par's, in Congress, it was unanimously agreed to, and copies ordered to be sent to the assembly of each province for concurrence, and one to the ministry in England for approbation of the crown. The crown disapproved it, as having too much weight in the democratic part of the constitution, and every assembly as having allowed too much to prerogative; so it was totally rejected.—Cited in Frothingham, p. 149. Nothing can exceed the jealousy and emulation which they possess in regard to each other. The inhabitants of Pennsylvania and New York have an inexhaustible source of animosity in their jealousy for the trade of the Jerseys. Massachusetts Bay and Rhode Island are not less interested in that of Connecticut were they left to themselves, there would soon be a civil war from one end of the continent to the other.-Ib., p. 152. The circular to the various colonies, prepared by the legislature of Massachusetts, calling for a congress of the colonies, dated July 8, 1765, reads as follows: SIR,―The House of Representatives of this province, in the present session of General Court, have unanimously agreed to propose a meeting of committees from the houses of representatives or burgesses of the several British colonies on this continent, [give reasons] and to consider of a general and united representation of their condition. -Niles, Principles and Acts of the American Revolution, p. 156. In organizing the Congress Oct 7, 1765, it was decided that the committee of each colony shall have one voice (vote) only in determining any question that shall rise in the congress.-lb., 162. Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 1765, A. M.— The congress resumed the consideration of the rights and privileges of the British American colonists, &c. -Ib., 162. took into consideration the manner in which their several petitions should be preferred and solicited in Great Britain, and thereupon came to the following determination, viz: It is recommended by the Congress to the several colonies to appoint special agents for soliciting relief from their present grievances, and to unite their utmost interests and endeavors for that purpose.—Ib., 168. One stanza of a "song sung at Boston, in New Lay aside your fine goods, Taste and feel with high glee, And in winter have huts for repose. In 1766 an article appears signed "A British American."-Frothingham, 194. Sam. Adams, Sept. 16, 1771, writes in the "Boston Gazette": I have often thought that in this time of common distress, it would be the wisdom of the colonists more frequently to correspond with and to be more attentive to the particular circumstances of each other. The colonists form one political body of which each is a member. . . . The liberties of the whole are invaded; it is therefore the interest of the whole to support each individual with all their weight and influence.—Frothingham, p. 263. In the House of Burgesses in Virginia, March, 1773. And whereas the affairs of the colony are frequently connected with those of Great Britain, as well as the neighboring colonies therefore Be it resolved, that a standing committee of [11 including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson] be appointed . . whose business it shall be to obtain [information concerning acts of British government] and to keep up and maintain a correspondence with her sister colonies. ... Resolved, that the speaker of this House do transmit to the speakers of the different assemblies copies of the said resolutions and request them to appoint some person or persons to communicate from time to time with the said committee. -Cited in Frothingham, pp. 280-81. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason toward my country They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. Sir, we are not weak, means which the God of Three millions of people, if we make a proper use of the nature hath placed in our power. armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as we possess, are invincible by any force which one enemy can send against us. Patrick Henry, March 28, 1775, in Virginia Convention.— Cited in American Orations, p. 188. QUESTIONS. 66 1. Why were Mr. Coddington and Mr. Brereton not to be communicated with by the governor of Massachusetts? 2. What does it prove in regard to union? 3. What colony made the first movement toward confederation? )4. Name the provinces in New England, 1640. 5. Who were magistrates? 6. Who were deputies? 7. Name reasons for union in 1643. 8. Who was Bradford? 9. Who was Winthrop? 10. Did the colonies have the right to form the confederation? 11. Do you find any evidences of jealousy among the colonies? 12. What were the terms of union? 13. Were they just? 14. What qualification for being a "commissioner"? 15. What provisions in our present constitution can you find in the confederacy of 1643? 16. Did the English government approve of the confederacy? 17. What claims did the colonists make in regard to the benefits of the confederation? 18. Why did the English "commissions" dislike the use of the words state, commonwealth, etc., by the colonists? 19. Were the English commissions" and the colonists on good terms? Why? 29. Was Jacob Leisler for union? 21. How did the Indian feel about unity? 22. What did Governor Treat mean by the "ancient confederation"? 23. Under what name do you find Massachusetts sometimes spoken of? 24. Was Jacob Leisler an educated man? 25. Name the various times when there was a union more or less perfect. 26. Which were most numerous in America, the English or the French? 27. Why did the French get possession of so large a part of America, about 1750? 28. Name the reasons given by Gov. Livingston. 29. What remedy was proposed for the weakness of the English? 80. Can you see that union was wished for different purposes? 31. Why did the English wish to unite the colonies? 32. Why did the colonies desire to form a union? 33. Name the means the party of the "prerogative," the English party, proposed to bring about unity. 34. Do you approve of Mr. Penn's plan of union? 85. Which the better, his, or that of Governor Livingston, 1701? 36. Name the various persons who proposed plans of union. 87. Who were the greatest among them? 38. How did the Board of Trade like conventions? 39. Why did Governor Fletcher not expect any help from Pennsylvania? 40 Trace the steps that led to the Albany congress. 41. Why were the colonies named in order from north to south? 42. How are they ordinarily named now? 43. Who authorized the union? 44. Name the points in the plan of Franklin for a union, 1754. 45. Why were these articles of confedation rejected by the colonies? by England? 46. Compare this plan with that of 1643. 47. Which the better? 48. Importance of the word American as used about 1766. 49. Why did the colonies desire to unite about 1765? 50. Write all you can on the significance of the phrase "A BritishAmerican." 51. What were the committees of correspond. ence? 52. In what states was the idea of having them conceived? 53. How did Patrick Henry regard union? 54. What kind of union was possible? 55. Write an essay trac ing the growth of the idea of union. 56. How is the poetry connected with the topic of union? CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Industrial, social, religious, and political causes |