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24 CAUSES \VHICH LED TO THE

united ina general opposition to the views of ministers, who disregarded their petitions and the statements of their agents; and although some acts favourable to the commerce of the colonies were passed, the people became suspicious, and placed no reliance on the

, good-Will of the British ministers. Meetings were held, and resolutions were taken to make no farther importations from Great Britain; and they, at the

es

same time, encouraged to the utmost their own manu- factures. So far did they persevere in this object,

that they laid aside the use of elegances, and even

33 abstained from eating lamb, in order to increase the

growth of wool. In England, this measure excited the general in- dignation of the manufacturers against the ministry.

The suspension of the trade with America some time after, was followed by a resolution of the colo- nists not to allow the exportation of provisions; which was seriously injurious to our West India islands, and of severe consequence to the fisheries of Newfoundland. I ,

The opposition to the Tea Act, and the resistance to the landing, and the throwing overboard, of the cargoes of the East India Company’s ships, Was another alarming proof of resolute determination on the part of the colonists. They then urged, that, until the Stamp Act was repealed, no remittances should be made to England, nor any suit for debt allowed on

the part of a resident of Great Britain. It was also

threatened that the exportation of tobacco should be stopped ; which, if carried into effect, must have cut