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juftice, the fupport of civil government, and defending the King's dominions," on this continent. The penalties and forfeitures incurred under this ftatute are to be recovered in the fame manner with hofe mentioned in the foregoing acts. To this ftatute, fo naturally tending to diflurb the tranquility then univerfal throughout the Colonies, Parliament in the fame feffion added another no lefs extraordinary.

Ever fince the making the prefent peace a ftanding army has been kept in thefe Colonies. From refpect for the mother country, the innovation was not only tolerated, but the provincial legiflature generally made provifion for fupplying the troops.

The Affembly of the province of New York having paffed an act of this kind, but differing in fome articles from the directions of the act of Parliament made in the fifth year of this reign, the House of Representatives in that Colony was prohibited by a ftatute made in the feffion lati mentioned, from making any bill, order, refolution, or vote except for adjourning or chufing a Speaker, until provilion fhould be made by the said affembiy for furnishing the troops within that province, not only with all fuch neceffaries as were required by the flatute, which they were charged with difobeying, but alfo with thofe required by two other fubfequent ftatutes, which were declared to be in force until the 24th day of March 1769.

Thefe ftatutes of the year 1767 revived the apprehenfions and difcontents, that had entirely fubfided on the repeal of the ftamp-act; and amidst the jult fears and jealoufies thereby occafioned, a ftatute was made in the next year (1768) to establish courts of Admiralty, and Vice Admiralty, on a new model, expreffly for the end of more effectually recovering the penalties and forfeitures inflicted by acts of parliament framed for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, &c.

The immediate tendency of these ftatutes is, to fubvert the right of having a fhare in legiflation, by rendering affemblies ufelefs; the right of property, by taking the money of the Colonifts without their confent; the right of trials by jury, by fubftituting in their place trials in Admiralty and Vice Admiralty Courts, where fingle Judges prefide,hold ing their commiffions during pleafure, and unduly to influence the Courts of com

mon law, by rendering the Judges thereof totally dependant on the Crown for their falaries.

Thefe flatutes, not to mention many others exceedingly exceptionable, compared one with another, will be found, not only to form a regular fystem, in which every part has great force, but alfo a pertinacious adherence to that fyftem, for fubjugating thefe Colonies, that are not, and from local circumfiances, cannot be reprefented in the Houfe of Commons, to the uncontroulable and unlimited power of parliament, in violation of their undoubted rights and liberties, in contempt of their humble and repeated fupplications.

This conduct must appear equally aftonithing and unjuftifiable, when it is confidered how unprovoked it has been by any behaviour of these Colonies. From their firft fettlement, their bittereft enemies never fixed on any of them a charge of difloyalty to their Sovereign, or lifaffection to their mother country. In the wars fhe has carried on, they have exerted themselves whenever required, in giving her affiftance; and have rendered her fervices, which fhe has publicly acknowledged to be extremely important. Their fidelity, duty, and ufefulness during the laft war, were frequently and affectionally confessed by his late Majefty, and the prefent King.

The reproaches of thofe, who are most unfriendly to the freedom of America, are principally levelled against the province of Malfachusetts Bay; but with what little reafon, will appear by the following declarations of a perfon, the truth of whofe evidence, in their favour, will not be queftioned. Governor Bernard thus addreffed the two Houfes of Affembly, in his fpeech on the 24th of April 1762-" The unanimity and difpatch, with which you have complied with the requifitions of his Majefty, require my particular acknowledgment. And it gives me additional pleature to obferve, that you have therein acted under no other influence than a due sense of your duty, both as Members of a general empire, and as the body of a particular province."

In another speech on the 27th of May, in the fame year, he fays,-" Whatever fhall be the event of the war, it must be no fmall fatisfaction to us, that this province has contributed its full fhare to the fupport of it. Every thing that hath been required of it hath been complied

with; and the execution of the powers committed to me for raifing the provincial troops, hath been as full and complete as the grant of them. Never before were troops fo eafily levied, fo well compofed, and fo early in the field as they have been this year; the common people feemed to be animated with the fpirit of the general court, and to vie with them in their readinefs to ferve the King."

Such was the conduct of the people of the Massachusetts Bay during the laft war. As to their behaviour before that period, it ought not to have been forgot in Great Britain, that not only on every occafion they had conftantly and chearfully complied with the frequent royal requifitions-but that chiefly by their vigorous efforts, Nova Scotia was subdued in 1710, and Louifburgh in 1745. Foreign quarrels being ended, and the domestic disturbances, that quickly fucceeded on account of the ftamp act, being quieted by its repeal, the Affembly of Maffachusetts Bay tranfinitted an humble address of thanks to the King and divers Noblemen, and foon after paffed a bill for granting compenfation to the fufferers in the diforder occafioned by that act.

