THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 105 CHAPTER VI formed .on other grounds. There were similar in most of .the other colonies; and after November 1, when the act was supposed to take effect, friends of British scarcely dared to speak their views. The colonies for the·most part ignored the act, transacting business without stamps as though it had never been passed. They· realized that their actions THE PATTERN OF REBELLION might provoke a show of force by the mother country. How serious they were in their resistance may perhaps be perceived by the appearance in every colony of a group calling itself the Sons of Liberty, a name perhaps taken from Colonel Barre's speech. The Sons of Liberty were, in effect, incipient assemblies, and the resolutions they adopted (Nos. 41-46) may be compared and contrasted with those of the regular colonial legislative OPULAR RES~STANCE to.the Stamp Act, as distinct from the official act~on assemblies. Pof the colonIal assembltes, took two forms. .Probably the most effectIve The Sons of Liberty, though apparently formed spontaneously in different form in the long run was a of English importations. New York colonies, were ready by the end of 1765 to form an inter-colonial union for the merchants led the way on October 31, 1765 (No. 37). Philadelphia and purpose of resisting enforcement of the Stamp Act. William Gordon, an Boston followed with similar agreements on November 7 and December 9, English minister who came to America· in 1770 and later wrote a history of respectively. the , included in it a unique document describing the beginnings of The second fo~ of resistance was to force the resignation of men appointed this union· (No. 47). to distribute the stamped paper. The first of this kind occurred in The resolutions and agreements of the Sons of Liberty might perhaps be Boston on the night of August 14. Governor Bernard described the event dismissed as big talk that would have grown smaller in the presence of a in a letter (No. 38) to Lord Halifax (whose replacement as Secretary of British Army. But two reliable observers with a reputation for sobriety t State for the Southern Department was not yet known in America). Twelve were alarmed at the revolutionary situation that developed in the winter of days later another occurred, ·directed against the customs officers and also 1765-66. Neither man wished for independence; but John Dickinson, writ­ wa~popularly against Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Hutchinson, who but ing from Philadelphia to William Pitt, hinted that independence might be the erroneously supposed to have supported,the passage of the Stamp Act. ultimate outcome of Parliament's attempt to tax the colonies (No. 48) ; and Hutchinson described his experiences in a letter to Richard Jackson (No. 39). Thom'as Hutchinson, who knew· the temper of the Boston mob at first hand, The riot in Newport on August 29 was probably touched off by news described to former Governor Thomas Pownall the collapse of authority in of the one in Boston. Dr. Thomas Moffat, who describes it (No. 40), had Massachusetts (No. 49). been a physician· in Ne\vport ·for some thirty-five years. Martin _Howard, Jr., who suffered with Moffat in the riot, was an attorney and author of a tract defending parliamentary authority. He and. Moffat had contributed a number QUESTIONS of anonymous letters to the Newport Mercury) urging industry and submission 1_ On what grounds did the Sons of Liberty justify resistance to the upon. their countrymen. They were also suspected, correctly, of .petitioning Stamp Act? the King to replace Rhode Island's popularly elected by a royal 2. Do the resolutions propose independenc~? government. These two men seem to have been more hated than the third 3. Can the activities of the Sons of Liberty be considered legal.or consti­ victim, Augustus Johnston, the stamp distributor. Joseph Harrison, to tutional? whom Moffat's letter is addressed, was a former Newporterwho shared 4. What did John Dickinson mean by "my c.ountry"? Moffat's and Howard's political views and who had brought the petition S. In your opinion, what would have been the consequences of a deter­ for royal government to London. mined British effort to enforce the Stamp Act? The attacks on Hutchinson, Moffat,· and Howard suggest that Americans extended popular resentment against the Sta~p Act to help pay· off ·grudges 106 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 107 sidered them as preludes to Action. But averse to having such advice entered upon . and. Riots I did not think, that it would have com­ the Council Book. But I insisted upon menced so early, or be carried to such their giving me an Answer to my Ques~ 37. The N ew York Agreement, October 31, 1765 Lengths, as it has been. tion, and that it should be entered in the I Yesterday Morning at break of day was Book; when, after a long altercation, it [Pm..,ylfJ4f1UJ Gaelte, Nov. 7, 1765.] discovered hanging upon a Tree in a was avoided by their· advising me to order Street of the Town an Effigy, with inscrip­ the Sheriff to assemble the Officers At a general Meeting of the Merchants such other bulky Articles, as Owners tions, shewing that it was intended to and preserve the peace which I immediate­ of the City of New-York, trading to Great­ usually fill up their Vessels with. represent Mr. Oliver, the Secretary, who ly ordered, being a matter of form rather Britain, at the House of Mr. George SECONDLY, It is further unanimously had lately accepted the Office of Stamp than of real Significance. Burns, of the said City, Innholder, to con­ agreed, that all Orders already sent Home, Distributor. Some of the Neighbours It now grew dark when the Mob, which sider what was necessary to be done in shall be countermanded by the very first offered to take it down, but they were given had been gathering all the Afternoon, came the present Situation of Affairs, with Conveyance; and the Goods and Merchan­ to know, that would not be permitted. down to the Town House, bringing the respect to the STAMP ACT, and the. melan-' dize thereby ordered, not to be sent, un­ Many Gentlemen, especially some of the Effigy with them, and knowing we were choly State of the North-American Com­ less upon the Condition mentioned in the Council, treated it as a boyish sport, that sitting in the Council Chamber, they gave merce, so greatly restricted by the Imposi­ foregoing Resolution. did not deserve the Notice of the Governor three Huzzas by way of defiance, and tions and Duties established by the late THIRDLY, It is further unanimously and Council. But I did not think so how­ passed on. From thence they went to a Acts of Trade: They came to the follow­ agreed, that no Merchant will vend any ever I contented myself with the .Lt. new Building, lately erected by Mr Oliver ing Resolutions, viz. Goods or Merchandize sent upon Com­ Governor, as Chief Justice, .directing the to let out for Shops, and not quite finished: FIRST, That in all Orders they send mission from Great-Britain, that shall be Sheriff to order his Officers to take·down this they called the Stamp Office, and out to Great-Britain, for Goods or Mer­ shipped from thence after the first Day of the Effigy; and I appointed a Council to pulled it down to the Ground in five chandize, of any Nature, Kind or Quality January next, unless upon the Condition meet in the Afternoon to consider what minutes. From thence they went to Mr whatsoever, usually imported from Great­ mentioned in the first Resolution. should be done, if the Sheriff's Officers Oliver's House; before which they be­ Britain, they will direct their Correspond..:.· FOURTHLY. It is further unanimously were obstructed in removing the Effigy. headed the Effigy; and broke all the Win­ ents not to ship them, unless the STAMP agreed, that the foregoing Resolutions Before the Council met, the Sheriff re­ dows next the Street; then they carried ACT be repealed: It is nevertheless agreed, shall be biriding "ntH the same are abro­ ported, that his Officers had endeavoured the Effigy to Fort hill near Mr Oliver's that all such Merchants as are Owners of, gated at a general Meeting hereafter to be to take down the Effigy: but could not do it House, where they burnt the Effigy in a and have Vesse1s already gone, and now held for that Purpose. without imminent danger of their lives. The Bonfire made of the Timber they had cleared out for Great-Britain, shall be at In Witness whereof we have hereunto Council met I represented this Transaction . pulled down from the Building. Mr Oliver Liberty to bring back in them, on their respectively subscribed our Names. [This to them as the beginning in my Opinion, had removed his family from his House, own Accounts, Crates and Casks of was subscribed· by ufruJards of Two H un­ of much greater Commotions.. I desired and remained himself with a few friends, Earthen Ware, Grindstones, Pipes, and ared princiPal Merchants.] their Advice, what I· should do upon this when the Mob· returned to attack the Occasion. A Majority of" the Council spoke House. Mr Oliver was pre~ailed upon to in form against doing anything but upon retire, and his friends kept Possession of 38. The Boston Riot of August 14, 1765 very different Principles: some said, that it the House. The Mob finding the Doors was trifling Business, which, if let alone, barricaded, broke