through both houfes, and received the royal affent in the courfe of the feffion.

Many were now furprifed, as they had been already upon fome fimilar occations, that the minifter would venture to commit himself upon a queftion of this nature, without fome more certain knowledge of the difpofition of the houfe. However this was, the defeat which he now fuffered was not attended with any further confequences, and he was foon fupported by the ufual majority. The feafon indeed was arrived, which demanded all his ftrength and measures were to be pursued, which involved the whole British empire in their confequen

ces.

A few days after the question on the Grenville bill was carried, the American dispatches arrived, and brought advice of the outrages committed on board the tea fhips at Bolton. This March 7th, intelligence occafioned a meffage from the throne to both houfes, in which they are informed, that in confequence of the unwarrantable practices carried on in North-America, and particularly of the violent and outrageous proceedings at the town and port of Boston, with a view of obftructing the commerce of this kingdom, and upon grounds and pretences immediately fubverfive of its conftitution, it was thought fit to lay the whole matter before parliament; fully confiding, as well in their zeal for the maintenance of his majesty's authority, as in their attachment to the common intereft and welfare of all his dominions, that they will not only enable him effectually to take fuch measures as may be most likely to put an immediate ftop to thofe diforders, but will alfo take into their molt ferious confideration, what further regulations and permanent provifions may be neceffary to be established, for better fecuring the execution of the laws, and the just dependence of the colonies upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain.

This meffage was attended with a great number of papers relating to the Tale tranfactions in the colonies, containing copies and extracts of letters from the feveral governors; from the commander of the forces; from the admiral in Bolton harbour; from the confignees of the tea at Bofon, to one of the ring leaders of the faction in that town, with votes and refolves of the town of Boston, previous to the landing of the tea, and narratives of the tranfactions which fucceeded that event; a petition from the confignees to the council of Massachusetts,

praying that their perfons and property might be taken under the protection of government, with the refusal of the council to interfere in any manner in the bufinefs; a proclamation iffued by the governor, to forbid factious meetings of the inhabitants; and the transactions of the Maffachusetts council, condemning the measure of deftroying the tea, and advifing legal profecutions against the perpetrators, none of whom were known, nor was there any poffibility of their discovery.

They alfo contained details from the different governors, of all tranfactions relative to the teas, which took place in their respective governments, from the firft intelligence of their being fhipped in England, to the date of their letters; threats and prophetic warnings, which were continually fent to the gentlemen to whom the teas were configned; copies of certain printed papers, with a great number of fugitive inflammatory pieces, hand bills, alarms, violent refolves of town meetings, illegal proceedings of committees, and extraordinary minutes of council.

As the fame fpirit pervaded the whole continent, fo the fame language, fentiment, and manner, prevailed in all these written or printed pieces, whether circulated in the province of Maffachusetts, or in the other colonies.

The prefentment of the papers was açcompanied with a comment upon them, and particularly those that related to the tranfactions at Boston, in which the conduct of the governor was described and applauded, and that of the prevailing faction reprefented in the most atrocious light. It was faid that he had taken every measure which prudence could fuggeft, or good policy juftify, for the fecurity of the Eaft-India company's property, the fafety of the confignees, and the preferving of order and quiet in the town. Every civil precaution to prevent the mifchiefs that followed had been used in vain. His majesty's council, the militia, and the corps of cadets, had been all feparately applied to, for their affiftance in the prefervation of the public peace, and the fupport of the laws; but all without effect, they refused or declined doing their duty. The fheriff read a proclamation to the faction at their town meeting, by which they were commanded to break up their illegal affembly; but the proclamation was treated with the greatest contempt, and the theriff infulted in the groffeft manner.

That he had it undoubtedly in his power,

power, by calling in the affiftance of the naval force which was in the harbour, to have prevented the destruction of the tea; but that as the leading men in Bofton had always made great complaints of the interpofition of the army and navy, and charged all disturbances of every fort to their account, he with great prudence and temperance, determined from the beginning to decline a meafure, which would have been fo irritating to the minds of the people; and might well have hoped, that by this confidence in their conduct, and truft repofed in the civil power, he should have calmed their turbulence, and preferved the public tranquillity.

