refuse but which it granted, nevertheless James Tilghman and Andrew Allen, Esquires.
461 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 462
JAMES TILGHMAN AND ANDREW ALLEN TO LOKD DUNMORE. subject as an Indian war, which is now like to become
No. 5. general, unless the Goveniments of Virginia and Penn-
Williamsburg, May 27, 1774. sylvania, by some prudent and timely interposition, may

Mr Lord happily prevent the further progress of which

: Since your Lordsliip is determined, as you hostilities,

are pleased to say, at all events, not to relinquisii your

have unhai)pily taken place. I have taken the best
jurisdiction over Fort Pitt, a period is put to our treaty
measures in my power to keep the settlements from break-
ing up, and have called the Assembly uiwn the occasion,
and we can only, with your Lordship, lament the contin-
in order that every proper step may be taken, either to
uance of those reciprocal inconveniences of clashing and dis-
puted jurisdictions, which we are conscious of liaving done compose the differences between his Majesty's subjects
every thing that could be reasonably expected of us to and the Indians, or to defend the frontiers, if pacific
prevent. And we have only to add our thanks for the measures should fail.
polite attention your Lordship has been pleased to show
have so many complaints of the behaviour of Doctor
I
I am obliged to wish your Lordship to make
us, and the despatch you have given to our business. We Conolly, that

intend to leave town to-morrow, but before our departure, some inquiry into his conduct, which, if my information
we shall do ourselves the honour to wait on your Lordship, be true, is extremely oppressive and tyrannical, with
for your commands to the northward, where we shall be
respect to our people and what is still worse, there is great
;

ready to render your Lordship any service in our power. reason to fear his military operations may have a dangerous
We have the honour to be, with great regard, your tendency to involve the Colonies !h general in an Indian
Lordship's most obedient and most humble servants, war. He seizes upon the property of the people, without
James Tilghman, reserve, and treats the persons of our Magistrates with the

Andrew Allen. utmost insolence and disrespect, and with menaces not
His Excellency the Earl oi Dunmore. only of imprisoning them, but even of pulling down their
houses, and it is said, he has sent out, or is to send out,
parties against the Indians, with orders to destroy all they
Memorandum, Tuesday, June 28, 1774. meet with, whether friend or foe. These matters may be
The Committee appointed to draw up the Letters, agreed exaggerated, but cannot doubt but that Mr. Conolly has
I

on yesterday, laid their draughts before the Gevernour, afforded some grounds for these complaints and although ;

which being approved by him, were fairly transcribed, and your Lordship has been pleased to claim the jurisdiction
ordered to be despatched without delay. The said Letters of Pittsburgh, and the country thereabouts, I would fain
follow in these words, viz hope that you would not encourage Mr. Conolly in such
exorbitances and outrages as are laid to his charge.
Philadelphia, June 28, 1774.
I have the honour to be your Lordship's most obedient
Sir: By the repeated accounts which I am daily re- humble servant, John Penn.
ceiving from Pittsburgh, and other parts of our western To the Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmorc, Govern-
frontier, there seems little room to doubt but the mutual our and Commander-in-chief of his Majesty's Province
hostilities which have unhappily taken place between some
of Virginia.
of the inhabitants of Virginia, and the Western Indians,
particularly the Shawanese, will end in a general war,
unless some prudent measures are speedily taken to pre- GOVERNOUR PENN TO ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.
vent it. Philadelphia, June 28, 1774.
The occasion of this unfortunate breach, as well as the Sir The accounts which you have transmitted of the
:

particulars of the murders which have been committed on temper of the Indians, and the murders they have already
both sides, have no doubt been communicated to you by perpetrated, are truly alarming, and give every reason to
the deputy agent for Indian affairs at Pitishurgh. It will, apprehend that we shall not long be exempt from the
tlicrefore, be only necessary for me to inform you in gen- The desertion of that country
calamities of a savage war.
eral, that a great part of the settlers in our back country
in consequence of the panic which has seized the inhabit-
have fled from their habitations, and that the panic is daily ants, on this occasion, must be attended with the most
increasing to such a degree that there is just reason to mischievous effects, and prove ruinous to the immediate
apprehend a total desertion of that country. sufferers, and distressing to the Province in general. Every
I have been induced, from a representation of the dis-
measure, therefore, should be attempted to stoji the pro-
tresses of these people, to issue writs to call our Assembly,
gress of this evil, and to induce those who have already
to meet at Philadelphia, on the 18th of next month, to
gone oft', to return to their habitations and, I must rely on
;

enable me to afford them the necessary relief. you to exert all your prudence and activity for this pur-
As it is of the utmost consequence that tliis affair should pose. The steps which have been already taken appear
be properly represented to the Six Nations, and that they to me very proper, and I have no doubt, but that you will
should, if possible, be induced to become mediators between continue your endeavours to restore the drooping spirits of
us and the Shawanese and the Dclaivarts, I must re- the people, and inspire them with a resolution to stand
quest you will take such measures as you shall think most their ground, at least till they are satisfied of the intentions
proper to satisfy them that any injuries which the Shawa- of the Indians towards this Province. You may assure
nese may have received, and may consider as a provoca- them tliat Government sensibly feels the distresses of their
tion for the hostilities committed on
no means done by the orders or consent of this
their part, were by
Govern-
situation — that it will be attentive to their interests, and
afford them every assistance and protection in its power
ment, but that on the contrary, we have been ever sincerely to give. With this disposition,
I have issued writs for
disposed to preserve peace and friendship with them, and convening the Assembly, on the 18th of next month ;

are now very willing, notwithstanding what has happened, and shall immediately on their meeting, lay this matter
to listen to terms of accommodation, and to renew our before them, and have reason to expect that such measures
friendship, and forget every thing that is past. Your in- will be adopted as may effectually enable the Government
terposition and influence in this matter may very possibly to extend to them a relief, adequate to its wishes, and their
have tiie most salutary effects. wants. In the mean time I shall give orders for sucli fur-
If a rupture can be prevented it appears to me it must ther supply of ammunition to be sent up as will be sufficient
be through the Six Nations ; however, I submit the for the present occasion.
n)atter entirely to your consideration. And am, sir, with I to Sir JVilliam Johnson, informing him of
have wrote
great regard, your most obedient and humble servant, the intelligence we had received of these transactions,
John Penn. and requesting his interposition with the Six Nations, to
Sir WilUam Johnson, Baronet. use their influence with the Shaivanese and Delawares, to
prevent further hostilities on their part, and to assure them
of the sincere intentions of this Government to continue
GOVERNOUR penn to lord DUNMORE. their pacific disposition towards all our Indian brethren.
Philadelphia, Juno 28, 1774. 1 iiave also wrote to Lord Dunmore.
complaining of Conol-
My Lord : I am
very unhappy to find myself under the ly's outrageous and tyrannical behaviour ai
Pittsburgh, iind
necessity of writing to your Lordsliip on so disagreeable a represcntfng tlie dangerous tendency his military operations
463 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 464

may have to involve the Colonies in a general Indian miles this side of Pittsburgh. There is nothing to be seen
war. I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, but desolation and distress; hundreds of families are flying
John Penn. to the interior parts of the Province; those who would
To Arthur St. Clair, Esquire, at Ligonier, in Westmore- willingly make want of ammu-
a stand are discouraged for

land County. nition and arms ; they cannot be supplied in

which articles
only from Philadelphia, and I beg you would use your
P. S. My Commissioners who attended Lord Dun- endeavours with tliose gentlemen who have the disposing
more, could not induce him to come into any reasonable of the public money, if there be any to send a supply of
temporary line of jurisdiction, and therefore things must arms and anmiunition.
remain in the disagreeable situation of interfering juris- It is a pity to lose that fine country ; I believe there
dictions. In this unhappy situation I am satisfied, you
will be an Indian war, and tlierefore we ought to be pre-
and the otlier Magistrates will act a prudent part. It
pared for it in time I make no doubt but the Governour
;

is impossible in such a case to give particular directions. will call tlie Assembly in order to take proper measures for
With respect to the keeping up the rangers you have the protection of our back country. It is certain that a
raised for the security of the inliabitants, I shall recom- party of Shawanese are out on tiie frontiers, and it is the
mend it to the Assembly to defray the expense that shall general opinion that they will strike some part of Tlrginia,
accrue in tiiat necessary measure and I cannot have the;
There is one Campbell killed near Newcomer's Town, and it
least doubt, that they will approve of what has been done feared that the traders in the Shawanese country are cut
is
on this occasion, as also the continuance of the same forces, off". fVhite Eyes is returned to Fort Pitt, and says that the
until their sentiments can be known. Delaware Indians are well disposed, but the Shawanese
are determined on war. Mr. Croghan, I find, has deserted
the Virginia cause, although I have little dependance on
CORRESPONDENCE LAID BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
him, yet he is capable of doing mischief; a number of the
principal people over the mountains have agreed to raise
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN. one hundred men to range from Fort Pitt to Ligonier.
Ligonier, May 29, 1774.
The inhabitants of what is called the town of Fort Pitt is
Sir The panic that has struck this country, threatening
:
about to stockade it in, and to have no connection with Mr.
an entire depopulation thereof, induced me a few days ago Conolly. A fort is to be built at Hanna's, thirty miles this
to make an execursion to Pittsburgh to see if it can be side Pittsburgh, one at Captain Proctor's, seven miles from
removed, and the desertion prevented. Hanna's, and one at Ligonier, but the want of ammunition
Tlie only probable remedy that offered was to afford the is a very great discouragement. There is a great number
people the appearance of some protection. Accordingly of men in that country, and I think were they properly
Mr. Smith, Mr. Mackay, Mr. Butler, and some others of the encouraged would be able to make a stand. I flatter myself
inhabitants of Pittsburgh, with Colonel Croghan and my- that you will exert yourself on this occasion.
self, entered into an association for the immediate raising an I am, honourable sir, your very humble servant,
hundred men, to be employed as a ranging company, to John Montgomery.
cover the inhabitants in case of danger, to which association
P. S. This and a letter for liis Honour goes by express
several of the Magistrates and other inhabitants have ac-
from this place. I hope his expenses will be paid by Gov-
ceded and in a very few days they will be on foot.
ernment.
We have undertaken to maintain them for one month, at
the rate of one shilling and six pence a man per diem ;

this we will cheerfully discharge, at the same time we flat-

INDIAN INTELLIGENCE.
ter ourselves that your Honour will approve the measure,
and that the Government will not only relieve private June 5, 1774.

persons from the burthen, but take effectual measures for Twomessengers from the Newcomer's Town, arrived
the safety of this frontier, and this I am desired by the with an account that, five days ago, one Conner, a white
people in general to request of your Honour. man, who lives at the Snake's Town, upon Muskingum,
I am, sir, your most obedient, most humble servant, had returned home from the place the traders were making
Ar. St. Clair. their canoes, and informed that the traders were all safe
to the number of twenty-five or thirty, and that the Shaw-
anese had taken great pains in protecting them, and had
JOHN MONTGOMERY TO GOVERNOUR PENN. them off with their peltry, with some of their young
sent
Carlisle, June 3, 1774. men, and some Delawares, to protect them upon their way
Honourable Sir: I am just returned from the back up the river to Pittsburgh.
country. was up at the place where Courts are held for
I These messengers further say, that all their towns, as
Westmoreland County I found the people there in great
; well as the Shawanese. are now quiet, and that their Chiefs
confusion and distress many families returning to this side
; have been strong enough to prevail over their rash and
the mountains, others are about building of forts in order to foolish men who wanted to take revenge upon the white
make a stand, but they are in great want of ammunition people for their loss, except two small parties, consisting
and arms, and cannot get a sufficient supply in these parts. of thirteen men in the whole, who were friends to the In-
I wish some method would be taken to send a supply from dians that suffered, and could not be restrained, though
Philadelphia; and unless they are speedily furnished their Chiefs did every thing in their power to prevent them
with arms and ammunition they will be obliged to desert from the bad undertaking that they hope that their bretli-
;

the country. There is a fine appearance of crops over ren, the English, would not blame, or think that they
the mountains, and could the people be protected in countenance any evil that might be committed by those
saving them, it would be of considerable advantage, in rash men, who have stole away from them to do mischief
case we should be involved in an Indian war, and oblig- contrary to their Chiefs' desire, and were all cliiefly Min-
ed to raise troops, to be able to support them with provi- goes who have had the most friends killed ; (hat one party
sions in that country. Captain St. Clair has wrote your has been out eleven days, and was to return in fifteen, and
Honour a full state of affairs in the back country, whose intended against that part of the river where their friends
letter I send by express from this place. were put to death, or somewhere else upon Virginia he\ow
I am, honourable sir, your Honour's most obedient it. The above party have declared, as soon as tliey have
humble servant, John MoNTfioMERV. taken revenge for their people, and returned, that they
To the Hon. John Penn, Esq., Governour and Commander- would then set down and listen to their Chiefs.
in-chief of the Province of Pennsylvania. The above messengers say, that the day they left home
a runner came from five Cherokees that were to be in the
day following, upon business, and that the Delawares
JOHN MONTGOMERY TO WILLIAM ALLEN, ESQ. would inform us of it as soon as it was known. And that,
Carlisle, June 3, 1774. also, they heard that one of the before mentioned parties
Honourable Sir have been lately over the moun-
: I who had gone to take revenge upon the white people, was
tains as far as Westmoreland Court House, about thirty returned, and had killed one man.
465 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 466
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVEHNOUR PENN. Now, as both Conolly and Campbell know this measure
Laurel Hill, Juno 7, 1774. isthe only one to stay the people from flying, and see that
Sir When I had last the honour to write to you, I ac-
:
the country will condemn Conolly and his officers for not
quainted you with a plan that had been fallen upon to raise pursuing the same measure, they want to make it appear
some men for the defence of this country. The day before in another light, and that the intention is to invade the
yesterday about forty marched fiom Haima's Town to rights of Virginia,

TurtleCreek, where they would be joined by another party. Now, the greatest caution and prudence is necessary, and
The number do not exactly know, but it is intended that
I I request that you will station those parties to scout back of
that post should be sixty men strong and a number were, ;
the settlements between Turtle Creek and Ligonier,
at the same time, engaged for the other necessary posts, which was our intention of having them, and take care
so as that the whole will form a chain of rangers on our no threats against Virginia be made use of by any
that
frontier. The subscribers requested irie to take them under person concerned, as, since Mr. Jo Campbell came up, I
my direction, and in consequence I did give them orders see the design is to create a fresh difference between Gov-
which I will send to your Honour by the first opportuni- ernour Penn and Lord Dunmore, which ought to be avoided
ty— now I have not time to copy them and, as I know the ;
with the greatest care. Since Campbell came up affidavits
gentleman who carries this, I came here on purpose to see are taken of every information that is brought up, and spies
him, for should this matter go farther, he has connections employed though when he was informed of the murders
;

in town that have weight with the House. Mr. Croghan's committed on the Indians, he never took any measures to
views I do not pretend to see, but this you may be assured apprehend them. He has made two attacks on me, by let-
of, he is at present a friend to this country, and if it depends ters sent by a Sergeant and twelve men, which letters I

on him we shall yet have no war hitherto it has been my ;

answered, but would not gratify him to send them by his
opinion we would have no war; I now begin to think other- party.
wise but my reasons for thinking so depend on such cir-
;
The ti-uth is, they found this difference likely to be made
cumstances as can scarce be communicated. The most up by the Indians, and find that nothing but misrepresent-
alarming one, however, is the retreat of the Moravian ing our measures, and drawing on a fresh dispute between
Minister. A great town of the Delawares has been, in the Government of Pennsylvania and Virginia, can keep
Some measure, civilized by these people, and spiritual this man in command wherefore I have determined to go
;

guides in all countries have ways of knowing the intentions to Williamsburg myself, and represent the state of the
of their flocks another is, that on Sunday last a Council
;
country, as soon as 1 hear the event of our last messages to
was intended with the Delawares and Six Nations at Mr. the Indians, by the Deputies, which I believe will be in five
Croghan's, but the day before they went off to prevent a or six days, and I flatter myself entirely satisfactory to every
party of Shawanese, as they say, from falling on the white well-wisher of the peace and tranquillity of his country.
people. A little time will show whether that was their Before I go you and I must have a meeting, that you
design or not. Mr. Jennings, the late Sheriff of North- may be able to inform the Governour what I am going about
ampton, who is now here, will, I believe, be in town. It but I would have you settle the scouting party so as to act
is not improbable he knows more than he discovers to me. with prudence, and give no cause for suspicion of any
He is engaged in the Indian trade, and his partner is beloved design against Virginia, before you come up.
by all the Indians. Your Honour will judge if you should I am, sir, your most humble servant,
see him. George Croghan.
I will not give your Honour any more trouble at present To Arthur St. Clair, Esq.
and in truth I am so fatigued with riding that I doubt much
if what I write is legible but it is necessary your Honour
; EXTRACT or A LETTER FROM ALEXANDER M'kEE, ES^.,
should be acquainted with what is passing here, and I am AGENT FOR INDIAN AFFAIRS AT FORT PITT, DATED
not fond of sending expresses. JUNE 10, 1774.
I am, your Honour's most obedient and most humble
sir,
You be acquainted with the
must, ere this, critical situ-
servant, Ar. St. Clair. ation of this country ; the unhappy disturbances which have
P. S. In a very particular manner our soldiers are di-
between the Virginians and the Natives, the
lately arose
rected to avoid every occasion of dispute with the people
event of which still continues doubtful whether matters
in the service of Virginia.
will be brought to a general rupture or accommodation.
Hostilities, however, have been committed on both sides,

ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN.

but at present there seems to be a cessation. Some wise
interposition of Government is truly necessary, and would
Ligonier, June 8, 1774.
undoubtedly restore peace without it it is impossible, and
;

Sir Since I wrote to you yesterday I have received

:
thousands of the inhabitants must be involved in misery and
two letters from Mr. Croghan, which I now enclose.
distress. But to do the Indians justice, they have given
Though he seems to say that peace may be continued, I great proofs of their pacific disposition, and have acted with
believe it is not his sentiments and the circumstance of ;
more moderation than those who ought to have been more
his going to Williamshurg, whatever design he may avow,
rational, a few Mingoes and Shawanese excepted, who
is to be out of the way of danger for he dare neither trust ;
have been long refractory. There are more effectual
the white people nor the Indians.
means of chastising them for their insolence and perfidy,
We have a certain account of some mischief having
than by involving the defenceless country in a war, which
been done up Cheat
Eight or nine people are
river.
there is too much reason to fear, at this time, will become
killed ; but whether
only designed as revenge, or is
it is
general, and which must inevitably be the destruction of
really the beginning of a war, we cannot yet judge I ;
this country.
shall, however, take the earliest opportunity to inform you
of what passes, and am, sir, your most obedient and most
humble servant, ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN.
Ar. St. Clair.
Ligonier, June 12, 1774.
Hon. John Venn, Esq.
Sir : In my last letter I had the honour to inform you,
that in consequence of the ranging company which had
GEORGE CROGHAN TO ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.
been raised here, there was reason to hope the people would
Juuc 4, 1774. return to their plantations and pursue their labours and for ;

Sir : The frequent reports brought from Manna's some time, that is, a few days, it had that effect but an ;

Town, of two hundred men being raising there, has alarm- idle report of Indians having been seen within the party,
ed Captain ConoUy very much, and though I told Mr. Jo has drove them every one into some little fort or other, and
Campbell the whole reason and intention was no more than many hundreds out of the country altogether. This has
to have a number of men to scout between the river Ohio obliged me to call in the parties from where they were
and of inhabitants down to Ligonier, in order to prevent posted, and have stationed tiiem, twenty men at the Bul-
the flight of that part of said country and in case of great ; lock Pens, twenty men at Ilirtlc Creek, thirty at Manna's
necessity that those men would be offered to act with the Town, twenty at Proctor's, and twenty at Ligonier: as
Virginians for the general defence of the country. these places are now the frontier towards the Alleghany,
Fourth Series. 30
467 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 468

all that great country betwixt the roadand that river being my family in the greatest confusion, owing to the appear-
totally abandoned, except by a few who are associated with ance of an Indian war, and the tyrannical treatment they
the people who murdered the Indians, and are shut up in a received from Doctor Conolly in my absence. Before I
small fort on Connymach, equally afraid of the liidiaTis and was illegally taken from my family the 10th of April, I
officers of justice. understood from some of the Shatvanese Chiefs, at a Coun-
Nothing can be more surprising than the dread the people cil with Mr. McKce, the Indian Agent, under Sir William

are under, and it is truly shameful tliat so great a body of Johnson, that they were much dissatisfied at the rapid pro-
people should have been driven from their possessions gress the Virginians had made down the Ohio in settling
without even the appearance of an enemy for certain it
; the lands below the purchase, viz below Sciota river,
:

is, as yet, no attempt has been made on what is understood which they looked upon as a great encroachment on their
to be Pennsylvania, nor any other mischief done than the liberties and properties they also expressed their surprise
;

killing the family on Whitclick Creek, which I informed to see a number of armed men assembled at this place
you of before, and which, from every circumstance, appears with their colours at different times, making a warlike ap-
rather to have been private revenge than a national stroke. pearance, and said, that after the first muster of the 25th
A fresh report of Indiana being seen near Hanna's Town, of January, some of the militia fired on them at their camps
and another party on Braddock's Road, set the people near the mouth of the Saivmill Run.
agoing again yesterday. 1 immediately took horse and These Shawanese Chiefs were sent for by Mr. Croghan
rode up to inquire, and found it, if not totally groundless, lastsummer, and came here about the 25th of December,
at least very improbable but it was impossible to persuade
; and remained here till the 1st of April ; during which
the people so, and I am certain I did not meet less than a time they often complained to the inhabitants of this place,
hundred families, and I think two thousand head of cattle, that Mr. Croghan had sent for them to do business, and
in twenty miles riding. kept them in great distress for want of provisions and clotii-
The people in this valley still make a stand ; but yester- ing ; upon which the inhabitants were at some expense
day they all moved into this place, and I perceive are much supplying them during their stay, and when they were going
in doubt what to do. Nothing in my power to prevent home made a collection of goods for them, in order to send
their leaving the country shall be omitted, but if they will them off satisfied.
go I suppose I must go with the stream. It is the strangest On the 15th of April, Mr. William Butler sent off a
infatuation ever seized upon men ; and if they go off now, canoe loaded with goods for the Shawanese Towns, and on
as harvest will soon be on, they must undoubtedly perish the 16th it was attacked about forty miles from here by
by famine, for Spring crop there will be little or none. three Cherokee Indians, who had waylaid them on the river
By a letter from Mr. Mackay, of yeeterday, I had a very bank. They killed one white man, and wounded another,
extraordinary peace of intelligence, " that Ixird Dunmore and a third made his escape. They plundered the canoe
" had empowered Mr. Conolly to settle a line of jurisdic- of the most valuable part of the cargo and made off; but
" tion with the Pennsylvania Magistrates." This, it seems, as they were Cherokees, we were sure they did this for
he gives out himself, but it is too absurd to be believed. It sake of plunder alone, therefore thought no more of it than
would give much pleasure to the friends of Government in the loss. As Mr. Butler was under the necessity of send-
this part of the country, to hear that your Commissioners ing people to assist in bringing his peltry from the Shawanese
had succeeded in that business, as it seems to be the only Towns, he sent off another canoe on the 24th of April, in
thing that can restore us peace and good order. care of two Indians, who were well known to be good men,
A very time will discover the intentions of the In-
little and two white men. On the 27th, about ninety miles from
dians, and they should proceed to further hostilities, I
if here, they were fired upon from shore, and both the Indians
will give you notice by express, if it appears to be neces- were killed, by Michael Cresap, and a party he had with
sary. I am, sir, your moat obedient and most humble servant, him; they also scalped the Indians. Mr. Cresap then
Ar. St. Clair. immediately followed the above mentioned Shawanese
P. S. I have Mr. Conolly has sent a party
just heard that Chiefs some small distance lower down, where they were
of militia down to Wheeling, with orders to fall on every encamped, and fired upon them, killed one and wounded
Indian they meet, without respecting friend or foe. two more. The Indians fled to the Delaware Towns,
which were the nearest, and are greatly exasperated at this
DEVEREUX SMITH TO GOVERNO0R PENN. treatment, as they did not expect any such thing from the
Pittsburgh, June 12, 1774.
English. About that same time, a party, headed by one
Greathouse, barbarously nmrdered and scalped nine In-
Sir : acknowledge your Honour's favour of the 22d of
I
dians at the house of one Baker, near Yellow Creek, about
April, which was forwarded to this place a few days ago
fifty-five miles down the river. Owing to these cruelties
from Staunton. Mr. Mackay waited on my Lord Dun^
committed by Cresap and Greathouse, the inhabitants of
more at fVilUamsburg, and laid before him some facts rela-
Ruckoon and Wheeling fled from that settlement, and are
tive to Dr. Conolly' s conduct at this place, upon which his
chiefly gone to Virginia. After Cresap had been guilty
Lordship thought proper to enlarge us. Mr. Mackay wrote
of these cruelties, he returned to Maryland, but has since
from Staunton, in order to acquaint your Honour thereof, but
came back with a party of men. Cresap wrote to Conolly,
liis letter was returned to this place at the same time I had
and Mr. McKee, threatening that if they did not give them
the pleasure of receiving yours.
security that the Indians would not do any mischief for six
It gives me great satisfaction to find that you approve of
months, that he, Cresap, would immediately proceed to
our conduct, and should be happy to hear that those gen-
commit further hostilities against the Indians. On the2Ist
tlemen that are gone to Williamsburg might settle with my
of April, Conolly wrote a letter to the inhabitants of WTieel-
Lord Dunmore to your satisfaction. I am much obliged
ing, telling them that he had been informed, by good au-
by your Honour's kindness in directing Colonel Wilson to
thority, that the Shatvanese were ill disposed towards white
procure bail or credit for us. I have been extremely well
men, and that he, therefore, required and commanded tiiem
treated by the gentlemen of Virginia during my confiue-
to hold themselves in readiness to repel any insults that
ment.
might be offered by them. This letter fell into the hands
We are in a miserable situation here at present, wving
of Cresap, and he says that it was in consequence of this
to the appearance of an Indian war (which we think una-
letter, and the murder committed by the Cherokees on Mr.
voidable) and the tyrannical treatment we met with from
Butler's people, that he committed the hostilities above
Dr. Conolly. I have wrote to Dr. Smith, and gave him
mentioned.
as exact an account of the present state of this country as
I am informed, that on the 6th day of May, Mr. Croghan
I am capable of, and shall always strive to render to this
sent Captain White Eyes, (one of the Indian Chiefs,)
Province any services in my power.
in company with some of our traders, to acquaint the
I am, with respect, sir, your Honour's most obedient and
Shawanese and Delawares that the outrages which had
humble servant, Devereux Smith.
been committed by some of our ill disposed white people,
were without the least countenance from Government.
DEVEREUX SMITH TO DR, SMIT^. This Indian promised to use his best endeavours to accom-
Pittsburgh, June 10, 1774.
modate matters, and returned the 24th of May, and brought
Sib: 1 letumed to ihis place the 1 1th of May, and found with him ten white men, who had been protected by the
469 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1*774.
470
DeJawares eight days, towns, and guarded safe to
in their bouse, if he thought proper. He also accused Mr. Mackay
this place. He speech from the Delawares,
also brought a with being refractory on many occasions, and a fomenter of
from which we have great reason to beheve they are not sedition, fee, in opposition to the Colony of Virginia, and
incHned for war. We also beheve that they will endeavour that he had encouraged his servants to abuse one of his men,
to preserve the lives of the traders that are now amongst who was then present, calling the man to prove what he
the Shawanese. He also brought from the Shawanese asserted, but the man cleared Mr. Mackay and his servant,
Chief (called the Hardman) an answer to a speech sent to saying that it was a man of Mr. Spear's who had struck him.
them by Mr. Croghan upon this occasion, in which he Conolly being there confuted before upwards of sixty per-
signifies that the Shawanese are all warriors, and will not sons, said it was all one, as it was one of the Magistrates'
listen to us until they have satisfaction of us for what inju- servants.
ries they have received from the Virginians, &.c. Aston attempted to run the muzzle of his gun at Mr.
White Eyes informs us that a Mingo man called Logan, Mackay's face, but was prevented in the mean time Con-
;

(whose family had been murdered in the number,) had olly suffered a forsworn rascal (one Reily) to shake a stick
raised a party to cut down the Shawanese Town traders at at Mr. Mackay, and abuse him in an outrageous manner,
the Canoe Bottom, on Hockhocking Creek, where they without bringing him to an account for so doing. In this
were pressing their peltry but we have heard since that
; manner Conolly enforces all his laws.
the Shawanese have taken them under their care until The 7th of this inst., one Christy returned to this place
matters are further settled, but God knows what fate they from Williamsburg, and brought Conolly a packet from
have met with we hope they are still alive, and if it be so
; my Lord Dunmore ; he also brought some late newspapers,
they have a chance to come in, if the outrageous behaviour in which we had an account of the House of Burgesses
of the Virginians do not prevent them. The sixth of being dissolved by Lord Dunmore. It happened that Mr.
this month we had an account from Muddy Creek, (empties Mackay told this news to a neighbour man, and that same
into the river Monongahela, near Cheat river,) that the In- evening Conolly came to his house, accompanied by one of
dians had killed and scalped one white man, his wife, and his officers, and began to abuse him in a most blasphemous
three children, and that three more of the same man's and outrageous manner, accusing him of being the cause of
children were missing, and has since been confirmed. We a meeting amongst his men, and alleged that he had asserted
suppose this to be Logan's party, and that they will do there was no provision made by the House of Burgesses
more mischief before they return. About the 20th of May, for the payment of the men under his command. Conolly
one Campbell, lately from Lancaster, was killed and scalped continued to threaten Mr. Mackay with confinement. He
near Neivcomer's Town, and one Proctor, at Wheeling, by read a paragraph of a letter to us, in which Lord Dunmore
a party of Shawanese and Mingoes. acquaints him of the Commissioners of Philadelphia being
The Virginians in this part of the country seem deter- at Williamsburg, and the proposals they made in regard of
mined to make war with the Indians at any rate. The a temporary line were so extravagant that nothing could be
one half of this country is ruined to all intents and purposes, done in it, but that he, Conolly, might settle a line at pre-
which, a few months ago, was in a flourishing way. Conolly sent with the Magistrates of this county, allowing it to be
lias embodied upwards of one hundred men, and will have twelve, or at least ten miles east of this place. We told
this fort in good order in a short time. He is gathering in him that no Magistrate in this county could pretend
all the provisions he can possibly get from the country, to do any thing of the kind without instructions from
which, he says, will be paid for by the Government of Vir- the Government of Pennsylvania. At this time the
ginia. The militia here, by Conolly's orders, shoot down Magistrates had raised a number of men in behalf of
the cattle, sheep and hogs, loelonging to the inhabitants, as the Government for the protection of the frontiers, and to
they please they also press horses, and take by force any
; prevent the country from being entirely depopulated. About
part of our property they think proper, and tell us that thirty of them were stationed at the Bullock Pens, seven
they have authority so to do; therefore you may Judge of miles east of this town. Conolly told us that he was de-
our situation at present. Before I returned from Virginia, termined to go, or send out the next day, with a party, to
about the 5th day of May, Mr. Conolly sent an armed dispossess our men of that post, and if they did not behave
guard of men to my house, who attempted to take away themselves he would not suffer one Pennsylvanian to live
a quantity of blankets and bags by force. Mr. William on Laurel Hill.
this side the
Butler, who lived at my house at that time, had a great June 12. Mr. Conolly purposes to march from this
dispute in defence of my property, and put them out with place to-morrow with two hundred men to build a stockade
great difficulty, on which they complained to Conolly, who fort at Wheeling Creek, and another near Hockhocking
immediately despatched a party of twelve men to the Creek ; and says he will send parties, at the same time,
house in order to put their villainous scheme in execution, against the Shawanese Towns and I am of opinion that
;

on which my wife locked her doors. Conolly came at the they will make no distinction betwixt Shawanese and Dela-
.same time, and began to abuse Mr. Butler and my wife. wares, as they are determined to have a general war. Mr.
He also threatened to sendMr. Butler to Virginia in irons, Croghan has set off this morning to Williamsburg, as he
and to take every farthing's worth of his property from says, to represent the state of this country to Lord Dun-
him damned my wife, telling her the same, and that he
; more and Council, as also to acquaint them of Mr. Conolly's
would let her know that he commanded here. Sec, &.c. rash conduct at this place, which he seems to disapprove of.
On the 27th day of May, Mr. Mackay and I rode out We are this day informed, that the three children before
about seven miles from town, and on our return was met mentioned, that were missing near Muddy Creek, were
on the road by a man from Mrs. Mackay, who came to tell found dead, and scalped, and two other men, in sight of a
us that Conolly had sent a party of men to pull down Mr. fort that is lately built on Dunkard Creek, up the river
Mackay's house. When we came home we found a guard Monongahela, all supposed to be done by Logan's party.
of six armed men pulling down two outhouses in Mr. The inhabitants of the town are busily employed in stock-
Mackay's back yard. He ordered them to desist, saying ading it round about, yet have no reason to expect any thing
that he would defend his property at the risk of his life better than ruin and destruction.
upon which the men agreed to wait until we would talk to Mr. Mackay wrote to Govemour Penn from Staunton,
Mr. Conolly about the matter. We
walked toward the the 5th of informing him of our enlargement.
Mny, I also

fort with that intention, but was met by one Aston, (a wrote to you, and Doctor Smith, at the same time, but
Captain of Conolly's,) at the head of about thirty armed these letters were since returned to us here by Colonel
men, followed by Conolly. Aston approached, and in a Wilson, as also the Governour's letter, which we have an-
blasphemous manner accosted Mr. Mackay, ordering the swered. I would be glad to hear the candid opinion of the
Virginia Sheriff to seize him upon which the Sheriff,
; Govemour and Council concerning those extraordinary dis-
Aston, and several others, seized him in a valiant manner turbances.
Aston, presenting a rifle at Mr. Mackay, threatened to I am, sir, your most obliged humble servant,
shoot him down, which some of the bystanders prevented. Devereux Smith.
Conolly came up at the same time in a great rage, telling
Mr. Mackay that he would send him to Virginia in irons. P. S. Please to present without delay the Governour's
We endeavoured to expostulate with him, but all to no pur- letter, which you have enclosed.
pose, but told him that he would tear down his dwelling June 13. We have this morning received certain
471 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 472

accounts from Ten Mile Creek, (which empties into the country ; of this, he "was pleased to inform me by letter,
Monongakela ten miles above Red Stone Fort,) tliat on and to desire I would act in concert with him. You may
the 11th inst. Francis McClure was killed, and one Samuel be assured sir, 1 shall be cautious of taking any step that
Kincade badly wounded. These men were heading a may have the most distant tendency to draw this Province
party of men in pursuit of Logan, McClure as Captain, into an active share in the war they have had no hand in
and Kincade as Lieutenant and owing to their bad conduct
; kindling but I have since received accounts that the above
;

they advanced some considerable distance ahead of their murders instantly changed the plan, and Mr. Conolly re-
men, and were discovered by Logan. When the party mains in garrison. It is said some of his party discovered

came up they found llieir Captain killed and Lieutenant a very large body of Indians crossing the Ohio, below
wounded. Part of them staid to take care of the wounded Wheeling; if that be true, as it is not improbable, we may
man, and tlie rest pursued the Indiam. it is said that one expect soon to hear of much mischief being done, as there
of Logan's men was wounded. is not the least doubt of several small parties being out at

Devereux Smith. this time. It is some satisfaction the Indians seem to dis-
criminate between us and those who attacked them, and
The inhabitants of this country are about petitioning
their revenge has fallen hitherto, on that side of the Mo-
Govemour Penn by this opportunity.
nongahela, which they consider as Virginia ; but least that
should not continue, we are taking all possible care to pre-
vent a heavy stroke falling upon the lew people who are
JENEAS MACKAY TO GOVERNOUR PENN.
left in this country. Forts at different places, so as to be
Pittsburgh. Juno 14, 1774.
most convenient, ai'e now nearly completed, which gives
May it please your Honour The deplorable state of
:
an appearance of security for the women and children, and
affairs in this part of your Government, at this time, is with the ranging parties which have been drawn in to pre-
truly distressing ; we are robbed, insulted, and dragooned serve the connnunicalion, has in a great degree, put a stop
by Conolly and his militia in this place and its environs. to the unreasonable panic thathad seized them, but in all of
All ranks share of his oppression and tyranny, but the them there is a great scarcity of ammunition, and severed
weight of his resentment falls heaviest on me, because he messengers have returned from below, without being able
imagines I oppose his unwarrantable measures most. On to purchase.
the 27tli of last May he ordered a party of his militia to 1 am very anxious to know whether the ranging compa-
pull down and destroy a sheep house and stable of mine, in nies are agreeable to your Honour or not, both because the
a violent and outrageous manner, and told me at the time, expense of continuing them, will be too heavy for the sub-
he would take the house I lived in, if he wanted it, and scribers, and that I am every day pressed to increase them.
countenanced a perjured villain, a constable of ours, that This I have positively refused to do, until I receive your
deserted to him, before he was three months sworn in, of Honour's instructions, and I well know how averse our
the name of Reily, to shake a stick at my nose, before Assemblies have formerly been to engage in the defence of
his face, without reproof. This circumstance, together the frontiers, and if they are still of the same disposition,
with some more of the Doctor's conduct, I have communi- the circumstance of the white people being the aggressors,
cated to my Lord Dunmore by letter, but what effect that will afford them a topic to ring the changes on, and conceal
may have time only will show. their real sentiments.
Mr. Croghan, who has been grossly abused by our Last night I received several petitions from several dif-
Bashaw, lately is gone to Williamsburg to represent every ferent parts of the country, whichI have now the honour to

part of his conduct to the Govemour and Council, in its transmit to you by Doctor McKcnzie, from Pittsburgh.
true light although others doubt, I am very certain Mr.
;
The disturbances of this country has ruined his business,
Croghan is earnest and sincere respecting that intention, but should the Province think of raising troops, he would be
for he joins the rest of the inhabitants in charging all our glad, I believe, to be employed. I can, sir, recommend
present calamity to the Doctor's account. him to your Honour as an expert surgeon, and gentlemanly
On the other hand, we do not know what day or hour man. He has served as a surgeon in the navy.
we will be attacked by our savage and provoked enemy, I was mistaken in saying that two people were killed on
the Indians, who hare already massacred sixteen persons to Ten Mile Creek. Mr. McClure was killed, and Kincade
our certain knowledge about and in the neighbourhood of wounded however, it would have been no great matter if
;

Ten Mile Creek. Last Saturday, a party of the militia, he had been killed, as he had accepted a commission in
consisting of one Captain, one Lieutenant, and forty the service of Virginia, so soon after the notice you had
march to join Conolly at. the mouth
Privates, were on their been pleased to take of him, at the request of his father-
of Wheeling, where he intended to erect a stockade fort in-law, Colonel Wilson. I am afraid there are some more
when, on a sudden, they were attacked only by four In- of our Virginia friends tiiat do not play us fair, but it is
dians, who killed the Captain on the spot, and wounded not a time at present for purgation.
the Lieutenant, and made their escape without being hurt, Unless you shall forbid me, I shall continue to write to
and the party after burying their Captain, returned with you in this manner, whatever occurs, as it is the only way
their wounded Lieutenant so that Conolly's intended ex-
;
I have at present, to show your Honour, that I am, with
pedition is knocked in the head at this time. the greatest respect, your Honour's most obedient, and
1 am your Honour's most humble and most obedient most humble servant, Ar. St. Clair.
servant, JEneas Mackay,
To Govemour Penn. P. S. For any thing that has escaped me, I take the
you to Doctor McKenzte.
liberty to refer
The day before yesterday, I had a visit from Mr. Ward.
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN. He informed me Mr. Croghan set out for Williamsburg,
Ligonior, Juno 16, 1774. the day before, to represent the distresses, he says, of the
Sir : There is very little alteration in the affairs of this people of this country. At the same time, he informed
country since my last, which was a few day ago, only we me, that the Delawares had got notice of the murder of
have a certain account of two or more people being killed Wipey, and that Mr. Croghan had desired him to come to
by the Indians, one Mr. McClure and Kincade, the person me on that occasion, that he advised that they should be
for whom you lately issued a special commission of the spoke to, and some small present made to them as condo-
peace. They it seems, were leading a party of forty men lence, and to cover his bones, as they express it. I do

to join Captain Conolly at Wheeling, and were attacked not well know wiiat to do. Such a present as some few of
by four Indians, who made llieir escape without so much us would be willing to contribute for, might be thought
as being fired at. unworthy of the Province, and such an one as might come
Before this accident,Mr. Conolly had detemiined to up to my idea would be great presumption to offer. This
march from Fort Pitt, (which he now calls Fort Dun- however, is certain, the Delawares are still friendly, and it
more) with three or four hundred men he had embodied may perhaps, prevent a general war if they can be kept in
for the purpose of chastising the Shawanese, and to erect temper.
forts at Wheeling and Ilockhocking to overawe the In- 1 believe I shall go to Fort Pitt to-morrow, and will
dians, and from thence to carry the war into their own consider well of it.
473 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 474
WILLIAM THOMPSON TO GOVERNOUR PENN. found the country so much alarmed at his going down, that
Cumberland County, June 19, 1774. he chose to return, and trust his business to letters, and
Mat it please your Hondur : By James Caveat, desired to see me as soon as possible. Accordingly I set
Esquire, who
come down from Westmoreland, there
is just out for Pittsburgh, the I'tli instant, and had the happiness
is a certain account of a number of people being itilled by to find two of the principal traders arrived there with a
the Indians, on the west side of tlie Monongahela river. great quantity of peltry, and that they had been conducted
Mr. Caveat was on his way to Philadelphia, (believing there by some of the Shawanese Chiefs, and that the rest
the Assembly was setting,) to lay the indifferent situation of the traders, with their horses and skins, were got as far
of the people of Westmoreland before your Honour, and as the Newcomer's Town, under the protection of another
the Assembly, and to pray the aid of Government in said tihawanese party.
country, otherwise, it must be entirely evacuated. The traders inform us that they have met with no ill
They have at their own risk raised two hundred men, treatment from the Shawanese ; but on the contrary, they
which are stationed in the best manner that number will were at the greatest pains to protect them from the
admit of, to guard their frontier but they are only raised ;
Mingoes, who had suffered most from the white people,
for one month and indeed these poor people are not able
;
and who came to their towns several times with the inten-
to pay that expense, much less are they in a condition to tion to murder them. It seems they did not think it pru-

support troops for any length of time. dent to bring the Shawanese to Pittsburgh, but conducted
I took the earliest opportunity of acquainting the people them from some distance below that place, through the
over the hills of your friendship towards them, in procuring woods to Colonel Croghan' s. Mr. Conolly ordered out a
without loss of time, a quantity of arms and ammunition, party of forty men to make them prisoners, as he says.
which was now on the way up for their use, and also The people of the town were alarmed at seeing a party
assured them that you would do every thing on your part march out the rout they took, and suspected they were in-
for their preservation, and hoped the like disposition would tended to attack a party of our people stationed at the Bul-
be found in the Assembly if called on for assistance. lock Pens, about seven miles from thence, which it seems
As that part of the country was entirely witliout ammu- has some time been threatened, and acquainted me with
nition, Mr. Montgomery and myself purchased and sent what they feared. I immediately waited on Mr. Conolly,
ofl', about ten days since, all the powder and lead we could and insisted in direct terms, he should tell me if he had any
get in Carlisle, which I expect is safe up before this. such design. He assured me he had not, but that as the
It is said the Indians have fixed a boundary betwixt the Shawanese had committed depredations on his Majesty's
Virginians and us, and say, that they will not kill or subjects, he had ordered out that party to make those
touch a Pennsylvanian. But it will be best not to trust prisoners who had escorted the traders and that might
;

them, and I am doubtful, a short time will show to the have been his real intention ; but I am convinced those
contrary. who were to put it in execution would not have made pri-
I am, your Honour's most obedient, and very humble soners. We put it out of their power to do either, by
servant, William Thompson. sending them over the river.
To the Honourable John Penn, Esquire. lour Honour will judge from this circumstance that the
crew about Fort Pitt, (now Fort Dunmore,) are intent on
a war, for were not that the case, honour, generosity, grati-
LORD DUNMORE TO CAPTAIN JOHN CONOLLY. tude, every manly principle, must have prompted them to
be kind, and afford protection to those poor savages, who
Williamsburg, June 20, 1774.
had risked tlieir own lives to preserve the lives and pro-
Sir I have received your letter of the 8th instant,
:
perty of their fellow-subjects; but why need I mention
by express. I am sorry to hear of the murdeirs commit- this circumstance, one at least as strong is that John Drin-
ted by the Indians, but hope the prudent steps you have
ning, who publicly acknowledged, or rather boasted, of
taken, will put a stop to further cruelties of that kind. I
having killed the Indians, with Mr. Cresap, is one of
entirely approve of the measure you have taken of building
Mr. Conolly's Lieutenants, and is at the present time out
a Wheeling, and also of marching into the Shawa-
fort at
some where with the command of a party to take scalps,
nese Towns, if you think you have a sufficient force and I ;
from friends I suppose a murderer, I am sure, will never
;
desire you will keep a constant correspondence with Colonel
meet an enemy on fair terms.
Andreto Lewis, that you may co-operate in such measures I mentioned something of a condolence in my last, and
as may be thought effectual. I hope you will prevail on
as the Shawanese were up, I suffered myself to be per-
the Delatoares, and the well affected part of the Mingoes,
suaded by Mr. Croghan to collect a small present of goods
to move off from the Shatvanese.
for that purpose, which was on Sunday morning to have
It is highly necessary tliat you continue at Fort Dun-
been divided and sent to the three nations, the Six Nations,
more, and I think therefore, that you could not do better
Shawanese, and Delawares ; but Mr. Conolly's frolic pre-
than send Captain William Crawford with what men you
vented it that day. Next morning, the Indians, being
can spare to join him, and to co-operate with Colonel some Six Nations, and some Delawares, were brought
Lewis, or he thinks he can do
to strike a stroke himself, if
down to Mr. Croghan's and were shown the condolence,
it with safety. I know him
be prudent, active, and
to
and acquainted that it was ordered for them by you, and that
resolute, and therefore very fit to go on such an expedition,
when their Chiefs arrived they would be spoke to, and
and if any thing of that kind can be effected, the sooner it the present delivered, and a messenger was sent after tlie
is done the better. I refer you to my letter by Captain
Shawanese to acquaint them likewise. As the Indians
Penticost, by whom I sent you some blank commissions.
themselves make a distinction betwixt us and our neigh-
I would recommend it to all officers going out on parties
bours, it may perhaps be a means of keeping peace in our
to make as many prisoners as they can of women and
quarter at least. I hope your Honour will not be offended
children and should you be so fortunate as to reduce
;
at my taking this upon myself. The value of the goods is
those savages to sue for peace, I would not grant it to them but trifling, not exceeding thirty or forty pounds. I have
on any terms, till they were effectually chastised for their inclosed a list of them, but the person from whom I got
insolence, and then on no terms, without bringing in six them neglected to affix the prices.
of their heads as hostages for their future good behaviour, Whatever may be Mr. Croghan's real views, I am cer-
and these to be relieved annually, and that they trade with tain he is hearty in promising the general tranquillity of the
us only for what they may want. I am, fee,
country, indeed, he is indefatigable in endeavouring to
DuNMORE. make up the breaches, and does, I believe, see his mistake
To Captain LonoUy. in opposing the interests of your Government and I doubt
;

not but a very little attention would render him as service-

able as ever. Real friendship you must not expect, for,
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN.
by his interest alone he is regulated, yet he may be useful,
Ligonior, June 22, 1774. as by and by yo\i will probably want to make aiioiher pur-
Sir In my last I informed you of Mr. Croghan setting
: chase. I purposely gave him an opportunity of opening a

out for Williamsburg, since which I had a letter from him correspondence with me, which he embraced, and from
from his own house. He therein informed me that he what I can see, he would be glad to be on better terms
475 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 478
with your officers than he has been ; but this is only conjec- lately received accounts of some outrages being committed
ture. upon several of your people going down the Ohio, by some
With this, your Honour will receive an extract from ill disposed white persons settled upon it ; and we take the

Mr. McKee's journal of all the transactions with the In- earliest opportunity of making you acquainted with what
dians, from the beginning of the troubles, as also another we have heard, in order to convince you that we discoun-
of Mr. ConoUy's advertisements. I know not well what tenance so barbarous a breach of friendsiiip with you, and
he means by it, but I believe his design is to distress the we can assure you that it has not been done with the in-
Indian trade. tent or knowledge of Government, and we make no doubt
It is true what I mentioned about the boundary. Mr. your brother, the Govemour of Virginia, when he becomes
Conolly read me part of a letter from Lord Dunmore on fully acquainted with the circumstances of the unhappy
the subject. He says the demands of the Pennsylvanians loss you have sustained in so many of your people, that
were so extravagant, that he could do nothing with them, he and his wise men will fall upon the most salutary
but that he, (^Conolly) may settle a line of jurisdiction measures of doing you every justice that can be expected.
with the Magistrates of Westmoreland, ten or twelve miles In the mean time we have to recommend to you, in the
eastwaid of Pittsburgh, or a more convenient distance, and most earnest maimer, your affording every assistance in
cautions him at the same time to give no just cause of your power to accommodate this unfortunate breach which
offence to the Magistrates acting under tlie authority of this has happened, as you must be sensible that a general war
Province. 1 know not how the Magistrates were to settle between us must be attended with the greatest calamity
lines. on both sides." {A belt of wampum.)
I received your Honour's favour of the 7th instant,
After some time they returned for Answer
and am happy to inform you the panic is in some measure
over. The ammunition not yet come to hand ; but a
" Brethren: (the English.) We have considered what
quantity arrived from Carlisle, which eased the people's you have said to us, and as the Chiefs of the Delaivares
mind a little but the damage done to the country by the
;
are expected in this night, or to-morrow, we will consult
desertion of tiie people, and the loss of the Spring crop, is with them, and then know what reply to make. But you
very great, and ifany thing should happen to interrupt the may depend upon it, that we shall do every thing in our
harvest, we must have an absolute famine — this I hope will power to keep things quiet, which we make no doubt can
be done, from the general peaceable disposition of our own
not be the case.
I am most respectfully, your Honour's most obedient, people, provided you will be strong upon your parts, in

and most humble servant, Ar. St. Clair. preventing your rash people from commencing any further
hostilities upon the Indians." (^A string of vjampum.)
P. S. Logan is returned with thirteen scalps and one
prisoner, and says he will now listen to the Chiefs. May 4. Arrived Captains White Eyes, Pipe, and
To Govemour Penn. Samuel Compass, brother to one of the Delaware Indians
lately murdered in the traders' canoe, with several other
Chiefs and principal men of the Delawares. The same
JOHN CONOLLT S ADVERTISEMENT. evening they proceeded to the Six Nation Village, at Pine
Whereas, the Shawanese have perpetrated several Creek, in order to consult with the Chiefs there, and be
murders upon the inhabitants of this county, which has in- informed of what had passed already between them and us.
volved this promising settlement in the most calamitous
May 5. At a Condolence held with the Six Nations,
distress. And whereas, I have very good reason to be-
Delawares, Shawanese, Munsies, Mohegans, and Twigh-
lieve that certain imprudent people continue to carry on a
twees, who are the several Nations that have been sufferers
correspondence with, and supply the said enemies with
in the late unfortunate disturbances.
dangerous commodities to the infinite prejudice of all his
Present:
Majesty's subjects, and expressly contrary to an act of the
Captain Conolly, Commandant, and a number of other
Assembly, prohibiting such unwarrantable intercourse:
gentlemen.
These are therefore, in his Majesty's name, strictly to re-
quire and command all his Majesty's subjects to take
Six Nation Indians. —
Guyasutha, IVhite Mingo, and
the Six Nation Deputies as before mentioned, with a
notice hereof, and to deport themselves as the law directs,
number of other Chiefs, and principal men.
as they may be assured that a contrary conduct will draw
on them the utmost severity thereof.
—
Delawares. Captains White Eyes, Pipe, Keykewe-
num, and Samuel Compass, with a number of other In-
Given under my hand at Fort Dunmore, this 18th day
dians of that Nation.
of June, 1774. John Conolly.
Brethren It was with the deepest concern that we
:

informed you two days ago of the late unhappy death of

EXTRACT TAKEN FROM A JOURNAL OF INDIAN TRANSAC- some of your friends, and it adds much to our grief upon
TIONS. this occasion, when we consider that some of our rash in-
May 1 1774. Information having been given that sundry
, considerate people have been accessory thereto. con-We
depredations had been committed upon several Indian dole with you, and bewail the misfortunes you have
parties going down the river from this place, by the white suffered, and as a testimony of our sincerity, we deliver
inhabitants settled upon the Ohio, near Wheeling and Yel- you these strings of wampum. (^A string to each Nation.)
low Creek, the following Message was despatched to King Brethren : We wipe the tears from your eyes, and
Custologa, Captains White Eyes, Pipe, and such other remove the grief which this melancholy circumstance may
Chiefs as were most contiguous to this place. have impressed upon your hearts, that you may be enabled
" Brethren : We are under the necessity, from some to look upon your brethren the (English) with the same
disagreeable intelligence which we have just received, of friendship as usual, aud listen to them with the like good-
callingupon your immediate attendance at this place, ness of heart, as formeriy, when no evil disturbed your
where we shall have some things of importance to com- minds. (A string to each Nation.)
municate to you, which intimately concerns the welfare of Brethren : We
now collect the bones of your deceased
us both ; this will be sufficient we
expect, to induce your people, and wrap them up in those goods which we have
speedy appearance here, as delays upon this occasion may prepared for that purpose, and we likewise inter them,
be attended with the most dangerous consequences." (A that every remembrance of uneasiness upon this head,
may be extinguished, and also buried in oblivion. (Deliv-
string of while wampum.')
ered a condolence present.)
May3. A meeting held at Colonel Croghan's house, Brethren : We have now conformably to you custom,
at which was present. Captain Conolly, the Commandant condoled with you inthe usual manner upon such occasions;
of the militia, and several inhabitants of Pittsburgh, with and we are to request some of your Chiefs present, who
Goyasutha, the White Mingo, and a deputation of the Six have the most influence with the distant tribes to proceed
Nation Indians, who were here ujjon their way with to tiiem with the greatest expedition with what you have
Speeches from Sir fil,llia7n Johnson to the Hurons and now heard, as it is highly necessary tliat we should be
Wabash Confederacy. made acquainted without delay, with the result of their
" Brethren We are sorry to inform you that we have
: Councils upon the present circumstances of affairs, as well
47T COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 478
as it may be useful for them to be informed of our senti- allour brethren, (the English,) that we had no suspicion of
ments thereupon ; and tliat the stroke they have received, so much mischief being done, as we have always on our
isnot only contrary to the judgment of every wise man parts made it our constant study to promote the peace
amongst us, but all authority, which consequently will be subsistingbetween our bretliren (the English) and us, and
exerted to do them justice therefore, these facts ought to
;
we you that we still continue to preserve that
also assure
have great weight in their determination at this time and ; chain of friendship ; and we hope that such of you, our
as a further proof of our uprightness towards them, two of brethren, the white people, who are in authority, will do
the gentlemen here present will accompany you in the every thing in your powers to prevent your rash people
execution of this good work. (A of wampum.')
string from committing further hostilities upon us.
Captain ConoUy then addressed the Indians as follows :
" Brother We have to request you in a particular
:

" Brethren I am very sorry to find that a dispute has

:
manner to be strong, and consider what may be best to be
happened between our people and yours, which has been done with those flagrant offenders of our peace.
" As to us, we have the satisfaction to inform you, that
attended with bad consequences to both parties. You
ought to be certain, brothers, that our wise men had no
we have received a message from the Lower Towns, in-
forming us that all the Indians there remained quiet, and
act or part in what has happened, and that it was entirely
that they have submitted the loss they have sustained to
owing to the folly and indiscretion of our young people,
which you know, like your own young men, are unwilling the candour and justice of your wise people." (^A belt.)
to listen to good advice. As to the particulars of what has May 16. A Message delivered by five principal men
happened, we yet do not know we are sure, however, ;
of the Delawares from Custaloga.
that people are killed on both sides, but we hope as the " Brethren (the English,)
: I have received your
dispute happened only between the young and foolish several messages since the outrages committed upon the
people, that it will not engage our wise men in a quarrel Indians, and with respect to my people, I assure you, that
in which none of us had a part. It is, however, brothers, we Our young men
are perfectly well pleased with them.
very unlucky that any difference should have happened are following their employments as usual, relying entirely
between us at this time, as the great Headman of Virginia upon your sincerity and the hopes of your great men doing
and all his wise people are just going to meet together to every thing in their power to redress the breach in our
counsel about the settling in this country, bought from you friendship therefore, we have also to hope that what you
;

the Six Nations and to give orders to their young men,

; have said to us upon this head comes from your hearts, and
which may come to be your neighbours, to be kind and not with a design to amuse or deceive us, as we are upon
friendly towards you. And, likewise, I expect they will our parts heartily disposed to preserve the strictest friend-
buy goods to clothe your old people and children, to ship with you." (A string.)
brighten the chain of friendship between us, and to con-
May 17. " Urotheu : [Custaloga.) We are glad to
vince you that we will be as friendly towards you as your
find by your Message, that you and your tribe are so well
late neighbours from Pennsylvania were. And, therefore,
satifiedwith our endeavours to reconcile the bad conduct
I desireyou, brothers, not to listen to what some lying
of some rash, unthinking people, so injurious to the peace
people may tell you to the contrary, for although we are
subsisting between you and us. The measures however,
always ready to fight our enemies, yet we will show our
as well as concern, we have shown you upon this occasion,
true and steady friendship upon every occasion, when
must be convince you of the desire we have to
sufficient to
necessary. (^A string of wampum.')
live in amity with all our Indian brethren, and although
Captain White Eyes, on behalf of the Indians present, the folly of a few individuals have given you some cause of
made the following Answer complaint, yet the general conduct of your brethren, (the
" Brethren We have heard with
(the English,)
English) towards you must evince to you their sincerity
:

as well as justice." (^A string.)

