exasperated the minds of the people to a very great degree. They therefore determined not only to defeat the intent of the acts, by refraining from the use of those articles on which duties were laid, but to put a stop to the importation of goods from Great-Britain. This is the only threat we know of; and if this is sufficient to engage the ministry to oppose a repeal of the acts, we apprehend the ministry must, by a change of measures, endeavour to regain the affections of the people before they can be induced to alter their determinations.” “The Americans consider themselves as British subjects, entitled to all the rights and privileges of freemen. They think there can be no liberty without a security of property; and that there can be no property, if any can, without their consent, deprive them of the hard-earned fruits of their labour. They know that they have no choice in the election of the members of parliament; and from their situation never can have any. Every act of parliament therefore, that is made for raising a revenue in America, is in their opinion, depriving them of their property without their consent, and consequently is an invasion of their liberty.” “If then the acts cannot be repealed while the ministry objects, and if to remove the objections the Americans must give up their sentiments, we must candidly confess we have little hopes of a repeal ever taking place; much less it is to be expected, that the merchants will presume to petition parliament on the principle of inexpediency only, when every assembly on the continent are applying for a repeal on the principle of _right_.” “Happy had it been for both countries if the idea of raising taxes in America had never been started; however, if the acts complained of are repealed, and no other of the like nature are attempted hereafter the present unhappy jealousies will, we believe, quickly subside, and the people of both countries in a short time, return to their usual good humor, confidence and affection.” If ministry thought that the resolves of the house of lords, the preceding December, would have put a stop to non-importation agreements and the spirited exertions of the colonists, they soon found themselves much mistaken. It can scarce be imagined, but that some of the Philadelphia gentlemen had received the account of such resolves; for the above letter was in answer to London ones of January 4th and 26th, and yet they proceeded as has been related.