Connecticut Resolutions on the Stamp Act
Great Britain · 1765AUTHOR — Great Britain
Connecticut Resolutions on the Stamp Act: December 10, 1765
At a meeting of a large assembly of the respectable populace in New London the 10th of December 1765, the following resolves were unanimously come into.
Resolved, 1st. That every form of government rightfully founded, originates from the consent of the people.
2d. That the boundaries set by the people in all constitutions are the only limits within which any officer can lawfully exercise authority.
3d. That whenever those bounds are exceeded, the people have a right to reassume the exercise of that authority which by nature they had before they delegated it to individuals.
4th. That every tax imposed upon English subjects without consent is against the natural rights and the bounds prescribed by the English constitution.
5th. That the Stamp Act in special, is a tax imposed on the colonies without their consent.
6th. That it is the duty of every person in the colonies to oppose by every lawful means the execution of those acts imposed on them, and if they can in no other way be relieved, to reassume their natural rights and the authority the laws of nature and of God have vested them with.
And in order effectually to prevent the execution thereof, it is recommended:
1st. That every officer in this colony duly execute the trust reposed in him, agreeable to the true spirit of the English constitution and the laws of this colony.
2d. That every officer neglecting the exercise of his office may justly expect the resentment of the people, and those who proceed may depend on their protection.
3d. It is presumed no person will publicly, in the pulpit or otherwise, inculcate the doctrine of passive obedience, or any other doctrine tending to quiet the minds of the people, in a tame submission to any unjust impositions.
4th. We fully concur with the respectable body of the populace in all their Resolves made at Windham the 26th November 1765 and published in the New-London Gazette.
Source:<br>The Massachusetts Gazette December 19, 1765.