Resistance was everywhere organized.
"Between 1767 and 1771 patriotic leagues were everywhere formed against the consumption of English merchandise and the exportation of American produce; all exchange ceased between the mother-country and the colonies.
To extinguish the source of England's riches in America, and to force her to open her eyes to her madness, the colonists shrank from no privation and no sacrifice: luxury had vanished, rich and poor welcomed ruin rather than give up their political rights" [M.

Cornelis de Witt, _Histoire de Washington_].

"I expect nothing more from petitions to the king," said Washington, already one of the most steadfast champions of American liberties, "and I would oppose them if they were calculated to suspend the execution of the pact of non-importation.

As sure as I live, there is no relief to be expected for us but from the straits of Great Britain.
I believe, or at least I hope, that there is enough public virtue still remaining among us to make us deny ourselves everything but the bare necessaries of life in order to obtain justice.

This we have a right to do, and no power on earth can force us to a change of conduct short of being reduced to the most abject slavery.