" Second, That we conceive it a fundamental part *' of the British Constitution, that no Man shall be " taxed but by his own Consent, or that of his Repre- " sentative, in Parliament ; and as we are by no means " represented, we consider all Acts of Parliament ■" imposing Taxes on the Colonies, an undue ex- " ertion of Power, and subversive of one of the most " valuable Privileges of the English Constitution.

" Third, That it is the Opinion of this Meeting " that the Act of Parliament for shutting up the Port " of Boston, and divesting some of the Inhabitants of " private Property, is a most unparalleled, rigorous, " and unjust piece of Cruelty and Despotism.

"Fourth, That unanimity and firmness of "Measures in the Colonies are the most effectual " Means to secure the invaded Eights and Privileges " of America, and to avoid the impending Ruin which " now threatens this once happy Country.

" Fifth, That the most effectual mode of redress- " ing our Grievances will be by a general Congress of " Delegates from the different Colonies ; and that we " are willing to abide by such Measures as they, in "their Wisdom, shall think most conducive upon " such an important Occasion."

These Resolutions were duly submitted to the Meeting ; and, as the official record says, they " were " unanimously approved of; " when the assemblage quietly dispersed. 1

Those who are acquainted with the questionable practices of ambitious, and, not unfrequently, unscrupulous politicians, will be prepared, without warning, for the reception of any modification of the recorded features of that Meeting, at Rye, of which mention has been made -- the first demonstration, in Westchester-county, concerning the great political questions of the day, of which there is, now, any existing record.