A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

Britain's Late Effort at Conciliation with the United States

London: Charles Eyre and William Strahan, 1778. Cap. XII. Folio. (ii), pp. 295-296. Full modern marbled paper-covered boards; all edges trimmed; title-page unevenly toned. ESTC N57744

Passed during the American Revolution, this scarce Act, known as the Taxation of Colonies Act of 1778, was a late attempt by Parliament to end the war by conceding to one of the early flashpoints of the conflict regarding taxation. "Whereas Taxation by the Parliament of Great Britain, for the Purpose of raising a Revenue in His Majesty's Colonies...in North America, has been found by Experience to occasion great Uneasiness and Disorders among His Majesty's faithful Subjects, who may nevertheless be disposed to acknowledge the Justice of contributing to the common Defence of the Empire, provided such Contribution should be raised under the Authority of the General Court, or General Assembly, of each respective Colony...in order as well to remove the said Uneasiness, and to quiet the Minds of His Majesty's Subjects who may be disposed to return to their Allegiance, as to restore the Peace and Welfare of all His Majesty's Dominions, it is expedient to declare that the King and Parliament of Great Britain will not impose any Duty, Tax, or Assessment, for the Purpose of raising a Revenue in any of the Colonies, Provinces, or Plantations."