satisfaction the severalSpeeches you have now delivered
to us, and we return you our sincere thanks for the friend- May 21. Arrived, two messengers from Newcomer s
ship and concern you have been pleased to express for us Town, and delivered the following Speech in writing
upon this occasion we cannot doubt of your uprightness
; " Newcomer's Town, May 13, 1774.
towards us, and that the mischief done to us, has been " This day assembled in Council, King Newcomer,
done contrary to your intent and desire, which we believe
Captain Kill Buck, and Thomas McKee, together with
has arose entirely from the evil-minded persons who have
several other chief men of the Delawares. They have
been the perpetrators of it therefore it is incumbent upon
;
received a Speech from John Thompson they did not
us to aid you with our best assistance. As the great and
approve of; and they now thought proper to acquaint
good work of peace has been established between us, by
their brothers at Fort Pitt of him, and would be very
the labour and pains of our greatest and wisest men, it
glad that our brothers would not take any notice of what
ought not to be disturbed by the folly or imprudence of any
he has to say to them, as he only speaks of himself, and
rash people whatever, who, hereafter, refusing to pay due
there was none of us present ; so we would be glad that
obedience to good advice, or offering to slip their hands
our brothers of Pennsylvania and Virginia would not
from the chain of friendship, it will be our duty to chastise,
hear his speech. He tells us that he will speak to our
should not those examples of violence before their eyes
brothers of Pennsylvania, that they should speak to the
have this effect. Brethren, I will carry your Messages
people of Virginia, and give them some physic to
to the other Nations they are intended for myself, as it is
:

drink that will bring them to their senses again this is ;

a business too serious to be trifled with, or boys to be em-

what he has to say, but we hope that our brothers will
ployed on it is
; the happiness of ourselves, our women
not take any notice, or think any thing of it, as he cannot
and children, and every thing dear to us, that we are en-
speak for us all."
deavouring to preserve. Therefore there can be no doubt " To our brothers Colonel Croghan, Captain McKee,
that 1 shall speak my sentiments fully and truly to all
and Captain Conolly."
Nations upon it." {A large string of white wampum.)
Returned the following Answer
Guyasutha then returned Captain White Eyes thanks on
" May 21. Brethren (Chiefs of the Delawares,) We
behalf of the Six Nations present, and told him as he had
:

delivered their sentiments fully in the foregoing Speech, it

received your Speech of the 13th instant, by the two mes-
them to say any thing more upon the sengers you sent us, and we return you thanks for putting
was needless for
but desire him be strong in restoring the tran-
to
us on our guard against the bad man you have mentioned
subject,
in it, (though he was known and you may
to us before,)
quillity of the country, and that one of his people should
accompany him in this good undertaking. be assured that we shall not pay any regard to what he
says to us, or to any other man that does not come with
May 9. A Speech delivered by several Chiefs, Six sufficient authority from you. Brethren, we desire you to
Nations and Delawares. be strong, and speak to your grand children, the Shawa-
" Brother (the Govemour of Virginia,) No doubt nese, and let them know, that any unruly
conduct of theirs
:

fatal consequences
you have been informed by the officer commanding at this at this time will only produce more
place of the misfortunes which have lately happened in than has already happened, and that the number of people
this country. And we now declare to you, as well as to who yet desire to live and preserve the peace of this.
479 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 480

country are those bad people who desire

far superior to no doubt you can command your warriors when you desire
the contrary, so that they study their real interest they
il' them to listen to you, we have reason to expect that ours
will not delay to inform us of their sentiments, as they will take the same advice when we require it, that is, when
must be convinced that our whole country are now collected we have heard from the Governour of Virginia.
in bodies and waiting to hear from them. Brethren, we "Brethren: (of Pennsylvania,) It is some years ago
desire your young men may be informed, that we shall be since we had the satisfaction to see you at Pittsburgh, when
glad to see them come here and trade as usual." (^A string.) you came there to renew the ancient friendship that sub-
sisted between our forefathers; and it gave us great pleasure
May 25. White Eyes, after delivering the Condolence to assist you in the great work, when the path was opened
Speeches Delawares at the Newcomer's Town, re-
to the between you and us, and we now tell you that your traders
ceived the following Answer, directed to their brethren, who have travelled it, shall return the same road in peace,
tlie English : and we desire our grandfathers, the Delawares, to be strong
"Brethren: Wc are glad to receive your messages now in conducting them safe to you." {^A strins;.)
delivered to us by Captain JVhite Eyes upon the late dis-
turbances which have happened between our young men, May The
Indians expressing a desire of hearing
26.
and we return you thanks for the speedy measures you their brethren of Pennsylvania speak to them. Captain
have taken to speak to us upon it. We are entirely satis- St. Clair, on behalf of that Province, addressed them as
follows
fied upon this account, and banish everything which could
:

give us uneasiness from our hearts, as you desire us, and " Brothers(Six Nations and Delaivares,)
: have We
we likewise request that you will do the same, that nothing heard your good Speeches, and 1 am come from your
may remain upon either side to discontent us." {A string.) brother of Pennsylvania to thank you for the care and
" Brethren We have too great a regard for the ancient
: pains you have taken to preserve the general peace. We
friendship established between you and us. and which has are determined to do all in our power to maintain the
so long subsisted between our forefathers, to suffer the friendship that subsists between us and our brethren the
conduct of foolish men to have any bad effect upon it, or to Six Nations and Delawares entire but as our people are ;

weaken our good intentions in the least, so as to loosen our alarmed at what has happened with the Shaicanese, we
hands from the hold we have of it therefore we do not; recommend it to you to prevent your people from hunting
look towards the evil that has been done, with any resent- amongst us for some time, as our people will not be able to
ment in our minds, but with a desire to have it buried in distinguish betwixt them and others. wish, and will We
oblivion, as well as every thing else which has an appear- endeavour to keep the path open to our brethren, and keep
ance of disturbing our future tranquillity. Be strong bright that chain of friendship betwixt us which was so
brethren, and think favourably of our peace as we do, and long held fast by their and our forefathers.
we shall be too powerful for any bad people, who are not " Signed, Ar. St. Clair."
it as we
inclined to listen to or preserve do. Brethren,
The Delawares then returned
the good tlianks for
when our wise people concluded the peace which subsists
opinion their brethren of Pennsylvania had expressed of
between us, it was mutually agreed between them, that
them, and that their sentiments corresponded so nearly
though probably we might lose people on both sides by
with their own, with respect to keeping whole their ancient
the rashness or folly of bad men, that it ought not, nor
friendship, and they called upon their uncles, the Si-x Na-
should not, have any evil effect upon the amity settled by
tions, to be witness to their now declaring that they were
them, and this is still what we adhere to. Brethren, last
determined to preserve it unshaken and unhurt from the
of all we spoke to our grandchildren, the Shawanese, upon
attacks of bad peo()le.
this head, and desired them to keep their young imprudent
Guyasutha then told his nephews, the Delawares, that
men from doing mischief, and this advice we have again
he was rejoiced to find them so determined upon supporting
given them at this time. (^A belt.)
the good order and peace of the country. That they
" Brethren The road which you have cleared between
:

might always depend upon being backed by the Sit

you and us, we now, by this string of wampum, upon our
Nations in so laudable a resolution, who were so strongly
parts, remove every obstacle that may impede our travel-
linked in friendship with the English, that it was not to be
ling it with satisfaction, and we desire that our young men
broken therefore, what they had now heard from them
;
may be permitted to continue their trade as usual. Those
was very agreeable.
white people who are in our towns to the number of eleven,
you will see in a few days, who are going to Pittsburgh May 26. A Speech delivered the Delawares upon re-
under the protection of your brethren the Delazvares, and ceiving their answer to the Condolence Messages had tiiat
as soon as matters wear a more favourable aspect we shall been sent them, and which was delivered by Captain
expect them to return to our towns." (^A string.) White Eyes :
" Brothers: We
are glad to find that our former friend-
The Shawanese then delivered the following Answer to ship is not to be hurt by what has happened between our
the Condolence Speeches and Message sent them :
young people and yours, and as we have been very sorry
" Brothers (Captain ConoUy, Mr. McKee, and Mr.
: for it, we now
your request, remove the trouble from
at
Croghan,) Wehave received your Speeches by White our hearts, and desire that you may do the same, so that
Eyes, and as to what Mr. Croghan and Mr. McKee says, nothing but friendship may he thought of between us.
we look upon it all to be lies, and perhaps what you say " Brothers: We arc glad to find that you are so friendly
may be lies also but as it is the first time you have spoke
; and considerate as not to allow the rash actions of young
to us, we listen to you and expect that what we may hear foolish people to break in upon our former friendship, and
from you will be more confined to truth than what we as you desire it may be forget, we hope it will, and that
usually hear from the white people. It is you who are we never have cause of future disturbance. You may be
firequenlly passing down and up the Ohio, and making assured that we are strong on our parts to maintain the
settlements upon it, and as you have informed us that your strictest friendship with our brethren the Delawares, and
wise people were met together to consult upon this matter, are sure that wo will be able for any bad people that may
we desire you to be strong and consider it well. want to interrupt it what you observe as to the good un-
;

" Brethren We see you speak to us at the head of

: derstanding between us and you, we have an eye to, and
your warriors, who you have collected together at sundry think as you do, that the rashness of foolish young men
places upon this river, where we understand they are should not interrupt. We thank you for tlie pains you
building forts, and as you have requested us to listen to have taken to speak to your grandchildren, the Shawanese,
you, we will do it, but in the same manner that you appear and for the advice you have given them. (A string.)
to speak to us. Our people at the Lower Towns have no " Brothers We have heard the Shavjanese Answer to
:

Chiefs amongst them, but are all warriors, and are also our Message by you, and we understand it we are sorry ;

preparing themselves to be in readiness, that they may be that they should be so foolish as not to listen to reason ;

better able to hear what you have to say. but since we think they will not, we must desire our
" You tell us not to take any notice of what your people brethren, the Delawares, to withdraw themselves from
have done to us ; we desire you likewise not to take any amongst them, that no evil may happen them by accident,
notice of what our young men may now be doing, and as which would give us great concern. We, likewise, once
481 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 4Bi
more desire such of our brethren, the Six Nations, as may bad undertaking ; that they hoped their brethreiv the
be amongst them to come away also, and listen to their English would not blame them, or think that they counte-
own Chiefs as they have been often desired. We are sorry nanced any evil that might be committed by these rash
to think that the Shaioantse want to destroy themselves, men, who have stole away from them to do mischief con-
and be no longer a people for if tliey attempt to kill any
; trary to their Chiefs' advice, and are chiefly all Mingoes
of us, for what has happened owing to bad young men, our who have had the most relations killed that one party has
;

warriors will fall upon them, and they must expect nothing been out eleven days, and was to return in fifteen, and
but chastisement therefore, I must desire you my brothers
; intended against that part of the river where their friends
to remove yourselves from those bad people, that we may were put to death, or somewhere else below that, upon
know our friends. They say that the traders among them Virginia. The above party having declared that as soon
shall return safe. I hope they speak true, as that may be as they have taken revenge for their people, and returned
a great means to prevent mischief. (A belt.) home, that they would then sit down and listen to their
" Brethren We clearly see that the road between you
: Chiefs.
and us is open if it were not for bad people, but we hope The above messengers also say that the day they left
that will not prevent our intercourse with you as usual. home a runner came in there from five Cherokees that
We thank you for the mark of your friendship in bringing were to be in the day following upon business, and that the
in our people, the traders, safe to us and we promise when
;
Delawares would inform us of it as soon as it was knowTi.

matters are better settled, they shall trade with you as And they also say that they heard that one of the before
formerly." {A string.) mentioned parties who had gone to take revenge upon
the white people were returned, and had killed one man.
Captain White Eyes then Replied:
They then produced some belts of wampum, which had
" Brethren : We are very glad to hear what you have been delivered to them by Sir William Johnson, several
now said, and we find that you would willingly preserve the years ago, desiring them to collect themselves together,
peace. We shall inform all the Nations in friendship with and sit in the centre between their brethren the white
us of what has passed between us at this time, and in one people. Six Nations, and Western Indians, where they
month will be able to complete this design, and then we were required to hold fast by the middle of the chain of
shall be able to distingnish those who are inclined to listen friendship, and that they were thereby empowered to speak
to our wise people and preserve the peace from those that strongly to any Nation who might attempt to disturb it.
choose to speak by their warriors this will afford time ;

for those who are inclined to remove themselves to their

Answer
Chiefs, and give an opportunity to the warriors to speak to " Brethren : We return you thanks for the trouble you
one another." have taken to bring us the news we have now heard from
you, and we esteem it as a proof of your sincerity and good
June 1. A
party of Moravian Indians came in, with
inclination to preserve the peace of the country, as well as
one of the missionaries residing amongst them and his
those belts you have laid before us, convinces us that you
family, with a quantity of peltry belonging to our traders.
stillbear in remembrance the former friendship that has
Those Indians say that they were informed on their
been contracted with you. Be strong brethren in doing
way hither, that a principal man of the Delatvares, who
what you have been desired upon them you have now
had gone to the lower Shaioanese Town after White Eyes' ;

an opportunity of exerting your good intentions that way,

messages were delivered to the Shawanese, in order to
by speaking to those foolish people, who have not listened
hear news, has returned, and brought an account that the
to the accommodation our wise people were endeavouring
traders there were still alive, and that the Shawanese
to make of the late unhappy disturbances, for you must be
Chiefs there had spoke boldly in defence of them to the
convinced that every mischief that may be committed at
3Engoes, who were the only people constantly attempting
this time, is widening the breach, and of consequence
to put them to death but that the Shawanese had told
;
involving us on both sides in greater difficulties. There-
the Mingoes that they had brought the traders amongst
fore we have nothing more to say to you at present, than
them, and were determined to protect them in their bosoms
to recommendto you to follow the advice that has been
until they could return them safe home ; and that if the
sent toyou by Captain fVhite Eyes, which was to abstract
Mingoes could not be satisfied without taking revenge
yourselves from bad people who may be obstinate in
upon the white people for the loss they had sustained, that
pursuing their own destruction."
they must look for it a greater distance than in their towns
upon the people wiiom they had pledged their faith to Answer to the Speech of the Indians of the Six Nations
preserve. Those Indians further say, that the chief dis- and Delawares, dated Pittsburgh, May 7, 1774.
turbances amongst them appears to be only at a small
village upon Muskingum, called Waketummakie, composed "Brothers: I have been informed of the misfortunes

mostly of the friends of the people who have been killed. that have lately happened in the neighbourhood of Pitts-
And that the Mngoes, as the greatest sufferers, are most burgh, and have received your speech on the occasion and ;

I lament no less those that have befallen my brothers, the

enraged however, that the party collected to strike the
;

Virginians were not gone a few days ago, and that if they Indians, than those that have happened to my fellow-
could not be prevented from their rash undertaking, that subjects, the English.

the Newcomer, Chief of the Delawares, was determined From the accounts I have received however, the Indians
to send runners to apprise us of them, as they attempted
have been the aggressors, and thereby the occasion of the
to proceed to war.
fatal consequences which have ensued. But as you my
brethren say, that you always on your parts have made it
June 5. Two messengers, from the Newcomer, arrived your constant study to promote the peace subsisting
with an account that five days ago, one Conner, a white between you and us, and still continue to preserve that
man, who lives at the Snake's Town upon Muskingum, chain of friendship, so I take this opportunity of assuring
had returned home from the place the traders were you that your brethren, the Virginians,
do cordially love
making and informed them that the traders
their canoes, you, and hope always to live in peace, amity, and good
were all safe, to the number of twenty-seven or thirty, correspondence with you. And to that end, if you can
and that the Shaivanesc had taken great pains in protect- point out the offenders against our peace, we will on our
ing them, and was about sending them off with their parts omit nothing in our power to overtake the transgres-
peltry, with some of their young men, and some Dela- sors on our side with the punishment due to such crimes.
wares, to protect them upon their way up to Pittsburgh. I rejoice at the information you give me of the good dis-
These messengers furdier say, that all the towns as well position of the Indians of the Lower Towns, and you may
as the Shananese are now quiet, and that their Chiefs assure them that their complaints when they reach us shall
have been able to prevail over their rash and foolish young be attended to with that candour and justice to w Inch they
men who wanted to take revenge on the white people for submit them, and which is due to them. Dunmore."
their loss, except two small parties consisting of thirteen Williamsburg, May 29, 1774.
men in the whole, who were friends of the Indians that
suffered and could not be restrained, though their Chiefs June 9. A Message sent with Lord Dunmore's Speech
did every thing in their power to prevent them from the to the Six Nations and Delawares.
Fourth Series. 31
483 COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE, 1774. 4M
^^" Brethrev : We
herewith send you the head-man of return of the Magistrates of this place from Staunton jail
Virginia's answer to your message of the 7th Mai/, 1774, in Virginia, Mr. Conolly being extremely enraged that
who is, you see, much concerned for the unKicky disputes Mr. Mackay should acquaint Lord Dunmore with his tyran-
which liappened between us and you, and you must ob- nical behaviour, took all opportunities to affront and use Mr.
serve his speech is very friendly and good towards the Mackay ill, so that in a few days after he ordered Mr.
Six Nations and Delawares. Mackay's outhouses to be pulled down, and the materials
" But, bretiiren, as tlie Mingocs and Shawanese have to be carried to his garrison and when Mr. Mackay com-
;

since struck us, notwitiistanding our endeavours to restore plained of such oppressive measures, he was threatened by
friendsliip, we have now upon this account, again to Doctor Conolly to be sent in irons to Williamsburg.
desire your jieople to withdraw from amongst tliem that Mr. William Butler, (one of the subscribers,) and an
no injury may happen to you. Brothers, you will send eminent trader at this place, has been cruelly treated by Mr.
the head-man of Virginia's speech to Captain White Conolly,' way, was threatened to be shot down, for dating
Eyes, and our brothers of the Sir. Nations, in order to to refuse carrying arms at Mr. ConoUy's militia array, &,c.
show them that he is determined to hold fast by the That your memorialists are of opinion that Mr. Conolly
ancient chaui of friendship." has taken all the pains in his power to foment the dis-
turbance between us and the Indians, for several rea-
sons, particularly when a number of the traders arrived
a: WILLIAM THOMPSON TO GOVERNOUR PENN. here from the Shawanese Towns, escorted by three
lately

f Cumborland County, 22d June, 1774.

Shawanese Chiefs, who were sent to the care of Colonel
Croghan, till a handsome present was made for thcin, by
May please your Honour I have, by the bearer,
it :
the traders for their fidelity. Doctor Conolly ordered out
Dr. McKcnzie, received many letters from the people of
forty-one of his militia to take them at all events, and to
fVestmoreJand County, informing me of one McClure being
send them to his guard house, which hellish plot being dis-
killed, and one Kincade being wounded, at Ten Mile
covered, Mr. Butler, unii some other friends, conveyed the
Creek, the particulars of which the Doctor will acquaint
Indians and their presents o\'er the river, just as the guard
you with. Tlie people have requested I should lay their
surrounded Mr. Croghan's house, for which Mr. Butler
distresses before your Honour, and in their names pray your
has been severely threatened.
assistance in granting such support as may enable tliem to
That a number of the subscribers, fee, have been very
keep possession of the country, and say that if immediate
severely treated by Mr. Conolly for our adherence to the
relief is not sent them, all the country west of the Alle-
Pennsylvania Government, which, for brevity sake, must
ghany Mountains will be evacuated.
be omitted.
As the Doctor takes down a number of petitions, and I
The premises considered, your memorialists most eam-
have wrote you a few days since concerning the difficulties
estl; Honour will fall uj)on some speedy methoil
request your
of the back inhabitants, 1 shall trouble you no more at this
to relieve our distresses, and to send us directions, as soon
lime, and hope their alarming situation, and the expectation
as possible, how to act on this very critical occasion.
they have that I will assist them, as well with your Honour
For a further explanation of our distresses we beg leave
as in the Assembly, will excuse the liberties taken by your
to refer your Honour to the enclosed remarks, which are
Honour's most obedient humble servant,
absolute facts.
William Tho.mpsok.
^neas Mackay, Frederick Farry, William Evans,
To the Honourable John Penn, Esq. Pcvereux Smith, Robert McCully, William Amberson,
John Ornisby, Gaorge Mct-'ully, William Hamilton,
Richard liritter, John Shannon, James Smith,
William Butler, Gabriel Walker, John Irwin,
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN. James O'Hara, Jolin Walker, Robert Elliott,
Ligonier, June 26th, 1774. James Fowler, Benjamin Elliott, Richard Carson,
Joseph Spear, Alexander Wayne, Joseph Carrel,
Sib have the honour to transmit a memorial from the
: I Andrew Robinson, Ralph Nailer, Stephen Groves.
inhabitants of Pittsburgh to your Honour, with some re-
marks upon Mr. ConoUy's conduct in support of it, which
came to my hands a few minutes ago. It is most certain, sir, REMARKS ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF DR. CONOLLY.
they are most injuriously treated. The only piece of news Pittsburgh, June 25th, 1774.

from above, since my last, is, that Mr. Conolly sent two The distressed inhabitants of this place have just cause
parties down the river in pursuit of the Shawanese who to charge tlieir present calamity and dread of an Indian
escorted tlie traders, who intercepted them at Beaver Creek, war entirely to the tyrannical and unprecedented conduct of
firedon tliem, and wounded one, and then ran off in the Doctor Conolly, whose design, as we conceive, is to better
most dastardly manner. What may be the consequence his almost dcs])erate circumstances upon the distress of tlifi
God knows, but it is well if the traders do not suffer yet public, and the ruin of our fortunes, as will appear fi-ora
their horses and peltry are not yet arrived. tlie following facts:
Mr. McFarlane has just arrived from Virginia, and re- 1st. On the 25th day of January last, a number of disor-
ports that four companies are on their march to Pittsburgh. derly persons assembled themselves here in consequence of
I think he must be mistaken, both as their militia law is his advertisements, (as militia,) who, when dispersing, wan-
expired, and that it is not an easy matter to conduct so tonly and maliciously firedupon some friendly Indians in
large a body through an uninhabited country, where no their huts on the Indian shore, which conduct, together
magazines are established. Any occurrences worthy of with so unexpected an appearance of so many people in
your notice shall be intimated by every opportunity. anus, at a time when they expected no hostile intentions
I am, sir, your Honour's most obedient and most hum- on our part, greatly alarmed them, as appeared by a com-
ble servant, Ar. St. Clair. plaint made by them at a council with Alexander McKee,
Esq., Indian Agent, and soiue of the inhabitants of this
place, a few days after.
memorial to GOVERNOUR PENN EROM THE INH.\BITANTS 2d. Michael Cresap, in vindication of his own conduct,
alleges, that it was in consequence of a circular letter from
OP PITTSBURGH.
on the Ohio, that
said Conolly, directed to the inhabitants
Pittsburgh, June 25, 1774.
he murdered the Indians, and that in a manner that savage
To the Honourable John Penn, Esq., Governour and joint ferocity could scarcely equal, and in cold blood, without
Proprietor of the Province of Pennsylvania, &.c. the least provocation, amongst whom was some Delawares
The memorial of the subscribers, in behalf of themselves that had been employed by Mr. William Butler to carry
and the remaining few inhabitants of Pittsburgh who have goods and hands to the relief of his brother, who was at
adhered to the Government of Pennsylvania, humbly that time in the Indian country, all which property they
sheweth. That your memorialists Iiave suffered in an unpre- have been deprived of to a considerable amount. Also,
cedented manner by the arbitrary proceedings of Doctor every part of said Conolly s conduct to our friendly Indians
Conolly, since the commencement of his tyrannical Govern- convinces us that he means to force them to a war, as he
ment at Pittsburgh. Tlie principal facts we shall beg leave both refuses to protect, and endeavours to murder those,
to lay before your Honour, as foUoweth Soon after the : that, at the risk of their lives, came with our traders to pro-
485 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 486

tectthem, and to deliver assurances of their friendship to to obtain that relief

which our rights as English subjects
tliepubHck, which can be produced if required. demand.
entitle us to
3d. A
large body of armed men broke open Mr. Mackay's What those means ouglit to be, we think the several
mid Mr. Smith's back yard gates, and rescued the villain branches of the American Legislatures, in which the peo-
Reily, who was sworn constable for Westmoreland County ple are constitutionally represented, and who are vested
at that time,and was confined for abusing said Mackay in with their whole powers, ought to determine. We, there-
his own house five of those men presented their guns at
; fore, only presume to give you our private sentiments,
Mr. Mackay and Mr. Smith. Also, one of tlie party struck which must ever be subject to the amendment and controul
at Mr. Mackay with his gun and broke it in pieces, while of the body, of which we are only members, when we
another presented his rifle through his parlour window, again mix with them.
swearing that he would shoot down Mrs. Mackay if she did We hope, and earnestly recommend, that the great
not immediately set open the doors of her house upon ; cause of American rights may be left to the management
which she fled, but was immediately assaulted by one of the Representatives of the people in every Colony, as
Aston (a Captain of said Conoliy's appointment) with a they alone are vested with a constitutional power of inquir-
drawn sword, who stabbed her in the arm. Mr. Spear ing into, and redressing those grievances, under which the
was also abused, and scratched, by said Aston, at the subject may at any time be oppressed. Until this measure
same time. shall be fairly attempted, and a failure shall ensue, we can-
armed force of two hundred
4th. Said Conolly, with an not conceive the present dispute between Great Britain
men, surrounded the Court House, &;c. and the Colonies, can, with any propriety or prudence, be
5th. He sent JEncas Mackay, Devereux Smith, and assumed by any other pei-son whatever, or that in other
Andrew McFarlane, Magistrates, under an armed guard, hands any good consequences can be rationally expected.
to Staunton in Virginia, then proceeded to shoot
jail, And as we are in a state ol" society where order, reason,
down our sheep and hogs, taking, by force of arms,
cattle, and policy, ougiit to prevail, every measure which can only
any part of our property he pleases also, pressing our
; serve to irritate, and not convince, every act of violence,
horses without applying for them, or rendering any satisfac- or even the appearance of it, should be carefully avoided,
tion to the sufferers for so doing. as they cannot, under our present circumstances, obtain us
6th. He sent an armed guard to town to plunder the that relief we desire, and have a right to expect but, on;

house of Mr. Dtvercux. Smith, but was prevented by Mr. the contrary, may involve all America in difficulties which
William Butler at the risk of his life, no after-wisdom or prudence can surmount.
7th. He, Conolly, with his whole force, came to the A Congress of Delegates, chosen either by the Repre-
house of Mr. Mackay, broke open his gates, and pulled sentatives in Assembly, or by them in Convention, appears
down a log stable and sheep house, threatening to pull to us the first proper step to be taken. Nor are we dubious
down his dwelling house if he thought proper. He came but that it may be happily effected in a short lime, should
again, accompanied by one of his officers, to Mr. Mackay's, calm and prudent measures be pursued to obtain it. In
and abused him in a blasphemous, outrageous manner, this Congress, composed of the Representatives, constitu-
threatening to send him in irons to Virginia the next day. tionally chosen, of all concerned, and who would of course
8th. He sent an armed guard to town with a general act with weight and authority, something might be pro-
search warrant to search every house in town without ex- duced, by their united wisdom, to ascertain our rights, and
ception, for the effects of a man that died the evening establish a political union between the two countries, with
before in their fort, that some of themselves had robbed his the assent of both, which would effectually secure to Ame-
corpse off. In the course of their search they broke open ricans their future rights and privileges. Any thing short
a chest in a man's house that bears a good character here, of this will leave the Colonies in their present precarious
and took out several articles, and at the same time insulted state ; disunited among themselves, unsettled in their
tJje owner. rights, ignorant of their duties, and destitute of that con-
9th. He sent a party who robbed Mr. Joseph Spears nection with Great Britain which is indispensably neces-
carriers of one horse load of gunpowder, about six miles sary to the safety and happiness of both. We
are, &c.,
from town, which was sent by said Spear for the use of Joseph Galloway, Speaker. ^
the inhabitants of this county, if necessity required. This Samdel Rhoads, 'h

robbery vras committed by a party headed by the aforesaid William Rodman, '"
Aston, who beat and insolently abused the person who Isaac Pearson,
had said powder in charge, when he demanded a receipt Committee of Correspondence.*
for the same.
These are but a few of the many distresses we labour To the Committee of Correspondence of the Province of
under, and without protection and speedy redress cannot the Massachusetts Bay. :.

long support ourselves under such grievances, persecution

P. S. The Assembly of this Province are summoned,
and tyranny.
by the Governour's writs, to meet on the 18th of next
month.

THE COSDIITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE Or PENNSYLVANIA • New. York, July —

14, 1774. The Philadelphia paper of Monday
last contains a letter from Joseph Galloway, (who stylos himself
TO THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE OF MASSA- f^peaker,) and three others, who call themselves the Committee of
CHUSETTS BAY. Correspondence in the Province of Pennsylvania, to the Committee of
Philadelphia, June 28, 1774. Correspondence of the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
It dofs not appear by what authority these gentlemen have taken
Gentlemen: Your favour of the 28th ult., communi- upon themselves to act as a Committee of Correspondence for the
Province on tliis affair. The papers give an account of a more
cating to us,by order of your House, the Act of Parlia- numerous Committee, composed of men of very different characters.
ment, " To discontinue, in such manner, and for such time, The stylo and substance of the letter itself, though such as might
" as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging, be expected from the author of a well known piece publislied some
years ago, signed Americanits, (in favour of the Stamp Act, and arbi-
"lading and shipping, of goods, wares, and merchandise, trary power,) is by no means consistent, in style or sentiment, with
" at the town, and within the harbour of Boston," &,c., is the letters and resolves of any of the other Colonies but, on the con.
;

now before us, and we shall take the earliest opportimity trary, has a manifest tendency to discourage tlie jieoplo from doing any
thing to the purpose on tlio present emergency. It does not so much
to lay it before the House of Representatives of this
as imply a censure upon the tyrannical Acts of the British Parliament,
Province. nor deny their authority, nor propose any means of preventing their
It denies the power
We
cannot consider this measure in any otiier light than effect, but ratlier suggests a submission to them.
of the people to do any tiling, and absurdly asserts, that the sole power
an additional proof of a resolution in the mother state to is constitutionally vested in the Representatives chosen by the people
draw a revenue from the subject in America without his for tlie ordinary General Assembly ; as if the people had no right to
consent. And, on this principle, we conclude that every cliooso Delegates for any otiicr ))iirpose, or as if those chosen for the
ordinary business of Assemlilics were without a special commission
British American Colony will esteem tliemseives inti- from tlie ji'^ople, authorized to determine upon so extraordinary and
mately concerned in it. Under this idea of die intention important a case as tliis. In slioit, it appears that Mr. Galloway, and
of Parliament, it certainly behooves us coolly and dispas- the three other signers, have ofHciously taken upon them to write this
letter, without any due autliority from tlie pco|il(! of the Province, who
sionately to meditate on the consequences, and to leave no will disown tlie whole of it, and authorize tlieir true Committee to
rational or probable means unessayed to avoid them, and write a letter that will really be to the purpose.
487 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JUNE, 1774. 488
Boaton, June 27, 1774. must, so far from feeling any inclination to comply with it,

The present dispute seems confined to tljese two senti- rather starve than harbour such despicable notions. The
ments : either to pay, or not to pay for tlie tea. They properties of a peojjle are taken from them, their wharfs
are very opposite ; therefore, without doubt, it will be a or waiehouses, which perhaps are their only support, are
long time before we are united on this point. Those wlio rendered useless, or, at best, lay at the will of some infa-
are for paying, bring these arguments to support it : that mous man in power. Where, then, is our security ? The
" the tea belonged to private persons, consequently was day we pay for that tea, under the present restrictions, that
•'
private property, and it is but an act of justice we should very day we become slaves. Whatever may be our
*'
pay for it, by whicli means our harbour will be opened, boasted liberties, we are slaves in the most extensive
" and trade carried on as usual." degree. No people are free, when any power can take
Be not deceived, my countrymen examine well these ; from any part of their property without their consent
tlienj
principles before you endeavour to put them in execution. much more that people, whose whole property lays at the
Our unhappiness in this case is, we do not look far mercy of a foreign edict. Consider, my countrymen,
—
enough we skim the surface of this Ministerial manoeuvre before you take any measures in the case, the liberties of
but let us drop the plumb and endeavour to find out its America depend on the determination of this late Act.
sounding. Every one knows the fatal consequences of We are now, though reduced by the stoppage of com-
the East India Company's sending their teas into America. merce, freemen, but remember, and let it sink deep into
It appeared to be a Ministerial measure to secure the reve- your heans, the day we comply with the stricture of that
nue and establish a monopoly. We were alarmed at the Act, we are slaves. Let this consideration stop you in the
consequences, and received it as an attack upon our liberty. career of settling this important point. It is the cause of

Frequent meetings were held to ward off this impending the whole let not a few individuals pretend to settle a
;

evil, but all to no purpose. Our Committees were treated ])oint that so nearly concerns the whole.Our brethren in
with disdain, our very Assemblies were looked upon as Virginia view it in they look upon it as an
this light ;

riots. The })eople were reduced to this deplorable circum- attack upon the liberties of all the Colonies. For the
stance, either to submit to their ruin, or destroy it. Could same power that destroys the liberties of one Colony, will
Americans long halt between two opinions ? No, they destroy the whole.
destroyed it. The affair goes over to England ; we hear Here some may stop and say, " do not mean toWe
little about it until an Act of Parliament is passed to block " give up the rights of the Colonies we doubt not, when ;

up the port of Boston ; and all for what ? Because we *'

we have discharged the debt of the tea, and paid all offi-
destroyed tiiis cargo of India tea. We
hear not a word " cers their demands, his Majesty and his Privy Council
of any private company appearing in this whole transac- " will pity our situation, and restore our wharfs, as usual."'
tion, not a mention of private property, but Government Dreadful, indeed, at this time of day An American's 1

takes the matter up, and chastises us by an Act of Parlia- property and liberty are become n)atters of indulgence,
ment. Ships and troops are sent out on Government rather than right. It then lays entirely at his Majesty's

expense, and the whole plan of resentment is Govern- and Privy Council's mercy, whether any freeholder shall
mental. enjoy the suffrages of his own estate. I hope these are

Considering circumstances as they really are, and view- not the real sentiments of these people, but only flights of
ing all measures from beginning to end, can we with confused ideas, which poverty and famine have raised.
any propriety talk of private interest, or think of paying Such submissive sentiments cannot come from the hearts
for it on those principles ? As well might we pay for the of friends to American liberties. I must assert that the

expense of powder and ball used on the night of the 5th Act passed for blocking up the port of Boston is a more
of March to destroy our fellow-inhabitants. Sending the violent attack upon the liberties of America, than any
tea was a Ministerial measure to establish the revenue plan, measure before taken by Administration, and the man who
and happily for us we showed our resentment and nipped would comply with the terms of it, deserves to have his
it in the bud. I cannot see, unless we give up the very name erased from the catalogue of freemen, and become
point in question, viz the right of taxation, the propriety
: unworthy the character of an American. do not pre- We
of our paying for this tea. Their sending it was as much tend to hold our property on the fickle tenure of indulgen-
designed to establish the revenue, as the powder and ball cies of Parliament, but on the firm foundation of right.
used by the soldiers was designed to destroy. If designed Neither can we tamely give our compliance to an edict,
to establish the revenue, our opposition to it was uniform, let it come from whence it will, that strikes at an essential
and we could not suffer it to be landed consistent with our pier of that foundation. But I will give full scope to this
declared sentiments. We
have, in the course of this last argument: " They doubt not his Majesty will pity our
debate with Great Britain, paid for many things we did situation, and restore our wharfs," &ic. From whence
destroying the Governour's house, making restitution to have they received tliese strong hopes ? I augur we shall
the Stamp Master, and many otlier officers, &;c. We find it a much more difficult case to get our wharfs restored
have been at great expenses in smaller matters such as ; by a speedy compliance, than our standing out in opposi-
charges on re-shipping goods in the non-importation all ; tion. We cannot put our trust in Princes, neither in any
which we have paid, hoping to conciliate measures but ; son of man. It is hard trusting to some ruhng men, and
behold what have been their effect. We are loaded with heaving ourselves entirely on their mercy. Before we
fresh impositions ; new plans are entered into, taking have some certainty we must doubt it. If measures are
encouragement from our former charges, that we shall still pursued correspondent with their declared sentiments, we
continue to do so ; therefore try the matter on, not doubt- have great reason to doubt it. A
certain noble Lord, 1
ing, if we destroy, the conscientious Americans will satisfy cannot diink, would act so inconsistent with his own senti-
all who suffer, by a satisfactory payment. In this way ments, as to give up tlie darling point of chastising a num-
peace cannot be established, but new measures will be for ber of men, by rendering their property useless, when it is
ever plotting to ruin and destroy us. Therefore, in con- in his power so to do. For, remember, you heave your-
science to the cause, the regaid I have for the liberties of selves on the mercy of those who made this Act, and all
my country, and my aversion to all measures intended to you now ask aie matters of indulgence. Please not your-
destroy those liberties, I must declare against paying for selves with such chimeras. When the rights of Americans
the tea, though asked for on much more simple terms than hang on the friendly will of men now in power, farewell
required in the late Act, or without any restrictions of American liberty.
wharfs, &.C., whatever. But what greatly astonishes me Let us examine the transactions of late years, and see
is, that the people who pretend to be friends to American if we can find any one action that will justify our favour-
liberty, should so strongly urge a payment, and comply able surmises. Grcnville, flushed with the expectation
with the terms of the Act. of a large revenue from America, brought forward the
No man who understands the nature of the English Stamp Act. America united to oppose it, and it was
Constitution, can, with any degree of spirit, read over so repealed. Immediately they passed a Declaratory Act,
arbitrary an edict the blood of an Englishman must boil at
; whose intent needs no comments. About twelve months
every sentence. Magna Charta, tliat secures the ])roperty after came out the Revenue Act, and to this day continues
and person of the meanest beggar, is basely leaped over, in force. Petitions after Petitions were sent, but, far from
and the people who pretend to the least shadow of liberty, granting a favourable ear, they were treated with contempt.
SI89 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JUNE, 1774. 490
Troops and navies have been sent to force us into a com- " dantly satisfied of the upright intentions, and much ap-
pliance every art has been used to intimidate us. Every
;
" prove the honest zeal of the Committee of Correspon-
one who is acquainted with the late transactions, must be " dence, and desire that they would persevere with their
convinced of a settled plan to enslave this country. What " usual activity and firmness, continumg stedfast in the
expectance, then, can we have on those who have endea- " way of well doing."
voured to effect this plan ? Nothing, I doubt, but a fearful And the question being put, passed in the affirmative by
looking for of judgment. A speedy compliance with this a vast majority.
Act seems parallel to the case with Sampson and the The Committee on ways and means for employing the
Philistines, who, after the enticing Delilah, had found poor, acquainted the town that they had met, and had
where his strength lay, and clipped him of his lock, came received very encouraging accounts of the readiness of
upon him, bound the poor man neck and heels, and sent their sister Colonies to assist us, and various proposals
.him to prison. So, when a certain noble Lord has found from sundry persons for employing the poor, upon which
out how nearly affected we are with this plan, he will they were deliberating, but were not yet prepared to report,
plume himself on our ready compliance, perhaps reduce required farther time, which was allowed them.
us to the condition of prisoners, and draw new terms of Mr. Adams again in the Chair.
reconcihation ; construing, in their greatest latitude, the A motion made that this meeting be adjourned to Tues-
import of several clauses in the Act. Blocking up our day, the 19th of July, at ten o'clock, A. M., to meet at
harbour will ever be a rod suspended in the British Com- Fanueil Hall and the meeting was adjourned accordingly.
;

mons to chastise whatever opposition Massachusetts, oi any Attest, William Cooper, Town Clerk.
other Province or Colony, may make to Parliamentary
measures. Therefore, my countrymen, be not buoyed up
with false notions, be not speedy in your doings, but wait Boston, June 29th, 1774.
patiently until we can hear from the other Colonies, and I
doubt not we shall come into determinations effectually to
Protest against the Proceedings of the Town Meeting
in Boston, on the 21th of June, 1774.
frustrate this late Act. Be not terrified with the bugbear
of your enemies, about troops being quartered in your Whereas at a meeting of the Freeholders and other
houses, but convince the world that Americans fear notliing Inhabitants of this town, held at Fanueil Hall, the 27th
but slavery. instant,and from thence adjourned to the South Meeting
House, copies of certain circular letters, wrote by the Com-
mittee of Correspondence, so called, for this town, to the
TOWN MEETING IN BOSTON. other towns in the Province, and other places on the Con-
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants tinent, and answers thereto from the several towns and

of the town of Boston, by adjournment, at Fanueil Hall, Colonies, were read likewise a certain circular letter, ac-
;

June 27th, 1774. companied with a Solemn League and Covenant of a most
dangerous nature and tendency, which hath been drawn
Mr. Samuel Adams, Moderator.
up by the said Committee of Correspondence, copies
Upon a motion. Voted, That the Committee of Cor- whereof have been by them clandestinely dispersed through
respondence be directed to lay before the town the Letters the Province, without the consent or knowledge of the town,
wrote to the other Colonies, as well as those sent to the and recommended to the people of the county to execute
other towns in the Province, since the receipt of the Bos- without loss of time, " least their enemies should defeat
ton Port Bill. its purpose." These points being fully spoke to, with
The Hall not being sufficient to contain all the inhabit- candour and moderation, by gentlemen of different senti-
ants assembled, the meeting was adjourned to the Old ments, it was at length motioned and seconded, that the
South Meeting House. Committee of Correspondence be censured by the town,
The town being again met, according to adjournment, a and dismissed from any further service in that capacity.
motion was made and passed, that all Letters received, as After some discussion on the subject, and other letters pro-
well as the Answers returned, be laid before the town and duced and read, the question was put, and passed in the
read. negative.
After the Town Clerk had accordingly read a number Wherefore, we, the dissentients, do now make this pub-
of said letters, a motion was made that the said Vote be so licand solemn Protest against the doings of the said Com-
far considered, as that the reading of all other letters pre- mittee, as such, against the Solemn League and Covenant
vious to the Covenant sent into the country by the Com- aforementioned, and against the proceedings of the town,
mittee of Correspondence, and the letters accompanying so far as they have adopted the illegal proceedings of the
the same, be suspended for the present, and that the town said Committee of Correspondence, for the following rea-
proceed to the reading of the said Letter and Covenant, sons, viz
and any other letters that may be particularly called for. First, because, with regard to the Solemn League and
The said Covenant, and a number of letters, liaving been Covenant aforementioned, we look on it to be a base, wicked,
read, a motion was made that some censure be now passed and illegal measure, calculated to distress and ruin many
by the town on the Coiiniiittee of Correspondence, and merchants, shopkeepers, and others, in this metropolis,
that said Committee be annihilated. and affect the whole commercial interest of this Province ;

Mr. Adams, the Moderator, then moved, that as the to put a check at once to our industry, by stopping the
Committee of Correspondence for this town, of which he exportation of all the staple articles of our trade ; such as
had the honour of being a member, was now to be con- oil,pot and pearl ash, flax seed, naval stores, lumber of all
sidered, another Moderator might be chosen ^ro tem. sorts, and likewise codfish, by way of Spain and Portugal,
The Honourable Thomas Cashing, Esq., was accordingly the proceeds of which go to Great Britain as remittances
chosen Moderator during that debate. for goods. Also will put an end to a very valuable branch
The motion for censuring and annihilating the Com- of trade to the Province of ship-builders ; to create unhappy
mittee of Correspondence, was considered, and the gentle- divisions in towns and in families ; to open a door for the
men in favour of the motion patiently heard, but it being most wicked perjuries, and to introduce almost every spe-
dark, and they declaring that they had further to offer, it cies of evil that we have not yet felt, and cannot serve
was voted that the consideration thereof be referred to the any good purpose.
next meeting, and the meeting was accordingly adjourned. Secondly, because that the Committee of Correspond-
ence, in many of their letters, held forth principles, vyhich,
Tuesday, June 2dih, ten o'clock: Met according to instead of extricating us from our difficulties, serve, in our
adjournment. opinions, still further to involve us, to which principles we
The motion censuring and annihilating the Commit-
for cannot accede.
tee of Correspondence was again considered, and after long Thirdly, because that Committee of Correspondence,
debates, the question was accordingly put, which passed in some letters that were read from them to Miv-York,
in the negative by a vast majonty. Philadelphia, and other places, particularly two to New-
Itwas then moved that the following Vote be passed, viz: For/,;, of the 28th and 30th 3%, have falsely, maliciously,
" That this town bear open testimony that Uiey are abuu- and scandalously, vilified and abused the characters of many
'49i CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JUNE, 1774. 492

of us, only for dissenting from them in opinion ; a right this Province against signing the aforesaid, or a similar
wliich we shall claim so long as we hold any claim to free- Covenant, or in any manner entering into, or being con-
dom or liberty. cerned in such unlawful, hostile and traitorous combina-
Benjamin Gridley, Francis Greene, Harrison Gray, tions, as they woidd avoid the pains and penalties due to
Bonjamiti Clark, Nathaniel Coffin, Joseph Grooue, such aggravated and dangerous offences.*
WilUain Taylor, Ezekicl Goliltliwait, George Erving,
Gilbert Deblois, Silvester Gardiner, Jolin Vass.iU,
And 1 do hereby strictly enjoin and command all Magis-
John Taylor, liytiekl Lytic, John Tiinmins, trates and other officers within the several counties in this
Benjamin Green, Jr., Jonatlian Simpson, Benjamin Davis, Province, that they take effectual care to apjjrehend and
Thomas Knight, George Bethunc, Benjamin Greene,
Stephen Greenleaf, secure for trial all and every person who may hereafter
William Bowes, Rufus Greene,
Peter Johonnot, AVilliani Coffin, Isaac Win.slow, presume to publish, or offer to others to be signed, or shall
George Leonard, Joromiiih Greene, Richard Lechmore, themselves sign the aforesaid, or a similar Covenant, or be
Thomas Aptlirop, James Boutincau, Joshua Winslow,
in any wise aiding, abetting, advising, or assisting therein.
James Selkrig, Thomas Gr.iy, Danijl Hubb ird,
David Greene, Henry Lloyd, John Er\'ing, Jun., Andthe respective Sheriffs of the several counties within
Lewis Deblois, Samuel Fitch, James Perkins, this Province, are hereby required to cause tliis Proclama-
James Asby, WilUam Coffin, 3d, Isaac Winslow, Jan.,
tion forthwith to be posted up in some publick place in
John Inman, Joseph Taylor, Richard Smith,
Richard Sharwin, Archibald McNeil, John Atkinson, each town, within their respective districts. Given under
Andrew Barclay, Robsrt Jarvis, Nathaniel ('ary, my hand, at Salem, the 29th day of June, 1774, iu the
William Knntlon, James Hall, Samuel H. Sparhawk,
Edward Foster, fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign.
William Perry, John Berry.
David Mitchelson, Hugh Tarbott, Edward Co.t, Thomas Gace.
Richard Hirons, Abraham Ellison, Thomas Aylwin,
Nathaniel Coffin, Jr., Patrick McMastor, Ebonczer Bridgham, By his Excellency's command, T. Flucker, Secretary.
Samuel Minott, Joseph Wilson, John Jarvis, God save the King.
Archibald Wilson, Frederick Roberts, George Spooner,
Hawes Hatch, Jolm Agling, William Blair,
William Codner, Benjamin 1\I. Holmes, Harrison Gray, Jun.,
Edward King, Henry Loddel, James Anderson,
William Burton, Jonathan Snelling, Philip Dumarosq,
RICHMOND COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
Hopestill Capen, Tlieophilus Lillie, John Cotton,
Gregory Townsend, John Semplo, George Briudloy,
At a respectable Meeting of the Freeholders and Free-
Ziphion Thayer, William Dickson, Thomas Brindlcy, men of the County of Richmond, Virginia, after due
Henry Lee, Henry Laughton, John Coffin, notice to attend at the Court House of the said county, on
Fetor Hughes, John (ireenlaw, Colborn Barrell,
Samuel Hughes, John Winslow, Jun., James Forrest,
Wednesday, the 29th of June, 1774, in order to give their
Benjamin Phillips, Edward Stow, William Apthrop, sentiments to their late Representatives, invited to meet in
Nathaniel Greenwood, John White, John Gore, Williamsburg on the first day of August next, to deliberate
Job Wheelwright, Nathaniel Hurd, Adino Paddock,
on matters of the utmost importance to this country, they,
John Burroughs, Jr., Williant Gazneau, Jolin Joy,
George Leesh, Martin Gay, Joseph Scott, after making choice of the Reverend Isaac William
AVilliani Hunter, Jolm Haskins, A. F. Pliillips, GiBERNE as Moderator, came to the following Resolutions
Samuel Greenwood, Willi im Jackson, Samuel Rogers,
1st. That it is the undoubted right of the people of
William Hutchios, AVilliam McAlpiue, Joseph Greene.
British America to be taxed only by their respective Pro-
vincial Assemblies, which right they claim from Charter,
natural justice, and constant usage, ever since their first
PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY. settlement in America ; and that an attempt to force one

By the Governour. —A Proclamation for Discouraging Colony to pay a tax imposed by the British Legislature,
where they had not, nor could have, any Representative,
certain illegal Combinations,
is a violent attack on their constitutional rights.
Whereas certain persons, callingthemselves a Com- 2d. They do respect the Bostonians, in their sister
mittee of Correspondence for the town of Boston, have Colony of Massachusetts Bay, as suffering in the common
lately presumed to make, or cause to be made, a certain cause of British America ; and that the hostile attack
unlawful instrument, purporting to be a Solenm League now niade on them by the Parliament of Great Britain,
and Covenant, intended to be signed by the inhabitants of in blocking up their harbour, and violently taking away the
this Province, whereby they are most solenmly to covenant property of many individuals, by preventing them the use
and engage to suspend all commercial intercourse with the of their wharfs, quays, &.C., is an avowed intention to
Island of Great Britain, until certain Acts of the British reduce all America to a state of slavery.
Parliament shall be repealed. And whereas printed copies 8d. It is the opinion of this meeting, that nothing will
of the said unlawful instrument have been transmitted by be more conducive to prevent such oppressions, than im-
the aforesaid Committee of Correspondence, so called, to mediately to stop all imports from Great Britain, and at
the several towns in this Province, accompanied with a a short day, hereafter to be fixed, to stop all exports to
scandalous, traiterous, and seditious letter, calculated to Great Britain and the West Indies, until there is a total
inflame the minds of the people, to disturb them with repeal of not only the Act called the Boston Port Act,
ill-grounded fears and jealousies, and to excite them to but also of all the several Acts of the British Parliament
enter into an unwarrantable, hostile and traitorous com- laying taxes on the Americans for the purpose of raising
bination, to distress the British Nation, by interrupting, a revenue, and those other Acts made against the rights of
obstaicling and destroying her trade with the Colonies, the people of Massachusetts Bay, on account of their
contrary to their allegiance due to the King, and to the virtuous opposition to the said Revenue Acts.
form and effect of divers statutes made for securing, 4th. It is also the opinion of this meeting, that imme-
encouraging, protecting and regulating the said trade, and diately on the non-exportation plan taking place, the gen-
destructive of the lawful authority of the British Parlia- tlemen of the bar shall not bring any suit for the recovery
ment, and of the peace, good order and safety of the com- of any debts, or prosecute further any suit already brought,
munity. And whereas the inhabitants of this Province, during the continuance of the former resolution, it being
not duly considering the high criminality and dangerous utterly inconsistent with such scheme for a man to be com-
consequences to themselves, of such alarming and unpre- pelled to pay without the means wherewith he may pay.
cedented combinations, may incautiously be attempted to
* So far are the people of this Province from discovering the " high
join in the aforesaid unlawful League and Covenant, and
criminality" of " a certain instrument, purporting to be a " Solemn
thereby expose themselves to tiie fatal consetjuences of League and Covenant," that it has made more rapid progress through
being considered as the declared and open enemies of the many towns, since Thuraday last, than ever before. By what Act of
the British Parliament, or cla\ise in the Oath of Allegiance, are we
King, Parliament, and Kingdom of Great Britain. inhibited from raising our own flax and wool, or encouraging onr own
In observance, therefore, of my duty to the King, in manufactures in preference to tliose of any other country ? If there
tenderness to the inhabitants of this Province, and to the be no Act of the Briti-ih Parliament, or of the Provinci', against it,
what are the " dangerous consequences" which we are told will ensue ?
end tliat none who may hereafter engage in such dangerous A cool observer of the times cannot but smile to hear some connois.
combinations, may plead, in excuse of iheir conduct, that seurs say, that the trade of the Colonics is of no more importance to
they were ignorant of ihe crime in which they were involving the mother country than a single thread in a whole piece ; while others,
with as high a tone, assure us, that to " susjiend all commercial inter,
themselves, I have thought (It to issue this Proclamation,
course" with her, in one Province only, will " distress the Dritiah
hereby earnestly cautioning all persons whatsoever within Nation." Boston, July 4, 1774.
493 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JUNE, 1774. 494
5tb. This meeting do most heartily concur with their Resolved, That to impose a tax or duty upon tea byi
of
late Representatives in their resolve for the total disuse the British Parliament, in which the Commons of thei
tea; and do further Resolve, that they will not purchase North American Colonies can have no representation, to
any East India commodity whatsoever, except saltpetre, be paid upon importation by the iphabitants of the said-
until they have their grievances fully redressed. Colonies, is an Act of power without right; is subversive of
6th. They do declare they are ready to submit to any the liberties of the said Colonies ; deprives them of their
resolutbn that may be entered into either by the Deputies property without tlscir own consent; and thereby reduces-
of the several counties in this Colony, at fVilliamsbnrg, them to a state of slavery.
or by the Congress of the several Colonies on the Con- Resolved, That the late cruel, unjust, and sanguinary.
tinent, and intended these resolutions only as instructions Acts of Parliament, to be executed by military force and-
to their Deputies, that tliey may know how to conduct ships of war, upon our sister Colony of the Massachmetts .

themselves. Bay, and town of Boston, is a strong evidence of the cor-

7th. It is Resolved, that so soon as the non-exportation rupt infiuence obtained by the British JNlinistry in Parlia--
agreement begins, we will, every man of us, keep our pro- ment, and a convincing proof of their fixed intention to
duce, whether wheat, tobacco, or com, or any thing else, deprive the Colonies of their constitutional rights and hb-
unsold on our respective plantations, and not carry, or suf- erties.
fer them to be carried, to any publick warehouse or landing Resolved, That the cause of the town of Boston is the
place, except of grain ; where the same be so done an common cause of all the American Colonies.
oath being first made that such grain is for the use or con- Resolved, That it is the duty and interest of all the-
sumption of any other Colony in JSlorth America, and not American Colonies firmly to unite in an indissoluble union
for exportation from the Continent, whilst the said agree- and association, to oppose, by every just and proper
ment subsists. And this is the more necessary to prevent means, the infringement of their common rights and liber-
a few designing men from engrossing and buying up our ties.
tobacco, grain, Sic, when they are low in value, in order Resolved, That a General Association between all the
to aviiil tliemselves of the very high prices that these arti- American Colonies, not to import from Great Britain any
cles must bear when the ports are open and foreign mar- commodity whatsoever, except negroes, clothing, and tools,
kets empty. Irish linen, medicines, and paper, ought to be entered
8th. This meeting do appoint Robert WormeJey Carter into, and not dissolved, until the just rights of the said
and Francis L. Lee, gentlemen, as their Deputies for the Colonies are restored to them, and the cruel Acts of the
purposes aforesaid ; and they do request that they fail not British Parliament against the Massachusetts Bay and
to attend in fVilliamsburg on the said first day of August, town of Boston, are repealed.
and that they do not trust to their meeting in Assembly on Resolved, Tliat no friend to tlie rights and liberties of
tlie 11th of the same month, as it is in the power of Gov- America ought to purchase any commodity whatsoever,
ernment either to prorogue the Assembly to a future day, except as is before excepted, which shall be imported from
or dissolve the same, by which means the sense of the Great Britain, after the General Association shall be agreed
Colony may not be known. upon.
Ordered, by the meeting, That these Resolves be forth- Resolved, That every kind of luxury, dissipation and
with transmitted to both the Printing Offices in Jfilliams- extravagance ought to be banished from amongst us.
burg. to be inserted in each Gazette. Resolved, That manufactures ought to be encouraged,
Leroy Peachet, Clerk. by opening subscriptions for that purpose, or by any other
proper means.
Resolved, That the African trade is injurious to this
EXTRACT or A LETTER TROM A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON. Colony, obstructs the population of it by freemen, prevents
manufacturers and other useful emigrants from Europe
London, June 30, 1774.
from settling amongst us, and occasions an annual increase
We are all in high expectation of the event of the late of the balance of trade against this Colony.
measures adopted respecting Boston, which caiTy with Resolved, That the raising sheep, hemp, and flax, ought
tliem rather the harsh and rigid aspect of power, than that to be encouraged.
of paternal affection, v^hich wishes to reclaim while it chas- Resolved, That to be clothed in manufacturers fabri-
tises. The Crown has, for a long time past, been gaining cated in the Colonies ought to be considered as a badge
power, at the expense of the liberties of the people, by a and distinction of respect and true patriotism.
gradual system of corruption, which the people themselves Resolved, That the dissolution of the General Assembly,
have not virtue enough to counteract. But now the strides by order of the British Ministry, whenever they enter
towards despotism are enormous. I wish the Americans upon the consideration of the rights and liberty of the
may be able to fall on some prudent and effectual measures subject against attempts to destroy them, is an evidence of
in the present important crisis. But I fear the greatest the fixed intention of the said Ministry to reduce the Colo-
difficulty will be in the want of an union and confidence nies to a state of slavery.
among themselves in the different Colonies, without which Resolved, That the people of this Colony, being by
any expedients tliey may think proper to adopt will avail such dissolution deprived of a legal representation, ought to
Uttle. nominate and appoint for every county proper Deputies to
meet upon the first day of August, in the City of Wil-
liamsburg, then and there to consult and agree upon the
PRINCE George's county (virginia) resolutions.
best and most proper means for carrying into execution
At a General Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabit- these or any otlier resolutions which shall be judged more
ants of Prince George's County, Virginia, the following expedient for the purposes aforesaid.
Resolves were proposed and unanimously agreed to Resolved, That Richard Bland, and Peter Poythress,
Resolved, That we will, at all times whenever we are Esquires, our late worthy Representatives, be, and they
called upon for that purpose, maintain and defend, at are hereby nominated and appointed Deputies, upon the
the expense of our lives and fortunes, his Majesty's right part of tiie freeholders and inhabitants of this county, to
and title to the Crown of Great Britain, and his Domin- meet such Deputies as shall be appointed by the other
ions in America, to whose royal person and Government counties and corporations within this Colony, in the City
we profess all due obedience and fidelity. of fVilliamsburg, upon the first day of August next, or at
Resolved, That the right to impose taxes or duties to any otlicr time or place for the purposes aforesaid.
be paid by the iniiabitants within this Dominion, for any Resolved, That at this important and alarming conjunc-
purpose whatsoever, is peculiar and essential to the General ture it be earnestly recommended to the said Deputies, at
Assembly, in whom the Legislative authority of the Colony the said General Convention, that they nominate and
is vested. a])point fit and proper persons, upon the part of this Col-
Resolved, That every attempt to impose such taxes or ony, to meet such Deputies, in a general Congress, as
duties, by any other authority, is an arbitrary exertion of shall be appointed on the part of the other Continental
jiovver, and an infringement of the constitutional rights and Colonies in America, to consult and agree upon a firm and
libeities of the Colony. indissoluble union and association for preserving by the
495 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JUNE, 1774J 496

best and most proper means, their common rights and lib- of different counties and large cities and towns to delegate
erties. the wisest of their neighbours to represent them in the
Resolved, That this Colony ought not to trade with Legislature, and to speak the sentiments of their electors
any Colony which shall refuse to join in any union and on the general concerns of the Kingdom. These formed
association that shall be agreed upon, by the greater part the House of Commons. In process of time this right
of the other Colonies upon this Continent, for preserving of delegation was confined to those who had a freehold in
their common rights and liberties. lands, of a particular value, because, as I have observed in
Resolved, That the Clerk of this meeting transmit to a former letter, the owners of the soil were not oidy sup-
the Printers of both Gazettes copies of these resolutions, posed to be the best judges of what was for the benefit of
with the earnest request of this county that the other the Kingdom, but because they were less liable to be cor-
counties and corporations within the Colony will appoint rupted to prejudice a country in which they themselves
Deputies to meet at the time and place, and for the pur- were permanently interested.
poses aforesaid. Theodorick Bland, Happy had it been for England that this wise regulation
Clerk of the Meeting, had never been altered and happier still if the right for
;

voting for Representatives had been confined to freeholders

of counties only, and not extended to towns and corpora-
THE BRITISH AMERICAN, NO. V.
tions, which, however populous and opulent formerly, are
Williamsburg, Virginia, Juno 30, 1774.
now scarce the shadow of what they were. But to return
Friends, Fellow-citizens, and Countrymen: to my subject.
It is not my intention to inflame your minds by pointing The Monarch was vested with the power of convening
out the many you have already lost, but to rouse
privileges the other two bodies of the Legislature, of laying before
you to a steady opposition to the measures now pursuing to them the state of the Kingdom with respect to foreign
deprive you of wiiat few still remain. I shall, therefore, alliances, and of reconmiending to their consideration all
instead of entering minutely into every branch of the old things which he judged for the benefit of the Nation ; and
English Constitution, whose sole object is, or rather was, after having done this he retired and left them to deliberate
political myself to that part of it which
liberty, confine and to form what resolutions they pleased, either upon the
and taxation only. But in order to be
relates to legislation plans thus recommended or upon any others which they
thoroughly understood, it will be necessary to premise, thought proper; and so far as related to legislation only, the
that in ancient times, besides the palaces for the residence, Lords and Commons had an equal right of proposing and of
there were particular funds and lands set apart, whose altering and amending resolutions proposed by each other.
yearly profits supplied the domestic expenses and supported The King had no power of altering and amending, but, by
the splendour of the Kings of England. These were called withholding his assent, might reject any resolution of the
the ancient demesne of the Crown, and were not only other two branches altogether.
abundantly sufficient to answer those purposes, but some- To have invested him with a power of altering would
times enabled our Monarchs to repel, at their own private have been dangerous to liberty because, of all laws res-
;

expense, any sudden or unforeseen hostile attacks upon pecting the subject, the Lords, who were the representa-
the Kingdom. Thus the great Queen Elizabeth, (under tives of the higher, and the Commons, who represented the
whose reign our ancestors first emigrated,) instead of ask- lower ranks of the people, were the most proper judges,
ing money of her Parliament, generally demanded reim- because they would share in the advantages and disadvan-
bursement only for what she had actually advanced for the tages of those laws. But as the King might receive the
general good. And even these s!ie often generously remit- emoluments, but could not share in the inconveniences, if
ted to her subjects. he had been allowed to have interfered in altering and
The Legislature of England consisted of three distinct amending such, the Nation might have been cruelly op-
branches. The first was the Monarch, whose ample hered- pressed, for as all honours flowed from the Crown, a desire of
itary revenues, enabling him to support the dignity of his acquiring those honours might have induced the Commons.
rank, removed all temptation to oppress either of the other Hope of enlarging those already conferred might have
two, because, nobly provided for himself, he was under no influenced the Lords to have shown such complaisance to
necessity of asking any supplies from his Parliament but the alterations of the Crown as would have been consist-
such as were necessary for the general good of the whole ent with the good of the community. Wisdom, as well as
community. Independent of any power on earth for the delicacy, therefore, excluded the temptation. The King's
support of himself and lamlly, he was equally above the right of rejecting altogether was a sufficient barrier against
temptation of being corrupted himself, or of endeavouring all encroachments on the rights of the Sovercio-n, since no

to corrupt the Parliament. resolutions had the force of laws till they received the con-
The second consisted of the House of Lords, a body of currence of a majority of the Lords and Commons, and
men who, on account of their great wealth or merit, and were approved of, and assented to, by the King.
generally both, were ennobled by Jhe Monarch, and their Taxation was fixed upon a very different foundation.
titles and power, when once created, were hereditary, they The House of Commons claimed and exercised the sole
were not only independent but were equally interested in right of proposing taxes, of pointing out the ways and
preserving the legal prerogatives of the Crown, and the means, of levying supplies, and of framing the bills by the
just privileges of the People the prerogatives of the
: authority of which they were to be collected and so
;