down the whole fence [Governor Bernard to Lord Halifax, Aug. 15, 1765. would subside of. itself, but, if taken notice of the, Garden towards ,. fort hill, and com­ The House of Lords KaDU8Cri~. for 1aD. 14, 1766 (Photocopy in the Library of Congress).] of would become a serious Affair. Others ing on beat in all the doors and Windows said, that it was a serious Affair already; of the Garden.. front, and entered the Castle William August 15, 1765 Murmurs indeed were continually heard, that it was a preconcerted Business, in House, the Gentlemen there retiring. As My Lords, but they seemed to be such as would in which the greatest Part of the Town was soon· .as they had got Possession, they I am extremely concerned, that I am ,time die· away; But the publishing the engaged; that we had no force to oppose searched about for Mr Oliver, declaring obliged to give your Lordships the Rela­ Virginia Resolves proved an Alarm bell to it, and making an Opposition to it, they would kill him; finding that he had tion that is to "follow; as it will reflect to the disaffected. From that time" an in­ without·a power·to support the Opposition, left the House,a. party set out to search disgrace upon this Province, and bring the famous weekly Paper, which is printed would only inflame the People; and be. a two neighbouring Houses, in one of which Town of Boston under great difficulties. here, .has swarmed with. Ii-bells of the means of extending the mischief to persons Mr Oliver was, but h.appily· 'they were Two or three months ago, I thought that most atrocious kind. These have been not at present the Objects of it. Tho' the diverted from this pursuit by a· Gentleman this People would have submitted to the urged with so much Vehemence and so Council were allmost unanimous in advis­ telling them,. thatMr Oliver was gone Stamp Act without actual Opposition. industriously repeated, that I have con- ing, that nothing should be done, they were with the Governor to the Castle. Other- 108 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 109 wise he would certainly have been mur­ mentioned before, that I· sent a written together besides a great number of Publick I am told .. the government here will Papers in my custody. The evening being dered. After 11 o'clock the Mob seeming order to the Colonel of the Regiment .of make me a compensation for mY9~/~~~ warm I had undressed me and slipt on a to grow·quietI the (Lt. Governor) Chief Militia, to beat an Alarm; he answered, my family's loss which .I thi·~~~~~~/g~ thin camlet surtout over my wastcoat, the latnJ~~~' Justice· and the Sheriff ventured to go to that it would signify nothing, for as soon much less .than £ 3000 sterling. Mr Oliver's House to endeavour to per­ next. morning the weather being changed shoul~~e~;i,~ as the drum was heard, the drummer sure that they· will. If they swade them to disperse. As soon as they I had not cloaths enough in my possession will be too heavy for me and I musthu 1:)ly would be knocked down and the drum tn began to speak, a Ringleader cried out, l to defend me from the cold and was obliged apply to his Majesty in whose service l~ broke; he added, that probably all the to borrow from my host. Many articles The Governor and the Sheriff! to your a sufferer but this and a much greaters~ drummers of the Regiment were in the of cloathing and good part of my Plate Arms, my boys! Presently after a volley would be·an insufficient compensation for Mob. Nothing more being to be done, The have since been picked up in different of Stones followed, and the two Gentlemen the constant distress and anxiety of mind quarters of the town but the Furniture .in narrowly escaped thro' favour of the Night, Mob were left to disperse at their own I have felt for some time past and must not without some bruises. I should have Time, which they did about 12 o'clock. general was cut to. pieces before it was thrown out of the house and· most of the feel for months to·come. You cannot con­ beds cut open and the feathers thrown out ceive the wretched state we are in. Such of the windows. The next evening I in­ is the resentment of the people against the 39. The Boston Riot, of August 26, 1765 tended with my children to Milton but stamp duty that there can be no dependence upon the general court to take any steps [Thomas Hutchinson to Richard {ackson, Aug. 30, meeting two or three small Parties of the lUiS" Massachusetts Archives, X VI, 146-47.] Ruffians who I suppose had concealed them­ to enforce or rather advise the payment of selves in the country and my coachman it. On the other hand, such will be the Boston, August 30, 1765 to be employed there. Messages soon hearing one of them say there he is, my effects of not submitting to it that all trade My Dear Sir. came one after another to the house where daughters were terrified and said they must cease all courts fall and all authority I came from my house at Milton with I was to inform me the mob were coming should never be safe and I was forced to be at an end. Must not the ministry be my family the 26th in the morning. After in Pursuit of me and I was obliged to re­ shelter them that night at the castle. extremely embarrassed. On the one hand dinner it was whispered in town there tire thro yards and gardens to a house The encouragers of the first mob never it will be said if concessions be made the would be a mob at night and that Paxtons more remote where I remained until 4 intended matters should go this length and Parliament endanger the loss of their Hallowell, and the custom-house and ad­ o'clock by which time one of the best the people in general express the utmost i~ authority over the colonies on the other miralty officers houses would be attacked finished houses the Province had noth­ detestation of this unparalleled outrage and hand if external force should be used there but my friends assured me the rabble were ing remaining but the bare walls and I wish they could be convinced what in­ seems to be danger of a total lasting alien­ satisfied with the insult I had received and floors. Not contented with tearing· off finite hazard there is of the most terrible that I was become rather Popular. In all the wainscot and hangings and splitting consequences from such daemons when ation of affection. Is there no alterna­ the .evening whilst I was at supper· and the doors to pieces they beat down the they are let loose in a government where tive ? May the infinitely wise God direct my children round me somebody ran in Partition walls and altho that alone cost there is not constant authority at hand you. I am with. the. greatest esteem and said the mob were coming. I directed them near two hours they cut down the sufficient to suppress them. Sir Your most faithful humble servant my children to fly to a secure Place and cupola or lanthern and they began to take shut up my house as I had done before the slate and boards from the roof and intending not to quit it but my eldest were prevented only by the approaching daughter repented her leaving me and daylight from a total demolition of the 40. The Newport Riot, August 29, 1765 hastened back and protested she would not building. The garden fence was laid flat [Dr Thomas Moffat to Joseph Harrison, Oct. 16, quit the house unless· I did. I could not and all my trees &c broke down to the 1765, Chalmers Papa:s, New .York Public Lib!uy. stand against this and withdrew with her ground. Such ruins were never seen in The original manuscnpt· contains DO paragraphing.] to a neighbouring house where I had been America. Besides my Plate and family Mr. Harrison lowing· will. gradually unfold. If by your but a few minutes before the hellish crew Pictures housholdfurniture of.. every kind J. Sir residence in New England and the very fell upon my house with the Rage of devils my own my children and serva~ts app~rel I may be very positive in concluding good opportunity you then had of observ­ and in a moment with axes split down the they carried off, about £ 900 sterling in you under some degree of surprize at re­ ing the true complexion and temper of the doors and entred my son being in the great money and emptied the house of every ceiving a letter from me dated at London People, their.raw and loose opinions con­ entry heard them cry damn him he is thing whatsoever except a part· of the and that your wonder may· not diminish cerning the relation connexion and de­ upstairs we'll have him. Some ran im­ kitchen furniture not leaving a .single book but encrease you are also informd and pendency· in .which Providence has so medi.ately as. high as the top of the house or paper in it and have scattered or de­ assurd that Mr :a:oward passd the·atlan­ happilyplacd them· under the protection others filled the rooms below and cellars stroyed all the •manuscripts and other tick. with me, ~~y and wherefore the fol ... and Dominiop. .of Great Britain: Or if and ·others Remained without the house papers I had been collecting for 30 years 112 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 113 effigial figures they should· be capable heels having their faces painted and being house still farther spoiling. and destroying the subordination ofNorth ..... &~l&"'&&"'Q, of drawing the rabble or if by means of prepard andfurnishdwith broad axes it and concluded their triumphal victory by British .parliament strong drink promises.of money or the and other tools of desolation proceeded cutting down the· locust .trees which you to resolve. upon,or .what course shC)U!cl.,\1\re hope .. or expectation of plunder they should huzzaing to the house· of Mr Howard may remember ·were planted on a line in prosecute ?we had respectfully a.n1ili~~d=:iri~l·· •.