| Citation |
NHG-P.776.014
20 Jul 1776:11,12 (9)
Dear Countrymen. . . [14 lines on liberty] If any American
grantees have stipulated the entire legislation over them,
to be in the British Parliament, they have voluntarily, if
they as stupidly and wickedly abide by it, become the most
absolute slaves, and in consideration for their liberty,
have really and truly received nothing at all; for tho'
there may be ever so specious a shew, of the mines of Mexico
and Peru being conveyed to them, is it not in the power of
the grantors and legislators to retract to their own hands,
more than the value of the grants, in taxes of every kind?
and more than all this, if others may make for us what laws
they please, they may forbid our laughing or smiling upon
penalty of death; singing and dancing may become as capital
crimes, and every punishment but annihilation or damnation
may be inflicted for non obedience to their legislation, how
unreasonable soever; . . .[25 and 32 more lines, then
signed]
Orthodoxus.
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