Thus, faid the minifters, the people of Boston were fairly tried. They were left to their own conduct, and to the exercife of their judgment, and the refult has given the lie to all their former profeffions. They are now without an excufe; and all the powers of government in that province, are found infufficient to prevent the most violent outrages. The loyal and peaceable people of a mercantile town, (as they affect to be peculiarly confidered,) have given a notable proof to the world of their juftice, moderation, loyalty, and affection for the mother country, by wantonly committing to the waves, a valuable commodity, the property of another loyal mercantile body of fubjects; without the pretence of neceffity, even fuppofing that their oppofition to the payment of the duties could juftify fuch a plea; as they had nothing to do but to adhere to their own refolutions, of non-confumption, effectually to evade the revenue laws.

which were every day growing to a more enormous and dangerous height. That parliament, and parliament only, was capable of re-establishing tranquillity among thofe turbulent people, and of bringing order out of confufion. And that it was therefore incumbent on every member to weigh and confider, with an attention fuitable to the great importance of the fubject, the purport of the papers before them, and totally laying all prejudices afide, to form his opinion upon the measures most eligible to be pursued, for fupporting the fupreme legiflative authority, the dignity of parliament, and the great interefts of the British Empire.

It was concluded upon the whole, that by an impartial review of the papers now before them, it would manifeftly appear, that nothing could be done by either civil, military, or naval officers, to effectuate the re-establishment of anquillity and order in that province, without additional parliamentary powers to give efficacy to their proceedings. That no perfon employed by government could in any act, however common or legal, fulfil the duties of his office or ftation, without its being immediately exclaimed againft by the licentious, as an infringement of their liberties. That it was the fettled opinion of fome of the wifett men, both in England and America, and the beft acquainted with the affairs of the colonies, that in their prefent ftate of government, no measures whatsoever could be purfued, that would in any degree remedy those glaring evils,

This is in fubftance what was urged by ministry upon the subject when they prefented the papers. But as things were to be brought to a crisis with the colonies, and very trong measures were refolved upon, it was apprehended, that the merchants would be affected, and make fome oppofition. To prevent this all the public papers were fyftematically filled with writings on this fubject, painting the mifconduct of the colonies in the strongest colours, and in particular urging the impoffibility of the future existence of any trade to America, if this flagrant outrage on commerce fhould go unpunished.

Thefe, with many other endeavours to the fame end, were not without an effect. The fpirit raised against the Americans became as high and as strong as could be defired, both within and without the houfe. In this temper a motion was made for an addrefs to the throne, " to return thanks for the meffage, and the gracious communication of the American papers, with an affurance that they would not fail to exert every means in their power, of effectually providing for objects fo important to the general welfare, as maintaining the due execution of the laws, and fecuring the jutt dependence of the colonies upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain."

This motion produced a warm debate, or rather a difcuffion upon American affairs. For though the leaders in oppofition, difclaimed all intention of impeding the measures of government in a matter of fuch high importance, until they were at leaft thoroughly explained, and their tendency understood, and therefore would not move any question, or propofe a divifion for the prefent; yet they ftrongly condemned the manner in which hafty, ill digefted addreffes were paffed, without enquiry or information, and the houfe continually pledged for the performance of acts which were never for

try?-How far is it connected ?-In what degree?-In what manner?-It might be a great question whether the colonies fhould not be given up? But if this queftion fhould be decided in the negative, then it would be neceffary to examine in what manner their fubordination fhould be preferved, and authority enforced? Thefe points required the most serious investigation; in which the retrofpect recommended, would be unneceffary and perhaps dangerous; as encouraging thofe whom it was the bufinefs of parliament by every means to reduce to obedience.

By the voting this addrefs miniftry gained a greater advantage than at firft appeared, for they found by the difpofition of the houfe, which was ftrongly against all retrofpect, that they would confine themselves to the mere mitbehaviour of the Americans. The violence of the Americans was public and unqueftioned, and when the enquiry was confined to that ground, it would be easy to carry any propofition again't them. It was of great confequence to the minister, that no part whatsoever of the weakness and diforderly ftate of fo many governments, fhould be laid to the charge of thofe who had for fome years the entire direction of them in their hands.

ther thought of. Former fpeeches and addreffes, from the year 1768, to 1770, were called for and read, and fhewn to be exactly of the fame nature and tendency with the prefent. It was then farcaftically afked, in what part of the journals the confequent refolutions were to be found, or what hiftorical record preferved an account of the measures which were taken to fulfil their intention, Some of them faid they feared, that if, as heretofore, nothing at all fhould be done, that government would fall into ftill greater contempt, or if to fecure against this ill effect they fhould plunge from floth and neglect into violence and precipitation, government would bring on an univerfal refiftance, which perhaps it might never be able to overcome. That America was allowed on all hands to be extremely diftempered. They thought the subject required the moft delicate and temperate management. But whatever courfe of reformation was taken, they were very certain, that no good could poffibly arife from it, unless the radical caufe of the quarrel was removed, and the minds of the Americans made eafy on the business of taxation. That they ought not only to examine into the behaviour of the Americans who had refifted government; but into that system of violence which had provoked, and of weakness which had encouraged their refiftance. That the house could never fupport minifters with reputation or ef fet, unless they enquired into their conduct; and fupported them only as that conduct appeared to be just and rational, That therefore a strict retrofpect into the management of minifters was effentially connected with an enquiry into the flate of America. Otherwife weakness and ignorance would be encouraged in the government of an object, which required every exertion of wisdom and vigilance. And that this must inevitably end in the lofs of our colonies in fpite of all the votes and refolutions of parliament.

