Throughout this year the same disputes were maintained between the governors and colonial legislatures as formerly; but as the home government did not push the struggle to an issue, there was comparative quiet, but no yielding. 1772. June 10—The Gaspe, a British revenue schooner, burned by a party from Providence, Rhode Island. Parliament offers six hundred pounds sterling and a pardon to any accomplice who will confess and give up the offenders. They were well known by colonists, but no legal evidence could ever be obtained. Oct. 28—A committee appointed in Boston to state the rights of the colonists and correspond with other sections on this subject. They publish an address, which is extensively circulated. Franklin, agent for the colonies in England, republishes it there. 1773. March—This address led to the first measures for a political union of the colonies. July—The British ministry attempt to import tea into the colonies. Oct. 2—The people of Philadelphia declare that any one who shall “aid or abet in unloading, receiving, or vending the tea is an enemy to his country.” Nov. 3—The Boston consignees required by the people to resign. They refuse. ” 5-19—A legal town meeting takes them in hand, and at length they resign. Dec’r—Three ships loaded with tea having arrived, the people labor for near a month to have them sent back. Not succeeding, the cargoes are all emptied into the sea. 1774. Mar. 25—Parliament retaliated by the “Boston Port Bill,” closing it to commerce. May 13-20—Meetings held in the principal cities to consider the state of affairs, recommended the assembly of a Continental Congress. This body was appointed in all the provinces but Georgia. There were fifty-three delegates. Sept. 4—These assemble at Philadelphia, and Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, is chosen President. They publish a “Declaration of Colonial Rights.” They agree on fourteen articles as the basis of an “American Association” to support these rights. This body was henceforth the real government, all their directions being obeyed by the people. They completed the organization of the Union and took preliminary measures for defense in case of attack. 1775. Feb. 1—Lord Chatham introduced a bill in Parliament which might have accommodated all differences, but it was treated with great discourtesy. Parliament determines to humble and subdue the colonies.