The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal. [volume], July 16, 1774, Image 2

About The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal. [volume] (Boston [Mass.]) 1772-1775

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» all «u* be opened of the calmest phHof 4 her. This
uonc. to d*Jl» the cup to the ground, is all that remain*.
This reasoning may be liable to exception ; it may be
thought not conclude. 1 am not anlwcublc for ittjuftnels.
•Th enough for me, it min tfiw reu.W will thus JW,
*xa*on and ACT. , _
Admit, then, for argument’s fake, that the Tea was
wrongfully Admit, that/, far as st relays to
tbe deftreyers of it, <«/»/•«* far the lea is a matter
r.fultmg from tit *f Ho *
rnncfoJc effect those who did not jam m the atton I How
vfeft tW inhabitants us Bolton who never it their
ianOiun f Do the principle* ot equity «ach, that he why
did n*r commit tlie injury fodl make the Ut
us f-e this new volume of diftnbuUve juliicc, this riew
tods of modem equity, which contains such novel
Is it not to be foppofed, that he who is conscious o» hav
lag done no wrong, will be pertinacious, m the extreme,
ajainft a demand of recompence ’ Will he not
that to repair the injury i* a tacit concern of his guilt, and
the justice of those wl» have inflifted a pumlhment f Be
aflarii that the town of lift" will never mark themfeivu
as the authors of an aOion they never committed $ and
thereoy ratify a punilhment they never oefcryed.
Bui « L told that ilu! “ aft" for Ifoppmg our port is
“ entorwd by the moll incontellible argument, the ultima
«. ratio rerum." Be it so. Is that a realon for our adtng a
part unbecoming our i difgracclui to us as men ,
uitamous ... rhe extreme, as Englishmen ’ Doth tiro
story of time tell us cf one king brought » hi* /«/« b >
fubjeth submitting to his ultima ratio I Doth history re
one inflame of a tyrant fattened to humanity by a
• compliance with his lavage initiations . Is « the nature o
opprcibrs to become lenient, tender and mild, when there
is an acquiescence under their imfoht.ons > Direftly the
reverie of all this is the history of the human heart—the
expcr cace of ages. No longer amuse us, with the dreams
of a maniac. Show us the justice, foow us the equity of
the Britiih parliament. We will listen to the information.
We will lean the evidence. We believe they leek our def
trud.un. We know tbetr power. We xxrECT a
conr LICT. GOD prepare us for the trial !
Mercator seriously tells us, that “ payment for the Tea
cannot be confidcrtd at a concession to authority. What .A
oomplia.ee with the preicription of a Icgilhtor, noevneeffion
to bis authority > Strange reasoner ! If justice is to govern
our conduct, point us to all tliofc who are injured ; ascertain
the quantum of their damage ; and discover ths r*?-
sons guilty or thi injury. 1 hen, and not till
then, talk ofjutticc and payment from principles of equity.
We know with Mercator, that “ malicious reports are
circulated to the disadvantage of the colomfts : We know
the men who have done it J and we know also, that their
hearts are obdurate, their conferences feared J and that no
thing that we can do, which we ought to do, will abate their
pride, or affwage their maliee. But we trull we Ihail con
found their devices.
We are all fatisfied, that there is •• no greater reason for
enforcing 7Mt act here, than forextending its influence
to any otl-er colony.” Thi colonie* Aar Alt s«n
siblr or THIS likewise. Therefore, we shall not
make a payment for a damage we never did, in order to
promote a union,” which is forming with » rapidity,
and cementing with a firmnefs that no tower, under
• Tbe reader u def red to peruse again tbo printed ac
count} of tie procedure with tie ata. Some people seem to
frame forgot bow Governor Hutcbinjom and the Conjignees
afled on tbo occasion.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
Mr. Thomas,
IH AV E read wth attention, the pieces in MefTr*.
Mills and Hicks'> paper of Lift Monday, (igned W. O.
and P. R. Both theft writers, seem to acknowledge the
injustice and cruelty of the aft of parliament, which imme
diately diftrefles Boston, and is evidently intended to enslave
America j and they propose a fubmiflion to tyranny in or
der to be relieved from it, since “ on the fide of the oppreflor
is power.” This is certainly an important question, and
deserves our molt terious attention j and after mature deli
beration, many important rcafons appear against paying for
the Tea, or any fubmiflion to the present tyranny.