Crown, because as they derived their very existence from extremely jealous were they of this privilege that they
the Monarch, if his legal power was annihilated, theirs never would suffer either of the other branches of the Le-
must necessarily be extinguished with it, as the stream will gislature to make the smallest alteration, either in the form
cease to flow when the fountain from whence it sprung is or substance of a Supply Bill.
dried up. As hereditary guardians of the Realm it was This exclusive privilege was founded upon very just
equally their interest to preserve the privileges of the peo- grounds. The
reasons 1 have already given in treating of
ple, because however distinguished by rank or title, they legislation, aredoubly cogent to restrain the King (who
themselves, as ])art of the community, must finally feel was to apply, or rather expend, the money raised,) from
any oppression exercised by the Sovereign over their fel- exercising any other power over a Money Bill than that of
low-subjects. rejecting to which may be added another, that the Repre-
;

The branch of the Legislature consisted of the

tliird sentatives of a people must ever be more capable than
People at large, in which every native had a right to vote, their Prince of judging of the abihties of their constituents,
for in those days it was thought unreasonable that the life, and of knowing how much, and what species of their pro-
liberty, or property of a freeman should be affected by perty they can spare to preserve the remainder. Nor are
any law which he did not consent to, or at least which he there wanting many and just reasons to exclude the Lords
had not a right to oppose. from interfering with this' right exercised by the Commons.
But these tunndtuous assemblies of the People being In the first place, the whole wealth of a Nation arises fi-om
found from experience not only inconvenient but absolutely the farmer, the grazier, the mechanick, and the trader and ;

impracticable, as a majority of the whole Kingdom could as they are the very creators of money they ought to have
never meet at any one place to deliberate upon ti)e affairs the publick disposition of it, because they know its value,
of the Kingdom, it became customary for the inhabitants and have experienced the difficulty with which it is acquired.
497 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 498
On the other hand, the Lords possessed of immense wealth, Thus constituted, thus mutually interested, to support
transmitted to them by and born (if I may
their ancestors, each other, the King, Lords, and Commons of England,
be allowed the expression) with silver spoons in their formed the wisest system of legislation that ever did, or
mouths, might be lavish of the national treasures, without perhaps ever will, exist for the three favourite forms of
;

duly considering wilh what anxiety, difficulties, and dangers Government, Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Democracy,
viz :

the bulk of the people have acquired the small share of it jpossessed of their distinct powers, checked, tempered, and
they possess. Again, a supply granted to the Crown, which, improved each other. Nor was this excellence confined to
with respct to the enormous fortunes of the nobility, would forms alone. The characteristick principles of Monarchy,
scarce deserve the name of liberality, might amount almost Aristocracy, and Democracy, viz: honour, moderation,
to a confiscation of the estates of the lower ranks of the and virtue, were here so happily blended as totally to
people, and reduce thousands of their fellow-subjects to dis- exclude fear, that despicable slave of despotism and arbi-
tress, poverty, and ruin. On the other hand, it is difficult trary sway. The honour of Monarchy tempered the im-
to suppose that the Representatives of the labouring or trad- petuosity of Democracy, the moderation of Aristocracy
ing part of the Nation, would, or could, be so extravagant checked the ardent aspiring honour of Monarchy, and the
in their supplies as to injure the estates of the nobility virtue of Democracy restrained the one, impelled the other,
and ifsuch an unnatural case could exist, the House of and invigorated both. In short, no Constitution ever bid
Lords, by exercising their right of rejecting, would effect- so fair for perpetual duration as that of England, and none
ually ward off the blow. But if they had a power of even ever half so well deserved it, since political liberty was its
altering a Money Bill, they might model it in such a man- sole aim, and the general good of mankind the principal
ner as to exonerate, in a great measure, their own estates, object of its attention. Had this happy state but recurred a
and lay the whole burthen upon the Commons, or at least little oftener to its first principles it would have remained the

it would be a constant source of feuds and dissensions —

envy the admiration of the whole world, and the delight
between the two Houses, which would offer, to an enterpris- of its most distant Dominions, till time shall be no more.
ing Monarch, such opportunities of ingratiating himself But, alas all human institutions are subject to decay ; the
1

occasionally with each as might endanger the Constitu- very vitals of this amiable Constitution are wounded, the
tion.* glorious fabrick already totters, and the time is approaching
From this state of the English Constitution it is ob- when it may be said of this beautiful Byzantium :
vious to the most common if any one of its
observer, that " That down the precipice of fate she goes.
branches encroached upon the rights of another, it became And sinks in moments what in ages rose,"
the interest of the other two to unite in repelling the
To trace the steps of this disorder, and point out what
aggressor, since if either branches are annihilated, or even
is likely to occasion this ever to be lamented misfortune,
weakened, the other must necessarily fall a prey to the
shall be the subject of my next.
victor. If the Commons attacked the Lords, the Crown
conclude this with a word of advice to my fellow-
I shall
necessarily interposed its authority to support the injured
citizens of Virginia : Since my last the writs have issued
rights of the nobility for, if they succeeded in destroying
;
for choosing your Representatives, returnable the 1 1th day
the rights of the nobihty, such an acquisition of power as
of August next. Postpone your meeting in Williamsburg
would then devolve on them, would soon enable them to
till that day, so short a delay will be attended with little
weaken, if not destroy, the prerogatives of the Crown.
inconvenience. If the Govemour should then meet you
If the Lords encroached upon the privileges of the Com-
in Assembly, you will have a constitutional opportunity of
mons, our history afforded too many instances of the dread-
declaring the sentiments, and of vindicating the rights, of
ful consequences of the overgrown power of the Barons
those you represent. But be not deceived. It is to be
to suffer the King to be an idle spectator whilst his nobles,
feared that the Govemour will not, cannot, call the Assem-
by crushing the Commons, would arrogate to themselves
bly together he receives letters from the Minister in
till
the power of petty Princes, and endanger the safety of
England, and that it will be prorogued before the 11th of
the Kingdom with internal commotions. If the King
August. If it should, still let the new Representatives of
attacked the privileges of either of the other branches, or
the people meet at that time ; though they cannot as a
either of the others encroached upon the prerogatives of
legislative, yetthey may as a collective body, declare the
the Crown, the third branch was too much interested in
sentiments of their constituents, and it is necessary, not
the dispute to stand neuter, but readily assisted the injured
only that our Sovereign, but that the British Parliament
party, sensible that the only method of preserving the true
should know those sentiments as soon as possible, other-
equilibrium of Government was to suffer neither branch to
wise an artful Minister may impose upon them, and induce
oppress or even weaken the other.
them to believe you have actually submitted to a measure
* I have read other arguments against the House of Lords exercising
which I am convinced you never will submit to, because
a right of altering Money Bills, but, I confess, they were not to me so
convincing as the above. For instance, one was, that the wealth of the you ought not.
Lords compared to that of the Commons of England, was but as a
drop of water to the Ocean. Suppose this to be true, (though, by the
by, it is a very large drop, and which, by their intermarriages with the
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LONDON, DATED
rich heiresses of the Commons, is constantly increasing,) yet a single JULY 1, 1774.
drop, when incorporated with, becomes as much a part of the Ocean
tLB any other drop, and by the same parity of reasoning, the whole
I am by late letters from Philadelphia,
sorry to learn,
Ocean might drop by drop be excluded till it ceased to be even a rivulet. that you are likely to have an Indian war, by the impru-
I am induci;d to make this remark from having read a similar argu- dence of some of the back inhabitants. 1 most sincerely
ment in a late pamphlet of a Reverend author, who, after observing that
each member of the House of Commons, when chosen, becomes the
wish that steps may be taken to prevent it for you may ;

Representative of the whole Kingdom, he has the following note be assured the people in power here wish for it. They
" Surely the Nation might have expelled Mr. Wilkes, or have struck say' it will be the means of humbling and reducing the re-
" his name out of the list of the Committee, had it been assembled,
" or had it thought proper so to do. What then should hinder the bellious Americans to obedience. This they are deter-
" Deputies of the Nation from doing the same thing ? And which mined to do, let the consequence be what it may. I am
" ought to prevail in this case, the Nation in general or the County of
much grieved to hear that the unjust and tyrannical steps
" Middlesex ?" Let it be observed that if the whole body of the people
had been assembled upon the National Councils, no such Committee
taken by Government here, against the Massachusetts
could have existed ; the case thus supposed is, therefore, a nonentity. Bay, are not, by the other Colonies, looked upon as an
But admitting it otherwise, even a Committee of the House of Com. attack upon all America, but intended only against that
mons cannot exclude any member of that Committee, but must apply
to the House who constituted them a Committee to make such exclu.
Province. The policy of this country is to divide and
sion. That the House of Commons have a right, by expelling any conquer and if the other Colonies sit quiet and suffer the
;

member, to appeal to the people who sent him whether such member people of New England, for want of their uniting and
is unworthy to represent them, there can bo no doubt, but if, after
such an appeal, the people re-elect him, they are surely bound to receive
making it one common cause, to be reduced to the neces-
him. In such an Assembly as the Reverend author speaks of, there sity of subscribing to such terms as Government here shall
can be no doul)t but a majority of the whole Kingdom may exclude the hold out to them, they will attack the other Colonies, and
inhabitants of the County of Middlesex from any share in the National
then farewell to the liberties of America ; for the Ameri-
Councils, but from that instant they cannot exercise a constitutional
right, cither of legislation or taxation, over the County of Middlesex; cans will be soon as absolute slaves as the Frenchmen.
and just so great a power as a majority of the Nation can exereiso The infamous Quebeck Bill, which establishes popery and
over the inhabitants of a single county, a majority of the Represent-
arbitrarypower through a country capable of maintaining
atives of the Nation may exercise over tlie Representatives of a single
county. But the consequence must be the same in both cases. more people than England, France, and Spain, is intended
Fourth Series. 32
 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 500
499
to keep the old Colonies in owe ; and people here in CONSTITUTIONAL AMERICAN POST OFFICE.
power make no secret of saying, that by keeping the Baltimore, July 2, 1774.

Canadian militia well disciplined, they shall be able with li'illiam Goddard, Printer of the Maryland Journal,
them and the fleet, to keep the Colonies always in sub- with great pleasure, acquaints the publick that his proposal
jection. Would you believe, that out of the Bishops,
all for establishing an American Post Office on constitutional
only the Bishop of St. Asaph had virtue enough to vote principles, hath been \\armly and generously patronised by
against this Bill? hope we shall never suflcr one of
I the friends of freedom in all the great commercial towns in
them to step his foot in America. Nothing can save the Eastern Colonies, where ample funds are already
America but their uniting and religiously entering into an secured Postmasters and riders engaged and, indeed,
; ;

agreement, and sacredly keeping it, not to import any every proper arrangement made for the reception of the
goods from Great Britain, nor to export any goods eitiier Southern mails, which, it is expected, will soon be extended
to Great Britain or the Islands, until justice is done liiem tliither. As therefore the final success of the undertaking
by this country, and their liberties settled on a firm and now depends on the publick spirit of the inhabitants of
solid basis. This, in less than twelve months, would bring Maryland and Virginia, it is not doubted, from the recent
the people of this country to reason, and force them, con- evidence they have given of their noble zeal in the cause
trary to their inclinations, to do the Americans justice for ; of liberty and their country, but they will cheerfully join
they have no trade but what is against them, save to in rescuing the channel of publick and private intelligence
Ireland and America. from the "horrid fangs of Ministerial dependents:" a
measure indispensably necessary in the present alarming
crisis of American affairs.*
JAMES CITY COUNTY (vIRGINIa) KESOLUTIONS.
The following Plan has been published and universally
At a Meeting of the Freeholders of James City County, approved of at the Eastward :

on the first of July, 1774, at the house of Mr. Mam

PLAN FOR ESTABLISHING A NEW AMERICAN POST OFFICE.
Allen, in order to consult witii their late Representatives
what measures were most necessary to ward off the im- The present American Post Office was first set up by a
pending evils which seem to threaten all British America, private gentleman in one of the Southern Colonies, and
those being calmly and maturely entered into,
maltei-s the Ministry of Great Britain finding that a revenue
the following Resolves were adopted :
* EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO LORD NORTH, LONDON, FEBRUARY 5, 1774.
Resolved, That we will not import any article whatever
My Lord As : me
leave to assure your Lordship
an American, give
from Great Britain, that I think the dismissing Dr. Franklin, from the Postmast'jr Gen.
Resolved, That we will stop all exports to Great cral in North America, at this particuhir crisis, one of the most
Britain after such a day as shall be appointed by the fortunate events that could have happened for that county. It wag
that gentlemen that brought the Post Office in America to be of some
general meeting on the first of August next. consequence, and to yield somsthing of a revenue to the mother
Resolved, That a subscription paper be handed about country. Tlie people there never liked the Institution, and only
among the people of James City to raise money, corn, acquiesced in it out of their unbounded aifaction for the person that
held the office, who had taken infinite pains to render it convenient
wheat, or any other commodity wiiich may be most agree- to the several Colonies. But what will follow now, my Lord ? I will
able to the subscribers, for the relief of the people of tell you ; the Post from Philadelphia to Boston is that alone which

Boston. produces any profit worth mentioning the others, taken together, do
;

not more than maintain themselves; and between i'/i(7«rfp/p/r'o and

Resolved, That in order to testify our gratitude to our Boston you may depend on it, the Americans will immediately sot up
late worthy Representatives, and our entire approbation of a carrier of their own, which you, with all your brethren in power,
their conduct in the late General Assembly, it is the unani- together with Lord Hillsborough's abilities, cannot prevent, and
thereby they will entirely starve your Post between lliose capital
mous opinion of this meeting that they be thanked for cities. And tlius will happily end your boasted Post Office, so often
their former services, and that Robert Carter Nicholas, given as a precedent for taxing the Americans.
Esquire, be pleased to accept of a treat from the freehold-
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN AT NEW.YORK TO IlIS FRIEND
ers of the county on the day appointed for the election of IN BOSTON, DATED FEBRUARY 28, 1774.
Burgesses. Your steadiness and activity in the glorious cause of liberty ha«
induced me to address you, without any apology, upon a very inter-
esting matter, in which the cause of American freedom is deeply
Portsmoutli, New-Hampshire, July 1, 1774. concerned I mean the Post Office establishment, upon which every
;

other unconstitutional Act has been grounded, as our tame submission

Last Saturday, June 25th, arrived here Captain Brown, to it has been constantly urged, by the enemies of our country, as a
in a mast ship, in eight weeks from London, and unluckily precedent against us; and as I am fully convinced of the propriety
for this place, there were on board twenty-seven chests of and eligibillity of opposing it at present, and we cannot fail of success
if the opposition be made with a manly firmness. I am determined to
that pernicious, destructive, troublesome commodity, called
give the bearer, Mr. Goddard, every aid in my power, towards the
tea, which for a long time has, and still keeps the whole execution of his plan, which is so well calculated to save the cause
Continent in a ferment, the duty on which, operates in so of liberty, and relieve my country from such an arbitrary and uncon-
stitutional Act of the British Legislature. I nmst therefore earnestly
violent a manner on the minds of the inhabitants, not only
request that you will, provided your sentiuients should coincide with
in the seaport towns, but the whole country in general, mine, use all your influence in the town of Boston, and give him
that it will require the most cooling medicines, and the every assistance in your power, to forward so great and necessary an
undertaking and should we succeed in this attempt of abolishing
best skill of the ablest political physicians, to prevent the
;

the Post Ofiice, of which I have not the least shadow of a doubt, I am
body politic from going into convulsions. However, upon convinced it will put an entire stop to tlieir placing any further
its being certified that there actually were twenty-seven unconstitutional burdens upon us especially when they find that we
;

are determined to make reprisals upon every such occasion, and that
chests of tea consigned to Edward Parry, Esquire, of this
they will bo reduced to the unfortunate situation of the dog in the
town, a meeting of the inhabitants of the town were imme- fable, who by greedily grasping at the shadow, lost the substance. As
diately called, and a Special Committee chosen to wait I am much indisposed at i)resent, I cannot enlarge upon the subject,
know whether he would nor do I think any arguments necessary to convince you of tlie
upon Mr. Parry, the consignee, to
propriety of the measure, or to induce you, who have so constantly
consent to certain proposals which were made to him that ;
exerted yourself in the cause of liberty, to aiford it your sanction and
the tea should not be sold here, but re-shipped who, in a ; support.

genteel manner gave them all the reasonable satisfaction

Boston, March 17, 1774.—Last Monday arrived here Mr. William
they could desire, and a watch of twenty-five men were
Goddard, Printer in Philadelphia and Baltimore. The cause of that
appointed by the town to watch two days and two nights, gentleman's tour is interesting to all the Colonies, and we are happy
and the third day it was put on board another vessel, and to find that all of them through which he has come are thoroughly
engaged in it.
sent out of this harbour with a fair wind, committed to the
Mr. Goddard has long been noted as the proprietor and employer of
watery element, and hope in due time the owners will a very free press, and some four or five years ago he began to feel him-
receive the nett proceeds, and for the future take care how self distinguislied on that account, till at length the exactions of the
King's post rider became so enormous, that they amounted to an entire
they send any disagreeable commodity to this Province,
prohibition of tlio continuance of his business in the City of Phila.
with a duty thereon. delphia,* Marylrnd, a great part of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the
Every transaction was conducted with the greatest Jersies, througli which his paper had circulated, became inflamed at

decency and good order possible, which could have done the insult; esi>ecially when it was known that Mr. Goddard had
complained to the Postmaster, the solo arbiter in the case, and could not
honour to any society. The whole being of one heart and of fifty-two pound* fterl'mp, Peniist/tvanio cnrrrncy, per nnnum, waJ
•The sum
one mind that the tea should go out of this port and harbour ilcmande*! at the Post Office ('iir the cairiflKe of nixtut three htiiitlR-«l ami tifty
thirty miles, liajable in wetkl) payments, as the papers wet«
iiewt-
SDne>i-t, one hiiiidred aud
iiiunediately, and not to be landed in this Province. eUTeml to tlie I'tnl*.
501 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 503
Hiight arise from it, procured an Act of Parliament in the in the matter, and tell the Printer he must make his
nintliyear of the reign of Queen Anne, to enable them to terms with the Post.
take into their own hands, and succeeding Administrations As, therefore, the maintenance of this dangerous and un-
have ever since, taken upon them to regulate it have — constitutional precedent of taxation without our consent
committed the management of it to whom they pleased, as the parting with very considerable sums of our money to
and avail themselves of its income, now said to be at least support officers of whom it seems to be expected that they
£i 3,000 sterling per annum clear. —
should be inimical to our rights as the great danger
By this means a set of officere. Ministerial indeed, in of the increase of such interest and its connections, added
their creation, direction, and dependence, are maintained to the considerations above mentioned, must be alarming
in the Colonies, into whose hands all the social, commer- to a people thoroughly convinced of the fatal tendency of
cial, and political intelligence of the Continent is neces- this Parliamentary establishment, it is therefore proposed
sarily committed which at this time, every one must
; 1st. That subscriptions be opened for the establishment
consider as dangerous in the extreme. It is not only our and maintenance of a Post Office, and for the necessary
letters that are liable to be stopped and opened by a defence of Post Officers and Riders employed in the same.
Ministerial mandate, and their contents construed into 2d. That the subscribers in each Colony shall annually
treasonable conspiracies, but our newspapers, those neces- appoint a Committee from among themselves, consisting of
sary and important alarms in time of publick danger, may seven persons, whose business it shall be to appoint Post-
be rendered of little consequence for want of circulation. masters in all places within their respective Provinces,
Whenever it shall be thought proper to restrain the liberty where such offices have hitherto been kept, or may here-
of the press, or injure an individual, how easily may it be after be judged necessary, and to regulate the postage of
effected ? A Postmaster General may dismiss a rider and letters and packets, with the terms on which newspapers
substitute his hostler in his place, who may tax the news- are to be carried which regulations shall be printed and
;

papers to a prohibition and when the master is remon-

; set up in each respective office.
strated to upon the head, he may deny he has any concern 3d. That the Postmasters shall contract with and take

obtain the shadow of a redress. Nearly the whole town of Baltimore, unto him, or them, by means of their offices meaning and under-
;

the first merchants and gentlemen in Philadelphia, assisted Mr. God- standing this present instrument to bo a doposite and security to the
dard in establishing a rider between those two capitals, and have said Postmaster, to bo recoverable by him, in whole or in proportion to
recommended the plan to all the Colonies. Mr. Goddard has received the smns subscribed, and to make up the deficiencies, if any there
the greatest encouragement from every Colony through which he has appear, to a Committee of our body chosen to inspect accounts, after
passed, and all declare their readiness to come into the measure, the whole amount of the moneys received for postage shall have been
provided it is adopted here. To be satisfied in this point a very placed to our credit. In testimony, &.c. &c.
respectable meeting of the principal gentlemen of the town was
called, at which an unanimous resolution was come into to second our —
Portsmouth, April 15, 1774. The establishment of a constitutional
worthy brethren in the Southern Colonies, to the utmost of our power. conveyance of intelligence, public and private, proposed by Mr. William
Subscriptions will be immediately opened, and every measure taken to Goddard, of Philadelphia, and so warmly seconded by our Southern
demonstrate that, in so glorious a motion for the recovery of American brethren, appears, to the friends of freedom in this capital, as neces-
liberty, Boston will by no means fall short of the most sanguine sary and useful, as it is honourable, safe, and practicable. The letters
expectations of her honest countrymen. brought by the above mentioned gentleman from the Southward, wo
Mr. Hutchinson's declaration, tiiat his Majesty (he lihould have said find, have been received at Boston, &c., with that cordial satisfaction
Ministry) highly disapproves of Provincial Committees of Correspon- which brethren, united by common interest, and conmion danger,
dence, with the steps above mentioned, and many others, to be related experience in finding each part of such combined interest generously
in duo season, are sufficient indications of the mind of Administration sharing its full proportion of the common service; and the letter from
respecting a free communication of sentiment throughout these much the Boston Committee to that of this town, hath met with every pos-
injured communities; a junction of the whole is dreaded; and thanks sible mark of respectful attention.
to Heaven, the measures taken to prevent serve only to hasten it, At the last meeting of our Committee with the merchants, traders,
beyend conception. and other inhabitants of this town, a subscription was unanimously
How unworthy of the wisdom and spirit of Americans would it be to agreed upon, similar to one already opened at Boston ; and we doubt
bear any longer with the insolence of a tool who should impudently not, from the glorious beginning, but it will be soon filled up with the
tell an assertor of the rights of his country that he could not expect names of the principal inhabitants of all ranks, or their proxies. Mr,
the favours of Government in carrying his papers, while he was so Goddard having been furnished with letters from the respective Com-
free in defaming its measures ? How naturally must such hauteur mittees of all the Southern Colonies, set out from hence on Wednesday
exasperate a people who consider the Post Office, in its present condi. lost, via Newburyport, Salem, and Marblekead, after expressing the
tion as a dangerous ursurpation —
as the boasted precedent of all the respectful and grateful sentiments ho entertained of the patriotick
innovations with which an abandoned Administration have presumed spirit and urbanity of those to whom he had the pleasure of being
to vex the Colonies — as the stated course of intelligence and inform- introduced in this ; and it is generally thought he will have such
ation on which our very existence as a free people depends, and on report to make of his doings, and their success, as will gratify every
which the enemy d. spends, and on which the enemy of our rights can friend to the rights of America. Previous to Mr. Goddard'a departure
lay his hand whenever he pleases ? And in consequence, how cheer- he transmitted his plan, with a number of letters, to the friends of
fully will every well-wisher to his country lay hold on the present liberty at Casco Bay.
opportunity to recover a right of importance conceivable by few, Wehear that the spirited inhabitants of Newburyport have warmly
simply considered by hardly any one in its consequences. One of these patronised the plan for establishing a Constitutional Post Office in
tremendous consequences is, " the creation of new offices, with new America. At their last meeting on the business, they agreed to raise
" foes, without consent of our Parliaments," and open violation of a fund sufficient to bring the mails from Boston to that place at least.
Magna Charta.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN PHILADELPIirA TO HIS COR.
—
Salem, March 29, 1774. Yesterday evening came to town, Mr. RESPONDENT IN WILLIAMSBDRG. APRIL 21, 1774.
William Goddard, Printer at Philadelphia and Baltimore. He has The vast noise and bustle which has lately appeared in almost all
brought letters from the Committee of Correspondence at Boston to the papers relative to the Post Office in America, without doubt, has
the Committee here, on the subject of establishing Post Offices and alarmed many people on this Continent, who would willingly axiopt
Post Riders on a new plan, independent of the unconstitutional laws every prudent measure to redress themselves in so important a matter ;
of a British Parliament. We hear that a meeting on the affiiir will and, indeed, I cannot conceive how the mother country can pretend to
be held some time to-morrow, when there is no doubt that every well- the profits arising from that Department, nor is it obvious to me, that
wisher to his country will cheerfully lay hold of an opportunity to the money produced therefrom can tend to the emolument of the
arrost the cliannel of public and private intelligence out of the hands Crown, as I have been credibly informed the chief part of it goes to
of a power openly inimical to its rights and liberties. the support of a set of harpies at home, who have, in a most miprece-
dcntad manner, pretended to claim thereto, and are upheld therein by
—
New-London, April 4, 1774. The following are the heads of a Sub. every ministerial influence. Doubtless the Post Office, thus establish-
Bcription which was laid bofore the Committee of Correspondence at ed, is an infringoinent upon the liberties of America, and no man can
Boston wish more fervently than myself for a total abolition of it upon so
Whereas, in our present struggles with the British Administration, unjustifiable a footing. But when I reflect upon the consequences that
it of the last importance to have a free and safe communication
is will natually ensue in bringing this about, from a pretty thorough
throughout the whole extent of iJn^i/sA ^Iwterica, a channel established knowledge of the principles and character of the gentleman who seems
by an Act of the British Parliament for tlie express purpose of raising most to interest himself in the afiair, I cannot say I have very flatter-
a revenue here, and under the absolute controul of the British Minis- ing ideas of its success. I believe, sir, you aro entirely unacquainted
tor, being both in principle and operation highly dangerous ; and with Mr. Goddard, who has been lately so much complimented, indeed
whereas, wo are certified from sev.ral of the Southern Colonies that a you need no intimacy with him hard is the lot of that man who has
;

Post Office has been erected in Maryland and Pennsylvania, on the not one well-wisher. Mr. Goddard may have received his encomiums
]irinciples of a voluntary subscription, and we have good reason to from two or three intimates, but, confident I am, he is not regarded
believe the salutary Institution will be generally adopted by all the even by tliose who once caressed and supported him. A private post
intermediate Colonies, as well as those on both extremes; and whereas, is set up from this city to Baltimore, but tho merchants here would

the said Institution, if generally adopted, will defeat one Revenue Act, not suffer Mr. Goddard to have the direction of it, notwithstanding
and obviate all its pernicious consequences, will unite all the friends of his early application and profusion of patriotism; they have more
America in one common bond of alliance, and reduce the postage of prudently preferred Mr. Bradford.
letters one-tliird, as well as insure the transmission of interesting
advice to the place of destination We, the subscriljers, do severally
:
—
Boston, Ajiril 21, 1774. ^Yesterday arrived in this town from tho
promise to pay to tlie Postmaster, wlio shall bo lieroaftcr appointed by Eastward, Mr. William Goddard, by whom letters are received from
a major vote of our body, the several sums annexed to our names, or tho Committees of Correspondence of Portsmouth, Newbury, New.
to the successor in said office, to be by him, or tliem, employed in fur- buryport, Sttlem, &.C., exjjressive of the hearty concurrence of the
nishing post riders to the several stages, we may agree upon and secur- gentlemen of those towns with the proposal of erecting a Post Office,
ing himself, or deputies, from any losses and damages that may accrue upon constitutional principles, throughout the Continent. Subscrip.
503 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JULY, 1774. 504

bonds, with sufficient securities, of suitable persons to per- masters throughout the Colonies connected with this Post
form the same duty as hath heretofore been performed by Office, and shall adjust and liquidate tlie same, and by his
Post Riders, subject to the regulation and controui of the order, transfer in just proportion, the surplusages of one
Committee. office to make good the deficiencies of another, such
if .tny

4th That tiie several mails shall be under lock and key, should appear; and in case of a deficiency upon the whole,
and liable to the inspection of no person but the respective he shall have power to draw for the same on the several
Postmasters to whom directed, who shall be under oath Committees in proportion to the amount of the subscrip-
for the faithful discharge of the trustreposed in them. tions in their departments and, at the year's end transmit
;

5th. That Postmaster General shall be annually

a to the said Connnittees a fair and just account of the whole
chosen by the written votes of all tiie Provincial Commit- Post Office under his inspection.
tees, enclosed and sent to the Chairman of the New-York 7th. That the several Postmasters shall charge » » » per
Committee, who, on receiving all the votes, and giving one cent, on all the monies received into their respective offices,
month's publick notice in all the iVejo-Yorfc papers, of the for their services; and also, » • • per cent, for the use of
time and place appointed for that purpose, shall open the Postmaster General, which they shall remit to him
them in Committee, in presence of all such subscribers as quarterly, witli their accounts.
shall choose to attend, and declare the choice, which choice 8th. That whateyer balances may remain in the hands
shall be immediately communicated to all the other Pro- of the several Postmasters, after all charges are paid, shall,
vincial Committees by a certificate under the hand of the by the direction of the subscribers in the Province or Prov-
said Chairman. inces where such Postmasters reside, be appropriated to
6th.That the Postmaster General shall be empowered the enlargement of the present Institution withili tlieir re-
to demand and receive the accounts from the several Posi- spective Provinces.

tions are set on foot in each of them, and they have already sue- answer, though I have great reason to conclude them unfavourable to
ceeded beyond tlie most sanguine expectation in all. Mr. Goddard. He attended a meeting of mechanicks here one night,
The remoyal of Dr. Franklin from the Post Office had added fresh pretending to have letters of consequence from Boston, New-York,
spirit to the promoters of this salutary plan, as several viewed an oppo- &c., two or three of whicli were read, and gave some satisfaction but ;

sition to his interest, at a time when he had signally served the cause the others, mentioning the regulation of the Post Office, they refused
of America, as a very disagreeable object ; but all reluctance from that to read them through, observing America had enough upon her hands
quarter must no»v vanish, and all the friends of liberty rejoice that they without meddling with the affairs of a Post Office. Mr. Goddard
have now an opportunity of taking up a gentleman, discarded by an was much cliagrined and vexed, and shortly atler left the city.
unrighteous Ministry for the faithful discharge of his duty, and placing
him above a depandenee on their eapriee, in the grateful arms of his Baltimore, July 16th, 1774. —The present Deputy Postmasters
applauding countrymen. General of North America, are, itappears, in great distress, least
their unconstitutional Institution, by wliich America hath been so
Boston, May 5, 1774 ^We have the pleasure of assuring the public long fleeced, sliould be annihilated by the publick spirit and con.
that the subscription for establishing a new American Post Office, was sistent firmness of the people, who, since tlio infamous dismission
opened late on Saturday last, April 30tk, and hath been patronised by of the worthy Dr. Franklin, and the hostile attack of the town and
the first gentlemen of eharaeter and fortune in town. The second gen- port of Boston, are unalterably determined to support a now Con-
tleman to whom it was presented generously engaged fifty pounds, law- stitutional Post Office, " on the ruins of one that hath for its basis
ful money, and many others have done as Ivandsomely in proportion to the slavery of America." To frustrate the endeavours of those who
their circumatinees. With this indubitable evidence of the disposition are now exerting themselves to bring about an event of this kind,
of Boatonians, added to the noble conduct of the patriotick inhabitants and from a vain hope of reconciling the inhabitants of this place to
of Portsmouth, Ntuoburyport, Salem, &c., Mr. Goddard will set out their Parliamentary establishment, which levies a tax in the very heart
on his return lioraeward this week, rejoicing in the great success wliich of the Colonies, and is, in fact, more oppressive and arbitrary than the
has attended his endeavours to rescue the channel of publick and pri- tea duty, the high and mighty Deputi s in office, from their own free
vate intelligence from the horrid fangs of ministerial despotism. will and mere motion, without waiting to bo most humbly petitioned,
are now about employing an additional Post Rider to come hither
New-Yoek, May 19, 1774 A report having been industriously weekly from Philadelphia ; a measure, by the way, the town could not
propagated, that several of the principal merchants in Philadelphia bo indulged in, until these Generals began to tremble for the emolu.
had withdrawn their subscriptions from the Constitutional Post Office, ments of their places. Tiiis instance, therefore, of their grace and
you are desired to inform tlie publick, that the said report is entirely favour, being so much out of season, will not, it is presumed, gain them
false, as appears by letter from thence on that subject. much credit with a discerning people, especially as a new Post Offioe
It may not be improper, at this time, to mention, that the account will shortly ha opened in this, and every considerable commercial town
which was invidiously inserted in some of the papers, that the Consti- from Virginia to Casco Bay, and riders, of the most unexceptionable
tutional Post Rider between Philadelphia and Baltimore had absconded character, be iet going with the Provincial mails, when letters, &,c.,
with a large sum of money entrusted to his care, was a misrepresonta. will be carried with the utmost safety, much cheaper than the Ministe-
tion. The person who absconded with the money was not tlie under- rial prices of a Foxcroft or a Finlay. Thus much it is thought neces.
taker of that business, whose name is Stinson, a man of property and sary to mention at this time. On the return of a particular agent,
character, well known and respected in Philadelphia, but a villain he who is just setting off for Virginia, the publick will have further intel-
had the misfortune to hire, whose name is Bryan. And should he ligence of the state of tlio enterprise in question, which the friends of
escape with his booty, there is no doubt but the friends of the institu- freedom and their country wish to see completed by the first of Sep.
tion will open a subscription for the indemnification of the master, who tember next, tliat being the time appointed for the meeting of the grand
is known to be a man of integrity. Congress at Philadelphia ; a body that cannot, with any degree of
Accidents similar to tlie above have often happened to the Govern- consistency or safety, entrust or encourage the tools of those who have
ment Post Office, particularly one lately in Enffland. But that office forged our chains, and are striving to rule us with a rod of iron.
refuses to be accountable for money delivered to the riders.
—
New-York, June 2, 1774. On Saturday last, Mr. William God. EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED AT WILLIAMSBURG, FROM BALTIMORE
dard arrived here from Boston, with important despatclies for all the TOWN, IN MARYLAND, DATED JULY 25, 1774.
Southern Colonies, for which he set out on Monday morning. The It is with inexpressible pleasure that I can, at this juncture, from
plan for establishing a Constitutional American Post Office, having met indubitable authority, assure you, and the respectable people of Vir.
with the greatest success in all tlie great commercial towns in the ginia, that a complete plan of establishing a new American Post
Northern Colonies, it is not doubted, from the encouragement already Olficc, has been lately e.xecuted throughout the different Governments
given to the Southward, but the important design will, in a few weeks, in JVeic England. It has been liberally encouraged, and warmly
be carried into complete execution. patronised, by a very considerable number of our priucipal gentlemen ;
and no doubt seems now to remain of its soon being carried into exccu.
London, Jutu 16, 1774. —
In the Boston papers of 2d May, is inserted tion all over the Continent. Indeed, under the present dreadful situa-
A Plan for the establishment of the new American Post Office, in oppo- tion of our affairs, the great and general utility of such an establish,
sition to that established by Government. It is, however, supposed, ment must be obvious to every one ; for, if we consider the footing on
that as soon as General Gage arrives he will stop the career of the new which the present American Post Office is, we must hold it to be a
Post Riders, and their employers; for, by the ninth of Queen Anne, specious, baneful, and unjust taxation at least equally dangerous with
;

chapter 10th, section 17th, it is decreed, " that no person or persons, any other that wo have opposed. Mr. William Goddard, Printer, here,
" body politick or corporate whatsoever, in Great Britain, Ireland, the who has conducted this business hitherto, intends setting out for Wil.
" West Indies, or America, other than the Postmaster General, ap- liamsburg in a few days, that he may be present at the general meeting
" pointed by his Majesty, shall presume to take up, order, despatch, of your late House of Representatives, and to lay before your Com.
" convey, carry, re-carry, or deliver, any letter or letters, or set up or mittee of Correspondence the several approving and recommendatory
** employ any foot post, horse post, or packet-boat, on pain of forfeiting letters he has received from otlier Committees on this subject ; and if
" five pounds British money for every several oifence ; and also tlio they give their sanction to this scheme, (of which I have little doubt,
" sum of one hundred pounds of like British money, for every week when we reflect upon the noble struggles in support of their country's
" during the continuance of the oft'ence." Ship-masters are also made freedom,) it will be iuimediatoly executed, in a manner, it is presumed,
liable to a penalty of five pounds British money, if they do not deliver that will give general satisfaction, and rescue American correspondenco
their letters at the General Post Office. out of the hands of our wicked and designing enemies.

EXTRACT OF i LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA TO WILLIAMSBURG, DATED —

Williamsburg, August 11, 1774. Mr. Goddard's proposals and
JULY 6, 1774. plan for establishing an American Post Office on constitutional princi-
I confess that no man wishes more for the establishment of a Con- ples, which appears, by Letters from the Committees of Correspond,
stitutional Post Office in America, than myself; yet, as I anticipated ence, and principal gentlemen of many respectable Provinces and
in a former letter, Mr. Goddard's scheme seems to bear but an indiffer- towns, to have met with tiie most generous patronage and warmest
ent prospect of success. He returned hero a few weeks ago. At Bos. approbation, were agitated at the late Convention of the Represent,
ton, and otlier parts of iVeie England, he told them the Pliiladelphians atives of this Colony, who justly considered the object Mr. Goddard
had unanimously resolved to eslablish a Constitutional Post and, for; is pursuing of great importance to America, highly worthy the atten.
a confirmation of his assertion, a merchant at Boston wrote to a gen- tion of the general Congress, and, as such, particularly recommended it
tleman in tliis city, I am not acquainted with the contents of the to the gentloraeu appointed Delegates from this Colony.
 505 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 506*
EXTRACT or A LETTER RECEIVED IN NEW-TORK, DATED escape, and a day or two afterwards met a party of Indians,
BOSTON, JULir 3, 1774. escortmg another of the traders with his effects from the
I arrived at devoted town a few days ago ; every
this
lakes. The escorting party of the Indians no sooner saw the
thing here has a most melancholy appearance, except the wounded man, but they immediately ordered the skins to
be unloaded, and held a Council what was best
countenances of the worthy inhabitants, wliich are as calm to be done.
and serene as if they were in the height of their trade, But the traders who had arrived at Fort Pitt,
fearing some
though they are really distressed more than you can easily bad consequences might happen from the conduct
of the
party, which Conolly had sent out, immediately
imagine ; every method has been used for that purpose by followed
the Indians, and came up with them the day
those engines of tyranny, who have done almost every after they
thing in their power, short of open hostilities, to intimi-
had met with the other party, and advised them to return
date and frighten them into compliance.
to their own country ; at the same time them, that
telling
Their conduct upon this occasion is worthy of them- Pennsylmnia had no part in the mischief already done,
and that the Virginians were entirely in fauk.
selves their patience, resolution, and finnness, under the
;

present oppression, and the many insults they daily meet

We hear from Virginia, that a large body of men are
with from different quarters, is truly astonishing to their going cut against the Indians by order of Government
the rendezvous to be at the mouth of the Great Kanhatca
friends, and confounding to their enemies. It is highly
mortifying to the Jacobites, Tories, and some of the mili- river, and there to build forts and fortify themselves.
tary, to see the people here, in general, act with so much
We are informed that young Cresap, who first began
the quarrel with the Indians, and murdered a number" of
prudence, calmness, and at the same time determined reso-
lution, never to submit to tyranny.
them in a cowardly manner, has received a letter of thanks
This conduct entirely
frustrates the wicked scheme of provoking the inhabitants
from Lord Dunmore. From hence it appears that a
to become the aggressors. scheming party in Virginia are making a tool of their
Their unexampled patience
and discretion, has reduced the director of this extraordi- Governour, to execute the plans formed by them for their
nary expedition, to such a terrible dilemma, that I believe private emolument, who being mostly land-jobbers, would
wish to have those lands which were meant to be given to
lie hardly knows how to act. A non-consumption agree-
ment has circulated through almost every county in this the officers in general.

Province and it is very generally signed, in some counties

;

almost to a man. In this agreement they do in the most

ORANGE TOWN (nEW-YORk) RESOLUTIONS.
solemn manner engage not to purchase nor use any British
manufactures that shall arrive after a certain time, I think At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of
the last of August next. Orange Town, and Province of New- York, on Monday,
Tlie Governour on hearing of the above, issued his the 4th day of July, 1774, at the house of Mr. Yoast
Mabic, m said town, the following Resolves were agreed
Proclamation (without advice of the Council a stretch of — upon and passed, viz
prerogative never before exercised in this Province) :

1st. That we are and ever wish to be, true and

cautioning every person from signing the agreement, loyal
(which he subjects to his Majesty George the Third, King of Great
calls a Solemn League and Covenant,) and
commanding Britain,
all Magistrates to prosecute any person who
should attempt to sign 2d. That we are most cordially disposed to support his
it, calling a traiterous combination,
it

and the Committee who Majesty, and defend his Crown and dignity, in every con-
proposed it a set of traitors. But
the Proclamation had an stitutional measure, as far as lies in our power.
effect quite contrary to the design
of it —many who did not before now intend to sign it — so
3d. That however well disposed we are towards his
Majesty, we cannot see the late Acts of Pariiament impos-
that almost every measure taken by arbitrary power to
subject the people here to slavery, has an effect directly ing duties upon us, and the Act for shutting up the port
of Boston, without declaring our abhorrence of measures
opposite to the intention of the contrivers. report pre- A
vails in town, that as soon as the soldiers are landed, six or so unconstitutional and big with destruction.
seven of the leading men are to be taken up, and put on 4th. That we are in duty bound to use every just and

board of the man-of-war, to be sent home, or executed lawful measure, to obtain a repeal of Acts, not only de-

here ; and that the Governour intends to erect his standard, structive to us, but which of course must distress thousands

and order the inhabitants in the mother country.

to bring in their arms. Whether
the report is true or not, I do not know, but some of the 5th. That it is our unanimous opinion, that the stop-
principal people here ping all exportation and importation to and from Great
firmly believe it; and all the
manoeuvres some days Britain and the West Indies, would be the most effectual
for such an
past, seem to indicate
intention. For my part, I think it only intended to in- method to obtain a speedy repeal.
timidate but, if so, it will certainly be lost labour. 6th. That it is our most ardent wish to see concord and
;

The train of artillery landed yesterday, and encamped harmony restored to England and her Colonies.
on the Common, with the other two regiments that were 7th. That the following gentlemen, to wit Colonel :

there before. The fifth and thirty-eighth arrived last week, Abraham Lent, John Haring, Esquire, Mr. Thomas Out-
and are to be landed to-morrow. Admiral Graves in the water, Mr. Gardiner Jones, and Peter T. Haring,
Preston, of fifty guns, arrived on Friday; and next Wed- Esquire, be a Committee for this town, to correspond with
nesday Admiral Montagu sails for England perhaps this — the City of New-York; and to conclude and agree upon
such measures as they shall judge necessary, in order to
is the ship intended to carry home the state-prisoners.
God forbid that any such attempt should be made, as tlie obtain a repeal of said Acts.

consequences would certainly be very terrible.

EXTRACT FROM LONDON, DATED JULY 4, 1774.

Private letters from Boston give us rather an unfavour-
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED AT PHILADELPHIA,
able account of the state of that town, in a mercantile view.
DATED CARLISLE, JULY 4, 1774.
The generality of the faction have little trading intercourse
Our last accounts fi-om Fort Pitt, are very good in one with England, being mostly composed of men who are
sense : the traders are all arrived safe with their goods at engaged in smuggling companies, or mechanicks; yet there
tliat place, being escorted and protected by some Shawa- are some merchants among them,, but these merchants are
nese Indians, who were
sent to Colonel Croghan's, as it mostly indebted in England, are violent party men, and
was imagined they would not be safe at the Fort ; the attribute the non-payment of their debts to the three-penny
Virginians having a party of militia under arms at that duty on tea, and to the exercise of the just rights of the
place. Conolly, their Captain, as soon as he heard of the British Legislature over them ; therefore, the merchants
Indians being at Croghan's, sent forty of his men to take who either will not, or cannot make remittances, the smug-
them prisoners, notwithstanding their kindness to our glers the mechanicks, and those who are facinated with the
people but the traders giving them notice of the design,
; extravagant notion of independency, all join to counteract
they immediately went off"; Conolly' s party followed and the majority of the merchants, and the lovers of peace and
overtook them, fired upon and wounded one of them the ; good order. Seditious Committees have been appointed,
other two took the wounded Indian off, and made tlieir who have endeavoured to influence the other Colonies to
507 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 508
shut up their ports, to ruin themselves, and to starve the there have been the most unjustifiable commotions and
West Indies, in order to enable the herd of faction at insurrections in Boston, as they find that the people whom
Boston to conquer ungrateful England, In this extraord- the Bostotiians confide in, and entrust with the manage-
inary scheme, the unsuccess of the Boston rebels has been ment of their affairs here, have written their correspondents
adequate to the folly of the proposal. the loetl established truth of the officers resigning their
Some of the other Colonies have publickly declared that commissions ; and also sent them the honest advice not to
they will not enter into any non-iinjxirtation agreement pay their just debts !

with the people of Boston, because the faction of that town

had most infamously deceived them in a former agreement
TO THE INH.4BITANTS OF THE PROVINCE OF SOUTH-CARO-
of the same kind. What the Boston faction themselves
LINA, ABOUT TO ASSEMBLE ON THE 6th OF JULY.
have published concerning the Colonies of Rhode Island
and New-Hampshire joining in their frantick scheme, is Charlcstown, July 4, 1774.

partly true. These Colonies have verbally joined the Gentlemen: The hour approaching, the determin-
is

Bostonians; but, if we can credit private letters from ation of which will affect posterity to the remotest gener-

Boston itself, not expected that those Colonies will

it is
ation. An unparalleled stretch of arbitrary power has
observe in practice what they have promised in writing lately taken away the chartered privileges of a sister

and there are also letters in town from merchants, who Colony, and granted to his Majesty the property of thou-
constitute part of the faction (that is to say, the honest and sands against whom nothing had been proved. The same
the misled part, whose eyes are now partly opened,) and who refused to admit the Letters of
Ministerial tools
they declare amidst their asseverations of defending wliat Hutchinson and Oliver to be evidence in support of the
tliey call their rights and privileges, that they will take Assembly's Petition against them, have condemned a
proper care not to be cheated by their brother confederates, whole town unheard, on the sole evidence of their private
as they were in the last non-importation agreement. From Letters. The last evening of May, thousands of brave
this intelligence we may readily conceive that no consistent, Americans lay down possessed of lands, wharfs, &tc., con-
permanent, or vigorous measures, will be adopted by the firmed by Royal Charters the rising sun of the ensuing
;

Boston rebels for where there exists a suspicion in the

;
day beheld them stripped of all legal right to those pos-
minds of men acting together, of a want of faith among sessions. The loyal sufferers supplicate our aid, to con-
tliemselves, or, to speak in plainer terms, where one party cert some general plan of conduct. An auspicious day
of them expects to be cheated by the other, in such an will soon behold the numerous Sons of Liberty assemble
association, unanimity cannot long subsist, more especially at her call.

as their confederacy is fundamentally wrong and unvAai- Give me

leave to present to your view our happy situa-
rantable ;
—
a house built upon a sandy foundation, and tion before the year 1765. When money or troops were
wanted, a requisition was made to our Assemblies, whose
divided against itself, cannot stand.
Such are the contents of many letters from Boston by compliances in general did them great honour, particularly
the two last vessels and such advices have had a proper
;
in the last war, when they were supposed to have con-

effect, or at least, it is supposed, will have, on the mer- tributed more than their quota.* mutual confidence A
chants here, as several vessels that were expected to sail reigned between British subjects on botli sides of the
in a few weeks for the Massachusetts, will either be Atlantick. Taxation being mutually acknowledged to re-
obliged to remain here, or to sail in ballast. Private letters side in the Deputies of each, and legislation in the Par-
also mention, that some ovv'ners of vessels have laid up liament of Great Britain. Within these few years, such
their ships on the supposition that the English merchants is the encroaching nature of power, they began, for
the
will not ship any goods till the faction has submitted, and first time, to lay taxes for the raising of a revenue. Hence
till the blockade is withdrawn. Other letters hint that the accursed Stamp Act, Declaratory Act, and the imposi-
some who are called merchants have in contemplation a tion of duties on paper, paints, glass, tea, &;c. The Ame-
removal to the banks of the Ohio and the Mississippi, as ricans, determined to
oppose the raising a revenue of them
in such remote regions tliey will have little chance of by Representatives they never chose, agreed to parry the
hearing from their friends in England. In general, the Tea Act, by stopping the importation of it. The Ministry,
private accounts bear the complexion of the writers some ;
unwilling thus to be baulked, request the aid of the East
who wish for the opening of tlie port, are nevertheless, India Company. They, knowing the measure to be dan-
well pleased that such an effectual measure has been taken gerous, because it was unjust, hesitate ; but, after they
as the most seditious, now begin to feel their own little- were indemnified from all losses, they undertake to ex-
ness and have also drawn upon themselves the reproaches
;
port large cargoes of tea, loaded with a duty for the
of the more moderate. And as some of the heads of the raising a revenue, to be paid in our ports, with our money.
faction have no concerns in lawful trade, the majority of In what light is the EaH India Comj)any to he considered
the merchants complain much against them for involving in this matterAs mercliants trading here under the
?

the town in such distress. It is likewise said, that if the sanction of the law of nations, or as a banditti hired to
Act had been conditional, and if, upon their voting the com- attack our privileges ? In what light could the Americans
pensation for the tea, its operation would have been consider their commodity ? As the sacred property of the
prevented, that the money would have been instantly honourable trader ? No but as an engine by which the
;

granted ; for the real cause of all the rebellious insolence enemies of America meant to subvert its privileges. Tea,
committed at Boston was, the continued assurances sent to so circumstanced, brought with such a design, so involved
Boston by their agent, that Britain was too enfeebled, in the dispute, lost the sacred sanction of common pro-
and Administration too timorous, for to take any spirited perty, and may figuratively be said to
have changed its
measures to repress them. The fatal effects of listening to nature, and become an instrument of war. In this view
such insidious advices are now clearly seen by every person of the matter, the Bostonians seem to have done no more
possessed of common sense. than the spirited traveller who breaks the sword or pistol
The publick accounts, which the faction have published of a robber presented to the breast. Pardon tiie com par-
from their friends, (as they mistakenly call tiiem) in Lon- son, ye pensioned hirelings of power, though interest blinds
don, give us the strongest evidence of the base falsehoods your eyes, the free-born sons of America know, that, not-
employed to mislead the ignorant people of Boston. withstanding the vast Atlantick vo\h between, a subject born
Among these many pages of falsehoods, we shall only in tins Continent has a constitutional right to the same
select one article, which is, "that when the regiments privileges as if he had received his first existence in the
" were ordered to embark for Boston, many of the ofliccrs Island of Great Britain; and that, of consequence, no
" resigned tlieir commissions, refusing to be the instruments power on earth has any more right to demand his money,
" of oppression." This may serve as a specimen of the • In the year 1G90, Neto England alone furnished three thousand
encouragement which the factious miscreants here infuse troops, and forty transports, against Canada. They sent six tliousand
into the Bostonians on purpose to seduce them. men, under Gensrul Hill, for the same purpose, in Queen Annexe wars.
Another In 1739, they raised four thousand men to serve against Carlhagena.
piece of admirable advice given them, by some knave here, In 1746, they alone made a conquest of Cape Breton. In 1759, at the
is, " that as their port was to be blocked up, it would be request of Admiral Saunders, sailing against Quebeck, they sent him a
" wise in them not to pay any of their debts to this number of their best sailors, who served in the fleet during the remain-
der of the war. They also sent a large body of troops, under the com-
" country." Thinking men now will not be surprised that mand of General Lyman, to the Havana. AH this they did willingly.
509 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JULY, 1774. 510
without his consent, than the assassin who robs on the support of the increasing number of placemen and pen-
highway. They know, that Great Britain claims a
also sioners, and therefore they would fain augment their
riglit of obliging the Colonists to buy manufactures of none resources by plundering the fair possessions which your
but British merchants and that, of consequence, a duty
;
industrious forefathers have hewn out of the wilderness of
laid on them for raising a revenue, is a* tax to all intents uncultivated America. Golden showers have rained down
and purposes. on the abettors of these accursed schemes, and disgrace
Figure to yourselves, my countrymen, the abject situa- fallen on every honest man who opposed them. Witness
tion you are in. It is inconvonient to manufacture for the promotion of Bernard, Oliver, and the ex])ectations
yourselves indeed Great Britain says you shall not, as in
;
of Hutchinson. Pardon me, illustrious FnmMin ! if I
iier prohibition of slitting mills, and the transporting of any mention thy venerable name in the same unhallowed page
American woollen manufactures whatsoever, or hats, by which is stained with those of Hutchinson and Bernard.
land or water, from one Colony to another, she also com- Though you disarmed the Heavens of her thunder, and
mands you to buy from her. How complete, then, is your taught the lightnings to play harmless around our heads,
slavery, if she has a right to lay taxes at pleasure on those yet, because you opposed the subjugation of your native
articles of commerce, which she will neither permit you to land, therefore you have been disgraced.
make for yourselves, nor buy from any but herself? This Suppose the Bostonians were wrong in destroying the
short review of the dispute evinces the justice of our tea : we
should vigorously unite against the present mea-
opposition to the payment of taxes on British manufac- sure, as that mode of punishment is a fatal precedent. If
tures. By tamely submitting to this usurped claim, you a few people, even if the whole town was guilty, will this
not only reduce yourselves to be tenants at will to the justify the taking the Charter from the whole Colony ? If
British House of Commons, but also lay a foundation for restitution was to be made, is that a sufficient reason that
overturning the Constitution of England herself. Her the lands, wharfs, and property of thousands, should be
excellent form of Government is supported on the tripple given to the King for ever? If these Acts of Parliament
pillars of Kings, Lords, and Commons either of these
; are suffered to operate, landholders may consign the deeds
being defective or overgrown, the fabrick will at least totter, by which they hold their property to the tallow chandlers
if not tumble. The Americans, in one century, will and pastry cooks. If the security of property is the
exceed the inhabitants of England. If, then, their prop- object, whynot tried at common law ? No, my coun-
is it

erty should be at the disposal of the House of Commons, trymen, nothing less is designed than to beggar three or
they will grow too strong for the other branches of Legis- four worthy patriots of that town, new-model their Consti-
lature, and erect a Government of five hundred and fifty- tution, and establish a precedent for the enslaving this free
eight tyrants in the place of the present admirably equi-' country. Do you need arguments to prove that it is a
poised Constitution. common cause, and that we should all unite, heart and
From what has been said, it appears, that the duty on hand, in some vigorous measures of opposition ? Surely
tea is founded on the same principles with the Stamp Act, no. Methinks I hear almost every one resolve, that
and ought to be opposed with equal firmness. America, tyranny and injustice should not enter in till the body of
through a long tract of two thousand miles, remonstrated the last freeman lies in the breach. Sorry am I to hear,
against the precedent, and resolved that the tea should that some, insulting the misery of the Bostonians, ludic-
sooner be destroyed than landed. Hapless Boston! Not rously compare them to a fox, " who, having lost his tail,
one whit more guilty than the other towns, thy fate was " largely inveighed against the use of tails, and persuaded
predetermined Thou wert deliberately ensnared, that
!
" the other foxes to cut off theirs." Ye assassins of Ame-
tliou mightest be superlatively punished.f Delenda est rica ! (for I cannot forbear,) who, though you have re-
Carthago, was the motto of thine enemies. Thou didst ceived your existence from her indulgence, trample on her
break the dagger that was pointed at the heart of Ameri- rights ! What name shall I give you ? Ye are not men ;

can liberty, and therefore the property of the innocent, as for, is it manly to hug yourselves in wanton ease, uncon-
well as the guilty, has been ravished from them, and their cerned of your brethren, bleeding in the
at the sufferings
lives made to depend on those " whose tender mercies common cause Ye are not brutes for " the ox knoweth
! !

are cruelty." " his owner, and the ass his master's crib but ye neither ;

