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Letter to Editor
April 27, 1769
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
On April 14, 1769, the Magistrates, Vestrymen, and Freeholders of Fauquier County, Virginia, instruct representatives Thomas Harrison and James Scott to firmly oppose in the colonial assembly any British parliamentary claims to tax Americans without consent, viewing such as an assault on liberty.
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FAUQUIER county, April 14, 1769
To THOMAS HARRISON, and JAMES SCOTT, Esquires.
GENTLEMEN,
WE the Magistrates, Vestrymen, and Freeholders of the said county, beg leave to assure you of our great confidence in, and firm reliance on your honesty, honour and abilities, to represent us in the next Assembly to be held for this colony. We make not the least doubt but you will, with firmness and integrity, discharge the trust by us reposed in you, by shewing your attachment to the honour and interest of his Majesty, the colony of Virginia, and the most sacred cause of liberty.
But as by some late acts of the British Parliament, the rights and liberties of his Majesty's most loyal American subjects are invaded, and threatened with ruin; and as it has been suggested to us, that one of these acts, commonly denominated the Bill or Declaration of Right, wherein it is asserted, that the Parliament of Great-Britain have a right to lay taxes on the Americans without the consent of their Representatives, will be laid before the ensuing Assembly of this colony, or their acknowledgement and concurrence therein; we being well convinced of the pleasure and readiness with which you receive the instructions of your constituents, in matters where every member of the community is so nearly interested, do take this opportunity to acquaint you with our sentiments, and what we know to be the sentiments of this county in general, on this important occasion. And as you tender our confidence and regard, we expect you will take due notice thereof.
We look upon all attempts of taxation made on us by a British Parliament, or any other power on earth, without our consent constitutionally given by our Representatives, to be totally inconsistent with the principles of liberty, and the greatest insult that can be offered to free-born subjects. And we do therefore direct and require you, as our Representatives, that you will in the strongest and most firm, but decent and respectful manner, express your disapprobation of the said Bill or Declaration of Right, or any other bill, declaration, or claim whatsoever, that shall be presented or made to that purpose, in the ensuing, or any future Assembly wherein you represent us.
To THOMAS HARRISON, and JAMES SCOTT, Esquires.
GENTLEMEN,
WE the Magistrates, Vestrymen, and Freeholders of the said county, beg leave to assure you of our great confidence in, and firm reliance on your honesty, honour and abilities, to represent us in the next Assembly to be held for this colony. We make not the least doubt but you will, with firmness and integrity, discharge the trust by us reposed in you, by shewing your attachment to the honour and interest of his Majesty, the colony of Virginia, and the most sacred cause of liberty.
But as by some late acts of the British Parliament, the rights and liberties of his Majesty's most loyal American subjects are invaded, and threatened with ruin; and as it has been suggested to us, that one of these acts, commonly denominated the Bill or Declaration of Right, wherein it is asserted, that the Parliament of Great-Britain have a right to lay taxes on the Americans without the consent of their Representatives, will be laid before the ensuing Assembly of this colony, or their acknowledgement and concurrence therein; we being well convinced of the pleasure and readiness with which you receive the instructions of your constituents, in matters where every member of the community is so nearly interested, do take this opportunity to acquaint you with our sentiments, and what we know to be the sentiments of this county in general, on this important occasion. And as you tender our confidence and regard, we expect you will take due notice thereof.
We look upon all attempts of taxation made on us by a British Parliament, or any other power on earth, without our consent constitutionally given by our Representatives, to be totally inconsistent with the principles of liberty, and the greatest insult that can be offered to free-born subjects. And we do therefore direct and require you, as our Representatives, that you will in the strongest and most firm, but decent and respectful manner, express your disapprobation of the said Bill or Declaration of Right, or any other bill, declaration, or claim whatsoever, that shall be presented or made to that purpose, in the ensuing, or any future Assembly wherein you represent us.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Constitutional Rights
Taxation
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Taxation Without Representation
British Parliament
Virginia Assembly
Fauquier County
Colonial Liberty
Declaration Of Rights
What entities or persons were involved?
Magistrates, Vestrymen, And Freeholders Of Fauquier County
Thomas Harrison, And James Scott, Esquires.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Magistrates, Vestrymen, And Freeholders Of Fauquier County
Recipient
Thomas Harrison, And James Scott, Esquires.
Main Argument
the constituents direct their representatives to oppose the british bill or declaration of right asserting parliament's authority to tax americans without consent, as it violates principles of liberty and insults free subjects.
Notable Details
Attachment To The Honour And Interest Of His Majesty, The Colony Of Virginia, And The Most Sacred Cause Of Liberty.
Reference To Late Acts Of The British Parliament Invading American Rights.
Expectation Of Firm But Decent And Respectful Opposition In The Assembly.