Thefe circumftances, and the following extracts from Governor Bernard's letters in 1768, to the Earl of Shelburne, Secretary of State, clearly fhew, with what grateful tenderness they ftrove to bury in oblivion the unhappy occafion of the late difcords, and with what refpectful reluctance they endeavoured to efcape other fubjects of future controverfy.

"The Houfe, (fays the Governor) from the time of opening the feffion to this day, has fhewn a difpofition to avoid all difpute with me; every thing having paffed with as much good humour as I could defire, except only their continuing to act in addreffing the King, remonftrating to the Secretary of State, and employing a feparate agent. It is the importance of this innovation, without any wilfulness of my own, which induces me to make this remonftrance at a time when I have a fair profpect of having, in all other bufinefs, nothing but good to fay of the proceedings of the Houfe."*

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They have acted in all things, even in their remonftrance, with temper and moderation: they have avoided fome fubNOT E. *January 21, 1768,

jects of dispute, and have laid a foundation for removing some causes of former altercation.Ӡ

"I fhall make fuch a prudent and proper use of this letter as, I hope, will perfectly restore the peace and tranquility of this Province, for which purpofe confiderable steps have been made by the Houfe of Representatives." I

The vindication of the Province of Maffachusetts Bay, contained in thefe letters, will have greater force, if it be confidered, that they were written feveral months after the fresh alarm given tə the colonies by the statutes passed in the preceding year.

tice of the infinuation in one of these In this place it feems proper to take nostatutes, that the interference of Parliafraying the charge of the administration ment was necessary to provide for "deof justice, the fupport of civil government, and defending the King's dominions in America."

As to the two firft articles of expence by their respective affemblies, the best every colony had made fuch provision,as judges on fuch occafions, was thought expedient, and fuitable to their several circumftances. Refpecting the last, it is well known to all men the least acquainted with American affairs, that the colonies were establithed, and have generally defended themselves, without the leaft affiftance from Great Britain; and, that at the fame time her taxing them by the ftatutes before-mentioned, most of them were labouring under very heavy debts contracted in the last war. So far were they from fparing their money, when the fovereign, conftitutionally, afked their aids, that during the course of that war, parliament repeatedly made them compenfation for the expences of thofe ftrenuous efforts, which, confulting their zeal rather than their ftrength, they had chearfully incurred.

Severe as the acts of parliament before mentioned are, yet the conduct of adminiftration has been equally injurious and irritating to this devoted country. Under pretence of governing them, fo and dangerous, have been introduced, many new inftitutions, uniformly rigid as could only be expected from incenfed matters, for collecting the tribute or rather the plunder of conquered Provin

ces,

NOT E.
January 30, 1768.

I February 2, 1768.

By

By an order of the King, the autho. rity of the Commander in Chief, and under him the Brigadiers General in time of peace, is rendered fupreme in all the civil governments in America; and thus an uncontroulable military power is vefted in officers not known to the conftitution of these Colonies.

A large body of troops, and a confiderable armament of thips of war have been fent to affift in taking their money without their confent.

Expensive and oppreffive offices have been multiplied, and the acts of corruption induftriously practifed to divide and destroy.

The Judges of the Admiralty and Vice Admiralty Courts are empowered to receive their falaries and fees from the effects to be condemned by themselves; the Commiffioners of the Cuftoms are empowered to break open and enter houfes without the authority of any civil Magiftrate founded on legal informati

on.

Judges of courts of Common Law have been made entirely dependant on the Crown for their commiffions and falaries.

A Court has been established at Rhode Ifland for the purpose of taking Colonifts to England to be tried.

Humble and reasonable petitions from the reprefentatives of the people have been frequently treated with contempt; and Affemblies have been repeatedly and arbitrarily diffolved.

From fome few inftances it will fufficiently appear, on what pretences of juftice thofe diffolutions have been found. The tranquility of the Colonies having been again difturbed, as has been mentioned, by the ftatutes of the year 1767, the Earl of Hillsborough, Secretary of State, in a letter to Governor Bermard, dated April 22, 1768, cenfures the "prefumption" of the House of Reprefentatives for "refolving a measure of fo inflamatory a nature, as that of writing to the other Colonies on the fubject of their intended reprefentations against fome late acts of Parliament," then declares that his Majefty confiders this step as evidently tending to create unwarrantable combinations, to excite an unjuftifiable oppofition to the conftitutional authority of Parliament,"-and afterwards adds, "It is the King's pleafure that, as foon as the General Court is again affembled, at the time, prefcribed by the charter, you should require January, 1775.

of the Houfe of Reprefentatives, in his Majefty's name, to refcind the refolution which gave birth to the circular letter from the Speaker, and then to declare their difapprobation of, and diffent to, that rafh and hafty proceeding."

