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

[216] the reverence of the nation. A reform was hence-

Chap. XXXVII} 1768. Oct.

forward advocated by Grenville. ‘The number of electors,’ such was his declared¹ opinion, ‘is become too small in proportion to the whole people, and the Colonies ought to be allowed to send members to Parliament.’²

‘What other reason than an attempt to raise discontent,’ replied Edmund Burke as the organ of the Rockingham Whigs, ‘can he have for suggesting, that we are not happy enough to enjoy a sufficient number of voters in England? Our fault is on the other side.’ And he mocked at an American Representation and union with America as the vision of a lunatic.³

The opinions of Grenville were obtaining universal circulation, just as intelligence was received of the proceedings of the town of Boston relative to the proposed convention. From their votes, it was inferred that the troops would be opposed, should they attempt to land; that Massachusetts Bay, if not all the Colonies, must henceforward be considered as in a state of actual rebellion, and measures were concerting to rely upon superiority in arms, and to support authority in America, at all hazards. ‘Depend upon it,’ said Hillsborough to the Agent of Connecticut, who had presented him the Petition of that Colony, ‘Parliament will not suffer their authority to be trampled upon. We wish to avoid severities towards you, but if you refuse obedience to our ’