danger from the _stamp act_, or its promoters and abettors, or any thing relative to it, on account of any thing that may have been done in opposition to its obtaining—and they do mutually and most fervently recommend it to each other to be vigilant in watching all those who, from the nature of their offices, vocations or dispositions, may be the most likely to introduce the use of stamped papers, to the total subversion of the British constitution and American liberty; and the same, when discovered, immediately to advise each other of, let them be of what rank or condition soever; and they do agree that they will mutually, and to the utmost of their power, by all just ways and means, endeavor to bring all such betrayers of their country to the most condign punishment—and further, they do mutually resolve to defend the liberty of the press in their respective colonies from all unlawful violations and impediments whatever, on account of the said act, as the only means (under divine Providence) of preserving their lives, liberties, and fortunes, and the same in regard to the judges, clerks, attornies, &c. that shall proceed without any regard to the _stamp act_, from all pains, fines, mulcts, penalties, or any molestation whatever—and finally, that they will, to the utmost of their power, endeavor to bring about, accomplish and perfect the like association with all the colonies on the continent, for the like salutary purposes, and no other.” The opposition to the stamp act raged apparently more in New-York and Connecticut than in the Massachusetts; but the association being agreed upon, was sent by express to the sons of liberty at Boston, and received Sunday the second of February, 1766. On its receipt, letters were forwarded to a few individuals; and on the sixth of February, a circular letter to the several towns in the colony, containing the association and the desire of the first original associators to accomplish the like association, with a request to be informed of the sentiments and dispositions of the people in such towns. A letter was also sent on the same subject, to the sons of liberty at Portsmouth, in Hampshire colony. They met; and in their answer of February the eighth, testified their approbation of the measure already taken, and their determination to oppose the execution of the stamp act, &c. The Boston sons of liberty accepted the proposal of uniting themselves to _New-York_ and _Connecticut_; and in their letter to the brotherhood at _Norwich_, proposed to commence a continental union, of which the latter greatly approved in their answer of February the tenth. On February the thirteenth, the sons of liberty at _Boston_ wrote a _circular letter_ to _New-Hampshire_, _Connecticut_, and _New-York_; and before the month was ended, the _New-Yorkers_ sent circular letters as far as _South-Carolina_, urging a continental union.