[Jan. 21.] The _Massachusetts_ house of representatives, in a debate upon the expediency of writing to the assemblies of the other colonies upon the continent, with respect to the importance of joining with them,” put a question on the proposition of writing letters, desiring those assemblies to join them, which was negatived for this very reason, because containing the proposition of joining. The house thought exceptions might be taken at it, as having a tendency to from combinations; and that it might be considered at home as the appointing another congress. It is an excellent rule of the house, that no vote shall be re-considered, unless the number of members present equals the number at its passing. When they had the same number, eithty-two, which makes a full house, a motion was made [Feb. 4.] for re-considering the vote against applying to the other colonies; and the vote of re-consideration was obtained by a large majority. The same day a committee was appointed to prepare a letter to be transmitted to the several houses of representatives and burgesses upon the continent, to inform them of the measures the house had taken with regard to difficulties they were apprehensive would arise from the operation of several acts of parliament for levying duties and taxes on the American colonies. The committee after deliberating a week, reported the letter, [Feb 11.] which being read in the house, was accepted almost unanimously, in the presence of eighty-three members. It began thus: “Sir, the house of representatives of this province have taken into their serious consideration the great difficulties that must accrue to themselves and their constituents, by the operation of several acts of parliament imposing duties and taxes on the American colonies.” It then related the measures they had taken in petitioning the king, making representations to the ministry, &c. and concluded with, “the house is fully satisfied that your assembly is too generous and enlarged in sentiment, to believe that this letter proceeds from an ambition of taking the lead or dictating to the other assemblies. They freely submit their opinion to the judgment of others, and shall take it kind in your house to point out to them any thing further that may be though necessary. This house cannot conclude without expressing their firm confidence in the king, our common head and father, that the united and dutiful supplications of his distressed American subjects will meet with his royal and favorable acceptance.”