Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

276 SPRINGFIELD. 1G36-18S6.
we have so imich as a Virtual representation in a Legislature, which is not itself
Subject to those Laws which it imi)oses upon us.
4tlily. That the late Boston port act which inflicts a most Severe Punishment
ui)on that Town (and in its operation upon almost the whole Continent) for
destruction made of tlie Property of some British Merchants, by persons un-
known ;
and tliat before any demand of Compensation was made, or any Citation
Sent to the Town to answer for itself; is a Step that ought to alarm us and fill
us with deep Concern.
5thly. That the proposed new System of Government, Virtually annihilating
our most Essential Charter Rights, added to the Boston Port act, gives is Such
apprehensions of the designs of administration against our Liberties, as we have
never before allowed ourselves to Entertain.
61y. Impressed with Just Concern for our priviledges and at the Same time
Governed by Sentiments of Loyalty to our So\ eraign and w ith warm affection
for our Mother Country, we ardently wish that all tlie CoUony's and every
Individual in tlieni. may unite in Some prudent peaceable Constitutional meas-
ures, for the Kedress of our Grievances the Security of our Liberties, and the
Kestoration of union and mutual Confidence between Great Brittain and her
Collonies.
71y. That it is the unquestionable Iliglit, so we esteem it the Indispensable
duty of the several Collonies, in this day, to Correspond together, and act in
Consert ;
and we \vait with Patience for the result of the approaching Continental
Congress. Hoping tliat Influenced by Wisdom from above thej' will Pecommend
those measures which Shall be both inoffencive in their Nature & Salutarj'
in their Tendency. .\nd as it appears to us that a discontinuance of Trade &
Commerce with Great Brittain might Serve the Interest of the Country in divers
Respects ; So Should any well digested prudently regulated & practible plan for
this end be proposed, we Shall readily acceed to it & afford our aid for the
Relief of those, who maj' thereby be deprived of y^ means of Substance, as
well as Contribute to the Succour of our Bretheren already Suffering in their
Countries Cause.
81y. In the meantime we think it our duty to Express our Utter abhorrence
of all Sucli Resolves & measures as are unnecessarily aft'rontive to the Brittish
parliment, and carry an air of Insult upon that Respectable Body, as well as of
all Tumults and riots among ourselves, Insults iipon mens persons & Invations
of tlieir properties. We are Unanimously resolved to discontenance every thing
of this kind & to yield & promote due obedience to his majesty's Government in
this Province, To treat his majestys Representative, with all due Respect, To aid