Q. But in places where they could be protected, would not the people use them, rather than remain in such a situation, unable to obtain any right, or recover, by law, any debt?
A. It is hard to say what they would do. I can only judge what other people will think, and how they will act, by what I feel within myself. I have a great many debts due to me in America, and I had rather they should remain unrecoverable by any law, than submit to the stamp act. They will be debts of honour. It is my opinion the people will either continue in that situation, or find some way to extricate themselves, perhaps by generally agreeing to proceed in the courts without stamps.
Q. What do you think a sufficient military force to protect the distribution of the stamps in every part of America?
A. A very great force, I can't say what, if the disposition of America is for a general resistance.
Q. What is the number of men in America able to bear arms, or of disciplined militia?
A. There are, I suppose, at least——
[Question objected to. He withdrew. Called in again.]
Q. Is the American stamp act an equal tax on the country?
A. I think not.
Q. Why so?