•..••...... \,. really enftame· and excite them to acts of which they forciblyentred destroying and front of . his house. Next day after this informd the Governor early of all violence pillage and blood they might ·when demolishing all his furniture instantly dash­ Riot in .the .. forenoon Governor Ward of this .. design .. we •have seen. and too late discover that they had off~rd, up ing into pieces all his china looking glasses went to his country seat at· Westerly. execution deeply with the additional two of the best Friends the Colony ever &c then· stripping· and· plundering every From .many of my friends I learned that tification .of not a single measure·· taken had. I then insisted much and long with apartment of every article carrying off neither Mr Howards nor my person was to prevent it, and to crown. our despair· of him .that He was ·the Prime director and all his wearing apparell bed and table safe in Newport therefore at noon went either releif or protection here we saw 'on that hereafter He might·claim much merit Linnenin the most open daring and un­ down to your Brothers in a chaise together the morning of.' the day after our disaster in being the· Chief instrument of preventing restraind manner, then breaking into his and from thence aboard the Cygnet where and danger the Governor withdraw him­ this foul and perhaps very disastrous scene Cellars drank wasted and carried away we were receivd and entertaind by your self from Newport. Under all .these and that the desisting from or stopping it all his wines and .. other liquors. From F~iend Captain Leslie with the greatest unhappy Circumstances we concluded upon would yield him and all concernd in it Mr Howards··they repaird to my house humanity kindnes and civility. Aboard embracing. an oportunity of ship for much more pleasure than ever the execu­ splitt open the doors committing the same the Cygnet 'we learnd that Mr Johnson had Bristol .then lying under Conanicut and tion of it would. On this we parted. acts of violence pillage and rage in every appeasd the wrath of the populace by a accordingly embarked on the 31st of Agust Early on the morning of the 27th a few point and instance and were even so brutal written instrument resigning the· office of happily arriving there the ninth of [Octo- persons without any interruption on the after hewing down the mahogany cases Stamp master. Agust 30th Mr Johnson ber] and came to London· this very Day in south side of the Colony house and within as to throw what books they could not came aboard the Cygnet told us that the some hopes· and confidence that our Suf- forty paces of it erected a Gallows thereon carry off or otherwise 0estroy into the mob were again. tumultuary and noisy on ferings and the Gause thereof will recom- placing ·tbe effigys of Mr ·Howard Mr well with all my· writillg~Physical in­ his account) that yesterday he had lulld mend us to a publicknotice and retrebu- Johnson and me with very' scurrilous struments and many other articles which and entirely quieted them by an ambiguous tion. We thought it best to give you this scandalous and defamatory labels fixed in I highly valued. Towards eleven at night ineffectual declaration in writing which very particular. and circumstantial account the hands and upon the breast of the they entred Mr. Howards house again implyd a resignation of the stamp office that we may have the benefit and ad- figures. At Eleven in the forenoon ·when cleaving to bits aI_the doors and casement's but as it had been extorted under the vantage of your counsel and aU· your in- the .Governor and others of authority with tore up all the floors hearths.and chimneys threatnings of ruin and destruction He fluence and interest in town and ,Country. the freeholders went into the Court house leaving the house a miserable shell only. never intended to observe or regard it For this purpose and e~d I request and there was no concourse of people or ac­ From thence they roard up to my house but had given it to the Ringleaders only entreat of you to write me under cover of clamation and this Theatre and figures where the same scene of ruin was repeated to sooth them into Quiet and very happily Naphtali Hart Myers your opinion and were guarded only by Sam.uel Vernon and committed .exactly. Now the Ring­ it had the effect untill this ·morning Mr Judgment. of this matter and that you William Ellery and Robert Crook who leaders and their adherents were intoxi­ Stiles the minister (from Yale or· New would try to· know the opinion of your walkd under and before it in muffied big cated and heated even to a thirst of blood Haven college) came into the street·de­ Friends and acquaintance in the country coats flappd hats and bludgeons. To­ and a parole for discovering us was now concerning it. I desire much to see you wards five in the afternoon the chief con­ given out in form but they could by no c1ard the instrument of resignation artful and next to that to hear largely and trivers shewd some uneasines Jealousie means learn where we were. The rabble base insufficient and harrangued upon its freely from you· and I pray you to con- and fear least the rabble should not as­ also. surrounded Mr Johnsons house but defects in form and method pointed out descend on the time when you will be at semble therefore they sent into the street were diverted from destroying it by an that there was no clause obligatory that'it London Mr Howard and I have some strong Drink in plenty with Cheshire assurance solemnly given that He should was not avouchd and that notwithstanding thousand·· articles to communicate to you. cheese and· other provocatives· to intemper­ renounce the stamp office to. morrow for of it Mr Johnson might execute the .office. I propose consulting Dr Pringle immedi-,. ance and riot. .By these means the mob ever. The· mob also surrounded the house This· has so incensd the people that Mr ately about inoculating Him so that He was collected and after.sunset the figures where· Mr Robinson the Collector lodges Johnson says He will retire immediately may be safe.·free and well before the were cut·down and burnt on the spot. and keeps the custom .house entred at the to Boston and be incognito. After de­ time .of publick busines comes on. We Next day it was the general opinion that windows of the nouse peremptorily de­ liberating upon the indignity that has been both join in wishing you .and yours every thise:xtraordinary Tribunal of Justice· was manded a surrender of the Collectors Per­ offerd to us· and the. very great loss and felicity. I am··Sir fully satisfied .but a little past eight o'clock son but on being well assurd and satisfyd damage that we have sustaind and the hair Your· most· .obedient Humble Servant in the .. evening the chief ring leaders of that He was. aboard ... His Majesties Ship breadth ·escape with. limb or life from an yesterdays .spectac.le rushdinto the street.s Cygnet they •dispersd. At two in the enragd and desperate mob led and in­ Thomas' Moffat with a chosen band· of Ruffians at their morning they again, visitedMr Howards stigated by a· few implacable enemies to London October 16th 1765 114 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 115 or any other Doctrine tending·to quiet .the ble .Body of· the Populace in all their Re­ The Sons of Liberty Minds of the People in a tame· Submission solves made at Windham the 26th Novem­ to any unjust Impositions. ber, 1765, and published in the New­ 41. Wallingford, Connecticut, January 13, 1766 4th. We fully concur with the respecta- London Gazette.

[CDtIfIemCtlf CtJtfronf, Feb. 3, ·1'66.] 43. New York, January 11, 1766 At a Meeting of a Number of the Sons Resol. 3. That we will meet at the of Liberty in Wallingford" in New-Haven Court House in New-Haven on the third [New York Mercury, Jan. 13, 1'66.] county" on the evening of the 13th day of Tuesday of February next; and we desire January 1766. After duly form'd by chos­ all the Sons of Liberty in each Town in On Tuesday Evening last, a great Num­ on Business as formerly, on unstamped ing a moderator and clerk the following the· County would meet themselves or ber of Gentlemen, Sons of Liberty, as­ Paper, without Regard to the Stamp-Act, Resolves were come into, viz. representatives. There to consult what is sembled at the House of Mr. William shall be protected to the utmost Power best to be done in order to defend our Resol. 1. That the late act of Parlia­ Howard, in this City, in Consequence of an of this Society. liberties and properties, and break up the ment. called the Stamp-Act, is unconstitu­ Invitation from some of the Members of Resolved, That as we have not been stop to publick affairs. their Society. . .. the following Resolu­ concerned in publishing or propagating any tional, and intended to enslave the true Resol. 4. That this Meeting be ad­ subjects of America. ( tions were proposed and agreed to by a Thing tending to cast.an Odium on any journed to the first Tuesday of February great Majority of the Company, and Society or Body of Men, or on the private Resol. 