I. The Tea was font here for the wicked purpose of
enslaving the colonies, and the people were under the neces
sity of destroying it to prevent the evils which were intend
ed by our enemies, therefore it was a just aH ofJelf-defence.
2. The India company were eriminal in lending their
dutud Tea to America, as they knew it tended to fix an
unrigbteaut revenue, and enslave their American brethrqi,
therefore in reason and justice they ought never to
receive a farthing for their noxious Tea ; but are bound by
the tics of justice and honour to make a compensation tu
the people here for the injury they have revived from the
company by means of fending the Tea. It is probable that
America will fuller (unlefr a kind Providence fliould defeat
the miniflerial design) millions by this injurious plan which
the India company have adopted, and according to the rules
of equity they ought to make good the damage ; and will
any one now fay, that this people ought to pay for the Tea ?
3. All the colonies are now confidcred as one body poli
tic, whole general liberty and interest is inseparable, and
jdmrefore no concelfions to arbitrary power must be made,
nor any important steps taken by one colony without con
falting the whole in congress; and for this reason we ought
to wait for the meeting of the congress that we may be
afthlcd by the joint wiidom of the colonies.
4. A* to the probability of obtaining relief without a
mean fubmiflion to tyranny, I apprehend it is very^great;
for the ad is such a flagrant violation of all the principles
of justice and humanity, that every good man in the nation
will exert his influence to have this reproach wiped away
at soon as polßblc—the nation will be alarmed with the
various calamities which this ad will bring upon them by
flopping their trade with America, and the measures that
our States General may adopt. They will be alarmed with
the apprehcnfion of a French and Spanish war. And in
this great fluffing feene of political attain, it cannot be
’fuppofed tl»t France, who for many important reasons
want* a for fade with America, will remain a silent fpec
tetor —Ihe will doubtiefs think it a good opportunity to
open her ports to the Americans, and endeavour by all
means to gain theii trade and friendflup ; and these confi
•eratior.s will induct Britain to do America juPice.
An AMERICAN.
Frot. the Pe'nNS YL V A N 1 A G A ZET TE.
following Letters, are fold to be tbc produiiiou cf ;bc
celebrated Auttiic av Farms*,]
letter I.
To tbt Inhabitant 1 of tbt Britijb CoUnitt in
.Amsiuca,
Brethren,
1”\ J VINE Providence has been pleased to place us in
J thi, age and country under such circumstances as to
be reduced to the necellity of chufing one of theft conditions
to submit to the dominion of others, holding our
lives, liberties, and properties, by the precariout tenure of
their will—or to exert that underfta:.ding, resolution and
power, with which Heaven has favoured us, in ftnving to
maintain our rank in the class of freemen.
The importance of theft objects is so immensely great,
and the treatment of one of these colon.es so extremely
alarmmg, as to call fat your Wil earnest and immediate
«y<wlrt irinn-
The fobjeft of the present dispute between Great-Bri
tain and ui is lb generally understood, that to enlarge upon
it is ncedlefl. We know the esttent of her claims. We
begin to feel the enforceuttat of those claims. We may
foreiee the cunlequcnces of them ; for rtafen, teaching us
to infer aiboos from pi incipies, and events from examples,
fheuld convince us what a perlcflion of fortitude is to b<
.ixed on us and our posterity. I call it p«foftioa-b«-ufe
the wit of man, it i» apprehended, caiUMt dev.le a pun of
domination more comp etely tending to bear down the go
verned into th lowclt and mcaneft state in fouety, nan
that now meditated, avowed, and in part executed on this
continent. .. .
If this system becomes eflabliflied, it may, with truth,
be laid of the inhabitants of these colonies, “ that they
hold their lives, liberties, and properties, by the precarious
tenure of the will of others."
Allowing the danger to be real— At the proved of so
ab-ed and so iaiting a what must be the icnti
ments of judicious and virtuous Americans. They will
uukkly determine whether the firft part of the akematne
fliould be adopted.
Here arguments would be absurd. Not more ridiculous
would be an attempt to prove vice preferable to virtue—the
the climate of St. Vincent more pleasant than that of
Pennsylvania—the natives of Indoftan under the govern
ment of the Eaft-lndia company, as happy as Englilh free
holders—or the inhibitants of Great-Bntaiu more loyal fub
jedts than those of the colonies.
