least, the
punishment of the disorder ought to be attended with the redress of the
grievance. We were of opinion, that, if our dependencies had so outgrown
the positive institutions made for the preservation of liberty in this
kingdom, that the operation of their powers was become rather a pressure
than a relief to the subjects in the colonies, wisdom dictated that the
spirit of the Constitution should rather be applied to their
circumstances, than its authority enforced with violence in those very
parts where its reason became wholly inapplicable.

Other methods were then recommended and followed, as infallible means of
restoring peace and order. We looked upon them to be, what they have
since proved to be, the cause of inflaming discontent into disobedience,
and resistance into revolt. The subversion of solemn, fundamental
charters, on a suggestion of abuse, without citation, evidence, or
hearing,--the total suspension of the commerce of a great maritime city,
the capital of a great maritime province, during the pleasure of the
crown,--the establishment of a military force, not accountable to the
ordinary tribunals of the country in which it was kept up,--these and
other proceedings at that time, if no previous cause of dissension had
subsisted, were sufficient to produce great troubles: unjust at all
times, they were then irrational.

We could not conceive, when disorders had arisen from the complaint of
one violated right, that to violate every other was the proper means of
quieting an exasperated people. It seemed to us absurd and preposterous
to hold out, as the means of calming a people in a state of extreme
inflammation, and ready to take up arms, the austere law which a rigid
conqueror would impose as the sequel of the most decisive victories.

Recourse, indeed, was at the same time had to force; and we saw a force
sent out, enough to menace liberty, but not to awe opposition,--tending
to bring odium on the civil power, and contempt on the military,--at
once to provoke and encourage resistance. Force was sent out not
sufficient to hold one town; laws were passed to inflame thirteen
provinces.

This mode of proceeding, by harsh laws and feeble armies, could not be
defended on the principle of mercy and forbearance. For mercy, as we
conceive, consists, not in the weakness of the means, but in the
benignity of the ends. We apprehend that mild measures may be powerfully
enforced, and that acts of extreme rigor