Patrick Henry: Resolutions in Opposition to the Stamp Act

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RESOLVES of the House of Burgesses in Virginia, June 1765.

That the first Adventurers & Settlers of this his Majesty’s Colony and Dominion of Virginia, brought with them, and transmitted to their Posterity, and all other his Majesty’s Subjects since inhabiting in this his Majesty’s Colony, all the Liberties, Privileges, Franchises, and Immunities, that at any Time been held, enjoyed, and possessed, by the people of Great Britain.

That by Two Royal Charters, granted by King James the First, the Colonists aforesaid are Declared Entitled, to all Liberties, Privileges and Immunities, of Denizens and Natural Subjects (to all Intents and Purposes) as if they had been Abiding and Born within the Realm of England.

That the Taxation of the People by Themselves, or by Persons Chosen by Themselves to Represent them, who can only know what Taxes the People are able to bear, or the easiest Method of Raising them, and must themselves be affected by every Tax laid upon the People, is the only Security against a Burthensome Taxation; and the distinguishing Characteristic of British FREEDOM; and, without which, the ancient Constitution cannot exist.

That his Majesty’s Liege People of this most Ancient and Loyal Colony, have, without Interruption, the inestimable Right of being Governed by such Laws, respecting their internal Policy and Taxation, as are derived from their own Consent, with the Approbation of their Sovereign, or his Substitute; which Right hath never been Forfeited, or Yielded up; but hath been constantly recognized by the Kings and People of Great Britain.

Resolved therefore, That the General Assembly of this Colony, with the consent of his Majesty, or his Substitute, HAVE the Sole Right and Authority to lay Taxes and Impositions upon Its Inhabitants: And, That every Attempt to vest such Authority in any other Person or Persons whatsoever, has a Manifest Tendency to Destroy AMERICAN FREEDOM.

That his Majesty’s Liege People, Inhabitants of this Colony, are not bound to yield Obedience to any Law or Ordinance whatsoever, designed to impose any Taxation upon them, other than the Laws or Ordinances of the General Assembly as aforesaid.

That any Person who shall, by Speaking, or Writing, assert or maintain, That any Person or Persons, other than the General Assembly of this Colony, with such Consent as aforesaid, have any Right or Authority to lay or impose any Tax whatever on the Inhabitants therof, shall be Deemed, AN ENEMY TO THIS HIS MAJESTY’S COLONY.