In Connecticut the inhabitants were quite inattentive to the fatal consequences that the act might draw after it in some distant period. The judges themselves, several of whom were of the council, appeared perfect secure, and were no ways alarmed. The Rev. Mr. _Stephen Johnson_ of _Lyme_, vexed and grieved with the temper and inconsiderateness of all orders of people, determined, if possible, to rouse them to a better way of thinking. He consulted a neighbouring gentleman, an Irishman by birth, who undertook to convey the pieces he might pen to the _New-London_ printer, so secretly as to prevent the author’s being discovered. Three or four essays were published upon the occasion. The eyes of the public began to open, and fears were excited. Other writers engaged in the business, while the first withdrew, having fully answered his intention. The congregational ministers saw further into the designs of the British administration than the bulk of the colony; and, by their publications and conversation, increased and strengthened the opposition.—It became so considerable, that when governor _Fitch_ proposed that he and the counsellors should be sworn agreeable to the stamp act, colonel _Trumbull_[83] went out, and refused even to witness to the transaction. Others followed this spirited example, and only four of the council remained. In _Virginia_ a general disposition appeared to submit to the stamp act: but _George Johnston_ and _Patrick Henry_, esqrs. consulted together; and afterward, at the close of the sessions, when there was but a thin house, many members being absent preparing to return home, Mr. Henry brought in a number of resolves.—They were as follows, viz. “Whereas the honorable house of commons in _England_, have of late drawn into question how far the general assembly of this colony hath power to enact laws for laying of taxes and imposing duties, payable by the people of this his majesty’s most ancient colony—for settling and ascertaining the same to all future times, the house of burgesses of this present general assembly, have come to the following resolves: Resolved, That the first adventurers, settlers of this his majesty’s colony and dominion of _Virginia_, brought with them and transmitted to their posterity, and all other his majesty’s subjects since inhabiting in this his majesty’s said colony, all the liberties, privileges, franchises, and immunities, that have at any time been held, enjoyed, and possessed by the people of _Great-Britain_: Resolved, That by two royal charters, granted by king _James_ I. the colonists aforesaid are declared and entitled to all liberties, privileges and immunities of denizens and natural subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they had been abiding and born within the realm of _England_: