And when a three penny duty on tea was demanded of us, we peremptorily refused to comply ; and instead of expostulating or of showing our disapprobation of that act, by remonstrating in a legal and constitutional way, as we ought to have done ; or instead of taking that easy and effectual method that offered itself to us, I mean the not purchasing that commodity, while encumbered with the duty, we flew into the most indecent rage, and hastily adopted every unwarrantable measure that could irritate and provoke the government ; we either destroyed or sent back, in a most contemptuous manner, all the tea that entered our harbors ; we insulted her ministers, and absolutely denied her authority.

" The colony of Massachusetts Bay was the foremost and the most violent in this opposition, and chastisement followed close upon the transgression, which, though the mildest that could possibly have bee.i inflicted, considering the nature of the offence, has kindled such a flame through the whole continent of xA-merica, as threatens universal devastation. The Colonies, instead of endeavoring to extinguish it, are increasing its violence ; instead of striving to restore peace and good harmony, so essential to the welfare of both countries, are using every possible means to widen the breach and make it irreparable. Good God ! that we should be so void of common sense ! that we should be so blind to our own happiness ! What advantage, in the name of Heaven, can we propose to ourselves, in being at enmity with Great Britain? Shall we by this means become more powerful, more wealthy, or more free 1 Let us pause for a moment, and reflect a little upon the absurdity and folly of such expectations. On the contrary, shall we not derive every desirable advantage from being in friendship and amity with her 1 Shall we not derive strength, protection and stability, from that oak around which we have so long twined ourselves, and under the shadow of whose branches we have so long flourished in security ^