George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[76] New Jersey, which had evaded the Billeting Act, but

Chap. XXIX.} 1767. May.

had yet furnished the King's troops with every essential thing to their perfect satisfaction. Against these Colonies it was not necessary to institute severe proceedings. But New-York, in the month of June last, beside appointing its own commissary, had limited its supplies to two regiments, and to those articles only which were provided in the rest of the King's dominions; and in December had refused to do more. Here was such clear evidence of a direct denial of the authority of Parliament, and such overt acts of disobedience to one of its laws, that an immediate interposition was most strongly called for, as well to secure the just dependence of the Province, as to maintain the majesty and authority of Government.

It became Parliament, not to engage in controversy with its Colonies, but to assert its sovereignty, without uniting them in a common cause. For this end he proposed to proceed against New-York, and against New-York alone. To levy a local tax would be to accept a penalty in lieu of obedience. He should, therefore, move that New-York, having disobeyed Parliament, should be restrained from any legislative act of its own, till it should comply.

He then proceeded to advocate the establishment of a Board of Commissioners of the Customs, to be stationed in America.

‘Our right of taxation,’ he continued, ‘is indubitable; yet to prevent mischief, I was myself in favor of repealing the Stamp Act. But there can be no objections to Port Duties on wine, oil and fruits, if allowed to be carried to America directly from Spain and Portugal; on glass, paper, lead, and colors; and especially on tea. Owing to the high charges in England, ’