2. That we will oppose the same next, then.to choose our representatives to order'd to be printed, viz. Character of any Person, farther than as to the last extremity, even to take the field. attend the said Meeting. Resolved, That we· will go to the last he was a Promoter' or Abettor of the Extremity, and venture our Lives and Stamp-Act, so neither will we be concern'd Fortunes, effectually to prevent the said in reporting, publishing or propagating 42. New London, Connecticut, December 10, 1765 Stamp-Act from ever taking Place in this anyThing that may affect the Reputation City and Province. of any Individual" or Body of Men" other­ [ContIechCflI COiIrtJft.t, Dec. 30, 1'65.] Resolved, That any Person who shall wise than as he or they may be Promoters deliver out or receive any Instrument of of the said Act. At a Meeting of a large Assembly of 6th. That.it is the Duty of every Writing upon Stanlped Paper or Parch­ Resolved, That we will to the utmost lhe respectable Populace in New-London, Person in the Colonies, to oppose by every ment, agreeable to the said Act, shall in­ of our Power maintain the Peace and good the 10th of Dec. 1765, the following Re­ lawful Means, the Execution of those cur the highest Resentment of this Society, Order of this City, so far as it can be solves were unanimously come into. Acts imposed on them,~and if they can and be branded with everlasting Infamy. done consistently with the Preservation Resolved 1st. That every Form of in no other. Way be relieved to reassume Resolved, That the Persons who carry and Security of our Rights and Privileges. Government rightfully founded, originates their natural Rights, and the Authority the from the Consent of the People. Laws of Nature and of God have vested 2d. That the Boundaries set by the them with. People·in all Constitutions, are the only And in order effectually to prevent the 44. New Brunswick, New Jersey, February 25, 1766 Limits within which any Officer can law­ Ezecution thereof it is recommended, fully exercise Authority. [Pmn..rylwfI.iG 1Dflf"fIOl, March 6, 1166.] 1st. That· every Officer in this Colony 3d. That whenever those Bounds are duly execute the Trust reposed in him, exceeded" the People have a Right to reas­ At a meeting of the Sons of Liberty of will, to the last extremity, oppose the ex­ Englis~ sume the exercise of that Authority which agreeable to the true Spirit of the the city of New-Brunswick, in the county ercise of the Stamp Act in the colony. by Nature they had, before they delegated Constitution and the Laws of this Colony. of_Middlesex, and province of New-Jersey, 3. That we will contribute all in our it to Individuals. 2d. That every Officer neglecting the the 25th of February, 1766, it was re­ power to preserve the public tranquility, solved; 4th. That every Tax imposed upon Exercise of his Office" may justly expect so far as it·may be preserved" consistent English Subjects without Consent, is the Resentment of the People; and those 1. That we will chearfully embark'our with the· principles already professed. against the natural Rights and the Bounds who proceed may depend on their Protec­ lives and fortunes in the defence of our 4.. That we will do our utmost to sup­ prescribed by the English Constitution. tion. liberties and privileges. port and defend the officers of. government 5th. That the Stamp-Act in special" is 3d. It is presumed no Person will 2. That we will resist, as far as in us in this .colony, who shall act agreeable to a Tax imposed on the Colonies without publickly, in.the Pulpit or otherwise, in­ lies, all illegal attempts to deprive us of the above resolves. their Consent. culcate .the .Doctrine of passive Obedience, our indubitable rights; and for that reason, 5. That we shall always be ready·with 116 . PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 117 hearts and hands, to assist the neighbour­ esty King· George the Third, true Alle­ 46. North Carolina, February 18, .1766 ing· provinces, in opposing every attempt giance, and will at all times faithfully that maybe made to deprive them and us, adhere to his royal Person, and just [M.ryla.,.,d Gunte. April 10, 1766.] of those privileges and immunities, which government, and heartily defend him from We the Subscribers, free· and natural­ us by our brave Forefathers, "detesting Re­ God and Nature seem to have intended us. every attempt to injure his person, crown born Subjects of George the Third, true bellion, yet preferring Death to Slavery, And lastly, That we do bear his Maj- or dignity. and lawful King of Great-Britain, and ·all do with all Loyalty to our most gracious its Dependencies, (whom God preserve) Sovereign, with all deference to the just whose sacred Person, Crown, and Dignity, Laws of our Country, and with a proper 45. Norfolk, Virginia, March 31, 1766 we are ready and willing, at the Expence and necessary Regard to Ourselves and of our Lives and Fortunes, to defend, Posterity, hereby mutually and solemnly [Pn&rylfItJ,.,UJ It1t1rul, April 17, 1766.] being fully convinced of the oppressive plight our Faith and Honour that we will, and arbitrary Tendency of a late Act of at any Risk whatever, and whenever called At a meeting of a considerable number estimable privileges of all free-born British Parliament, imposing Stamp Duties on upon, unite, and truly and faithfully assist of inhabitants of the to'Wn and county of subjects, of being taxed. by none but the Inhabitants of this Province, and funda­ each other, to the best of our Power, in Norfolk, and others, SONS OF LIBERTY, at representatives of their own choosing, and mentally subversive of the Liberties and preventing entirely the Operation of the the Court House of the said county, in of being tried only by a jury of their own Charters of North-America; truly sensible Stamp-Act. the colony of Virginia, on Monday th~' Peers; for, if we quietly submit to the exe­ of the inestimable Blessings of a free Witness our Hands this 18th Day of 31st of March, 1766. cution of the s~id Stamp Act,. 3.1t-· our Constitution, gloriously handed down to Feb. 1766. Having taken into consideration the claims to civil liberty will be lost, and we evil tendency of that oppressive and un­ and our posterity become absolute slaves. constitutional act of parliament commonly III. Resolved, That we will, on any 47. Union in Arms called the Stamp Act, and being desirous future occasion, sacrifice our lives and [Sons of Liberty .Agreement, New London, Conn., that our sentiments should be known to fortunes, in· concurrence with the other Dec. 25. 1765, William Gordon, The History of the posterity, and recollecting that we are a Rise. Progress, and Establishment of the lndepntl­ Sons of Liberty in the American prov­ e1f.ce 0/ the United Sta.tes of .A.mmctJ (London, part of that colony, who first, in General inces, to defen~ and preserve those invalu­ 1788). I, 195-98.] Assembly, openly expressed there [sic] able blessings transmitted us by our an­ Certain reciprocal and mutual agree­ much as in us lies the dissolution of so detestation to the said act, which is cestors. ments, concessions and associations made, inestimable an union, they do, in'the pres­ pregnant with ruin, and productive of the IV. Resolved, That whoever is con­ concluded and agreed upon' by and be­ ence of Almighty God, declare that they m~st pernicious consequences; and unwill­ cerned, directly or indirectly, in using, tween the sons of liberty of the colony of bear the most unshaken faith and true ing to rivet the shackles of slavery and op­ or causing to be ·used, in any way or New York of the one part, and the sons of allegiance to his majesty King George pression,on ours'elves, and millions yet un­ liberty of the colony of Connecticut on the the Third-that they are most affectionate­ born, have unanimously come to the fol­ manner whatever, within this colony, un­ other part, this twenty-fifth day of Decem­ ly and zealously attached to his royal per­ lowing resolutions: less authorized by the General Assembly thereof, those detestable papers called the ber, in the sixth year of the reign of our son and family, and are fully determined to I. Resolved, That we acknowledge our Stamps, shall be deemed, to all intents and sovereign Lord George the Third, by the the utmost of their power, to maintain and sovereign Lord King George III to be purposes, an enemy to his country, and grace of God, of Great Britain, France and support his crown and dignity, and the our rightful and lawful King, and that we by the Sons of Liberty treated accordingly. Ireland king, defender of the faith, and succession as by law established; and with will at all times, to the utmost of our in the year of our Lord one thousand the greatest cheerfulness they submit to his Resolved, That a committee be power and ability, support and defend his v. seven hundred and sixty-five. government, according to .the known and appointed to present the thanks of the most sacred person, crown, and dignity; The aforesaid parties taking into their just principles of the BRITISH CONSTITU­ Sons·of Liberty to Colonel Richard Bland, and. will be always ready, when constitu­ most serious consideration the melancholy TION, which they conceive to be founded tionally called upon, to assist his Majesty for his treatise entitled "An Inquiry into and unsettled state of Great Britain and on· the eternal and immutable principles of with our lives