Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/313

] in July, they denied that the circular to the colonies had been unfairly passed, and positively refused to comply with the minister's wishes. "If," they observed, "by the word rescinding is intended the passing a vote in direct and express disapprobation of the measure taken by the former House, we must take the liberty to declare that we hold it to be the native right of the subject to petition the king for the redress of grievances. If the votes of the House are to be controlled by the direction of a minister, we have left us but a vain semblance of liberty. We have now only to inform you that this House have voted not to rescind, and that on a division on the question there were ninety-two nays and seventeen yeas." The seventeen "rescinders," as they were termed, became objects of public odium. On the question to rescind, Mr. Otis, in his usually bold manner, said: "When Lord Hillsborough knows that we will not rescind our acts, let him apply to Parliament to rescind theirs. Let Britons rescind their measures, or they are lost for ever." The next day, the House of Representatives was dissolved by Bernard.

In the other colonies, the requisitions of the ministry were equally disregarded. When Governor Sharpe communicated Lord Hillsborough's letter to the Assembly of Maryland, their language in reply was fearless and independent. "We cannot," say they, "but view this as an attempt, in some of his Majesty's minister, to suppress all communication of sentiments between the colonies, and to prevent the united supplications of America from reaching the royal ear. We have the warmest and most affectionate attachment to our most gracious sovereign, and shall ever pay the readiest and most respectful regard to the just and constitutional power of the British Parliament; but we shall not be intimidated by a few high-sounding expressions from doing what we think is right." The Assemblies of New York, Delaware, Virginia, and Georgia, expressed similar sentiments, in language more or less decided; and, under instructions from the home government, they were dissolved by the royal governors.

The presence of the newly-appointed officers for collecting the custom house duties, did not tend to make matters more quiet, or to allay the excitement in the public mind. On the contrary, it was evident that collision might at any time be expected; and in fact, it occurred very soon. The sloop Liberty, belonging to Hancock, had been seized on the charge of smuggling. This was early in June, 1768. The Liberty was boarded by the officers, who, apprehensive of trouble, had solicited aid from the commander of a ship of war in the harbor, and by his advice had ordered the sloop to be brought under the guns of his ship. A riot broke out immediately; a mob collected; the custom-house officers, after being severely handled, narrowly escaped with their lives, while their houses were attacked, and their boat dragged through the town, and afterwards burned upon the common. The governor, unable to protect the officers, advised them to remove from Boston; they consequently