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calm and discriminating in judgment, fixed in
his principles, steadfast in purpose, and by his ability and patriotism enchaining universal respect and the unfailing confidence of the freemen of his Colony.
His opinion was formed, that if ‘methods tending to violence should be taken to maintain the dependence of the Colonies, it would hasten a separation;’
1 that the connection with
England could be preserved by ‘gentle and insensible methods,’ rather than ‘by power or force.’
But not so reasoned
Townshend, who, after the
Whitsuntide Holidays, ‘stole’
2 his Bill imperceptibly through both Houses.
3 The Stamp Act had called an American revenue ‘just and necessary;’ and had been repealed as impolitic.
Townshend's Preamble to his Bill granting duties in
America on glass, red and
white lead, painter's colors and paper, and three pence a pound on tea, declared an American revenue ‘expedient.’
4 By another Act
5 a
Board of Customs was established at
Boston; and general Writs of Assistance were legalized.
For
New-York the
Lords of Trade, avowedly from political reasons, refused to the Presbyterians any immunities, but such as might be derived from the
British Law of Toleration;
6 while an Act of Parliament
7 suspended the functions of its Representatives, till they should render obedience to the
Imperial Legislature.
On such an alternative, it was thought that that Province would submit without delay; and that the