voluntarily, and of their own free will, as well for the sup port of his majesty's just prerogative and the British constitution, as their own mutual security and preservation, agree and concede, to associate, advise, protect and defend each other in the peaceable, full, and just enjoyment of their inherent, and accustomed rights, as British subjects, of their respective colonies, not in the least desiring any alteration or innovation in the grand bulwark of their lib erties, and the wisdom of ages; but only to preserve it inviolable from the corrupt hands of its implacable enemies. And whereas a certain pamphlet has appeared in America, in the form of an act of parliament, called and known by the name of the stamp act; but has never been legally published or introduced, neither can it be, as it would immediately deprive them of the most invaluable part of the British constitution, viz. the trial by juries, and the most just mode of taxation in the world, that is of taxing themselves; rights which every British subject becomes heir to as soon as he is born. For the preservation of which, and every part of the British constitution, they do reciprocally resolve and determine to march with the utmost dispatch, at their own proper cost and expence, on the first proper notice, (which must be signified to them by at least six of the sons of liberty,) with their whole force, if re quired, and it can be spared, to the relief of those that are, or may be in danger from the stamp act, or its promoters or abettors, or any thing relative to it, on account of any thing that may have been done in opposition to its obtaining. And they do most fervently recommend it to each other, to be vigilant in watching all those who, from the nature of their offices, vocations, or dispositions, may be the most likely to introduce the use of stamped paper, to the total subversion of the British constitution, and American liberty and the same when discovered immediately to advise each other of, let them be of what rank or condition

soever.

And they do agree that they will mutually, and to the utmost of their power, by all just ways and means, endeavour to bring all such betrayers of their country to the most condign punishment. And further they do mutually resolve to defend the liberty of the press, in their. respective colonies, from all unlawful violations and impediments whatever, on account of the said act, as the only means (under Divine Providence) of preserving their lives, liberties, and fortunes, and the same in regard to the judges, clerks, attorneys, that shall proceed without any regard to the stamp act, from all pains, penalties, fines and mulets, or any molestation whatever. And finally that they will, to the utmost of their power, endeavour to bring about, accomplish, and perfect the like associations for all the other colonies on the continent, for the like salutary purposes and no other."

This spirit of association was communicated to Massa chusetts, and by them to New-Hampshire, the sense of the people was taken by their towns, and a mutual union was the result. New-York made the same communica tions to the south, and the same happy result ensued, until all the colonies were embraced in one bond of mutual union, for protection, and defence. These proceedings in America reached Great Britain, and greatly agitated the public mind, both in, and out of Parliament. Mr. Grenville moved, that the stamp act should be enforced; this motion was negatived by 274 to 184. Mr. Grenville was soon removed from his place and succeeded by the Marquis of Rockingham, whose views ware less hostile to America. Numerous petitions now crowded in upon Parliament, both from America, and the merchants, and manufacturers of England, urging the repeal of the stamp act; such was the force of the non-importation agrcement. And to crown all, the great William Pitt declared

openly in Parliament, that they had no right to tax the colonies, and that he was glad they had resisted. This struck the ministry, as with a clap of thunder, and gave strength, and confidence to the friends of America. Although numerous petitions were admitted by Parliament, yet the petition of the congress at New-York was rejected, upon the ground, that they were not convened by the authority of the crown.

The crisis had now arrived, to decide the fate of America, when General Conway, that champion of the opposition to this odious bill, at its first introduction, moved that the stamp act be repealed. Warm were the feelings that flowed forth upon this long and interesting debate ; but at three o'clock in the morning, the decisive question was taken, by a vote of 275 to 167, and the stamp act was repealed.

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Such was the agitation of the public feeling, particularly of the mercantile interest, that the champion of their deliverance was overwhelmed with the burst of applause, as soon as the house was adjourned, and the multitude were ready to devour him with their caresses. Thus far the public mind was relieved; but the House of Lords had not yet acted on the bill, and their objection to the bill was bottomed upon the declaration, that his majesty was opposed to the repeal. Added to this, the Dukes of York and Cumberland, and all the officers of the king's household, were disposed to carry fire and sword into the colnies of America, and make them another Glenco in Scotland. This was also the voice of the bench of bishops. But the Marquis of Rockingham, Lord Shelburn, and others, waited on his majesty, and disclosed the truth to his royal ear, which changed his mind, and when the momentous question was put, it was decided by a vote of 105 to 71. The stamp act was repealed.

On the 17th of March, his majesty went to the House of Peers, and gave his royal sanction to the bill, and again the colonies were free, 1766. Great was the joy in London; the city was illuminated, the ships displayed their colours, and all was a scene of rejoicing.

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This whole procedure flew like lightning to the shores of America, and the colonies were filled with transports of joy. The bold declaration of the great commoner Pitt, became the topic of the day, and he the idol of the people.

All the hostile resolutions of the colonies were rescinded. The churches echoed their thanksgivings to Heaven; and the public and private rejoicings became universal. The gratitude of the colonies was displayed by letters, and one universal spirit of concord glowed in every breast. Commerce returned to her former channel, and importations from the mother country, became more extensive than before. Thus the repealing of one single act hushed the most threatning storm, and restored a calm that knew no parallel in history.

The clause in this act of repeal, stiled the Declaratory Act, was if possible, more hostile to the peace, and interest of the colonies, than the stamp act itself, and although the former was repealed, the latter was designed to remain as a lasting monument, of the undiminished power, and dignity of the crown. "Parliament has, and of right ought to have, power to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever." This pernicious clause finally severed the nation. and established the independence of the colonies.

CHAPTER II.

CAUSES THAT LED TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION CON

TINUED.

AMERICA felt the elevated ground on which she stood, and the high acquisition she had gained, the saving clause in the act of repeal notwithstanding. They imputed their. victory, more to the impression made upon commerce, than all their other efforts combined, and henceforth considered that an act of non-intercourse, or non-importation, might be used as a rod over the mother country, with certain success, and that this, when persisted in, might ruin the revenue, as well as the finances of Britain. The time soon arrived when these sentiments were called into action, and put to the test. Charles Townsend, chancellor of the exchequer, called up the attention of Parliament, to the powers of the declaratory act, and pledged his credit, that the same might be enforced. To accomplish this, he introduced a bill for granting certain duties to his majesty on glass, paper, painters colours, and tea, imported into the British colonies in America, which was passed into a law, 1767. The impression of this act upon the colonies, was the same, that the act of ship money had made upon Great-Britain, the last century; and both were obstinately opposed. Although these duties were small, yet the principle was the same, as in the stamp act, and with the same firmness resisted. This act opened the old wound afresh, before it was fairly healed, and with a poisoned instrument, for it contained a sweeping clause, which impowered the king to establish a civil list, throughout the colonies, upon which he might levy taxes, at pleasure, to an indefinite amount. In vain it was urged,

"the taxes are too small to require any serious notice; they are reasonable and necessary, for the support of VOL. III.

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