[273] The universal and intense opposition of all ranks in all
the colonies (except a few of the office-holders) was re-echoed and
strengthened by opposition and remonstrances from the merchants and
manufacturers in England and Scotland connected with the American
trade.[274] Parliament met the 17th December, 1765, when one reason
assigned in the Royal speech for calling Parliament together earlier
than usual was the importance of matters which had occurred in America,
all papers connected with which would be laid before them. After the
Christmas recess, the Parliament met the 17th of January, 1766, when
American affairs were again commended in a speech from the Throne as a
principal object of parliamentary deliberations. Both Houses, in their
replies to the King, showed that they regarded American affairs in the
same important light as his Majesty; and for more than two months those
affairs constituted the principal subject of parliamentary debate, and
the leading topics of conversation among all classes. The application of
the Commons was unwearied; their sittings continued until after
midnight, and sometimes even until morning; the number of petitions they
received, the multitude of papers and the witnesses they had to examine,
occupied much time, accompanied by continual debates. The authors of the
Stamp Act were now in opposition, and made most strenuous efforts in its
justification. The debates turned chiefly on two questions: 1. Whether
the Legislature of Great Britain had, or had not, a right of taxation
over the colonies; 2. Whether the late laws, especially the Stamp Act,
were just and expedient. In the ultimate decision of the first question
both parties agreed, and the House affirmed, without a division, "That
the Parliament of Great Britain had a right to bind the colonies in all
cases whatsoever," without any distinction in regard to taxation. As to
the second question, Parliament decided, after very warm and protracted
debates, in favour of the total repeal of the Stamp Act. Accordingly two
Bills were brought in, pursuant to these resolutions: the one, a
declaratory Bill, entitled "An Act for securing the defence of the
American colonies of Great Britain," and asserting the right of
Parliament to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever; the other, for
the total repeal of the Stamp Act.

[Colonel Barre's celebrated reply to Charles Townsend, and review of it,
on the passing of the Stamp Act, will be found