[120] Mr. Burke tells us (in his speech in 1774) that this preambulary tax had lost us at once the benefit of the west and of the east; had thrown open folding-doors to contraband; and would be the means of giving the profits of the colony-trade to every nation but ourselves. He adds in the same place, "It is indeed a tax of sophistry, a tax of pedantry, a tax of disputation, a tax of war and rebellion, a tax for any thing but benefit to the imposers, or satisfaction to the subject." B. V.
[121] Some of his circular letters had been criticised, and exposed by one or two of the American assemblies.
[122] "Eighty-five pounds I am assured, my lords, is the whole equivalent, we have received for all the hatred and mischief, and all the infinite losses this kingdom has suffered during that year, in her disputes with North America." See the bishop of St. Asaph's intended speech. B. V.
[123] At this time they contained many millions of pounds of tea, including the usual stock on hand. Mr. Burke, in his speech in 1774, supposes, that America might have given a vent for ten millions of pounds. This seems to have been the greater part of the whole quantity. B. V.
[124] On account of a temporary compromise of certain disputes with government. B. V.
[125] Seen in certain memorable mercantile failures in the year 1772. B. V.
[Account of Governor Hutchinson's Letters.][126]
TO THE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL IN WAITING.
(Copy.)
Whitehall, Dec. 3, 1773.