and fortunes, and defend the Rights of the British Colonies." her North American colonies, proceeding justice and equity, .and that every attempt all his just rights and prerogatives~ VI. Resolved, That a committee be as they are fully persuaded, from a design to violate or·wrest it, or,any part of it II. Resolved, That we will by all law­ 'appointed, who shall make public the above in her most insidious and inveterate from them,. under whatever pretence, ful ways and means, which divine provi­ resolutions, and correspond as they shall enemies, to alienate the affections of his colour or authority, is an heinous sin dence· hath put into our hands, defend see occasion, with. the associated Sons majesty's most loyal and faithful subjects against God, and.the most daring.contempt ourselves in the full enjoyment of, and and F1\iends of Liberty in the other British of North America from his person and of the. people, from· whom (under God) preserve inviolate to posterity, those in- colonies in America. government-Therefore to prevent as all just government springs. From a 118 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 119 sacred regard to all iWhich, and a just sense. quired, and it can be spared, to the relief respecting the present Situation of Affairs Happiness of Great·Britain and her Colo­ of the impending evils that 1]1ight befal of those that shall, are, or may be in in America, that being .dictated by what nies ·1 pray God may engage the attention them, . in consequence of 'such a dreadful danger from the stamp-act, or its pro­ I hear and see may perhaps have escapd of that Wisdom which once saved her dissolution, They do hereby voluntarily, moters and abettors, or any thing relative in some measure the observation of persons from her Enemies, and I hope will now and of their own free will, as well for the to it, on account of any thing that may have at a greater Distance. save her from herself. support of his majesty's just prerogative been done in opposition to its obtaining This Consideration has indued me to My Passion, sir, for the Welfare of and the British constitution as their own -And they do mutually and most fervently think of submitting my sentiments to the Great Britain and of my hative Country, mutual security and preservation, agree recommend it to each other to be vigilant judgment of some Gentleman in England, is the same; because I think their Interests and concede to associate, advise, protect, in watching all those who, from the nature able and willing to improve every hint that are the same, and that the Prosperity of and defend each other in the peaceable, of their offices, vocations or dispositions, can be improvd, for the Benefit of his the one cannot be infected, without the full and just enjoyment of their inherent maybe the most likely to introduce the Country,and generous enough to reject other's catching the Contagion. I there­ and accustomed rights as British subjects use of stamped papers, to the total subver­ without Contempt the well meant Endeav­ fore ardently wish, that the Connection of their respective colonies, not in the least sion of the British constitution and Ameri­ ours of the mistaken. Forgive me sir, which has hitherto subsisted between them, desiring any alteration or innovation in can liberty; and the same, when discovered, if my Reverence for your Character has may subsist to the latest· Posterity; and I the grand bulwark of their liberties and immediately to advise each other of, let determined me to trouble you on thisoc­ regard with inexpressible Detestation and the wisdom of ages, but only to preserve it them be of what rank or condition soever; casion. Abhorrence the Notion of the Colonies be­ inviolate from the corrupt hands of its and they do agree, that they will mutually, Intelligence of the Disturbances by the coming independent. Not that I doubt in implacable enemies-And whereas a certain and to the utmost of· their power, by all late Act of Parliament imposing Stamp the least, that the Attempt may be executed pamphlet has appeared in America in the just ways and means, endeavour to bring Duties in these Colonies must I imagine whenever it is made. The Strength of form of an act of parliament, called and all such betrayers of their country to the before this Time have reachd Great the Colonies, their Distance, theWealth known by the name of the Stamp-Act, but most condign punishment-And further, Britain, and I presume produced a general that woud pour, into them on opening has never been legally published or in­ they do mutually resolve to defend the opinion,. that opposition here made to the their Ports to all /Nations, .the Jealousy troduced, neither can it, as it would im­ liberty of the press in their respective execution of that act is a Matter of the entertained of Great Britain by some Euro­ pean Powers, and the peculiar Circum­ m~diately deprive them of the most invalu­ colonies from all unlawful violations and most alarming Importance. It is un­ stances of that Kingdom, woud insure able part of the British constitution, viz. impediments whatever, on account of the doubtedly so: for the Measures that shall Success. But what, sir, must be the the trial by juries, and the most just said act, as the dhly means (under divine be thereupon pursued by Great Britain, Consequences of that Success? A Multi­ mode of taxation in the world, that is, Providence) of preserving their lives, must have a strong Influence on points of tude of Commonwealths, Crimes, and of taxing themselves, rights that every liberties and fortunes, and the same in re­ no less Consequence, than the Dependence, Calamities, of mutual Jealousies, Hatreds, British subject becomes heir to as soon gard to·the judges, clerks, attornies, &c. and future Utility of the Colonies. Wars and Devastations; till at last the ex­ as born. For the preservation of which, that shall proceed without any regard to I mean not, sir, to exaggerate things:" and every part of the British constitution, the stamp-act, from all pains, fines, mulcts, hausted Provinces shall sink into Slavery but beyond all Question it is certain, that under the yoke of some fortunate Con­ they do reciprocally resolve and determine penalties, or any molestation whatever­ an unexampled and universal Jealousy, to march with the utmost dispatch, at their And finally, that they will, to the utmost of queror. History seems to prove, that this Grief and Indignation have been excited must be the deplorable Fate of these Colo­ own proper costs and expence, on the first their power, endeavour to bring about, in the Colonists by the Conduct of their nies whenever they become independent. proper notice, (which must be signified accomplish, and perfect the like association Mother Country since the Conclusion of However the Temptations above men­ to them by at least six of the sons of with all the colonies on the continent for the last War. tiond being immediate and glaring, may liberty) with their whole force if re-l the like salutary purposes and no other." The sudden and violent Restrictions of have a general Influence over discontented their Commerce were extremely disgusting Minds, while .the following Evils, being The Collapse of Authority and afflicting; tho a high Veneration for more remote, will be •less regarded. The the august Authority that imposed· them, Colonists have that Sense of Freedom and 48. John Dickinson Appeals to William Pitt might perhaps have supprest their Mur­ Justice, that becomes the Descendants of murs on that Head. But no sooner did Britons and therefore I apprehend it may [Dickinson to Pitt, Dec. 21, 1765, Dickinson Papers, they hear of the Stamp Act being past, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.] with Truth be asserted, that their De­ than they felt and acted as Men will do, pendence cannot be retaind but by preserv­ Honourd Sir, the motive that now perswades me to who love their ·.Liberty and who think it ing their Affections ; and that these cannot If a sincere Desire to promote the address You will procure me your pardon is invaded. be preservd, but by treating them in such a may excuse actions· that other­ for the Liberty I· take. The Storm is now raging, and how it Manner, as they think consistent with wise would appear presumptuous, I hope Several Reflections have occurrd to me can be laid in the best Manner for the Freedom and Justice. 