to the best of his ability and with his mind made up. He wrote to his
friend Bryan Fairfax (July 20, 1774):

As I see nothing, on the one hand, to induce a belief that the
Parliament would embrace a favorable opportunity of repealing
acts, which they go on with great rapidity to pass, and in order
to enforce their tyrannical system; and on the other, I observe,
or think I observe, that government is pursuing a regular plan at
the expense of law and justice to overthrow our constitutional
rights and liberties, how can I expect any redress from a measure,
which has been ineffectually tried already? For, Sir, what is it
we are contending against? Is it against paying the duty of three
pence per pound on tea because burthensome? No, it is the right
only, we have all along disputed, and to this end we have already
petitioned his Majesty in as humble and dutiful manner as subjects
could do[1]....

And has not General Gage's conduct since his arrival, (in stopping
the address of his Council, and publishing a proclamation more
becoming a Turkish bashaw, than an English governor, declaring it
treason to associate in any manner by which the commerce of Great
Britain is to be affected) exhibited an unexampled testimony of
the most despotic system of tyranny, that ever was practised in
a free government? In short, what further proofs are wanted to
satisfy one of the designs of the ministry, than their own acts,
which are uniform and plainly tending to the same point, nay, if I
mistake not, avowedly to fix the right of taxation? What hope then
from petitioning, when they tell us, that now or never is the time
to fix the matter? Shall we after this, whine and cry for relief,
when we have already tried it in vain? Or shall we supinely sit