USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts from 1764, to July 1775; when general Washington took command of the American Army. V. 1 > Part 9
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Among the plans in contemplation, at this period, which gave much anxiety and alarm to the people in Massachusetts and in most of the other colonies, was that of establishing Episcopacy in America, under the patronage of the church of England. Although there was no cause, perhaps, to expect a direct and immediate interference with the Congregational and Presbyterian societies, which were a large majority, or with religious liberty in general; yet there was an apprehension, that if Bishops were appointed by the British government to reside in America, and to have the particular countenance and support of ad- ministration, the consequences would soon prove highly injurious to other denominations of Christians
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in the colonies. Much was written and published on the subject in this province. Distinguished lay- men, as well as clergymen, deprecated the proposal. For the civilians of that day were generally men of great piety, and warmly attached to religious free- dom. The agent in England was instructed to pre- sent a remonstrance against the measure : and in this, he had the co-operation of other American agents.
At the session of the Legislature, which com- menced the last of May, 1767, for the choice of counsellors, the organization of the provincial gov- ernment for the year, and for such other public business as required attention, or was necessary for the ordinary regulation of civil affairs, nothing occur- red of sufficient importance to change the condition of the people, or quiet their minds as to the mea- sures of the British ministry. Administration had advanced no new claims : nor had it relaxed, in any instances, in the policy lately pursued. The high duties on articles imported into the colonies and the restrictions on their trade were continued, although repeatedly shewn to be oppressive in their operation and unfavorable to the prosperity of the province. This effect was particularly felt by Massachusetts, in which was a greater proportion of citizens concerned in commercial adventures, than in the other colonies. This province was also burdened with a heavy debt, occasioned chiefly by the expenses of the campaigns from 1755 to 1762 .* There was very little specie in circulation, large quantities having been remitted to England to pay for her goods and manufactures. The people, therefore, on the one hand, still com- plained of the policy of administration, by whom their trade was restricted and the high rate of im- posts required : and, on the other, ministers were made to believe, that the inhabitants of Massachu-
* Massachusetts spent £450,000, in three years, for the support of troops, which served with the British army.
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setts were unruly, and factious ; averse from that spirit of submission, to which the supreme au- thority of Parliament was entitled. The Governor represented to the administration in England, that he was not treated with the respect due to the public agent of the crown ; and that it was difficult to main- tain his authority and execute the laws, without the assistance of a military force. Far from attempting to conciliate the people or the Assembly, he was always forward in the exercise of his official power, to its extreme limits, however it might interfere with their opinions and wishes. He objected, as the pre- ceding year, to the election of several counsellors,* regularly chosen by the Assembly, for no other reason than that of their attachment to the rights of the people. In his speech to the two Houses, he ob- served " that he had no particular commands from his Majesty to communicate : But he would recommend to them to endeavor to restore mutual confidence and unanimity to the General Court : that his powers was derived from the same source as their privi- leges ; and that the full exercise of them, he pre- sumed, would not justly give offence : but it being his desire to temper his authority with moderation, he should rejoice at every opportunity to manifest such a disposition." He advised them to make all possible despatch of the public business, and suggest- ed that long disputes were expensive to the people. The House, in reply, declared their ardent wish for mutual confidence in the several departments of gov- ernment; and said, that during a long period of calamity and distress, they knew of no act of the Assembly which tended to interrupt a general har- mony. They acknowledged, " that there was a deep concern among the people, that after they had shewn the greatest loyalty, it was represented to the King
* These were Col. Otis, S. Dexter, J. Gerrish, T. Saunders, and J. Bowers, Esqrs.
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that a degree of ill temper remained in the province." And they informed the Governor, it would serve greatly to quiet the minds of the people, if they could be authorized to assure them, that he had not made such representation. They were convinced, they said, " that he would not decline the full exercise of his constitutional powers; nor did they desire it." But they intimated, that there might be an indiscreet use even of legal power; of which they had a right to form their own judgment. "They were sensible there were matters of great concern to the province, which would properly come before them. These, they should despatch in as short a time, as due delib- eration would permit. They regretted, that the disputes of the last year were necessary : if they were unusually protracted, it was not the fault of the House ; as the rights of the people were intrusted to them, it was their indispensable duty to maintain and defend them. They hoped none of them would be called in question ; but should that be the case, they were bound to contend for them; and should not, therefore, think the dispute, on their part, unneces- sary, nor the time employed in it mispent." The spirit, which dictated the foregoing address of the Governor, and the remarks of the House, in reply, furnishes no reason to expect mutual confidence and good will between them. While they claimed the rights of self-government, and he, as agent of the British administration, was determined to "decline no exercise" of what he pretended was his "legal prerogative," the hostility must remain. The Gov- ernor was, indeed, justified in all his conduct, by the ministry and the King, in so far as it was represented to them. But it is to be remembered, that he and his friends in the province gave a colouring to public transactions most favorable to his conduct and most reprehensible of the people. The administration were resolved to put down all opposition in the colo- nies. They were determined to raise a revenue in
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America; if not by internal taxation, certainly by excessive duties on commerce. Any complaint against the plan was to be met only with rebuke and threatenings ; and new imposts were to be required, which were to be applied to the support of numerous crown officers, and of a greater military force, to aid the civil power in the execution of such oppressive statutes. The plan had long been in agitation : BERNARD, HUTCHINSON and some others in the province, were in favor of the measure.