Here let me pause, and ask, why is the attack made on " know nor consider." The surly dog will lick the hand
only one Province, when all are equally guilty ? Divide and fawn upon the man who gives him bread but you, ;

and destroy, is the only answer which can be given. Why more ungrateful, join in the most unnatural opposition to
are they punished so much beyond the demerit of the that country, the bounty of which enables you to bask in
offence ? To intimidate every American who would dare the sunshine of prosperity. 1 trust, my countrymen, you

to dispute the omnipotence of Parliament. Why is the have too much good sense to be influenced by such unfeel-
duty on tea so warmly supported, when it scarcely pays ino- wretches, and that neither ease nor interest will deter

the cost of collecting ?J Not for the trifling sum of three you from affording vigorous assistance to your injured
])ence a pound, but to establish a precedent to tax us at brethren. At your proposed make the plan of
meeting,
pleasure. Yes, my countrymen, you may depend on it, a operation as perfect as possible. Perhaps it is the last
design is formed against your liberties and that, one by
; time you will be indulged the liberty of consulting together,
one, you will be victims to Ministerial despotism, unless on pain of being fired upon, by malicious men, privileged
you unite in the most vigorous self-denying opposition. to murder. A
Ministerial Parliament has made it unlawful
The exhausted treasury of England is unequal to the for your neighbours to assemble ; and many reasons make
it highly probable that this is but act one of the begun
• I reject the division of taxes into external and internal. Any
duty laid to raise a revenue is properly a tax. What is commonly
tragedy of American liberty. I would, therefore, recom-

called an external tux, is no more than a regulation of trade and

;
mend to you the passing of some resolves on the late
thougli the revenue iniglit be accidentally increased by such regula- oppressive Acts of Parliament the choosing of Deputies
;

tions, they are very different from duties laid expressly to raise money.
for a general Congress the entering into solemn agree-
;
t Many things make this probable. Admiral Montagu, writing
concerning the destruction of the tea, has these words " During the
:
ment not to import goods (a very few articles excepted ;)
;

" whole of the transaction, nsither the Magistrates, owners, nor rev- the apjiointment of Committees to procure subscriptions
" enue officers, ever called for my assistance if they had, I could
;
to this agreement, and to enforce the observance of it
" easily have prevented tlie execution of the plan." Why did Hutch,
inson necessitate the destruction of the tea by the refusal of a pass ?
and also to collect money for ihe suffering poor in Boston
His btters complaining of their Charter the clauses in the Bill de-
; and amongst yourselves. These measures are hard but ;

signed to impoverish Hancock, Rowe, &.O., and many other things, unless we willingly impose them on ourselves, much harder
make it liighly probable that the whole was a premeditated juggle
are likely to be imposed by our unrighteous task-masters.
Ijetwoon Hutchinson and the Ministry.
1 repeat it again, (for it cannot be too often insisted upon,)
t The expense of the American Board of Commissioners is between
four and five thousand pounds a year and yet, says the Author of
; that all evils of this kind fly up, and kick the beam, when
" The Regulations of the Colonies," the whole remittance from all the weighed against the consequences of our giving up the
taxes in tlie Colonies before this establishment, at an average of thirty
years, did not amount to one tliousand nine hundred pounds a year.
point. What though you should be obliged to wear the
The smallness of this sum proves that these duties were regulations of same garb your slaves hitherto have done, or though every
trade ; and the coeval existence of the new Revenue Laws, and the fourth man, thrown out of business, should be supported
Board of CJommissionors, make it obvious to every man that the trifling
tax on tea is designed only to try our temper, and to prepare the way
by the liberal and wealthy. Better to remain in this
for much heavier. slate, calling the little we have our own, than to commit
511 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 512

treason against the Majesty of Heaven, by lamely acknowl- your posterity, and transmit to them the fair inheritance of
edging the claim of Parliament to dispose of your houses, liberty,handed down from your glorious progenitors. Kin-
lands, wharfs, money, and even your lives, at their dis- dle with the complicated idea, and, upon this trying occa-
cretion. sion, sacrifice every private consideration to the publick
The inconveniencies of non-importation, however dis- good.
couraging they may apjjcar to the imagination of the timid, When I review the annals of the world, I am con-
shrink into nothing when compared with those it will pre- strained to believe that great things await America. When
vent. The planters are greatly in arrears to the mer- Liberty was well nigh banished from every quarter of the
cJiants ; would give them all
a stoppage of importation globe, she found an asylum in this savage land. Learning,
an opportunity to extricate themselves from debt. The liberty, and every thing that ennobles the human mind,
merchants would have time to settle tlieir accounts, and have constantly been travelling westward. I never can
be ready with the return of liberty to renew trade. We believe, that in this sacred land slavery shall be so soon
can live independent, as our country abounds with all permitted to erect her throne on the ruins of freedom. It
things necessary for our support. Who that has the spirit is contrary to the analogy of things, which gradually have
of a man, but would rather forego the elegancies and lux- their rise, progress and declension. Be firm, be of one
uries of life, than entail slavery on his unborn posterity to mind abandon luxury and indolence, encourage industry
;

the end of time gentlemen of influence lead the way,

? If and Choose your Deputies for a general Con-
frugality.
the honest industrious patriot will appear more graceful in gress solemnly enter into a non-importation agreement,
;

sober homespun, than the gayest butterfly dressed in all and religiously adhere to it. Thus persevering, as sure as
his gaudy decorations. Nothing but custom makes the God is in Heaven you will obtain a speedy redress of all
curl-pated beau a more agreeable sight with his powder your grievances.
and pomatum, than the tawney savage with his paint and
bear's grease. Too long has luxury reigned amongst us,
enervating our constitutions and shrinking the human race EXTRACT or A LETTER FROM GOVERNOUR WENTWORTH TO
into pigmies. " Hysterick and hypochondriack diseases, THE EARL, OF DARTMOUTH.
" were formerly confined to the chambers of the great, are New.Hampshire, July 4, 1774.
" now to be found in our kitchens and workshops." Our Onthe 25th of June, at night, arrived here the Grosve-
gray-headed fathers tell us, that, in the present genera- nor, mast-ship, from London, with twenty-seven chests of
tion, there is a sensible diminution of the strength and bohea tea, consigned to a merchant in Portsmouth ; some-
stature of their predecessors, " who nobly independent time before the arrival of the ship, it was reported that a
lived." quantity of bohea tea was expected. Hereupon 1 took
Let us, then, be content to eat, and drink, and wear, effectual precautious to counteract the universal disquiet of
what our country can afford, at least till it is determined America, from contravening the Acts of Parliament in this
whether we are to work for ourselves, or the devourino- instance, or destroying the property. By my desire the
bloodsuckers of another quarter of the globe. Thus cir- consignee wrote a letter to the master of the ship, with
cumstanced, a non-importation agreement will not only directions how to proceed on his arrival. This letter I
prove a means of restoring our liberty, but also be produc- gave to Captain Cochran of his Majesty's Castle William
tive of many salutary purposes. and Mary, who effected my orders in delivering it at sea.
The number of people in England has been computed The 26th being Sunday, nothing was done. On the 27th
to be equal to seven millions, and that the cultivation of the master and merchant went early to the Custom House,
the land cannot employ more than every seventh man, and entered the ship and cargo. At noon day the ship's
the other six millions being supported by manufacturing. boats came to the wharf with twenty-seven chests of tea
Writers on trade suppose that America consumes nearly carts were prepared and the tea immediately carried to the
one half of their wares, and, therefore, virtually supports Custom House and there stored before any people could
almost three millions of the inhabitants of that Island. assemble to obstmct it. The town, not suspecting any
By a strict observance of a prudent non-importation agree- movement until my return from Dover, about ten miles off,
ment, we can reduce this number to a starving condition ;
where I purposely staid during this first operation to secure

and if non-exportation should also take place, it would the event, which I foresaw would be carried quietly, by
lessen the revenue two millions sterling a year. Thus, withdrawing suspicion, having confided my plan to proper
Hannibal like, we can plant the war in our oppressor's Magistrates, who I knew would not be disappointed. In
country. Think with yourselves, my countrymen, how the afternoon a town meeting was convened upon the
confidently you may expect redress, when you have the occasion. I came into tow"n and passed on horseback
eloquence of three millions of such miserable subjects through the concourse, who treated me with their usual
pleading in your behalf! A
despotic Ministry has been kindness and respect. At the meeting, it was represented
deaf to your cries; but how can they be deaf to the cries to the people, that the tea being now lodged in the Custom
of so many of their own subjects pinched w^th poverty and House, the question was totally changed that nothing could
;

hunger? Will it suffice that Lord North should exhort be done, but by the consent of, and agreement with, the
them to patience till he subjugates three millions of free merchant. The meeting proceeded with coolness and tem-
bom Americans 1 Surely no. Something more than bare per beyond almost my hope. It was proposed that a
words and empty promises is necessary to satisfy the inex- Committee should be chosen and invested with powers to
orable cravings of a hungry belly. In vain has Chatham treat with the merchant. In this Committee of eleven,
plead, in vain has Camden exhausted the powers of lan- were many principal gentlemen, discreet men, who I knew
guage in demonstrating our right of exemption from Par- detested every idea of violating property ; men disposed
liamentary taxation but not in vain will these pinched
; to prevent mischiefs. The town also chose a guard of
millions plead. If we can subdue pride and luxury in freeholders, to protect and defend the Custom House and the
ourselves, and widihold our commerce, in six months we tea from any attempt or interruption, which being sincerely
can distress the West Indies and Great Britain, so that intended, was faithfully executed. On the 28th the con-
the cry of famine, re-echoed from thousands, rising in signee accepted and agreed to the proposals of the Com-
mobs, will oblige the Parliament to adopt other measures. mittee, to export the tea to any market he chose, upon
These are the constitutional weapons with which we can condition the town would re-ship and protect it while in
fight the enemies of our Continent. Courage, then, my the harbour. This they gladly acceded to, and the town
countrymen. Remember the success that crowned your upon adjournment confirmed the proceedings ; accordingly
opposition to the Stamp Act. L^naniniity and perse- the Committee and the consignee, together, were at the
verance, in our good cause, will make us invincible. Custom House, where the duty was op-enly and regularly
Think of your ancestors who fled from tyranny and per- paid, and the tea again carted through the streets publickly
secution to this uncultivated land, fearing less from savage in the day time, without noise, tumult or insult. About nine
beasts and savage men, than slavery, the worst of savages. o'clock P. M., three overheated mariners (two of them
By their industry this wilderness has blossomed as a rose. strangers) endeavoured to excite a mob, to destroy the tea
Will you tamely suffer your possessions, improved by their and vessel hired to export it. Whereupon I sent for
labour, and bought with their blood, to be wrested from Colonel Fenton who gathered a few gentlemen, repaired to
you, and given to placemen and pensioners ? Think of the vessel, and with laudable spirit and prudence they
513 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JULY, 1774. 514
l)ersonally guarded both vessel and cargo in safety till the cess of the iniquitous measures they purpose adopting
next morning. On the 29tli, A. M., the Comptroller of throughout the Continent. It is strongly imagined that
the Customs informed me that these mariners had got many presses, I mean printing presses, in the Colonies, are
drums, and were assen)bling thoughtless people to destroy at present fettered in golden chains, sent over by the
the tea and sloop. At the same time I received a letter. Ministry for that purpose. One or two to the Northward
No. 1, a copy herewith enclosed, from the consignee, of you have been publickly mentioned, but as a litde time
desiring my aid and assistance to take possession of the must discover the truth or falsity of this suspicion, I shall
sloop and cargo. Hereupon I directed the Sheriff instantly forbear entering into particulars. The publick prints from
to summon die Council and every Magistrate and peace your city, as well as those from Virginia, are in admired
officer to meet me forthwith on the wharf, where the vessel request with all ranks of people, except the tools of
lay, determining to disperse any riotous attempts, and order despotism ; but should the Ministry succeed in the enter-
the vessel to the Castle while I was going out on this my
; prises they have already undertaken, with respect to the
duty, a messenger came to tell me that some Magistrates Colonies, you will assuredly be robbed of that tiarling pri-
and two of the Council, Mr. Warner and Mr. Rindge, who vilege the freedom of the press ; for effecting which, a
hap])ened to be in the way, hearing the noise, had repaired scheme, 1 am well informed, is now agitating in the
to tlie place, and, with many
other freeholdei-s, silenced Cabinet, upon a new plan, lately hatched by a certain
the drums, and prevailed on the people to disperse, without Lord, whose name is always opposite to the sun in its
any outrage. At this time I received a second letter, No. meridian, and who has publickly declared, that he is deter-
2, lierewith, from the consignee, to the same purport as mined strenuously to oppose the meridian of your glory in
the first. 1 lost no time in writing an order to Captain the Western world.
Cochran, immediately to take possession, defend, protect,
and safely deliver the said vessel and cargo to the mer- EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DEPUTY GOVERNOUR PENN
chant, or to his orders and the Sheriff, John Parker, Esq.,
;
TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
to take command of the Castle in his absence, as will ap-
Philadelphia, July 5, 1774.
pear fully by the enclosure. No. 3. In the evening, about
half past six, observing the wind to be contrary, 1 despatch-
My Lord In my last, of the 31st of May, I had the
:

honour to inform your Lordship of my expectation that a

ed a second order to Captain Cochran, still to continue in
petition would be presented to me for calling the Assembly.
the orders of the morning, as by the enclosure, No. 4.
I have since received such a petition, and herewith transmit
Those orders were directly carried into effect, with a
you a copy of it, as also of my answer. In consequence
prudence and firmness that does honour to both the offi-
of my refusal to call the Assembly, there was a general
cers. On the 30th the owner of the sloop, the master, and
meeting of the people of this city and county, which, I
the supercargo, to whose care the consignee committed
am informed, was not so full as might have been expected
the tea, came on board, with proper Custom House clear-
on such an occasion.
ances, and authority from the consignee. Captain Cochran
Their proceedings I am only acquainted with by the
examined the twenty-seven chests of tea, found them
newspapers, one of which I send your Lordship, which
perfectly safe, and in good order, desired the three last
contains the transactions of the day. The general temper
mentioned persons to examine the same, which they did,
of the people, as well here as in other parts of America,
and then received both vessel and cargo into their posses-
is very warm. They look upon the chastisement of the
sion, and forthwith sailed for Halifax. Mr. Parker, the
people of Boston to be purposely rigorous, and held up
Sheriff, and Captain Cochran, returned to their respective
by way of intimidation to all America ; and, in short, that
duties, and have made return of their doings on my orders,
Boston is suffering in the coiDmon cause. Their delin-
as in the enclosures. No. 5 and 6. During these transactions,
quency in destroying the East India Company's tea, is
viz., on tiie evening of the 27th, and morning of the 28th,
lost in the attention given to what is here called, the too
1 told the Collector and Comptroller, also the consignee,
severe punishment of shutting up the port, altering the
that if they wanted any aid or assistance, or were appre-
Constitution, and making an Act, as they term it, screening
hensive of danger, I was ready, whenever they would
the officers and soldiers shedding American blood. The
apply to me, and would not only issue orders, but would in
plan which seems to be universally adopted is the procur-
person defend them that I was confident the magistrates
;
ing a general Congress, in order to state the rights, and
and freeholders would not desert me but they would not
:

represent the grievances of America to the Throne ; and

apply, declaring they then apprehended no danger.
to agree upon such measures as may be thought most
Boston, and restore harmony between
likely to relieve
Great Britain and the Colonies.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A VERY RESPECTABLE GEN-
The measures generally talked of is the non-import-
TLEMAN IN LONDON, TO A CORRESPONDENT IN PHILA-
ation and non-exportation from and to England. Some
DELPHIA.
are for making it general, and others for limiting it, but all
London, July 5, 1774.
for associating against the use of East India goods of
The present state of political affairs furnishes nothing
every kind, except saltpetre and spices. In the mean
less disagreeable than my last informed. The (Quebec Bill,
time, as great numbers of people will be reduced to absolute
we apprehend, will produce the most distressing jealousies
indigence for want of their usual employment, collections
among the Protestant inhabitants of that country, and
are making here, and in all other parts of America, for
indeed ofall America. With us the staunchest friends to
their relief.
Hanoverian succession have not scrupled publickly to
pronounce it the most daring stretch of the prerogative of
the Crown, and the most sinful violation of the rigiUs of EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM GOVERNOUK GAGE TO THE
a free people, that the annals of Britain, or any other EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
Nation in the world, register. Enclosed you have the ad- Silem, July 5, 1774.

dress and petition of the Lord Mayor, Alderman and Com- My Lord Since my letter. No. 3, of the 26th
:

mons of this city to his Majesty, which is considered one ultimo, a number of the better sort of people attended a
of the grandest and most spirited addresses ever handed to town meeting at Boston, with design to make a push to
a Throne, insomuch that many hundreds of them, elegantly pay for the tea, and annihilate the Committee of Corres-
framed and glazed, have been purchased as household pondence, but they were out voted by a great majority of
pictures by the nobility, gentry, &.C., to transmit to future the lower class. The minority drew up a Protest, which
ages the virtue, sincerity, and honest boldness of so respect- I transmit your Lordship from a newspaper.

able a body of men. The coin of prophecies is now The above Committee had sent a circular letter through
become current here, and we have too much reason to fear, the Province, accompanied with a paper called a League
that some presage, of dreadful import, will, ere long, be and Covenant, of so pernicious a tendency, that I judged it

realized. Very much, all, indeed, depends on the hardi- ])roper,without loss of time, to publish a Proclamation to
hood and publick virtue of the Americans. If the brave prevent the ill effect of it as much as possible. I enclose

Bostoniam maintain theirs, at this trying juncture, all will your liordship a copy of the Proclamation, together with
be well ; for their conduct will furnish a criterion whereby printed copies of the letter and covenant, and also part of
to regulate Government here, in a judgment of the suc- the newspaper, containing as much of the proceedings of

Fourth Series. 33
515 CORRESPOIVDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, JULY, 1774. 516

the above mentioned town meeting as the faction chose to attended with the desired success; and we fear that the
publisli, and a Protest of a number of gcntiemen of the various arts and stratagems of some designing person:}
County of fVorcester, against ail riotous disorders., and (who persevere in their plan of subverting the Constitu-
seditious practices. tion) will, in some degree, perplex your Excellency's Ad-
Your Lordsliip will perceive, that the Proclamation is ministration. But we console ourselves with the considera-
not published witli the advice of Council. There was no tion that your Excellency has not only inclination but also
time to lose ; I had a right to issue it without their consent, authority to check the clamours of the seditious, and to
as I was confident I could not obtain it. I gave notice secure to us all our constitutional privileges.
afterwards for a Council to assemble, intending to lay tlie Of late we have seen with serious concern the inhabitants
letter and covenant before them but, on the day appointed
; —
of some of our towns, influenced by certain persons call-
for the meeting, one who had been sunmioned did not ing themselves Committees of Correspondence, and we are
appear, so tl)at there was not enough to make up a quorum; soiTy to say, encouraged by some whose business it is to
some of those who attended gave me to understand that preach the Gospel of Christ, and to inculcate principles of
they should desire a General Council to be called before loyalty and obedience to the laws.) entering into a league
they entered upon such business. which seems to us calculated toincrease the displeasure of
I have done all in my power to spirit up every friend to our Sovereign, to exasperate our parent country, and to
Government, and the measures taken by Administration interrupt and destroy the harmony of society. Against
encourage many to speak and act publickly, in a manner this league and covenant, and all such illegal combinations,
they have not dared to do for a very long time past. Your their aiders and abettors, we do bear our testimony, and
Lordship will observe, tliat there is now an open opposition we assure your Excellency that we will endeavour, by
to the faction, carried on with a warmth and spirit unknown every means in our power, to discountenance such pro-
before, which it is highly proper and necessary to cherish ceedings and we will exert ourselves that justice be duly
;

and support by every means and I hope it will not be

; administered, the laws kept inviolate, and good order
very long before it produces very salutaiy effects. Your maintained in this country.
Lordship is acquainted with the usurpation and tyranny
established here by edicts of town meetings, enforced by
THE GOVERNOUr's ANSWER.
mobs, by assuming the sole use and power of the ])ress, Gentlemen: This very loyal and affectionate Address
and influencing the pulpits by nominating and intimidat-
;
claims my best thanks, and my wannest acknowledgments.
ing of juries, and, in some instances, threatening the judges ;
I cannot but lament that so many people, by nature well
and by time, acquired a firmness that,
this usurpation has, inclined, should be so far led astray by the stratagems and
1 not to be annihilated at once, or by ordinary
fear, is artifices of designing persons, as to forget the duty and

methods. A
free and impartial course of justice, whereby obedience they owe their King and country, and become
delinquents can be brought to punishment, I apprehend to blind to their interest and happiness; but when men, from
be the chief thing wanting; the terrour of mobsis over, and whose mouths we ought to expect the doctrines of sound
the press is becoming free. religion, peace, virtue, and morality, so shamefully pervert
Although I do not credit many reports and opinions sent the duties of their sacred functions, as to employ them-
me, yet I do not hold it prudent totally to disregard them; selves to ensnare the weak, and captivate the unweary to
and, on that account, I have ordered the transports which the commission of actions unworthy of faithful patriots and
brought the fourth regiment here, to proceed to the port of honest citizens, it is no wonder that ignorant people should
New-York, and wait their for further orders. 1 intend, if be prevailed upon to do things which, if not deceived, they
I see occasion for it, to bring a regiment here from thence ;
would detest and abhor.
and the transports of the forty-third are kept in readiness That such an usurpation and almost total subversion of
to sail for Halifax on the same errand these motions, I ; all legal Government should make confusion in the Pro-

hear, give spirit to one side and have thrown a damp on the vince is not surprising ; but you will be satisfied, that you
other. have a gracious Monarch, who sees your distress, and who
1heard yesterday, that all the transports from Ireland holds forth his hand to protect and defend his loyal subjects,
liad in, except one of the fifth regiment, with Lord
come and that I will take every step in my power to secure to
Percy on board, and she was seen a day or two past, so you the peaceable enjoyment of all your constitutional
that I hope to find her in the harbour to-morrow, on my privileges, and to give that free course to the laws, on
getting to Boston, where I propose to pass some days, which every state depends for its support, and without
finding that my presence there will be necessary. which no Government can subsist.
I have, &;c. Thomas Gage.
Postscript. —Boston, 6th Ju!y. — I have the pleasure GOVERNOUR WENTWORTH TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
to acquaint your Lordship, that the last transport with New-Hampshirs, July 1774.
6,
Ijord Percy on board, is arrived ; as, also, the store-ship,
America.
May it please your Lordship : Upon hearing the
with many officers belonging to the regiments in
Committee of Correspondence, chosen by the late Assem-
T. G.
bly of this Province, had issued letters to those members
to meet this day in the Representatives' Chamber, in Ports-

ADDRESS OF THE JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY OF PLYMOUTH, mouth, there to deliberate and act, particularly to choose
MASSACHUSETTS, TO COVERNOUR GAGE, PRESENTED Delegates for a general American Congress, and that some
JULY 6, 1774. of the said persons were convened, I have considered it
to be my duty to his Majesty to use my endeavours to dis-
To his Excellency the Honourable ThomasGage, Captain- perse and separate so illegal and unwarrantable an attempt.
General and Commander-in-chief in and over the Pro- I have, therefcre, convened his Majesty's Council, ordered
vince of Massachusetts Bay, in Nciv England ; Vice the Sheriff to attend me, and requiring their attendance on
Admiral of the same, and Lieutenant-General of his me, I went into the room, and immediately read the enclos-
Majesty's Forces in North America :
ed Speech to them afterwards I directed tlie Sheriff to
;

May it please your Excellency to accept tlie cordial make open all persons to disperse and
proclamation, for
congratulations of the Justices of the Courts of the Gen- keep the King's peace, which was done before they had
eral Sessions of the Peace, and Inferiour Court of Com- entered on any business, and I expect will be obeyed. As
mon Pleas, for the County of Plymouth, on yom- appoint- this letter must be forwarded by express sixty-six miles to

ment to the high office of First Magistrate of this Province, Boston, and reach there to-night, in hopes to have convey-
nnd upon your safe arrival. And permit us to acknowl- ance by Admiral Montagu, what further may occur I
edge our gratitude to our most gracious Sovereign, that he shall take due care to transmit to your I..ordship as soon as
has been pleased to place at the head of our affairs a possible. All which is most humbly submitted, dutifully
person in whom are centered all the qualifications neces- lioping your Lordship's ftivourable representation of my
sary for the discharge of that important trust. best zeal, unremitted diligence and fidelity, in discharge of
We are sensible that the unwearied entieavours of your my duty, may hippily be honoured with his Majesty's
immediate predecessor to support the dignity of Govern- approbation. I have the honour to be, with tiie most per-

ment, and to maintain peace and good order, were not fect respect, &c., J. Wentworth.
517 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JULY, 1774. 518
LIEUTENANT OOVERNOUR COLDEN TO THE EARL OF reduced to want and indigence, by means of the cruel and
DARTMOUTH. unjust Act of Parliament. We are in the expectation of our
New-York, July G, 177-1. schooner Nassau every day, and shall load her with a cargo
In my letter of June 1st, I informed your Lordship that to be presented, as by the enclosed paper. Our Associa-
the people of this city had chosen a Committee of fifiy- tion was put off, as die people from the country could not

one persons to correspond witii the sister Colonies on tiie attend, being in the midst of harvest, and bad weather, they
present political aftliirs that many of this Conmiittee were
;
would have lost much grain. But be assured Virginia
of the most considerable merchants, and men of cool tem- and Maryland are determined to unite with the Colonics.
pers, who would endeavour to avoid all extravagant and Firmness and intrepidity is their character.
dangerous measures. They have had a continual struggle
with those of a different disposition, and having for several
weeks succeeded in suspending any resolutions, I was in NORFOLK BOllOUGH (viRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
hopes they would have maintained the only conduct which Ata Meeting of the Freeholders, Merchants, Traders,
can excuse them. But accounts repeatedly coming to and other Inhabitants of the County and Borough of iVor-
hand from different parts of the Continent, of the appoint-
folk, held at the Court House, on Wednesday, the 6th of
ment of Deputies to meet in a general Congress, this mea- July, 1774.
sure was so strenuously pushed, that it was carried in the
Committee of fifty-one on Monday last, and five persons Thomas Newton, Jun., Moderator.

were named for the Deputies from this Province the ;

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that
persons named are, James Duane, and John Jay, two the town of Boston is now suffering in the common cause
eminent lawyers, Isaac Low, Philip Livingston, and John of America, and that every Colony on the Continent is in
Alsop, merchants. I am told that a violent effort was made duty bound to unite in the most effectual means to obtain
in the Committee to have John 3Iorin Scott, an eminent a repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking up the
lawyer, and Alexander McDougall, named in the place of harbour of Boston, which we deem a most tyrannick
Jay and Alsop ; it is said that the ])eople are to be invited exercise of unlawful power.
to meet on Thursday, to approve of the Deputies named Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the
by the Committee. These transactions are dangerous, my Acts for altering the Constitution of the Massachusetts
Lord, and illegal, but by what means shall Government Bay, and for the suppression of riots and tumults, are
prevent them ? An attempt by the power of the Civil most violent and dangerous infractions of the solemn
Magistrates would only show their weakness, and it is not chartered rights of these Colonies ;utterly destructive of
easy to say upon what foundation a military aid should trials by the vicinage, and a very melancholy proof of

be called in such a measure would involve us in troubles,

;
the despotick spirit of the times.
which it is thought much more prudent to avoid and to ;
Resolved, That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed
shun all extremes, while it is yet possible things may take to use their utmost endeavom-s at the ensuing Convention
a favourable turn. The purpose of the Congress, it is said, at Williamsburg, to procure a general Association against

is and to consider of
to petition for a redress of grievances, all importations and exportations (medicines excepted) to

a plan for settling the controversy with Great Britain. and from Great Britain, as the most effectual means to
But no insti:uctions for the Deputies have yet appeared that ensure redress and that the said Association against im-
;

1 know of portations may take place in as short a time as possible

The present political zeal and phrenzy is almost entirely after the opening of the said Convention ; also, that the

confined to tiie City of New-York, the people in the Association against exportation may take place at so long
counties are no ways disposed to become active, or to bear a day as may give time for the discharge oi British dehis,
any part in what is proposed by the citizens. I am told leaving it to the discretion of the Convention to fix the
all the counties but one have declined an invitation sent to day.
tliem from New-York, to appoint Committees of Corres- Resolved, That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed
pondence. This Province is every where, my Lord, to procure a like Association against every such town,
except in the City of New-York, perfectly quiet and in county, or Province, on this Continent, as may decline or
good order, and in Neio-York a much greater freedom of refuse to adopt similar measures with the majority of the
speech prevails now than has done heretofore. An oppo- Colonies, within one month after the 0])ening of the
sition has been declared to the vile practice of exhibiting intended Congress of Deputies from the several Govern-
effigies, which I hope will prevent it for the future. ments on the Continent.
llesolved. That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed
to use their utmost endeavours, that the Deputies to be
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN BOSTON. sent from this Colony to the intended Congress, be partic-
Aljxandria, Virginia, July 1774.
6,
ularly instructed by the Convention, that, if necessary, the
Tlie following subscription for the benefit and relief of whole sum exacted by the Boston Port Bill, may be par-
those (the industrious poor of the town of Boston) who, celled out into different quotas, to be raised by the publick
by a late cruel Act of Parliament, are deprived of dieir spirited, charitable, and humane, in the several Colonies,
daily labour and bread, to prevent the inhabitants sinking according to tiie respective abilities and circumstances
under the oppression, or migrating, to keep up that manly thereof; and that such moneys be paid to the several
spirit which has made them dear to every American. Colonies, into such hands as the people of Boston may
though the envy of an arbitrary Parliament, is from the direct.
County of Fairfax, in this Colony, viz two hundred and
: Resolved, That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed
seventy-three pounds sterling, in specie, (equal to lawful) to use their utmost endeavours, that subscripdons be
thirty-eight barrels of flour, and one hundred and fifty opened in the several counties of this Colony for the
bushels of wheat. This subscription being but a few days relief of the starving distressed poor in the blockaded
on foot, we have not had an opportunity to present it to town of Boston.
tiie country in general a large sum will be given.
; Mr. Resolved, That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed
Henly yesterday returned from Dumfries, after consultinf to recommend Annapolis to the Convention as the proper
the Committee of Prince Willinm County, in which a place to be proposed to the other Colonies for the holding
subscription is going on generously this day he sets out
; of the Congress ; which we earnestly desire may be as
to consult the Committees of Loudoun and Frederick soon as ))ossible after the first day of August.
counties, in .each of which a spirit, becoming generous and Resolved, That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed
freeborn sons of liberty, are in the like manner testified. to use their endeavours that the Convention may partic-
Indeed, all Virginia and Maryland are contributing for the ularly recommend it to the several counties, that large
relief of Bostnn. The subscription is to be laid out in Committees of respectable men, fixed and settled inhabit-
corn and flour, to be shipped and consigned to the Hon. ants of their respective counties, be a|)pointed to guard
James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, Esqrs., Mr. Samuel against, and take every lawful step to prevent, any breach
Adams, Isaac Smith, Esq., and the gendemen Committee of such agreements or Association as may be adopted.
of Correspondence in Boston, to be distributed in such Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that
manner as they shall think most proper, among the persons the measures determined on at the approaching Convention
519 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JULY, 1774. 520

ought to be observed by the whole Colony, as acts of a support of his household, upon the other two branches of
most solemn nature and that it is the declared intention
; the Legislature, at the very time he alarmed them to unite
of this meeting, faithfully to adopt such Association as may against him, by arbitrary and impotent threats of govern-
then be agreed on. ing absolutely and then, to increase that weight his own
;

Resolved, That the above Resolutions be printed for folly had lessened, and to replenish his coflers, he had
the inspection of all the freeholders of die county. recourse to the expedient of weakened majesty, that
last

William Davies, Clerk. of creating a number of Peers, which, though it put off the
evil day, increased the disorder of die state. His suc-
cessor, Charles the First, nurtured in tiie principles of his
THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH TO DEPUTY GOVERNOUR PENN.
father, pursued the same plan of lessening his hereditary
Whitehall, July G, 1774.
revenues, and of provoking those upon whom he was de-
Siu: I have received your letters of the 3d and -Slst of pendent, till they would no longer support him and then,
;

May, and have laidthem before the King, and I have the by endeavouring to carry into execution those measures
satisfaction to acquaint you that his Majesty is graciously his father had threatened only, he fell a sacrifice to the
pleased to acquiesce in the apology you make for having errours of education. Monarchy, and nobility its attend-
omitted to transmit to me an account of the proceedings at ant, being thus extinguished, when it was restored in the
Philadelphia upon the arrival of the tea ship. person of Charles the Second, was it surprising that the
By the account contained in your letter of the 31st of Nation, still bleeding at the wounds it had received from
May, of the reception given to the proposal that came the usurpations of the Crown, contented itself with restor-
i'rom the town of Boston, there did not appear then to be ing it to those prerogatives only it possessed at its fall,
any strong inclination to adopt it. What has since passed without adding the independent hereditary revenue, which
in Virginia may perhaps, as in other like instances, become its two preceding Kings had indiscreetly alienated ?
an example to the neighbouring Colonies, and should this Untaught by his own misfortunes, and the fate of his
be the case it will be your duty to exert every power father, Charles the Second adopted the plan of Govern-
which the Constitution has placed into your hands to defeat ment pursued by his House only, as he was sagacious
;

any attempt to trample upon and insult the authority of enough to see he could not force, he endeavoured to cor-
this Kingdom. I am, sir, your most obedient and humble rupt the Nation to submit to despotick sway and in so
;

servant, Dartmouth. doing dissipated so great a part of what few ancient

Deputy Governour Penn. demesnes of the Crown his ancestors had left, that his
brother James was reduced to the necessity of giving up
THE earl of DARTMOUTH TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOUR the hereditary despotick notions of his family, or of recur-
GOLDEN. ring to force. He chose the latter, and by that means was
Whitehall, July 6, 1774. obliged to abandon his Crown, but left the Constitution
Sir I have received your
: letters No. 1 and 2, and have with a stab in its vitals, which has been festering ever
laid them before the King. since ;for, at the accession of his glorious successor,

As there is nothing in these letters which requires any though the Nation recurred to many of its first principles,
particular instruction, I have only to express my wishes it had suffered too much from its four preceding Kings to

that his Majesty's subjects of New- York may not be led think of restoring the ancient independence of the Crown.
into any further rash and hasty proceedings, that may Succeeding Monarchs, therefore, in order to preserve any
expose them to the just resentment of Parliament, and that kind of weight in the state, were reduced to the necessity
persons of credit and character in the Colony will exert of corrupting the people, by creating lucrative offices,
their influence to put a stop to that licentious spirit which granting pensions, and increasing the number of Peers ;

has led to measures so disgraceful to the City of New- this, though it increased the power of the Minister, really

York. weakened that of his master.

Sir M^lliam Johnson having acquainted me that two The great increase of manufactures, arising from the
Seneca Indians have been committed to the jail in Tryon settlement of America, by drawing the inhabitants to the
County, as accomplices in the murder of four Frenchmen sea ports and other towns more conveniently situated for
in the last year, his Majesty is graciously pleased, upon carrying them on, in a great measure depopulated the
report to him of the circumstances of their case, to signify ancient boroughs of the Kingdom, so that the entire pro-
his pleasure that they be both set at liberty forthwith, and perty of many of them were purchased up by the nobility,
you will not fail to take the proper steps for that purpose. who, by that means, acquired a right of naming their
It being under consideration to re-establish the Military Representatives in Parliament ; the electors of others
Posts, either at Crown Point or Ticonderoga, or at both, were so reduced in their numbers and circumstances, diat
it is the King's pleasure that the lands reserved by Sir it became easy for the wealthy, with a majority of their

Jeffery Amherst for the convenience and accommodation of voices, to purchase seats in the House of Commons, and,
be excepted out of any future sales or grants
tliese posts, by treating with the Prime Minister for some of the newly
of lands whatsoever. I am, sir, your most obedient hum- created lucrative offices, they were generally reimbursed
ble servant, Dartmouth. the purchase money.
Lieutenant Governour Colden. Thus the spirit of traffick extended itself to all ranks of
people, and, as it too often happens in commercial nations,
all those things which ought to have been the reward of
the BRITISH AMERICAN, NO. VI.
merit were given only for money, and the people univer-
Williamsburg, Va., July 7, 1774.
sally corrupted by the dint of it, grew indifferent to pub-
Friends, Fellow-citizens, and Countrymen: lick concerns ; the electors and elected, passionately fond
It is the general opinion, that the great defect in the of lucre, grew careless of the Government, and every thing
present Constitution of Britain the enormous power of is belonging to it, and waited quietly for their salaries. As
the Crown. However
may be thought in so singular I soon as it became obvious that wealth would purchase a
doing, I consider this as a vulgar errour ; for the first stab majority of the seats of the Representatives of the people,
given to the Constitution was the Crown's losing its inde- Sir Robert Walpole endeavoured to apply tlie national
pendence on the other two brandies of the Legislature. wealth to that purpose, and succeeded to admiration in it
Queen Elizabeth transmitted the English Constitution, in for a long time, but, too open in the practice of corruption,
its highest purity, to her successor, James the First ; but he overshot his mark, and pointed out to tiie wealthy, that,
he, equally a stranger to its true principles, his own inter- by uniting togetiier, they could wrest the power, even of
est, and the arts of Government, in his first Speeches to appointing his own Minister, and other servants, out of the
his Parliament, arrogated to himself powers he was not hands of their Sovereign, and by that means arrogate to
and soon after indiscreetly lavished away those
entitled to, themselves not only the persons who shall fill all lucrative
which would have rendered the others he claimed unne- offices, but of directing the whole concerns of the Nation.
cessary ; for, by alienating a great pan of the ancient The nobles who possessed boroughs, and the wealthy
revenues of the Crown in ill-placed, unnecessary, and ex- Commons who could purchase them, united cordially in
travagant grants to its favourites, tools and parasites, he this scheme, and, inviting some of their ablest dependants
made himself dependent, in some measure, for the very to join them, soon carried all before them, destroyed that
521 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 522

beautiful system of legislation I described in my last, and other advantages of the laws, withdraw themselves from
set up an absolute aristocracy in its place.* the subjection of the country in which they were accident-
Had Mr. Pitt directed the reigns of Government a few ally born, if they find it for their interest so to do. And
years after the conclusion of the war, if his talents in the even admitting that, like vegetables, they cannot remove
arts of peace had been equal to his abilities in carrying on from the spot that produced them without tiie consent of
a wai-, or (if I may be allowed the metaphor) could he the state, no man will deny that any subject of England
have been as wise in taking every advantage of wind and formerly might, and that any subject of Great Britain
tide, as he was skilful in avoiding rocks and quicksands in may now, with the leave of their Sovereign, quit that
a storm, (and the noble stop he put to corruption during Kingdom, and settle in any foreign Dominion ; that our
his administration give us strong reason to think he would,) ancestors, therefore, when they, with the leave of Queen
Providence, at that period, pointed out to a wise and Elizabeth, and of King James the First, left England and
upright Minister the means of placing the natural, the discovered America, if they had been so disposed, might
necessary independence of the Kings of England, upon a have incorporated themselves with the native inhabitants,
permanent foundation. But the Minister who succeeded laid aside all thoughts of reluming, and dropped all corres-

that great man was too intent upon enriching his country- pondence with England, is undeniable ; and if they had
men to serve his Prince, and, more like a pedlar than a done so, in all human probability, neither their former

statesman, sold an inheritance of his master (which would Sovereign, or his Parliament, would have ever given them-
liave restored him to a King of England's ancient weight selves the trouble of inquiring what was become of them.*
in the national councils) for a mess of pottage ; and the And as they had a right to incorporate themselves with the
present Minister is at this instant either unthinkingly or natives, so, with respect to England, they had an equal
diabolically pursuing the same infernal plan. Was our right, at their own private risk and expense, to acquire,by
Sovereign, even now, to place a little more confidence in purchase or conquest, from nations not in alliance with
his American subjects, there are many amongst them England, a settlement for themselves and their posterity,
whose knowledge of their country would enable, and totally independent of England ; for as they were no
whose affectionate loyalty to him would impel, them to longer under her protection, they no longer were under
point out constitutional modes of placing him in a very dif- subjection, and, therefore, might have provided for their
ferent situation from what a corrupt, selfish British aris- own safety by any laws they thought proper. But, instead
tocracy wish to see for, however humiliating the reflec-
;
of doing this, a natural fondness for their native country, a
tion may be to a Briton, it is the virtue of America only predilection for her laws, an admiration of the most beau-
that can preserve Great Britain from becoming the prey tiful system of Government in the world, and the hopes

of the most despotick aristocracy that ever yet was erected, of protection, induced them to wish to remain connected
which will be the more firmly established, because, by with England. But how ? As partakers of her Constitu-
retaining the ancient forms of the Constitution, it will not tion, by acknowledging allegiance to her King as friends
;

easily alarm the Nation to rouse, and to recur to its first to their brethren, by reciprocal acts of kindness but not ;

Houses of
principles, whilst the aristocracy posted in both as slaves to their fellow-subjects, by a humiliating, servile
Parliament, possessed of a large majority in the House of subjection to a British Parliament, in which, from their
Commons, of a superiour influence in the House of Lords, they neither were, or could be represented.
situation,
and of an absolute command over all the powers of mon- With these views they generously offered to let England
archy, with swarms of placemen and pensioned authors to partake of the advantages of these conquests, in considera-
trumpet forth their praises without doors, bears down all tion of securing to themselves the rights of Englishmen
before it with such irresistible impetuosity, that I should in their new settlements, (not made at the expense of the
not be surprised if, after the next general election,! it Nation, as hath been falsely suggested, but) discovered at
should pursue its late victory over the County of Middle- the risk, and acquired by the blood and treasure of private
sex, nominate the Representatives of every shire in Bri- adventurers, who, having left their native country with the
tain, and utterly exclude from the House of Commons consent of their Sovereign, now returned to him, not as
every member that should dare to arraign its conduct, if it repenting prodigals begging to be received and forgiven,
sliould rapaciously seize the remaining wealth of the East but as generous conquerors, offering to make him Sovereign
India, and every other trading Company, and oblige every of a newworld upon reasonable and equitable conditions.
merchant and shop-keeper in Britain to account with its Is it be wondered at, that, thus circumstanced, he
to
officers for whatever share of the profits of their trade it acceded to their terms ? Or, had the British Parliament
should think proper to demand. In short, nothing can put any right to complain of the Charters granted to them, by
a stop to its carrying into execution every act of despo- which the Colonies have always enjoyed a supreme Legis-
tism it shall attempt, but the check it is likely to receive lature of their own, and have always claimed an exemption
from the opposition of America. from the jurisdiction of a British Parliament. But even
It is not, therefore, the interest of the people of Great suppose that the territories of America (though conquered
Britain that America should surrender up her liberties, by private adventurers) became subject to Great Britain,
and submit to the jurisdiction of this arbitrary, self-created because those adventurers were English subjects, still it
aristocracy, though assuming the specious name of a Bri- by no means follows that those territories were dependent
tish Parliament. But before I enter upon the measures upon the British Parliament and as this is proved to a
;

necessary to be taken to ward off the blow aimed at Ame- demonstration by a late ingenious author, I shall not injure
rican hberty, I shall consider the connections between him so far as to repeat his arguments, but conclude this
Great Britain and her Colonies, in order to consider how Letter with requesting the printer to republish the following
far those Colonies may legally and constitutionally oppose Extract of his work, f
the acts of a British Parliament.
As the laws of every country are made for the benefit of
CULPEPPER COUNTY, (vIKGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
its and the privileges,'the advantages and pro-
inhabitants,
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
tection they expect to receive from those laws, are the con-
of the County of Culpepper, in Virginia, assembled on due
siderations which induce a submission to them, any one, or
notice, at the Court House of the said County, on Thursday,
any number of those inhabitants, may, by a voluntary
the 7th of July, 1774, to consider of the most effectual
banishment, and by renouncing the protection, with all
method to preserve the rights and liberties of America :
* If any one doubts that the Britinh Constitution is now purely
aristocratical. lothim attentively read the history of England, and the
Henry Pendleton, Esq., Moderator.
debates of Parliament, from the decision Of the Chippenham election Besolved, That we will, whenever we are called upon
to the present time, and carefully compare facts
with the characteristick
for that purpose, maintain and defend his Majesty's right
attendants of a corrupt aristocracy, which, by being destitute of its
principles of moderation, is become despotick, and he will no longer and title to the Crown of Great Britain, and all other
withhold his assent to the above position.
» For it is observable that each Colony was suffered to struggle with
For the distemper of the state is too far advanced to hope for any
+ every diiEculty in their new settlements, unprotected,
unassisted, and
relief from a new election. The Representatives, indeed, may bo even unnoticed by the Crown itself, from twenty to
fifty years, and
changed by a nabob's outbidding an Alderman; but the only real dif- even then the Royal care was no further extended towards them than
ference will be, the nabob becomes one of the aristocracy,
and the and oppress tliem.
to send over Governours to pillage, insult
Alderman is excluded, or, in other words, the master may bo changed,
t See Letter to Lord North, Folio 337-340. ]
but the slavery will remain. [
523 CORRESPOiNDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 524
Dominions thereunto belonging, to wiiose royal person
Ills extract or A letter received in boston, from gov-
and Government we profess all due obedience and fidelity. ERNOUR HUTCHINSON, DATED LONDON, JULY 8, 1774.
Resolved, That the right to impose taxes or duties, to Let the tea be paid for, by, or in behalf of the town, as
be paid by the iniiabitants of this Colony for any purpose soon as may be and 1 hope you will do as much to promote
;

whatsoever, is peculiar and essential to the General Assem- this as possible. I find myself every where to have more
bly, in whom the Legislative authority is vested. weight than I could expect, and the prospect of your
Resolved, That every attempt to impose taxes or duties speedy relief to be fairer every day if finally obtained, i
:

by any other authority is an arbitrary exertion of power, shall think it one of the most happy circumstances of n)y
and an mfringement of the constitutional and just rights and life.
liberties of the Colony, and that we will at all times, at
the risk of our lives and fortunes, oppose any Act imposing
such taxes or duties, unless we are legally represented HUNTERDON COUNTY (nEW JERSEv) RESOLUTIONS.
and that tlie Act of the British Parliament imposing a The Freeholders and Inhabitants of Hunterdon Coun-
duty on tea to be paid by the inhabitants of the Colonies Province of New-Jersey, convened by advertise-
ty, in the
upon importation, is evidently designed to fix on the ment, at the house of Johri Ringo, in Amwell, in said
Americans those chains forged for them by a corrupt Counly, on Friday, the 8th July, 1774, Samuel Tucker,
Ministry. Esq., in the Chair, came into the following Resolutions,
Resolved, That the late cruel and unjust Acts of Par- without a dissenting voice, viz :

liament, to be executed by force uj)on our sister Colony of 1. Wedo most expressly declare, recognise and ac-
.

the Massachusetts Bay and town of Boston, is a convinc- knowledge his Majesty King George tlie Third, to be the
ing proof of the unjust and corrupt infiuence obtained by lawful and rightful King of Great Britain, and of all
the British Ministry in Parliament, and a fixed determi- other his Dominions, and that it is the indispensable duty
nation to deprive tlie Colonies of their constitutional and of this Colony, under the enjoyment of our constitutional
just rights and liberties. privileges and immunities, as being a part of his Majesty's
Resolved, That the town of Boston is now suffering in Dominions, always to bear faithful and true allegiance to
tlie common cause of the American Colonies. his Majesty, and hhn to defend to the utmost of our power,
Resolved, That an Association between all the Ameri- against all attempts upon his person, crown, and dignity.
can Colonies not to import from Great Britain, or buy any 2. That it is the undoubted hereditary right of an
goods or commodities whatsoever, except negroes, cloaths, English subject to give and grant what is absolutely his
salt, saltpetre, powder, lead, nails, and paper, ought to be own, either by himself or his Representative and that the ;

entered into, and by no means dissolved, until the rights only lawful Representatives of the freemen of this Colony
and liberties of the Colonies are restored to them, and are the persons they elect to serve as members of tlie
the tyrannical Acts of Parliament against Boston are General Assembly thereof.
repealed. 3. That any Act of Parliament for the apprehending
Resolved, That is our opinion that no friend to the
it and carrying persons into another Colony, or to Great
rights and of America ought to purchase any
liberties Britain, to be tried for any crime, alleged to be committed
goods whatsoever, which shall be unported from Great within this Colony, or subjecting them to be tried by
Britain, after a General Association shall be agreed on, Commissioners, or any Court constituted by Act of Parlia-
except such as are before excepted. ment or otherwise, within this Colony, in a summary way,
Resolved, That every kind of luxury, dissipation, and without a jury of the vicinage, is unconstitutional, and
extravagance, ought to be banished from amongst us. subversive of the rights and liberties of the free subjects of
Resolved, That the raising sheep, hemp, flax, and cot- this Colony.
ton, ought to be encouraged likewise all kinds of manu-
; 4. That it is our indispensable duty, which w'e owe to
factures, by any other proper means.
subscriptions, or our King, our country, ourselves, and our posterity, by all
Resolved, That the importing slaves and convict servants, lawful ways and means in our power, to maintain, defend
is injurious to this Colony, as it obstructs the population of and preserve our loyalty, rights and liberties, and to
it with freemen and useful manufacturers, and that we will transmit them inviolate to the latest generations and that ;

not buy any such sjave or convict servant hereafter to be it is our fixed, determined and unalterable resolution
imported. our bounden duty.
faithfully to discharge this
Resolved, That every county in this Colony ought to 5. That our unanimous opinion, that it would con-
it is

appoint Deputies to meet upon the first day of August, duce to the restoration of the liberties of America should
in the City of Williamsburg, then and there to consult the Colonies enter into a joint agreement not to purchase
upon the most proper means for carrying these or any or use any articles of British manufacture, nor any com-
other resolutions which shall be judged more expedient for modities imported from the East Indies, under such restric-
obtaining peace and tranquillity in America into execution. tions as may be agreed on by a general Congress of
Resolved, That Henry Pendleton, and Henry Field, Delegates from all the Colonies, hereafter to be appoint-
Junior, Esquires, be appointed upon the part of the ed.
freeholders and inhabitants of this county, to meet and 6. That as the town of Boston is now suffering in the
consult with such Deputies as shall be appointed by tlie common cause of American freedom, it is the opinion of
other counties. this meeting, that subscriptions be hereafter opened in
Resolved, That the Clerk transmit these Resolves to every town in this county, and the money subscribed to
the press, and request the Printer to publish them without be applied towards the relief of the suffering poor in said
delay. By order of the Meeting, town of Boston, until they may be relieved, by being
John Jameson, Clerk. restored to their just rights and privileges.
7. That this county will appoint a Committee to meet
the Committees of the several counties of this Colony, at
By his Right Honourable John Earl
Excellency the
such time and place as may be agreed on, in order to elect
o/DuNMORE, Lieutenant and Governour-
his Majesty's
and appoint Delegates to represent this Colony at the
General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia,
general Congress, whose resolutions and determinations we
and Vice Admiral of the same :
And we do
—
A Proclamation. Virginia, to wit :
will most strictly adhere to, and abide by.
hereby unanimously request the following gentlemen to
Whereas the General Assembly is summoned to meet accept of that trust, and do accordingly appoint them our
on Thursday, the 11th of next month, but I find no urgent Committee for the purpose aforesaid, viz: JSamuel Tucker,
occasion for their meeting at that time, I have therefore John Mehelm, J<din Hart, Isaac Smith, Charles Coxe,
thought fit, by this Proclamation, in his Majesty's name, Joachim Griggs, Benjamin Brearly, Abraham Hunt, and
farther to prorogue the said Assembly to the first Thursday John Emley.
in November next. As we apprehend Neto- Brunswick is not so convenient
Given undermy hand, and the seal of the Colony, at to the members of the lower counties, and that all the
Williamsburg, this 8lh day of July, in the fourteenth counties will hardly have sufficient time to appoint their
year of his Majesty's reign. Dunmore. Committees, by the 21st of July, with submission, we
God save the King, would propose Princeton, as most cential, to be the place,
525 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 526
aiidThursday, the 1 1th of August, the time of meeting of impartial trial of all such persons as are charged with, and
the several Committees. Thomas Shelton, for thedue punishment of those offences.
Committee Cleric. Resolved, That the late Act for shutting up the port of
Boston, and the two Bills relative to Boston, which by the
last accounts from Great Britain, had been brought into
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN NEW-YORK. Parliament, there read and committed, are of the most
Charleetown, S. C, July 8, 1774.
alarming nature to all his Majesty's subjects in America —
are calculated to deprive many thousands Americans of
On the 6th instant, according to proper notices dispersed
their rights, properties, and privileges, in a most cruel, op-
over the Province, began at Charlcsiown our general
all
meeting of Delegates from all the counties, for agreeing
pressive, and unconstitutional manner —
are most dangerous
precedents and though levelled immediately at the people
;
upon general Resolutions, and for the appointment of Dep-
of Boston, very manifestly and glaringly show if the
uties to represent and act for us at the general Congress.
inhabitants of that town are intimidated into a mean sub-
This meeting was perhaps one of the most respectable
mission to said Acts, that the like are designed for all the
ever held in America, and continued with very little inter-
Colonies ; when, not even the shadow of liberty to his
mission till this afternoon, when the business was conclud-
person, or security of his property, will be left to any of
ed with the enclosed Resolutions. Do not be surprised at
his subjects residing on the American Continent.
not seeing any non-importation or exportation resolves.
Resolved, Therefore, that not only the dictates of hu-
We had such, but gave them up, to succeed in the allow-
manity, but the soundest principles of true policy and self-
ing full powers to our Deputies, which was gaining a grand
preservation, make it absolutely necessary for the inhab-
point. They were chosen by ballot, which kept us up
itants of all the Colonies in America to assist and support
till after midnight. At this election, the Merchants
the people of Boston by all lawful ways in their power,
appeared with us for the first time but miscarried in their
;
and especially, to leave no justifiable means untried to
choice. The voters names were all taken down. They
procure a repeal of those Acts immediately relative to
have, by voting inthe appointment of Deputies so fully
them, also of all others affecting the constitutional rights
empowered, acceded to non-importation or exportation, if
and liberties of America in general, as the best means to
the Congress should adopt those measures. The people,
effect this desirable end.
nevertheless, were so uneasy for agreements to be entered
Resolved, That Henry Middleton, John Rutledge,
into, that it was at last declared, on the part of the Trade,
Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch, and Edward Rut-
that they would (of their own motion) countermand their
ledge, Esquires, be, and they are hereby nominated and
orders, and would not import while the present troubles
appointed Deputies on the part and behalf of this Colony,
continue.
to meet the Deputies of the several Colonies of North
Captain Hunt has behaved so exceeding clever upon
America, in general Congress, the first Monday of Sep-
the present occasion, by staying three days for the result
tember next, at Philadelphia, or at any other time or
of our meeting, and for our letters, that he this day received
place that may be generally agreed upon there to con-
publick thanks in our full meeting. His stay has given me
;

sider the Act lately passed, and Bills depending in Parlia-

this opportunity of subscribing myself, Stc, he.
ment, with regard to the port of Boston, and Province of
Massachusetts Bay, which Act and Bills, in the precedent
and consequences, affect the whole Continent also the ;
SOUTH CAROLINA RESOLUTIONS.
grievances under which America labours by reason of the
Resolutions unanimously entered into by the Inhabitants several Acts of Parliament that imposes taxes or duties for
of South Carolina, at a General Meeting held at' Charles- raising a revenue, and lay unnecessary restraints and
iovm, in said Colony, on Wednesday, Thursday, and burthens on trade and of the Statutes, Parliamentary
;

Friday, the 6th, 7th, and 8th days of July, 1774: Acts, and Royal Instructions, which make any invidious
Resolved, That his Majesty's subjects in North Ameri- distinction between his Majesty's subjects in Great Britain
ca owe the same allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain —
and America with full power and authority, in behalf of
tliat is due from his subjects born in Great Britain. us and our constituents, to concert, agree to, and effectually
Resolved, That his Majesty's subjects in America are prosecute such legal measures, (by which we for ourselves
entitled to all the inherent rights and liberties of his natural and tiiem, most solemnly engage to abide) as in the opin-
born subjects within the Kingdom of Great Britain. ion of the said Deputies, and of the Deputies so to be
Resolved, That it is repugnant to the rights of the assembled, shall be most likely to obtain a repeal of the
people, that any taxes should be imposed on them, unless said Acts, and a redress of those grievances.
with their own consent, given personally or by their Rep- Resolved, That we will agree to pay the expenses of
resentatives. those gentlemen who may be fixed upon to be sent upon
Resol ed. That it is a fundamental right which his this business.
31ajesty's liege subjects are entitled to, that no man Resolved, That while the oppressive Acts relative to
should suffer person or property without a fair trial,
in his Boston are enforced, we will cheerfully from lime to time,
and judgment given by his peers, or by the laws of the contribute towards the relief of such poor persons there,
land. whose unfortunate circumstances, occasioned by the opera-
Resolved, That all trials of treason, misprision of treason, tion of those Acts, may be thought to stand in need of
or for any felony or crime whatever, committed and done most assistance.
in this his Majesty's Colony, by any person or persons re- Resolved, That we will, by all means in our power, en-
siding therein, ought of right to be had and conducted in deavour to preserve harmony and union amongst all the
his Majesty's Courts held within the said Colony, accord- Colonies.
ing to the fixed and known course of proceeding and that ; Resolved, That a Committee of ninety-nine persons be
the seizing any person or persons residing in this Colony, now appointed to act as a General Committee to correspond
suspected of any crime whatever, committed therein, and with tlie Committees of the other Colonies and do all ;

sending such person or persons to places beyond the sea to matters and things necessary to carry these Resolutions into
be tried, is oppressive and illegal, and highly derogatory to execution and that any twenty -one of them together may
—
;

the rights of British subjects as thereby the inestimable

; proceed to business their power to continue till the next
privilege of being tried by a jury from the vicinage, as general meeting; and in case of the death, departure from
well as tiie benefit of summoning and procuring witnesses the Province, or refusal to act, of any or either of them,
on such trial, will be taken away from the party accused. the parish or district for which such person dying, removing,
Resolved, That the statute made in the thirty-fifth year or refusing to act, was chosen, shall fill up the vacancy.
of Henry the Eighth, chapter two, entitled, " An Act for Names of the Committee then chosen for Charlestoivn :
" the trial of treasons committed out of the King's Domin- Miles Brewton, Esquire, George Abbott Hall, John
" ions," does not extend, and cannot, but by an arbitrary Edtvards, Esquire, Charles Atkins, John Baxcson,
and cruel construction, be construed to extend to treasons, Thomas Shirley, John Neufvillc, John Smyth Alexander ,

misprisions of treasons, or concealment of treasons com- Gillon, Peter Bacot, Gideon Dupont, Esquire, Roger
mitted in any of his Majesty's American Colonies, where Smith, Esquire, Major William Savage, Thomas Corbett,
there is sufficient provisions by the law of the land for the David Deas, Esquire, Colonel Charles Pinckney, Messrs,
527 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 528

Peter Timothy, Daniel Cannon, Bernard Beckman, 9th. Resolved, That we do most heartily concur with
Theodore Trezvant, John Fullerton, Joseph Verrce, our late worthy Representatives in their resolve for the
William Truster, William Johnson. Anthony Toomer, disuse of tea and that we will not hereafter purchase any
;

Timothy Crosby, John Bericiclc, Joshua Lockivood, East India commodities whatsoever.
James Brown, and Edward Weyman ; and sixty-nine 10th. Resolved, That the S])iiited conduct of the town of
for the several Parishes of this Province. Boston hath been serviceable to the cause of freedom, (all
other methods having failed,) and that no reparation ouglit
to be made to the East India Company, or other assist-
ESSEX COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. ants, for any injury they have sustained, unless it be the
express condition on which all our grievances shall be
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
removed.
of Essex County, Virginia, at the Court House thereof,
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting,
lltli.
on Saturday, the 9th of July, 1774, seriously to consider
that any general censure upon the conduct of the town of
the present dangers which threaten ruin to America7i
Boston respecting the tea, without allowing to them the
liberty
motives of resistance upon the i)rinciples of publick virtue
Mr. John Upshaw, being chosen Moderator, and necessity, is inimical to American liberty and we are ;