120 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 121 I will endeavour to explain my senti­ hinder the Colonies from· interfering in her it will •be, .though I cannot forbear ap­ they imagine they are able, and therefore ments more particularly. other Manufactures. She may·divert the prehending very great misfortunes. that it is useless for her to cultivate their The Colonists at this Time have strong Colonies from such Schemes by· indulging On the other Hand.it may be said, that affections. But this I . apprehend to be a Attachments to their Mother Country. their Trade, and Imperceptibly to prevent, Great Britain by repealing .that· .act will Mistake, As long as a goodUnderstandirig They derive great Advantages from their is certainly better than positively to pro­ tacitly acknowledge, that she has no Right prevails between the Mother Country and Relation to her. As long as these Attach­ hibit. This kind of Policy is. likely with­ to tax the Colonies. her Colonies, they will, as they now do, ments continue, she must encrease in out the utmost Caution, to be the Cause of If the Repeal should be construed great!y love and revere .. her. They will Power, and therefore the same advantages deep.Dissatisfaction. as such an Acknowledgment, it will only really partake of her Prosperity, and they must attend the Continuance of that Another source of present Uneasiness, be renouncing a Right, the Exercise of will th'ink that they partake of her Glory. Relation. It must be, I presume, essentially and as it is justly to be dreaded, of futute which can never be repeated without throw­ However powerful .these Colonies may necessary for regulating her Conduct, to Unhappiness, is the Extension of the Pre­ ing the Colonies into Desperation. This grow, her Power will increase proportion­ know at what Rate they value these advan­ rogative in these Colonies. It. seems to I hope Great Britain will never do; and ably: and the Struggle whenever it should tages, and how far the Exercise of her have been the constant Intention of the therefore she cannot lose any thing by be made, waud be a bloody one; A Peopl~ Authority may be extended, without ap­ Administration, except in some short and such a Renunciation. is never fond of plunging into the horrors pearing in their opinion to overballance But there seems to be no Reason to of 'War without great Temptations or them. These Things being duly considered shining·Periods, to establish a Prerogative think that the Repeal will be considered Provocations, and these with .prudent and regarded, it is apprehended, that the in America quite different from that in Great Britain. In short, to give the Crown in this Light by the Colonists. The Act Management may be utterly removd· from Dependence of these Colonies on Great was the Measure of a Ministry not at all a Power here, that if aimd at there, would the Colonies- Britain may be perfectly secured, and their admired here: and the repealing it will be rouse the whole Nation in Vindication of Another Reason as it is presumd, why mutual Prosperity establishd on the firmest regarded as the Correction of their Error. its Rights. the Colonies will not aim at Independence, Foundations that can be given to human The People of Great B.ritain are uni­ These Claims serve only to loosen the unless excited by. the Treatment they re­ Designs. versally thought in America to be pleased, Colonies from Great Britain, by discover­ ceive from Great Britain is this; That The authority of Great Britain may be that those Ministers have lost their Power: ing an invidious Distinction between her they will not engage in such a Scheme exercisd in two Ways. Either, in the and that an opportunity offers of convinc­ and themselves. Their Dependence can unless they unite in it, and they will not internal .Government of the Colonies ;or ing the Colonists, that the Measure was secure~ unite, unless it be in a common Cause, in the Regulation of their Commerce. never be but may be destroyed by rather ministerial than national. Indeed straining the Prerogative. that points all their Passions at one Object. As to the first-It is humbly conceivd, to a Person acquainted with these Colonies Their· different Interests have excited that The Mother Country cannot be too Nothing, sir, is farther from my Inten­ it is evident, that the Duties imposed by Jealousies 'Of each other among them, that tender in taking from· the Colonies any tion than to cast any Reflections in what I the Stamp Act are by no means· suited Priviledges or Immunities which she her­ are sufficient to keep them divided, untill­ now say upon the Conduct of the Crown, to their Circumstances, that they must be self enjoys. Such Treatment must produce some greater Jealousy shall conquer the or its Ministers. My sole Design is to attended with great Inconveniences, and odious and inflaming Comparisons; and rest. Nothing· is likely to produce this speak plain and wholesome Truths, in in the End must be equally injutious to while they think themselves, as they will which· the future Felicity of my Country Event hut the Conduct of the Mother them and to Great Britain. For a proof, always think themselves, .entitled to the is involvd and if this Design· inadvertently sir,of this assertion, I beg. Leave to refer Country, since Nothing is so inflaming to same Rights with her, they will esteem leads me into too great a License of .Ex­ to a Pamphlet that has lately been printed a People who love· their Liberty, as to those Restrictions, insulting Abuses of her pression, I hope, sir, you·will be pleased to here, and I understand will soon be re­ think it is invaded. No Colony apprehends Power, and their Condition .as a state of regard it as an honest Fault. 'printed in London, entituld "The late that any· other has Designs upon its slavery. From this they will ever wish, The last and greatest .Cause of Dis­ Regulations respecting the British Colo­ Liberty. Their Contests are of an in­ and as soon as there is a prol>ability of content in· the Colonies, with respect to nies on the Continent of America con­ ferior· Nature, and will vanish when one effecting their Purpose, they will endeavour their internal· Government, is· the Imposi­ sidered." 'more dreadful to them commences. to escape-But this may not be, till these tion of Taxes by Great Britain. What If this shall be thought by the Parlia­ I now proceed, sir, to mention the Restrictions are generally felt. they suffer on· this occasion, cannot be ment too slight. a Pretence for the repeal, Exercise of Great Britain's At,tthority in Under this head may be rankd the described. All other Complaints, all other and that their Authority may be wounded regulating the Commerce of the Colonies. Prohibitions by Great Britain of several Distresses are drownd in this. If I could by such a Condescension, I am afraid they It being indispensably necessary for Manufactures in the Colonies. They have form a Judgment, Honourd sir, what may cannot hereafter rely on the Affection of preserving the Dependence of the Colonies been submitted to, because theManu~ be the •. immediate Consequence of Great the .Colonies~ on their Mother Country, that all their factures being in· their Infancy, 'they Britain's insisting on the Execution of the I believe, sir,.there are many persons European Trade shoudbe confined to her, affected few persons. But it cannot be Stamp Act, I would venture· to mention .it: in Great Britain who think these Colonies so far as to prevent their using the manu­ imagined, that this is a prudent Method to but lam utterly at a Loss to decide what wiU throw off their Dependence as soon as factures of any other Nation. such a Regu- 122 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THE PATTERN OF REBELLION 123 lation cannot possibly be too strictly adherd Anxiety looks forward to· the future For­ have reason to think stop· by .the way. changed, for others which approach very to. tunes of my Country, and therefore I am I wish I could have had your sentiments near to independence.. You are sensible the It is besides so consistent with· the tempted in too bold and indigested a man­ in what· manner those who wish •well to Parliament had scarce in any instance im­ Relation of Colonies, and so extremely ner, I fear, to offer my sentiments in such America· should conduct. themselves, those posed any tax or duty upon the colonies just, that I am perswaded this alone will a way, as may if they are worthy of any 1 mean who are in America, for I am sure for the purpose of·a revenue. The l8d. th~m never·be regarded by as a Grievance, Notice, most effectually. serve· her. ' they never stood so· much in· need of sugar. duty was considered for the regula­ unless their Minds are embitterd by other You, Honourd sir, are loved and re­ advice. I have· often had occasion to re­ tion of trade, the Molosses. act of the 6th. Measures. vered here, as the Friend and Preserver flect upon your sentiments of the People of George the 2d was professedly designed But, sir, however easily they may be not only of Great Britain but of these of America, more justly formed, from the meerly as a prohibition from. the foreign reconcild to Regulations calculated to Colonies; as the Friend of Liberty and experience_Qta .. few years,. than ..lXly.own, i~13nds,th~ Greenwich hospital duty was preserve their Relation to their Mother Justice. If it is possible to form a Plan of from living among them all my days. A upon seamen who, generally, are rather Country, they will be .filld with Resent­ Policy that shall establish .for Ages the thought of independence I could not think inhabitants of the world than any colony, ment, when they find her Power exerted to Union of Great Britain and her Colonies, it possible should enter into the heart of and the Post office was supposed to be advance the Interests of some of her other We think it may be expected from You. any man, in his senses, for ages to come. established for publick convenience; and Dominions at their Expence. In this Light We hope, sir, that the same Wisdom and You have more than once hinted to· me until the late act which lowered the duties the Restrictions laid on their Trade to the Virtue that taught a disgracd and dispirited that I was mistaken and I am now con­ upon molosses and sugar, with a professed foreign Plantations in the West Indies are People, how