They faid that a retrofpect even for punishment might often be neceffary; but that a retrofpect to direct their own conduct and to take away the authority of feeble and deftructive counsellors, even where no direct guilt was charged, was always their duty and their interest.

On the other hand the ministers flrongIv diffuaded from all retrospect, as tending only to inflame. The bufinefs they faid was important and preffing. In the examination of this great question great points would be canvaffed.-Is America any longer to be dependent on this coun

As the ftorm which was gathering againft the colonies would probably be directed against Maffachusetts Bay, Mr. Bollan, agent for the council of that province, thought it neceffary to present to the house, by way of precaution, a petition, defiring that he might be permitted to lay before the house the aca regia of queen Elizabeth and her fucceffors, for the fecurity of the planters and their defcendants, and the perpetual enjoyment of their liberties. Thefe documents he prefumed had never been laid before the house, nor had the colonies ever had an opportunity to afcertain and defend these rights. This petition was received without difficulty, and ordered to lie upon the table.

The minifter, after having moved that the King's mellage of the 7th of March fhould be read, opened his plan for the refloration of peace, order, justice, and commerce in the Maffachusetts Bay. He stated that the oppofition to the authority of parliament had always originated in that colony, and that colony had been always inftigated to fuch conduct, by the irregular and feditious proceedings of the town of Bofton. That therefore for the purpose of a thorough reformation, it became necessary to begin with that town, which by a late unparalleled outrage had

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led the way to the deftruction of the freedom of commerce in all parts of America. That if a fevere and exemplary punishment were not inflicted on this heinous act, Great Britain would be wanting in the protection fhe owed to her moft peaceable and meritorious fubjects. That had fuch an infult been offered to British property in a foreign port, the nation would have been called upon to demand fatisfaction for it.

He would therefore propofe that the town of Boston fhould be obliged to pay for the tea which had been deftroyed in their port. That the injury was indeed offered by perfons unknown and in difguife, but that the town magiftracy had taken no notice of it, had never made any fearch for the offenders, and therefore by a neglect of a manifett duty became accomplices in the guilt. That the fining of communities for their neglect in punishing offences committed within their limits was juftified by feveral examples. In king Charles II's time the city of London was fined when Dr. Lamb was killed by unknown perfons. The city of Edinburgh was fined, and otherwife punifhed for the affair of captain Porteous. A part of the revenue of the town of Glasgow had been fequeftered until fatisfaction was made for the pulling down Mr. Campbell's houfe, Thefe examples were strong and in point, for fuch punithments. The cafe of Bofton was far worse. It was not a fingle act of violence. It was a series of feditious practices of every kind, and carried on for feveral years.

He was of opinion therefore that it would not be fufficient to punish the town of Boston by obliging her to make a pecuniary fatisfaction for the injury, which by not endeavouring to prevent or punifh, fie has in fact encouraged; fecurity muft be given in future, that trade may be fafely carried on, properly protected, laws obeyed, and duties regularly paid: Otherwife the punishment of a fingle illegal act is no reformation. It would be therefore proper to take away from Bofton the privilege of a port, until his majefty fhould be fatisfied in thefe particulars, and publicly declare in council, on a proper certificate of the good behaviour of the town, that he was fo fatisfied. Until this fhould happen, the custom-houfe officers who were not fafe in Bolton, or fafe no longer than while they neglected their duty, fhould be removed to Salem, where they might exercife their functions. By this Bolton might certainly fuffer. But the ought to fuffer; and by this re

folution would fuffer far lefs punishment than her delinquencies fully juftified. For fhe was not wholly precluded from all fupply. She was by this propofition only to be virtually removed feventeen miles from the fea. The duration of her punifhment was entirely in her own power. For when the fhould difcharge this just debt to the E. I. company, which had been contracted by her own violence, and given full affurances of obedience in future to the laws of trade and revenue there was no doubt, but that his majesty, to whom he propofed to leave that power, would again open the port, and exercise that mercy which was agreeable to his royal difpofition. Unanimity was strongly recommended. This was a crifis which demanded vigour. He was by no means an enemy to lenient measures. Refolutions of cenfure and warning will avail nothing. Now is the time to ftand out: to defy them with firmnefs and without fear. A conviction must be produced to America that we are in earnest, and will proceed with firmnefs and vigour. This conviction would be loft if they found us doubting and hesitating. Some friends to Briti authority may indeed fuffer a little. But if with this temporary inconvenience we compare the lofs of the country and its due obedience, it will bear no comparison. It is faid, the Americans will not pay their debts. This they threatened before, the repeal of the ftamp act. The act was repealed. What was the confequence? They did not pay. This threat, if attended to, mult difable parliament equally in all its operations. This act will not require a military power to enforce it. Four or five frigates will be fufficient. But if it should, he would not fcruple to use a military force which might act with effect and without bloodfhed. The other colonies will not take fire at the proper punishment inflicted on thofe who have difobeyed the laws. They will leave them to suffer their own punifhments. If they do combine with them, the confequences of that rebellion belong not to us but to them. We are only answerable that our measures are juft and equitable. Let us proceed (faid he) with firmnefs, juftice, and refolution, which courfe, if purfued, will certainly produce that due obedience to the laws of this country, and that fecurity of the trade of this people which I fo ardently with for.

