9781422285930

The American Revolution

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In several cities, mobs prevented the distribution of stamped paper. Rioters also destroyed the homes and offices of royally appointed stamp commissioners. Glimmers of Unity In June, the Massachusetts assembly had sent a letter to the assemblies of the other colonies. It called for a meeting to discuss the Stamp Act. Nine of the 13 colonies sent representatives to the meeting. Called the Stamp Act Congress, it convened in New York City in early October. The mere fact that the Stamp Act Congress took place was signifi- cant. The colonies weren’t accustomed to working together. As yet, colonists had no sense of belonging to an American nation that was distinct from Great Britain. Colonists considered themselves British subjects first and foremost. Beyond that, they tended to identify strongly with their particular colony. So, for example, Virginians were unlikely to recognize that they had much in common with New Yorkers or Rhode Islanders. But delegates to the Stamp Act Congress put aside their differences. After nearly two weeks of discussion and debate, they approved a docu- ment known as the Declaration of Rights. It expressed the colonists’ “sincere devotion” to King George but systematically laid out their case against the Stamp Act. Petitions were drafted asking Parliament and the king to repeal the act. The Stamp Act Congress finished its work on October 25. One week later, the Stamp Act went into effect. But not a single penny was collected from the stamp tax anywhere in the colonies. Threats and mob violence had convinced every stamp commissioner to give up his post. Weeks passed, then months. The impasse continued. Finally, on March 18, 1766, Parliament voted to repeal the Stamp Act. In the colonies, news of the repeal was greeted with jubilation. There would