Author: Thomas Whately- member of Parliament
Context: Personal opinion, siding with Britain. Published book Considerations on the Trade and Finances of This Kingdom (1766)
Audience: Directed criticism towards colonists, defends Britain; general public due to detail
Purpose: Explains that colonists have no reason to complain, War fought for protection of colonists
Significance:
Colonies are obligated to help mother country because England brought them peace and defense. Legislature require colonies to support them but never intended to impose debt Colonists won’t lose money by helping repay debt because it supports Britain Colonies will later be given resources; credit goes to Britain for establishment Taxing colonies is not forbidden-regulation of trade Colonists have money to pay for taxes; colonies are flourishing but Britain is in debt Through mercantilism, it’s OK to tax colonists because colonies are part of mother country + are supposed to serve Britain Document 40: A Declaration of Colonial Rights
Author: Colonial delegates
Context: Political mutual agreement between 9 colonies, official document, Stamp Act Congress in NY in October (1765)
Audience: British officials, Parliament and King
Purpose: Declare rights and grievances regarding relationship to Britain Document is written with much respect = not looking to start a fight
Significance:
Respect Britain and acknowledge that Parliament has power State colonists have natural rights, no taxation without representation, representatives make decisions for colonists, trial by jury for all Right to petition king Profits from trade help Britain Britain cannot impose tax duties without consent, and colonists do not have representation in the House of Commons in Britain Exemplify loyalty
Document 41: Parliament’s Repeal and Declaration
Author: John Raithby
Context: The Declaratory Act (March 18,1766) and The Statutes