on in North America, and at the resistance these kingdoms, will firmly and effectually given by open and rebellious force, to the ex-support his Majesty in all such measures as ecution of the laws in that part of his Majes-shall be necessary for preserving and securty's dominions; to assure his Majesty that his ing the legal dependance of the Colonies on faithful commons, animated with the warm-this their mother country; for enforcing est duty and attachment to his royal person their due obedience to the laws; for main and government, and to the constitution of taining the dignity of the crown, and exert cant seats in the House of Commons, as the seat of every member of that House, who accepts of any post or place in the Government, becomes thereby vacant, and cannot be sup plied but by a new writ, which though still issuedia the King's name, cannot now be issued without an order from that House in Parliament assembled. For this reason the next session was by proclamation summoned to meet on the 17th of December, for the despatch of business, though they could have but four or five days for that purpose, before the usual time of adjourning for the Christmas holidays; and accordingly his Majesty gave them the reasons for his summoning them to meet before Christmas, in his speech from the throne.-Hist. Parliament. List of the British Ministry under which the acts affecting the American Colonies were passed; and of the new Ministry under which the Stamp Act was repeated. Captain of Yeomen Guard Duke of Marlborough Lord Gower Hon. W. Finch Lord Huntingdon 1.ord Powis. Lord Northumberland Robert Nugent ... istry, July 1765. Lord J. Cavendish. George Onslow, [ham. C. Townsend, of Honing Thomas Pitt. Lord George Sackville. ing the indubitable and fundamental rights been interrupted by riots and disorders of a of the legislature of Great Britain." The King's Speech after the Christmas cess, Jan. 14, 1766. † My Lords and Gentlemen: most dangerous nature. If any alterations should be wanting in the Re-commercial economy of the plantations, which may tend to enlarge and secure the mutual and beneficial intercourse of my kindoms and colonies, they will deserve your When I met you last, I acquainted you that most serious consideration. In effectuating matters of importance had happened in purposes so worthy of your wisdom and pubAmerica, which would demand the most seic spirit, you may depend upon my most rious attention of Parliament. hearty concurrence and support. The preThat no information which could serve to sent happy tranquillity now subsisting in Eudirect your deliberations in so interesting a rope, will enable you to pursue such objects concern might be wanting, I have ordered of our interior policy with a more uninter all the papers that give any light into the rupted attention. origin, the progress, or the tendency, of the Gentlemen of the House of Commons: disturbances which have of late prevard in I have ordered the proper estimates for the some of the northern colonies, to be immedi: current service of the year to be laid before ately laid before you. you. Such supplies as yon may grant shall No time has been lost, on the first advice of be duly applied with the utmost fidelity, and these disturbances, to issue orders to the gov-shali be dispensed with the strictest economy. ernors of my provinces and to the command- My Lords and Gentlemen: ers of my forces in America, for the exertion I earnestly recommend to you to proceed of all the powers of government in the sup-in your deliberations with temper and unarpression of riots and tumults, and in the efimity. The time requires, and I doubt not fectual support of lawful authority. your own inclination will lead your to, those Whatever remains to be done on this occa-salutary dispositions. I have nothing at sion, I submit to your wisdom; not doubting heart but the assertion of legal authority, bet your zeal for the honor of my Crown, the preservation of the liberties of all my your attention to the just rights and author-subjects, the equity and good order of my ty of the British legislature, and your affec government, and the concord and prosperity tion and concern for the welfare and prosper-of all parts of my dominions. ity of all my people, will guide you to such sound and prudent resolutions as may tend Extract from Lords Address of Thanks. at once to preserve those constitutional rights "We cannot avoid expressing our satisfac over the Colonies, and to restore to them that tion in your Majesty's parental care and vigiharmony and tranquillity which have lately lance, in losing no time to issue the necessary *Dec. 27, 1765. You have, to be sure, had from the office an account of what the parlia ment did, or rather did not do, the day of their meeting. I mean the affair of our American Colonies relatively to the late imposed Stamp Duty, which our Colonies absolutely refuse to pay. The administration are for some indulgence and forbearance to those froward children of the mother country the opposition are for taking vigorous, as they call them, but I call them violent measures: not less than les dragonades; and to have the tax collected by the troops we have there. For my part, I never saw a froward child mended by whipping; and I would not have the mother country become a step-mother. Our trade to America brings in, communibus annis, two millions a year, and the stamp duty is but estimated at 100,000 a year, which I would by no means bring into the stock of the exchequer at the loss or even risk of a million a year to the national stock.