" I shall make such a prudent and proper use
" of this Letter as, I hope, will perfectly restore
" the peace and tranquillity of this province, for
" which purpose considerable steps have been made
" by the House of Representatives."
*[Asterisk reference mark indicates there is a note below.]

THE vindication of the province of Massachu-
setts-Bay contained in these Letters will have
greater force, if it be considered, that they were
written several months after the fresh alarm
given to the colonies by the statutes passed in the
preceding year.

IN this place it seems proper to take notice of
the insinuation in one of these statutes, that the
interference of Parliament was necessary to pro-
vide for "defraying the charge of the admini-
" stration of justice,
the support of civil govern-
" ment
, and defending the King's dominions in
" America."

As to the two first articles of expence, every
colony had made such provision, as by their re-
spective Assemblies, the best judges on such
occasions, was thought expedient, and suitable to
their several circumstances. Respecting the last,
it is well known to all men the least acquainted
with American affairs, that the colonies were estab-
lished, and have generally defended themselves,
without the least assistance from Great-Britain;
and, that at the same time her taxing them by
the statutes before mentioned, most of them were
labouring under very heavy debts contracted in
the last war. So far were they from sparing their
money, when their Sovereign, constitutionally,

[Asterisk reference mark:] * February 2, 1768.