That Lbcrty is ineftimablc—and liquid, if poflible, be
preferred— you knew. To pretend to convince you of the
truth of the tormer propolition, or ot the duty of the lat
ter, would be to insult you. •
You must be, you are rcfolved to observe the propcreft
conduit for securing your best and dca,dt intereft*. What
that may be defer ves—-demand.—yourciofeft attention—
your ealmeft deliberation.
On this head I venture to submit feme observations to
your consideration. 1 am, by every tye ofintereft and du
ty, an American ; and unless my heart deceives me, 1 am
an American in artcdlion. My fortunes, hopes, and wilhes,
are bound up in your profterity. With my countrymen I
must mourn or rejoice ; and, therefore, though lam per
fedly fenlible 1 cannot present to them renedtioAS arising
from great abilities, or cxtenlive learninfj and a.onwd by
elegance of competition, yet I trust they will lend a careful
and candid attention to plain thoughts, didated, b honest
intentions, and a participation of afliidions. Aiming iore
ly at your welfare, and not at the trifling reputation of a
writer, far be from me the overweening presumption, l h at
my opinions are free from error. Conscious of my frailties,
I desire thole opinions to be severely examined. The cor
redion of them will confer a real obligation upon me, if ir
serves my country ; and happy /hall I esteem myfelf, if the
detedion of my miftake* ihail open to you a clear view of
the most expedient measures to be pursued.
There are some meu who fay, that the late Ad of Par
liament, abolishing the privilege of the port of Boston, was
occaiionoi by the particular imprudent- of the inhabitants,
and in no manner concerns the other c. .onies.
To form a true judgment on this point, it will be proper
to take a ihort review of some other tranladions.
G >eat-Britain, triumphant by your afliftance in the late
war, found, at the conclusion of it, by a peace hastily be
stowed on her haughty and hereditary foes, her dominions
enlarged—her fleets formidable—her armies disciplined—her
trade flouriihing—her enemies intimidated and exhaufted—
her colonie* thriving, afledionate and dutiful.
The cup of prosperity, large and full, courted her lips.
Deep she drank of the enchanted beverage, as if the vessel,
like the ernife of Sarepta’s widow, could not tail. After a
/hurt, bus feverifh repose, Ihe roused herftlf, may I fay—
as one of Homer's giants—a race—
-11 By whom no statutes and no rights were known,”
to injure those who never injured her. She had conquered
hermoßici. That other kingdoms had done. Should no
exploits of a more tranfeendent energy illustrate the annals
ofGzoanx the third I No atchievements fo/hockingly
great and advantageous, that even the pensioned hiftonan*
of the animated Aira must weep in traceing them, and
Nuih in reciting them ? Luckily for her fame— perbapt
for her profit- —lthe near sighted policy and low spirited hu
manity of every state, in every period, had left untouched,
for her, the novel glory of conquering Frundo-CbiUrcn-—
Flejb of her Fiefb, and Bene of ber Bone, unstained by any
former reproach—retting in a perfect tranquillity, acknow
ledged loyalty, and adual obedience to every kind of au
thority hitherto exercised by her over them—perpetually
pouring into her lap those fruits of their labour and indus
try, which flie would permit them to collect from the dif
ferent parts of the world—proud of their connection with
her confiding in her—loving—revering—almost adoiing
her—and readv and willing, a* they ever had been, to spend
their treasure and their blood at her request—in her cau.e.
f “ Farcere Supcrbit, et debellarc Subjellos,"
was a thought that had efeaped the lagacity of ftatefmcn,
and even the fancy of poets. The fubtility of Macblti
Italian brain had milled it—and so Barotian had blundered
upon it.
The temptation was too great to be refitted—-The parent
refulved to feixe that treasure, and, if not tamely reiigned,
to spill that blood hcrfclf. |“ 0 sapient et beata Regina."
The greatdl § miniflen, who had heretofore conduced
her affair*, had discovered and declared that we were con
tinually toiling for her benefit—that she was fare of re
ceiving, in the course of commerce, all those emoluments
of our labour, which reason could require—and tenderly
cherished and supported us. Notions too dull ’ and advan
tage* too just ! to merit ti>c slightest regard from his pre
sent Majefty’* enlightened and magnanimous counfelloro.
u They lavifli gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in
the balance—they fall down, yea, they wor/hip (them)—
remember this, and Ihew yourlelvo men." Ifaiab,
[Te be Continued.]
