cannot but observe here, that if the parliament have an equitable right to tax our trade, it is indisputable, that they have as good a one to tax the lands and every thing else. There is no foundation for the distinction some make in England, between an internal and external tax on the colonies.”[76] These expressions could not but spread a general alarm through the country, and enflame every planter against parliamentary taxation. The house had so high an opinion of this pamphlet, that they ordered it to be sent over to Mr. _Mauduit_, with a letter, wherein they instructed him to use his indeavours to obtain a repeal of the sugar act, and to exert himself to prevent a stamp act, or any other imposition and taxes upon this and the other American provinces. They do not appear to have made any particular objection to the term _revenue_ introduced into the sugar act; but to have confined their objections to the laying on of the duty, when they were not represented. The act disgusted the more, because of its being so unseasonable. The duties were to be paid in specie, while the old means of procuring it were cut off. The ministry, resolved to prevent smuggling, obliged all sea officers, stationed on the American coasts, to act in the capacity of the meanest revenue officers, making them submit to the usual custom-house oaths and regulations for that purpose. This proved a great grievance to the American merchants and traders. Gentlemen of the navy were unacquainted with custom-house laws. Many illegal seizures were made. No redress could be had but from Britain, which it was tedious and difficult to obtain. Beside, the _American_ trade with the _Spaniards_ by which the British manufactures were vended in return (for gold and siver in coin or bullion, cochineal, &c. as occasion served) was almost destroyed instantly, by the armed ships under the new regulations. The trade was not literally and strictly according to law, but highly beneficial; and a thorough statesman would have declined employing his own navy in crushing it. The trade also from the northern colonies with the _French West-India_ islands was nearly suppressed. These irritating measures strengthened the opposition to the sugar act.