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ANOTHER PROPERTY
HUME, David (1711-1776), Philosopher. Autograph letter signed ("David Hume") to Francis S. Conway, Earl of Hertford (1718-1794), Lisle Street, Leicester Fields, London, 27 February 1766. 6 pages, bifolium.
Details
HUME, David (1711-1776), Philosopher. Autograph letter signed ("David Hume") to Francis S. Conway, Earl of Hertford (1718-1794), Lisle Street, Leicester Fields, London, 27 February 1766. 6 pages, bifolium.
"ENGLAND HAD NO RIGHT OF TAXING HER COLONIES..." OR TO "TAKE MONEY FROM FREE-BORN ENGLISHMEN WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT"
Hume's vivid account to the Viceroy of Ireland of the Parliamentary debate to repeal the Stamp Act. "The first day after re-assembling the Parliament opened by a very extraordinary speech of Mr Pitt's...asserting that England had no right of taxing her Colonies, and that it was unconstitutional to take money from free-born Englishmen without their consent." Pitt "much astonished his audience. He seem'd even to treat the Parliament with contempt; he used several severe expressions against the last Ministry; he employ'd some unkind ones towards the present: And men were thrown into such wonder at the lofty and intrepid style of his discourse, that nobody had courage or presence enough of mind to answer him." Two days later the shock wore off and Pitt was subjected to stinging criticism and even threats of arrest, Hume reports. "He soon perceived that he had gone too far; and like an able man, he has since lowered his tone, and talked with great submission and deference to the house," and "entirely recovered the good will of his audience."
The House of Lords then took up the question of repeal, with Lord Camden arguing in support against Lord Mansfield. "It is agreed on all hands, that nobody ever remembers such a discourse, for matter, for style, and for delivery." Only four peers voted with Camden. "It was moved by Lord Greenville that the House should address his Majesty to enforce the laws in America... Lord Rockingham published everywhere that the King had said to him, that he was for repeal of the Stamp Act...The King has since said that this was a mistake...The general cry of the public...loudly demanded a repeal of the Stamp Act. It was forseen that the countenance given the Americans by Mr Pitt and Lord Camden's appearance for them would increase, if possible, their obstinacy..." He mentions the worries over a downturn in American trade, and how that soured many merchants on continuing the tax. "The repeal was carry'd [in the Commons] by a majority of 104, which in subsequent votes mounted to 107. It is not doubted but the House of Peers will concur with the Commons...Everyone is sensible, that an invidious law, repealed by one branch of the Legislature, can never possibly be carried into execution."
The Stamp Act passed in March 1765 as a means to pay off the massive debt caused by the French and Indian War, sparked massive, violent protests. Crowds mobbed and looted the homes and offices of collectors. Hume ends this remarkable letter by speculating about Bute's motives during the debate--"it is esteem'd certain that Lord Bute projected to overthrow the Ministry"--and concludes by expressing his own satisfaction "that the Stamp Act is repealed." If it remained in place he thought an "obstinate resistance" would have taken shape in America, "with the most fatal consequences." It "would have made them expect nothing but blood and slaughter and the most severe executions." That all came ten years later.
"ENGLAND HAD NO RIGHT OF TAXING HER COLONIES..." OR TO "TAKE MONEY FROM FREE-BORN ENGLISHMEN WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT"
Hume's vivid account to the Viceroy of Ireland of the Parliamentary debate to repeal the Stamp Act. "The first day after re-assembling the Parliament opened by a very extraordinary speech of Mr Pitt's...asserting that England had no right of taxing her Colonies, and that it was unconstitutional to take money from free-born Englishmen without their consent." Pitt "much astonished his audience. He seem'd even to treat the Parliament with contempt; he used several severe expressions against the last Ministry; he employ'd some unkind ones towards the present: And men were thrown into such wonder at the lofty and intrepid style of his discourse, that nobody had courage or presence enough of mind to answer him." Two days later the shock wore off and Pitt was subjected to stinging criticism and even threats of arrest, Hume reports. "He soon perceived that he had gone too far; and like an able man, he has since lowered his tone, and talked with great submission and deference to the house," and "entirely recovered the good will of his audience."
The House of Lords then took up the question of repeal, with Lord Camden arguing in support against Lord Mansfield. "It is agreed on all hands, that nobody ever remembers such a discourse, for matter, for style, and for delivery." Only four peers voted with Camden. "It was moved by Lord Greenville that the House should address his Majesty to enforce the laws in America... Lord Rockingham published everywhere that the King had said to him, that he was for repeal of the Stamp Act...The King has since said that this was a mistake...The general cry of the public...loudly demanded a repeal of the Stamp Act. It was forseen that the countenance given the Americans by Mr Pitt and Lord Camden's appearance for them would increase, if possible, their obstinacy..." He mentions the worries over a downturn in American trade, and how that soured many merchants on continuing the tax. "The repeal was carry'd [in the Commons] by a majority of 104, which in subsequent votes mounted to 107. It is not doubted but the House of Peers will concur with the Commons...Everyone is sensible, that an invidious law, repealed by one branch of the Legislature, can never possibly be carried into execution."
The Stamp Act passed in March 1765 as a means to pay off the massive debt caused by the French and Indian War, sparked massive, violent protests. Crowds mobbed and looted the homes and offices of collectors. Hume ends this remarkable letter by speculating about Bute's motives during the debate--"it is esteem'd certain that Lord Bute projected to overthrow the Ministry"--and concludes by expressing his own satisfaction "that the Stamp Act is repealed." If it remained in place he thought an "obstinate resistance" would have taken shape in America, "with the most fatal consequences." It "would have made them expect nothing but blood and slaughter and the most severe executions." That all came ten years later.