George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[39] power of Parliament had been totally denied in a

Chap. XXVII.} 1766. Nov.

colonial Legislature. ‘No Representation, no Taxation,’ had become a very common expression; the Colonies were beginning to cry, ‘No Representation, no Legislation.’¹ Having never shown bitterness of party spirit, Hawley readily carried the Assembly with him, from their great opinion of his understanding and integrity; and a Bill was framed, ‘granting compensation to the sufferers and pardon to the offenders,’ even to the returning of the fines which had been paid. A recess was taken that members might consult their constituents, whose instructions were strictly regarded.² Yet before the adjournment complaint was made of the new zeal of Bernard in enforcing the Navigation Acts and sending to England injurious affidavits secretly taken. ‘I knew the time,’ interposed a member, ‘when the House would have readily assisted the Governor in executing the Laws of Trade.’ ‘The times,’ replied Otis, ‘are altered; we now know our rights.’³

While the mercenary motives which prompted the Governor's sudden eagerness to suppress illicit trade, incensed the people still more at the captious restraints on navigation, Shelburne sought to recover the affections of the Colonies by acquiring and deserving their confidence.⁴ ‘Assure the Assembly of Massachusetts,’ he said with ‘frankness’⁵ to their