feb 11, 1768 - Massachusetts Circular Letter
Description:
The Massachusetts Circular Letter was written by Samuel Adams on behalf of the Massachusetts legislature in reaction to the unpopular Townshend Acts passed by Parliament in 1767. The letter asserted that Parliament had no right to tax Americans, as they were not represented by that legislative body.
The constitution stated that one's property could be taken only with one's consent, and since Parliament did not represented the colonists, its latest taxation violated Americans' rights.
The Massachusetts Circular Letter was important not just for what it said, but the fact that it brought intercolonial cooperation after it was written - since Massachusetts sent it to the other representative bodies throughout the colonies.
Added to timeline:
Date:
Images:
![]()