Ebook History of the Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770

The passage by parliament of the law known as the stamp act, and the attempt to carry it into effect, had raised a feeling through out the colonies that was found to be so injurious to the trade of England as to cause its repeal in March, 1766. The news of this yielding to the popular clamor was received with joy throughout the colonies, but many of the far-seeing men, among the patriots, saw no cause for rejoicing, as the act of repeal contained a clause which to them was portentous of evil to our liberties. It claimed the absolute right of parliament-to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever. It was soon seen that the British government had determined to follow out this declaration by a practical Show of force which should overawe the people; for during this autumn the garrison at the castle was reenforced, and in the following June additional forces arrived.