ABSTRACT
To spend a moment on the question of right that has produced the present conflict in America, is now as unnecessary as in me it would be presumptious. The first members of both houses of parliament and the ablest judges of our laws have delivered opposite opinions, both as to the right and expediency of taxing the Colonies in England. And it is to be feared if the great authorities that have been so divided in their opinions of the rights of the subjects in America, were now to unite in shewing the necessity of their obedience it would be ineffectual. When subjects at the risque of their lives, assemble together in open violation of the laws of the government under which they live, and appear with arms in their hands to face the forces of their Sovereign in the field, reason and argument come too late to be heard.
