claim of Parliament to
tax America is, in other words, a claim of right to levy contributions
on us at pleasure.

"2. That the duty imposed by Parliament upon tea landed in America is a
tax on the Americans, or levying contributions on them without their
consent.

"3. That the express purpose for which the tax is levied on the
Americans, namely, for the support of government, administration of
justice, and defence of his Majesty's dominions in America, has a direct
tendency to render Assemblies useless, and to introduce arbitrary
government and slavery.

"4. That a virtuous and steady opposition to this Ministerial plan of
governing America is absolutely necessary to preserve even the shadow of
liberty, and is a duty which every freeman in America owes to his
country, to himself, and to his posterity.

"5. That the resolution lately entered into by the East India Company,
to send out their tea to America, subject to the payment of duties on
its being landed here, is an open attempt to enforce this Ministerial
plan, and a violent attack upon the liberties of America.

"6. That it is the duty of every American to oppose this attempt.

"7. That whosoever shall, directly or indirectly, countenance this
attempt, or in anywise aid or abet in unloading, receiving, or vending
the tea sent or to be sent out by the East India Company, while it
remains subject to the payment of a duty here, is an enemy to his
country.

"8. That a Committee be immediately chosen to wait on those gentlemen
who it is reported are appointed by the East India Company to receive
and sell said tea, and request them, from a regard to their own
character, and the peace and good order of the city and province,
immediately to resign their appointments." (Ramsay's Colonial History,
Vol. I., pp. 372, 373.)]

[Footnote 319: Ramsay's Colonial History, Vol. 1., Chap. iii., pp.
373-375.]

[Footnote 320: Holmes' Annals, etc., Vol. II., pp. 181, 182.]

[Footnote 321: Barry's History of Massachusetts, Second Period, Chap.
xiv., pp. 470-473.

The historian adds: "The Governor was in a forlorn state, and was unable
to keep up even a show of authority. Every one was against him. The
Houses were against him. 'The superior judges were intimidated from
acting,' and 'there was not a justice of the peace, sheriff, constable,
or peace-officer in the province who would venture to take cognizance of
any breach of law against the general bent of the people.'"--_I