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provision shall be made accordingly, to forbear in respect of such Province or Colony, to levy any Duty, Tax or Assessment, or to impose any further Duty, Tax or Assessment, except only such Duties as it may be expedient to continue to levy, or to impose for the regulation of Commerce; the net produce of the Duties last mentioned to be carried to the account of such Province or Colony respectively EARL OF DARTMOUTH TO THE GOVERNOUR OF NEW-YORK.
SIR: My separate despatch of this day’s date, enclosing a Resolution of the House of Commons, may be ostensibly of use in case the General Assembly should think fit to take up the consideration of that Resolution; but it is fit I should observe to you that it is not His Majesty’s intention, for very obvious reasons, that you should officially communicate it to them; at the same time as I think it cannot fail to be an object of discussion in the Assembly, I must add that the King considers that the good effect of it will, in a great measure, depend upon your ability and address in a proper explanation of it to those whose situation and connections may enable them to give facility to the measures it points to. And His Majesty has no doubt that you will exert every endeavour to induce such a compliance on the part of the Assembly, as may correspond with His Majesty’s ideas of their justice, and his earnest wishes to see a happy restoration of the publick tranquillity. I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, DARTMOUTH. Lientenant Governour of New-York. FROM THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH TO THE GOVERNOUR OF NEW-YORK. Whitehall, March 4, 1775. SIR: The American Packets having been detained a few days beyond the usual time of their sailing, gives me an opportunity of acquainting you, that your despatch of the first of February has been received, and of assuring you that the sentiments of duty to the King, and wishes of a reconciliation with the Mother Country, so fully expressed in the Addresses of the Council and Assembly, in answer to your very prudent and proper Speech to them, have been very graciously received by His Majesty, and have given general satisfaction to all ranks of people in this Kingdom. I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, DARTMOUTH. Lieutenant Governour Colden. EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LONDON, TO A GENTLEMAN IN NEW-YORK, DATED MARCH 4, 1775. The news which the Packet brought us of the conduct of the people of New-York, has filled every heart with joy, and employed every tongue in your praise. Even faction itself admires in sullen silence. Pursue the same line of mild and prudent counsel and conduct, and you will secure the liberties of your Country, and obtain immortal gratitude from the posterity of even your rivals. I am glad you anticipated Lord North’s proposition, as your honour will be so much the higher. Whatever the enemies of both Countries may say, the Resolution which was moved for by Lord North, is founded on the truest policy and benevolence. While it reserves and maintains the just and necessary sovereignty of Parliament, it invites the Colonists to an amicable settlement of the dispute. It draws a strong line between the seditious and honest (the misguided) citizen, and, while it leaves the former to be checked by the sword of justice, leads the latter to obedience, by granting him all the indulgence he could ask with safety to his own happiness. It blends that firmness and benevolence which are always united in the counsels of a prudent Legislature. Such is the proposed Resolution; which Opposition will, without doubt, outrageously censure and traduce, because it will destroy their sanguine hopes of success, by tending to allay popular discontents, and renew the friendship of Great Britain and her Colonies. They foresee, with all the bitterness of envy, the triumph of their rivals, and sicken at the prospect of that publick tranquillity, over the imaginary destruction of which they smiled with malignant joy.—In the rage of disappointment, they forgot the necessary appearance of consistency, and charge the same Administration with timidity and an ignorant retreat, which they, but yesterday, censured with obstinate perseverance and inflexible severity. The former accusation is as groundless as the latter. Administration pursues the equitable and honourable line between both extremes, equally remote from undistinguishing impetuosity and wavering irresolution. The proposition in question discovers not the faintest colour of a resignation of Parliamentary authority, or sacrifice of its dignity. The proposals of the Colonies, which it invites, are to be made by their Assemblies. The contested question about the right of taxation is to cease, with respect to such Province or Colony as shall propose to make provision by its Assembly, according to its situation and circumstances, for contributing its proportion to the common defence, and for the support of the Civil Government, and the Administration of Justice within itself. By this salutary measure, therefore, the necessity and just authority of Parliament will be preserved, and the Americans gratified in their wish of being taxed by their own Representatives. The Legislature will still possess the unalienable power of commanding and employing the strength of the State in the common defence; and the Colonies enjoy the privilege of levying taxes in such modes as are most expedient and agreeable to themselves. While they cheerfully contribute their proportion for the support of their own Civil Establishment, and the general preservation and defence of the Empire, no taxes will be attempted to be levied on them but what are imposed by their own Representatives. When they refuse to fulfil their engagements, and will not assist in bearing the common burdens, Parliament will then only interfere, and exert that power which must necessarily reside in the Supreme Legislature, of obliging all the subjects of the State to co-operate for its preservation and defence. By this measure, therefore, Parliament will give a new and honourable proof, that its decisions are guided by benevolence and fortitude: that when it sends forth the sword of justice to restrain and punish the factious, it extends also the most reasonable and friendly proposals to invite the good, though deluded citizen, to peace and reconciliation. CHOWAN COUNTY (NORTH-CAROLINA) COMMITTEE. March 4, 1775. The Committee met at the House of Capt. James Sumner, and the gentlemen appointed at a former meeting of Directors, to promote subscriptions for the encouragement of Manufactures, informed the Committee that the sum of Eighty Pounds Sterling was subscribed by the inhabitants of this County for that laudable purpose. The Committee, taking into consideration the manner in which said sum may be applied, so as to redound to the utility of this Province in general, and to this County in particular, resolved, that the sum of Forty Pounds Sterling be paid by the Chairman of the Committee to any person who shall, in eighteen months from the date hereof, first make in this Province, or cause to be therein made, under his direction, five hundred pair of Wool Cards, such as usually cost One Shilling and Three Pence Sterling, in Great Britain; and five hundred pair of good Cotton Cards, such as usually cost Two Shillings and Six Pence Sterling in Great Britain, which the Committee hereby oblige themselves to purchase and pay, ready money, for, at the rate of Two Shillings Sterling for the Wool Cards, and Three Shillings Sterling a pair for the Cotton Cards; and it is expected that the person entitled to such premiums shall furnish them at that price. The quality and price that such Cards usually cost in Great Britain to be submitted to the Committee. The Committee also offer a premium of Forty Pounds Sterling, to be paid by the Chairman of the Committee, to the person who shall first make for sale, in this Province, two thousand pounds of good Steel, fit for edged tools. The Committee are apprehensive the premiums here offered are too inconsiderable to induce any person to attempt the
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