• “ Non nobis nati fumus. It it for our pefterity we
de fire to provide—that they may not be in worse case than
villianet: For a F«bx-man wltTinant at Will
for bit Li Bea Ty 1 I will not agree to it. It it a tenure
not to befound in all Littleton." Speech of Sir Edward
Cocke, Lord Cbiif Justice. Parliamentary History, Vol. 8,
Page 61.
“ j- To fpair the proud, and tofuldue tbefubjcfl."
“ j 0 wife and happy
§ Sir Robert Walpole, and en try other minister to
wlum the proj.fi of taxir.g toe Coionuo wot mtntior cd, re
jcfled it.
“ IVbcn I bad tbt honour cf serving bit Maj efts, I a
vai/cd tnyfejf of the means of information, which I derived
from my office. I speak, therefore, from knowledge. My
materials were good, I was at pains to colled, to digeit,
to confider them j and I will be bold to affirm, tb.a the pro
fit of Great-Britain from the trade of the Colonics, through
all its branches, is two million* a year. This is the fund
that carried you triumphantly through the last war. The
estates that were rented at two tbcufand pounds a year, three
score years ago, are three tboufardpeunds at present. Those
estates fold then from fifteen to eighteen yean purchase ; the
fame may now be fold for thirty. You owe this to Ameii
ca. This is the price that America pays you lor her pro
tedion. I dare not fay bow much higher these profits may
be augmented—Upon the whole, I will beg leave to tell the
House what m really my cpinscn ; it is, that the Stamp-Adi
le repealed abfolutcly, totalis and immediately. That the
reason for the repeal be aligned, because it was funded on
an erroneous principle.” .
Mr. Pitt’s Speech.
All the most distinguished writers on the trade of Great-
Britain, previous to tbeprefcM reign, held a language en
tirely agreeing with Mr. Pitt’s sentiments. See Davcnant,
Child, Tucker, Bcawcs. Poftutbwatie,ffc.
L -T- , -JOS
i» hereby given to all who
A. desire Admiflion into HARVARD COLLEGE this
Year, that the Tutors have determined to attend the Bufi
n«f> of Examination on Tuclday and Wcdncfday, the 19th
and 20th Day* of July next.
J. WADSWORTH, per Order.
Harvard-College, June 14, 1774-
Tie following KESOLUTICNS of tbe large ar.d refpeftuble
County of Baltimore in Mu: fund, just come to bund, can -
not but uffird great Satisfaction to the Frsesuii of Liber J
through the Ptouince.
At a general meeting of the Freeholders, Gentlemen,
Merchants, Tridvln.cn, and other Inhabitants or
ti mor e Co UN r v, held at tlie Couit-Houfe of the laid
County on Tuesday the 31st May, *774’
Capt. Chables Ridgley, Cliairman. .
Resolved, ift. FTpHAT it is the opinion of this
| Meeting, that the tow nos Boston
is now faffering in tho common cause of /Imtrica, and mat
it is the duty of every colony in America to unite in the
most ettedual means to obtain a repeal of the late Act of
Parliament for blocking up the harbour of Bofton.—Diftcn
tient three. .
IL That it is the opinion of this meeting, that if the
colonies come into a joint resolution to flop importations
from, and exportations to Great-Britain and the Weft-
Indies, until the aft for blocking up the harbour of Boston
be repealed : The fame may be the mean* ot preserving
North-America in her liberties—Diflentient three.
Hi. That therefore the inhabitants of this county will
•oin in an aflbeiation with the several counties in thi* pro
vince and the principal colonie* in America, to put a stop
to export* to Great-Britain and the Weft-Indie*, after the
Ift day of Odober next, or such other day a* may be agreed
on, and to put a stop to the import* from Great-Britain,
after the fuft day of December next, or such other day as
may be agreed upon, until the laid aft Ihail be repealed, and
that such aflbeiation Ihail be upon oath—Diflentient nine.
