ABSTRACT
It was the connection between the assertion of abstract rights and their unexpected enforcement which especially alarmed the Colonists. In the March of 1764 Grenville had brought forward fifty-five resolutions with regard to America; one of which stated that for further defraying the expense of protecting the Colonies it may be proper to charge certain stamp duties in the said Colonies. At the same time, it was sought to conciliate the Colonies by a further grant of bounties upon certain exports. The position of the Colonies was not without difficulties and anomalies; but upon the whole the legality of Grenville's proceedings appears tolerably certain. Clarke, the Lieutenant Governor, had shown to Clinton some proposals for establishing by Act of Parliament a duty upon stamp paper and parchment in all the British Colonies. Undoubtedly by many in the Colonies, the lesson of mob rule had been taken seriously to heart.
