In response to the Stamp Act, issued by Parliament in March of 1765,
waves of protest swept the British colonies, involving everyone from street
mobs to civic leaders, often organized by secret organizations called the
Sons of Liberty. In October, a Stamp Act Congress held in New York City
(representing nine colonies) petitioned Parliament for repeal. What are
the main arguments made by the Stamp Act Congress? How do the colonies
perceive their relationship with Great Britain? What is the tone of the
document?
THE members of this Congress, sincerely devoted with the warmest sentiments of affection and duty to His majestyís person and Government, inviolably attached to the present happy establishment of the Protestant succession, and with minds deeply impressed by a sense of the present and impending misfortunes of the British colonies on this continent; having considered as maturely as time will permit the circumstances of the said colonies, esteem it our indispensable duty to make the following declarations of our humble opinion respecting the most essential rights and liberties of the colonists, and the grievances under which they labour, by reason of several late Acts Parliament.
I. That His Majestyís subjects
in theses colonies owe the same allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain
that is owing from his subjects born within the realm, and all due subordination
to that august body the Parliament of Great Britain.
II. That His Majestyís liege
subjects in these colonies are intitled to all the inherent rights and
liberties of his natural born subjects within the kingdom of Great Britain.
III. That it is inseparably
essential to the freedom of a people, and the undoubted right of Englishmen,
that no taxes be imposed on them but with their own consent, given
personally or by their representatives.
IV. That the people of these
colonies are not, and from their local circumstances cannot be, represented
in the House of Commons in Great Britain.
V. That the only representatives
of the people of these colonies are persons chosen therein by themselves,
and that no taxes ever have been, pr can be constitutionally imposed on
them, but by their respective legislatures.
VI. That all supplies to
the Crown being free gifts to the people, it is unreasonable and inconsistent
with the principles and spirit of the British Constitution, for the people
of Great Britain to grant His Majesty the property of the colonists.
VII. That trial by jury
is the inherent and invaluable right of every British subject in these
colonies.
VIII. That the late Act
of Parliament, entitled An Act for granting and applying certain stamp
duties, and other duties in the British colonies and plantations in America,
etc., by imposing taxes on the inhabitants of these colonies; and the said
Act, and several other Acts, by extending the jurisdiction of the courts
of Admiralty beyond its ancient limits, have a manifest tendency to subvert
the rights and liberties of the colonists...
XI. That the restrictions
imposed by several late Acts of Parliament on the trade of these colonies
will render them unable to purchase the manufactures of Great Britain.
XII. That the increase,
prosperity, and happiness of these colonies depend on the full and free
enjoyments of their rights and liberties, and an intercourse with Great
Britain mutually affectionate and advantageous.
XIII. That it is the right
of the British subjects in these colonies to petition the King or either
House of Parliament. Lastly, That it is the indispensable duty of
these colonies to the best of sovereigns, to the mother country, and to
themselves, to endeavor by a loyal and dutiful address to His
Majesty, and humble applications to both Houses of Parliament, to procure
the repeal of the Act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, of
all clauses of any other Acts of Parliament, whereby the jurisdiction of
the Admiralty is extended as aforesaid, and of the other late Acts for
the restriction of American commerce.