to act in War, will also teach vinced that I was so, and that the united design to raise a revenue from them, few regarded, and will be regarded. The na­ that People now glorious and. triumphant, endeavours of the friends to Britain and people in the colonies had made it a ques­ tural Consequences of these Restrictions how to act in Peace-That from hence­ her colonies, in Europe and America, are tion how far the Parliament, of right, are to impoverish the Continental Colonies, forward, the Conduct of Great.,Britain necessary to restore the colonists to a might impose taxes upon them. When this to render them dissatisfied, and gradually animated by the spirit of your Administra­ true- sense of their duty and interest. It first became a ·topick for conversation, to break off their Connection with Great tion, may render her as dear to her would be presumption in me to suggest few or none were willing to admit the Britain by lessening their Demands for her Friends, as she is dreadful to her Enemies. measures to His Majesty's ministers. If right, but the power and, from thence the Manufactures. For some further Observa­ My Country, sir, owing her safety I am capable of doing any service it must obligation to submit none would deny. tions on this subject, I beg Leave Sir to You, I think Myself indebted under the be by acquainting you with rise and prog­ The Massachusets .assembly was the first again to referr to the Pamphlet I have Favour of Diviae Providence to You for ress of this taint of principles and the representative body, which took this mat­ before mentioned. all the Happiness I .now enjoy. I can degree to which it prevails. ter into consideration. Besides the act for Thus have I venturd, to lay before You, make no Returns, but by being thankful, It is not more than two years since it raising a revenue from molosses, &c. there Honourd Sir, those great Causes of· Dis­ and if the Acknowledgments of a person was the general principle of the colonists, had been a resolve of the House of com­ content, which if ever these Colonies aim no otherwise to be regarded, than as his that in all matters of privilege or rights mons, that the parliament had a right to at Independence will in my humble opin­ Heart is truly sensible of his Obligations the determination of the Parliament of raise money from.the colonies by internal ion prompt the Attempt-At what Period to You can give You the slightest Satis­ Great Britain must be decisive. They taxes. A committee .of the council and the dire Disease will subdue all the tender faction, I ought not to repent of the Free­ could not, it is true, alter the nature of house were appointed to prepare an address Connections between them and their dom I assume, since it affords me an things and the natural rights of an english to His Majesty, or the Parliament, for Mother Country, cannot now be deter­ Opportunity of expressing the Gratitude man, to which no precise idea seems to relief. The committee soon determined mined; but these are the fatal Leeds, that, and Veneration with which I am, have been affixed, would remain in him, the latter to· be the· most proper. I was "Grow with their Growth Honourd Sir, but the exercise of. that right, during. the chairman of the committee, but declined And strengthen with their strength" your·most obedient and drawing any address. Several were pre­ and must at last produce the horrid continuance of such determination or act, most humble servant must be suspended. To oppose by an pared which expressed in strong terms an Victory. My Mind with an affectionate [Endorsement: December 21st 1765-] armed force the execution of any aft of exclusive right in the.assembly to impose parliament, grand juries, without offence, taxes. 1 urged the ill policy, when they 49. Thomas Hutchinson on the Collapse of Authority in Boston have ·been often instructed was high trea­ had the resolution of the house of·commons son, as well in America as in Europe, and before them, of sending an address, in ex.. [Hutchinson to Thomas Pownall, March 8 1766 press words, asserting the contrary and, Massachusetts Archives, XXVI, 207.14.] , . , that his Majesty as King of Great Britain had no subjects in any part of the world after a fortnight spent,· >at the desire of Boston March 8. 1766 Mr. Hancock's cover. If I had received upon whom an act of· the Parliament .of the committee, ·1 drew an .address, which Sir any letter from you before, since my Great Britain was not binding. considered the sole Power of taxation as I am very much obliged to you for misfortunes, I should have acknowledged You will give me leave to mention to an indulgence which we prayed the con­ your favour of December the 3d, under it. S.ome of my letters from England I you how these principles have gradually tinuance of, and this was unanimously 124 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION THEPATTERN OF REBELLION 125 agreed to. The proceeding of the general you are immediately pronounced an. enemy tion in other articles, but in the country, controuled bya superior set consisting of court was' also approved and applauded out to 'your country. in general, there is a visible difference and the master masons carpenters &c of the of doors, 'until the copy of an address It looks doubtful from ,your letter the humour for being cloathed in homespun town. When the Secretary was summoned from the assembly of New York was whether the act will be - repealed. The spreads every day not so much · from to attend at the' tree of, liberty he sent to brought to Boston by' Mr. Bayard, one of general -opinion is, among. _the most oeconomy as to convince the people of T. Daws to desire him to interpose and at the city members. This was so high, that moderate, that nothing but'superior force England how beneficial the colonies have lest procure leave for him to, resign at the the heroes for liberty among us were will carry it into execution. If you urge been to them, supposing the worth of any town house but ~fter two or three con­ ashamed of 'their own conduct and would the invalidity of all instruments and law thing to be best known by the want of-it. sultations nothing-more could be obtained have recalled what had been done here, if proceedings, it is immediately asked who A general representation of facts is all than a promise of having no affront offered it had not been too late. Still this was not will dare dispute them. Confusion, and that is necessary tOJrvrite... to;you,who.know and a proposal to invite the principal per­ the general sense of the people. It was convulsion, will be the inevitable conse­ so perfectly the ,-constitution of every sons of the town to. accompany him. supposed the New York address and any quence, how great or how durable it is colony, the disposition and temper of all When any thing -of more ,- importance is others in the same strain would bring not possible to judge. the inhabitants; it is all that in prudence to' be determined as opening the custom down the resentment of Parliament, but If the act should be repealed, we shall I ought to write to any body, considering house or any matters of trade these are when news came, that, the stamp act had still be in a deplorable condition. In the the present prevailing jealousy in the .under the ·direction ,of a committee ,of passed and that no distinction was' made in capital towns of several of the colonies minds of people improved, by a much more merchants. Mr. Rowe at their head then the addresses, it was then said, that if all and of this in particular, the authority is abandoned man than Clodius to render Molyneux Solomon Davis &c. but all the colonies had shewn the like firmness in the populace, no law can be carried into obnoxious, every person who opposes his affairs of a general nature opening all the and asserted their rights the act would execution against their mind. I am not wicked schemes of popularity. I may courts of law &c. this is proper for a never have passed, and the promoter of the sure that the acts of trade will not be safely say, that by some means or other general meeting of the inhabitants of measure here was charged _with treachery considered-as grievous as the stamp act. the authority in the colonies first or last Boston where Otis with his mobbish elo­ and from his dependance on the crown I 'doubt whether, at present, any custom must be strengthened, that those are the quence prevails in every motion, and the betraying his country. house officer would venture to make a most eligible which shall evidently appear, town first determine what 'is necessary to It had not, however, been suggested seizure. In the country towns, 'in this to be intended to preserve to them all the be done and then apply either to the that the act would not be executed and province, I should hope the people in rights and liberties, which can consist with Governor and council or resolve that it is several persons, who are now for dying general would re1:tlrn to reason and be con­ their connexion with their mother country. necessary the general- court should meet rather than submit to it, were then making vinced of the necessity of supporting the In this way, the present alienation may be and it must be a very extraordinary,re­ interest with the distributor for places authority of government. I do not men­ removed and, instead of' seeking to lessen . solve indeed that is