The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

392 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [LET. 42.
pense of law and justice to overthrow our constitutional
rights and liberties, how can I expect any redress from
a measure, which has been ineffectually tried already?
For, Sir, what is it we are contending against? Is it
against paying the duty of three pence per pound on
tea because burthensome? No, it is the right only, that
we have all along disputed; and to this end we have already petitioned his Majesty in as humble and dutiful a
manner, as subjects could do. Nay, more, we applied
to the House of Lords and House of Commons in their
different legislative capacities, setting forth, that, as
Englishmen, we could not be deprived of this essential
and valuable part of our constitution. If, then, as the
fact really is, it is against the right of taxation that we
now do, and, as I before said, all along have contended,
why should they suppose an exertion of this power
would be less obnoxious now than formerly? And
what reason have we to believe, that they would make
a second attempt, whilst the same sentiments fill the
breast of every American, if they did not intend to enforce it if possible? *
* Mr. Fairfax had written; -" I come now to consider a resolve, which
ought to be the most objected to, as tending more to widen the breach,
and prevent a reconciliation than any other. I mean that, wherein the authority of Parliament is almost in every instance denied. Something similar to this, though more imprudent, is the most exceptionable part of the
conduct of some in New England. It has been asserted in the House of
Commons, that America has been gradually encroaching; that, as they
have given up points, we have insisted on more. The fact is true, as to
encroachment, but the reason assigned is wrong. It is not because they
have given up points, but because they have not given them up, that we
out of resentment demand more than we at first thought of. But however
natural it is for people incensed to increase their claims, and whatever our
anger may induce us to say, in calm deliberations we should not Insist on
any thing unreasonable. We have all along submitted to the authority of
Parliament. From the first settlement of the colonies I believe there
never was an act of Parliament disputed, till the famous Stamp Act. It is
a maxim in law, that all the acts made since the settlement of the colonies