History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER XXIII.
POLITICAL MATTERS— CENSUS— JAIL—NEW TOWNS.
Agitation Foreshad- BEFORE tliG close of the seveii years' war
owing the RevoiutliG
agitation which resulted in the Revo-
lution, commenced. England proposed to
tax the colonies for revenue, and on that line proceeded to
legislate for America. The people denied the right of taxation
without representation, and protested vigorously
against the arbitrary legislation of the British Parliament.
Opposition to the British government did not spring up in
a single night. Aware of their dependence upon the
mother-country, the colonies were loyal to the King. Independence
had at first little or no foundation in the minds
of the people of New England. Men who afterwards became
leaders in the struggle for liberty, were reared in
loyalty, and basked in the sunshine of kingly favor. Even
when the laws of his ministers became burdensome and
oppressive, they still honored the King as good and loyal
subjects. While the hand of England lay lightly upon
them they had no thought of independence. But when
the usurpation of power led to oppressive legislation, no
other method of relief presented itself. The preliminary
struggles which led up to open warfare, are so familiar that
there is no need even of recapitulation. But occasionally the
town records contain an allusion to passing events in this
great controversy, and in order to obtain a clear understanding
of town action thereon, a more detailed reference
to the specific measures that called forth that action is
deemed necessary.
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