IV. Unanimuufly—That it is the opinion of this meet
ing, that as the moil effcftual means of uniting all part* of
this province in fach aifociation, as proposed, a general con
gress of deputies from each county be held at Annapolis, at
such time as may be agreed upon, and that if agreeable to
the fcnfc of our filler colonies, delegates Ihail be appointed
from this province to attend a geneial congress of drhgates
from the other colonie*, at such time and place as dtall be
agreed on, in order to fettle aud eftablilh a general plan of
conduft for the important purpofe* above-mentioned.
V. Unanimously—That the inhabitants of this county
will, and it is the opinion of this meeting, that this pro
vince ought to break off all trade and dealings with that co
lony, province or town, which Ihail decline or refafe to
come into similar rcfo'utions with a majority ot the co
lonies.
VI. That Capt. Charles Ridgley, Charles Ridgley, son
of John, Walter Tolley, jun. Thomas Cockey Deye, W l
liam Lux, Robert Alexander, Samuel Purviance, jun. John
Mo.ile, Andrew Buchanan, and George Ritteau, be a com
mittee to attend a general meeting at Annapolis. And that
the lame gentlemen, together with John Smith, Thomas
Harrison, William Buchanan, Benjamin Nicholson, '1 ho
mas Sollars, William Smith, James Gettings, Rkhard
Moale, Jonathan Plowman, and William Spear, be a com
mittee of correspondence to receive and answer all letters,
and on any emergency, to call a general meeting, and that
any fix of the number have power to aft.
VIL That a copy of the proceedings be transmitted to the
several counties of this province, direfteJ to their committee
of correspondence, and be also publiflied in the Maryland
Gaactte, to evince to all the world the fcnfc they entertain
of the invasion of their constitutional rights and liberties.
VIII. That the Chairman be desired to return the thanks
of this meeting to the gentlemen of the committee of cor
respondence from Annapolis, for their polite personal at
tendance, in confcquencc of an invitation by the committee
of correspondence for Baltimore-Town.
Signed by order, WILLIAM LUX, Clerk.
H „ —
THURSDAY, June 16.
BOSTON.
The good PEOPLE of thi* town arc reminded that their
TOWN MEETING Hands adjourned to TO-MORROW
Morning at 10 o'clock, at which time it is requested there
may be a general attendance, as matters of great impor
tance will come before them.
BOSTONIANS ! remember the eyes of all America are
upon you, and their hand* ready to aflitt you-—-Be firm
and ail like men determined to be FREE !
The firft of June inst. when the Boston Port-Bill took
place, was observed by the inhabitants ot Hartford, in Con
nedicut, as a day of mourning ; the bells began to toll ear
ly in-tlie morning, and continued till evening j the town
house was hung with black, and the edift affixed thereto ;
the fliops were all Ihut, and their window* covered with
black, and other enfigr.s of diflrefs.
We hear that the patriotic inhabitant! of Philadelphia
have generously voted to give the poor of thi* town 1500
barrcL of Flour, jeo of which, it is said, may be soon ex
peded.
We are told that the Addref* of his Majcfty’s Council
to Governor Gage, in answer to his speech at the opening
of the prclient ieflion, met with a very unfavourable re
ception.
The two Houles of the General Court have made choice
of the Rev. Mr. Diman, of Salem, for theiz Chaplain.
We have head of several neighbouring congregational
churches who have fee apart days of Falling and Prayer, on
account of the present melancholy afped of our public af
faire.
It feejn* now to be the general sense of the coatinent
that a CONGRESS of Deputies from all the American
Governments, be held as soon a* poflible, in order to con
cert efledlual meafarc* for defeating the dcfpotic defign* of
our enemies.
Most f the ftorcs an the Long-lVbarf are new shut up ;
hundreds cf the poor arc out of employ, and many who lived
genteelly will soon be reduced to the Last Shilling. Tef un
der these unhappy circumstances, people in general Eave that
fortitude which did honour to the ancient Remans. “ Un
daunted by Tyrants, we’ll die or be free."
Tuesday last vr Kings own, regiment landedfrom
on board the transports, lying at the march
ed to tbe Common, where they art encamped.
Tedcrday the regiment landed on the Long-UTarf,
and are nona emamped cn tbe Ccmmon.
We are informed that the jth and 38th regiments are
hourly expeded to arrive here.
