Declaratory+Act-Mike



By one Act they have suspended the powers of one American legislature, & by another have declared they may legislate for us themselves in all cases whatsoever. These two acts alone form a basis broad enough whereon to erect a despotism of unlimited extent. -Jefferson



John Andrews letter
John Andrews, a Boston merchant, writes to his brother-in-law in Philadelphia, May 1774.

Yes, Bill, nothing will save us but an entire stopping of trade, to both England and the West Indies, throughout the continent, and that must be determined both speedily and absolutely. The least hesitation by you to the south and all is over. . . . I sincerely believe they [the British Parliament] intend to carry out their threats, which are to make the town a desolate wilderness and the grass to grow in our streets. Source: Charles Sellers, et al., //A Synopsis of American History: Through Reconstruction// (Chicago: Ivan R Dee, 1992).