The following Resolves were j)ropo3ed, and unanimously persuaded that none but Ministerial hirelings, and professed
agreed to enemies of American freedom, will adopt a language so
1st. Resolved, That we will at all times and upon all impolitick, which manifestly tends to create a disunion of
occasions bear tnie and faithful allegiance to his Majesty sentiments, at this time fatal to America.
King George the Third, and that, as freemen, we always 12th. Resolved, That the Parliament have no right to
have been, and ever shall be, willing constitutionally to pass an Act to remove our persons to Great Britain, or
give and grant liberally our proj)erty for the support of his any other place whatsoever, to be tried for any offence,
crown and dignity, and the preservation of our parent and that we are determined not to submit thereto.
state, but that we can never consent to part with it on 13th. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting
any other terms. that no merchant in this, or any other Colony on this
2d. Resolved, That the Legislature of this Colony, for Continent, shall advance the goods now on hand higher
the purpose of internal taxation, is distinct from that of than they are at present, or have been for some time, and
Britain, founded upon the principles of the British Con- that the merchants in the several counties sign an agree-
stitution, and equal in all respects to the purposes of legis- ment to that effect.
lation and taxation within this Colony. 14th. Resolved, That a subscription be set on foot for
3d. Resolved, That the people of this Colony, in par- Boston who now suffer
raising provisions for the poor of
ticular, and of America in general, have a clear and by the blocking up of their port, and that Robert Beverly,
absolute right to dispose of their property by their own John Lee, and Muscoe Gamett, in Saint Anne's Parish,
consent, expressed by themselves or by their Representa- and Archibald Ritchie and John Upshaio, in the upper
tives in Assembly, and any attempt to tax or take their part of Southfamham Parish, and Meriwether Smith and
money from them in any other manner, and all other acts James Edmondson, in the lower part thereof, take in sub-
tending to enforce submission to them, is an exertion of scriptions for that purpose ; who are to consign what may
power contrary to natural justice, subversive of the be raised to some proper persons to be distributed and the ;

English Constitution, destructive of our Charters, and before mentioned gentlemen are empowered to charter a
oppressive. vessel to send it to Boston.
4th. Resolved, That the town of Boston, in our sister 15th. Resolved,That this meeting have the deepest
Colony of Massachusetts Bay, is now suffering in the sense of the injuries in which the merchants and manu-
common cause of North America, for their just opposition facturers of Great Britain must necessarily be involved
to such Acts, andit is indispensably necessary that all the by a non-importation resolution, they having placed an
Colonies should firmly unite in defence of our common almost unlimited confidence in us for a series of years, and
rights. by that means have the greatest part of their fortunes
5th. Resolved, That the opinion of this meeting,
it is lodged in our hands, and that nothing but the desire of
that an agreement to stop all exports to, and imports from preserving our rights and liberties could induce us to adopt
Great Britain and the West Indies, firmly entered into a measure big with such melancholy consequences.
and religiously complied with, will, at all times, prove a 16th. Resolved, That James Edmondson and William
safe and infallible means of securing us against the evils of Roane, Esquires, the late Representatives of this county,
any unconstitutional and tyrannical Acts of Parliament, be, and they are hereby appointed Deputies to represent
and may be adopted upon the principles of self-preserva- us at the general meeting of Deputies for the several
tion, the great law of nature. counties in this Colony, on the first day of August, in
6th. Resolved, That the inhabitants of this county will Williamsburg; and we desire that they will exert their
firmly join with the other counties of this Colony, and the best abilities for the security of our constitutional rights
other Colonies on this Continent, or a majority of them, and liberties, and to appoint Deputies to meet at the gen-
to stop all exports to, and imports from Great Britain and eral Congress the Deputies of the other Colonies on this
the West Indies, and all other parts of the world, except Continent.
the Colonies of North America, if such a measuie shall be 17th. Resolved, That the Clerk transmit the foregoing
deemed expedient by the Deputies at the general Congress, proceedings to the Printers to be published in their Gazette.
and that whatever agreement the Congress shall come to William Young, Clerk of the Meeting.
for the advancing the common cause of North America,
relating to exports, imports, or otherwise, ought to be con-
sidered as binding as any act of the Legislature; and that we FAU<IUIER COUNTY (vIUGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
will use our utmost endeavours to support and maintain such
At a General Meeting of the Freeholders of the County
general agreement at the expense of our lives and fortunes.
of Fauquier, in Virginia, on the 9th of July, 1774, fit
7th. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting,
the Court House of the said County :

that the several Courts in this Colony ought not to proceed

to tlie forwarding or trial of civil causes until our exports Mr. Wharton Ransdell, being chosen Moderator,
are opened. The following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to:
8th. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, Resolved, That it is an undoubted right of British
that the East India Company, having a design to monopo- subjects, and without whicii freedom cannot exist, to be
lize a great part of the American trade to the injury of the taxed only by their own free consent, either personally
other merchants of Britain trading to America, and given, or bv their Representatives legally assembled.
knowing well the fatal consequences that must have Resolved, That as the British subjects in America are
resulted from their fixing a precedent for future taxes, by not, and from their situation cannot ever be. re])resented in
importing tea into the Colonies, became the willing instru- the British Parliament, any Act of Parliament laying a tax
ment of the Ministry to destroy American liberty, and on them is subversive of their natural rights, and contrary
deserve the loss they have sustained. to the first principles of our free Constitution.
529 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JULY, 1774. 530

Resolved, That the Act of Parhament laying a duty on is an act of power without right, is subversive of the
tea, Stc, exported from Great Britain to these Colonies, libertiesof the said Colonies, deprives them of their pro-
for the avowed purpose of raising a revenue in America, perty without their consent, and thereby reduces them to a
will, if submitted to, fix a precedent, whereby the Parlia- state of slavery.
mentary claim of taxing America may be established, arbi- Resolved, That the late cruel, unjust, and sanguinary
trary power introduced, and the liberty of the British Acts of Parliament, to be executed by military force and
Colonies laid at the feet of a despotick and execrable Min- ships of war upon our sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay
ister. and town of Boston, is a strong evidence of the corrupt
Resolved, That the hostile invasion of the town and influence obtained by the British Ministry in Parliament,
port of Boston, in New England, is a dangerous attack and a convincing proof of their fixed intention to deprive
on the liberty of the British Colonies in America in gen- the Colonies of their constitutional rights and liberties.
eral, strongly tending to dissolution of Government, and Resolved, That the cause of the town of Boston is the
totally to alienate the affection of the Colonies from the common cause of all the American Colonies.
mother country and as our humble Petitions, Memorials,
; Resolved, That it is the duty and intefest of all the
and Remonstrances, have hitherto failed to procure us that American Colonies firmly to unite in an indissoluble union
redress which the oppressions we suffer, and the justice of and association, to oppose, by every just and proper means
our cause entitles us to. the infringement of their common rights and liberties.
Resolved, And it is the unanimous opinion of this meet- Resolved, That a general Association between all the
ing, that till the said Act of Parliament shall be repealed, American Colonies not to import from Great Britain any
and till the ships of war and troops be withdrawn from the commodity whatsoever, ought to be entered into, and not
said town of Boston, and the rights and freedom of the dissolved until the just rights of the said Colonies are re-
same be restored, all exports whatsoever from this Colony stored to them, and the cruel Acts of the British Parlia-
to Great Britain, and imports from thence be stopped, ment against the Massachusetts Bay and town of Boston,
and that the Courts of Justice ought to decline the trial of are repealed.
civil causes, except attachments, where the attached goods Resolved, That no friend of the rights and liberties of
are perishable, and motions against the Collectors and America ought to purchase any commodity whatsoever
Sheriffs for money actually in their hands. which be imported from Great Britain, after a cer-
shall
Resolved, That any person who, contrary to the general tain time hereafter to be limited by the Congress, which
sense of the country, expressed by their late Represent- is shortly expected to meet, nor ought such to have any

atives, shall purchase, vend, or make use of tea, till such kind of dealing or connection with any merchant who shall
time as the Act of Parliament laying a duty on that article refuse to agree to the measures hereafter to be adopted by
for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, shall be said Congress.
repealed, shall be deemed an enemy to American liberty, Resolved, That every kind of luxury, dissipation, and
and the common rights of mankind, and ought to be pub- extravagance, ought to be banished from amongst us.
lickly stigmatised as such. Resolved, That manufactures ought to be encouraged,
Resolved, That the town of Boston aforesaid, is now by opening subscriptions for that purpose, or by any other
suffering in the common cause of American liberty, and proper means.
ought to be supplied with such articles as are necessary for Resolved, That the African trade is injurious to this
their support by the voluntary contribution of the Colonies Colony, obstructs the population of it by freemen, prevents
in general. manufacturers and other useful emigrants from Europe from
Resolved, That these our sentiments be, by the Moder- settling among us, and occasions an annual increase of the
ator of this meeting, delivered to our late Representatives, balance of trade against this Colony.
who, notwithstanding they were, by the sudden interven- Resolved, That the raising sheep, hemp, and flax, ought
tion of the Executive power of this Colony, deprived of to be encouraged.
their legislative capacity, arestill possessed of our confi- Resolved, That to be clothed in manufactures fabricated
dence, and desired to appear at the general meeting, at in this Colony ought to be considered as a badge and dis-
Williamsburg, on the 1st day of August next ; and that tinction of respect and true patriotism.
they be assured, in the most solemn manner, of our hearty Resolved, That the dissolution of the General Assembly
concurrence in, and firm support of, all such measures as by order of the British Ministry, whenever they enter
by a majority of the late Repreeentatives of this Colony, upon the consideration of the rights and liberties of the
then and there to be convened, shall be thought proper subject, against attempts to destroy them, is an evidence of
and necessary for the security of our liberty, the improve- the fixed intention of the said Ministry to reduce the
ment of our manufactures, and to procure a redress of Colonies to a state of slavery.
American grievances. Resolved, That the people of this Colony, being by
Petek Grant, ClerTc, such dissolution, deprived of a legal representation, ought
to nominate and appoint, for every county, proper Depu-
ties to meet upon the 1st day of August, in the City of
NANSEMOND COUNTY (viRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. Williamsburg, then and there to consult and agree upon
At a General Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabit- the best and most proper means for carrying into execu-
ants of the County of JSansemond, on the 11th day of tion these, or any other Resolutions, which shall be judged
July, 1774, the following Resolutions were proposed and more expedient for the purj)oses aforesaid.
unanimously agreed to Resolved, That Lemuel Riddick and Benjamin Baker
Resolved, That we will at all times, whenever we are Esquires, our late Representatives be, and they are hereby,
calledupon for that purpose, maintain and defend, at the nominated and appointed Deputies upon the part of the
expense of our and fortunes, his Majesty's right and
lives freeholders and inhabitants of this county, to meet such
title to the Crown of Great Britain and his Dominions in Deputies as shall be appointed by the other counties and
America, to whose royal person and Government we profess corporations within this Colony, in the City of Williams-
all due obedience and fidelity. burg, upon the 1st day of August next, or at any other
Resolved, That the right to impose taxes or duties to be time or place, for the purposes aforesaid.
paid by the inhabitants within this Dominion, for any pur- Resolved, That at this important and alarming conjunc-
pose whatsoever, is peculiar and essential to the General ture it be earnestly recommended to the said Deputies, at
Assembly, in whom the Legislative authority of the Colony the said General Convention, that they nominate and ap-
is vested. point fit and proper persons, upon the part of this Colony,
Resolved, That every attempt to impose such taxes or to meet such Deputies, in a general Congress, as shall be
duties by any other authority is an arbitrary exertion of appointed upon the part of the other Continental Colonies
power, and an infringement of tlie constitutional rights and in America, to consult and agree upon a firm and indisso-
of the Colony.
liberties luble union and association, for preserving, by the best and
Resolved, Tliat to impose a tax or duty upon tea by the most proper means, their common rights and liberties.
British Parliament, in which the Commons of the North Resolved, That this Colony ought not to trade with any
American Colonies can have no representation, to be paid Colony which shall refuse to join in any union and asso-
upon importation by the inhabitants of the said Colonies, ciation that shall be agreed upon by the greater part of tlie

Fourth Series. 34
531 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 532

Colonies u|)on tliis Continent, for preserving their common was further unanimously resolved, that copies of
It
rights and liberties. allthe foregoing Resolutions be transmitted to every Col-
Resolved, Tiiat a copy of these Resohilions be trans- ony on this Continent, from Canada to West tlorida,
mitted to each of the Printers of both the Gazettes, with accompanied with a letter to each respectively, signed by
the earnest request of this county that the other counties the Chairman, inviting them to unite with us and that as
;

and corporations within this Colony will appoint Deputies Captain Hunt had voluntarily detained his vessel for some
to meet at the time and place, and for the purposes afore- days on purpose to carry an account of the transactions
said. of the present meeting to New- York, copies of the whole
should be delivered to him, together with the thanks of
the meeting, which he received accordingly. The thanks
EXTRACT or A LETTER RECEIVED IN BOSTON, DATED of the meeting were also given to Colonel Foivell, tlie
CHARLESTOWN, S. C, JULY 11, 1774. Honourable Rawlins Lowndes, and the Secretary, after
In consequence of the advertisements lately published which the general meeting was dissolved.
by the General Committee, and other proper means used Upon the ninth Resolve, (for naming the five Deputies)
to obtain the sense of the whole Colony on the present three several questions were put, viz: 1st. Whether the
alarming state of American affairs, on IVedmsday last, appointment of Deputies was a necessary measure ? 2d.
the 6th instant, the largest body of the most respectable Wliether they siiould be invested with the full powers
inhabitants that has ever been seen together upon any pub- therein expressed ? 3d. Whether the number of Dep-
lick occasion here, or perhaps any where in America, (for uties sliould be five ? All which passing unanimously in
gentlemen of the greatest property and character, animated the affirmative, it was proposed and agreed to unanimously,
with an ardent zeal to relieve their suffering brethren, and that the Deputies should be chosen by ballot, and that
to preserve their own freedom and the birth-rights of their every free white person residing in the Province should be
posterity, notwithstanding the extreme inconvenience of entitled to vote. That the poll siiould be opened at two
the season, from even the remotest parts of the country o'clock, and close at six. A balloting box was accordingly
attended) met at the Exchange, in this town, in order to provided the votes were received, and at midnight, in
;

" consider of the Papers, Letters, and Resolutions that presence of several hundred spectators, the election was
" had been transmitted to the said Committee from the declared in favour of the gentlemen whose names are in-
" Northern Colonies and also of the steps necessary to be
; serted in the Resolution.
" pursued in union with the inhabitants of our sister Coio- And Lord North may not be misinformed in the
that
" nies on this Continent, to avert the dangers impending case, as hehad been in most others, by being told that this
" over American liberties in general, by the late hostile was the meeting of a rabble, and the election of a mob,
" Act of Parliament against Boston, and other arbitrary we shall take the liberty here to subjoin a list of the mem-
" measures of the British Ministry," and, after choosing bers of our present honourable Commons House of As-
the Honourable Colonel Powell, (who had presided at all sembly, all of whom voted except five, who were by sick-
the former general meetings) for their Chairman, and the ness or accident prevented from attending. Besides these
same Secretary as had hitherto served, continued in solemn there were at least as many gentlemen who had been
deliberation upon these important matters, on that and the Representatives of the people in former Assemblies, who
two succeeding days, during which the following Resolves voted on this occasion.
were unanimously entered into.* \See Folio 525.] In the course of the debates during these important

* The 6th day of July now arrived ; and Charleslown was filled with That should the measure be not adopted, the Colonies, by their import-
people from the country. One hundred and four Deputies represented ations, would preserve to the British manufacturers that support which
all parts of the Colony, except Grenville County, St. John's Colleton they had been accustomed to receive from the American trade, whereby
County, and Christ Church Parish. These districts sent no Deputies they would be supine and not join the American demand for a repeal.
and, in behalf of Charleatown, the General Committee joined the Dep- In addition to this, the remittances from the Colonies would enable the
uties from the country. The meeting was held under the Exchange, people of England to employ those moans to assist them in enslaving
on the 6th of July. 1774, and a crowded meeting it was. At nine the Colonies ; whereas, being withhokhn, the national credit of Great
o'cloclt in tlie morning, Colonel George Gabriel Powell took the Chair, Britain would be shaken, and the measures of Administration be ijifin.
and it was carried the votes should bo given by each person present, itcly embarrassed.
.Tnd not by parishes. It was also further determined, thut whoever To these arguments it was answered, that such a measure ought not
came there might give his votT. The business of the day then opened, to take place until all others had failed of success ; for its operation
with reading the couimunications from the Nortliern Colonies. They would be violent, both among ourselves and the peojile of England.
then proceeded to consider cjrtaiii resolutions touching American That thousands in this Colony would be ruined by it. That the people
rights and grievances. These being agreed to, declared. That his of the interiour wore averse to so harsh a measure ; neither was it cer-
Majesty's subjects in North America owe the same allegiance to the tain whether united America would approve and support it. That
Oown of Great Britain, as is due from his subjects born within that nothing less than unanimity among all the Colonies, in executing one
Kingdom. That the King's subjects in America are entitled to all the general plan of conduct, could affect measur s in Great Britain; and
inherent rights and liberties enjoyed by natural born subjects within the as the general opinion seemed to point to a general Congress, so only,
Kingdom of Great Britain, That taxes should not bo impos :d on the in that Congress, could such a plan of conduct be formed and agreed
people, but by their own consent, given personally, or by their Repre. upon.
Bsntatives. That all trials, for any crime whatever, committed and By similar arguments the matter was warmly contested when, ;

done in the Colony, ought to be had and conducted within the Colony, without forming any determination, the subject was drop|jed, and the
according to the fixed and known course of proceeding. That the meeting turned their attention to consider the proposal of sending
statute of thirty-fifth of Henry the Eighth, chapter 2d, entitled " An Deputies to the intended Congress. Here another cause of warm do-
Act for the trial of treasons committed out of the King's Dominions," bate arose, as to the number of Deputies who should be appointed, and
does not, and cannot, extend to any crimes committed in any of his the powers with which they should be invested and, without coming
;

Majesty's American Colonies. That the three late Acts of Parlia- to any conclusion on these points, the meeting adjourned to an hour in
ment, relative to Boston, are of a most alarming nature to all his the afternoon.
Majesty's subjects in America; and although levelled at the people of In the afternoon the meeting again convened to determine on the
Boston, they glaringly show, if the inhabitant of that town are intinii. points they were considering, and by a majority of eleven, it was car-
dated into a mean submission to those Acts, the like are designed for ried that there should lie five Deputies, and that they should have
all the Colonies, when not even the shadow of liberty to liis person, or unlimited power but that these points should still be subject to the
;

of security to his property, will bo left to any of his Majesty's subjects vote of the meeting.
residing on the Ameriean Continent. Wherefore, every justifiable On the 7th of July the meeting was again holden, and the measures
means ought to be tried to procure a repeal of those Acts, immediately of non-exportation and non-importation were again warmly debated.
relative to Boston ; and, also, of all others affecting tlie constitutional And it was urged, that before the measure should be adopted, the gene-
rights and liberties of America in general. ral Congress ought to send a deputation with a petition and remon-
To effect these great points, two measures wore proposed to adopt
: strance to the Throne ; and if, aflor that, America remained unre-
—
the Boston vote of the I3th of May and to send Deputies to a general dressed, it would be time enougli to break off all connnerce with Great
Congress, Upon these subjects, there was groat dissimilarity of opin- Britain. The vote was now taken on the subject, and the proposition
ion. -\ll parties agreed on the i)roposition of sending Deputies ; but of non-exportation and non.imijortalion was nject"d. It was then
the Boston vote dl<l not moot so universal a support. This lost measure resolved, that five Deputies should, by ballot, be elected on the part
was, therefore, first taken up and considered. and behalf of this Colony, to meet the Deputies of the other Colonies
In favour of the Boston vote it was urged, that American lives and of North America in general Congress, the first Monday in September
property were exposed to be taken at the niiindate of a British Min- next, at Philadelphia, or at any other time or place that may be
ister ; that the men would bo exposed to slavery ; their wives and generally agreed on, with full power and authority in behalf of them,
diugiiters to the outrages of a soldiery. To avert these dangers and their constituents, to concert, agree to, and effectually prosecute
something vigorous was to be done ; something that might shake even Bucli legal measures as, in the opinion of those Deputi^'s, and of the
Majesty itself. That a measure of non-exportation and non-import- Deputies of the other Colonies, should be most likely to obtain a re-
ation seemed above all others best calculated to force a repeal of the peal of the late Acts of Parliament, and a redress of American griev-
lato Acts. It was a constitutional measure, for what power had a ances.
right to compel the people to grow, export, and sell commothtics of any A was now opened to oil persons, and at midnight it appeared
poll
kind or to purchase, or import cominodilics from any state ?
; That that Henry Middleton, John Rutledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher
such a measure taking place in America would ruin tlij British trade Gadsden, and Edward Rutledge, were chosen Deputies to represent
to those Dominions ; and thereby shake the firnmesa of Parliament. this Colony in General Congress.
533 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JULY, 1774. 534
transactions (for every point underwent the fullest discus- Three of the present Deputies appointed to represent
sion) the greatest unanimity appeared each one considered
; thisColony in a general Congress, to be soon held at the
his neighbour as a free-born American, and overlooked all northward, viz: Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch,
distinctions. As in the deluge of old, the wolf and the and John Ruthdgc, Esquires, were our Deputies at the
lamb swam together, so the sense of our common danger former Congress.
extinguished all private considerations. The set of advo- Friday evening the new General Committee met, and
cates for the present misguided Administration, whose chose Colonel Charles Pinckney, (one of the Representa-
chains had often been heard to clatter in private compa- tives for the Parish of St. Philip, Charlestown,) for their
nies, were all struck dumb, and kept aloof from the publick Chairman, and Peter Timothy for their Secretary. The
debates. The Colony was ready to go into resolutions of said Committee also met this day, when they agreed to
non-importation if it had been found absolutely necessary, have stated meetings, and to sit again on Wednesday, the
but it was thought most proper to invest our Deputies with 20th instant, at six o'clock in the evening, at the house of
absolute power, to agree with the other members of a Con- Mr. Charles Ramage, and on every other Wednesday after,
gress in any measures that so they might take place from
; at the same hour and place.
one end of this extensive Continent to the other, on one Copies of the Resolutions of the late general meetings,
and the same day. And several of the principal mer- accompanied with a Circular Letter, have already been
chants made a publick declaration in behalf of the rest, that, despatched to every Colony on this Continent, fromCaTWtrfa
in order to quiet the minds of the people, they were ready to Georgia inclusive.
and willing to enter into any agreement, not only to desist Three hundred a fifty more barrels of rice are now ready
importing British or East India goods, wines, and slaves, to be shipped, as soon as a proper vessel can be procured
but also to countermand all orders already sent, till the to caiTy it for the relief of the poor sufferers in Boston.
event of the Congress should be known ; which declaration
was received with a loud and general plaudit.
Rejoice ye friends of Freedom in Georgia ! and hasten MILES BKEWTON TO JOSIAH QUINCT, JR.
to do likewise. Be comforted ye oppressed Bostonians Charlestown, S. C, July 12. 1774.

and exult ye Northern votaries of Liberty that the sacred

! Dear Sir: I this day received your polite favour of
rays of Freedom, which used to beam from you on us, are the 29th of May, and can only say 1 wish it had been in
now reverberated, with double efficacy, back upon your- my power to show more civility to a gentlemen I so much
selves from your weaker sister Carolina, who stands fore- esteem as I do Mr. Quincy. You have my best thanks
most in a resolution to sacrifice her all in your defence. for your pamphlet. Too many cannot step forth at this
And tremble, ye minions of Slavery a blow will soon be
1 alarming crisis, in defence of the much injured rights of
struck, if you urge us to that extremity, which will con- America; and those that do, 'should, and no doubt have,
vince you, that one soul animates three millions of brave the united thanks of the friends of America.
Americans, though extended over a long tract of two Your situation at this time is truly hazardous and alarm-
thousand miles. Ye vainly thought we were a rope of ing, but you will not fall for want of friends, because all
sand; but, you will find, unless we are put on the same British America are your friends. For God's sake be
footing with Englishmen, before nine months, millions of firm and discreet, at this time. The good people of this
people, who depend on America for their daily bread, will Colony have sent for your port one sloop load of rice, and
curse you with their dying groans. we shall send more soon.
The 6th, 7th, and 8th instant, we had the greatest
During the debate this day, touching the powers of the DaputisB,
it was strongly contended their powers should be limited. To this Assembly of the inhabitants of this Colony I ever saw.
purpose, among other arguments, it was urged by Mr. Rawlins After much debate it was determined that Henry Middle-
Lowndes, who was then Speaker of the Commons House of Assembly, ton, John Rutledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden,
that it was well known the Northern Colonies in general totally denied
the superintending power of Parliament, a doctrine which no one here
and Edivard Rutledge, should, on the 1st of September,
admitted. And, unless the Deputies from this Colony appeared in Con. meet the general Congress at Philadelphia. Their powers
gress with limited powers, being outnumbered by the Northern Depu. are unlimited, and I hope the other Colonies will do the
ties, they, and consequently their constituents, would be bound by
votes upon points which they at present absolutely denied. But, to
same, and place entire confidence in their Deputies they ;

obviate this danger, the resolution vesting the Deputies with power can do nothing effectual without such powers. I should
was so worded that no vote in Congress could bind this Colony, but suppose the first step taken by Congress would be to re-
such as was agreeable to the opinions of our Deputies. This sentiment
from Mr. Lowndes is here brought into view as being from a gentleman monstrate, and petition King, Lords, and Commons. Our
of prudence and consideration and who, at that time, declared the
; grievances should be all stated in the way of a Bill of
prevailing opinion of the Colony. It will also servo as a point in
Rights, and some of the Deputies should go to England
publick opinion for tracing the rapidity with which the Colony, in a
few months after, adopted the contrary idea. with the petition. If redress does not come, then all to
Antecedent to the meeting of the people, the Chamber of Commerce enter into a non-import and non-export agreement. I
had resolved not to accede to any measure of non-exportation or non. think this seems to be the sense of almost all the Colo-
importation ; they, therefore, dreaded nothing so much as that such a
measure should take place in Congress. H-,nce they aimed that such nies.
men should be elected Deputies as were against the adoption of that Our fears are only about you that you may despond
:

measure. They wished that Mr. Middleton, Mr. Lowndes, Colonel and give up for I am sorry to see you have so many
;

Charles Pincknay, Mr. Brewton, and Mr. John Rutledge, might be

chosen. To contribute their endeavours to tliis end the merchants addere in your own bosom, who may sting you to death.
assembled, and in a body went to the poll ; they also sent for their We have our share also of internal foes. Pity it was that
clerks to come and vote. The zial of the merchants in this transac- Hutchinson should have gone home with so many good
tion bhnded tlioir ])rudoncc, as they did not observe, that by their
appearing in a body tlie opposite party would take the alarm ; and tliat names to petitions it will do you no good, but much harm
;

by voting for Deputies they would bo bound by the conduct of such as 1 fear.
might bu chosen. The meeting accordingly took the alarm, and many of beg to hear as often from you as business permits.
I It
them ran to all parts of tlie town to collect people, and bring them to the
is trifling to write or speak upon publick affairs at this
not
poll ; in consequence of which tiie merchants were defeated, and, except
two gentlemen, other Deputies than those they supported were chosen. time of imminent danger. Politicks should be the theme
On the 8th of July tlie meeting again assembled. They now of the day and our dreams at night should be of the
;

resolved, that a Committee of ninety-nine persons be appointed to act

as a General Committee, and wlio should continue in authority until
hapless situation of our country. However, bad as it is, if
the next general meeting. Tliis Committee had power to correspond Boston does but persevere, and be prudent, her sisters and
with the Committees of the other Colonies, and to do all other matters neighbours will work out her salvation, without taking the
and tilings necessary for carrying the Resolutions of the gimeral meet-
ing into execution a form of words which virtually vested the Com.
;
musket. Unanimity must be our leading star.
mittee with unlimited powers during their existence. The general I am, with great regard, your most obedient and obliged
meeting now proceeded to nominate the members of the General Com- servant, Miles Bkewton.
mittee. They named fifteen Merchants and fifteen Msclianicks, to rep-
resent Charlestuwn, and sixty-niu(! Planters to represent tlie other parts
J. Quincy, Jun.
of the Province. This ])roceeding was rather unconstitutional, as the
different districts and parishes did not choose tlie sixty-nine Planters Boston, July 11, 1774.
who were to rijprjsaut them. Tiiey, liowever, acquiesced in the nomin- week, eleven
ation, being sensilile it pioceedcii from the b -st intentions, and the
At a Town Meeting at Portsmouth, last

nrgency of the occision. And now, tlie general meeting having sat persons were appointed as '• Committee of Inspection, to
a
for three days, and brought those matters to a conclusion for which " examine and find out if any more tea is imported there,
they liad been convened, Colonel Powell prepared minutes of the pro- " and upon discovery, to give the eariiest notice to the.
ceedings ag liiist a future occasion, and, agreeably to the wishes of the
"Town." - --•"-
genoriU meeting, dissolved the same. Drayton.
 535 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JULY, 1774. 536
We learn from Portsmouth, that one day last week, the Resolved, That tlie several counties within this Colony
Members of their late House of Representatives meet at ought to nominate and appoint for every county, proper
the State House in that place, in order to choose Delegates Deputies, to meet upon the firet day of August next, in the
for the general Congress; but before they had time to City of IViUiamshurg, then and there to consult and agree
proceed to business, his Excellency Governour Wcntworth, upon the best and most proper means for carrying into
attended by the Sheriff, came to them, when the former execution these or any other Resolutions which shall be
read a Proclamation, requiring them to disperse, and the best calculated to answer the purposes aforesaid.
latter the Riot Act upon which they adjourned to a
; Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the
Tavern, and agreed that letters be sent to their respective Deputies of the said General Convention to nominate and
towns, to appoint a person out of each, to meet together appoint fit and proper pei-sons on behalf of this Colony to
and join in the choice of Delegates for that Government meet such Deputies as shall be appointed by the other
for the Congress proposed. Colonies in General Congress, to consult and agree upon a
firm and indissoluble union and association for preserving,

NEW-KENT COUNTY (viRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. by the best and most proper means, their common rights
and hberties.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
Resolved, That Burwell Basset, and Barthohmeiv
County of New-Kent, at the Court House of the said
Dandridge, Esquires, our late and present worthy Repre-
County, on Tuesday, the 12th day of July, 1774
sentatives, be and they are hereby nominated and appointed
Thomas Adams, Esq., chosen Moderator, and Deputies, on the part and behalf of the freeholders and
William Clayton, Esquire, Cleric. inhabitants of this county, to meet such Deputies as shall
The present state of America being seriously and duly be appointed by the other counties within this Colony, in
considered, the following Resolutions were proposed and the City of Williamsburg, on the first day of August
agreed to as an Instruction to our Deputies hereafter next, or at any other time or place for the purpose afore-
named said.
Resolved, That our Sovereign Lord, King George the Resolved, further. That our said Deputies agree to join
Third, is lawful and rightful King of Great Britain and in any proper means that shall be adopted for the imme-
all his Dominions in America, to whose royal person and diate relief of the present necessities of the inhabitants of
Government we profess all due subjection, obedience, and the town of Boston.
fidelity and that we will at all tunes defend and protect
; Resolved, That the Clerk transmit the foregoing Reso-
theJust rights of his Majesty with our lives and fortunes. lutions and Instructions to the Printer, to be published.
Hesolved, That the inhabitants of the British Colonies William Clayton, Clerk of the Meeting.
in America are entitled to all the rights, liberties, and
privileges, of free born English subjects.
Resolved, That the right to impose taxes, or duties, to extract of a letter from the honourable govern-
be paid by the inhabitants of this Dominion, for any pur- our WENTWORTH, TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH, DATED
pose whatever is peculiar and essential to the General NEW-HAMPSHIRE, JULY 13, 1774.
Assembly, in whom the legislative authority of the Colony The Convention mentioned in my despatch. No. 63,
is placed, and that taxation and representation are insepar- immediately dispersed without attempting to enter into
able. any measures. Those gentlemen with some others dined
Resolved, That a trial by a jury of the vicinage is the at a tavern, and there in jirivate agreed to recommend to
glory of the English law, and the best security for the life, the several Parishes in the Province, that they choose
liberty, and property, of the subject, and is the undoubted persons to meet at Exeter on the 21st instant, for the pur-
birth-right of all his Majesty's free born American sub- pose of appointing Delegates to attend, and be part of an
jects. American Congress, intended to assemble the 1st of Sep-
Retolved, That the several Acts and Resolutions of the tember next, in Pennsylvania or New-Jersey. The towns
Parliament of Great Britain, made during his present were desired to collect voluntarily, and send by their agents
Majesty's reign, imposing taxes on the inhabitants of Ame- to Exeter, certain sums of money in proportion to their
rica, for the express purpose of raising a revenue, and for Province tax, amounting to three hundred pounds sterling,
altering the nature or punishment of offences committed in to pay the Delegates. It was also recommended to the
America, or the method of trial of such offences, are Parishes, that the 14th instant be observed as a day of
unconstitutional, arbitrary, and unjust, and destructive of fasting and prayer. It is yet uncertain how far these
the rights of America, and that we are not bound to yield requisitions will becomplied with, but I am apt to believe
obedience to any such Acts. the spirit of enthusiasm, which generally prevails through
Resolved, That the late cruel, unjust, and sanguinary the Colonies, will create an obedience that reason or reli-
Acts of Parliament, to be executed by military force and gion would fail to procure.
ships of war, upon our sister Colony of the Massachusetts
Bay and town of Boston, is a strong evidence of the
corrupt influence obtained by the British Ministry in Williamsburg, Va., July 14, 1774.

Parliament, and a convincing proof of their fixed inten- An

express which arrived last Sunday from the frontiers,
tion to deprive the Colonies of their constitutional rights brought letters to his Excellency the Governour from the
and hberties. County Lieutenants of Augusta, Botetourt, and Fincastle,
Resolved, That the cause of the town of Boston is the which advise that skulking parties of Indians (supposed to
common cause of all the American Colonies. be Shawanesc and Delawares) had been discovered lately
Resolved, That it is the duty and interest of all the among the settlements, some of them venturing within
American Colonies firmly to unite in an indissoluble union twenty-five miles of Botetourt Court House. Upon re-
and association, to oppose, by every just and proper ceiving this intelligence, we hear that his Excellency has
means, the infringement of their rights and liberties. directed the militia of those counties to be draughted out,
Resolved, That we do heartly approve of the Resolu- in order to compose a body of men sufficient to go against
tions and Proceedings of our several late Assemblies for the Indian towns, and drive off, or extirpate the blood-
asserting and supporting the just rights and liberties of thirstyand savage inhabitants. By the same express, we
America, from their patriotick Resolves in 1765 to this learn that there have been two skirmishes between our
time. people and the Indians, one of which happened at the head
Resolved, That we will most firmly unite with the other of the Monongahela, wherein three Indians were killed,
counties in this Colony in such measures as shall be approv- and Captain Wilson, who commanded tlie party against
ed of by a majority, as the best and most proper method them, received a shot in his body, but it was hoped would
of preserving our rights and liberties, and opposing the not prove mortal. The other skirmish was on the head of
said unconstitutional Acts of Parliament. Greenbrier, in which the Lieutenant of the party was
Resolved, That the most effectual method of opposing wounded, and one man killed; none of the Indians fell.
the said several Acts of Parliament will be to break off all His Excellency left this city, on the 10th instant, in
commercial intercourse with Great Britain until the said order to take a view of the situation of the frontiers of this
Acts shall be repealed. Colony. It seems his Lordship intends to settle matters
537 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 538
amicably with the Indians, if possible, and purposes to and linen ; and that all and every person who has sent
have conferences with the different Nations, to find out the orders to Great Britain for any articles except such as are
cause of the late disturbance.* already excepted, ought to embrace the fust opportunity to
countermand such orders.
Resolved, That any inhabitant of this Colony who shall
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. import any article not allowed by this Association, or pur-
chase from any other person who shall import such article,
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and others, Inhabitants
except already ordered, shall be deemed a betrayer of the
of the County of Chesterfield, at the Court House of the
liberties of his country and that we will not hold friend-
;
said County, on Thursday, the 14th of July, 1774, to take
ship, or have any connection with such offending person.
into consideration the present very alarming situation of
Resolved, That every kind of luxury, extravagance and
this Colony
dissipation, should now, and at all times, be carefully dis-
The Reverend Archibald M' Robert being unanimously couraged, and that an extensive plan of establishing manu-
chosen Moderator, factories amongst the inhabitants of this, and the other
Resolved, nemine contradicente. That we are ready and Colonies in North America, should immediately be adopted
willing, at the expense of our lives and fortunes, to defend as the only possible means of avoiding that dependent
and maintain his Majesty's right and title to the Crown of commercial connection which hath hitherto subsisted be-
Great Britain, and his American Dominions, against all tween the Colonies and Great Britain, which hath induced
his enemies, and we do profess all just obedience and an arbitrary and designing Administration to attempt the
fidelity to his sacred person and Government. total destruction of our rights and liberties and that to
;

Resolved, That the sole right of making laws for the carry the same more effectually into execution, subscrip-
Government of this his Majesty's ancient Colony and Do- tions be opened for that purpose under proper regulations.
minion of Virginia, and for raising and levying taxes on Resolved, That to dissolve the General Assembly of
the inhabitants thereof, ought to be, and is vested in the the Colony setting for the despatch of publick business,
General Assembly of the said Colony, and cannot be exe- " because they enter into a consideration of the grievances
cuted by any other power without danger to our liberties ;
" under w-hich they labour, and nobly assert their right
subject, nevertheless, as of custom has been, to his Majes- " to freedom," is arbitrary and oppressive, a manifest proof
ty's approbation. of a fixed intention to destroy the ancient constitutional
Resolved, That every other of his Majesty's Dominions legislative authority in the Colony, and directly contradic-
in America, ought to be, and of right is entitled to, the tory to the spirit of the acknowledgments made in favour
same privileges as this Colony. of the rights of a British people.
Resolved, That the present demand of money as a duty Resolved, That this Colony ought not to hold any com-
upon tea imported into this, or any other Colony in Ame- mercial intercourse with any of the Colonies in North
rica, under the authority of the British Parliament, " for America that shall refuse to adopt proper measures for
the sole purpose of raising a revenue in America,'' with- procuring a redress of our grievances.
out the consent of our Representatives, is arbitrary and Resolved, That the town of Boston is now suffering in
unjust, a subversion of the ancient and constitutional mode the cause of American liberty ; that her safety and pro-
of levying money upon British subjects, and evidently tection is, and ought to be, the common cause of the other
calculated to fix a precedent for future demands of the Colonies and that their relief ought to be attempted by
;

same nature, and by that means to reduce the Colonies to all proper and constitutional ways and means in our

a state of slavery, and that all persons aiding in the execu- power.
tion of such laws be considered as enemies to the freedom Resolved, That we do most heartily concur with the
of British subjects. late Representatives of this Colony in their sentiments
Resolved, That the Act of the British Parliament for delivered at the meeting held in Williamsburg after the
depriving the inhabitants of the town of Boston, in our dissolution of the last Assembly. We
return them our
sister Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, of their lawful warmest thanks for their spirited conduct on that and every
trade, as also the Bills brought into the House of Com- other occasion, and entreat their steady and determined
mons of Great Britain, one of which Bills is entitled, attention to the same principles, at the meeting to be held
" A Bill for the impartial administration of justice in the on the first day of August next in the City of Wil-
" cases of persons questioned for any act done by them liamsburg.
" in the execution of the law, or for the suppression of Resolved, That Archibald Cary and Benjamin Wat-
" riots or tumults in the Province of the Massachusetts kins, our late worthy Representatives, together with the
" Bay, in New England," are unjust, arbitrary, and un- Representatives to be chosen for this county in the next
constitutional and although levelled particularly against
; Assembly, be, and they are hereby appointed Deputies on
one of our first Colonies, yet ought to be resented with the part of the freeholders and inhabitants of this county,
the same indignation by this, and every Colony, as if all to meet such Deputies as shall be appointed by the other
of them were included in the said Act and Bills. counties and corporations in this Colony, in the City of
Resolved, That an extensive Association ought to be Williamsburg, on the first day of August next, to take
entered into, and that no goods or commodities of any kind under their consideration the several grievances under
whatsoever ought to be imported from Great Britain into which this, and the other American Colonies, are at pre-
this Colony after the first day of August next, except sent labouring, to concert and deliberate upon proper ways
medicines, paper, books, needles, cotton, wool, and clothiers' and means to procure redress of those grievances, and that
gunpowder, German oznabrigs, hempen rolls,
cards, steel, they, together with such Deputies as shall be then and
negro cotton and plains, Dutch blankets, saltpetre, and there assembled, do nominate proper persons on tlie part
implements necessary for the manufacturing of woollens of this Colony, to meet such Deputies as shall be appointed
upon the part of the other Continental Colonies in a gen-
—
* Fredericksburg, July 17, 1774. His Excellency the Earl of Dun.
eral Congress, to consult and agree upon a firm and indis-
more, arrived here in perfect health on Friday evening, the 15th, and
this morning, at eight o'clock, set out on his way to the back coan. soluble union and association for preserving, by the best
try. and most proper means, their common rights and liberties.
His Lordship's care for the poor inhabitants that are settled in the
which are now exposed to tlio horrours of an Indian Resolved, That the Clerk of this meeting transmit to
frontier counties,
war, partly induces him to take this journey; hoping that ho may, the Printers of both Gazettes copies of these Resolutions,
after getting acquainted with the situation of affairs in tliat country, bo with the earnest request of this county that the other coun-
able to give such directions as will in some inoasuro secure them and
ties and corporations within the Colony will appoint Depu-
their families from the cruelties of the Savages, who have already
done a good deal of damage. The skulking parties that have hitherto ties to meet at the time and place, and for the purposes
boon discovered, do not consist of many in a body and it is thought they
;
aforesaid. Jerhan Baker, Clerk to fleeting.
intend some grand stroke soon, as they have been seen pretty low down
in the sittlsments, in small parties, of five and six, and sometimes not
more than three and four togetlier, without doing any mischief; from
which it is judged their business was to make tliomselves acquainted GLOUCESTER COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS.
with the country, and find out the settlaments, so that they may, at any
At a general and full Meeting of the Iniiabitants of the
time, bring in a party sufficient to destroy them at once, and retreat
before any body of men could be collected to go against them. Coimty of Gloucester, at the Court House of the said
 539 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &ic., JULY, 1774, 540
County, after due notice, on Thursday, the 14tli of July, Thursday, the 14th day of July, 1774, assembled for
^
1774, the purpose of deliberating and giving their sentiments
James Hubbard, Esquire, Judge of the said County upon the present state of aflJliirs in America, and what
Court, being unanimously chosen Moderator, ought to be done at this most alarming crisis, the follow-
Tliey came to tlic following Resolves ing points were agitated and agreed to as the opinion
: of
Resolved, That we will ever maintain and defend his this county :

Majesty's right and title to the Crown of Great Britain, That the design of our Meeting may not be misinter-
and his Dominions preted, we think it proper to declare, what would otherwise
in America, to whose royal person
we profess the firmest attachment. be unnecessary, that we will preserve all due obedience and
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that fidelity to the royal person and Government of his
sacred
taxation and representation are inseparable Majesty, King George the Third and that we will at all
and that as
;
;

we are not, and, from the nature of things, cannot be, rep- tim.s when called on for that purpose, mabtain and defend,
resented the British Parliament, every attempt of that
in at the expense of our lives and fortunes, his Majesty's
body to impose internal taxes on America, is arbitrary, right and title to the Crown of Great Britain, and his
unconstitutional and oppressive. Dominions in America.
Resolved, Ti)at the Act for blocking up the harbour of That a firm union and mutual intercourse, and recipro-
Boston, and other purposes therein mentioned, is cruel and cation of interests and affections between Great Britain
unjust, and a convincing proof of the fixed intention of Par- and her Colonies is desirable and beneficial to both and
;

liament to deprive America of their constitutional rights that whoever shall go about to dissolve that union, by
and liberties. attempting to deprive the Colonists of their just rights on
Resolved, That the cause of Boston is the common the one hand, or to effect their independence on the other,
cause of all America, and that we will firmly unite with ought ever to be considered as a common enemy to the
the other counties in this Colony, and the otlier Colonies whole community.
on this Continent, in every measure that may be thought That for Americans to be exempted from every kind of
necessary on this alarming occasion. taxation, except by the consent of their own Representa-
Resolved, That we do most heartily concur with our tives in their several Provincial Assemblies, to be heard in
late Representatives in their resolve of the total
disuse of
their defence when accused of crimes, and tried by their
tea,and do farther resolve against the use of any East peers, are rights they derive from natural justice, the
India commodity whatsoever, except saltpetre. British Constitution, (to which they are equally entitled
Resolved, That we will not import, or purchase when with their fellow-subjects in Great Britain,) and from
imported, any merchandise or commodities from Great constant usage, so long as the true principles of the Con-
Britain ; and that, at a short day hereafter to be fixed, stitution have been suffered to direct the publick councils.
we will stop all
exports to Great Britain, until there is a That the British Parliament in their several Acts for
total repeal of the Boston Port Act, all the imposing a duty upon tea, to be paid in America ; for
several Acts
imposing taxes on America, for the purpose of raising a blocking up the harbour and stopping the commerce of
revenue, and those other Acts made particularly agafnst the town of Boston in the Massachusetts Bay, for supposed
our brethren of the Massachusetts Bay, on accoimt of offences, with which they were charged and condemned
their noble opposition to the late Revenue Acts. unheard for altering the form of that Government estab-
;

Resolved, That should our sister Colonies of Maryland lished by Charter and long usage and for empowering
;

and North Carolina determine not to export their tobacco his Majesty to order persons charged with certain offences
to Great Britain, we will be far from availing ourselves committed in America to be carried to Great Britain and
of their patriotick resolution, by continuing to export ours. there tried, have been influenced by evil counsellors to
Resolved, That we will submit to any resolutions that depart from the true principles of the Constitution, and to
may be entered into either by the Deputies of the several violate the most sacred and important rights of America,
counties in this Colony at Williamsburg, or by the general from which they can never depart that those Acts, ;

Congress of die Colonies on the Continent. whether intended to operate only in one Province, or
Resolved, That we will not deal with any person or generally inall, ought to be considered as the common

jjersons in this county who will not sign this cause and that a firm and indissoluble union and associa-
;
Associa-
tion, and strictly and literally conform to every tion of the whole ought to be formed to oppose
distinct their
article thereof; nor with any other person operation by every just and proper means to effect which,
or persons ;

who will not sign, and strictly conform, to the particular we think the sending Deputies from each Province to
resolves of their respective counties, but will meet in a general Congress, will be a very proper measure,
for ever
despise and detest them as enemies to American liberty. and we desire our Delegates may unite with others in the
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, General Meeting for this Colony in electing such De-
that
immediately upon the non-exportation plan taking^place, puties.
neither the gentlemen of the bar, nor any other" That tea being the subject of the tax complained of, and
person,
ought to bring any suit for the recovery of any debt, the East India Company having acted ungenerously in
or
prosecute farther any suit already brought, during sending great quantities of it to America, to° fix the pre-
the
continuance of these resolutions, it being utterly cedent of taxation, though desired to forbear, we most
incon-
sistent with such scheme for any man to cordially concur with the late Representatives of tliis
be compelled to
pay without the means wherewith he may pay. Colony to disuse tea, and not to purchase any East India
Resolved, That we do most cordially approve commodities from henceforth, until the just rights of
of the
intended meeting of the late Burgesses on the America be restored.
first of
August next, at Willinmsburg, and do depute Thomas That a General Association between all the American
JVhitmg, and Lewis Bunvcll, Esquires, our late Colonies not to import from Great Britain any commodity
worthy
Representatives, to consult with the Deputies of the whatsoever ought to be entered into and not dissolved till
several
counties of this Colony, and to adopt such the just rights of the Colonies are restored to diem, and the
measures as are
agreeable to the foregoing resolutions, hereby engaging, cruel Acts of the British Parliament against the Massa-
on
our parts, to conform thereto, and to support the chusetts Bay and town of Boston are repealed.
^aine to
the utmost of our power. That it is the undoubted privilege and indispensable
Resolved, That the Clerk of this meeting duty of the Representatives of the people of this Colony,
transmit to
the Printers of both Gazettes, copies of the above
Resolves,
when met in General Assembly, to deliberate freely upon
with the request of tiie county to insert them all invasions of the rights, liberties, or properties of
in their their
Pape's- Jasper Clavton, Clerk. constituents, and consider of the proper means of redress •

and therefore, that the interposition of the Executive

power here, by mandate from the Ministry to dissolve the
CAROLINE COUNTY (virGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. Assembly whenever they comjilain of attempts to destroy
those rights, tendsto deprive us of all benefit from a Legis-
At a General Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhab- lature, and is an evidence of the fixed intention of the
itants of the County of Caroline, at the Court House,
on Ministry to reduce the Colonies to a state of slavery.
541 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JULY, 1774, 542
Tliat in this distressed situation of our affairs, all luxury, ing; and if, to conclude all, you are to consider yourselves

dissipation, and extravagance, ought to be banished from as dependent upon the British Parliament, and have
among us, and every kind of manufacture, industry, and hitherto only dreamed of liberties which you had no right to
economy encouraged. enjoy why then, my countrymen, let us patiently acquiesce
;

That the African trade is Colony,

injurious to this in our unhappy lot, let us deprecate the wrath of the
obstructs our population by freemen, manufacturers, and British aristocracy by instant submission, and seriously
Others, who would emigrate from Europe and settle here, and solemnly implore the God of all Mercies to inspire the
and occasions an annual balance of trade against the minds of our lords and masters with some slight sentiments
country, and therefore that the purchase of all imported of moderation, some little degree of tenderness and com-
slaves ouijht to be associated against. passion, towards those who were once their equals, are still
Though we are happily allowed to proceed to the choice and are not conscious of having merited the
their brethren,
of new Representatives, yet as the return of the writs is base, the abject,
the humiliating state, they are reduced
made to the 11th of August, and there is reason to doubt to, or the rigorous treatment they are now sufTerin".
the Assembly may not be held at that time, we think it But it may be said, that though convinced that you have
highly expedient there should be a meeting at M'illiams- justice on your side, and though sensible that the jurisdic-
burg on the first of August, as appointed, to consider fully tion claimed by the British Parliament over you is an
of the several matters herein before mentioned, and ap- unjust and arbitrary usurpation of the strong over the weak,
point E'Imund Pendleton and James Taylor, Esquires, yet you are not ripe for opposition that, too feeble to
;

Deputies on our parts, to meet such as shall be named for resist the power of Britain, and to assert your title to
other Counties and Corporations, at Williamsburg, or such freedom, you can at present only protest against the oppres-
other place as may be agreed on, on the day aforesaid, or sion, but nnist leave it to your growing prosperity to enforce
any other time, to deliberate freely, and agree to the above those rights, which you can only claim. If these senti-
Resolutions, or any other that may be judged more ments, my countrymen, prevail amongst you, if in order to
expedient for the general purpose intended. avoid slight, temporary evils, and imaginary consequences,
William Nelson, Cleric. you are determined only to make an imaginary shew of
resistance, and if that will not induce the British Parlia-
ment to withdraw her claim, to submit to that claim, and
THE BRITISH AMERICAN, NO. VII. acknowledge the supremacy they contend for, let your sub-
mission be made immediately. With a good grace express
Williamsburg, Va., July 14, 1774.
contrition for your former obstinacy, humbly entreat for-
Friends, Fellow-citizens, and Countrymen giveness for what you have already done, promise implicit
The true state of your case is now fully before you, and obedience for the future, and, if determined to submit to
the questions naturally resulting from it, for your determin- slavery at last, be careful how you exasperate your masters
ation are with the semblance of an opposition you do not intend to
1st. Question, Will you acknowledge that the British persist in for I will venture to prophecy, that if America
;

Parliament have a right to make laws to bind you ? Or is not now ripe for asserting her just rights, she will be
will you, from a dread of the consequences of an opposi- rotten before she is so.
tion, submit to those laws ? The arbitrary laws which will be imposed upon you
2d. Question, If you are determined not to submit, what immediately upon your submission, the swarms of placemen
mode of opposition, will you adopt as the most rational and and pensioners which you will be obliged to pay to enforce
effectual to shake oft" the jurisdiction usurped over you ? those laws, and the rigour with which they will be executed,
These questions require the coolest attention, and the by suppressing every idea of patriotism, before it can shoot
most deliberate wisdom to determine on, a steady and up to maturity, and by stifling it in its cradle, every dawn
unshaken intrepidity to carry the resolutions you form on of virtue will effectually restrain posterity from even wish-
—
them into execution resolutions which will, in all human ing to emerge from that state of slavery which, by being
probability, preserve or sink the greatest Empire in the habituated to from their infancy, will at length become
world, and extend happiness or misery to myriads of mil- familiar to them.
lions yet unborn. Witii regard to the first question, if you Be not deceived by imagining, that the submission of
really think that the British Parliament have a right to Boston to the three Acts of Parliament lately passed,
make any laws whatsoever to bind you, give up the matter, arbitrary and humiliating as they are, is the ultimate end of
and submit to slavery at once for the distinction between the British aristocracy. No, it is only a pait of the gen-
;

the right of taxation and that of regulating trade is merely eral plan they have formed for enslaving all America, by
nominal and not worth contending for, since a regulation of attacking each Colony singly for as every Colony have
;

trade can as easily restrain you from manufacturing the refused to submit to the duty imposed upon tea, they will
smallest article for your own use, as it hath already pre- all, one after another, feel the resentment of, and be called
vented you from erecting slitting mills ; can as easily strip upon for, the same submission to Parliament, if you do
you of every shilling of your property as it hath already not cordially unite in supporting the first sufferer. And
rendered useless the whole j)roperty of the town of Boston here permit me to address myself in a particular manner
can deprive you of your liberty by subjecting you to new to such of my countrymen whose own industry, or the
modes of trial, and erecting Courts of Admiralty, invested fnigality of their ancestors, have blessed them with im-
witli powers unknown to the Constitution, and can sacrifice mense wealth. I confess your situations are truly alarm-
your lives, by marking you out for slaughter to a licentious ing, for as you have more to lose, so you have more to
soldiery, who are to be rescued from the justice of the fear than those of your fellow-subjects to whom Providence
country offended, and to be carried to England, with a hath been less liberal of the goods of fortune. In as
certainty of being screened, and with a hope, if not with a happy a state as your most sanguine wishes could have
promise, of being rewarded for the murthers they are to placed you, with a reasonable expectation of providing for
commit in America. a family deservedly dear to you, and of transmitting to
But still if your ancestors unthinkingly placed you in your posterity those blessings of fortune, which, by tasting
this deplorable situation, and by settling in America have yourselves, you have experienced the value of, you wish
debased you so low as that you are become the slaves of not for a change. Satisfied that with your ample estates,
your brethren in Britain ; if the King, at the head of his you can ward off the evils of the most arbitrary Govern-
respective American Assemblies, no longer constitutes the ment, and, that though much may be taken from you
Supreme Legislature of the Colonies if you are subject unjustly, still there will remain abundantly sufficient to
;

to two Supreme Legislatures if the King may, at the

; supply'you with all the necessaries, with all the elegancies
head of the British Parliament, abrogate laws, which, as the of life whereas, on the other hand, even a slight commo-
;

head of his American Parliament, he hath assented to tion may expose part of your wealth to the ravages of the
revoke Charters more solemnly granted than those of populace, or the plunder of a licentious army, and if you
Magna Charter to Britain; deprive his American subjects are unfortunate enough to choose the weaker party, however
of that property, which, under the faith of those Charters, innate virtue may have directed your choice, you are sure
they have expended their best blood and treasure in acquir- to lose the whole, and, in your old age perhaps, be reduced
548 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fiic, JULY, 1774. 544

lo poverty, aggravated with the corroding reflections on the the people of Boston upon the repeal of the duty imposed
enjoyments you once possessed. You therefore endeavour upon that article to be paid in America, and upon the
to dissuade every struggle for liberty, and if you cannot repeal of the Act for shutting up the port of Boston.
accomplish this, you sagely determine, by observing a strict 2d Plan. That you should immediately stop all exports
neutrality, to avoid giving the slightest ground of offence and imports to and from Great Britain and the Islands,
to either party ; and this you think a prudent method of till the Tea and Boston Acts are repealed.

preserving the blessings you at present enjoy. 3d Plan. That you shall absolutely determine, at once,
When Casar, Fompey, and Crasstis, (says a celebrated that you will not in future submit to any Act of the British
writer) were making large strides towards overturning the Parliament, made to be executed in the Colonies since the
Constitution of Rome, the people were divided into two fourth of James the First that if any Judge of any Court
;

factions; tlie middle ranks, who are always the most wise whatsoever, shall presume to pronounce any judgment to
and virtuous people in a state, opposed the populace
; enforce such Acts of Parliament, he shall incur the re-
supported them ;whilst the wealthy, who if they had sentment of an injured people, and be treated as an enemy
thrown their weight into the scale, might have restrained the to America; that the judgment so pronounced by him
errours of the pojiulace, and checked the ruinous designs shall be absolutely void that the person injured by such
;

of the triumvirate, observed a strict neutrality ;foolishly judgment shall by force repel the execution of such judg-
imagining by doing so that their houses, their fish-pounds, ment, and that you will, at the risk of your lives and for-
their parks, their villas, and their gardens, would remain tunes, support him in repelling such execution.
untouched when the laws of their country were abolished ;
Amoments reflection will convince you, that to pursue
instead of which, those safest fences of every man's pro- the first plan proposed may be productive of evil, but can-
perty were no sooner broke down, by overturning the not possibly be attended with any good consequences. Is
Constitution, than in the second triumvirate of Augustus, it reasonable to imagine that the East India Company
Anthony, and Lepidus, they found themselves foremost in intended to erect a number of booths or little grocers' shops
the list of proscriptions, and a confiscation of that wealth in America, for the convenience of retailing their tea by
(which they vainly imagined would have secured to them the ounce ? For if they only intended to deal in the
all the enjoyments of life) marked them for destruction, wholesale way, by supplying the different stores in Ame-
and deprived them of life itself; leaving to those of their rica, that they not only might, but actually have done, for
rank in succeeding Empires this useful lesson, that the many years from their warehouses in Great Britain ; it is
surest means of securing wealth in every country is to unite therefore generally supposed that the project of the East
firmly in opposing every attempt to overturn the laws, and India Company's sending ship loads of tea to America was
that the greater opulence they possess the more they are concerted between the Minister and them, to establish a
interested in preserving the liberty of the state they belong glaring precedent of your having submitted to an internal
to ; because upon all occasions of this kind the old maxim. tax, imposed upon you by the British Parliament, for the
That he that is not for us is against us, prevails so far as to sole purpose of raising a revenue, or, in case of resistance, to
subject the wealthy neutrals to the confiscations of which furnish a plausible pretext for dragooning you into obedi-
ever party gains the superiority. ence. If this was really the case, that Company (as tools
Can you suppose you sordid sons of Avarice, that three of arbitrary power) have suffered no more than they de-
millions of people will surrender their liberties without a served, and to indemnify their losses would only be to
single struggle ? Or if they should, when the British invite fresh injuries of the same kind. Again, as their
aristocracy have beat down every barrier of property in consignees had trifled with the people of Boston till they
America, do you really imagine that your fertile fields will became liable for the duty, they would add that duty to
escape their rapacious hands ? Or that they will not find the price of their tea and if the Minister can extract the
;

or make some pretext for sacrificing the present owner, to duty, and the East India Company receive the price,
gratify their interested views, by dividing his spoils amongst whether the tea is destroyed by the populace of one Colo-
them ? If these are your sentiments, pursue the delusion, ny, and paid for by the Assemblies of the others, or
"

and experience the consequence. But if, on the other whether it is purchased and consumed in the regular course
hand, my countrymen, all ranks of you are convinced that of business, will be a matter of no greater concern, either
it is not only dangerous but absurd to subject yourselves to to the Minister or to the Company, than that, in the first
a double taxation, and to two supreme Legislatures if you ; case, it will, by becoming the avowed act of different
think that your Sovereign ought to be considered as supreme Assemblies, be a more dangerous precedent than that of
Ruler of the whole Empire, providing for the welfare of his private consumption, which might be supposed to proceed
subjects within the Realm, at the head of liis British Par- from the want of virtue in a few individuals. But even
liament, and of those without, at the head of his American supposing that the East India Company were in no com-
Assemblies, by laws adapted to the local situation, and suit- bination with the Minister to enslave you, and that, con-
ed to the emergencies of each, and by that negative with vinced of the danger of sporting with the liberties of their
which he is invested by the Constitution, restrain the dif- fellow-subjects, they are determined to relinquish their
ferent states of his extensive Dominions from enacting
. project of sending tea to America, still the plan proposed
laws to destroy the freedom or to prejudice the interest of cannot be attended with any good consequences.
each other if you are satisfied that the independence of
; The British aristocracy have already proceeded to great
America upon the British Parliament is essentially neces- lengths in endeavouring to enforce implicit obedience from
sary to check the growing power of aristocracy in Great the Colonies to be diverted from their despotick views,
Britain, and to restore your Sovereign to that weight in with any trifling concessions you can make, or any timid
the National Councils which he ought to possess ; if you measures you can pursue. The language they now use is,
still retain a just sense of your best birth-right, that of that the honour of Parliament is at stake, and nothing but
being governed only by such laws as you or your ancestors an implicit submission to its authority, and an absolute
have or hud a share in framing; if you deem it incompat- surrender of your liberties, will preserve that honour, or, in
ible with every idea of liberty to trust the legislative power the words of their insolent demagogue, America is not
with men you have not chosen, and who, from their situ- even to be heard till she prostrates herself at their feet
ation, will reap the advantages, but cannot share in the and the two Acts of Pariiament, altering the Charter of
inconveniences of the laws they make to oppress you if ; New England, abrogating the rights solemnly granted by
you look upon slavery as the greatest evil that can possibly it, and instituting new modes of trial to encom-age the
befall you in this world and if reposing your trust in the
; British soldiers to murther the inhabitants of America in
Supreme Being, to assist a just cause, you are determined general, leave you no room to doubt of their hostile inten-
to unite firmly in asserting your native rights, coolly con- tions.
sider the second question: "What mode of proceeding Timid or temporizing measures will answer no other end
" will you adopt as the most rational and effectual to sliake than to swell their pride, heighten their arrogance, and
" off the jurisdiction usurped over you?" increase their contempt of you. The first plan proposed
Three plans have been proposed to you : cannot, therefore, be effectual to relieve us.
1st Plan. That ail the Colonies in America, except In my next I shall consider whether the second can be
New England, shall agree to pay for the tea destroyed by adopted with greater propriety. ,
545 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JULY, 1774. 546

PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL. White Eyes again addressed the People : - •

" Brethren : It was with pleasure I heard you when

A.t a Council held at Philadelphia, on Thursday, you first desired me not to look towards the mischief that
July 14, 1774 : had been committed by foolish men, and I looked upon it
Present, the Honourable John Penn, Esq., Govemour, as a convincing proof of your desire to preserve that chain
Rich. Peters, Benj. Chew, and James Tilghman, Esqrs. of friendship which has so long subsisted between us. Be
The Govemour laid before the Board several late Let- strong, brethren, and let us both be strong in continuing so
ters from Arthur St. Clair, Esq., at Ligonier, containing to do, and not only overlook the indiscretion and folly of
very favourable accounts of the disposition and temper of our rash inconsiderate men, but take pity of them, that our
the Indians, as also an Extract of Mr. Alexander M'Kee, young people, as they grow up, may hereafter enjoy the
the Deputy Indian Agent's Journal, of all the transactions blessings of that peace and friendship established between
with the Indians at Pittsburgh, since the first of May last. us ;and to this end let us call to our remembrance the
The Govemour then acquainted the Board, that the As- amity made by our forefathers and their wise people, which
sembly being to meet, by summons, on Monday next, on is no doubt still impressed upon the hearts of our great

occasion of the late Indian disturbances, he thought it men, to whom let us apply to reconcile our uneasiness, as
would be necessary that a Message should be prepared to this is the sure way to prevent our friendship from being
be sent them immediately on their meeting. Whereupon, destroyed, or contracting mst. Therefore, brethren, let
Mr. Chew, Mr. Tilghman, and Mr. Shippen, were ap- us rely upon them for our future welfare. Every thing is
pointed a Committee to prepare a draught of the same. so far now settled upon our parts, that it only requires a
meeting of our pmdent men to restore that peace and tran-
quillity to our country we so much wish for. Brethren,
CORRESPONDENCE LAID BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
we desire that no imprudent action may now destroy the
agreeable prospect of this desirable event. {A Belt.)
At a Meeting held with the Indians at Pittsburgh, the " I have to inform you that the Chiefs of all Nations still
29th of June, 1774 :
continue to hold by that chain of friendship which has
Present, Captain Aston, Major McCulhck, Captain been put into their hands by Sir William Johnson, in the
Crawford, Mr. Valen. Crawford, Captain Nevill, Mr. name of their father, the King of Great Britain, and that
Edward Cook, Mr. John Stevenson, Captain Hogeland, it was only the actions of a few individuals, contrary to
Mr. David Shepherd, Rev. Mr. Whiteaker, Mr. Joseph their Chiefs' intentions, that had bred this confusion
Wells, Mr. James Innis, Mr. jJineas Mackay, Mr. Joseph amongst them who have, in the violence of their grief
;

Simons; with a number of the Inhabitants and Traders. and passion, taken revenge for the loss of their friends
Indians —
Captain White Eyes, Weyandahila, Captain but the Chiefs of all Nations assured me, that as soon as
Johnny with sundry other young men.
;
those bad people, who were yet scattered amongst them,
Captain White Eyes first infomied us that he was
were in their power, they would secure them from doing
returned from transacting the business which he had been
further evil, and that those they have seen are sorry for
sent upon by his brethren, the English, and that he now what they have done, begging the pity of their Chiefs,
had the satisfaction to tell us that he had succeeded in his and I have reason to expect that you will see them shortly
negotiations with all those tribes of the several Nations of upon this occasion."
Indians whom he had since seen and conferred with upon A true copy, Alexander McKee.
the unhappy disturbances which unfortunately arose this
Spring between the foolish people of both parties and that ;

he had found all Nations fully disposed to adhere to their JOHN MONTGOMERY TO GOVERNOUR PENN.
ancient friendship, and the advice of their wise men. Carlisle, June 30, 1774.
Here he delivered a paper from the Chiefs of the
Sir, may it please youb Honour I received your :

Delawares, containing as follows :

two letters, as also the arms, ammunition, &c., for the use
" Now Comer's Town, June 2l8t, 1774.
of the back inhabitants, which I have forwarded to Captain
" Brothers : When the late unhappy disturbances
St. Clair ; shall settle for the carriage when I go down in
happened, you desired us be strong, and to speak to the
to
September next ; our accounts from Fort Pitt are favour-
other tribes of the Indians to hold fast the chain of friend- able. The traders who were at the Lower Towns ^e on
ship subsisting between the English and them. I now
their way to (and some of them are arrived at) Pittsburgh,
inform you that we sent for our uncles, the Wyandots, and with all their property. They are guarded by a number
our grandchildren, the Shawanese, and also the Cherokees, of Shawanese and Delawares. The Mingoes attempted
and we have desired them to be strong, and to inform all to cut off the traders at the Canoe place, but were prevented
other Nations, and hold fast the chain which our grandfa- by the Shawanese, who told the Mingoes that the traders
thers made, and you may depend our King still continues were under their protection, and if they struck them they
to go on in that good work, would resent it and punish them for it. The Shawanese
" As things now seem to have a good prospect, and peace
seem well disposed and inclinable for peace, and will con-
likely to be restored again, Brothers, we desire you to be tinue so unless provoked by the Virginians. The Dela-
stron", and also on your parts to hold fast the chain of wares are all for peace. Logan's party was returned, and
friendship, as you may remember when it was made it was
had thirteen scalps and one prisoner. Logan says he is
ai^reed that even the loss of ten men's lives on any side of his relations, and will sit still
now satisfied for the loss
should not weaken it. If, for the future, we are all strong
untilhe hears what the Long Knife (the Virginians) will
and brighten the chain of friendship, our foolish young r« en say. I am in hopes that the storm will blow over, and that
will not have it in their power to disturb it. cannot We peace and tranquillity will be restored to the back inhab-
inform j'ou any more of our grandchildren the Shawanese, itants.
than that they are gone home, and intend soon going to I am, honourable sir, your Honour's most obedient and
Fort Pitt, to hear of the disturbances which have happened humble servant, John Montgomery.
between your foolish people and theirs, when you will then
To the Honourable John Penn, Govemour and Comman-
hear from their own mouths what they have to say.
" Brothers: As things now seem to be easy, and all the der-in-chief of the Province of Pennsylvania.

Nations have now agreed to hold fast the chain' tif friend-
ship, and make their young men sit quiet, we desire you to
RICHARD LEE, PRESIDENT OF THE MARYLAND COUNCIL,
consider of what you have to say when our grandchildren
The head men of TO GOVERNOUR J"ENN.
the Shawanese come to speak to you. Maryland, 2d July, 1774.
the Shawanese are gone to Wagetomica, and intend to send some
Tlie enclosed depositions will show that dis-
their King up to Fort Pitt, that he may himself hear what Sir :

been the
his brothers the English have to say. ordei-s have happened, and the subject which has
" King New Comer, Neolige, occasion of them The Proprietary of this Provmce being
.

" White Eyes, Killbuck, a minor, is under the care of guardians, derivmg their autho-
William Anderson, rity from the appointment of the
Lord High Chancellor of
"Thomas McKee, protection of his Lord-
England, and is under the especial
" Epaloined, Simon Girty.
ship; and as the guardians have declined
doing any act
"To Geo. Croghan, Alex. McKee, and J.Conolly, ilsqrs.'
35
Fourth Series.
547 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 548

merely in their capacity of guardians, by wliich the right the and orders to break their house and take them
fort,

or estate of their ward may be aftected, I presume no per- at all Messrs. Butlers, after much debate, and
events.
son in Maryland can think it proper for him to do such repeated threats from Captain Aston, at the entreaty of
an act. their friends, consented to go down to the garrison and ;

Whether it may not be expedient to suspend the execu- when they demanded the cause of such treatment were
tion of any measure which may be the occasion of disturb- answered that they must go immediately to jail, but they
ing the peace, I must refer to your prudent consideration. were aftenvards allowed to give bail for their appearance
Conceiving it to be my duty, 1 siiaii, by tiie first opportu- at August Court. The same day Mr. Conolly informed
nity, transmit to the guardians an account of what has them, and the other traders, they must pay him a duty of
happened, and of the occasion of it. And have the four pence per skin before they could remove one from
honour to be, with great regard, sir, your most obedient this place, and immediately ordered the roads to be stop-
servant, Richard Lee. l)ed, wliich was accordingly done, and a number of horses
The Honourable John Penn, Esq. belonging to Mr. Blaine and others, were seized and
brought back. A few days ago, one of the traders who
went to meet his people, and some Indians that were
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN. bringing his peltry from Newcomer's Town, was, upon his
return, waylaid by about forty Virginians, who took him,
Ligoni^r, July 4, 1774.
three of iiis men, and five Delaivare men, prisoners, telling
Sir I have the honour to enclose you the last piece of
:
him they would for the future treat as savages and enemies
Indian intelligence, which came by Captain White Eyes,
every trader that they should find in the woods. About
a few days ago, and am very happy that afiairs have so
this time two Delaware men, who had come from the
peaceable an aspect yet I cannot but express my fears that
;
towns up to assist some of the traders with their horses,
it will soon be interrupted, as a large body of Virginians
were pursued by a party of Virginians to Mr. Smith's
are certainly in motion. Colonel Henry Lewis is ordered
house, where they Hew for protection. The party followed
to the mouth of Kenhawa to build a fort there, and Major
them to the door, demanded entrance, and swore they
McDonald, witli about five hundred men, is to march up
would burn the house if they were refused. The Indians,
Braddock's Road, and down to Wheeling, to build ano-
notwithstanding, were kept in the house till night, and then
ther there, and Cresap, with three others, are appointed
dismissed in safety.
to raise ranging companies. With such officers as Cresap
Mr. Wm. Butler, being insulted by a worthless drunk-
no good can be expected so that it is very doubtful but all
;
en fellow, was under the necessity of chastising his inso-
attempts to preserve the tranquillity of the country will be
lence. Whereupon Mr. Conolly issued a King's warrant
fruitless.
for him, and his Sheriff came to Mr. Smith's, where Mr.
The men that have been raised here we have thought
Butler then was, between eight and nine o'clock at night,
proper to continue another month, as the harvest will by
and after an unsuccessful attempt to take Mr. Butler, ran
that time be over. They have orders to assist and protect
out and called a guard that was waiting for that purpose,
the people in the different quarters where they are posted,
who immediately surrounded the house, remained there till
and I hope by that means it will be secured. The arms
after nine o'clock, and then dispersed. The Virginians,
and ammunition are not yet arrived, but I hear they will
from their conduct, appear determined on a war. Colonel
reach this place to-morrow or next day.
Lewis is supposed to be at the Kenhawas with fifteen hun-
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble
dred men, and several parties have gone from this place to
servant, Ar. St. Clair.
join him, Major McDonald, Mr. Cresap, and others, are
P. S. Last week Mr. Conolly issued an order to prevent expected here shortly, who, it is said, are going down the
any skins being removed from Pittsburgh till they paid a river to build fortsand station men at different places.
duty, as in Virginia. There has been some appearance of Wehave no room to doubt that Doctor Conolly has, by
the old seed of the Black Boys. A number of people had order of Lord Dunmore, sent a Speech to the Shawanese,
assembled to stop Mr. Simons's goods, but I had got notice importing that Logan and his party be immediately deliv-
of it, and sent a party to protect them, and have issued ered up, with the three prisoners that he has taken, and
warrants against them ; their ringleader will certainly be some other Shawanese that are supposed to have committed
taken this day. a murder last winter. That on a refusal they (the Vir-
ginians) are determined to proceed against them with
vigour, and will show them no mercy. Doctor Conolly
MSEAS MACKA¥, JOSEPH SPEAR, AND DEVEREUX SMITH,
has expresses constantly on the road between this and
TO JOSEPH SHIPPEN, JUN.
Williamsburg, whereby he has been able to impose on his
Pittsburgh, July 8th, 1774. Lordship the flagrant misrepresentations of Indian affairs
Sir: Since our memorial to his Honour, the Governour, that appear in the Williamsburg paper of the 9th of June,
of the 25th of Junv, accompanied by some notes, there which has been publickly confuted at this place by several
has several occurrences of so extraordinary a nature hap- persons well acquainted with the present state and senti-
pened, that we hope no apology is necessary for giving you ments of the difi'erent Nations.
this trouble. The traders who were coming by land are We hope that it is not necessary to say any more to con-
all come in safe. Captain White Eyes is returned, with vince you how unhappily we are at present circumstanced,
the strongest assurances of friendship from the Shawanese, not only from the prospect of an Indian war, which the
Delawares, Wyandots and Cherokees, with whom he had Virginians appear determined to bring upon us, but from
been treating on our behalf. U^pon bis return he found the apprehension of further insults from Doctor Conolly's
his house broken open by the Virginians, and about thirty extraordinary conduct, of which we have given several
pounds worth of his property taken, which was divided specimens, and which, without the interposition of Govern-
and sold by the robbers at one Froman's Fort, on Char- ment, we shall not be long able to support.
tin's Creek. We are, sir, with profound respect, your humble servants,
Doctor Conolly continues to exercise his authority as ^NEAS Mackay,
usual. Our persons are daily insulted, our property Joseph Spear,
forcibly taken, and even our lives threatened. We had Devereux Smith.
a remarkable instance of this on the first instant. A To Joscj-h Shippen, Jun., Esq. Secretary to his Honour
horse, the property of Messrs. Richard and William But- tlie Governour.
ler, having been taken by a vagrant fellow at this place,
was secreted by him in the town, which, when Messrs.
Butlers were informed of, they went and took their horse, ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN.
Hanna's Town, July 12, 1774.
but not without obstinate resistance on the side of the thief,
who, in their own defence, they were obliged to strike upon ; Sir: On Friday last I was honoured with your letter of
which the fellow applied to Doctor Conolly, who sent a the 28th ult., and I have now the satisfaction to acquaint
sergeant to Richard Butler, commanding him to appear you that the panick seems entirely over, and that numbers
immediately in the garrison but Mr. Butler refused to go,
; of people are returning daily.
and denied Doctor Conolly's authority whereupon a cer- ; It must be very grateful to every person concerned, as it
tain Captain Aston was sent for them, with a party from is in a very particular manner to me, that their endeavours
549 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JULY, 1774. 550
on this occasion has met with so full approbation from your New-York, July 14, 1774.

Honour, and will most certainly induce them to exert them- We hear from Albany, that all the Chiefs and Head
selves on future ones. 1 had yesterday an opportunity to Warriors of the Six Natio7is are now on their way to Sir
acquaint them, as also a very respectable body of people fVilliam Johnson's, to hold Congress on the alarming news
who were assembled here in consequence of a letter from they received of the murders committed by Cresap and
the Committee of Philadelphia, of your determination to Ohio ; that a considerable number
others, his associates, in
afford them every necessary assistance and protection. I are already assembled at Johnson's Hall, and it is expected
read to them that part of your Honour's letter, and they the whole will amount to six or seven hundred ; and that
received it with great satisfaction and thankfulness. notwithstanding the disorders which the unprovoked bar-
I shall probably have occasion to write you again to-mor- barity of Cresap and others have occasioned to the South-
row, as I had, yesterday, a letter from Mr. Croghan, desiring ward, there is reason to hope that, through the endeavours
a conference on matters of great importance to the Province, of Sir William, the fidelity of the Six Nations will be
which he would not trust in writing. I believe, however, preserved, and the Northern frontiers secured from the
it is a proposal to open some trading place that is, to form ; dangers and distress now experienced on the frontiers of
a town some where up tlie Alleghany, as the trading peo- Virginia, Stc. It is, however, earnestly wished by
all per-

ple must leave Pittsburgh. Henkston, with about eighteen sons concerned in new
settlements or trade, that nothing
men in arms, paid us a visit at Court last week, and I am may, in the interim, happen to defeat their sanguine ex-

veiy sorry to say got leave to go away again, though there pectations from the intended Congress.
was a force sufficient to secure two such parties, at the
Sheriff's direction. I had got intelligence that they were

to be there, and expected to be joined by a party of HENRICO COUNTY (viRGINIa) INSTRUCTIONS TO THEIR
Cresap's people, for which reason the ranging party that BELEGATES.
were within reach had been drawn in, but none of the At a Meeting of the Loyal and Patriotick People of the
Virginians appeared. It is said a commission has been County of Henrico, in Virginia, at the Court House, on
sent him from Virginia ; certain it is he is enlisting men the 15th of July, the following Address to their late worthy
for that service.
Representatives was agreed on, and signed by a great num-
I believe there was something ought to have
else I
ber of Freeholders
informed you of, but 1 am surrounded by a crowd of peo-
ple,which has put it out of my head. To Richard Adams and Samuel Duval, Esqrs.:
I have the honour to be, su", your Honour's most obedient We, the subscribers, freeholders of theCounty of Hen-
and most humble servant, rico, assembled for the purpose of deliberating on the pre-
Arthur St. Clair. sent posture of publick affairs, return you our thanks for the
part you acted in the late Assembly as our Burgesses.
When we reflect on the alarming and critical situation of
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO GOVERNOUR PENN. things respecting the mother country, our minds are filled
Ligonier, July 17, 1774. with the most anxious concern. The Acts of the British
Sir The business Mr. Croghan had to communicate
: Parliament, made for punishing the inhabitants of Massa-
was this, that the Virginians are determined to put a stop chusetts Bay, are repugnant to the first principles of jus-
to the Indian trade with this Province, and that Messrs. tice ; and if they are suffered to have a full operation, will
Simons, Campbell and Conolly, have obtained an exclusive not only crush our sister Colony, and involve the guilty
privilege of carrying it on on the frontiers of Plrginia. and innocent in one common ruin, but will stand as a fatal
He recommends the laying out a tovv'n up the Alleghany at precedent to future times for adopting the same fatal meas-
the Kittaning, to which the traders might retire, as they ures towards this and every other British Colony. We
will certainly be obliged to abandon Pittsburgh, and from have, therefore, passed this determination, and shall con-
which the trade might be carried on to as much advantage duct ourselves conformably, that the cause of the Colony
as the distance from thence to Kaskaslcies is much the same of Massachusetts Bay in general, and of the town of Bos-
as from Pittsburgh, and a very good road. He further ton in particular, is the cause of this and every Colony in
recommends the building a small stockade there to afford North America.
tliem protection in case of a war. The Indians will cer- We hope, gentlemen, that the exceeding importance of
tainly quit Pittsburgh, as it is of their hves they
at the risk the present crisis will plead our excuse for giving you our
come there, to which I was an eye-witness. Croghan sentiments touching that conduct which we wish you to ob-
further says, unless somebody is sent up by the Government serve in the ensuing Congress on the first day of August
to speak to the Indians very soon, that we shall see no more next at Williamsburg, to which we depute you to act on
of them, and that die Delawares, who are still firiendly, our behalf.
will be debauched. With grief and astonishment we behold Great Britain
I beg you to excuse this incoherent scrawl, as I am adopting a mode of Government towards her Colonies to-
obliged to be held up whilst 1 write it. tally incompatible with our safety and happiness. can-We
I am, sir, your very humble and most obedient servant, not submit to be taxed by her Parliament. We
cannot sit
Ar. St. Clair. still and see the harbour of Boston blocked up by an armed

P. S. Henkston has left the country. force. We cannot behold, without indignation, the charter
rights of a sister Colony violated, or the form of its Gov-
ernment changed by an Act of Parliament, as derogatory
Savannah, Georgia, July 14, 1774. to the honour of the mother country, as it is repugnant to
Tlie which the British Colonies in
critical situation to justice. And lastly, we will not suffer our fellow-subjects
America are likely to be reduced, from the alarming and to be seized and transported beyond sea to be tried for sup-
arbitrary impositions of the late Acts of the British Parlia- posed offences committed here. If these things are suf-
ment, respecting the town of Boston, as well as the Acts fered to be reduced to practice, we shall account ourselves
that at present extend to the raising of a perpetual reve- the most miserable of men, unworthy the name of freemen
nue, without the consent of the people or their Representa- we shall not wonder if, in future, we are treated as slaves.
tives, is considered as an object extremely imijortant at this We therefore most solemnly charge and conjure you to
critical juncture, and particularly calculated to deprive the use your best endeavours to save us from these calamities.
American subjects of their constitutional rights and liber- We earnestly entreat you for your utmost exertion to pro-
ties, as a part of the British Empire. cure, by all possible ways and means, a total repeal of the
It therefore requested, that all persons within the
is late oppressive and detestable Acts of Pariiament. We
limits of this Province do attentl at the Liberty Pole at heartily trust you will concur in such measures as the said
Fondet's Tavern, in Savaiinah, on Wednesday, the 27th Congress shall judge most eflicacious to preserve our an-
instant, in order that the said matters may be taken under cient rights for be assured, gentlemen, that nothing shall
;

consideration and such other constitutional measures pur-

; ever induce from us a submission to tyranny, and that we
sued as may then appear to be most eligible. resolve, once for all, to live and die freemen.
Noble W. Jones, John Houston, In order to effect those desirable ends, we give it as our
Archibald Bulloch, George Walton. opinion, that the most efiectual method of opposing the
55i CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 552

said several Acts of Parliament, will be, that a General apprehend violence cannot reason and
justify violence :

Association between all the American Colonies, ought im- policy reclaim against it. A desistance
from the consumj)-
mediately be entered into, not to import from Great Bri- tion of tea, and a confidence in the virtue of our country-
tain any commodity whatsoever, except such articles as the men, whose sense of the spirit of the law will no doubt
general Congress shall judge necessary, until the just rights induce a total disuse of it, are much more eligible means,
of the Colonies are restored to them and the cruel Acts of
; and more probably will work a repeal of the Act, than
the British Parliament against the Colony of Massachu- disorders, outrages, and tumults. -

setts Bay and town of Boston are repealed. Resolved, As the Records and reiterated Resolutions of
A
love of justice, and the tender regard we have for our the House of Burgesses will testify to posterity, our idea
friends the merchants and manufacturers of Great Britain, on this long agitated and contested question of the suprem-
to whom we are indebted, and who must, of course, suffer acy of the Pariiament to tax the Colonies, that it be the
in the common cause, prevents our recommending the stop- opinion of this meeting that our Representatives should
ping our exports at this time but at a future day we will
; opjwse, and they are hereby instructed to oppose, all
heartily concur with the other counties of this Colony to measures that will bring on an abrupt dissolution, whereby
stop all exports as well as imports, to and from Great Bri- the business of the country will be impeded a savage ;

tain, unless what we have already recommended to you enemy ravaging our frontiers the pubiick creditors unpaid
;
;

shall be found effectual. a stagnation of justice, by reason of the lapse of the Fee
Wemost cordially recommend that no time be lost in Bill; the Courts of Law occluded every thing that is
;

administering every comfort and aid to our distressed breth- held sacred in civil society confounded the just creditor
;

ren of Boston, that their unhappy state may require, and deprived of property and the dishonest debtor triumphant
;

may comport with our situation to afford. these are the bitter fruits of the late dissolution.
We
further recommend to you, that you will, in conjunc- Resolved, That an unlimited non-exportation and non-
tion with the Deputies from the different counties of this importation scheme is impracticable and were it not so,
;

Colony, chuse fit and proper persons on the part of this would be irreconcilable with every principle of justice and
Colony, to meet the Deputies from the other Colonies in honesty, injurious to the commerce, and fatal to the credit
a general Congress, at such convenient time and place as of this Colony.
shall be agreed on, then and there to advise and consult Resolved, That an Association be forwarded, to prohibit
upon such measures, as, under circumstances of things at the importation of all unnecessary and luxurious articles of
that time, they shall deem expedient. British manufacture, and (except saltpetre and spices,) all
We strictly all times, and on
charge and enjoin, tliat at kinds of East India commodities.
all occasions,which may present, you testify our zeal for his
Majesty's person and Government, and that we are ready
and willing, with our lives and fortunes, to support his rights DINWIDDIE COUNTY (viRGINIa) DECLARATION.
to the Crown of Great Britain and all its dependencies. At a General Meeting of the Inhabitants of the County
oi Dinwiddie, at the Court House, on Friday, the 15th of
July, in consequence of previous notice from their late
MIDDLESEX COUNTY (vIRGINIa) RESOLUTIONS. Representatives, and an intimation of their desire to be
After the Freeholders of the County of Middlesex had advised and instructed relative to the differences now un-
proceeded in the most decent and orderly manner to the happily subsisting between Great Britain and her Colo-
election of Representatives for the county, on the 15th of nies, after mature deliberation on this most interesting
July, they were summoned to meet at the Court House, subject, they unanimously came to the following declara-
to take into their consideration the present state of the tion of their sentiments, which are intended to manifest to
Colony, and America in general ; and upon mature delib- the world the principles by which they are actuated in a
eration, many
of the most respectable of the Freeholders dispute so important, as that they conceive on its decision,
and Inhabitants of the county being present, they entered depends the political existence of all America :
into the following Resolutions We, the inhabitants of the County of Dinvnddie, do
Resolved, Thatit is the opinion of this meeting that entertain the most cordial and unfeigned affection and
all allegiance due to the person and character of the
is loyalty for his Majesty's person and Government, which,
King of Great Britain ; and that we acknowledge a con- tosether with his right to the Crown of Great Britain and
stitutional dependence on the Parliament, conceiving it its dependencies, we will at all times defend and support,

not incompatible with the condition of Colonists to submit at the risk of our lives and fortunes and under so tme a
;

to commercial regulations in consequence of the protec- conviction of the firmest allegiance, we think ourselves
tion that is given to our trade by the superintendence of entitled, as a constitutional right, to protection from the
the mother country ; but we apprehend there is a clear Sovereign to whom we have been ever attached by the
distinction between regulations of trade and taxation, and strongest ties of duty and inclination. But however happy
in no degree admit the latter under the colourable denom- we may consider ourselves under the auspices of the
ination of the former, well knowing that the nature of Supreme Magistrate, we cannot help being apprehensive
things is not alterable by the changes of terms. of the ill effects which may flow from some recent and
Resolved, That representation and taxation are in- dangerous innovations, imagined and contrived in the
separably connected by the essential principles of the House of Commons, against those rights to which the
British Constitution and that every attempt of superiour
; Americans have a just and constitutional claim in conimon
power to levy money on the British Americans, otherwise with his Majesty's subjects of Great Britain. Amongst
than by the consent of their Representatives, delivered in these instances of oppression, we cannot omit the Parlia-
Assembly, is an infraction of that Constitution, a violation ment's retention of a duty on tea, accompanied by an Act
of the rights of freemen, and a subversion of property. declaratory of their right in the fullest manner to tax
Resolved, That the Act imposing a duty on tea, for the America, thereby asserting in other terms, their claim to
avowed purpose of revenue, is a tax ; and that every whatever property the Americans may by their labour ac-
opposition should be expressed that may move to the quire, which, if submitted to, would reduce us to a degree
repeal of the said Act, or that may render its operation of servility unexampled but in a state of despotism and ;

inefficacious. yet, inconsistent as tliis plan of substituting power for right

Resolved, That the late Act of Pariiament suspending may appear with the noble and liberal spirit of the British
the trade and shutting up the port of the town of Boston, Government, it has been adopted for some time by Admin-
is an alarming circumstance to the Colonies in general, in istration, and pursued with a perseverance that becomes
as much as it marks out a settled plan in the British tmly alarming. A late and striking proof of which we
Parliament to enforce submission to their power of tax- have to lament in the unprecedented Acts of Pariiament
ation. for cutting off the people of Boston from every privilege
Resolved, That we do not approve of the conduct of valued by freemen, and subjecting them to hardships
the people of Boston in destroying the tea belonging to unknown but in arbitrary Governments. In pursuance of
the East India Company ; and notwithstanding the tax on which Acts their town and harbour are blocked up; all
tea must be esteemed a violent infringement of one of the commerce interdicted and articles merely essential to life
;

fundamental privileges of loyal and free subjects ; yet we imported, and as a matter of favour, and an inducement to
553 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 554
submission, a part of their property may be held at the 2d. That all other modes of taxation, in the Colonies,
King's pleasure, on the humiliating condition of their living by a British Parliament, under whatever name or form
in obedience to such laws. To aggravate these evils, attempted to be introduced, is not only arbitrary and op-
should atrocious murder be committed in enforcing the pressive, but has a direct tendency to alienate the affec-
execution of any of these Acts, the civil power is forbid tions of the Colonies from the parent country; to widen the
to punish, but the criminal is to be sent to Great Britain breach already made by Ministerial influence, which it is
for trial, or to any Colony at the will of the Governour earnestly wished may speedily be healed, and a permanent
if to the former, the distance will operate to his acquittal union re-established, on a solid constitutional foundation.
for want of testimony if the latter method is adopted, it
; .3d. Tiiat the unexampled distresses brought on the Col-

Is equally a subversion of the legal form of trial. This ony of Massachusetts Bay, particularly that of blocking up
proves in what estimation our lives are held with a British the port of Boston, and depriving them of all trade and com-
Parliament, as the first law shows in what light they merce, in virtue of an Act or Acts of Parliament, is a cruel
consider our property. oppression, in which all the Colonies are intimately concern-
Upon these distressful circumstances, we sincerely ed tending by a numerous train of consequences, to fasten
;

sympathize with our fellow-subjects of Boston, and will on them the chains of vassalage and slavery or lay prostrate
;

concur with them and the rest of the Colonies in any at the feet of an unjustly incensed Ministry the inhabitants
measures that may be conducive to a repeal of laws so of this wide extended country, who would triumph over
destructive to our common rights and liberty. their liberties, sport with their lives, and claim their proper-
And though we do not pretend to justify the outrage ties at will.

committed by the people of Boston in destroying the 4th. We concur in the general opinion of our brethren,
private property of the East India Company, to which that the Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies,
they might have been impelled by an apparent intention should present a dutiful Address to his Majesty, praying
in the Parliament of fixing on them a precedent of arbitrary for a general redress of the grievances complained of.
taxation yet we cannot see the good policy or right
;
5th. We
are of opinion (which we submit to be consid-
reason that could dictate the depriving a whole people of ered in the general Congress) that a general stop of all
their rights for a trespass committed by a few, when the imports and exports of merchandises, especially to Great
civil laws of the community were amply provident of Britain, by all the Colonies, is the only probable, if not
redress for the injury. the only possible measure, to preserve the liberties of this
The result of our opinion upon these violent measures is, country, at present in such imminent danger of being anni-
that we do protest against every Law or Act of the British hilated.
Legislature that shall authorize the imposition of taxes on 6th. That an immediate subscription be set on foot,
the Americans without their consent, which cannot be had throughout this country, towards the relief of the suffering
in Parliament as they have no representation, nor ought families in the town of Boston. For which purpose sun-
not to have in that body from local circumstances, and dry gentlemen in the different townships and precincts of
other considerations ; and because it is the proper, exclu- the county, are named and appointed to take in the same,
sive, and indefeisible right of every free state, especially and to make return of such subscriptions and collections to
under the British form of Government, to be taxed only James Wilson, Esq., by the 1st day of September next, in
by themselves or their Representatives. order that such collections may be sent to Boston as early
We further declare, that upon all occasions where re- as possible.
quisitions shall be made to us by the Crown, for aid in 7th. We
agree with our brethren of all the counties in
support of his Majesty's just rights, or those of Govern- this Province, in the method of choosing Committees of
ment, we will most cheerfully comply with them to the Correspondence, and also that such Committees from the
utmost of our ability but we cannot think a British
; several counties do meet, at a place convenient, by them
Parliament fit judges of the mode by which, or the degree to be agreed on, and when so met to elect proper persons
in which, we ought to be taxed. to represent this Colony in the proposed Congress, for
And whereas a Convention of the late Representatives which purpose the following gentlemen, viz John Moores, :

of this Colony was judged expedient, and was appointed John Wetherill, John Johnson, Michael Field, William
after their dissolution to be held the first day of August Pecke, James Wilson, John Combs, Jun., Jonathan Bald-
next, at Williamsburg, there to consult upon the most ing, William Smith, John Dennis, and Rune Runyon,
plausible means of avoiding the dangerous precedents of Esqrs., are requested to be, and are hereby appointed, a
acts of power now intended to be established against us. standing Committee of Correspondence, and that any five
To promote on our part this laudable design, we do ap- of them are a sufficient number to act. Signed by order of
point our late Representatives, Robert Boiling and John the meeting, John Moores, Chairman.
Banister, Esquires, Deputies, to act for us on this important
Immediately after the meeting, the members of the
occasion, recommending it to them to concert with the
County Committee present met, and agreed to meet the
Deputies from the other counties a firm and prudent plan
Committees from the other counties, at New-Brunswick,
of opposition to every invasion of our rights, and particu-
on Thursday, the 21st of July, instant.
larly to those Acts of Parliament we have pointed out.
Confiding in their vigilance and attention, we wish them in
their endeavoure the success that so good a cause merits. New-Loadon, July 15, 1774.

The Honourable Committee of Correspondence for tlie

Colony of Connecticut, met at this town on Wcdnenlay,

MIDDLESEX COUNTY (neW-JERSEy) RESOLUTIONS.
the 3th instant, and by virtue of authority from the Hon-
1

According to notice, which had been given to the Free- ourable Lower House of Assembly, in May last, for that
holders and Inhabitants of the County of Middlesex, New- purpose, nominated the Honourable Eliphalet Dyer, and
Jersey, a great number from every quarter of the county William Samuel Johnson, Erastus Wolcott, Silas Deane,
met at the Court House in New-Brunstvick, on Friday, and Richard Laio, Esqrs.,* that is to say, any three of
the I5th day of July, 1774, at 2 o'clock, and chose John them, on behalf of this Colony, to attend the general Con-
Moores, Esq., to the Chair; but as the Court House could gress of Commissioners, of the English American Colo-
not contain half the number, the meeting adjourned to the nies,proposed to be holden at Philadelphia, on the 1st of
Presbyterian Meeting House where, after some deliber-
;
September next with them to consult and advise on proper
;

ation upon the dangerous situation of the publick aifairs in measures to promote the general good and welfare of the
America, the meeting unanimously Resolved as follows,
• Hartford, July 23.—The Honourable William Samuel Johnson,
viz :

Major Eraatus Wolcott, and Richard Law, Esq., chosen by the hon.
Resolve 1st. That the members of
meeting, their this
ourable Committee of Correspondence for that Colony, at their late
fellow-subjects in this Province, and they are persuaded meeting in New-Lomlon, to meet the Delegates from the other Colo,
nies in general Congress, at Philadelphia, having declined
that service.
the inhabitants of America in general, are firm and un-
The Committee have agreed to meet in this town, on Wednesday, the
shaken in their allegiance to his Majesty King George the third of August next, to appoint three other gentlemen in their stead.
Third. Tliat they have ever demonstrated their readiness August 3.— Tlio following gentlemen were appointed at Hartford,
to support his Majesty's Government over them, and also viz the Hon. Roger Sherman, Esq., and Capt. Joseph Trumbull; one
:

of which gentlemen, with the Hon. Eliphalet Dyer, Esq., and Silas
to grant aids to his Majesty, on any emergency, by their Deane, Esq., who were appointed at the fonncr meeting, are to repre-
own Representatives, to the utmost of their power. Bent the Colony of Connecticut at the general Congress,
555 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 556

whole, and of the grievances under

for obtaining a redress to our principles, we owe the unhappy differences between
whicli we Being a matter of great expectancy, a
labour. Great Britain and the Colonies with the deepest distress
number of gentlemen from the neighbouring towns attend- and anxiety of mind, as fruitless to her, grievous to us,
ed. About four o'clock, P. M., the gentlemen Committee and destructive of the best interests of both.
declared to the expecting people their choice upon which
; Unanimously, 3. That it is, therefore, our ardent desire,
a royal salute was fired from our battery, and also a salute that our ancient harmony with the mother country should
from the shipping in the harbour. Decency, good order, be restored, and a perpetual love and union subsist between
and loyalty, were conspicuous in all ranks and degrees of us, on the principles of the Constitution, and an interchange
the people. of good oliices, without the least infraction of our mutual
rights.
Unanimously, 4. That the inhabitants of these Colonies
By Ktcelhncy the HonourahJc Thomas Gage, Gen-
his
are entitled to thesame rights and liberties within these
eral and Command er-in- Chief of all his Majesty's
Colonies, that the subjects born in England are entitled to
Forces in North America, S^c, (fc, ifc.
within that Realm.
A proclamation. Unanimously, 5. That the power assumed by the Par-
Whereas some Soldiers have deserted his Majesty's hament of Great Britain to bind the people of these
Regiments late arrived from Great
service, belonging to the Colonies, " by statutes, in all cases whatsoever," is uncon-
Britain and Ireland. This is to give notice, all soldiers stitutional, and, therefore, the source of tliese unhappy dif-

who deserted from said Corps previous to the tenth day of ferences.
this instant, month of July, shall receive their pardons Unanimously, 6. That the Act of Parliament for shut-
upon surrendering themselves before or on the tenth day of ting up the port of Boston, is unconstitutional, oppressive
August next ensuing and on failure of so doing, they are
; to the inhabitants of that town, dangerous to the liberties
not to expect mercy. of the British Colonies and, therefore, that we consider
;

Given under my hand at Head Quarters at Boston, this our brethren at Boston as suffering in the common cause
fifteenth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and of these Colonies.
seventy-four. Thomas Gage. Unanimously, 7. That the Bill for altering the adminis-
By his Excellency's command. tration of justice in certain criminal cases within the Prov-
Gab. Maturin, Secretary. ince of Massachusetts Bay, if passed into an Act of Par-
IVIjLSsachusctts Bay. liament, will be as unconstitutional, oppressive and dan-
gerous, as the Act above mentioned.

PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION. Unanimously, 8. That the Bill for changing the Con-
stitution of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, established
At a Provincial Meeting of Deputies chosen by the
by Charter, and enjoyed since the grant of that Charter, if
several Counties, in Pennsylvania, held at Philadelphia,
passed into an Act of Parliament, will be unconstitutional,
Friday, Jidy 15, 1774, and continued by adjournments
and dangerous in its consequences to the American Colo-
from day to-day. Present
For the City and Cowniy o/Philadelphia. — Thomas nies.
Unanimously, 9. That there an absolute necessity
is
Willing, John Dickinson, Peter Chevalier, Edward Pen-
that a Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies be
nington, Thomas Wharton, John Cox, Joseph Read, Tho-
immediately assembled, to consult together, and form a
mas Wharton, Jun., Samuel Erwin, Thomas Fitzsimmons,
general plan of conduct to be observed by all the Colonies,
Doctor WiUiam Smith, Isaac Howell, Adam Hubley,
for the purposes of procuring relief for our suffering breth-
George Schlosser, Samuel Miles, Thomas Mifjlin, Chris-
ren, obtaining redress of our grievances, preventing future
topher LudvAclc, Joseph Moulder, Anthony Morris,
dissensions, firmly establishing our rights, and restoring
Jun., George Gray, John Nixon, Jacob Barge, Thomas
harmony between Great Britain and her Colonies on a
Penrose, John M. Neshit, Jonathan B. Smith, James
constitutional foundation.
Mease, Thomas Barclay, Benjamin Marshall, Samuel
Unanimously, 10. That, although a suspension of the
Howell, William Moulder, John Roberts, John Bayard,
commerce of this large trading Province, with Great Bri-
f'Villiam Rush, Charles Thomson.
—
Bucks. John Kidd, Henry Wynlcoop, Joseph KirJc-
tain, would greatly distress multitudes of our industrious
inhabitants, yet that sacrifice, and a much greater, we are
hride, John Wilkinson, James Wallace.
—
Chester. Francis Richardson, Elisha Price, John
ready to offer for the preservation of our liberties but, in
tenderness to the people of Great Britain, as well as of
;

Hart, Anthony Waine, Hugh Lloyd, John Sellers, Fran-

this country, and in hopes that our just remonstrnnces will,
cis Johnson, Richard Reiley.
—
Lancaster. George Ross, James Webb, Joseph Fer-
at length, reach the ears of our gracious Sovereign, and be
no longer treated with contempt by any of our fellow-sub-
ree, Matthias Slough, Emanuel Carpenter, William Atlee,
jects in England, it is our earnest desire tliat the Congress
Alexander Lowry, Moses Erwin.
—
York. James Smith, Jos. Donaldson, Thos. Hartley.
should first try the gentler mode of stating our grievances,
—
Cumberland. James Wilson, Robert Magaw, Wil-
and making a firm and decent claim of redress.
11. Resolved, by a great majority. That yet, notwith-
liam Irvine.
Berks. —Edward Biddle, Daniel Broadhead, Jona-
standing, as an unanimity of counsels and measures is
indispensably necessary for the common welfare, if the
Thomas Dnndas, Christopher Schultz.
than Potts,
—
Northampton. William Edmunds, Peter Kechlein,
Congress judge agreements of non-importation and
shall
non-exportation expedient, the people of this Province
John Okeley, Jacob Amdt.
—
Northumberland. William Scull, Samuel Hunter.
will join with the other principal and neighbouring Colo-

—
Bedford. George Woods.
nies, in such an Association of non-importation from, and

—
Westmoreland. Robert Hannah, James Cavett.
non-exportation to, Great Britain, as shall be agreed on
at the Congress.
Thomas Willing, Chairman, ] 2. Resolved, by a majority. That if any proceedings
Charles Thomson, Clerk. of the Parliament, of which notice shall be received, on
Agreed, Tiiat in case of any difference in sentiment, this Continent, before or at t!ie general Congress, shall
the question be determined by the Deputies voting by render it necessary, in the opinion of that Congress, for the
counties. Colonies to take farther steps than are mentioned in the
The Letters from Bo6/on of the 13th of iJiffy were then eleventh Resolve in such case, the inhabitants of this
;

read, and a short account given of the steps taken in con- Province shall adopt such farther steps, and do all in their
sequence thereof, and the measures now pursuing in this power to carry them into execution.
and the neighbouring Provinces. After which the follow- Unanimously, 13. That the venders of merchandise of
ing Resolves were passed : every kind, within this Province, ought not to take advan-
Unanimously, I. That we acknowledge ourselves, and tage of the Resolves relating to non-importation, in this
the inhabitants of tliis Province, liege subjects of his Province, or elsewhere but that they ought to sell their
;

Majesty King George tiie Tliird, to whom they and we merchandise, which they now have, or may hereafter im-
owe and will bear true and faithful allegiance. port, at the same rates they have been accustomed to do
Unanimously, 2. That as the idea of an unconstitu- within three months last past.
tional independence on the parent state is utterly abhorrent Unanimously, 14. That the people of this Province
557 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 558

willbreak off all trade, commerce, and dealing, and will INSTRUCTIONS
have no trade, commerce, or dealing of any kind, with any From the Committee to the Representatives in Assembly
Colony on this Continent, or with any city or town in such met.
Colony, or witli any individual in any such Colony, city,
Gentlemen: The dissensions between Great Britain
or town, which shall refuse, decline, or neglect to adopt,
and her Colonies on Continent, commencing about ten
this
and carry into execution, such general plan as shall be
years ago, since continually increasing, and at length grown
agreed to in Congress.
to such an excess as to involve the latter in deep distress
Unanimously, 15. That it is the duty of every member
and danger, have excited the good people of this Province
of this Committee to promote, as much as he can, the
to take into their serious consideration the present situation
subscription set on foot, in the several counties of this
of publick affairs.
Province, for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of
The inhabitants of the several counties qualified to vote
Boston.
at elections, being assembled on due notice, have appoint-
Unanimously, 16. That this Committee give instructions
ed us their Deputies and in consequence thereof, we;

on tlie present situation of publick affairs to their Repre- being in Provincial Committee met, esteem it our indispens-
sentatives, who are to meet next week in Assembly, and
able duty, in pursuance of the trust reposed in us, to give
request them to appoint a proper number of persons to
you such Instructions, as, at this important period, appear
attend a Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies,
to us to be proper.
at such time and place as may be agreed on, to effect one
We, speaking in their names and our own, acknowledge
general plan of conduct for attaining the great and import-
ourselves liege subjects of his Majesty King George the
ant ends mentioned in tlie ninth Resolve.
Third, to whom we will be faithful and bear true alle-
'•'

Saturday, July 16, 1774. giance."

Tlie Committee for the Province of Pennsylvania met Our judgments and affections attach us, with inviolable
according to adjournment. loyalty, to his Majesty's person, family, and Government.
Jolm Dickinson, Doctor William Smith, Joseph Read, We acknowledge the prerogatives of the Sovereign, among
John Kidd, Elisha Price, William Atlee, James Smith, which are included the great powers of making peace and
James Wilson, Daniel Broadhead, John Okeley and war, treaties, leagues and alliances, binding us of appoint- —
William Scull, are appointed to prepare and bring in a ing all officers, except in cases where other provision is
draught of Instructions. made, by grants from the Crown, or laws approved by the
—
Monday, July 18.* Tlie Committee appointed to —
Crown of confirming or annulling every Act of our
bring in Instructions, reported, that they had made a Assembly within the allowed time and of hearing and —
draught, which they laid upon the table. determining finally, in Council, appeals from our Courts of
Moved, That they be read, which was done. Justice. " The prerogatives are limited," *as a learned
—
Tuesday, July 19. Upon a motion made and seconded, judge observes, " by bounds so certain and notorious, that
"
agreed, that the draught of Instructions brought in by the it is impossible to exceed them, without the consent of

Committee, and which were read, be re-committed to the " the people on the one hand, or without, on the other, a
same Committee. " violation of that original contract,! which, in all states
—
Wednesday, July 20. The Committee having brought
• 1. Blackttone, 237.
in a draught of Instructions, the same were debated,
t And though we are strangers to the original of most states, yet we
amended, and agreed to. must not imagine that what has been here said, concerning the manner
—
Thursday, July 21. The Instructions were signed by in which civil societies are formed, is an arbitrary fiction. For since it
is certain, that all civil societies had a beginning, it is impossible to
the Chairman. The Committee, in a body, waited on
conceive, how the members, of which they are composed, could unite
the Assembly then sitting, and presented the same. to live together dependent on a supreme authority, without supposing
It having been moved, that the Essay of the Instructions the covenants above mentioned. Burlamaqui's Princ. of Pol. Law,
vol. 2. p. 29.
first proposed to be given to the Honourable Assembly of
And in fact, upon considering the primitive state of man, it appears
Pennsylvania, by the Provincial Committee assembled at most certain, that the appellations of sovereigns and subjects, masters
Philadelphia, the 18lh instant, might be abridged, leaving and slaves, are unknown to nature. Nature has made us all of the same
species, all equal, all free and independent of each other ; and was
out the Argumentative part, so as to be more proper for
willing that those, on whom she has bestowed the same faculties, should
instructions, the same was agreed to but resolved, at the
;
have all the same rights. It is therefore beyond all doubt that in this
same time, that the whole work ought to be published, as primitive state of nature, no man has of himself an original right of
liighly deserving the perusal and serious consideration of commanding others, or any title to sovereignty.
There is none but God alone that has of himself, and in consequence
every friend of liberty within these Colonies. of his nature and perfections, a natural, essential, and inherent right
Agreed, unanimously, That the thanksf of this Com- of giving laws to mankind, and of exercising an absolute sovereignty
mittee be given from the Chair to John Dickinson, Esquire, over them. The case is otherwise between man and man ; they are of
their own
nature as independent of one another, as they are dependent
for the great assistance they have derived from the laud- on God. This liberty and independence is therefore a right naturally
able application of his eminent abilities to the service of his belonging to man, of which it would bo unjust to deprive him against
his will.— /rf. p. 38.
country in the above performance.
There is a beautiful passage of Cicero's to this purpose :* " Nothing —
Extract from the Minutes, is more agreeable to the Supreme Deity, that governs this universe, than
Charles Thomson, Clerk of the Committee. civil societies lawfully established."
When therefore we give to Sovereigns the title of God's vicegerents
• The Committees of the counties having been invited, by the
upon earth, this does not imply that they derive their authority imme-
Committee for the City and County of Philadelphia, to meet them at diately from God, but it signifies only, that by means of the power
Philadelphia on the 15th of July, this Committee tliought it their lodged in their hands, and with which the people have invested them,
duty to make some preparation in the business, tliat was to be laid they maintain, agreeable to the views of the Deity, both order and peace,
bcfori the Provincial Committee by them. On the 4th of July they and thus procure the happiness of mankind. Id. p. 40.
appointed a Committee for this purpose and this measure enabled
;
But it will be here objected, that the scripture itself says, that every
those appointed by the Provincial Committee to bring in a draught so man ought to bo subject to the supreme powers, because they are cstab.
soon. lished by God.i I answer, with Grotius, that men have established
t Mr. Dickinson being absent this day, on account of the funeral civil societies, not in consequence of a divine ordinance, but of their
of a relation, the next day the Chairman, in a very obliging manner, voluntary motion, induced to it by the experience tliey had had of the
delivered to him from the Chair the thanks of the Committee to
j
incapacity which separate families were under, of defending themselves
which he replied against the insults and attacks of human violence. From thence (lie
" Mr. Chairman I heartily thank this respectable Assembly for
: adds) arises the civil power, which St. Peter, for this reason, calls a
" the honour they have conferred upon mo, but want words to express human power,! though in other parts of scripture it bears the nime of a
" the sense I feel of their kindness. The mere accidents of meeting divine institution, because God has approved of it as an cstabUshment
||

" with particular books, and conversing with particular men, led rae useful to mankind.^
" into the train of sentiments which the Committee arc pleased to All the other arguments, in favour of the opinion we have been here
'• think just; and others, with the like opportunities of information, refuting, do uot even deserve our notice. In general, it may be observ-
" would much better have deserved to receive tlie thanks tliey now ed, that never were more wretched reasons produced than upon this
" generously give. I consider the approbation of this coinpiiny as an subject, as the reader may be easily convinced by reading Puffendorf
" evidence that they entertain a favourable opinion of my good inten. on the law of Nature and Nations, who, in tlie eliapter corresponding
" tions, and as an encouragement for all to apply themselves, in these to this, gives these arguments at length, and completely refutes
" unhappy times, to the service of the publick, since even small them, If Id. p. 42, 43.
" endeavours to promote that service, can find a very valuable reward.
• Nihil Mt priiicipi Deo, qui omiiem Imnc miindum regit, quod quidem in terrii (Ut
" I will try, during the remainder of my life, to remember my duty to ttcccptius,
illi
quam consilia coetusque hominum jure lociati, qu» civilatM appellaiuui.—
" our common country, and, if it bo possible, to render myself worthy Somn. Scifi. c. 3.
" of the honour for wliich I now stand so deeply indebted. t Rom. xiiL t 1 Ep. c. 2. y. 13. II
Rora.xiii. 1.

" I thank you, sir, for the polite and affjctionate manner in which i Grotius of tlie right of War and Peace, book I. c. 4. lec 7, 12. Ko. 3.

