The ministry had certainly great difficulties to encounter: the principal originated in the colonies, and were caused by the intemperate proceedings of the various ranks of men within them. “Their violence awakened the honor of parliament, especially after Mr. _Pitt’s_ speech, and thereby involved every friend of the repeal into the imputation of betraying its dignity. This is so true, that the act could not have been repealed, had not men’s minds been in some measure satisfied with the _declaration of right_.”[91] All the _Scotch_ members, save two, voted against the repeal. Mr. Bollan, who informed lieutenant-governor Hutchinson of it by letter, omitted mentioning the names of the gentlemen. The bill having passed the house of commons, went up to the house of lords. Lords _Bute_ and _Strange_ publicly declared, that his majesty’s wish was nor for a repeal. The marquis of _Rockingham_ and Lord _Shelberne_ went together to the king, and told what was reported. They were informed, that his majesty had expressed his desire that it should be inforced; but if it could not be done peaceably and without bloodshed, it was his sincere desire and intention that it should be totally repealed. The dukes of York and Cumberland, the lords of the bedchamber and the officers of the household, were for carrying fire and sword to America. Most of the bench of bishops joined them. Instead of ascribing that to a sanguinary disposition, to which their profession was opposed; let it be imputed to the painful prospect of being hindered eventually from establishing the English hierarchy whithin the American colonies. There was in the house of lords, proxies included, for the repeal 105, against it, 71. On Wednesday, March the nineteenth, his majesty went to the house of peers, and passed the bill for repealing the American stamp act; as also that for securing the dependency of the colonies on the British crown. On this occasion the American merchants made a most numerous appearance, to express their gratitude and joy; ships in the river displayed their colours; houses at night were illuminated all over the city, and every decent and orderly method was observed, to demonstrate the just sense they entertained of his majesty’s goodness, and wisdom of parliament in conciliating the minds of the people on this critical occasion. An express was dispatched immediately to Falmouth, with letters to the different provinces, acquainting them with the news of the repeal: that so their fears might vanish, and give place to joy and exultation. LETTER IV. _Roxbury, April 14, 1773._