"If the new Affembly fhould refuse to comply with his Majefty's reasonable expectation, it is the King's pleafure, that you fhould immediately diffolve them."

This letter being laid before the House, and the refolutions not being refcinded according to the order, the Affembly was diffolved. A letter of a fimilar nature was fent to other Governors to procure refolutions approving the conduct of the reprefentatives of Maffachusetts Bay, to be refcinded alfo; and the Houfes of Reprefentatives in other Colonies refufing to comply, the affemblies were diffolved.

Thefe mandates fpoke a language to which the ears of English fubjects had for feveral generations been trangers. The nature of affemblies implies a power and right of deliberation; but thefe commands, preferibing the exercife of judgment on the propriety of the requifitions made, left to the affemblies only the election between dictated fubmiffion and the threatened punishment: a punishment too, founded on no other act, than fuch as is deemed innocent even in flaves

—of agreeing in petitions for redress of grievances that equally affected all.

The hoftile and unjuftifiable invafion of the town of Bofton foon followed these events in the fame year, tho' the town, the province in which it is fituated, and all the colonies, from abhorrence of a conteft with their parent ftate, permitted the execution even of thofe ftatutes, against which they fo unanimously were complaining, remonftrating and fupplicating.

Adminiftration, determined to fubdue a spirit of freedom, which English minifters fhould have rejoiced to cherish, entered into a monopolizing combination with the East-India Company, to fend to this continent vait quantities of Tea, an article on which a duty was laid by a ftatute, that in a particular manner attacked the liberties of America, and which therefore the inhabitants of thefe colonies had refolved not to import. The cargo fent to South Carolina was ftored, and not allowed to be fold. Those fent to Philadelphia and New York were not permitted to be landed, That fent ty

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Boston

Bofton was deftroyed-becaufe. Governor Hutchinfon would not fuffer it to be returned.

On the intelligence of thefe tranfactions arriving in Great Britain, the public-fpirited town laft mentioned was fingled out for deftruction, and it was determined the province it belongs to fhould partake of its fate. In the laft feffion of parliament therefore were paffed the acts for fhutting up the port of Bollon, indemnifying the Murderers of the inhabitants of Maffachufets Bay, and changing their chartered conftitution of government. To inforce thefe acts, that province is again invaded by a fleet and army.

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To mention thefe outrageous proceedings, is fufficient to explain them. For though it is pretended, that the Province of Maffachufets Bay has been particularly difrefpectful to Great Britain, yet in truth, the behaviour of the people in other colonies, has been an equal Oppofition to the power affumed by Parliament." No ftep however has been taken against any of the reft. This artful conduct conceals feveral defigns. It is expected that the province of Maffachufets Bay will be irritated into fome violent action, that may difplease the reft of the continent, or that may induce the people of Great Britain to approve the meditated vengeance of an Imprudent and Exafperated Miniftry.

If the unexampled pacific temper of that province fhall difappoint this part of the plan, it is hoped the other colonies will not be fo far intimidated as to defert their brethren, fuffering in a Common Cause, and that thus difunited all may be fubdued.

To promote thefe defigns, another measure has been purfued. In the feffion of parliament last mentioned, an act was paffed for changing the government of Quebec, by which act the Roman Catholic Religion, inftead of being tolerated, as ftipulated by the treaty of peace, is eftablished; and the people there deprived of the right to an affembly, trials by jury, and the English laws in civil cafes abolished, and instead thereof the French laws are established, in dire& Violation of His Majefty's promife by his royal Proclamation, under the faith of which many English fubjects fettled in that province: and the limits of that province are extended fo as to omprehend thofe vaft regions that lie joining to the northern and western

undaries of thefe colonies.

The authors of this arbitrary arrangement flatter themselves, that the inhabitants, deprived of liberty, and artfully provoked against thofe of another religion, will be proper inftruments for affifting in the oppreffion of fuch as differ from them in modes of government and faith.

From the detail of facts herein before recited, as well as from authentic intelligence received, it is clear beyond a doubt, that a refolution is formed and now carrying into execution, to extinguith the Freedom of thefe Colonies, by subjecting them to a defpotic Government.