Inftcadof our brethren, at tbe Southward, advising to pay
fur tbe tea, letters received last night front Philadelphia, con
tain tbe meft cogtr.t arguments to rhe contrary, that have yet
appeared, 'they ,annot bavt. juftiec done them by such coa
ti atiion as they must fuffcr to have a place in this paper, but
will be pullijhcd next Monday.
A POLI l ICO-MERCANTILE CONGRESS, seems
new to be tbe voice of all tbe Colonies from Nova-Seotsa to
Georgia ; and New-York the place of meeting proposed by
private letters : However, our generous brethren of that me
tropolis art pleased to complement Boston with tbe appointment
both of time and place ; which imitation will undoubtedly
be accepted with grateful alacrity. Certainly tbe besieged
inhabitants of this town can have no temptation to loose a mo
ment on this occasion!
Tefterday afternoon there was a meeting of tbe Tradtf
men of this town at Faneuil-Hall.
lift Wednesday his Excellency Governor Wentworth Jif
folved the General Aflembly of New-Hampflure.
It is incredible to believe to what a pitch ot Bravery and
Heroism the Englilh nation has arrived They have the
courage, and unparellelled fortitude to crofr the Atlantic and
fight their own unarmed Englft Subje&s, who are no ways
dilpofed to hostilities, nor inclined to farrendcr their Liber
ties to the mercies of an abandertd Mirfter. But France and
Spain are flattered to insult the nominal honour* of tbe
Britilh nation with impunity.
An honest Fb ie n d lately arrived in a ihort passage from
England discovering much acquaintance with the state of
that kingdom was afleed hi* opinion of the present troubles
between Great-Britam and America ; and answered, if
you stand firmly together you will gain your point, other
wise you will altajcdier be ruined and ecflaveJ. Three
quarter* ofEn|lq<>4 art favour favtror, tftiif you exert your
fclves a* you ought, they will assuredly take your pvt.
One was inveighing bitterly against Lord North, in pre
sence of a gentleman whole mean* of information was bet
ter than common, and was told by him that from any change
of oftcnliWe ministers little wa* to be hoped in favour of
the rights of tbe people.
From these advices it is plain American* are, under
God, to seek redfefs in their own virtue, courage and una
nimity i of which, through the frniles of Heaven, there is
now a fair profpcfi throughout the colonie*.
On the 17th of last month a very awful /hock of an
Evthquake wa* felt at Capc-Nichola-Mole.
ExtraH of a Letter from Philadelphia, datid June a, 1774.
“ Yesterday we had a pause in the business of thi* city,
and a foiemn pause indeed it wv j if we except the Friends,
1 believe nine tenth* of the citizen* /hup up their houffa.
The bells were rang muffled all the day, and the fliip* in
the port had their Colour* half hoisted."
DIED.] At Halifax, Nova-Scotia, the Hon. Joseph
Gerri/h, Esq; one of hi* Majefty'* Council, Judge of the
Inferior Court and Naval-Store keeper.
Several pieces from our Corrcfpondetsts, and many 1
articles of Intelligence from tbe Southward, with tbe pro
ceedings of several capital towns on this continent, in behalf
of their injured brethren in Boston, mujl be omitted for want
of room.
The Refolvcr of the aflembly of Connecticut, will be in
our next.
WILLI AMSBURGH, in Virginia, May 16.
On Tuekiay the house of Burgefles here came into the
following Resolution t “ This house being deeply imprdl
ed with apprehenlioot of the great dangers to be deiived to
Briti/h America from the hostile invasion of the city of Bos
ton, in our filler colony of Maflachufett*-Bay, whole com
merce and harbour ve, on the ift of June next, to be flop
ped by an armed force, deem it highly neceflary that the said
lit day of June be let apart by the members of this house as
a day of falling, humiliation, and prayer, devoutly to im
plore the divine interposition frsr averting the heavy calami
ty which threatens deftruftion to our civil rights, and the
evils of civil wv j to give usone heart, and one mind, firm
ly to onpofe, by all just and proper means, every injury to A
merican rights j and that the minds of hi* Majesty and hi*
Parliament, may be infpirod from above with witaom, mo
deration, and justice, to remove from the loyal people of A
merica all cause of danger from a continued pur/uit of mea
sures pregnant with their ruin.” It wax then Ordered, that
the member* fliould attend the Speaker and the mace to the
Church in this city, on the ill of June next, for the purpose
aforefaid. Mr. Price, their Chapalin, was direfted to preach
a sermon faitable to the occasion.