Upon thefe arguments leave was given to bring in a bill for the March 14. immediate removal of the officers concerned in the collection of the

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customs from the town of Boston, in the province of Maffachusetts Bay, in North America, and to difcontinue the landing and discharging, lading and fhipping of goods, wares and merchandize at the faid town of Bofton, or within the harbour thereof."

In the progrefs of the bill a motion was made for an amendment, for the purpose of laying a fine on the town of Bolton, equivalent to the damage fuftained by the Eaft India company. This fine or fatisfaction if they refufed to pay, then and not before the penalties of this act was allowed to take place. The propofition was rejected, and this bill, pregnant with fo many important confequences, was pushed on with fo much vigour and dispatch, that it did not remain long in the house.

At the first introduction it was received with very general applaufe. The equity of obliging a delinquent town to make fatisfaction for the diforders which arofe from their factious fpirit, and negligent police, was fo ftriking, that many things which might appear exceptionable in the act were overlooked. The cry raised against the Americans, partly the natural effect of their own acts, and partly of the operations of government, was fo ftrong as nearly to overbear the moft refolute and determined in the oppofition. Several of those who had been the most fanguine favourers of the colonies now condemned their behaviour; and applauded the measure, as not only juft, but lenient. Others indeed ftood firmly on their old ground: but after having delivered their opinions at large in the preliminary debates, when the motion was made for leave to bring in the bill, they did not enter fo largely into the matter. They contented themselves in that ftage of the business, with deprecating the bill; predicting the moft fatal confequences from it, and lamenting the spirit of the house, which drove on, or was driven on, to the moft violent measures by the mifchiefs produced by injudicious counfels; one feeming to render the other neceffary. They declared that they would enter little into a debate which they faw would be fo fruitless; and only fpoke to clear themselves from having any share in fuch fatal proceedings.

But in the progrefs of the bill, oppofition feemed to collect itself, and to take a more active part. Mr. Bollan, the agent of the council of MaffachusettsBay, prefented a petition, defiring to be heard for the faid council, and in behalf of himself and other inhabitants in the

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town of Boston. The house refused to receive the petition. It was faid, that the agent of the council was not agent for the corporation, and no agent could be received from a body corporate, except he were appointed by all the neceffary conftituent parts of that body. fides, the council was fluctuating, and the body by which he was appointed could not be then actually exifting. This vote of rejection was heavily cenfured. The oppofition cried out at the inconfiftency of the house, who but a few days ago received a petition from this very man in this very character; and now, only because they chufe to exert their power in acts of injuftice and contradiction, totally refuse to receive any thing from him, as not duly qualified. Were not the reasons equally ftrong against receiving the firft as the fecond petition? But what, they afferted, made this conduct the more unneceffary and outrageous, was, that at that time the house of lords were actually hearing Mr. Bollan on his petition, as a perfon duly qualified, at their bar. Thus, faid they, this houfe is at once in contradiction to the other, and to itself. As to the reasons given against his qualification, they are equally applicable to all American agents; none of whom are appointed as the minifter now requires they fhould be-and thus the houfe cuts off all communication between them and the colonies whom they are affecting by their acts.

On the third reading, another petition was presented by the lord-mayor in the name of feveral natives and inhabitants of North-America then in London. It was drawn with remarkable ability. They stated that "the proceedings were repugnant to every principle of law and justice; and under fuch a precedent no man in America could enjoy a moment's fecurity; for if judgment be immediately to follow an accufation against the people of America, fupported by perfors notorioufly at enmity with them, the accufed unacquainted with the charge, and from the nature of their situation utterly incapable of anfwering and defending themfelves, every fence against false accufation will be pulled down, They afferted, that law is executed with as much impartiality in America as in any part of his majelty's dominions. They appealed, for proof of this, to the fair trial and favourable verdict in the cafe of captain Preston and his foldiers. That in fuch a cafe the interpofition of parhamentary power was full of danger and without precedent. The perfons commit