consternation in the House. The Speaker and many of the members were royalists, and a protracted and violent debate followed. But the eloquence of Henry bore down all opposition. Indignant at the attempt to inthrall his country, the fearless orator, in the midst of an impassioned harangue,

exclaimed, "Cæsar had his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and George III.—" "Treason!" shouted the Speaker. "Treason! Treason!" was heard in different parts of the House. "And George III.," repeated Henry, with flashing eye and unfaltering voice, "may profit by their example. If that be treason, make the most of it." Again the young mountaineer triumphed. The resolutions were carried. They were circulated throughout the colo

place in the House of Burgesses. What was the effect of Patrick Henry's eloquence?

1765]

EXCITEMENT AGAINST THE STAMP ACT.

193

nies, and everywhere excited the same determined spirit that they breathed.

Among those who listened to the inspiring words of Patrick Henry on this occasion, was a young Virginian, destined to play no unimportant part in his country's history. It was Thomas Jefferson, then a student twenty-two years old. Standing in the lobby, he heard the whole discussion. The words of the eloquent patriot found an abiding echo in his heart, and awakened there the sentiment which directed all his future conduct-that "resistance to tyrants is obedience to God".

273. The indignation of the people at the passage of the Stamp Act was not confined to Virginia. Similar resolutions to those of Patrick Henry were passed in New York, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. Early in October, 1765, delegates from nine colonies assembled at New York, and drew up a declaration of their grievances and rights. A petition em-" bodying their views was forwarded to both king and Parliament.

The Act was to go into effect on the first of November, and the excitement became intense as the day approached. Those who were appointed to sell the stamps were burned in effigy, and compelled to resign or quit the country. On the arrival of stamps at the seaport towns, the flags were placed at half-mast, muffled bells were tolled, and the citizens walked the streets attired in mourning. In New York, ten boxes of stamps were destroyed by the people, and the merchants resolved to import nothing from the mother country till the offensive act was repealed. The business men of Philadelphia and Boston followed this example. In the latter city, a handbill was posted at the corners, warning the person who should first distribute or use stamped sheets to take care of his property and person. A paper was issued, bearing for

Who listened to Henry's words on this occasion? What feeling did they awaken fu him? How old was Jefferson at this time? 273. In what other colonies were resolutions against the Stamp Act passed? What took place in October, 1765? When was the Stamp Act to go into effect? What was done to the stamp officers? How did the inhabitants express their indignation when the stamps arrived? What was done in New York? What, in Boston? What significant device was adopted by a newspaper?

its device a snake, on the head of which were the letters N. E. [New England], while the body was divided into several pieces, marked with the initials of the other colonies. The motto, Join or die, explained its meaning. In New Hampshire, on the morning of the eventful day, the bells tolled, and the people assembled as if for a funeral procession. A coffin bearing the name of LIBERTY was borne to a grave on the shoulders of eight persons, to the sound of minuteguns. A funeral oration was pronounced, and the coffin was lowered into the grave. Suddenly signs of life appeared. It was raised to the surface, and now bore the inscription LIBERTY REVIVED. Enthusiastic shouts from the multitude and the triumphant sound of drums and trumpets greeted the resurrection.

The meaning of these demonstrations was not to be misunderstood. It was evident that the Stamp Act could be enforced only by a resort to arms, and from this Parliament shrunk. The wiser part began to urge its repeal, and Franklin, the agent for Pennsylvania, was brought before the House of Commons (February 13, 1766), and examined on the various points involved in the controversy. His bold and candid answers increased the high reputation he already enjoyed, and called forth the lasting gratitude of his countrymen. In March, Parliament gave way to the determined spirit of the Americans by repealing the odious act, though it reasserted its right "to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever".

274. Harmony might now have been restored, had not the enemies of America, mortified at their recent defeat, succeeded in passing through Parliament an act for imposing a duty on all tea, glass, paper, and painters' colors, imported into the colonies. At the same time, officers were appointed to enforce the Acts of Navigation and Trade, and the authority of the Assembly of New York, which had refused to quarter British troops at the expense of the colony, was sus

What took place in New Hampshire? What was evident from these demonstrations? Did Parliament like to resort to arms? What did the wiser part urge? Who was oxamined before the House of Commons? What is said of Franklin's answers? What was done in March, 1766? 274. What now prevented harmony from being restored!

1768]

MEETINGS AT FANEUIL HALL.

195

pended till it should comply with the requisitions of Parliament.

This injudicious course again roused the indignation of the colonists, which was increased in the fall of 1768 by the announcement that Parliament had determined to send several regiments to Boston, to reduce the people to submission. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed. Town-meetings and a general convention of delegates from all parts of the province were held at Fan'-eu-il Hall, at which the course of

the home government was freely denounced. On the 1st of October, the troops landed. The council refused to furnish them quarters, and it was with difficulty that accommodations

What injudicious enactments followed? What feeling was awakened in the colonics? How was it increased in the fall of 1768? What action was taken by the people? When did the troops land? What difficulty awaited them? What took place at the next

were procured for them, even at the expense of the crown. When the next General Court met, an armed force was found stationed in the hall. Otis and others protested against so tyrannical an attempt to overawe the members; and, when the governor called on the House to pay for the quartering of the troops, they firmly refused to do so.

275. The governors of the colonies at this time were in the interest of the king, and constantly tried to extend their authority at the expense of the people. Their subordinates followed their example, and sought to enrich themselves by all kinds of extortion. In North Carolina, this was done by sheriffs, constables, and other officers, to such an extent, that the people in some of the southern settlements, unable to bear the burdens thus unjustly imposed, rose in their own defence. They assumed the name of Regulators, and determined to resist the payment of all taxes that were not authorized by law and honestly appropriated. Governor Tryon chose to regard this movement as an insurrection; and, a corrupt grand-jury supporting his views, he proceeded against them with the militia of the colony. The Regulators assembled in alarm when they heard that their fields were being devastated by Tryon's forces; but, lacking arms and ammunition, they were easily defeated. A number of the prisoners were hanged. Some of the best estates in the country were confiscated to the governor and his satellites; and the persecuted Regulators, though convicted of nothing more than a desire to have existing laws honestly executed, were obliged to submit or flee to the west. Not a few chose the latter alternative. The Cherokees granted them land, and they founded a republic which afterwards became the state of Tennessee. Tryon soon went to New York, of which he had been appointed governor, leaving North Carolina to discharge a debt of $200,000 contracted by his reckless proceedings.

276. The soldiers brought over for the extinction of lib

meeting of the General Court? 275. What is said of the governors of the colonies at this time? What, of their subordinates? What took place in North Carolina? How did Governor Tryon choose to regard this movement? What steps did he take? What was the result? What was the origin of the state of Tennessee? Where did Tryon