November 7, 1769

Virginia Governor Announces Repeal of Townshend Duties

Lord Botetourt, Virginia's Governor, simultaneously soothes Virginia radicals just as he reinforces notions of a secret constitutional conspiracy when he informs the Virginia assembly that he has been authorized by the King’s "confidential servants" to promise repeal of the Townshend Duties. Members of Parliament such as Edmund Burke are angered by Botetourt's remarks because Botetourt fails to mention that Parliament, not the King or his servants, is supreme in the British constitution and therefore responsible for the repeal of the duties.