Beside the colonial proceedings related above, it must be noted, that the inhabitants of several places met, and agreed not to buy any clothing (they could do without) which was not of their own manufacturing. Divers associations also were formed, all of whom resolved to consume as few British manufactures as possible. The raising of a revenue from the molasses trade, and a fund to defray the expences of denfeding the colonies, were in contemplation nine years before;[78] but the resolutions taken by the house of commons in the beginning of this year, might be forwarded by Mr. _Huske_, an _American_, a native of _Portsmouth_ in _New-Hampshire_, who a short time before obtained a seat in parliament. Instead of standing forth a firm advocate for the country which gave him birth, he officiously proposed to the house laying a tax on the colonies that should annually amount to five hundred thousand pounds sterling, which he declared they were well able to pay: and he was heard with great joy and attention.[79] He, or some other, recollecting that the stamp act was talked of by the commissioners at Albany in 1754, might suggest that mode of taxing: for whatever was thought, _the stamp act was not originally Mr. Grenville’s_.[80] The dispositon to tax the _Americans_, unless they would tax themselves equal to the wishes of the ministry, was undoubtedly strengthened by the reports of their gaiety and luxuary, which reached the mother country: it was also said, that the planters lived like princes, while the inhabitants of _Britain_ laboured hard for a tolerable subsistence. The officers lately returned, represented them as rich, wealthy, and even overgrown in fortune. Their opinion might arise from observations made in the American cities and towns during the war, while large sums were spent in the country for the support of fleets and armies. American productions were then in great demand, and trade flourished. The people, naturally generous and hospitable, having a number of strangers among them, indulged themselves in many uncommon expences. When the war was terminated, and they had on further apprehension of danger, the power of the late enemy in the country being totally broken—_Canada_, and the back lands to the very banks of the _Missisippi_, with the _Floridas_, being ceded to _Great-Britain_—it was thought they could not well make too much of those who had so contributed to their security. Partly to do honor to them, and partly, it is to be feared, to gratify their own pride, they added to their show of plate, by borrowing of their neighbours, and made a great parade of riches in their several entertainments. The plenty and variety of provisions and liquors anabled them to furnish out an elegant table at comparatively trifling expence.