United States History Student Edition

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Describing Reactions to the Stamp Act The Stamp Act was passed by Parliament in 1765. It required that printed materials like newspapers, wills, pamphlets, and playing cards be affixed with a stamp that showed that a tax had been paid. In response, colonists protested loudly. In a letter, a merchant living in Nova Scotia, Canada, commented on the growing unrest to the south. PRIMARY SOURCE: LETTER “ There is a violent spirit of opposition raised on the Continent against the execution of the Stamp Act, the mob in Boston . . . threaten to pull down & burn the Stamp Office row building, and that they will hold every man as Infamous that shall presume to carry the Stamp Act into Execution . . . I don’t find any such turbulent spirit to prevail among us, if it should, the means are in our Hands to prevent any tumults or Insults; what the consequences may be in the Colonies who have no military force to keep the rabble in order, I cannot pretend to say. ” — Archibald Hinshelwood, from A Letter to Joshua Mauger , August 19, 1765

“Address to the LADIES” The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed taxes on imported glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. To fight against this action, a “non- importation” movement arose that encouraged colonists to buy and produce local goods, rather than consume imports from Britain. A humorous verse, or poem, appeared in a Boston newspaper that same year asking women to help the cause. . . . First then, throw aside your high top knots of pride Wear none but your own country linnen; . . . And as one, all agree that you'll not married be To such as will wear London Fact'ry: But at first sight refuse, tell 'em such you do chuse As encourage our own Manufact'ry. No more Ribbons wear, nor in rich dress appear, Love your country much better than fine things, . . . Throw aside your Bohea , and your Green Hyson Tea , And all things with a new fashion duty; Procure a good store of the choice Labradore , For there'll soon be enough here to suit ye . . . ” — “Address to the Ladies,” published in the Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser , November 16, 1767 PRIMARY SOURCE: POEM “ Address to the LADIES.

infamous known for being bad or evil tumult disorder rabble a mob

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Identifying What acts of protest does the writer mention in the letter? 2. Drawing Conclusions Do you think the writer of the letter supported the protests to the Stamp Act? Explain.

Bohea a black tea from China procure to acquire Labradore a locally grown tea

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Identifying What specific products are mentioned in the poem, and what actions are women encouraged to take? 2. Analyzing How does the poem appeal to the patriotism of women colonists?

(l)Hinshelwood, Archibald. “Archibald Hinshelwood to Joshua Mauger, Aug. 19, 1765,” in Gilder Lehrman Collection, No. GLC03902.061, accessed via www.gilderlehrman.org. (r)Anonymous. “Address to the Ladies,” The Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser, Number 535, November 16, 1767.

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