Samuel Adams authored "The Rights of the Colonists" as part of the Committee of Correspondence report presented to the Boston Town Meeting on Nov. 20, 1772.
The report is divided into three sections considering the rights of the colonists as men, Christians, and subjects.
I. Natural Rights of the Colonists as Men
Natural rights include the right to life, liberty, and property.
These rights are inherent and tied to the duty of self-preservation.
Men have a right to remain in a state of nature or to enter society by voluntary consent.
Civil laws should conform to natural reason and equity; religion allows peaceful worship according to conscience.
"Just and true liberty" is an entitlement by natural and divine law.
Toleration in religious professions is a characteristic mark of the Church.
The natural liberty of man is only abridged for the good of society.
Government is meant to protect these rights, not infringe upon them.
II. The Rights of the Colonists as Christians
Derived from the New Testament and supported by the Toleration Act in England.
Christians, except Papists, are allowed liberty of conscience in worship.
Magna Charta is a declaration of natural rights.
III. The Rights of the Colonists as Subjects
Colonists are entitled to the same rights as Englishmen: personal security, liberty, and property.
Legislative power should preserve society; it cannot assume absolute power over lives and property.
The supreme power cannot take property without consent.
British Parliament's right to tax colonies without representation is unjust and unconstitutional.
Concerns about lack of representation and rights violations in the British Parliament.
Benjamin Franklin's Preface
Franklin highlights the colonial discontent and the impact of British policies.
The Stamp Act and other taxes led to colonial resistance and economic consequences.
Editor's Notes
Samuel Adams's report, although presented by Otis, was influential in articulating colonial grievances.
The report inspired future revolutionary texts, including the Declaration of Independence.
Some attributed the work to Franklin, though he only endorsed its publication.
Conclusion
The report was pivotal in expressing the colonists' desire for independence and addressing injustices faced under British rule.
It emphasized natural rights and the improper exercise of Parliamentary authority over the colonies.