ABSTRACT
Rockingham’s ministry fell that same year and Lord Chatham headed the new one. Since he believed in liberty for the colonies all might have been well, if only he had been Prime Minister in fact as well as in name. Townshend boasted that he would oblige America to pay for the British soldiers still quartered there. Parliament made no difficulty about passing the Bill, because it was disgusted with the colonies at the time. Franklin foresaw trouble and was very uneasy. For the “final revolt” was indeed being hastened. From Massachusetts came a petition to the King and Government and a circular letter to the other colonies giving its own views and asking for theirs. Franklin had been wrong in counting on the King’s graciousness and goodwill. Most of the Ministers were in favor of abandoning the tea duty like the rest – even North ventured a protest – but King George had Parliament in his pocket.