This year, commissioners were appointed, on the part of the province, and also by the colony of New York, to settle the boundary line between the two jurisdictions. There had been a dispute on this subject, for many years ; and acts of violence had been committed by the people of both governments living near the borders. It had become difficult to execute civil processes : and many of the citizens inhabiting there refused submission to the lawful authority of one or the other, as was supposed to be for their interests. It was some time before the commissioners agreed, as to the principles, in deter- mining where the dividing line ought to run. They met several times, at a place twenty miles east of Hudson's river, where it was generally contended the line ought to be fixed : they also met at Albany and Hartford repeatedly, to settle the question. In 1769, they agreed, as to the distance from the river, the boundary ought to be between the two colonies : and their opinion was approved by each government ; and surveyors appointed to ascertain and mark the line. But difficulties still occurred : even in 1773, the subject was not finally settled, though it was generally known where the boundary line was fixed. And it was after the war of the revolution, before it was decided, so as to put the dispute entirely at rest. *
* In February, 1768, the General Court passed a resolve respecting Woodstock, Suffield, Enfield and Somers, the inhabitants of which, in 1749, revolted from the government of this province. These towns
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Excepting lumber of various kinds, pot and pearl ashes were the chief articles of exportation from this province to Great Britain. It became important, therefore, to encourage and regulate the manufacture of it. The attention of the General Assembly was repeatedly directed to the subject in 1766 and 1767 : several committees were appointed to inquire by what methods it would be made more pure and valu- able ; and also for the purpose of preventing all fraud in the manufacture and sale. They consulted chemists in England, as well as persons in America, who had experience in preparing it. And a law was passed in June, to secure and promote these objects. Attempts were repeatedly made, during the year 1767, to repeal an act passed in 1750, prohibiting stage plays and other theatrical entertainments : but without avail. A majority of the members of the Legislature believed that such exhibitions had a tendency to corrupt the morals of the people, and were inconsistent with the sober deportment, which Christians ought to maintain. The views and man- ners of a people are best known by such acts of
were considered and acknowledged by Connecticut to belong to Mas- sachusetts, by virtue of a special agreement, made and ratified by both colonies, when the lines were run and fixed between them in 1713. At the time above mentioned, they declared themselves to be within the jurisdiction of Connecticut, and refused to pay taxes or obey any precept from Massachusetts. This was supposed to be in consequence of the greater portion of taxes they would be liable to pay in the latter than in the former government. It was stated in the resolve, that these towns had heen first settled and always protected at great charge by Massachusetts : that they belonged to this province by solemn compact and agreement : that Connecticut, at first, disclaimed all agency in the revolt, but afterwards artfully set up new bounds for the counties of Windham and Hartford, in order to support and justify their right to these towns ; and that a long war had prevented this government from compulsory measures. But it was now declared by the General Asseru- bly, that these towns ought at all times and from thenceforth to be con- sidered within the limits and under the jurisdiction of this province ; and all officers were required to take notice of the resolution. But the opinion and claim of Massachusetts were disregarded; and though some disputes took place, from time to time, between the officers of Massachusetts and the inhabitants of those places, they have ever since continued under the government of Connecticut.
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legislation. This transaction, therefore, is worthy of record.
The sentiments of the citizens of Massachusetts on the subject of the slave trade, at this period, are to be collected from the fact, that a bill to prohibit this inhuman traffic, was introduced into the General Assembly, and received the sanction of both Houses ; but the Governor declined giving his signature to it; and it did not, therefore, take effect as a law; and yet public opinion was clearly against any permission to import negroes into the province. The Governor had been instructed by administration not to assent to such a law. Whether such instructions were given through the influence of British merchants, or from a wish in ministers to encourage the growth of West India products, by the labor of slaves, with a view to the general prosperity and wealth of the kingdom; they afford melancholy evidence, that considerations of interest and power are often supe- rior to those of justice and humanity. There were some Africans, then in the province, who were held in unjustifiable bondage. But the inquiry which had been instituted respecting the natural and un- alienable rights of man, led many to doubt the pro- priety of keeping them in such a degrading situation. There was a very general expression against slavery as most unjust : and many respectable citizens de- clared their willingness to give freedom to their slaves, if it should be deemed consistent with the public welfare. Afterwards, in the time of governor HUTCHINSON, three several attempts were made by the Assembly of Massachusetts to prohibit the slave trade : but he did not consent to the bills prepared on the subject ; and no law was ever passed, under the provincial government, interdicting this most disgraceful traffic. As correct views of civil liberty prevailed, a desire was strongly expressed in favor of the Africans, who were held in bondage within the province. Many gave up their claims to the
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service of their black servants, over whom they had formerly exercised a similar control as over irrational animals. In general, they were treated with more mildness and humanity; and in some instances, where recourse was had to legal prosecution, they were released from the arbitrary control of those who had restrained them .*
* It appears by the public records for 1758, that there were then 2720 black slaves in Massachusetts-1200 of whom were in the county of Suffolk.
