The colonies in general, and the Massachusetts in particular, complied with the requisitions of the minister, and shewed themselves ready to support his plans for the reduction of the French power. To assist and encourage their extraordinary exertions, the parliament granted them during the war, at different periods, no less than £.1,031,666 13s. 4d. But though the large importation of specie annually, did not answer one half or their expences, it was still of such benefit to each government, that they cheerfully seconded the views of ministry. Upon application from admiral _Saunders_, the squadron employed against _Louisburg_ and _Quebec_, was supplied by 500 seamen from the _Massachusetts_; beside, many were at several times impressed out of vessels on the fishing banks. The colonies lost by the war 25,000 of their robust young men, exclusive of sailors. The _Massachusetts_ continually raised the full number of troops assigned them; nor was it to be ascribed to the peculiar address of Mr. _Pownall_, who guided them with a silken cord, and by praising them plentifully, and flattering their vanity, did business with them in an easy manner; for it was the same after he was succeded by governor _Bernard_. [August 13, 1760.] Beside their annual quota of men, in some years of the war they garrisoned Louisburg and Nova-Scotia, which gave the regular forces opportunity for retaining Canada. The whole cost they were at upon these accounts, and for scouting companies sent into the Indian country, and for two armed vessels built and maintained for the protection of the trade, amounted to £.754,598 10s. 10½d. sterling. In this sum, the expence of many forts and garrisons on the frontiers is not included. Add, that no estimate can be made of the cost to individuals, by the demand of personal service. They that could not serve in person, who were much the greater number, when it came to their turn, were obliged to hire substitutes at a great premium. They also who could not be impressed, to lighten the burdens of others, advanced largely for encouraging the levies. Moreover, the taxes were exceeding heavy. A Boston gentleman, of reputation and fortune, sent one of his rate bills to a correspondent in London, for his judgment on it; and had for answer, “That he did not believe there was a man in all _England_ who paid so much in proportion toward the support of government.” Such was the assessment of the town in one of the years, that if a man’s income was £.60 per annum, he had to pay two-thirds or £.40 and in that proportion whether the sum was more or less; and if his house or land was valued at £.200 per annum, he was obliged to pay £.72 He had also to pay for his poll, and those of all the males in his house, more than sixteen years old, at the rate of 14s. 3d. each: and to all must be added, the part he paid of the excise on tea, coffee, rum, and wine.[67] Other towns and colonies might not