216 AUTHENTIC HISTORY 



all and that they may be permanent, should the public interest require 

 it. They cannot be efficacious, unless they can be permanent; and it 

 appears to us that there will be a danger of their being infringed, if they 

 are not formed with great caution and deliberation. We have determined 

 in the present situation of public affairs to consent to a stoppage of our 

 commerce with Great Britain only; but in case any proceedings of 

 the Parliament, of which notice shall be received on this continent, before^ 

 or at the Congress, shall render it necessary, in the opinion of the Con- 

 gress to take further steps, the inhabitants of this province will adopt 

 such steps, and do all in their power to carry them into execution. 



This extensive power we commit to the Congress, for the sake of pre- 

 serving that unanimity of counsel and conduct, that alone can work out 

 the salvation of these Colonies, with a strong hope and trust that they 

 will not draw this province into any measures judged by us, who must 

 be better acquainted with its state than strangers, highly inexpedient. 

 Of this kind, we know any other stoppage of trade, but of that with 

 Great Britain will be. Even this step we should be extremely afflicted 

 to see taken by the Congress, before the other mode above pointed out 

 is tried. But should it be taken, we apprehend that a plan of restric- 

 tions may be so framed, agreeable to the respective circumstances of the 

 several colonies, as to render Great Britain sensible of the imprudence 

 of her counsels, and yet leave them a necessary commerce. And here 

 it may not be improper to take notice, that if redress of our grievances 

 cannot be wholly obtained, the extent or continuance of our restrictions 

 may, in some sort, be proportioned to the rights we are contending for, 

 and the degree of relief afforded us. This mode will render our oj^posi- 

 tion Q.S, perpetxial as our oppression, and will be A continual claim and 

 ASSERTION OF OUR RIGHTS. We cannot express the anxiety with which 

 we wish the consideration of these points to be recommended to you. 

 We are persuaded, that if these Colonies fail of vmanimity or prudence 

 in forming their resolutions, or of fidelity in observing them, the op- 

 position by non-importation and non-exportation agreements will be 

 ineffectual ; and then we shall have only the alternative of a more dan- 

 gerous contention, or of a tame submission. 



Upon the whole, we shall repose the highest confidence in the wisdom 

 and integrity of the ensuing Congress : And though we have, for the 

 satisfaction of the good people of this province, who have chosen us for 

 this express purpose, offered to you such instructions, as have appeared 

 expedient to us, yet it is not our meaning, that by these or by any you 

 may think proper to give them, the Deputies appointed by you should 

 be restrained from agreeing to any measures, that shall be approved by 

 the Congress. We should be glad the Deputies chosen by you could, 

 by their influence, procure our opinions hereby communicated to you 