-Lord Chesterfield. The Parliament did not assemble till the 17th of December, and separated for the Christmas recess, without transacting any business, except issuing writs to fill up vacancies. In this interval a meeting was held at the house of the Marquis of Rockingham, for the purpose of arranging measures against the opening of the session, and particularly with respect to the late transactions in America. Among the persons present were the Marquis of Rockingham and Lord Egmont, Gen. Conway.Mr Dowdeswell, the Earl of Dartmouth, and Mr. Yorke. The most effective and dignified advice was, to declare by an Act of Pariament, the legislative power of Great Britain over Ame ica, and inflict penalties of high treason on those who should impeach that authority, either by speaking or writing. The supremacy of the parent country being thus ascertained, it was recommended to bring in a bill, to explain, alter, and amend the Stamp Act, in such a manner as would render the ope ration easy, and its provisions unexe ptionable. The principal alterations were, that du. ties should be paid in currency, instead of sterling money; offences against the act tried in Courts of Record, instead of the Court of Vice Admiralty; and he merchants relieved, by taking off, or greatly reducing, the stamps on cocquets and clearances. But this firm and manly advice did not prevail; the opinions previously delivered by some members of administration were incompatible with such measures; and although Mr. Dowd swell, Chancellor of the Exchequer, produced letters from New York, imputing that the money collected from the duty on molasses, had been detained in the colony by the threats and orders of the mob-yet no vigorous measure was resolved on. In fact, nothing was decided, except the terms in which the King's speech should be comprised, and the Ministry formed no regular or consistent plan of operation and mutual support.Adolphus. orders for exerting the several powers of gov which had been passed the preceding Session, ernment in the suppression of riots and tu- all which letters and papers were ordered to mults, and the support of order and legal au- be referred to a committee of the whole house, thority. Concurring heartily with your Ma- and it was resolved, that the house would. on jesty's salutary intentions, we will exert our the 28th resolve itself into a committee of the utmost endeavours to assert and support your whole house for that purpose; and that the Majesty's dignity and honour, and the legis-house might on that day be as full as possible lative authority of this kingdom over its colo- it was ordered that the house should "on that nies; and will take into consideration the day be called over, as also that Mr. Speaker most proper methods to provide for the resto- should write eircular letters to the sheriff's tation of the tranquillity of those colonies, and stewards of the several counties in Great which has been disturbed by such violent and Britain, requiring the attendance of the memdangerous commotions." bers of that house, upon the said 28th of Jan uary, Extract from the Commons Address of On the 17th of January, there was presented to the house and read the following peti Thanks. It is with the highest sense of your Majestion of the merchants of London trading to ty's goodness we acknowledge that care for North America. the welfare of your people, and that confi-To the Honourable the House of Commons of dence in the loyalty and affection of your Great Britain, in Parliament Assembled. faithful commons, which your Majesty shows The Petition of the Merchants of London, in the early communication your Majesty has been pleased to order of the necessary infor- trading in North America,humbly sheweth: mations relative to the disturbances in Amer- THAT your Petitioners have long been ica. Your reliance on the wisdom and duty concerned in carrying on the trade of your Parliament in a matter of so great between this country and the British colonies importance, and the attention shown by your on the continent of North America. Majesty, in reserving to our deliberation and That they have annually exported very large advice the joint concern of your Majesty's quantities of British manufactures, consisting royal authority, the rights of your Parliament of Woollen Goods of all kinds, Cottons,Linens and the happiness of your subjects, are at Hard-Ware, Shoes, Household Furniture, and once objects of our highest