Benjamin Franklin: “The great business of the continent is agriculture.”

That compelling the colonies to pay money without their consent, would be rather like raising contributions in an enemy's country, than taxing of Englishmen for their own public benefit.

We are restrained in our trade with foreign nations; and where we could be supplied with any manufacture cheaper from them, but must buy the same dearer from Britain, the difference of price is a clear tax to Britain.

But it seems not of so much importance, whether the fighting be done by John or Thomas, or the tax paid by William or Charles.

An ancient sage valued himself upon this, that though he could not fiddle, he knew how to make a great city of a little one.