On Thursday the 26th, the right hon. the Evi of Dun
more lent a Mcflage to the House of Burgeflcs requiring
their immediate attendance in the Council Chamber, when
his Excellency spoke to them a* follows, viz.
“ Mr. Speaker,and Gentlemen of the House of Burgcfles,
I HAVE in my band a paper, publijbed Ly order etc
your house, conceived in such terms as refleit highly upon his
Majesty and the Parliament of Great-Britain ; whico makis
it necej/ary for me to diffblve you, and you are dijfolvtd ac
cordingly."
The next day the hon. Member* of the late House of
Burdettes met at the Raleigh tavern, when an agreement
was unanimously entered into by that patriotic aflembly, in *
fapport of the constitutional liberties of America, against
the late uppieHive aft of tlie Britilh Parliament relpefting
the town of Button, which, in the end, must affect all the
otlier colonies t The agreement was immediately signed by
the f]>eaker, and all the members of the late Houle, as well
a. by a number of Clergymen and other inhabitants.
Nkw-Yurk, June 9. Last Monday evening the com
mittee or' correspondence met, when they read and anfacied
tlie dispatches brought by Mr. Cornelius Bradford from
Button. Next Monday they will aflemble again, after
which it is hoped, their proceedings will be pubufoed, for
the information of their conftitucnts ; the times are critical,
and big with interesting events which has occasioned the
committee of correspondence at Philadelphia to promulgate
their letter to Boston, and such other proceeding* a* were
judged neceflary for the latisfaftion of the public.
QUEEN AN N’» County, (Maryland.)
Ao a meeting of a considerable number of tbe Magift rates and
other refpe&ablc inhabitants of Queen-Ann's County at
Queen’s-Town, on tbt yth day of May, 1774, ip vder
to deliberate upon tbe tendency and - feel cf tbe Aft of
parliament for blocking up the port and harbour of Boston.
“DULY considering and deeply aft'efted with the pro
lf est of the unhappy situation of Great-Britain and Britifli-
America,under any kind of disunion. T his meeting think -
tl.emfelves obliged by all the ties which ever ought to pre
serve a firm union amongll Americans, as speedily as pofli
ble to make known their sentiments to their diftrelled bre
thren of Boston, and therefore publifti to tbe world—
“ That they look upon the cause of Boston, fa its con
sequences, to be the common cause of America.
« That the aft of pvliament, for blocking up the pert
and harbour of Boston, appears to them a cruel and opprefl
ive invasion of their natural rights as men, and constitutional
asEnglifls fubjefts; and if not repealed will be a foimik
ation for the utter deftruftion of American freedom.
« That all legal and constitutional means ought to be
used by all America for procuring a repeal of the laid aft
of parliament.
•* That the ofiiy etteftual means for obtaining fach re
peal, they ve at present of opinion, it an aflbeiation under
the strongest ties, for breaking off all commercial connexions
with Great-Britain, until the said aft of parliament be re
pealed, and the right illumed by parliament of taxing A
merka in all cases what fever be given up, and American
freedom ascertained, and fettled upon a permanent and con
stitutional foundation.
« That the most prafticable mode of forming Inch an
efleftual aflbeiation they conceive to be a general meeting of
gentlemen who are already, or Ihail be appointed commit
tees, to form an American intercourse and correspondence
upon this most intending occasion.
“ That in the mean lime, they will form such pvti
cuLr aflbeiation, a* to them Ihail seem efleftual, yet pro
fefling themfelve* ready to join in any reafonabh general
one, that may be devifea as aforefaid.
“ That these fe;.timents be immediately forwarded, to be
printed in the next Maryland 2i.d Pennsylvania Gazettes.
« Thzt Edward Tilgham, Solomoo Wright, Turbut
Wright, John Browne, Richard Tilgham Earle, J»mt»
Hollyday, Thomas Wright, William Amefley, Adam Gray,
Clement Sewell, Richard Tilgham, Jame* Kent, John
Kerr, James Bordlcy and William Burtt, be a committee of
correspondence and intercourse until some alteration is made
in this appointment by a more general meeting.”
Attested, by James Earle, dvk of the committee.
■ ft
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