" you have communicated the sense of the Conunittco to me." 1 3« the law ot Nature and Nationi, book VIl. c 3.
559 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 560
" impliedly, and in ours most expressly, subsists between —
any laws never satisfied with what has been done, while
" the Prince and Subject. —
For these prerogatives are any thing remains to be done for the accomplishment of its
" vested in the Crown for the support of society, and do —
purposes confiding and capable of confiding, only in the
" not intrencii any farther on our natural liberties, than is annihilation of all opposition —
holds its course with such
" expedient for tlia maintenance of our civil." unabating and destructive rapidity, that the world has
But it is our misfortune, that we are compelled loudly to become its prey, and at this day. Great Britain and her
call your attention to the consideration of another power, Dominions excepted, there is scarce a spot on the globe
totally different in kind —
limited, as it is alleged, by no inhabited by civilized Nations, where the vestiges of free-
" bounds," and *" wearing a most dreadful aspect," with dom are to be observed.
regard to America. We
mean the power claimed by Par- To us, therefore, it appears, at this alarming period,
liament, of right, to bind the people of these Colonies by our duty to God, to our country, to ourselves, and to our
statutes, " in all cases whatsoever" —
a power, as we are not, posterity, to exert our utmost ability in promoting and
and from local circumstances, cannot be represented there, establishing harmony between Great Britain and these
utterly subversive of our natural and
events and reason convincing us, that there never existed,
civil liberties — past Colonies, on a constitutional foundation.
For attaining this great and desirable end, we request
and never can exist, a state thus subordinate to another, you to appoint a proper number of persons to attend a
and yet retaining the slightest portion of freedom or happi- Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies, appointed,
ness. or to be appointed, by the Representatives of the people
The import of the words above quoted needs no des- of the Colonies respectively in Assembly, or Convention,
cant; for the wit of man, as we apprehend, cannot possibly or by Delegates chosen by the counties generally in the
form a more clear, concise, and comprehensive definition respective Colonies, and met in Provincial Committee, at
and sentence of slavery, than these expressions contain. such time and place as shall be generally agreed on and ;

This power claimed by Great Britain, and the late that the Deputies from this Province may be induced and
attempts to exercise it over these Colonies, present to our encouraged to concur in such measures as may be devised
view two events, one of which must inevitably take place, for the common welfare, we think it proper particularly to
if she shall continue to insist on her pretensions. Either, inform you how far we apprehend they will be supported
the Colonists will sink from the rank of freemen into the in their conduct by their constituents.
class of slaves, overwhelmed with all the miseries and vices,
[In this place was inserted the Argumentative part,
proved by the history of mankind to be inseparably annex-
ivhich is here inserted at the end of the Instructions
J\
ed to that deplorable condition Or, if they have sense
:

and virtue enough to exert themselves in striving to avoid The assumed Parliamentary power of internal legisla-
this perdition, they must be involved in an opposition tion, and the power of regulating trade, as of late exer-
dreadful even in contemplation. cised, and designed to be exercised, we are thoroughly
Honour, justice, and humanity, call upon us to hold, and convinced will prove unfailing and plentiful sources of dis-
to transmit to our posterity, that liberty which we received sensions to our mother country and these Colonies, unless
from our ancestors. It is not our duty to leave wealth to some expedients can be adopted to render her secure of
our children But it is our duty to leave liberty to them.
: receiving from us every emolument that can in justice and
No infamy, iniquity, or cruelty, can exceed our own, if we, reason be expected, and us secure in our lives, properties,
born and educated in a country of freedom, entitled to its and an equitable share of commerce.
blessings, and knowing their value, pusillanimously desert- Mournfully revolving in our minds the calamities, that,
ing the post assigned us by Divine Providence, surrender arising from these dissensions, will most probably fall on us
succeeding generations to a condition of wretchedness, and our children, we will now lay before you the particular
from which no human efforts, in all probability, will be points we
request of you to procure, if possible, to be
sufficient to extricate them the experience of all states
;
finally decided ; and the measures that appear to us most
mournfully demonstrating to us, that when arbitrary power likely toproduce such a desirable period of our distresses
has been established over them, even the wisest and bravest and dangers. We therefore desire of you :

Nations, that ever flourished, have in a few years, degen- First. That the Deputies you appoint may be instructed
erated into abject and wretched vassals. by you strenuously to exert themselves, at the ensuin"
So alarming are the measures already taken for laying Congress, to obtain a renunciation, on the part of Great
the foundation of a despotick authority of Great Britain Britain, of all powers under the statute of the thirty-fifth of
over us, and with such artful and incessant vigilance is the Henry the Eighth, chapter the second, of all powers of
plan prosecuted, that unless the present generation can internal legislation —
of imposing taxes or duties, internal
interrupt the work while it is going forward, can it be or external —
and of regulating trade, except with respect
imagined that our children, debilitated by our imprudence to any new articles of commerce, which the Colonies may
and supineness, will be able to overthrow it, when com- hereafter raise, as silk, wine, &.C., reserving a right to carry
pleted? Populous and powerful as these Colonies may these from one Colony to another —
a repeal of all statutes
grow, they will still find arbitrary domination not only for quartering troops in the Colonies, or subjecting them
strengthening with their strength, but exceeding, in the to any expense on account of such troops —
of all statutes
swiftness of its progression, as it ever has done, all the imposing duties to be paid in the Colonies, that were
artless advantages that can accrue to the governed. These passed at the accession of his present Majesty, or before
advance with a regularity, which the divine Author of our this time, which ever period shall be judged most advis-
existence has impressed on the laudable pursuits of his able —
of the statutes giving the Courts of Admiralty in
creatures But despotism,f unchecked and unbounded by
: the Colonies greater power than Courts of Admiralty liave

•
in England —
of the statutes of the fiftli of George the
1. Blaekttone, 270. Second, chapter the twenty-second, and of the twenty-
t As virtue is necessary
in a Republic, and in a Monarchy honour, so third of George the Second, chapter the twenty-ninth
fear nocRssary in a Despotick Government ; with regard to virtue,
is

there is no occasion for it, and honour would be extremely dangerous.

of the statute for shutting up the port o( Boston —
and of
Here the immnnse power of the Prince is devolved entirely upon every other statute particularly affecting the Province of
those to whom he is pleased to intrust it. Perseus capable of setting Massachusetts Bay, passed in the last session of Parlia-
a value upon themselves would be likely to create revolutions. Fear
ment.
must therefore depress their spirits, and oxtinguisli even the least sense
of ambition. Mont. Spir. of Laws, vol. 1. book III. ch. 9. An idea of In case of obtaining these terms, it is our opinion that

despotick power. it be reasonable for the Colonies to engage their obe-

will
When the savages of Louisiana are desirous of fruit, they cut the dience to the Acts of Parliament, commonly called the Acts
tree to the root, and gather the fruit." This is au emblem of despotick
Government. Id. hook V. ch. 13. of Navigation, and to every other Act of Parliament de-
The principlT of despotick Government is fear but a timid, igno-
;
clared to have force at this time in these Colonies, other
rant, and faint-spirited people have no occasion for a great number of
than those above mentioned, and to confirm such statutes
laws.
Every thing ought to depend hero on two or three ideas ; therefore by Acts of the several Assemblies. It is also our opinion,
there is no necosiity that any now notions should bo added. When that taking example from our mother country, in abolishing
we want to break a hor*i wo take care not to lot him chancre his master,
the ''courts of wards and liveries, tenures in capite,and by
his lesson, or his jiice. Thus an impression is made on his brain by
two or three motions, and no more. Id. book V. eh. 14. knight's service and purveyance," it will be reasonable for
• Edifying Letlen, 11 coll. p. 315. the Colonies, in case of obtaining the terms before-raen-
561 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 562
tioned, to settle a certain annual revenue on his Majesty, his ances which she cannot justify, and will not redress. In
heirs and successors, subject to the controul of Parliament, case of war, or in any emergency of distress to her, we
and to satisfy all damages done to the East India Com- shall also be ready and willing to contribute all aids within
pany. our power ; and we solemnly declare, that on such occa-
This our idea of settling a revenue arises from a sense sions, if we or our posterity shall refuse, neglect, or de-
of duty to our Sovereign, and of esteem for our mother cline, thus to contribute, it will be a mean and manifest
country. We know and have felt tlie benefits of a subor- violation of a plain duty, and a weak and wicked desertion
dinate connexion with her. We neither are so stupid as to of the true interests of this Province, which ever have
be ignorant of them nor so unjust as to deny them. We
; been, and must be, bound up in the prosperity of our
have also experienced the pleasures of gratitude and love, mother country. Our union, founded on mutual compacts
as well as advantages from that connection. The impres- and mutual benefits, will be indissoluble, at least more firm,
sions are not yet erased. We consider her circumstances than an union perpetually disturbed by disputed rights and
with tender concern. We have not been wanting, when retorted injuries.
constitutionally called upon, to assist her to the utmost of Secondly.If all the terms above mentioned cannot be
our insomuch that she has judged it reasonable to
abilities ; obtained, our opinion that the measures adopted by
it is

make us recompenses for our overstrained exertions ; and the Congress for our relief, should never be relinquished or
we now think we ought to contribute more than we do to intermitted, until those relating to the troops ; internal
the alleviation of her burthens. legislation ; imposition of taxes or duties hereafter ; the
Whatever may be said of these proposals on either side of Henry the Eighth, chapter the second the
thirty-fifth ;

of the Atlantic, this is not a time either for timidity or extension of Admiralty Courts the port of Boston and;

rashness. We perfectly know that the great cause now agi- Province of Massachusetts Bay, are obtained. Every
tated,is to be conducted to a happy conclusion only by that modification or qualification of these points, in our judg-
well tempered composition of counsels, which firmness, ment, should be inadmissible. To obtain them, we think it
prudence, loyalty to our Sovereign, respect to our parent may be prudent to settle some revenue as above mention-
state, and affection to our native country, united, must ed, and to satisfy the East India Company.
form. Thirdly. If neither of these plans should be agreed to
By such a compact, Great Britain will secure every in Congress, but some other of a similar nature shall be
benefit that the Parliamentary wisdom of ages has thought framed, though on the terms of a revenue, and satisfaction
proper to attach to her. From her alone we shall continue to the East India Company ; and though it shall be agreed
to receive manufactures. To her alone we shall continue by the Congress to admit no modification or qualification
to carry the vast multitude of enumerated articles of com- in the terms they shall insist on, we desire your Deputies
merce, the exportation of which her policy has thought may be instructed to concur with the other Deputies in it
fit to confine to herself. With such parts of the world only and we will accede to and carry it into execution as far as
as she has appointed us to deal, we shall continue to deal we can.
and such commodities only as she has permitted us to bring Fourthly. As to the regulation of trade, we are of
from them, we shall continue to bring. The Executive and opinion, that by making some few amendments, the com-
controlling powers of the Crown will retain their present merce of the Colonies might be settled on a firm establish-
full force and operation. We
shall contentedly labour for ment, advantageous to Great Britain and them, requiring
her as affectionate friends, in time of tranquillity, and cheer- and subject to no future alterations, without mutual consent.
fully spend for her as dutiful children, our treasure and our We desire to have this point considered by the Congress,
blood, in time of war. She will receive a certain income* and such measures taken as they may judge proper.
from us, without the trouble or expense of collecting it In order to obtain redress of our common grievances, we
without being constantly disturbed by complaints of griev- observe a general inclination among the Colonies of enter-

• The employed by Great Britain, consume a very

train of officers " him in their possession, were swayed by another sort of interest
large part of what she takes from us. She therefore increaaos our dis- " they like profusion, as having had a prospect to be gainers by it, they
tresses to make up for that consumption. They will hereafter grow " can easily set their account even with the state a small charge ;

more and more oppressive we more and more uneasy she more and
; ;
" upon their land is more than balanced by a great place, or a large
more disturbed. We could raise the same sum in a much more easy, " pension."*
equal, and cheap manner, than she can do. The attention of small See the Lord Keeper North's account of abuses in the conduct and
States extends much more efficaciously and beneficially to every part disposal of the publick money, in the time of King Charles the Sec-
of the Territories, than that of the administration of a vast Empire. ond. + Those who, in our times, are the conductors of the same kind
The Representatives in Assembly, who are taxed when the People are of dirty work, may compare the modem ingenious ways and means
taxed, and accountable to them, will have double motives to take care with those of their worthy predecessors.
that the raising and expending money is managed in the best way. Among others, pretended want of money in the Treasury, in order
The House of Commons would not bear to examine every particular to have a pretence for giving an exorbitant price for necessaries.
relating to the just taxation of every county on this Continent, and to Lending the Crown at eight per cent., money which was raised at five
settle all the accounts fairly. If they could go through the immense and six. Paying with the publick money, pretending it to be private,
labour, it would be impossible for them to do any other business. In and taking interest. Depreciating the publick debts and funds buying ;

short, by not doing it, they would bo unjust by doing it, they would ; them of the holders at half their worth, and afterwards, by interest,
be useless. Equity and reason demonstrates that such a power belongs getting them paid in full. Pretending to give up all power in recom-
not to them. We have had some remarkable instances on this Conti- mending to places for a consideration, and then insisting on recom-
nent, some few years ago, of the Crown being, according to all the mending still and so getting both ways. Rolling over losses upon the
;

forms of business, charged with articles that never went to the use of Crown or publick, while the gain was to sink into private pockets. A
the Crown. Tli.ise were perquisites and who could be so puritanical
; father stopping a large sum in his own hand, which was to have been
as to blame the civil word ? It is said our barracks cost about eight thou- paid the publick creditors. Before he can be brought to account he
sand pounds of this money and that the barracks at another place, not
; dies ; the money sinks into the pocket of his heir ; he obtains a pardon
deserving a comparison with ours, cost forty thousand pounds sterling. of all his father's debts. Gross frauds in office found out ; then new
We built our own ourselves, and were as saving and careful as we could officers and salaries set up as checks. The new prove as great knaves
be, it may be supposed. If money is raised upon us by Parliament of ; as the old, and form a scheme of collusion and mutual understanding.
one thousand pounds taken out of our pockets, not one hundred, in all But the publick pays for all, and the power of the Court is strength-
probability, will be usefully applied to the service of the Crown. De- ened. An old placeman begs leave to sell ; pockets the money, and by
ficiencies will ensue —
they must be supplied other Acts are made ; and by, through interest, gets a new place gratis. Extravagant men
still others, till our* " unrepresented blades of grass," too frequently squander their own money in their publick employments of Ambassa-
and closely cut down and exposed to the burning heat of an unsetting dors, Governours, &c., and charge the publick with more than they
sun, over " in its meridian," perish to tlieir deepest roots. really spent ; while what they really spent was ten times more than
" There is not upon earth" says the excellent Gordon, " a Nation, necessary. The business of old offices transferred to new ; but the
" which, having had unaccountable Magistrates, has not felt them to profits of the old still kept up, though become sinecures. An old ser-
" be crying and consuming mischiefs. In truth, where they are most vant of the publick retires upon a pension he who succeeds him, by
;

" limited, it has been often as much as a whole People could do to re- interest, gets it continued to liim. Another gets an addition to his sal-
" strain them to their trust, and to keep them from violence and such ; ary, and then sells his place for a great deal more than it cost him, and
" frequently has been their propensity to be lawless, that nothing but so an additional load is laid on the publick for the addition must bo
;

" a violent death could cure them of their violence. This evil has its continued, because the place was bought. An annual sum is granted
"root in human nature; men will never tliink they have enough, by the publick for a publick use, as keeping up a harbour, or the like
" wliilst they can take more ; nor be content with a part, when they a private man, by interest, gets a grant of the job; the publick concern
" can seize the whole.t" is neglected, and the publick pocket picked. Crown lands perpetually
" That the business of most Kingdoms has been ill managed, pro- begged and given away to strengthen the Court interest. The Crown
" ceeds from this it imports the lower rank of men only, and the People
; constantly kept in debt, and Parliament solicited to pay those debts oc-
" (whoso cries seldom roach the Prince till it is too late, and till all is casioned by the voracity of the Court. Commanders of fleets order a
" past remedy) that matters should bo frugally ordered, because taxes superfluous quantity of stores; by collusion between them and the
" must arise from their sweat and labour. But the great ones, who Btore.masters, this superfluous quantity is sold again to the Kmg, and
" heretofore have had the Prince's ear and favour, or wlio hoped to have the money sunk m
their pockets. Sometimes the store-masters gave
• Speech of Lord Camden* t Catt't Lett in, 78. • Daren. 11, 262. t Dalrymp. Mem, U, 84.

FouETU Sekies. 36
563 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic, JULY, 1774. 564

ing into agreements of non-importation and non-exporta- the sake of preserving that unanimity of counsel and con-
tion. We
are fully convinced that such agreements would duct that alone can work out the salvation of these Colo-
withhold very large supplies from Great Britain ; and no nies, with a strong hope and trust that they will not draw
words can describe our contempt and abhorrence of those this Province into any measure judged by us, who must be
Colonists, if any such there are, who, from a sordid and ill- better acquainted with its state than strangers, highly inex-
judged attachment to their own immediate profit, would pedient. Of this kind we know any other stoppage of
pursue that to the injury of their country, in this great trade, but of that with Great Britain, will be. Even this
struggle for all the blessings of liberty. It would appear step we should be extremely afflicted to see taken by the
to us a most wasteful frugality, that would lose every im- Congress, before the other mode above pointed out is tried.
portant jxjssession,by too strict an attention to small things, But should it be taken, we apprehend that a plan of re-
and lose alsoeven these at the last. For our part, we will strictions may be so framed, agreeable to the respective
cheerfully make any sacrifice, when necessary, to preserve circumstances of the several Colonies, as to render Great
the freedom of our country. But other considerations have Britain sensible of the imprudence of her counsels, and
weight with us. We wish every mark of respect to be yet leave them a necessary commerce. And here, it may
paid to his Majesty's Administration. We have been not be improper to take notice, that if redress of our griev-
taught from our youth to entertain tender and brotherly ances cannot be wholly obtained, the extent or continuance
affections for our fellow-subjects at home. The interrup- of our restrictions may, in some sort, be proportioned to
tion of our commerce must distress great numbers of them. the rights we are contending for, and the degree of relief
Tiiis we earnestly desire to avoid. We therefore request, afforded us. This mode will render our opposition as per-
that the Deputies you shall appoint, may be instructed to petual as our oppression, and will be a continual claim and
exert themselves at the Congress, to induce the Members assertion of our rights. We cannot express the anxiety
of it to consent to make
and precise state of griev-
a full with which we wish the consideration of these points to be
ances, and a decent yet firm claim of redress, and to wait recommended to you. We aVe persuaded, that if these
the event before any other step is taken. It is our opinion Colonies fail of unanhnity or prudence, in forming their res-
that persons should be appointed and sent home to present olutions, or of fidelity in observing them, the opposition by
this state and claim at the Court of Great Britain. non-importation and non-exportation agreements, will be
If the Congress should choose to form agreements of ineffectual ; and then we shall have only the alternative of
non-importation and non-exportation immediately, we de- a more dangerous contention, or of a tame submission.
sire the Deputies from this Province will endeavour to have Upon the whole, we shall repose the highest confidence
them so formed as to be binding upon all and that they ; in the wisdom and integrity of the ensuing Congress. And
may be permanent, should the publick interest require it. though we have, for the satisfaction of the good people of
They cannot be efficacious unless they can be permanent this Province, who have chosen us for this express purpose,
and it appears to us that there will be a danger of their offered to you such instructions as have appeared expedient
being infringed, if they are not formed with great caution to us ;
yet, it is not our meaning, that by these, or by any
and deliberation. We have determined, in the present sit- you may think proper to give them, the Deputies appoint-
uation of publick consent to a stoppage of our
affairs, to ed by you should be restrained from agreeing to any meas-
commerce with Great Britain only but in case any pro- ; ures that shall be approved by the Congress. We
should
ceedings of the Parliament, of which notice shall be re- be glad the Deputies chosen by you, could, by their influ-
ceived on this Continent, before or at the Congress, shall ence, procure our opinions hereby communicated to you to
render it necessary, in the opinion of the Congress, to take be as nearly adhered to as may be possible. But to avoid
further steps, the inhabitants of this Province will adopt difficulties, we desire that they may be instructed by you
such steps, and do all in their power to carry them into to agree to any measures that shall be approved by the
execution. Congress, the inhabitants of this Province having resolved
. This extensive power we commit to the Connress, for to adopt and carry them into execution.

recaipts for more than was rocoived into the King's stores and the
Lastly. We desire the Deputies from this Province

money was divided among the plunderers. The King's works done by may endeavour to procure an adjournment of the Congress
the day, whereas it would have been cheaper by the great. Money pre- to such a day as they shall judge proper, and the appoint-
tended to be coined gratis of largo sums newly coined produced
; lists
ment of a Standing Committee.
;

but the contrivance was to make

the pieces unequal, and then the too
heavy pieces were carried back to the Mint, and tlie profits aunk in Agreed, That John Dickinson, Joseph Read, and
private pockets, &c. Charles Thomson, be a Committee to write to the neigh-
Secret service is a huge cloak thrown over an immense scone of
cor-
ruption and under this cloak we must not peep. Our Court men tuU
;
bouring Colonies, and communicate to them the Resolves
u« there must be largo sums expended in this way, and those sums can- and Instructions.
not be accounted for ; because the services done by them must never be
known. But we find, that the Commons, Anno Domini 1708, address- Agreed, That the Committee for the City and County
ed Queen Anne for accounts of pensions paid for secret service to of Philadelphia, or any fifteen of them, be a Committee
Members of Parliament, or to any persons in trust for them ; and that of Correspondence for the General Committee of this
" the Queen ordorixl said account to be laid before the House."*
Contracts are a groat fund of Ministerial influence. It is well known Province. Extract from the Minutes,
that our Ministry do not accept the most reasonable offer ; but the of- Charles Thomson, Cleric Com.
fer which is made by those who have the greatest Parliamentary inter-
est ; and that in war time, every man who furnishes for the Govern-
ment is enriched. In France, the contrary, wliich shows that wo ARGUMENTATIVE PART OP THE PRECEDING INSTRUC-
manage our publick money much worse than the French Ministry do
theirs. In the late war it is notorious that several of our Purveyors TIONS.
and Commissaries got estates sufficient to sot them up for Earls and The authority of Parliament has within these few years
Dukes. But as Burnet t says, " the regard that is shewn to Members
•' of Parliament among us, causes that
fsw abuses can bo inquired into
been a question much agitated; and great difficulty, we
" or discovered." Pol. Disq. b. v. p. 274, 277. understand, has occurred, in tracing the line between the
What redress could a poor, plundered, unrepresented Colony obtain rights of the mother country and those of the Colonies.
against a Verrea, supported by a strong Parliamentary influence. We The modern doctrine of the former is indeed truly remark-
know what several Governours of Minorca have dared to do. Gov- A
ornour of Gibraltar has ventured to oppress even tlio garrison of that able ; for though it points out what are not our rights, yet
important place. The very drudgery of examining accounts would we can never learn from it, what are our rights. As for
probably secure him. If cast, the injuries could not be recompensed.
A —
successor might prove as bad " Victrix I'romnria plorat." example Great Britain claims a rii^ht to take away nine-
It has been said in Great Britain, that Lord Chatham, Lord Camden,
and some other great men, have taught the f "olonles to despise her au-
tenlhs of our estates —
have we a right to the remaining
tenth ? No. To say we have, is a " traitorous" position,
thority. But it is as little true as the multitude of invectives vented
against the Colonies. The constant practice in these publications, is denying her Supreme Legislature. So far from having
to confound f.icts and dates, and then to rave. It should be remembered, property, according to these late found novels, we are
that the opposition in America to the Stiinp Act, was fully formed, and
ourselves a property.
the Congress held at New-York, before it was known on this Continent
that our cause was ospousjd by any man of note at home. should We We ))retend not to any considerable share of learning ;
be glad to count such venerable names in the list of our friends. They but, thanks be to divine goodness, common sense, experi-
are the true friends of our mother country, as well as of this; and ages
ence, and some acquaintance with the Constitution, teach
tmborn will bless their memory. But if every man in Great Britain
is carried by tlie stream of prejudices into sentiments liostile us a few salutary truths on this important subject.
to our
freedom, that freedom will not be the less esteemed, or tlio sooner Whatever difficulty may occur in tracing the line, yet
re-
linquished by Americam,
we contend, that by the laws of God, and by the laws of
' Deb. Com, IT. 119. t UiM, Dim Times, iii. tT9. the Constitution, a line there must be, beyond which her
565 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JULY, 1774. 566

authority cannot extend. For all these laws are * pretence of prerogative, can have to diminish the happi-
" grounded on reason, full of justice, f and true equity," ness of the subjects in England. To come to a decision
mild, and calculated to promote the freedom and welfare upon this point, no long time need be required. To make
of men. These objects never can be attained by abolishing tills comparison, is stating the claim of Pariiament in the

every restriction on the part of the Governours, and ex- most favourable light for it puts the assumed power of
:

tinguishing every right on the part of the governed. Pariiament, to do, " in all cases whatsoever," what they
Suppose it be allowed, that the line is not expressly please, upon the same footing with the acknowledged
drawn, is it thence to be concluded there is no implied
line ? No English Lawyer, we presume, will venture to
power of the King, " to make what Peers pardon what
offences, Sic, he pleases." But in this light that power is
—
make the bold assertion. " The King may reject what bills, not entitled to be viewed. Such is the wisdom of the
" may make what treaties, may coin what money, may English Constitution, that it " declares" the King may
" create what Peers, and may pardon what offences he transgress a " boundary laiddown by evident consequence,"
" pleases."! ^^^ '* ^'^ prerogative respecting these even by using the power with which he is expressly vested
branches of it, unlimited ? By no means. The words by the Constitution, in doing those very acts which he is
following those next above quoted from the " Commenta-
— expressly trusted by the Constitution to do as by creating —
ries on the Laws of England," are " unless where the too many or improper persons, Peers or by pardoning ;

" Constitution hath expressly, or by evident consequence, too many or too great offences, &c. But has the Consti-
" laid down some exception or boundary declaring, that ; tution of jEJn^/ant/ expressly "declared," that the Parlia-
" thus far the prerogative shall go, and no farther." There ment of Great Britain may take away the money of
are " some boundaries then," besides the " express excep- English Colonists without their consent, and deprive them
tions ;"and according to the strong expression here used, of trial by jury, &c ? It cannot be pretended. True it is,
" the Constitution declares there are." What " evident that it has been solemnly declared by Parliament, that
consequence" forms those " boundaries ?" Parliament has such a power. But that declaration leaves
The happiness of the people is the end, and, if the the point just as it was before for if Parliament had not
:

terra is we would call it the body of

allowable, the Con- the power before, the declaration could not give it. Indeed
stitution. Freedom is the spirit or soul. As
the soul, ifParliament is really " omnipotent,"* that power is just
speaking of nature, has a right to prevent or relieve, if it and constitutional. We further observe that the Constitu-
can, any mischief to the body of the individual, and to tion has not expressly drawn the line beyond which, if a
keep it in the best health ; so the soul, speaking of the King shall go," resistance becomes lawful. The learned
'•'

Constitution, has a right to prevent or relieve, any mischief author of those Commentaries, that, notwithstanding some
to the body of the society, and to keep that in the best human frailties, do him so much honour, has thought
health. The " evident consequence" mentioned, must proper, when treating of this subject, to point out the
mean a tendency to injure this health, that is, to diminish " precedent" of the Revolution, as fixing the line. We
the happiness of the people or it must mean nothing. —
If, would not venture any reflection on so great a man. It
therefore, the Constitution " declares by evident conse- may not become us. Nor can we be provoked by his ex-
quence ;" that a tendency to diminish the happiness of pressions concerning Colonists ; because they perhaps
the people, is a proof, that power exceeds a " boundary," contain his real, though hasty sentiments. Surely, it was
beyond which it ought not to " go ;" the matter is brought not his intention to condemn those excellent men, who
to this single point, whether taking our money from us casting every tender consideration behind them, nobly pre-
without our consent, depriving us of trial by jury, changing sented themselves against the tyranny of the unfortunate
Constitutions of Government, and abolishing the privilege and misguided Charles's reign those men whom the
;

of the writ of habeas corpus, by seizing and carrying us ||

House of Commons, even after the Restoration, would not
to England, have not a greater tendency to diminish our suffer to be censured.
happiness, than any enormities a King can commit under We are sensible of the objection that may be made, as
to drawing a line between rights on each side, and the case
'Pari. Deb. 7, 409. "What of that? Shall not we give judg.
of a plain violation of rights. We
think it not material.
" ment, because it is not adjudged in the books before ? We will
" give judgment according to reason, and if there be no reason in the Circumstances have actually produced, and may again pro-
" books, 1 will not regard them." Speech of Anderson, Lord Chief duce this question What conduct of a Prince renders
Justice of the Queen's Bench, in the reign of Elizabeth. — Gouldsb. resistance lawful ?
:

James the Second, and his father,

Rep. 96 edit., 1653.
vio.ated express rights of their subjects, by doing what
t " It seems to me, that the natural justice, wliich is a duty of man,
ought to be styled the parent and nourishor of every other virtue: and their own express rights gave them no title to do, as by
assuredly without this habit, a man can neither moderate his desires, raising money, and levying troops without consent of
nor be brave, nor wise. For, it is a harmony and peace of the whole
Parliament. It is not even settled, what violation of those
oul with a full concert of words and actions: and the dominion
;

of such a habit may be rendered more conspicuous, if we examine will justify resistance. But may not some future Prince,
the other habits of virtue. For the good of these is private, respect, confining himself to the exercise of his own express rights,
ing the individual but the good of natural justice respects whole
;
such as have been mentioned, act in a manner, that will be
systems, and throughout the universe."
" In the celestial system of the world, as it marshals out the universal a transgression of a " boundary" laid down by " evident
rule of things, whicli are thus decreed by God; it is providence, and consequence," the " Constitution declaring he should go
harmony, and right. In a civil slate, it is justly called peace and
no further?" May not this exercise of these his express
good order. In a domestic state, it is the like mindedness of husband
and wife towards each other the good will of subordinate members.
;
rights, be so far extended, as to introduce universal con-
In the body, it is health and symmetry of parts, which are principal fusion and a subversion of the ends of Government ? The
things, and much beloved by every living creature. In the soul, it is
whole may be oppressive, and yet any single instance
wisdom that wisdom which ariseth amongst men, from the knowledge
;

of causes, and from natural justice. legal. The cases may be improbable but we have seen ;

" Since therefore, this habit doth thus instruct, and preserve, the and now feel events once as little expected. Is it not
whole and every part rendering all the same, in heart, and in tongue,
possible, that one of these cases may happen
;
if it does, ;
why may it not be saluted by the universal voice, the parent and
nourisher of every virtue?" Pol. Pytil Luc. apud. Stob.eum, p. 105, has the Constitution expressly drawn a line, beyond which
edit. Tiguri, 1559. resistance becomes lawful ? It has not. But it may be
i 1 Blackst. Com. 250. said, a King cannot arm against his subjects he cannot —
II
" Of great
importance to the publick is the preservation of this per- raise money without consent of Parliament. This is the
sonal liberty for if once it were left in the power of any, the liighost
constitutional ciieck upon him. If he should, it would be
:

Magistrato, to imprison arbitrarily whomever he or his ollicars thouglit

proper, (as in France it is daily practised by the Crown) there would a violation of their express rights. If their purses are shut
noon be an end of all other rights and immunitias.' " A natural and ' — his power shrinks. True. Unhappy Colonists Our
!

regular consequence of tliis personal liberty is, that every Englishman

money may be taken from us —and standing armies estab-
may claim a riglit to abide in his own country bo long as he pleases,
and not to be driven from it unless by the sentence of law. Exile or lished over us, without our consent — every expressly
transportation is a punishment unknown to the common law." " Tlie declared constitutional check dissolved, and the modes of
King cannot constitute a man Lord Lieutenant of Ireland against his opposition for relief so contracted, as to leave us only the
will, nor m ike him a foreign ambassador. For this might in reality
be no more than an honourable exile." 1 Blackstonc, 135 to 138. — miserable alternative of supplication or violence. And
" These precedents collected l)y the reverend and learned Judge, these it seems, are the liberties of Americans. Because
Chief Justice Anderson, and all written with his own hand, do fully the Constitution has not " expressly declared" the line
resolve for the maintenance of the ancient and fundamental point of
liberty of the person, to be regained by habeas corpus, when any one between the rights of the mother country and those of her
is imprisoned." Pari. Hist. 1. 418. * 1 Blackstone, 161.
56T CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Stc, JULY, 1774. 568

Colonists, therefore, the latter have no rights. A logick, all the rights of the conquered. Such is the merciful
equally edifying to the heads and hearts of men of sense reverence judged by the best and wisest men to be due to
and humanity. human nature, and frequently observed even by con-
We assert, a line there must be, and shall now proceed querors themselves.
with great deference to the judgment of others, to trace In fine, a power of Government, in its nature tending to
that line, according to the ideas we entertain and it is : the misery of the people, as a power that is unlimited, or
with satisfaction we can say, that the records, statutes, law in other words, a power in which the people have no share*
Ixxjks, and most approved WTiters of our mother country,
'property in their goods, and freehold and inheritance in their lands,
those " dead but most faithful Counsellors," as Sir Edward * but, under the latter, tlicy are as villains and slaves, and have ])ro.
Coke calls them, " who cannot be daunted by fear, nor ' ))erty in nothing. And therefore, saith he, when a royal Monarch
" muzzled by aifection, reward, or hope of preferment, and 'makes a new conquest, yet, if he receives any of the Nation's ancient
' inhabitants into his protection, they, and their heirs after them,
" therefore may safely be believed," confirm the principles ' shall enjoy their lands and liberties according to the laws.' And
we maintain. there he vouchetli this precedent and judgment following, given before
Liberty, life, or property, can with no consistency of William the Conqueror himself, viz :

' That
one Sherborn, at the time of the conquest, being owner of a,
words or ideas, be termed a right of the possessors, while 'Castle and lands in Norfolk, the Conqueror gave the same to one
others have a right of taking them away at pleasure. The ' Warren, a Norman and Sherborn dying, the heir claiming the same
;

' by descent according to the law, it was, before the Conqueror

most distinguished authors that have written on Govern-
'himself, adjudged for the heir, and that the gift thereof by the Con.
ment, declare it to be instituted for the benefit of the queror was void."* Pari. Debates, 7 vol, p. 384.
people and that it never will have this tendency, where it
; See also Puffendorf's Law of Naturo and Nations, b. 3, ch. 8, and
b. 8, ch. 6.
is unlimited." Even conquest* itself is held not to destroy
It is held by the best writers, that a conqueror, in a just war,

* "But in order to say something more particular concerning Ithis acquires not a right to the property of those of the subdued country,
subject, let us obseryo that the natural state of Nations in respect to
who opposed him not, nor of the poitcrity of those who did nor can :

the pretence of obtaining satisfaction for the charges and damages of

each other, is that of society and peace. This society is likewise a
the war justify such a claim.
state of equality and independence, which establishes a parity of right
between them ; to hare the same regard and re-
and engages them • " In a free state, every man who is supposed a free agent, ought
spect for one another. Hence
the general principle of the law of to be, in some measure, his own Governour, and therefore, a branch,
Nations is nothing more than the general law of sociability, which at least, of the Legislative power ought to reside in the whole body of
obliges all Nations that have any intercourse with one another, to the people. And this power, when the territories of the state are
practise those duties to which individuals are naturally subject. email and its citizens easily known, should be expressed by the people
" These remarks may serve to give us a just idea of that art, so in their aggregate or collective capacity, as was wisely ordained in the
necessary to the directors of states, and distinguished commonly by petty Repulilicks of Greece, and the first rudiments of the Roman State.
the name of polity. Polity considered with regard to foreign states, is But this will be highly inconvenient when tlie publick territory is ex-
that ability and address by which a Sovereign provides for the preser. tended to any considerable degree, and the number of citizens is in.
vation, safety, prosperity, and glory of the Nation he governs, by creased. In so large a state as ours, it is therefore very wisely con-
respecting the laws of justice and humanity ; that is, without doing trived that the people should do that by their Representatives, which
any injury to other states, but rather by procuring their advantage, as it is impracticable to perform in person." —
1 Blackstone, 158, 159.
much as in reason can be expected. Thus the polity of Sovereigns is The above quoted words are sufficient of themselves to refute the
the same as prudence among private people ; and as we condemn in notion of " virtual representation" of Americana in Parliament.
the latter any art or cunning that makes them pursue their own ad. As to the argument drawn from similitude between the case of those
vantage to tlie prejudice of otiiers, so the like art would be censurable in England, not qualified to vote by their property, though possessed
in Princes, were they bent upon procuring the advantage of their of a considerable share, as proprietors of tlie funds the East India—
own people by injuring other Nations. The reason of state, so often — —
Company merchants manufacturers, &c., and tlie case of Colonists,
alleged to justify tlie proceedings or enterprises of Princes, cannot the true answer is, that there is no resemblance whatever between the
really be admitted for this end ; but in as much as it is reconcileablo cases. Afew propositions will prove it ; but it may be proper to
with the common interest of Nations, or which amounts to the same —
premise First, If representation was intended by the Constitution of
thing, with the unalterable rules of sincerity, justice, and humanity." England, a complete representation was intended; for the reason of
" Grotius indeed acknowledges that the law of nature is common to having any, requires having a complete one, as being the best.
all Nations ; yet he establishes a positive law of Nations contradistinct Second, If a complete representation was intended by the Constitution,
from the law of nature ; and reduces tliis law of Nations to a sort of every defect in the representation is against the intention of the Con.
human law, which has acquired a power of obliging in consequence stitution. Third, If a respectable part of the people in England is not
of the will and consent of all or of a great many Nations.* He adds, represented, it is a defect. Fourth, If therefore, the intention of the
that the maxims of this law of Nations are proved by the perpetual Constitution is to be regarded as the Constitution, it involves a plain
practice of people, and the testimony of historians. absurdity, to infer a greater defect being constitutional, from a smaller
" But it has been justly observed that this jM-etendcd law of Nations, defect which is unconstitutional. Fifth, Tlie intention of the Con-
contradistinct from the law of nature, and invested nevertheless with stitution must be regarded —
and practices inconsistent with its design
a force of obliging, whether people consent to it or not, is a supirosi- must be amended by it, if the happiness which it means to promote and
tion destitute of all foundation.! secure, is to be regarded. Sixth, If there is not such a representation
" 1. For all Nations are with regard to one another in a natural in- in England, as the Constitution requires there ought to be. As to tho
dependence and equality. If there be therefore any common law resemblance above supposed. First, If many inhabitants of England
between them, it must proceed from God, their common Sovereign. have not a right to vote in the choice of members of the House of
" 2. As for what relates to customs established by an express or Commons, there are many who liave. Second, Not one inhabitant of
tacit consent among Nations, these customs are neither of themselves the Colonies has that right. Third, Some representation is better than
nor universally, nor always obligatory. For from this only, that none, though a complete one cannot be obtained. Tho first is a defect
several Nations have acted towards one another for a long time after of mode, tho latter an extinction of the substance. There is, to a
a particular manner in particular cases, it does not follow that they nice observer of nature, a perceptible difference between a deformed
have laid themselves under a necessity of acting always in the same man and a dead man. Fourth, Proprietors of the funds, &,c., though
manner for the time to come, and much less that other Nations are they have no right to such vote, as proprietors, »fcc., may yet have it
obliged to conform to these customs. under another character as freeholders, &.c. Fifth, When acting as
" 3. Again, these customs are so much the less capable of being an freeholders, &c., they may take care of their interests as proprietors, &c.
obligatory rule of themselves, as they may happen to be bad or unjust. for —Sixth, Their being proprietors, &c., does not disqualify them
The profession of a corsair, or pirate, was, by a kind of consent, from acquiring and enjoying a right to such vote by becoming free-
esteemed a long while as lawful, between Nations that were not holders, &c., but Seventh, By acquiring and enjoying a right to such
united by alliance or treaty. It seems likewise, that some Nations vote, the Colonists must cease to be inhabitants of the Colonies.
allowed themselves the use of poisoned arms in time of war.t Shall Eighth, Their being inhabitants of the Colonies, therefore, disqualifies
we say that these are customs autliorized by the law of Nations, and them from acquiring and enjoying tlie right to such vote. Ninth, If
really obligatory in respect to difTorent people? Or shall we not those not entitled to such vote in England were not bound by statutes
rather consider them as barbarous practices practices from which made there, they would not be bound by statutes, nor taxed at all,
every just and well governed Nation ouglit to refrain.
;

cannot We —
though possessed of great property but Tenth, The Colonists are
therefore avoid appealing always to the law of nature, the only one bound and taxed by the Acts of their Assemblies. Eleventh, Even
that is really universal, whenever we want to judge whether tlie those not entitled to such vote in England, and incapable of obtaining
customs established between Nations have any obligatory effect. it, have this protection, that Representatives and their electors are
" 4. All that can bo said on this subject is, that when customs of bound by the laws made, as well as the rest of the people and tho —
an innocent nature are introduced among Nations, each of them is connections between tho Representatives, their electors, and the rest
reasonably supposed to submit to tliose customs, as long as they have of the people, all living together in the same Kingdom, are so many
not made any declaration to the contrary. This is all the force or and so intimate, that even the actually unrepresented cannot be affected
effect that can be given to received customs; but a very different unless the Representatives and their electors are affected also.
effect from tliat of a law properly so called." Buklahau. Princ. of Twelfth, Totally different is the condition of Colonists, if bound by
Nat. Law, i rot. ]>. 196—199. statutes generally. —
By the Acts of Parliament for raising a Revenue
" But I will conclude with that which I find reported by Sir John in America, the Commons use the words, "give and grant." Can
Davis, who was the King's sergeant ; and so, by the duty of his place men give and grant what they have not ? Did any of those acts take
would no doubt maintain, to the uttermost of his power, the King's a single penny out of the pocket of a single giver and grantor? No.
prerogative royal ; and yet it was by him thus said, in those Reports So fur from it, that if there is any truth in the proverb, And money
of his upon the case of tanistry customs That the Kings of Eng.
: '
saved is money got, these " dona ferentes" gentlemen put money into
' land always had a monarchy royal, and not a monarchy signoral their pockets by their t " loyal and dutiful" generosity. Every indi-
' where, under the first,' saith he, ' the subjects are
free men, and have vidual of them acquired by bestowing. Pretensions thus to giro, are
such contradictions to fact and sense, that in making them, a sanction
• See Croliui, rijhu of War and Peaee Preliminary Diicoune, (ee. IB. and book I.
of injuntice is sought from a principle of tho Constitution, and in de-
;

chap. 1. lee. U.
scribing them, a solecism in speech becomes a proper expression. It
t See Puffendorf, L41W of Nature and Nations, book 3. chap. 3. kc. 33.

t See Virgil, JBncid, book 10, rerie 139, with the fifteenth note of the Abbe dea
• See DavU't Reports, Land, 1628, p. 41.
F«ntoine#. t Prcamblw to Statute* fur raisiug a revenue in America.
569 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JULY, 1774. 570

is proved to be, by reason and the experience of all ages of rebels, we must be degraded into that of slaves as if :

and countries, cannot be a rightful or legal power. For, there was no medium between the two extremes of anar-
as an excellent Bishop of the Cliurch of England argues,* chy and despotism, where innocence and freedom could
" the ends of Government cannot be answered by a total find repose and safety.
" dissolution of all happiness at present, and of all hopes Why should we be exhibited to mankind as a people,
" for the future." adjudged by Parliament unworthy of freedom? The
Tlie just inference therefore from these premises would thought alone is insupportable. Even those unhappy per-
be an exclusion of any power of Parliament over these sons, who have had the misfortune of being bom under
Colonies, rather than the admission of an unbounded the yoke of bondage imposed by the cruel laws, if they
power. may be called laws, of the land where they received their
We know that the Colonists are charged by many
well birth, no sooner breathe the air of England, tliough they
l>ersons in Great Britain with attempting to obtain such an touch her shores only by accident,* than they instantly be-
exclusion and a total independence on her. As well we know come freemen. Strange contradiction j- The same King- !

the accusation to be utterly false. We are become criminal dom at the same time, the asylum and the bane of Liberty.
in the sight of such persons, by refusing to be guilty of the To we can safely appeal
return to the charge against us,
liighest crime against ourselves and our posterity. No- to that Being, from whom no thought can be concealed,
lumus kges Anglia mutari. This is the rebellion with that our warmest wish and utmost ambition is, that we
which we are stigmatised. We have committed the like and our posterity may ever remain subordinate to, and
offence, that was objected by the polite and humane Fim- dependent upon, our parent state. This submission our
bria against a rude Senator of his time. " We have dis- reason approves, our affection dictates, our duty commands,
" respectfully refused to receive the whole weapon into our and our interest enforces.
" body." We could not do it and live. But that must If this submission indeed implies a dissolution of our
be acknowledged to be a poor excuse, equally inconsistent Constitution, and a renunciation of our liberty, we should
with good breeding and the Supreme Legislature of Great be unworthy of our relation to her, if we should not
Britain. frankly declare, that we regard it with % horrour and ;

For these ten years past we have been incessantly f every true Englishman will applaud this just distinction
attacked. Hard is our fate, when to escape the character and candid declaration. Our defence necessarily touches
must be acknowledged however, that the Commons are more than chords in unison with the fibres of his honest heart. They
sound divines, for they improve upon the text,* and " count their loss must vibrate in sympathetick tones. If we, his kindred,
for gain." should be base enough to promise the humiliating subjection
Statutes might grind us, while not an elector in England would
know or regard our sufferings —
if acquainted with them, he might
he could not believe us. We should suffer all the infamy
think the statutes inflicting them, just and political. An open avowal of the engagement without finding the benefit expected from
has been made in Parliament that it is t " the indispensable duty of being thought as contemptible as we should undertake to be.
" Parliament to tax the Colonies in order to ease the gentry and people
*' of Great Britain." Let not Americans over forget the lordly words I
But this submission implies not such insupportable evils
To understand them fully, we should consider and our amazement is inexpressible when we consider the
Our dispute includes not only the present taxes laid upon us. The uni- gradual increase of these Colonies, from their slender
versal property of England was interested in Mr. Hampden's suit, about
beginnings in the last century to their late flourishing con-
a few shillings. If the Crown had a right to those shillings, it had a
right to every shilling of every man in the Kingdom. Great Britain dition, and how prodigiously, since their settlement our
is about one hundred and forty millions of pounds sterling in debt. If parent state has advanced in weaUh, force, and influence,
she can pay any part of that debt by taxing us, she may pay the whole
till she is become the first power on the sea, and the envy
by taxing us, if we can raise the money. If we cannot, yet as we are
upbraided continually in pamphlets and papers with the richness of our of the world —
that these our better days should not strike
houses, our furniture, our equipage, or tables, and our dress, she may conviction into every mind, that the freedom and happiness
be made to think we abound too much in these conveniences. If we
of the Colonists are not inconsistent with her authority and
are reduced to the condition of French peasants, it is no matter. Wo
bslong to the people of Great Britain : and all British subjects, but prosperity.
Americans, may do what they please with their own. " It is her
* Somerset's case.
indispensable duty, say their Lordships, to ease herself by taxing us ;"
and surely there is virtue enough left in the British Parliament, not- t To this contradiction, the following may be added Her policy at —
withstanding all the dreadful intelligence British writers send us over, once to keep peace with her natural enemies, and to provoke her
to perform that " duty," exactly. But this is not all. There are cer- —
natural friends, whose assistance one day and that day seems to bo
tain wicked Frenchmen and Spaniards, that in every period of twenty —
approaching in the vicissitudes of human affairs, great as she is, sho
or thirty years oblige Great Britain to add thirty or forty millions to may want; her interest, as she thinks, to protect and to oppress Pro-
her debt. Upon an average, since the Revolution, she runs annually —
testant countries to abhor a large standing army and yet voluntarily
in debt about a million and an half. Can it be expected her Ministers to put herself under the absolute necessity of perpetuating an im.
will bo kinder to us than they have been to her ? where will the mensely large one, to govern the many millions of slaves she expects
demand upon us, where will our wretchedness stop, if we have not soon to have on this vast Continent. Two of the shrewdest, though
resolution enough to defend ourselves ? not best Emperors, that ever lived, Augustus and Tiberius, prohibited
Astatute intended to have force on the people of Great Britain, is every man of distinction from setting his foot in Egypt,* because of
the case of a state acting upon itself. A
statute intended to have the importance of that Province to Rome. But Great Britain, as if
force on the people of America, is the case of one state acting upon these numerous Provinces, much more remote from her than Egypt
another. The people of Great Britain, who in the first case are sub. from Rome, were of little consequence, willingly obliges herself to
ject to the statute —
in the second, are the absolute sovereigns who im- trust a mighty armed power into the hands of a subject, in these
pose it on others. Colonies, the tempting interest of which subject, and of the people,
" Virtual representation" then, as applied to Colonists, is, to borrow may engage them to unite in establishing an independent Empire, on
expressions of the excellent Archbishop Tillotson, on another occa- her own model. Great Britain ought not to forget that Rome was
sion, altering only two words —
"An absurdity of that monstrous and ruined by keeping standing armies in her Provinces.
" massy weight, that no human authority or wit are able to support it. tThe Privemates had revolted from the Romans, but were reduced.
" It will make the very pillars of St.' Stephens " crack, and require
'
The question was what judgment should be given against them? This
" more volumes to make it good than would fill" Westminster Hall. Livy's account of the the twenty -first chapter of his eighth
is affair, it
Yet this most despicable notion has been the pretence for our fellow- book :

subjects J clapping muskets to our breasts, and taking our money out " Quum
ipsa per se res anceps esset, prout cujusquo ingonium erat,
of our pockets. atrociiis mitiusvc suadentibus; tum incertiora omnia unus ex Priver-
*Hoadly's Disc, on Government. natibus legatis fecit, magis conditionis, in qua natus esset, quam praj-
sentis necessitas, memor qui, interrogatus a quodam tristioris senten.
:
t4 Geo.3, ch. 15. 4 Geo. 3, ch. 34. 5 Geo. 3, ch. 12. 5 Geo. 3,
tia) auctore, quam poenam meritos Privernates censeret ? earn, inquit,
ch. 45. 6 Geo. 3, ch. 12. 6 Goo. 3, ch. 52. 7 Goo. 3, ch. 41. 7
Geo 3. ch. 46. 7 Geo. 3, ch. 59. 8 Geo. 3, ch. 22. The Resolves quam merentur, qui se libortate dignos consent cujus quum feroci :

response infestiores factos videret consul eos, qui ante Privernatium

that Colonists may be tried in England under the thirty.fifth Henry tho
—
Eighth. The blockade of Boston the Rhode.Island Court, &c. The
causam impugnabant; ut ipse benigna interrogatione mitius respon.
sum olicerct, Quid, si poinam, inquit, remittimus vobi«, qualem nos
statutes since the eighth year of this reign, relating to the Colonies,
pacem vobiscum habituros speremus ? Si bonam dederitis, inquit, et
follow one another much in tho same quick manner as before: but
they could not be collected. Many of the statutes here mentioned,
fidam et perpetuam si malam, baud diuturnam.
: Tum vero minari,
nee id ambigu^, Privernatem quidam, vocibus ad reballandum
et illis
particularly those relating to the Admiralty Courts and the Commis-
incitari pacatos populos, pars melior senatds ad meliora responsum
sioners of the Customs, are connected with a multitude of other stat.
trahere, et dicere, Viri, et liberi, vocom auditam, an crcdi posse,
utes, by being compared with which the artifices will appear, that
nllum populum, aut homincm denique, in ea conditione, cujus eum
gradually departing from the laws of England, have at length in-
pseniteat, diutis, qu^m necesse sit, mansurum ? Ibi pacem esse fidam,
vested these Courts and Commissioners with such new, unreasonable,
ubi voluntarii pacati sint neque eo loco, ubi servitutem esse velint,
:

unconstitutional, and dangerous powers.

fidem spcrandam esse. In banc sontentiam maxime consul ipse inch,
• Philippiant, iii. 7. navit animos, identidem ad principes sententiarum consulares, uti ex.
tThete words are extracted frotn the Protest of the Lords on the repeal of xhe American audiri posset a pluribus, dicendo, Eos demum, qui nihil, pra;terquam
—
Stamp Act see, 6. — Sixty-one Lords *ere ag;ainst tlie repeal, thirty-three of tbem signed de libertate, cogitent, dignos esse, qui Romani fiant. Itaque et in
the Protest.
senatu causam obtinuere, et ox auetoritate Patrum latum ad populum
t
** Win their hearts, and you may soon have their hands and purses," was the advice
est, ut Privernatibus civitas dabitur."
of old Lord £ur^t^A to qucvn f'txadrf A. She w&iwiseeiMHjffh to lake it. The world
knows the consequences. f Tac.
571 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 572

Tlie cKpcrience of more than one hundred years will against a common danger, she knew, that we could not
surely be deemed, by wise men, to have some weight in think of embarking our treasures of tranquillity and liberty,
the scale of evidence to support our opinion. might We on an ocean of blood, in a wandering expedition to some
justly askof her, why we are not permitted to go on as Utopian port. The history of mankind, from the remotest
we have been used to do since our existence, conferring antiquity, furnishes not a single instance of a people con-
mutual benefits, thereby strengthening each other, more sisting of husbandmen and merchants, voluntarily engaging
and more, discovering the reciprocal advantages of our
connection, and daily cultivating afl'ections encouraged by army of Englishmen flod before an army of Scotchmen at Neicbum.
For once it was glorious to fly. But it required English heads and
those advantages? English hearts to understand and to act the part.
What unknown offences have we committed against her Thug the Colonies have been treated. At last a civil war may be
worked up. It should be considered, as Lord Mansfield expresses it,
within these ten years, to provoke such an unexampled
whether " tho play is worth tho candle." In such a war, every vic-
change in her conduct towards us ? In the last war she tory will bo a defeat. If the Colonies are subdued, vast sums must
acknowledged us repeatedly to be faithful, dutiful, zealous, be raised, and a prodigioua army must be supported, to keep them in
subjection. Great Britain must feel the weight of that influence,
and useful in her cause. Is it criminal in us that our
added to the power of the Crown. The Colonies are increasing.
numbers, by the favour of Divine Providence, have greatly Who can compute the extent and effjct of such an influence ?* Vn.
increased ? That the poor choose to Hy from their native done by her victories, she must resign her liberty, or some future
monarch with her Colonies, unless she first loses tliom in another
countries in Europe to this Continent? Or, that we have
way. If she is unfortunate, publiek calamities may noake great
so much improved these woods, that if we can be forced changes. Such changes seem to be intended by some men. Great
into an unsuccessful resistance, avarice itself might be Britain has been led into tho Rubicon. She has not yet passed it.

satiated with our forfeitures ?

We consider the hostilities already practised, as the manoeuvres of a
Ministerial war. We know the machinations formed against us, arul
cannot with truth be urged, that projects of innova-
It tlie favourite publications industriously spread abroad, to excite a

tion have commenced with us. Facts and their dates jealousy of us among our British brethren. We know how accept,
able to many an earthquake would be to " sink some of the Colonies
jirove the contrary.* Not a disturbance has happened on
in the ocean ;" and how pleasing to employ the rest " in raising sta-
any part of this Continent, but in consequence of some ple commodities ;" that we arc thought " too numerous," and how
immediate preceding provocation. much it would be judged by some for the interest of Great Britain if
a pestilence should sweep off a million and a half of us. These won.
To what purpose? The charge of our affecting one derful lucubrations have not escaped us. But here wo are, by Divine
great or many small Republicks, must appear as contempt- Providence, three millions of souls. What can be done with us ? If
ible a madness to her, as it does to us. Divided as we are we wore to bo considered only as t Protestant allies, wo ought to be
esteemed by a wise people. Such a people certainly would not be
into many Provinces,! and incapable of union, except
—
careful to disunite us from their interest to make us foes when they
might have us friends. Some states have thought it true policy to
• " The winds lift up the waves," — —
said a wise man ^yet we road grant greater indulgencies to remote dominions, than were enjoyed by
of a. weak man who scourged waves, but he liad not raised them. To themselves; and this policy has been much applauded. The enjoy-
excite commotions, and then to scourge for being excited, is an addi- ment of valuable privileges byinferiour states, under the protection of
tion to the wildness of a Xerxes, reserved more particularly to dis- a superiour, is the strongest bond of dependence. Why should we
tinguish the present age, already sufficiently illustrious by the injuries prefer a dependence on Great Britain to a dependence on France, if
offered to the rights of human nature. we enjoy loss freedom under the former, than wo may under tho lat-
t The genius of a Beccaria suggested to him the condition of a ter ? " Firmissimum imperium, quo obedientes gaudent," or, as Lord
—
large Empire verging into servitude the only plan for saving it and — Chief Justice Coke expresses it, in his comment on the 2oth of Ed-
the difficulty of eiocuting that plan. "An overgrown Republick" ward tho Third, " The state of a King standeth more assured by the
says he, and such a limitad Monarcliy as that of Oreat Britain with " love and favour of tho subject, than by the dread and fear of laws,"
such an extent of Dominions, may well bo cilled " an overgrown &.c.t Ought Great Britain to despise the advantages she actually
Hepublick," "can only be saved from despotism by subdividing it into • But, OB the other hand, it u to be considered, that e^ery Prince, in the first Parlia-
**

"a number of confederate Republicks. But how is this practicable ? ment after his accession, has, by long usage, a truly rojal addition to his hereditary revt^
•« By a despotick dictator, who with the courage of Sijlla, has as much ime ttled
Si upon him for his liie ; aiul hat never any occasion to apply to Parliament for
supplies, but upon some pulilick necessity of the whole Realm. This resloi-es to hini that
" genius for building up as that Roman had for pulling down. If he constitutional indei>endence which at his first accession seems, it must be owned, to be
"be an ambitious man, his reward will be immortal glory; if a pliy- wanting. And then, with regard to power, we nray find, perhaps, that the hands of
"losopher, the blessings of his fellow.citizons will sufficiently console Government are at least sufficiently strengthened ; and that axr £»>.//f/i Monarch is now
in no danger of being overborne by either the nobility or the people. The instrumenia
" him for the loss of authority, though he should not be insensible to of power are not Jierhaps so open and avowed as they formerly were, and Ihei-efore are
"their ingratitude." the less liable to jealous and invidious rertections; but they are not the weaker upon that
account. In short, our national debt and uxes (besides the inconveniences before men-
What was argument in Italy, is reality to Great Britain, with this tioned) have also, in their natural consequences, thrown such a weight of power into
additional circumstance in her favour, that she must always continue, the Executive scale of Government, as we cannot think was intended by onr patriot
if she wisely conducts her affairs, though less than all, yet greater ancestors ; who gloriously struggled for the abolition of the then formidable parts of the
prerogative, and by an unaccountable want of foresight established this system in their
than any. The immense advantages of such a situation are worthy sti-ad. The entii-e collection and management of so vast a revenue being placed in the
the closest attention of every Briton. To a man, who has considored hands of the Ci-own, have given rise to such a multitude of new officers, created by, and
removeahle at the Koyal iiFeasure. tliat they have extended the influence of Government
them with that attention, perhaps it will not appear too bold to aver, to every corner of the Nation. AVitness the Coinmissionei-s, and the multitude of dejH-nd.
that, if an archangel had planned the connection between Great Bri- ents on the Customs, in every poit of the Kingdom the Cooimissiouers of Excise, and
;

tain and her Colonies, he could not have fixed it on a more lasting and their numerous subalterns, in every inland district the Postmasters, and their servants,
;

planted in every town, and ui>on every publiek road the Commissioners of the Stamps,
Leneficial foundation, unless ho could have changed human nature. A ;

anit their distributors, which are full as scatteretl and full asnunieroiis; the ofHcers of
—
mighty naval power at the head of the whole that power, a parent the Salt Duty, which, though a species of excise, and conducted in the same manner, are
yet made a distinct corps from the ordinary managers of that revenue the Surveyors of
state, with all the endearing sentiments attending the relationship, ;

—
that never could disoblige, but with design the dependent states much
Houses and Windows; the Receivers of the Land fax ; the Managers of Lotteries, and
the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches all w hich are either metliately or innnediately
—
more apt to have feuds among themselves she the umpire and con-
;

appointed by the Crown, and removeahle at pleasure without any reason assigned.
troller —
those states producing every article necessary to her great- I'liese, it requires but little penetration to see, must give that power, on which they
depend for subsistence, an influence most amazingly extensive, 'i'o this may l>e added
—
ness their interest, that she should continue free and flourishing the frequent opportunities of conferring particular obligations, b) preference in loans,
their ability to throw a considerable weight into the seals, should her subscriptions, tickets, remittances, anil other money transactions, which will greatly
—
government got unduly poised slie and those states Protestant are — inei-ease this influence; and that over those persons whose altaehiiier.t, on account of
their wealtli, is frequently the most desirable. All this is the natural, though perhaps the
some of the circumstances, that, delineated by the masterly hand of a unforeseen, consequence of erfctingour funds of credit, and to supiKirt them tstabiishing
our present perpetual taxes the whole of which is entirely new since the Restoration iu
Beccaria, would exhibit a plan vindicating the ways of Heaven, and ;

1660 and by fir the greatest part since the Revolution in 1683. And the same may be
demonstrating that humanity and policy are nearly related. .\n
;

said with regard to the ofilcer* in our numerous army, and the places which the army
Alexander, a Casar, a Charles, a Lewis, and others, have fought has created. All which put together gives the Kxecutive power so pei^iiasive an energy
through fields of blood for universal empire. Great Britain has a cer- with rt^spect to the ptrsttns themselves, and so prevailing an interest w ith their friends
anil families, as will amply make amends for the loss of external prei-ogative.
tainty, by population and commerce alone, of attaining to the most " Rut, though this profusion of offices should have no effect on individuals, there is
astonishing and well founded power the world ever saw. The circum- still another newly-acquired branch of power; and that is, not Ihe influence only, but
the force of a disciplined army ; paid, indi-ed, ultimately by the people, hut immediately
stances of her situation are new and striking. Heaven has offered to
by the Crown ; raised by the Crown, offlceivd by the Cniwn, commanded by the Crow n.
her glory and prosperity without measure. Her wise Ministers disdain •1 hey are kept on foot, it is true, only from year to yiar, and that by the power of Par-

to accept them, and profer " a pepper-corn."* liameii^ ; but during that year they must, by the nature of our Coustiiulion, if raised at
all, beat the absolute disposal of the Crown. Am! there need but few words to demois-
So directly opposite to the interest of Great Britain has the conduct slrate how great a trust is thereby niiosird in the Prince by his jicople. A trust tlial is
of Administration been for some time past, that it may safely be more than equivalent to a thousand little troublesome preni^tivi-s.
*' Add to all this, that, besides the civil list, the immense revenue of almost seven
affirmed, that, if their view was to establish arbitrary power over
millions sterling, which is annually paid to the creditors of the publiek, or c;irried to the
Great Britain, schemes more dangerous could not liavo been laid. To sinking fund, is first deposited in the Ro)al Exchequer, and thence issued out to tlie
profess this purpose would ensure a dcfjat. Any man, wlio had auch ivspeciive offices of payment. This revenue the people can never refosc to raise,
because it is made per|>etlial by Act of Parliament ; which also, when considered, will
a design, would first take the opportunity of peace to set one part of aiipear to lie a trust of great delicacy and high importance."—! Blacktt„ue*s Com. b. 1,
the subject against the other. This might be done in the following ch. 8, p. 334—336.
manner t Great Drilain put herself to a very considerable expense last war in defence of
Let every session of Parliammt produce a fresh injury. Give no Portugal, because that Kingdom was her ally, and she derived great adiaiitages from an
intercourse with her. lint what are those advantages, or the attVctiuiis arisiiigfrom them,
rest, or hope of rest. Ln insult added to insult fill up the vacancies when compared to the advantages and affeclions that connect these Colonies with Grcit
between the sessions. Tease and persecute into opj]osition. Tlien Britnill? Woltls cannot express the surprise, that men free from passion must feel on
let Ministers thems-lvps rejoice in the freedom of the press. considering her impolicy in labouring to disjoin from herself the only true friends she
Ljt
has in the world. If her Minister were jiensioners of I'rance and .S/wi/i, they could not
every action of the oppressed be exaggerated. Lot innumerable false pursue measur.s mure pleasing and advantageous to those Kingdoms.
invectives be vented in pamphlets and newspap3r8. Let all the provo- " During all our happy days of concord, partly from our national moderation, and
J
cations and excuses be concealed from publiek siglit as much as pos- ** partlv from the w isdoiii, and sometimes perhaps Torn the carelessness of our Miiiisten,
sible. Load the devoted with the terms of tr tilers and rebels. Nearlv
**
they have Ix-en trusted, in a good measure, with the entire management of their
" affaii'S ; ami the success they have met w ith ought to be to us an ever-memorable nrfwf,
in this way Scotland was treated by the arbitrary Ministry of Charles " that the trueart of Government consists in not gov. ruing too much. Anil why should
the First. But the Parliament and people of England had common " friendship, and gratitude, and long attachments, which inspire all the relish anil sweet-
** ness of private life, be tupposetl to lie of no weight in the intercoui-se b;tween great
sense and virtue. The base deception could not pass upon them. *•
communities? These are principles of human nature, which act with much gi-eater
They saw the snare laid for them, and resented it so deeply, that an **
certainty on iiumbers than on individuals. If properly cultivated they may to us be
**
iiroduetive of the noblest benefits ; and, at all events, will neither lessen the extent of
• Mr. KugentU Speech. *•
our power, nor shorten the duration of il."—Buhap of St. Aiaph't Sermon, p. 13.
578 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 574
insuch a phrenzy of ambition. No Our highest pride! among us in time of peace, without consenj of our Assem-
and glory has been, with humble unsuspecting duty* to —paying them
blies our money —
with seizing our young
labour in contributing to elevate her to that exalted station men* —changing
for recruits Constitutions of Govern-
she holds among the Nations of the earth, and which, we ment f —stopping — the press
any declaring action, even a
still ardently desire and pray siie may hold, with fresh meeting of the smallest number, to consider of peaceable
accessions of fame and prosperity, till time shall be no modes to obtain redress of grievances % high treason ta- —
more. king Colonists to Great Britain to be tried exempting ||
—
These being our sentiments, and, we are fully convinced, '• murderers"'^
of Colonists from punishment, by carrying
the sentiments of our brethren throughout the Colonies, them to England, to answer indictments found in the Colo-
with unspeakable affliction, we find ourselves obliged to niesH — shutting up our ports — prohibiting us from slitting**
oppose that system of dominion over us, arising from coun- iron to build our houses, makingff hats to cover our heads,
sels pernicious both to our parent and her children — to or clothing to cover the rest of our bodies, &cc.fj
strive, if be possible, to close the breaches made in our
it
" eral commanding in the District, the Civil Governour in Council, and
former concord, and stop the sources of future animosities. " where no Council there subsists, the Civil Governour may, for the ben-
And may God Almighty, who delights in the titles of just " efit of his Governmant, give orders for the marching of troops, the dis-
and merciful, incline the hearts of all parties to that equi- " position of them for making and marching detachments, escorts, anil
" such purely military services within his Government, to the command-
table and benevolent temper, which is necessary solidly to " ing ofScer of the troops, who is to give proper order for carrying tho
establish peace and harmony in the place of confusion and " same into execution, provided they are not contradictory to, or incom-
dissension. " patible with, any order he may have received from the Commander-
" in-chief, or tlie Brigadier General of the District."
The claimed by Parliament over
legislative authority
In May, 1769, the Houss of Representatives for Massachusetts Bay,
these Colonies, consists of two heads first, a general
: requested Governour Bernard " to give the necessary and effectual or-
power of internal legislation ; and, secondly, a power of "ders for the removal of the forces, by saa and land, out of the port of
" Boston, and from the gate of the city, during the session of the said
regulating our trade ; both, she contends, are unlimited. " Assembly." To whicli he answered " Gentlemen I have no au-
: :

Under the first may

be included, among other powers, " thority over his Majesty's ships in this port, or liis troops within this
those of forbidding us tof worship our Creator in the " town nor can I give any orders for their removal.
;

manner we think most acceptable to him imposing taxes — " May 31, 1769. Fra. Bernard."

on us —
collecting them by their own officers enforcing —
Thus, our Governours, the Captains General, and Commanders-in-
chiof, representing the Sovereign, and known to the Constitution of
these Colonies, arj deprived of their legal authority, in time of peace,
the collection by Admiralty Courts, or Courts Martial
abolishing trials by jury — establishing a standing army |
by an order and a perpetual dictatorial power established over us. To
;

accomplish this great purpose, it was thought proper, during the last
war, to change the mode of grxnting military commissions, and to pass
receives with safety from us, because, by the adoption of Spanish that to the General in America, under the great seal. It is not known
maxims, she might with danger extort more ? whether this uncommon formality has been observed with regard to tho
It is the duty of every Colonist to oppose such maxims. They Major Generals of the respective " Districts."
threaten ruin to our mother country and to us. We
should be guilty
* The Germans have been justly celebrated in different ages, for sa-
of treason against our Sovereign and the majesty of the people of
England, if we did not oppose them. England must be saved in gacity in promoting the arts, and for martial spirit ; yet, how unhappy
America. Hereafler, she will rejoice that wo have resisted, and thank have they been made in a short period of time, by that single engine of
us for having offended her. Her wisdom will in a short time discover arbitrary power, a standing army. Their distress was wrought up to
the artifices that have been used by her worst enemies to inflame her
such a degree, that thousands and tens of thousands relinquished their
against her dutiful children ; that she has supported not her own native country, and fled to the wildernesses of America. It was a way
cause, but the cause of an Administration ; and will clearly distin- of thinking and acting that bjcame them. For German* may truly
guish which will most conduce to her benefit, safety, and glory, well be called the fathers of Englishmen. From *Germany came their an-
cestors, and tlie first principles of the Constitution. Germans, there-
treated and affectionate Colonies, or millions of slaves, an unnatural
fore, seem to be more justly entitled than other foreigners to the bless-
increase of her standing forces, and an addition to the influence of the
Crown, defying all calculation. ings of that Constitution. To enjoy them in this free country as it
then was, they came here ; but now unfortunately find arbitrary Gov-
• It has been suggested, " that subjects sometimes err, by not
ernment and a standing array jiursuing them even into these woods.
believing that Princes mean as well as they do." But the instances Numbers of them now in these Provinces liave served in the armies of
are numerous where princes and their courtiers err, by not believing the several Princes in Germany, and know well, that one reason with
that subjects mean as well as they do. their riders for putting swords into their hands, was to cut the throats
t See Canada BUI. of their own fathers, brothers, and relations, who should attempt to re.
lieve themselves from any part of their miseries. Their former Sover-
The army under the command of General Gage, in the Province
t
of Massachusettt Bay alone, amounts to several thousand men, kept eigns are now completing, it is said, the cruel tragedy of tyranny.
there without consent of their Assembly, and to be augmented as tlie They will not suffer those they have made wretched, to seek lor a
General shall think proper. more tolerable existence in some other part of the globe. It is their
" I must own, sir, I can see but one reason for raising at this pre. duty, say these unfeeling Princes, " to be unhappy, and to renounce all
" sent juncture, this additional number of troops, and that is to hopes of relief." They are prohibited from leaving their country.
" strengthen the hands of the Minister against the next election, by Those who have already escaped into these Colonies, remember what
•* giving him the power of disposing of commissions to the sons, they and their parents suffered in Germany. The old tell the stories
" brothers, nephews, cousins, and friends of such as have interest in of their oppressions to the younger and however improbable it may
;

" boroughs, into some of which, perhaps, troops may be sent to pro- appear on the other side of tho Atlantic, it is asserted by persons well
" cure the free election of their members, in imitation of the late acquainted with this people, that they have very little inclination to
" Czarina sending her troops into Poland to secure tlie free election suii'er tlie same cruelties again in America.

