time, and the new Administration declared it was not their intention "to tax the Colonies without their consent." In March, 1766, the Stamp Act was repealed. This considerate conduct spread joy through the Colonies, but it was soon dampened by a Resolution voted by Parliament asserting their power and right "to make laws of sufficient force and validity to bind the Colonies in all cases whatsoever." This was simply a reiteration of the right of taxation, whether the Colonies consented or not. This foreboded evil, and it soon came. In 1767, an Act was passed imposing Duties on glass, paper, paints, and tea imported into the Colonies from Great Britain, the object of which was declared to be, "to raise a revenue in America." Hitherto the Colonies had submitted to taxes on their commerce in the form of Duties, not because they considered them just or Constitutional, but because they shrank from a collision with the Mother-country. The unity and courage, however, displayed throughout the Colonies in opposition to the Stamp Act, and its consequent repeal, now emboldened them to repel the new Duties. Massachusetts, whose commerce suffered the most, led off in the fray. Virginia followed her with alacrity. The former tactics were renewed. Petitions and addresses were showered on Parliament. Not only were the Colonies, said these documents, prohibited from importing the commodities and manufactures of Europe, except from Great Britain, but the Colonies. were forbidden by Acts of Parliament even from sending their productions to any foreign ports. Both these restrictions were heavy taxes on the Colonies. The Legislatures of Massachusetts and Virginia were both dissolved by the Royal Governors for their contumacious behaviour. All the Colonies sustained Massachusetts and Virginia, and non-importation agreements became again universal. Parliament succumbed a second time, and all the proscribed Duties were repealed in 1770, except on tea. An Act was also passed entitling the East India Company to a drawback on teas exported to America, which would make tea cheaper there than in Great Britain. These concessions failed. The blood of the Colonists was up, and they refused to pay even the Duties on tea. Large shipments of it arrived in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and other places. The Colonists resolved it should not be landed, lest the Duties might be paid, and the right of Parliament be thereby acknowledged to tax the Colonies without their consent. In New York and Philadelphia the consignees refused to receive the cargoes, which were consequently sent back to England. In Boston the consignee was more pliant, but an enthusiastic meeting at Faneuil Hall voted "that the tea should not be landed." On adjourning, they repaired en masse to the wharf, when suddenly a number of men disguised as "Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels and threw 342 chests of tea into the bay. This mutinous conduct roused the indignation of Parliament. Instead of further conciliation, Act after Act of repression was fulminated. The "Boston Port Bill" was passed, closing up her harbor to commerce, and removing the Custom House to Salem.* Another * This Act was loudly condemned in Parliament, but the Minister, Lord North, was able to force it through. In London it excited great Act followed "for better regulating the government. of the Province of Massachusetts Bay." Still another for the "impartial administration of justice in Massachusetts Bay." It was the purpose of Parliament to make the Colony of "Massachusetts Bay" smart for her refractory demeanor. A final Bill was passed for quartering soldiers on the inhabitants of the Colonies. The time had now come for submission to Parliamentary dictation, or a bold defiance whatever the results. The Colonists hesitated not a moment. Virginia recommended the 1st of June, on which the Port of Boston was to be closed, as a day of fasting and prayer. It was so observed throughout the Colonies. A cry was echoed from all quarters for a Congress, and it met in Philadelphia, September, 1774. This body published an emphatic Protest against the right of Great Britain "to tax the Colonies or to interfere with their internal affairs." They also prepared and signed. an Agreement for themselves and constituents not to import or use British goods till the Acts complained of should be repealed. The determination of Parliament not to retreat from its coercive policy rendered appeals and remonstrances alike unavailing. A struggle seemed inevitable, and the Colonies prepared for it. Gunpowder was manufactured, the Militia was trained, and military stores collected. In April, 1775, the British General, Gage, at Boston, sent troops to destroy a magazine of supplies at Concord. indignation in the commercial world, and £30,000-$150,000-was subscribed for those who would be thrown out of employment at Boston. U At Lexington the Militia were drawn up to intercept them. A collision ensued, and eight of the militiamen fell. This incident vibrated like an electric shock through the Colonies. Up to this moment the contest had been political. It suddenly became a conflict of arms. The Colonies had always hoped to compromise these difficulties with England without violence or separation. This, however, was not the expectation or the purpose of the sagacious Politicians of New England. They were convinced there was no remedy for Colonial wrongs but in complete Independence. It was not merely the commercial oppression of the Mothercountry that nerved them to resistance, but still more the determination to establish that Democratic Government which their forefathers had inaugurated at Plymouth in 1620. All New England, therefore, secretly rejoiced at the arrogant policy of England, which was sure to drive the Colonies to revolt. Massachusetts was active in her preparations for military resistance, and eagerly awaited an opportunity to abandon merely political opposition, and resort to open war. The occasion came when General Gage sent, as stated, a detachment to Concord. Massachusetts rallied her militiamen, and the coveted blow was struck. The struggle for Independence then began. Astonishment and anger filled the Colonies, but Massachusetts was ready for the emergency. Three days after the affray at Lexington, her Legislature called on New England to raise an army of 30,000 men. Ten days later 20,000 men were encamped around Boston, which was occupied by the King's Governor and army. Soon afterwards volunteer expeditions from Connecticut |