Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/121

 and arbitorily deprives them of their property^ in wharves erected by private persons, at their own great and proper expense; which act is, in our opinion, a most dangerous attempt to destroy the constitutional hberty and rights of all North America. It is further our opinion, that as tea, on its importation into America, is charged with a duty imposed by parliament, for the pur- pose of raising a revenue without the consent of the people, it ought not to be used by any person who wishes well to the constitutional rights and liberties of British America. And whereas the India company have un- generously attempted the ruin of America, by sending many ships loaded with tea into the colonies, thereby intending to fix a precedent in favour of arbitrary taxa- tion, we deem it highly proper and do accordingly re- commend it strongly to our countrymen, not to pur- chase or use any kind of East India commodity what- soever, except saltpetre and spices, until the grievances of America are redressed. We are further clearly of opinion, that an attack made on one of our sister colo- nies, to compel submission to arbitrary taxes, is an attack made on all British America, and threatens ruin to the rights of all, unless the united wisdom of the whole be applied. And far this purpose it is recommended to the committee of correspondence, that they communicate with their several corresponding committees, on the ex- pediency of appointing deputies f 7 om the several colo- nies of British America, to meet in general congress, at svjch place, annually, as shall he tlwught most conve- nient; there to deliberate on those general measures ivhich the united interests of America may, from time to time, require.

" A tender regard for the interest of our fellow-sub- jects, the merchants and manufacturers of Great Bri-

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