Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies

In the late 1760s a series of weekly letters appeared in colonial newspapers, penned by an articulate Pennsylvania farmer who sought to explain why Parliament’s new taxes and troop postings threatened the liberties of the British subjects in America. The writer blends classical references with plain, earnest reasoning, urging his fellow colonists to consider the broader implications of a single colony’s punishment for refusing to billet soldiers. Through vivid examples—glass duties, tea taxes, and the suspension of New York’s legislative powers—he sketches a picture of a growing constitutional crisis.

These letters quickly spread across the colonies, becoming a rallying point for those who prized measured, principled resistance over rash upheaval. Listeners will hear the calm yet persuasive voice that calls for unity, modesty, and moral courage while navigating the delicate balance between loyalty to the Crown and the demand for rights. The collection offers a window onto the political debates that set the stage for the larger conflict, making the era’s ideas feel immediate and relevant.