Private letters are published in 1773 in which Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson claims that the colonists cannot enjoy all English liberties, and Lieutenant Governor Andrew Oliver calls for the direct payment of colonial officials.

The letters' contents are used as evidence of a systematic plot against American rights, and discredit Hutchinson in the eyes of the people; the Assembly petitions for his recall.

Benjamin Franklin, postmaster general for the colonies, acknowledges that he had leaked the letters, which lead to him being berated by British officials and fired from his job.