CHAPTER VII.
State of Province in 1767-Views of British Cabinet-Firmness and patriotism of Representatives-General Court adjourned, meeting in Boston-Non-importation-Instructions to their Representatives- General Court in January, 1768-Petition to the King-Letter to Agent-To British Secretary of State-And to Assemblies of the sev- eral Colonies-Distinction between Internal Taxes and Imposts- The latter also complained of-Grievances stated-Claim exemption from Taxes-Communicate proceedings to other Colonies-Governor abused in public papers-Makes complaint to the House-House also complain of his misrepresentations.
IN referring to events of a political nature, which occurred in Massachusetts, during the period of three years, we have seen that her citizens were intelli- gent, loyal and patriotic ; well acquainted with their rights, and able and resolute to maintain them ; at- tached to the parent state, and ready to submit to all requisitions, which were not in violation of the ex- press provisions of their charter, or the unalienable privileges of Englishmen. They asserted their rights with great moderation, and they remonstrated against the oppressive measures of the British government, with equal firmness and loyalty. They allowed the supremacy of Parliament, as the highest legislative authority of the whole empire; but contended that this, even, was controled by the principles of the constitution, and the eternal rules of justice and of right. They acknowledged allegiance to the crown ; and cherished all the affection and respect for the
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King, which were due from loyal and free subjects. Convinced, however, that the encroachments on their ancient privileges and the acts of the British minis- try, from a mistaken policy or an arbitrary and selfish spirit, whose only object was the wealth and power of the parent country, at the expense both of the prosperity and liberty of the colonies, were as unjust as they were severe ; they opposed, by petitions, by arguments and remonstrances, this oppressive system. They did not aim at independence: They did not wish a separation from the parent state. But they contended for the right of self government, with an ardor and ability worthy of the sacred cause, in which they were engaged.
There were times, when they had a hope that their rights and liberties would be secure, and that the severe measures of administration would be dis- continued. They knew that many able statesmen in England advocated their cause ; and that a majority of ministers, for a season, were in favor of a more just and mild policy. Of this they had evidence, in the repeal of the stamp act, in a proposal to remove some of the restrictions on the trade of the colonies, and in forbearing to impose internal taxes. But administration had powerful opponents ; and were too fond of their plans, or too much under the influ- ence of those who were supporters of arbitrary pow- er, to adopt decisive measures for the relief of the colonies. After various and contrary proposals for regulating the concerns of America, and after a new organization of the Cabinet in July, 1767, it was de- termined to continue the commercial restrictions, the evils of which had long been felt and complained of in Massachusetts ; to levy imposts on other articles brought into the colonies, for the purpose of raising a revenue, to be applied under the direction of the British ministry ; to increase the officers for collect- ing the revenue, and to give them additional powers; to pay them, and the Governor and judges, without
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the consent of the colonial Assemblies ; to augment their military force, and revive the mutiny act, with additional clauses of severity : and thus to convince the Americans, that they must submit to any laws or regulations which they might impose ; which was in effect a renewal of the declaration, made on the re- peal of the stamp act, that they had a right to bind the colonies in all cases whatever.
The intelligence of these views and designs of the British government, which reached Boston in Sep- tember, produced a great sensation among the peo- ple. A spirit of concern and anxiety pervaded the province, as deep and strong as at the time of the stamp act. It was fully apparent, that the measures proposed, if carried into execution, would empoverish and enslave America. Many articles now subjected to duties were considered almost as necessaries ; the regulations on trade prevented all prospect of gain ; the little specie in circulation would soon be drawn from the province, for the payment of imposts ; their own debt was great, and they were also suffering the mischiefs of a depreciated paper currency. Degra- dation and ruin imminently threatened. The exigen- cy called for united and resolute efforts : And the disinterested patriots of that critical period were not wanting in fidelity to their country and posterity.
