A.--I mean the usual way of requisition--in a circular letter from
the Secretary of State, by his Majesty's command, reciting the
occasion, and recommending it to the colonies to grant such aids as
became their royalty and were suitable to their abilities.

Q.--Did the Secretary of State ever write for money for the Crown?

A.--The requisitions have been to raise, clothe, and pay men, which
cannot be done without money.

Q.--Would they grant money alone if called on?

A.--In my opinion they would, money as well as men, when they have
money or can make it.

Q.--What used to be the pride of the Americans?

A.--To indulge in the fashions and manufactures of Great Britain.

Q.--What is now their pride?

A.--To wear their old clothes over again, till they can make new
ones.[282]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 265: "An American revenue was, in England, a very popular
measure. The cry in favour of it was so strong as to silence the voice
of petitions to the contrary. The equity of compelling the Americans to
contribute to the common expenses of the empire satisfied many, who,
without inquiring into the policy or justice of taxing their
unrepresented fellow-subjects, readily assented to the measures adopted
by Parliament for that purpose. The prospect of easing their own burdens
at the expense of the colonists, dazzled the eyes of gentlemen of landed
interest, so as to keep out of their view the probable consequences of
the innovation."

"The disposition to tax the colonies was also strengthened by
exaggerated accounts of their wealth. It was said that the American
planters lived in affluence and with inconsiderable taxes; while the
inhabitants of Great Britain were borne down by such aggressive burdens
as to make a bare existence a matter of extreme difficulty. The officers
who had served in America during the late war contributed to this
delusion. Their observations were founded on what they had seen in the
cities, and at a time when large sums were spent by Government in
support of fleets and armies, and when American commodities were in
great demand. To treat with attention those who came to fight for them,
and also to gratify their own pride, the colonists had made a parade of
their riches, by frequently and sumptuously entertaining the gentlemen
of the British army. These, judging from what they saw, without
considering the general state of the