espect and veneration. Arbitrary ministers, they
thought, might possibly at times attempt to oppress them; but they
relied on it, that the Parliament on application would always give
redress. They remembered with gratitude a strong instance of this,
when a Bill was brought into Parliament, with a clause to make
royal instructions laws in the colonies, which the House of Commons
would not pass, and it was thrown out.

Q.--And have they not still the same respect for Parliament?

A.--No; it is greatly lessened.

Q.--To what causes is that owing?

A.--To a concurrence of causes; the restraints lately laid on their
trade by which the bringing of foreign gold and silver into the
colonies was prevented; the prohibition of making paper money among
themselves, and then demanding a new and heavy tax by stamps;
taking away at the same time trial by juries, and refusing to see
and hear their humble petitions.

Q.--Don't you think they would submit to the Stamp Act if it was
modified, the obnoxious parts taken out, and the duty reduced to
some particulars of small moment?

A.--No; they will never submit to it.

Q.--What is your opinion of a future tax, imposed on the same
principle of that of the Stamp Act; how would the Americans receive
it?

A.--Just as they do this. They would not pay it.

Q.--Have not you heard of the resolutions of this House, and of the
House of Lords, asserting the right of Parliament relating to
America, including a power to tax the people there?

A.--Yes; I have heard of such resolutions.

Q.--What will be the opinion of the Americans on those resolutions?

A.--They will think them unconstitutional and unjust.

Q.--Was it an opinion in America before 1763, that the Parliament
had no right to levy taxes and duties there?

A.--I never heard any objection to the right of levying duties to
regulate commerce; but a right to levy internal taxes was never
supposed to be in Parliament, as we are not represented there.

Q.--You say the colonies have always submitted to external taxes,
and object to the right of Parliament only in levying internal
taxes; now, can you show that there is any kind of difference
between the two taxes to the colony on which they may be laid?

A.--I think the difference is very g