James Otis published his views on taxation without representation on 23rd July 1764. Those three words succinctly summarised the many and varied grievances of the American colonists. Otis had expressed his views as a lawyer in the case of Paxton vs. Gray, before the Superior Court of Massachusetts, in February 1761. He did so in a five hour oration, which may explain why it took him so long to publish.
His powerful speech was against the Writs of Assistance, which were general search warrants issued by the British government. Otis argued that these warrants violated the colonists’ natural rights and were an affront to the principles of English law.
This speech, often referred to as the “Patriot’s Oration,” made a significant impact on the American colonists. It is considered a precursor to the American Revolution. Otis’ passionate defence of individual liberties and his call for resistance against unjust laws inspired many others to join the cause for American independence.
Otis was an exceptionally bright and well-educated individual. He attended Harvard College, where he studied law and excelled academically. After completing his studies, he began practicing law and quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant and passionate advocate.
Despite his influential role in the early stages of the revolution, Otis faced personal challenges and setbacks. In 1769, he suffered a severe head injury during a brawl with a British customs officer. This incident left him mentally unstable and unable to continue his legal career.
The issue of taxation without representation struck me at the time of the 2016 UK vote on Brexit. The age demographics showed that the young were much more in favour of remaining in the EU than the older generations. Yet you could only vote if you were over 18. Although children are unlikely to earn more that their tax free allowance, technically they are liable to pay tax on earnings, whatever age they are. You can join the UK armed forces at 16, but you can’t vote until you’re 18. That smacks of taxation without representation to me. I apologise if you were hoping for a post on the Sir Anthony Standen Adventures. I try to keep political posts few and far between, but the words of James Otis leapt out of the “on this day” website at me today.