You will travel to Williamsburg, Virginia, as a gentleman and member of the House of Burgesses, the legislative assembly of Virginia.

It is May 1774. Americans have been protesting British taxation for almost 10 years. It started with the Stamp Act, enacted by the British Parliament in 1765. In 1769 and 1770 Americans protested another set of taxes known as the Townshend Duties. Because of American protests, Great Britain repealed most of the taxes--except the tax on tea.

In December 1773 Boston patriots protested the tea tax by raiding a ship in Boston harbor and throwing its cargo of tea overboard. This Boston Tea Party provoked the British Parliament to pass the Boston Port Bill on March 31, 1774, closing the port of Boston to all commerce effective June 1, 1774.

Virginians must decide if they will protest this latest parliamentary action. Some have proposed a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer--a day when all Virginians will attend church as a sign of mass protest. These same people also propose a non-importation agreement to stop importing British goods, believing that the economic boycott will force Britain to guarantee Americans their rights and liberties.

The Virginia House of Burgesses will soon vote. Should Virginians protest these latest British measures? You may consult five individuals before you make up your mind. What is your opinion? What choice will you make?