Sirs,

In response to your resolutions of October regarding the Stamp Act,

Despite your opening remarks of affection and allegiance (whose tone we found rather obsequious) we have never denied that colonists are our subjects, but your proposal would be at odds with the established policies of the Crown and would not benefit the populace as a whole.

We agree that the settlers of the British lands in the Americas and elsewhere have not been subject to the same treatment as British subjects represented in Parliament. We have allowed a degree of self-government that seemed appropriate, given the isolation from Great Britain. Certainly, not all of our subjects have been granted land. It seems that special treatment was acceptable while to your advantage. Since 1620 we have borne considerable expense in establishing the settlement of the American colonies. The original exploration and settlement was funded by English corporations in the name of, and with the encouragement and support of the British Crown.

Crown lands were deeded to settlers as subjects and were received by them at no cost. We regarded this as a good faith deposit for future enrichment. Indeed this policy continues and has provided a good living for many New England colonists who accepted our offer of freehold farmland in Nova Scotia as recently as 1761.

In the past century, manufactured goods, and the benefits of British technological advances in agriculture and industry have been readily available from England when such expertise to produce them had not been established in the Americas. British ships, under Crown protection, were used in their carriage.

Even in times of peace, maintenance of trade routes to allow you to export your products to the English market has been at His Majesty’s pleasure. Trading relationships with European countries are now being established by cashing in on the diplomatic relations that Britain has developed.

The cost of securing the colonies has been phenomenal and we contend that the colonies would not have prospered without this resource. Competition with the Spanish, Dutch and French has been supported by English troops and mercenaries supplied at the expense of the Crown. This latest French and Indian wars fiasco has been especially expensive because of the greater land area involved, and we find the need to restock our reserves or be vulnerable at home. Taxes are not a new concept, we are not asking for tithe labour or goods. So we find it hard to believe that these resolutions represent the unanimous sentiment of all colonists.

While we are thrilled that you have achieved a phenomenal wealth from our indulgences, it must be obvious that we would not have been so eager to dump funds into the R & D of North America if it had not looked to be a profitable enterprise!

It took an organization of considerable resources to establish the way of life and level of prosperity found in the colonies today. We are sure that alone you could not have achieved the success you now enjoy. It is imperative that Great Britain replenishes her resources and expands into new territories for the betterment of the entire nation. You are by no means bankrupted – pay your taxes, pay your debts!

Ethel

pp. H.M. George III

P.S. We are aware that our Parliament has refused to accept your resolutions but felt that some response was appropriate. I’m sure history will find that not all politicians in our Parliament have been brilliant.