admiration and almost without exception, every species of gratitude. goods manufactured in these kingdoms, "It is our duty as it shall be our care, to besides other articles imported from abroad, imitate that temper and equanimity which chiefly purchased with our Manufactures, appears in your Majesty's conduct, by mixing and with the produce of our Colonies; by all with our zea: for the honour of your Majesty's which many thousand Manufacturers, Seagovernment, and with our just regard for the men, and Labourers, have been employed, to dignity and authority of Parliament; the the very great and increasing benefit of this utmost attention to the important objects of nation. the trade and navigation of these kingdoms, that, in return of these exports, your Petiand the tenderest concern for the united inte- tioners have received from the Colonies, Rice, rest of all your Majesty'speople." Indigo, Tobacco, Naval Stores, Oil, Whale Fins, Furs,and lately Pot-Ash,with other comProceedings of Parliament on the Repeal. modities, besides remittances by Bills of ExAs from both his Majesty's Speeches as well change and Bullion, obtained by the Coloas from the addresses of both houses upon nists in payment for articles of their produce both occasions, it appears that the act of the not required for the British Market, and preceding Session for imposing a Stamp therefore exported to other places. Duty upon our American colonies, with the That from the nature of this trade, consistcontests and disturbances thereby occasioned ing of British Manufactures exported, and of was to be the chief affair brought before this the import of raw materials from America, Session, I shall begin with an account of the many of them used in our Manufactures, and proceedings upon that important affair, and all of them tending to lessen our dependence conclude that subject, before I proceed to any on neighbouring States, it must be deemed of thing else. the highest importance in the Commercial As his Majesty in both his Speeches from System of this nation. the throne, had been so gracious as to tell his That this commerce so beneficial to the Parliament, that he would order all the advi- State, and so necessary for the support of mulces and papers relative to the matters of im- titudes, now lies under such difficulties and portance that had happened in his colonies in discouragement that nothing less than its America to be laid before them, accordingly utter ruin is apprehended, without immediate on the 14th of January, as soon as the house of interposition of Parliament. commons had appointed a Committee to That in consequence of the trade between draw up the Address to his Majesty which the Colonies and the mother country, as esthey had then resolved on, Mr. Secretary Con- tablished, and as permitted for many years, way stood up, and, by his Majesty's command and of the experience which your Petitioners presented to the house copies or extracts of a have had of the readiness of the Americans to great many letters from or to his Majesty's make their just remittances, to the utmost of governors in America, and from or to his their real ability, they have been induced to ministers here. And also a great many make and venture such large exportations of other papers relative to the Stamp Duty act British Manufactures, as to leave the Colo nies indebted to the Merchants of Great Bri-Produce, thrown the state of the several pró→ tain in the sum of several milions sterling. vinces into confusion, and brought on so great That at this time, the Colonists when press- a number of actual bankruptcies, that the fored for payment, appeal to past experience in mer opportunities and means of remittances proof of their willingness, but decire it is not and payments are utterly lost and taken from in their power at present to make good their then. engagements; alleging that the faxes and That your Petitioners are by these unhappy Restrictions land upon them, and the exten-events reduced to the necessity of applying sion of the Jurisdiction of Vice-Admiralty to this honourable house, in order to secure Courts, established by some late acts of Par themselves and their familiss from impending liament, particularly by an act passed in the ruin-to prevent a multitude of Manufactu 14th year of his Majesty's reign, intitled, "Anr rs from becoming a burden to the commuact for granting certain duties in the British nity, or eis seeking their bread in other Colonies and Piantauons in America;" and countries, to the irretrieveable loss of the by an act passed in the fifth year of his pre kingdom-to preserve the strength of this na sent Majesty's reign, entitled. "An act for tion entire-its commerce flourishing-the granting and applying certain Stamp Duties Revenue increasing-our navigation, the and other Duties, in the British Colonies and bulwark of the kingdom, in a state of growth Plantations in America;" with several regula- and extension, and the Colonies, from inclinations and restraints, which if founded on acts tion, duty and interest, firmly attached to of Parliament for defined purposes, are rep the Mother Country.