not carried into execu­ for themselves or friends. But soon after, tion this as a sufficient argument against the profit the mother country may make tion. The town applied to the goverpor the resolves of the Virginia assembly were external provision for the future support of from trade and commerce with them; they in council to desire-· him to order the execu­ sent hither. A new spirit appeared at government, but it may possibly be a will seek means to increase it, but while this tive courts to do business with out stamps. once. An act of Parliament against our reason for deferring for a short time, at alienation remains, although effectual This the council refused to advise to but natural rights w~s ipso facto' void and the lest in degree, any measures for that pur­ means should be used to maintain a subor­ advised him to recommend to -the Justices people were bound to unite against the ex­ pose, until, the minds of the people are dination, it will be impossbile to continue of the inferior court for Suffolk to meet ecution of it. You know the temper of somewhat calmed, and the effect of the equal advantages from trade as if it. was and determine whether at the court which the tradesmen of the town of Boston. They repeal, if that should be the case, shall ap­ removed. was to be held in two or three days after were inflamed, began the first violence pear. It will be some amusement to you to they should proceed, but the town who against the distributor and then went on I cannot avoid acquainting you with a have a more circumstantial account of the kept their meeting alive by adjournment to more enormous acts, until they were further fact the consequence of the- dis­ present model of government among us. I immediately upon, receiving the answer struck with horror at looking back and affected state of mind among the people will begin with the lowest branch partly resolved it was' unsatisfactory. 'After this thought they had done enough to deter and which I believe you have not a, full legislative partly executive. This consists upon the motion of Otis they sent a com­ all persons from giving the lest counten­ conception of. When I, first saw the of the rabble of the town of Boston headed mittee to d~sire the governor not to pro­ ance to the act. This flame, by all the art of proposals for lessening the consumption of by one. Mackintosh who_ I imagine you rogue the general court any further. -When superior incendiaries, has been spread english manufactures I'" took them to be never heard of. He is a bold fellow ~nd as the court met the House resolved not through this and every other colony upon mere puffs. The scheme, for laying aside likely for a Massianello as you 'can well above'half a' dozen· dissenting that the the ,continent, and every where, it is the mourning succeeded to my surprize and conceive. When there is occasion to hang or courts ought togo on with business and universal voice of all people, that if the scarce any body would now dare to wear bum effigies or pull down houses these are sent 'to the council' to concur. I opposed stamp act must take place we are absolute black for the nearest relation. In this employed, but' since government· has been it as taking from the executive courts their slaves. There is no reasoning with them, town, there is yet no very' sensible altera- brought to a system· they are -some 'what- right of judgment and moved the resolve 126 PROLOGUE TO REVOLUTION should ly that if·eJ\9uired after the house disaffected or unfriendly to · government, CHAPTER VII might be told it was extrajudicial. A but are afraid to acf their judgment this day or two after I was charged in the boulefeu threatning to· print their names news paper· my name at large with declar­ who vote against his. measures. In council ing in council the vote was impertinent the valiant Brigadier ··Royall who 'has below the notice of· the board and by usurp­ thrown up his commission is at·the head ing the president's place obtaining an undue of all popular measures and become a REPEAL influence &c. and the printers were directed great orator. Erving Brattle Gray Otis to tell the author's name if required. Otis and Bradbury and Sparhawk whose did not deny his being the author. A characters you well know are in the same publication in the same paper .had done box. Tyler is sometimes. of·. one side and a great deal towards raising. the former sometimes of the other. storm against me and I expected a second It must be a pleasure to you sometimes shipwreck, and therefore moved to the to look back upon your ·old government, council to send for the printers and if they otherwise I should fear Thad quite tired NGLISH MERCHANTS and manufacturers, even before they received news should mention Otis as the author that the you with this long epistle. E of American non-importation agreements,· mobilized to secure repeal of the House should be applied to for justice upon I had wrote thus far the 8th. .The con­ Stamp Act. Led by l3arlow Trecothick, a former Bostonian, the London one of their members, but the majority stant intelligence every day or two of one merchants sent letters (No. 50) to their colleagues in other towns, and Parlia­ of the council were afraid and only ordered occurrent and another which demonstrates ment was deluged with petitions like the one drawn up in London (No. 51). a vote to be published declaring the fals­ that there is no authority subsisting in any hood of the account in the former paper. of the colonies makes me doubt whether of While the merchants and manufacturers.were exerting pressure for repeal, Although this had a tendency to appease our selves we shall ever return to a state the opposition was feeding on news of riots and resolutions from America. the rage of the rabble against me yet it of government and order. In the Jersies Though the Rockingham administration was anxious to please the merchants was so dishonorable to the council to con­ New York and Connecticut there is a by repeal, its own position in Parliament was shaky and not improved by the tradict such an ..aspersion without any settled plan of uniOll of the populace of steady hammering of'Anti-Sejanus in the press (Nos. 52-55). After accept­ fur-ther notice that with the governor's those govemm@nts who correspond by approbation I excused my self from any Committees and are settling a committee ing the ministry, Lord Rockingham tried again and again to secure the sup­ further attendance that session. The to represent the whole. About a fortnight port of William Pitt, then the most popular man in England. Pitt consistently board after this, instead of passing upon ago the distracted demagogue of Boston refused to oblige. When Parliament opened in January, 1766, he made, a the resolve recommended to the Justices attacked my history of the colony and speech that gained him the principal credit for repeal of the Stamp Act (No. of the superior court to determine whether censured me in his news paper for charg­ 56). Distinguishing between legislation and taxation, he argued that "taxa­ they would proceed or not at their next ing the government with a mistake in tion is no part of the .governing or legislative power." He believed that the term. This they refused to do but gave imagining that an act of the colony was it as their opinion that if the aff~irs of necessary to/ give force to an act of Parlia­ Stamp Act had been founded on an erroneous principle and urged immediate government continued in the present state ment for regulating trade. A few days repeal. He also suggested a formula by which repeal might be made palatable they should. find themselves under a neces­ after upon a seizure of molosses and. sugar to the opposition, namely by an assertion of Parli.:ament's authority over the sity of proceeding. This was not satis­ at Newbury haIfa dozen boats well manned colonies, extended "to every point 01 legislation whatsoever." factory to the house who insisted that the went after the officer took. the goods from Rockingham also perceived the necessity of affirming·Parliament's authority board should pass on th~irresolve but him and the boat he was in and left him they kept altercating upon it until the court all night upon the beach. A ... proclamation and devised a series. of resolutions to embody it. When the attorney general, was' over by a long adjournment. A with promise of reward upon' discovery is Charles Yorke, suggested that the formula be made to designate taxation majority of the superior court I imagine nothing more than the shew of authority, specifically, Rockingham refused for fear of offending Pitt (No. 57). Rock­ will find the necessity they supposed they no man will venture a discovery and I ingham's phrasing was purposely vague, stating Parliament's power to pass should. I hope to .excuse my self· from imagine a few more such instances will laws to bind the people of America "in all cases· whatsoever." This declara­ joining with them. make it settledlaw that no act but those of tory act and repeal became part of·a parliamentary·package, and Rockingham's The majority of the house are not our own legislatures can bind us. strategy was to soft-pedal, as far as possible, the Americans' denial of Parlia­ ment'sauthority. For that reason he suppressed the declarations and petitions of. the Stamp Act Congress; instead, he brought a host .ofBritish merchants