The speedy and lasting Union between Great Britain and her Colonies.
The constitutional British Liberty in America, and all true Patriots, the Supporters thereof....
122. The Origin of Massachusetts Town-Committees of Correspondence, 1772
Boston Town Records, 1770-1777 (Report of the Record Commissioners, 1887), pp. 90-93.
A Boston town meeting of October 28 had been concerned with the report that "Stipends are affixed by order of the Crown to the offices of the Judges of Superior Court." This action had been taken by the British government to render the judges independent of the Assembly and of public opinion in Massachusetts. The meeting had voted that "a decent ... Application" be made to the governor asking for information as to the truth of the report. The Governor's refusal appears in the first part of the document. This crisis, and the refusal of Governor Hutchinson (below) to permit the Assembly to meet, brought about the organization of committees of correspondence. Cf. American History and Government, § 140.
Fryday October 30, 10 O'Clock Before Noon, Met according to Adjournment.
The Committee to present the Governor an Address Reported the following answer which his Excellency delivered to them in Writing—Viz—
Gentlemen
It is by no means proper for me to lay before the Inhabitants of any Town whatsoever in consequence of their Votes and Proceedings in a Town Meeting any part of my Correspondence as Governor of this Province or to acquaint them whether I have or have not received any advice relating to the public Affairs of the Government. This reason alone if your Address to me had been in other respects unexceptionable, would have been sufficient to restrain me from complying with your desire—