* resented to have been extended in such al Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray the manner as to disturb legal commerce, and consideration of the premises, intreating such harrass the fair trader, has so far interrupted relief as to the wisdom of this honourable the usual and former most fruitful branches house shali seem expedient. of their commerce, restrained the sale of their And your Petitioners shail for ever pray,&c. New-York, October 17, 1765. We hear that the design of establishing in this City a Market to commence on Wednesday, 23d inst. for all kinds of Home Manufactures meets with universal approbation: as many were at a loss to know how to come at what they wanted in these articles. And it is expected it wil be equally convenient to those who have such goods on hand, and that quick sale and ready money, wili induce them and many others, to increase their diligence, and bring their goods to Market. New-York, October 24, 1765. Yesterday was opened the Market under the Exchange, for Home Manufactures. 1 he design was not sufficiently known in the country, and, from the shortness of the notice,there were neither the plenty nor varity expected; though such a number of buyers appeared of all ranks, that it was not doubted but they would have bought for large sums. There was plenty of shoes of different makes which had a quick sale, and Hose's make was totally discredited by all the judicious. Brown beached Linen and Diaper, Cambric, Thread Stockings, and Caps, and Woolen Yarn Stockings, were quickly sold-And great demand was made for more of those articles, and also for Woollen Cloths and Stuffs of all sorts, New-England Checks, Gloves and Mittens. And it is hoped that next market day, being Wednesday, the 6th of November, the country makers will supply the great demand. Nov. 7, 1705. Yesterday was held the Market for Home Manufactures, below the Exchange, when a great variety of articles wer exposed to sale; but the demand was so great, tha every thing was immediately bought up, as all ranks of people take a laudable pride in meaning what is made among ourselves. The Market will as ain be held on the same day fortnight, and from these beginnings, we hope soon to convince the most incredulous, that we are not so destitute of either Ingenuity, Materials, or Public Spirit as has been alleged. Extract of a letter to New York, dated, London, Dec. 14, 1765. "We are very sorry to receive no new orders from you,and to understand that it proceeds from the general distress and unhappy interruption your trade labors under at present, which gives equal alarm here, and we believe will be the first matter taken into consideration when the Parlia ment meets, and we hope will be accommodated to general satisfaction, and that trade will return to its accustomed channel; which we heartily wish to see for mutual benefit." London, Dec. 14, 1765. We hear that the merchants upon change, on Wednesday last, received upwards of an hundred letters from New York, countermanding their orders for goods. It is computed that merchants here have not less than 150,000/ due to them from the inhabitants of New York, and that the latter have signified that it cannot be expected that they can make any remittances in their present unsettled situation. Thursday, a number of merchants waited on the Secretaries of State, in order to lay before them a vast number of letters received by them, forbidding the sending any goods to America. Yesterday a deputation from the merchants of this city, trading to North America, waited on the Ministry, to request their countenance and support, in the intended application to Parliament, for remedy of the distresses under which that branch of British commerc now labors." London, Dec. 16, 1765. The counter orders for goods commissioned from the British settlements, in America, on account of the Stamp Duty, are said to amount to the value of upwards of 700,000/ sterling, This petition was referred to the Commit of this nation,] as follows: "and to the rais tee of the Whole House, to whom it was refer- ing of the rents of a the land estates in this red to consider of the several papers presen-kingdom to that surprising height they are ed to the House, on the 14th, by Mr. Secr tary now arrived at, and at which they could not, Conway, by his Majesty's command; and I without the American trade, be supported for have given of it at full length, because it was any number of years." extremely well drawn up, because most of the As soon as the petition was referred as facts mentioned in it are notoriously true, and aforesaid, there were severaly presented to because from these facts it appears how ne- the House nd read, and severally referred to cessary it is for this nation to protect and en the Home Committee, the forowing petitions, courage our colonies and plantations in viz: America; for the petitioners