At this unhappy period, we have been authorized and directed to meet and confult together for the welfare of our common country. We accepted the important truft with diffidence, but have endeayoured to difcharge it with integrity. Though the state of thefe colonies would certainly justify other measures than we have advifed, yet weighty reafons determined us to prefer those which we have adopted. In the first place, it appeared to us a conduct becoming the character thefe colonies have ever fuftained, to perform, even in the midst of the unnatural diftreffes and imminent dangers that furrounded them, every act of loyalty; and therefore, we were induced to offer once more to his Majesty the petitions of his faithful and oppressed subjects in America. Secondly, regarding with the tender affection which we knew to be fo univerfal among our countrymen, the people of the kingdom from which we derive our original, we could not forbear to regulate our steps by an expectation of receiving full conviction that the Colonists are equally dear to them. Between these provinces and that body fubfifts the focial band which we ardently with may never be diffolved, until their minds fhall become indifputably hoftile, or their inattention fall permit thofe who are thus hoftile to perfift in profecuting with the powers of the realm the deftructive measures already operating againft the Colonists; and in either cafe fhall reduce the latter to fuch a fituation, that they fhall be compelled to renounce every regard but that of felf-prefervation. Notwithstanding the vehemence with which affairs have been impelled, they have not yet reached that fatal point. We do not incline to accelerate their motion, already alarmingly rapid; we have chofen a method of oppofition that does not preclude a hearty reconciliation,

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reconciliation, with our fellow citizens on the other fide of the Atlantic. We deeply deplore the urgent neceflity that prefíes us to an immediate interruption of commerce, that may prove injurious to them. We truft they will acquit us of any unkind intentions towards them, by reflecting, that we fubject ourselves to failar inconveniencies; that we are driby the hands of violence into unexprienced and unexpected public convulSons, and that we are contending for freedom, fo often contended for by our ancestors.

The people of England will foon have an opportunity of declaring their fentiments concerning our caufe. In their piety, generofity, and good fense, be repofe high confidence, and cannot, upon a review of pait events, be perfuaded that they, the defenders of true religion, and the affertors of the rights of mankind, will take part againit their affectionate Proteftant brethren in the Colonies, in favour of our open and their own fecret enemies, whofe intrigues, for feveral years paft, have been wholly exercifed in fapping the foundation of civil and religious liberty.

Another reason, that engaged us to prefer the commercial mode of oppofition, arose from an affurance, that this mode will prove efficacious, if it be per fifted in with fidelity and virtue; and that your conduct will be influenced by thefe laudable principles, cannot be quef thoned. Your own falvation, and that of your pofterity, now depends on your felves. You have already fhewn that you ente. "tain a proper fenfe of the bleffings you are ftriving to retain. Against the tempo rary inconveniencies you may fuffer from a ftoppage of trade, you will weigh in the oppofite balance, the endless miferies yo u and your defcendants muft en dure from an established arbitrary pow

er.

You will not forget the honour of our country, that muft from your behaviour take its title in the eftimation of the world, to glory, or to fhame; and you will, with the deepeft attention, reffe, that if the peaceable mode of oppotition reconamended by us, be broken and rendered ineffectual, as your cruel and haughty minifterial enemies, from a contemptuous opinion of your firmnefs, infolently predict will be the cafe, you muft inevitably be reduced to choofe, either a more dangerous conteft, or a final ruinous, and infamous fubmiffion.

Motives thus cogent, ariling from the

immergency of your unhappy condition, must excite your utmoft dilligence and zeal, to give all poffible ftrength and energy to the pacific measures calculated for your relief: But we think ourselves bound in duty to obferve to you, that the fchemes agitated against thefe Colonies have been fo conducted, as to render it prudent that you fhould extend your views to the most unhappy event, and be in all refpects prepared for every contingency. Above all things, we earneftly intreat you, with the devotion of fpis. rit, penitence of heart, and amendment of life, to humble yourselves, and implore the favour of Almigty God; and we fervently befeech his Divine Goodness to take you into his gracious protecti

on.

A

Signed by Order of the CONGRESS.
Letter from the General Congress, të
the People of Great Britain.

Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774.
Friends and Fellow Subj.&s,

HEN a nation, led to greatness

WH W by the hand of Liberty, and poffeffed of all the glory that heroism, munificence, and humanity can bestow, defcends to the ungrateful task of forging chains for her friends and children, and, instead of giving fupport to freedom,turas advocate for flavery and oppreffion, there is reafon to fufpect the has ceased to be virtuous, or been extremely negligent in the appointment of her rulers.

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In almost every age, in repeated conflicts, in long and bloody wars, as well civil as fovereign, againit many and erful nations, against the open allaults of enemies, and the more dangerous treachery of friends, have the inhabitants of your Inland your great and glorious ancestors, maintained their independance, and tranfmitted the rights of men, and the bleffing of Liberty, to you, their pofterity.

Be not furprized therefore that we, who are defcended from the fame common ancestors, that we, whofe forefathers participated in all the rights, the liberties, and the conftitution, you so justly boat, and who have carefully conveyed the fame fair inheritance to us, guaren. tied by the plighted faith of government, and the moft folemn compacts with British Sovereigns, fhould refufe to furrender them to men, who found their claims on no principles of reafon, and who profecute them with a defign, that by having our lives and property in their

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power,

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