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Documents, Intorelable Acts or Coercive Acts »

The following is the original text of the Massachusetts Government Act, one of the four Intolerable Acts.
 
May 20, 1774

An act for the better regulating the government of the province of the Massachuset’s Bay, in New England.
WHEREAS by letters patent under the great seal of England, made in the third year of the reign of their late majesties King William and Queen Mary, for uniting, erecting, and incorporating, the several colonies, territories, and tracts of land therein mentioned, into one real province, by the name of Their Majesties Province of the …

Documents, Intorelable Acts or Coercive Acts »

Boston Port Act Original Text

This is the original text of the Boston Port Act as enacted by the British Parliament on March 31, 1774.
 
An act to discontinue, in such manner, and for such time as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging, lading or shipping, of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town, and within the harbour, of Boston, in the province of Massachuset’s Bay, in North America.
WHEREAS dangerous commotions and insurrections have been fomented and raised in the town of Boston, in the province of Massachuset’s Bay, in New England, by divers ill-affected …

Documents, Stamp Act »

Stamp Act of 1765 – Original Text

The original text of the 1765 Stamp Act from the British Parliament makes an interesting read despite its length. For example it lists some interesting items that have become subject to the tax. “And for and upon every pack of playing cards, and all dice, which shall be sold or used within the said colonies and plantations, the several stamp duties following. For every pack of such cards, the sum of one shilling. And for every pair of such dice, the sum of ten shillings.