might have add- Of the master, wardens, and commonalty ed, and I wonder they did not add, in this of the Society of Merchants, venturers of petition, after the words, increasing benefit the city of Bristol, under their common seal; Leeds, Dec. 31, 1765. We have this day prepared a petition to Parliament, in behaf of the Am rican colonies, which we expect to get signed by upwards of a thousand clothiers, and we hope this session of Parliament wi relive the Americans. Boston, Feb. 20, 1766. Private letters from England state that is the parishes of Leeds, Wakefield. Bradford, Keighly, Halifax, Hu her field, R chate, and a few f the nearest country towns, there are about five hu dred thousand men, women and children, ali engaged in one branch or other of the woolen manufactory, a prevention of the export of which must prove greatly detrimenta to them, should the colonies posist in the manufac ture of their own cloths;-and therefore doubt not that it will be repealed. Norfolk, Va. March 14, 1766. By our last advices from home, affairs begin to look a little better. The whole trading interest of Great Britain seems to be united in. our favour The City of Glasgow have appointed thice of their members to reside in London, during the Session of Parliament, who have carried up with them an Address in favour of America. London, Jan. 9,1766. The Manufacturers in England begin already to feel the effects of the American Resolutions not to import any goods from England, several shipwrights, canikers, and every other branch in the shipping, down the river, not having employment even for their apprentices. And we are told that one considerable stocking Manufacturer near the city has discharged no less than forty workmen within these few days. London, Feb. 4. Several merchantmen in the river, outward bound, for North America, have had their ships companies, excepting officers and servants, discharged for near a month past, in order to save expenses, until it is known what shall be determined relative to the Stamp Act. On Saturday, several parties of poor fellows, with weavers aprons on, went about the courts and other private places of this city, begging. with a petition in their hands, setting forth, that above twenty thousand of their brethren were now out of employment. London, Feb. 8. We hear that the decrease of duty on American goods imported from our Colonies, and the duties paid on the exportation of European Merchandize to those parts, is computed at upwards of 120.0001, London. Feb. 12. We hear that the exports to North America, on the articles of cordage, grindstones, and iron pots only, which used to be in great demand from the Colonies, are now decreased to the amount of a very considerable sum, the above articles being manufactured for the homeconsumption at Boston.Philadelphia,and most of the other provinces. We are confidently assured, that a very considerable quantity of black cloth is returned from North America, the Colonies having no occasion for ic, as they are determined not to wear any mourning; and it is asserted, by the best authority, that near 50,000l. of the manufactures of this kingdom, will very soon be r turned from thence. Bristol, Feb. 14, 1766. By letters yesterday and to-day from London, there is the greatest probability of the Stamp Act being repealed; nay it seems beyond doubt. bis day there was to be a grand decision, and I believe the last, and I hope to-morrow to have the picasure of hearing by an express, the confirmation of its being repealed, and every thing put in its proper channel again, and trade once more flourish: For of late there has been a total stagnation of all business; thousands of poor manufactures at Birmingham, Sheffield, Yorkshire, &c. &c. have been turned off, and are now starving for want of employ: and what the consequences will be, unless the Stamp act be repealed, God only knows, as all the orders for goods to be sent to North America, ar conditional. and not to be sent unless the act is repeated. The merchants in England have done all that men could do, towards getting the act repeated, and we hope their endeavours will be crowned with success. Extract of a letter, dated Bristol, Feb. 15, 1766. Various are the hopes and fears of popular discontent, but much more so with our unmonied merchants. One grand point the Parlia ment have determined, That they have a right to tax the Colonists with, or without their consent. However it is not owing to your sufferings that the Stamp Act is to be repealed, but to the distress it has given to the largest trading towns in the kingdom. London, Feb. 17, 1766. The agreement of your merchants not to send for any goods from hence, until a Repeal, was a clincher. One Manufacturer who attended Parliament declared, unless that act was soon repealed, he should dismiss eleven hundred workmen; and it was hinted that one hundred thousand manufactureis would soon be in London. London, Feb. 18. We are informed that one manufacturer in the shoe way, in this city |