chises, and immunities that have at any time been held, enjoyed, and possessed by the people of Great Britain.
Resolved, That by two royal charters, granted by King James I., the colonies aforesaid are declared entitled to all liberties, privileges, and immunities of denizens, and natural-born subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they had been abiding, and born within the realm of England.
Resolved, That the taxation of the people by themselves, or by persons chosen by themselves to represent them, who can only know what taxes the people are able to bear, and the easiest mode of raising them, and are equally affected by such taxes themselves, is the distinguishing characteristic of British freedom, and without which the ancient constitution cannot subsist.
Resolved, That his Majesty's liege people, of this most ancient colony, have enjoyed the rights of being thus governed by their own Assembly, in the article of taxes, and internal police, and that the same have never been forfeited, or yielded up, but have been constantly recognized by the king and people of Britain.
Resolved, therefore, That the General Assembly of this Colony, have the sole right and power, to lay taxes and imposts upon the inhabitants of this colony, and that every attempt to vest such power in any other person or persons whatsoever, than the General Assembly aforesaid, has a manifest tendency to destroy British, as well as American freedom.
A violent debate ensued, which was protracted for hours. Henry, roused by imputations freely uttered by those who opposed action, exclaimed, " Cæsar had his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and George III."—
"Treason!" cried the speaker—"Treason! treason!" echoed from every part of the house. "It was one of those trying moments," as Mr. Wirt well says, " which are decisive of character. Henry faltered not for an instant, but rising to a loftier attitude, and fixing on the speaker an eye of the most determined fire, he finished his sentence with the firmest emphasis,—' and George III.—may profit by their example! If this be treason, sir, make the most of it.'"[1]
The resolutions were carried, the last by a majority of only one vote. It is true that the next day. when Henry was absent, the last resolution was rescinded ; nevertheless, in their original form they were speedily put in circulation throughout the colonies, and gave a strong impulse to the popular feeling. The bold stand of Virginia, was well calculated to nerve the patriotic hearts of true men everywhere.
In Massachusetts, before the news arrived of what had been done by the Virginians, the General Court appointed a committee of nine to consider the steps necessary to be taken in the present emergency. That committee (June 6th,) recommended the calling of a Congress at New York, on the first Tuesday in October, to consult upon the affairs of the colonies, and "to consider of a general and humble
- ↑ Wirt's "Life of Patrick Henry," p 83.