" of a King. t Bill for changing the Constitution of Massachusetts Bay.

" But still there is one thing more fatal than all I have yet named,
t General Gage's Proclamation, dated June 29, 1774.
" that must be the consequence of so great a body of troops being
" kept on foot in England, and will be the finishing stroke to all our Resolves in the House of Lords, on thirty-fifUi Henry the Eighth,
II

" liberties. For, as the towns in England will not be able much chapter 2.
" longer to contain quarters for them, most of those who keep publick (/ Bill for the Administration of Justice, &c.
" houses being near ruined by soldiers billetted on them so, on pre-
;
IT Boston Act. *» Twenty-third George the Second, chapter 29.
'• tence of the necessity of it, barracks will be built for quartering
*' them, which will be as so many fortresses with strong garrisons in tt Fifth George the Second, chapter 21.
" them, erected in all parts of England, which can tend to nothing, If Great Britain has a constitutional power to prohibit us from
tt
" but by degrees to subdue and enslave the Kingdom. slitting iron as she has done, she has a constitutional power, that is, a
" But if ever this scheme should be attempted, it will bo incumbent right, to prohibit us from raising grain for our food for the principle
;

" on every Englishman to endeavour to prevent it by all methods, and that supports one law, will the other. What a vast demand must be
" as it would be the last stand that could be ever made for our liberties, made on her for this article, and how firmly would her dominion bo
" rather than suffer it to bo put in execution, it would be our duty to established, if we depended wholly on her for our daily bread? Her
" draw our swords, and never put them up till our liberties were modern writers consider Colonists as slaves of Great Britain, shut up
" secured, aud the authors of our intended slavery brought to condign in a large work-house, constantly kept at labour in procuring sucli
" punishment. I hope I shall be forgiven, if, during the debates, I materials as she prescribes, and wearing such clothes as she sends.
" shall take the liberty of speaking again for I am determined to
; Should she ever adopt the measure above mentioned, and, on our com-
" figlit, inch by inch, every proposition that tends, as I think this plaints of grievances, withhold food from us what then ? Why. tlien,
;

" does, to the enslaving my country." Lord Viscount Gage's Speech on her principle, it would be right to be starved. To say in such case
in 1739. Pari. Deb. Book iUh. p. 388. See Montesq. on Standing we should have any other right, would be a '* traitorous and rebellious
Armies. denial of the Supreme Legislature of Great Britain :" for she " has
A Minister declared in the House of Commons, that he " should al. power of rig)it to bind us by statutes in all cases whatsoever."
" ways consider it as a part of the Constitution, that the military should Let not any person object that the supposition of such a case is the
" act under the civil authority." But, by order, tlie Commandcr-in. suggestion of fancy. The Carthagenians, those masters in the sub-
chief of the forces has precedence of a Governour, in the Provmco un- lime jioliticks of commerce politicks that have produced so many
—
der his government. By his Majesty's order, transmitted in a letter dreadful scenes upon earth, forbade the Sardinians to raise corn, in or.
dated the 9th of February, 17G5, from tlie Secretary of State to the der to keep tliem in due subjection. The East Indies, St. Vincents, tho
Commander-in-chief, it is declared, " that the orders of the Commandor- proceedings at Rkode.lsland, and the Boston Act, «fcc., give rise to
" in-chief, and under him, of the Brigadiers General, commanding in the many alarming apprehensions in America. There are few men on this
" Northern and Southern Departments, in all military affairs, shall be Continent would bo as much surprised at that measure, as at some late
" supreme, and must be obeyed by the troops as such, in all the Civil measures. The beginning justifies any apprehensions. Power de-
" Governments in America. That in cases wliere no specifick orders bauches the affections. The improbability of cases happening, is no
" have been given by the Commander-in-chief, or by the Brigadier Gen- • I BiacktUnc, p. 147.
575 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JULY, 1774. 576

In our Provincial Legislatures, the best judges in all Crown, as by law established, is vested the exclusive right
cases what suits us —
founded on the immutable and un- of internal legislation.
alienable riglits of human nature, tlie fii-st principles of the Such a right vested in Parliament, would place us exact-
Constitution, and charters and grants made by tiie Crown, ly in the same situation, the people of Great Britain
at periods when the power of making them was univer- would have been reduced to, had Jamet the First and his
sally acknowledged by the parent stale, a power since family succeeded in their scheme of arbitrary power.
frequently recognised by her, subject to the controul of the Changing the word Stuarts for Parliament, and Britons

answer in such important considerations. The laudable spirit of com- " Theof those staples would depend on Britain.
sale
merce may bo inBanied into rapacity and cruelty in a Nation, as well " Tho
people w^ould all be spread over an immense country as plant-
a-s in an individual. Wo must regard the power claimed by Great ers ; none of them collected in towns.*
Britain, not solely her will or contingencies depending on that will. " To whicli circumstances I shall odd, in respect to Britain's further
If she affi.xes no limits to her power, why should we affix any to its policy,
effects ? "I know," says Mr. Hoadly, " it is next to impossible that " That she should abide by the boundaries fixed already to the old
" any such case should happen but if such things be said, and such
; Colonies, that of the rivers' heads ; and all further settling to be in new
" cases, in effect, be put, it is necessary to speak upon the supposition Colonies, wherever they were traced.
" of such cases. And methinks it is but a narrow-spirited proceeding " That she should keep tho inland navigation of the Continent ; that
*' in us to go just no farther iu our notions, than a compliance with is, of all the great lakes and navigable rivers, to herself, and not suffer

" our own present condition forceth us to exclude from our regard
; any sets of men to navigate them, and thereby communicate from one
" the condition of all other Nations, and all cases, but just that which part of the Continent to another.
" hath happened last of all in our own." " That she should never suffer any Provincial troops or militia to be
That the plan of governing us by withholding necessaries of life raised, but reserve entirely to herself the defence of the fronticrs.t
has been considered, and in what light Colonies are viewed at home, "That she should throw what obstacles she could, upon all plans of
the following extracts will partly shew communication from Colony to Colony, or conveniences of speedy
" It appears that the original and grand evil attending thorn, was removals from place to place.
the settlement of so considerable a part in a climate incapable of yield- " That in proportion as any Colony declined in staples, and threat-
ing the conunodities wanting in Britain. ened not to be able to produce a sufficiency of them, the inhabitants
" These Northern Colonies, long after their disadvantageous nature should receive such encouragement to leave it, as more than to drain
was known, were continually increased by fresh migrations from Eu- its natural increase unless new staples were discovered for it.

rope; which, as I before observed, ought totally to have been prevent- " This is now the case with those I have distinguished by tho title of
ed, and such migrations have been encouraged only to the beneficial the Northern Colonics insomuch that Nova-Scotia, Canada, jVeto
;

Colonies. England, Nea-York, New-Jersey, and Pennsyhania, would be nearly

" Since the late war, Britain laid the trade of the Colonies under of as much benefit to this country buried in the ocean as they are at
some very strict regulations, which certainly cut off many inlets by present." Political Essays.
which they formerly received much Spanish and Portuguese coin. The conduct of Administration corresponds exactly with the senti-
The principle upon which such regulations were formed, of securing ments of this modern writer, and with the measures pursued by Philip
to the mother country alone all matters of commerce, I have already the Second of Spain against the Low Countries. The reasons given by
attempted to prove just and necessary. one in Administration for attacking the Colonies, seem to be copied
" When once their supernumeraries are become manufacturers, it (with some small alterations on account of religion) from the famous
will require more than British policy to convert them into planters. advice of the unfeeling Duke of Alva, that " specie retinendce digni-
" I nmst think this point of such great importance, as to extend tatis," cost his master his glory, his happiness, and his Provinces and —
probably to the annihilation of manufactures in our Colonies. To sunk his country into distresses, from which she is not yet recovered.
conclude, it is in the proposed settlement on the Ohio we must first look " At vero dux Albanus arma et ultioneni, contendebat, unicum leesiB
for hemp and flax as such great numbers of the old American farm-
;
" auctoritati principis reraedium. Quippe ceteris artibus ac diuturna
ers have removed and settled there, which may, in those fertile tracts, " facilitate nihil aliud effectum, quam ut regi obedientia, rebellibus
be cultivated in such abundance as to enable us to undersell all the " timer adimeretur. Fostulanso principio Belgas, ut Hispanus c provin-
world, as well as supply our own consumption. It is on those high, " cia miles excederet id scilicet uuum deesse constantes ad quietem
:

dry, and healthy lands, that vineyards will be cultivated to the best " populorum. Num
propterea, irapetrata externorum missione quie-
advantage, as many of those hills contain quarries of stone, and not " visse ? An potius et confidentiusefflagitasse, ut clavo deturbarotur —
in the unhealthy sea-coasts of our present Colonies. To these we " Granvellanus. At unius forte naufragiocomplacatos fuisse vcntos.
should bring the settlers from Europe, or, at least, suffer none to go —
" Quin uimio ut licentia crescit facilius homines a nostra facilitate
north of New-York; by which means our numbers would increase in —
" securi libellis deridiculis, flagitiosis couspirationibus unprobis pa- —
those parts where it is our interest they should increase ; and the re- — —
"lam carminibus minis precibus armatis extorserent quod aver- —
port of the settlers from the new Colony on the Ohio, would be a con- *' ent —
obstinatis inverecunde legationibus Hispaniam fatigareut Hie —
stant drain of people from our unprofitable Northern ones ; by which " quoque visum dementis; principis aliqua iudigna posccntibus indul-
means, they would, in future times, as well as the present, be prevent- " gero. Enim vero quid ex ilia indulgentia relatum, nisi ut votorura
ed from extending their manufactures. " ubique compotes, non parendo : subditos sese obliviscerentur, obse-
" What I shall therefore venture to propose, is, that the Govern, " quium dedisceront, atque exuta principis revercntia, coinmunicata
ment, through the means of a few merchants acquainted with the " provinciarum defectione, tanquam culpee societate tutiores, humana
American trade, that can be tolerably depended upon, should establish " omnia contrectatse semcl libertati post habercnt. Nunc vero non
factors at Boston, Philadelphia, New.York, and a few other ports, for " unius civitatis, sod provmciarum consensu peccatura esse in regem.
the sale of such cargoes of British manufactures as should be consigned " Nee quia rebelles in presentia conquiescant, minus ferociie animis
to them and to consist of such particularly as were most manufac-
;
" inesse, resumpturos utiquo vires, ubi metum ultionis abjecerint. Sic
tured in the Province, with directions immediately and continually to " ille pronus ad asperiora, disserebat." Strada de bello lielgico, lib. 6,
undersell all such Colony manufactures. By this means, the operation It is evident, that the British Ministers have diligently studied
of the succeeding measures, from the number of hands rendered idle, Strada, and the other authors who have transmitted to posterity the
would be so much easier to be executed. pleasing and instructive annals of Philippick policy, as every measure
" The ships which carried out such cargoes should be large bulky they have taken, is founded on a precedent set by that celebrated
ones, of eight, nine hundred, and one thousand tons burden, for the school of humanity.
sake of bringing large quantities of deals, &c., back, at a less propor- Alva is the favourite master-—on his conduct they keep their eyes
tionate expense ; and, previous to their arrival in America, cargoes of steadily and reverently fixed, and it may truly be said they follow —
these should be ready for them. The Colonists should bo engaged to him with no unequal steps. Great, good, and wise men whom some 1

work their iron mines, and get the product ready in bars, &c., and vast future Puffendorf or Temple will duly celebrate.
quantities of deals and squared timber ready for loading the ships. All " In 15(>4, Granville was removed from the Council, to appease the
which, on tho certain and immediate prospect of a sale, would easily people. Thoir joy was short-lived ; for as the same measures were
bo effected ; as it is well known they have, more than once, proved to pursued, it began to be said publickly, that though his body was
the liegislaturo that they could supply all Europe with these articles, removed from, his spirit still influenced, tho Council. Upon applica-
had they but the demand. tion for a relaxation of tho edicts, it was said, that moderation had
" But I laid it down as a rule to proceed upon, that trade, fishing, only made matters worse, and the observation of tliem was again
and manufacturing, were put an entire stop to among the Colonies. enjoined upon more severe penalties tlian before.
" If the Sugar Islands contained ten millions of people, as destitute " At length an Association was entered into, for mutually defend-
of necessaries as they are at present, Britain would be as sure of their ing each other. This being signed by above four hundred persons of
allegiance as she is at present, provided no Power more formidable quality, who all protested, that they meant nothing but tho honour of
than herself at sea arose for thoir protection. God, the glory of tho King, and the good of their country, they met
" The first dependence of our Colonies, as well as all their People, and petitioned, that the Proclamation might be revoked but the King :

is, to change the terms a little upon corn worked into bread, and iron would consent to no mitigation. Good advice was given to him. But
wrought into implements ; or, in other words, it is upon necessary agri- the Duke W
Alva's violent Council, who proposed the entire abolish-
culture and necessary manufactures for a people who do not possess
; ment of the liberties of the Proviiices,t was most pleasing, and fol.
these, to think of throwing off the yoke of another who supplies them lowed. The cruel Duke was sent into tho Low Countries with a
with them, is an absurd idea. This is precisely the case with our powerful army. The Counts D'Egnwnt and Horn were immediately
Sugar Islands. Let us suppose the Continental Colonies to bo as hap. seized, on a pretence that they had, underhand, spirited up the people's
py in the necessary agiiculture, as they really are, but to be absolutely disaffection. They were afterwards executed. All who had signed the
without manufactures, could they throw off their allegiance to Britain, Association or Petition were declared guilty of ^ high treason, and
be their numbers what they would ? No, certainly for that is nothing
; answerable for what had happened. A
Council, called, from its cruel
more than supposing tliey should throw off their allegiance to hoes and proceedings, tho Council of Blood, was erected for trying the accused,
||

spades, and coats and shoes, which is absurd to imagine. Can any one from whicli there was no appeal. (Note well) Alva himself tried the
imagine that a rebellion can be carried on among a people, when the • ** This imint which is of infinite importance, won hi pretty fully be occasionr d by other
greatest success must be attended with the loss of half the necessaries parts of tht! plan. Hut, to enstiiv so great a point, no new towns shoultl be Buffered, nor
es-en villaj^es; than which nothing could be easier to luana^^e; nor would they be any
of life
where necfssarj' but by the inaffazines of naval stores for loading ships. All possible tie-
" The following, among other effects, relative to this point, would crease of numbers in tbecitiea alrc.idy in being, should be elfected. So systematically
be the consequence of the plan sketched out in tho preceding section :
absurd is it to found towns and cities, as Britain has hitherto constantly done, in all the
" The people would depend on Britain for those necessaries of life Colonies she has formed.'

which result from manufactures. t " Specie tuendi finiam,jugum liberis prcvinciis meditatur."— Sfrarfo, lib. 2.

" The cultivation of staples would be more profitable to them than % "Lay them at my feet." $ See General Gage's Proclamatioii,

any other employment whatever. II

nesoluiions in Parliament for trying CalooiiU iu England, Hlwde-Ulttnit Court.
Late Acu fur MaiiachuKtti Bay,
677 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1774. 578

for Americans, tlie arguments of tlie illustrious patriots of one man's* will, became the cause of all men's misery,"

descendants owe every

tliose times, to wliose virtues their they generously suffered. And the worthy Bishop before
blessing they now enjoy, apply with inexpressible force mentioned, who, for strenuously asserting the principles of
and appositeness, in maintenance of our cause, and in the Revolution, received the unusual honour of being re-
refutation of the pretensions set up by their too forgetful commended by a House of Commons to the Sovereign for
l»sterity, over their unhappy Colonists. Confiding in the preferment, has justly observed, that " misery is the same
whether it comes from the hands of many or of one."
undeniable truth of this single position, that, " to live by
" could not ajjpear tolerable to him (meaning Mr.
It
accused in their own country, where their friends and witnesses might " Hooker, author of the Ecclesiastical Policy) to lodge in
attend them whore the pains of death itself might be mitigated, by see-
;
" the Govemours of any Society an unlimited authority, to
ing witli their dying eyes, tliat they expired beloved and lamented. Here,
the disciples exceed their tutor. This is too great a consolation to be " annul and alter the Constitution of the Govenimcnt, as
indulged to a Colonist. He must be carried three thousand miles across " they should see fit, and to leave to the governed the
tiie ocean —
that ho may not only die, but be insulted in his last mo-
" privilege only of absolute subjection in all such altera-
ments, with the mockery of a trial, where the clearest innocence
stands no chance of acquittal, and with the formality of a sentence " tions ;" " in all
f or, to use the Parliamentary phrase,
founded on a statute past before the Colonies existed. On the approach cases whatsoever."
of tho army, the Prince of Orange and other Lords fled and being ;

summoned to appear before the Council, in default thereof, were con. From what source can Great Britain derive a single
demned, and their estates confiscated. Alva treated all, the innocent reason to support her claim to such an enormous power ?
and guilty, with such rigour, that it gave rise to tho following saying That it is consistent with the laws of nature, no reasonable
—
of a Spanish officer " Haretici fraxerunt templa boni nihil faxerunt
contra ergo omnes dcbent patibulari." Puffendork's Introduction
;
;

— man will pretend. That it contradicts the precepts of

Art. " Spain" and " the United Provinces." Christianity, is evident. For she strives to force upon us
Sir William Temple's account of the disturbances in the Low Coun-
tries agrees exactly with the foregoing extracted out of Puffendorf, by beginning, which cost Europe so much blood, and Spain a great part
which it will appear with what a surprising exactness of resemblance of the Low Country Provinces. The war begun, Alva had at first great
the affairs of the Colonics have been carried on by Administration. success. Moved with no rumours, terrified with no threats from a
" The war with France being concluded, it was resolved to keep up broken and unarmed people, and thinking no measures or forms were
the troops in these Provinces, and that the states should support any more necessary to be observed in the Provinces, he pretends
them, which by a long course of war, was grown customary. When greater sums are necessary for the pay and reward of his victorious
Philip would have put Spanish garrisons into some of their towns, troops than were annually granted upon the King's request by tho
and for the sake of their admitting them quietly, gave the command states of the Provinces: {Note. Hero our Ministers have again
to the Prince of Orange and Court Egmont, they told him plainly, improved upon Philip's; for they have taxed us, without making
tliat all the brave stands they had made against the power of France, requests.)* And therefore demands a general tax of the hundreth part
availed them but little, if they must at last be enslaved by another of every man's estate, to be raised at once : and for tho future, tlie
foreign Power." Puffendorf. twentieth of all immoveable, and the eighteenth of all that was sold.
" The hatred of the people, the insolence of the troops, with the The states with much rcluctancy consent to the first, as a thing that
charge of their support, made them looked upon by the inhabitants ended at once. They petition the King, but without redress; draw out
in general, as tho instruments of their oppression and slavery, and the year in contests, sometimes stomachful, sometimes Immble with
not of their defence, when a general peace had left them no ene- the Governour till the Duke, impatient of delay, causes the edict
:

mies : And therefore the states began here their complaints, with a without consent of tho states, to be published. The people refuse to
general consent and passion of all the nobles, as well as towns and pay ; the soldiers begin to levy by force ; the townsmen all shut up
country. And upon the delays that were contrived, or fell in, the their shops the people in the country forbear the market ; so as not
;

states first refused to raise any more moneys, either for tho Span- so much as bread and meat is to be bought in the town. The Duke
iards' pay, or their own standing troops ; and the people ran into is enraged ; calls the soldiers to arms ; and commands several of the
so great despair, that in Zealand they absolutely gave over the work- inhabitants, who refused the payments, to be hanged that very night
ing at their dikes, suffering the sea to gain every tide upon the coun. upon their sign posts whicli moves not the obstinacy of the people.
;

try, and resolving, as they said, rather to be devoured by that element And now tho officers and the guards are ready to begin the executions,
than by tlie Spanish soldiers ; so that at last the King consented to when news comes to town of the taking of the Briel, by the Gaeses,f
their removal. Another grievance was the appointment of new judges* and of the expectation that had given of a sudden revolt in the
and those absolutely depending on the King, &c" Province of Holland.
" Granville strained up to the highest his master's authority and the " This unexpected blow struck the Duke of Alva, and foreseeing
execution of his commands, while the Provinces were resolute to the consequences of it, because he knew the stubble was dry, and now he
protect the liberties of their country, against the admission of this found the fire was fallen in, he thought it an ill time to make an end
now and arbitrary judicature, unknown to all ancient laws and cus- of the tragedy in Brabant, whilst a new scene was opened in Holland;
toms of their country. The King at last consented to Granville's and so giving over for the present his taxes and executions, applies his
recess. Then all noise of discontent and tumult was appeased. But thoughts to the suppression of this new enemy that broke in upon him
quickly after the same Councils were resumed. The disturbances from the sea. And now began that great commotion in the Low Coun-
then grew greater than before. But by the prudence and moderation tries, which never ended but in the loss of those Provinces, when the
of the Duchess of Parma, the Governess, the whole estate of the Prov- death of the Royal Government gave life to a new Commonwealth."
inces was restored to its former peace. This Duchess, and the Duke of Observat. upon the United Provinces of the Netherlands, by Sir Wih-
Feria, one of the chief Ministers in Spain, thought and advised, that LIAM Temple.
the then present peace of the Provinces ought not to be invaded by Philip and his junto of Cabinet Ministers thought themselves no
new occasions, nor the royal authority lessened, by the King being doubt very wise, and politick as so many MachiaveU. But what says,
made a party in a war upon his subjects. But the King was immove- and will say mankind as long as the memory of those events is pre-
able ; he despatched Alva into the Low Country at the head of ten served 7 That their counsels were despicable, their motives detestable,
thousand veteran Spanish and Italian troops, under the command of and their minds like those described by the Bishop of Lerida, that
the best officers, which the wars of Charles the Fifth, or Philip the exactly resembled the horns of the cows in his country little, " hard —
Second, had bred up in Europe ; which, with two thousand more in the and crooked."
Provinces, under the command of so old and renowned a General as • Hooker. " For a man to bo tenant at will of his liberty, I can
the Duke of Alva, made up a force, which nothing in the Low Countries
never agree to it. It is a tenure not to be found in all Littleton."—
could look in the face with other eyes than of astonishment, submis-
Speech of Sir Edward Coke.
sion, or despair. This power was for the assistance of the Governess, " Etiam si dominus non sit molestus, tnmen miserrimum eat, paste «
the execution of the laws, the suppressing and punishing all who had
been authors or fomentors of the late disturbances. t On his arrival
velit." —
Cicero.
. " The free
the Governess having obtained leave of the King, retired out of
Know no gentle tyranny." Rowe.
the Province. The Duke of Alva was invested in the Government
with powers never before given to any Governour. Council, called A t Hoadly's Discourse on Government.
the Council of Blood,} was erected for the trial of all crimes commit- • Another advantage the British Ministers have over the Spanish in depth of polic)',
ted against the King's authority. The towns stomached the breach of is very remarkable. Spain was a great Empire. The Low Countries a mere speck, com-
their Charters, the people of their liberties, the knights of the golden pared witli it. Spain was not a maritime state that depended upon them for the supply of
her revenue. Had they beeusunk in the sea, she would scarcely have felt the loss. Her
fleece the Charters of their order, by these new and odious courts of Erospect of success was almost certain. France, her llien inveterate enemy,
exhausted
judicature; all complain of the disuse of the states, of the introduc- || y a civil war and divided into two powerful parties. Every circumstance is directly
** Siquidem
The King was constant to what he the reverse to Great Britain in lier present contest with tlie Colonies.
tion of armies, but all in vain. *' verissimum est, ignem tectis ilijicere, el injecto spatium modumque statuere, non esse

had determined. Alva was in his nature cruel and inexorable. The •' in cjusdera mauu,"—Strada, lib. 7.

new army was fierce and brave, and desirous of notliing so much as a t Beggars. — They were called so in contempt, when they petitioned. The people
The people were enraged, but awed and thereupon assumed Uiat name, perhaps to keep up the memory of an insult occasioned
rebellion in tho country.
—
unheaded. All was seizure and process; confiscation and imprison- by their loyalty. ^
The whole country of the seven United Provinces is not as large as one half ot Penn-
- „

ment ; — —
blood and horrour ; insolence and dejection punishments ;
— sulvania ; and when they began their contest with Pliilip the Second, for their bljerty,
as are now in the Province Massachusetts Bay.
executed, and meditated revenge. The smaller branches were lopt contained alwut as many inhabitants of
the two
Philip's Empire then comprehended in Europe, all Spain and Portugal,
off apace ; the great ones were longer a hewing down. Counts 5iri/ifj,and such Provinces of the Low Countries as ailhered to him— maiiy Islands of

Egmont and Horn lasted several months ; but at length, in spite of all importance in the Mediterranean— Ibe Milanese and many other veiy valuable Ierntone«
to .S/ioin anil
in Italy and elsewhere.— In Africa and Asia, all the Uominions belonging
their services to Charles the Fifth and to Philip, as well as of their new with all
Portugal—in' America the immense countnts subject to those two Kiiigdonis,
merits in quieting of the Provinces, and of so great supplications and Uieir treasures and yet unexhausted mines, and tlie Spanish West
Indies His armit^
and and commanded by the most renowned
intercessions as were made in their favour, both in Spain and Flanders, were numerous veteran, excellently officered,
Countnes. Ins Com-
Generals. Sogrea was their force, that during the wars in the Low
tliey were publickly beheaded at Brussels, which seemed to break all mander-in-chief, the Prince nt Parma, marched twice into fronre, and
obliged that
patience in tho people ; and by their end to give those commotions a great Oeneial and glorious King, Henry the Fourth, to raise at one time the siegeat
Varis, and at another, that of Roan. So considerable was the naval
power ot Plulip, that
• Ailmirally Courti. R/iaile-Iilant) Court, for enforcing the statute of tliirtj-fifth in the midst of the same wars, he fitted out his dreadful
Armada to invade hngland. \et
Henr)/ the Kiijlith. Act for ngulMius tlic Govornmeut of Maitac/iuiclli Bay. Act for seven little Provinces, or countries, as we should call them, inspired by one generous
baffled, but brought down
Atlniiitiatration of Justice, &c. resolution " To die free, rather than to live slaves," not only
for universal tmpire, and for
into the dust, that enormous power, that had contended
t See Speeches in Parliament, and Preambles to the l«te Acts. % See note in Page 75. half a century was the terrour of the world. Such an aniaiirig change indeed took
I Fivquent ilinolutioD of Atierabliet— and tlieir total uscleisiiess, if Parliament aid place, that those Provinces afterwardi actually protected Spam agauist the power of
France,

FoDRTH Series. 37
579 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee, JULY, 1774. 580

terms, which she would judge to be intolerably severe and " for settling the Crown upon King William or the illus-
cruel, if imposed on herself". " Virtual representation" is " trious House o( Hanover." * " Curious reasoning this."t
too ridiculous to be regarded. The necessity of a supreme It is to be wished tlie gentleman had " recollected" that

sovereign Legislature, internally superintending the whole

* "TIio Controversy between Great Britain and her Colonies Ra-
Empire, is a notion equally unjust and dangerous. '* The viewcd." The learned gentleman who wrote this piece, has thought
" pretence" says Mr. Justice Blackstonc, speaking of proper to quit his argument, step out of his way, |>crsonally abuse,
James the First's reign, '• for wiiich arbitrary measures was and severely attack tho writer of the *' Faruier's Letters." llin
principal objections are the following, and the answers licro given
•'
no other than the tyrant's ])lea of the necessity of un- may perhaps bo sufficient to show with wliat force iiis objections are
" limited powers, works of evident utility to the* publick, generally urged. First, lie s.iys, " llie writer of tile Letters tells us
" the supreme reason above all reasons, whicii is the sal- **that tho drawbacks which are allowed on some articles upon their
"exportation from Eiigluiid amount to more money than all the duties
" ration of the King's lands and people." This was not
"together which are luid upon them on their arrival in the Colonies
the doctrine of James only. His son unhappily iniierited it "will produce. I believe it is tlie first tune that the Colani.s of any
from him. On this flimsy foundation was built the claim "state have complained of the injustice of the mother country in
"luying taxes upon them, which were not sufficicintly heavy, nor was
of sliip money, &ic. Nor were there wanting men, who " it ever before discovered that the proper .means to redress the
could argue, from the Courtly text, that Parliaments were " grievances of any people, wera to increase their taxes." Page 16.
too stupid or too factious, to grant money to the Crown, Answer : The truth of the assertion in tlie Letters is not denied. It is
assuuied by the author of " Tho Controversy," as the foundation of his
wiien it was their interest and their duty to do so. Tiiis
argument. If then. Parliament would have raised more money, "by
argument, however, was fully refuted, and slept above a "stopping the drawbacks, than by laying the duties to be paid in the
" Colonies," why were tliey laid ? From respsct for Parliament it
century in proper contempt, till the posterity of those who
must i)U supposed, they were l.iid for some jmrpose. It was not for
had overthrown it, thought fit to revive the exploded ab- the sake of tho money. For what then ? To tst,.blish a precedent
surdity. Trilling as the pretence was, yet it might much for taxing tho Colonies, says the writer of the L::tters. The author of
" The Controversy" dojs not deny it ; but enters into a dissertation upon
more properly be urged in favour of a single person, than
tho more and the less, which is not the point in question. Second.
The counsels of a Monarch may be more
'

of a multitude. Tile writer of the Letters says, that, an Act of Parliament commanding
secret. His measures more quick. In passing an Act of us to do a certain thing, if it has any vulidily is a tax upon us, for
Parliament for all the Colonies, as many men are consulted, the expense* that accrues in complying with it. In reply to this the
autlior of "The Controversy" enumerates many instances of sover.
if not more, than need be consulted, in obtaining the assent
eignty subjecting the Colonies to expense, whicli lie supposes may
of every Legislature on the Continent. If it is a good be legally exercised within the Colonies " by Act of Parliament."
argument for Parliaments, it is a better against them. It Pages 23, 24. Answer : The propriety of this sujiposition is denied,
and remains to be proved. " Absurdities and contradictions" ara
therefore proves nothing but its own futility. The sup- plentifully attributed to the wr't?r of the Letters, because lie will not
posed advantages of such a power could never be attained acknowledge, that the power of Parliament " to r.^giilate trade, and
but by the destruction of f real benefits, evidenced by preserve the connection of the whole Empire in due order," involves ia
it a power to " tax the Colonies," or " to put them to any expense,"
facts to exist without it. The Swiss Cantons, and the Piirli.iment shall please. A
person of such sagacity, as the author of
United Provinces, are combinations of independent states. "The Controversy," might plainly have perceived, if his resentment had
The voice of each must be given. The instance of these not prejudiced his candour, that tho writer of the Letters was unwilling
to give up any point, which he then thought essential to the freedom
Colonies may be added for stating the case, that no act
:
and welfare of his country, and at the t-auie time was t unwilling to
of internal legislation over them had ever been passed by propose any new subject of dispute. Justly has tho author of "The
Great Britain, her wisest statesmen would be perplexed Controversy" observed, that "it would be endless to trace this doctrine
of taxes through all the consequences." Pjge 23. Tliird. The writer
to show, that she or the Colonies would have been less of the Letters says, " wo ur j as much dependent on Great Britain as a
flourishing than they now are. What benefits such a " perfectly free people can be on another." On this the author of " The
power may produce hereafter, time will discover. But —
Controversy" kindly observes, that " it is a pity the learned editor
" (tho English editor, it is supposed) has not given the publick a dis.
the Colonies are not dependent on Great Britain, it is " sertation on that most ingenious and instructive passage." Page 25.
said, if she has not a supreme unlimited Legislature over Answer : American understandings discover no inconsistency in the
them. " I would ask these loyal subjects of the King," idea of " a state being dependent, and yet perfectly free," and their
t >mper is so moderate that they would be content with that degree of
says the author of a celebrated invective against us. J freedom, wliich is compatible with a d!pjnilenc3. If the proposition
" what King it is they profess tliemselves to be the loyal puzzles British understandings, it is presumed to be, because Britons
" subjects of? It cannot be his present most gracious Ma- will not give tliemselves the trouble to think of any dependence, but

" jesty, George the Third, King of Great Britain, for his of such, as is destructive of all freedom ; thougli they themselves are
dependent in some measure on others. Fourth. The writer of tho
" title is founded on an Act of Parliament, and they will Letters says, " if money he raised upon us by others without our con.
" not surely acknowledge that Parliament can give them "sent, for our defence, those who are the judges in levying it, must
" also be the judges in applying it." [Of consequence, tho money. Slid
" a King, which is of all others, the highest act of sov-
to be taken from us for our defence, may be employed, to our injury,
" ereignty, when they deny it to have power to tax or
t Id. p. 17.
" bind them in any other case and I do not recollect that
;
* This sentence related to t]ie dissolution of tlie Assembly of 2*(rwTorky for not com-
" there is any Act of Assembly, in any of the Colonies, plying with the Act of ParliaiiKiit for nut supplying ihc troops. Last session of Parlia-
nient an Act was pasted fctr the more conimudious (^uarterinj; of the troops in America.
It is not vet come ovf r ; but deserves the aiteiiiion of (he Colonists, evt-n it it hus not the
• With such smooth words may the most dreadful designs be glossed remarkable features, thai distinguish the prodiiciions of the last session.
ov^r. "Tliere are some men who call evil, good, and bitter, sweet.
—justice is now called popularity and fjction." Pari. Hist. 8. 193. f If any |>ci*3on shrill imsiijine that he discovers in these Lettei-s, the least dislike of the
dependence or these Colonit-s on Great Briaiu^ 1 lug ilmt such peisoii will not I'uruiaiiy
" A man sliall not unprofitably spend his contemplation, tliat upon juitginent on purliculsn' t-xpres»ions, but Mill consider the icnor of all the lettei's taken
this occasion considers the method of Corf's justice (a method tisrribly together. In thatcusi*, 1 fluiter myself, thutevtry uiiin-tjutl,ct-d render will be convinced
tliat the truf interests of Great Britain are as dear to mc, as they ought to be to every
remarkable in many passages, and upon many persons, wliich we good subject.
shall be compelled to remember in this discourse), that the same " If I am an entlnisiast in any thing, it is in my zeal for the per|>etnal ilependence of
principles, and the same application of those principl. s, should be these Colonies on iheir mother couutrj— a dfi)t'ndi.-ncu founded on mutual tieneHtv, the
cuntinuaitce of which can lie sreurtd onl> by mutual iifiiciions. '1 hertfuie it is, that
used to the wresting all sovereign power from the Crown, which the with i-xtn-me apprt-hension 1 view the smallest seeds of discontent, which a)"e nnwearily
Crown had a little before made use of for the extending its autliority scattered ahroiid. Fifty or sixty jean will make astonishing alterations in th^seCuIoiiivs ;
and this eoiisideratiun shou d n nder it the husiui-ss of Great B'itnin more and inoie to
and power beyond its bounds, to the prejudice of the just rights of the cultivate our good disposition towards her : hut the mi»fm'(une is, that (hose gri-at men,
pubjoct. A supposed necessity was then thought ground enough to who are wrestling for power at home, think themselvtn very slitjhily interested in the
create a power, and a bare averment of that necessity to beget a jnoaperity of iheir coimtry fifij or sixty years hence, but are deeply concerned in blowing
uj) a jK>pttlar clamour for snpp"sed immediate advaiiiages.
practic3 to impose wliattax they thought convenient upon the subject, *• Kor uiy jjai-t, I regard Great Britain as a bulwjiik,luippily fixed between these Colo-

by writs of ship money never before known and a supposed necensity

; nies and the [wwerful Nations of Europe. I'hat Kingdom n-muining safe, wu, under its
now, and a bare averment of that necessity, is as confidently, and piotection, enjojing peace, nmy diffuse the blessings of religion, science, and liberty,
through remote wildernesses. It is therefore incontesiibly our duty, and our intei*est, to
more fatally, concluded a good ground to exclude the Crown from Bup|K)rt the stivngth of Great Britain, When confiding In that sirtngth, she btgins to
the use of any power, by an ordinance never before heard of, and the forget from whence it arose, it will bean easy ihing to show the source. She may re.idily
be nmiiiuled of the toud alarm spiead among her itierchantH and tradesmen, by the uuj-
game ma.xim of " ealus populi suprema lex," whicli has been used to versal association of these Colonies, at the time of the Stamp Act, not to iiiijHirt any of
the infringing the liberty of tlio one, made use of for destroying the lier manufactures.
rights of the other." Lord Ci.\rk.nuon's Hist. h. v. p. 54.
*•
In the year 171S, the Jiussianjt and Sivedes entered into sn agreement not lo suffer
Great Britain to export any naval stores fiom their Doiinnions, but in Russian or
tTlius the Patriots of Charlef's days argued " It is not, that ship
;
57tr//f*/i shipi, and at their own pnces. Great yj/Tni/i was distressed. Pitch and tar
" money hath been levied against us, but it is, that thereby ship j-ose to three jtounds a banvl. At length klu thonghl of getting thi-Ne articles from the
Colonies ; and the attempt succei ding, they fell down lo fifteen shiiiings. In t)ie vear
" money is claimed, which is the gift and earnest penny of all we 175ft. Great Britain was threatened with an invasion. An easterly wind blowingfor six
" have it is not, that our persons liave been imprisoned for the pay.
:
weeks, she could not man her fleet, and ihe whole Nation was thmwn into the utmost
consternation. 'I he wind changed. Ihe American shins arrived, i he fle«.t sailed in
"mcnt of ship money, but that our persons and lives are, upon the ten or fifteen days. There niv some other i-etl ciions on this subject, worthy of the mo»t
'• same ground of law, delivered up to will and pleasure. <leliherate attt-ntam of the Britinh Parliament but they ai-c of such a luunre, that I do
It is, that ;

" our birthright is destroyed, and that there luitb boon an endeavour not choose lo meniion (hem publickiy, 1 thought it my duty, in the year 1765, w hile the
Stamp Act was in suspense, to wiite my lentimenis toa geiiiUnmn of great influence at
" to reduce us to a lower state than villi nagc. The Lord might tax home, who afterwards distinguished himself, by (spousing uurcause, in the debates con-
•' his villain de haut ei de basse, might imprison him, but Ins life was cerning the repeal of 'hat Ad.'*— ^"rmc;'/ Letter, xii. Page 100.
" his own tho law secured him that." .Lord Clarendon. If tlie author of *• The Coniroversj" had seen the Utter above leferred to, he would have
;
fotind,thal.ilK difference iKtwetn the premgaiive in Great Br 'tuin and America^ and
the exercise of internal legislation by parliament over the CoI'mies. with some other [Mnntj
t See note on these words " Therefore a power of regulating our therein mentioned, weir leptx-senii d in the stnnigtst teiuH the writer of the Letlen could
" trade, involves not in the idea of a Supreme Legislature over use, as unjujt, ami certainly unding in a few years to produce the deepest discoutenis.
it us,"
— I'age 590. The time is at length cuiue « hen silence in America on these subjects would be stupid
or criiuinul.
 581 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JULY, 1774. 682
without any such " Act of Assembly" none of the Colo- Houses can make laws. Yet that conclusion would be as
nists ever rebelled. What Act of Parliament is here
meant? Surely not the eleventh of Henry the Seventh,
justifiable as this — that the assent of the Colonies to an
election of a King by the two Houses,
or to the limitation
chapter the first, in favour of a King de, facto. Probably of the Crown by Act of Parliament, proves a right in
the twelfth and thirteenth of William the Third, chapter Parhament to bind the Colonies by statutes " in all cases
the second, " for the further limitation of the Crown, &z,c," whatsoever." In such great points, the conduct of a
is intended. And is it imagined that the words " Domin- people is influenced solely by a regard for their freedom
ions and Territories thereunto belonging" in that statute, and happiness. The Colonies have no other head than
form hisMajesty's title to the sovereignty of these Colo- the King of England. The person, who by the laws of
nies ? The omission of them might have looked odd but ; that Realm is King of that Realm, is our King.
what added by their insertion ? The settlement
force is A dependencef on the Crown and Parliament of Great
of the Crown of Ens;land includes the settlement of the Britain, is a novelty — a dreadful novelty. It may be
Colonies. King Jfilliam is mentioned and will the — compared to the
engine invented by the Greeks for the
gentleman venture to say, that JVilUnm was not King of destruction of Troy.X It is full of armed enemies, and
England and Sovereign of these Colonies, before his title the walls of the Constitution must be thrown down before
was "declared" or "recognised" by "an Act of Parlia- it can be introduced among us.
ment ?" The gentleman slurs over this case. His zeal When it is considered that the King as King of England
for the " illustrious House of Hanover" would be little has a power in making laws —
the power of executing them
gratified, by inferring, that because the two Houses, with — of finally determining on appeals —
of calling upon us
the consent of the Nation, made a King, therefore the two for supplies in times of war or any emergency that every —
branch of the prerogative binds us, as the subjects are
Wo may be * chiiined in by a line of fortifications obliged to pay for — —
bound thereby in England and that all our intercourse
—
the building and maintaining them and bo told that they arc for our
defence.] With what face can wo dispute the fact after having
granted that those who apply the money, had a right to levy it ? For Is not the word " application," used hero, too, not only properly, as
surely it is much easier for their wisdom to understand how to apply defined, but properly in a constitutional sense ?
it in the best manner, than how to levy it in the best manner. True it is, that the word is sometimes used as synonymous with
Besides the right of levying is of infinitely more consequence than appropriation, though this latter seems to be the fittest word to mean
that of applying. The peojilo of England, who would burst out into the designation of money to particular purposes in acts of Parliament.
fury if the Crown should attempt to levy money by its own authority, Could it be possible, that the author of " The Controversy" should
have always assigned to the Crown the application of money." imagine the writer of the Letters could bo ignorant of such designa-
From the words relating to " application," the author of " The tion or appropriation of money by Parliament, when one can scarcely
Controversy" deduces a "proof," that the writer of the Letters is very open a book of Statutes without observing them ? Parliament may
deficient in " his knowledge of the Constitution,"! &c. Answer. Is accommodate grants of money to publick necessities, and may call
this treatment generous ? In such questions, ought the attack to bo officers of the Crown to account for money ; but these powers no more
turned from the cause to the man ? The writer of the Letters pretends prove the actual expenditure and employment of money to belong to
not to be distinguislied as a " critick on Government," nor for " just. Parliament, than the power of calling officers of the Crown to account
ness or elegance of composition."} Surely, evon the author of " The for injurious leagues, or declarations of war, proves the power of Par-
Controversy" must now be convinced of his aversion to writing, as liament to make leagues or to declare war. Besides, it being contended
that performance, with all " the justness and elegance of its coinpo- against the Colonies, that the " sovereign power" is lodged in King,
" sition, knowledge of the subject handled, and constitutional learning Lords and Commons, the same persons may tax and expend, to what
" displayed in it," and employed to pull to places the reputation of the excess, and in what manner they please, while the Colonies will have
writer of the Letters, has not roused him during so many years sinco no kind of control over thom ; and that such an union of those pow.
its publication, to make a single effort in vindication of his character. ers is unconstitutional and dangerous to the Colonies in extreme, was
Was it imagined that every objection was just, because not replied to ? the point the writer of the Letter offensively ventured to insist on.
Many reasons, besides a fear of encountering objections, may prevent Exactly in the sense here contended for, are the words " appropria.
an answer. In truth, lie cannot be called a volunteer author. Ho tion" and " application" used in some of the best authorities. Bishop
never did, and never dared to write, but when the honour or interest Ellys, in his Tracts on Liberty, page 31, says: " The Parliament, at
of his country was assaulted ; when duty compelled every one to con- " present, in granting money, does, for the most part, appropriate it to
tribute what assistance ho could in her defence, and when ho hoped " particular services, whereby the application of it is more effjctually
the cause would draw some kind of a veil over his defects. Ho " secured." " When any aids are given, the Commons only do judge
expected he might escape, as the Spartan youth did, with some slight " of the necessities of the Crown, which cannot be otherwise made
censure for engaging ijnproperly armed, but that his motive would " manifest to them than by inquiring how the money which hath been
excuse him from a severe ono. How well founded the present reproach " granted, and revenue of the Crown, is expended and applied."*
is, will now be considered. One would imagine, that a man of com- "Out of the aids given by Parliament, (which, by the law of England,
mon sense, on reading the foregoing extract from the Letters, would " are appropriated, and ought to have been employed in the common
understand the writer plainly to mean, by " levying," the power of " profit of the whole Realm,) many large sums of money, during the
" taxing ;" and by " applying," the power of " employing" tha " times of such heavy taxes upon the people, have been diverted under
money raised by taxing or, in other terms, the actual expenditure of
;
" the head of secret services, and for salaries, bounties, and pen-
it. This meaning is evident, the conclusion being express, that " if " sions," &.C.+
" others may be judges in applying money, of consequence it may be Some other unfairnesses there are in this famous piece, that need only
" employed to our injury ;" and then follow some instances in which be viewed, to be refuted ; but of which, it may be said, if a " prece-
it " may be so employed." All this is very clear. How, then, does dent" established by the respectable gentleman himself, can procure
the very ingenious gentleman open his way to the writer of the Let. pardon for the expression, that " they are not entitled to notice."
ters to give him this violent blow ? By a dexterity worthy of imitation, How could he venture to assert, as ho does, that " the purpose of the
if justifiable. Ho leaves out of his quotation all the words enclosed " Letters was to excite resentment in the Colonies against their parent
within the last crotchet, beginning at the words " of consequence," " country, and to push them on to a separation from her." The Let-
and ending at the words " our defence," that showed, beyond a pos. ters prove the contrary. Few men have expressed a warmer zeal for
sibility of doubt, in what sense the word " applying" was used takes — tha connection than the writer of them Yet his reputation is to bo at-
I

—
no notice of the omission imposes another sense on the word and — tacked on every account, and a charge even of disloyalty directly
then insults, may it bo said, over the supposed mistake of saying, levelled against him. The author is welcome to take what other
" that the people of England have always assigned to the Crown the licenses ho pleases in his apprehensions of the writer ; but he ought
" application of money." not to have denisd his integrity. Their intentions must stand the test
Wliat sense ho or others may assign to the word " application," is of a tribunal that decides for eternity. May they then appear equally
not the point ; but whetlier the word, taken in that sense which the pure.
writer of the Letters expressly annexed to it, is used with propriety True, indeed, are those words of Lord Clarendon : " Let no honest
by him, or whether it is used in such a manner as to " prove he is " man tliat is once entered into the lists, think, he can, by any skill or
" very deficient in his knowledge of the Constitution ?" By that word, —
" comportment prevent these conflicts and assaults but let him look
as he defines it, positively as languiigo cm
declare any meaning, he " upon it as a purgatory he is unavoidably to pass through, and con-
intends the actual expenditure and " employment" of money. And " stantly performing the duties of justice, integrity, and uprightness,
is the reader to be tricked out of that definition, and another sense " depend upon Providence, and tune, for a vindication."
shufHed in, morjly to impeach a man's character by slight of pen ?
t This word, " dependence," as applied to the states connected with
Has not the Constitution " assigned to the Crown the actual expen-
England, seems to be a now one. It qppoars to have been introduced
diture and employment of money ?" Is not this power part of the
into the language of the law, by the Commonwealth Act of 1659 A
Executive ? Uojs not Mr. Justice Blackstone mention this power to
" dependence on Parliament" is still more modern. A people cannot
show the vast influence of the Crown ? He particularly takes notice
be too cautious in guarding against such innovations. " The creden-
of it, with respect to the army, in these expressions: " Paid, indeed,
" tials of the Imperial Ambassadors to the states of Holland, were
" ultimately by the people, but immediately by the Crown ; raised by
" directed to our faithful and boloved.' The words seem to be very
'
" the Crown, oflicered by the Crown, commanded by the Crown."!|
"kind, but the cautious states discovered that this was the style of the
• The Ttrobabi'.ity of thU measui-e taking place, is coiifinned by tlie Canada Bill, a " Imperial Chancery in writing to the vassals of the Empire. The
political device su exlniordiimi'y, as to excite surprise even in those Colonists w ho live in " question was, wliether the credentials should be opened ? And it was
the year 1774. By this Bill, it is said, the Legislative power is lotlged in the Governour
aiid a few men, not less than seventeen, nor more than twenty-three, apiwinted ami re-
" urged, tliat a solemn embassy ought not to be disappointed, for a few
moveable by the Crown ; and the Government becomes wholly mililury. Trials by jury " trifling words. But the states resolved to send them back unopened,
are aboliithed, thonifh multitudes of En^Hifi subjects settled there on tiie encouragement " which they did. Oilier credentials were then sent, with a proper di-
given by the King's Proclamation in 1763. 'i'he French laws are restored, and all the
coinitry on the back of tin se Colonies is added to Cittiatla. and put under the same mili- " roction, and the Ambassadors were well received." Arcana, imp. del.
tai7 Government. This is indeed to be **chained in." Nothing is wanting to complete "p. 106.
the plan, but our money, to defray tl)<' expense of erecting strong holds among our woutis
and mountains, and to brilM; our Indiani; and then the expression of ** beating our {7 Co. 18.
swords into plough-shares" will be reversed in an extraordinary manner; for ''our
plough-shares" will furuish the very ''swords" that are to cutour own Uiroats. •Words of the Commons at a conference with the Lords.— Pa^^ HUt,
tPage 31. t Pages 22 and 25. I
1 DIackslone, 330. t Addt«it of the House of Comiaom to Queen Anne.— Pari. Hut,
583 CORRESPOrsDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc, JULY, 1774. 584

with foreigners is regulated by Parliament. Colonists may to Colonies ;

yet Mr. Justice Blackstone says, " such parts
"surely" be acknowledged to speak with truth and preci- " of the law as are neither necessary nor convenient for
sion, in answer to the " elegantly" exprest question " them, as the jurisdiction of the spiritual courts, fee,
" What King it is," &ic.,by saying that " his most gracious " are therefore not in force." If even the common law,
Majesty George the Third" is tlie King of England, and, in force within the Realm of England when the Colonists
therefore, " the King" they
" loyal subjects of."
— profess themselves to be quittted it, is by the peculiar circumstances
thus abridged
of Colonies, at least equally just, and constitutional is it,
We are aware of the objection, that " if the King of that tiie power of making new laws within the Realm of
" England is King of the Colonies, they are sub-
therefore England, should be abridged with respect to Colonies, by
" ject to the general legislative authority of tliat Kingdom." those peculiar circumstances.*
The premises by no means warrant this conclusion. It is
framing their arguments against us. Even the learned Judge does not
built on a mere supposition, that the Colonies are thereby express himself with his usual perspicuity but the want of it is well
:

acknowledged to be within the Realm, and on an incanta- atoned, if we. Colonists, can bo thereby deprived of the benefits of the
tion expected to be wi-ought by some magick force in those common law, and bo absolutely subjected to the King for thesa ;

courtly tenets are the only consequences deducible from the curious
woods. To be subordinately connected with England the argument that tends to involve these Coloni:>s in the misfortunea of
Colonies have contracted. To be subject to the general "conquered, ceded, or infidel countries." The "control of Parlia-
raent" is asserted to be supreme, in every case. Whether the Colonies
legislative authority of that Kingdom, they never contracted.
were ssttled in " uninhabited countries," or in " conquered, ceded, or
Such a power as may be necessary to preserve this connec- infidel countries," makes no dilfurenco as to that point.
tion she has. The authority of the Sovereign, and the Another learned gentlem;in has discovered, that we " are not en-
titled to as great a degree of freedom as Ireland." Why ? " Because
authority of controlling our intercourse with foreign Na-
Ireland was a conquered country." This remark does not seem to re-
tions form that power. Such a power leaves the Colonies move the difficulty. Let us hear the point a little more explained.
free. But a general legislative power is not a power to " Ireland it is true, was conquered, but certain concessions were made
" to the people. These were the terms granted them, but England is
preserve that connection, but to distress and enslave them.
" obliged to keep no terms with the Colonists." At every step these
If the first power cannot subsist without the last, she has gentlemen take, those writers, who have contributed so much to the
—
no right even to the first the Colonies were deceived in glory of their country, turn upon them, and directly oppose them.
their contract —and the power must be unjust and illegal They at first shrink before these venerable advocates for liberty and
humanity, but recollecting themsalves, they distinguish and refine, in
for God has given to them a better right to preserve their order to take away the substance of every argument, and to whittle
liberty, than to her to destroy it. In other words, suppos- down a Hooker and a Locke into a Lestrange and a Filmer. After
ing King, Lords, and Commons, acting in Parliament, taking these liberties, they at lengtli grow bold enough to arraign the
authority of any man, even Mr. Locke himself, if his writings cannot,
constitute a sovereignty over the Colonies, is that sover- by all this art, be turned to their purpose.
eignty constitutionally absolute or limited? That states We need not be surprised after this, that every Colonist who
without freedom should, by principle, grow out of a free ventures honestly to assart, as well as he can, the cause of his native
land, should be treated with little respect. The Colonies have always
state, is as impossible as that sparrows should be produced been on the defensive. It is hoped they will always continue so. But
from the eggs of an eagle. The sovereignty over the Col- the author of " The Controversy" charges them with great cunning, a
left handed wisdom that must disgr.ice any people, bscause they have
onies must be* limited. Hesiod long since said, " half is
not resisted, in places where th;;y were not immediately attacked. " It
better than the whole;" and the saying never was more justly " is the artifice of the managers, on the part of the Colonies, to avoid
applicable than on the present occasion. Had the unhappy " general questions, and to keep back and conceal consequences, lest
Charles remembered and regarded it, his private virtues
** the unsuspecting people of
England should too soon catch the alarm
" and resolve to withstand their first attempts at independency."*
might long have adorned a throne, from which his publick That is, they have acted just as the "unsuspecting people of Bnj'.
measures precipitated him in blood. To argue on this land" have done in their controversios with the Crown. They con.
subject from other instances of Parliamentary power, is fined themselves from time to time, to a demand of redress for the in.
jm'i s offered them. Tliis behaviour of the Colonists would, by some
shifting the ground. Tlie connection of the Colonies with persons, be deemed modest and respectiul. Now indeed the conduct
England,