The General Court of the province which stood adjourned to September, had been further prorogued to December; and though the representatives from the town of Boston, always attentive to the public welfare and glowing with noble ardor in the cause of freedom, had requested the Governor to call it to- gether at an earlier day, as the state of the province imperiously required, he declined adopting so rea- sonable and prudent a measure. In November, a meeting was holden, by the citizens of the capital, to consider the situation of public affairs. The As- sembly was ably and feelingly addressed ; resolutions were adopted to encourage "industry, economy and
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manufactures ;" and a large committee was appointed to obtain subscribers to an agreement for discontinu- ing the importation of British goods, and to refrain, as much as possible, from the use of all articles which were superfluous and unnecessary. Most of the in- habitants subscribed to the agreement .* It was re- commended to the people through the province to attend more to the manufacture of linen and woollen cloth ; which it was said, with due attention, might be wrought to such an extent, as to supersede all foreign importations .; Most of the towns in the vicinity of Boston, and many in the interior of the province, adopted similar resolutions and entered in- to similar agreements with the citizens of the capital. The plan was also adopted in Portsmouth, Provi- dence, New-York, Philadelphia, and in some towns in other colonies.
At a subsequent meeting of the citizens of Boston, instructions were given to their representatives in the General Court, by a reference to which, the feel- ings and views prevalent among the people of the province will be fully manifested. They stated, that most of the importations, on which duties were re- quired, were not superfluities ; that the debt of the province, occasioned by the late war, was almost in- supportable ; that their trade in most branches was burdened with duties and restrictions : And enjoined. on them to use all proper measures to encourage manufactures and to recommend economy. They declared, " that they had nothing more at heart than to maintain a lasting friendship and union with Great Britain." They urged them " to be careful to frus- trate all designs to create jealousies and divisions ; to examine all acts of Parliament and compare them
* The committee chosen for this purpose consisted of J. Rowe, S. Austin, E. Payne, H. Inches, &c.
t The newspapers of that period mention several instances of very respectable families appearing afterwards in a costume plain and una- dorned ; and substituting other articles of refreshment, for teas, wine, and fruit of foreign growth.
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with the rights of the province recognized in the charter : and to consider the injury to civil liberty, as well as to the prosperity of the people, from the exercise of the legislative authority of Parliament, in which they were not represented, in laying duties and raising a revenue." They desired them to re- flect, "whether the power claimed by the British government, of imposing such heavy duties on most articles of importation, could be justified upon the pretext of regulating trade ; and whether this mode of raising a revenue, was not, in fact, as unjust, as laying internal taxes." And they hoped, " such representations would be made by the Assembly, at the approaching session, to his Majesty, of constitu- tional and charter rights, of the hardships and griev- ances they suffered by the late acts of Parliament, and also of their loyalty and affection to the King, and of a constitutional subordination to the supreme legislative power of the nation, as would be likely to prevail with ministers to discontinue these severe measures."
The conduct of Bostonians, on this occasion, was as temperate and prudent, as it was firm and patriot- ic. Every precaution was taken to prevent riot and tumult ; which many feared and some encouraged. The passions of the people might have been easily inflamed to acts of violence. The law was now to take effect imposing new and heavy duties ; the com- missioners of the customs had arrived, and were ready, with numerous legal spies, and a military force, to exercise their authority so as to give no hope of favor or possibility of evasion. Reports were circulated by the friends of administration, en- tirely unfounded, and injurious to the character of some influential citizens, tending to deceive the peo- ple, and to create distrust among the leading patriots. But they were able to restrain the popular ferment, and to baffle the intrigues of their artful opponents.
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When the Assembly met, on the 30th of Decem- ber, a large committee* was appointed to consider the state of the province: and on the following day, the charter was first read in the House, and then the laws of the British Parliament recently passed, in- terfering with the affairs of the colonies ; with a de- sign to shew how far these acts were consistent with the rights and liberties guaranteed by that original compact. In the business of petitions and remon- strance, we shall find, that they proceeded with cau- tious, though with resolute steps. Their opposition was founded in intelligence and supported by argu- ment. And their ardent feelings were displayed by the resolution with which they pursued the objects their sober judgment approved. On recommenda- tion of this committee, the House voted a petition to the King ; a letter to DE BERDT, their agent in Eng- land; to Lord SHELBURNE and to several other members of administration; to the Lords Commis- sioners of the Treasury ; and also an address to be sent to the several colonial Assemblies on this conti- nent : All referring to the acts of the British govern- ment, which were so oppressive in their operation ; and seeking relief from the late severe and alarm- ing measures.
In the letter to their agent, after adverting to the acts of Parliament, which were deeply interesting to the people of the province, (but who had no share in framing them) of whose rights and liberties they were the constitutional guardians, and therefore bound to examine all laws imposing taxes on the in- habitants ; they say, " the fundamental rules of the constitution are the grand security of all British sub- jects ; and it is a security to which they are all equal- ly entitled, in all parts of his Majesty's dominions. The supreme legislature, in every free state, derives
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