Stamp Act (1765)

Here is my report on paper for American Affairs class in last year.
I wrote a story about its background is Stamp Act in America, in 1765.


I was a girl when I came from England with my family. My family was poor farmer. One day, my father told me what happened in America.
I lived in Virginia. Virginia and around 12 states were colonies under the control of England. England established a lot of laws, Stamp Act is the one of them. Because of it, we had to tax on publications, licenses, and even playing cards. I was working at printing office in order to help my family, but the law made cut my pay. It was painful for me and my family so I hated the England Government in spite of my mother country. But next year, people in the colony rebelled and the law had abolished. I think it was naturally. Sure, England had just established “Sugar Act” in 1764. We couldn’t stand it any longer. Stamp Act ended, however, our life didn’t change. We had kept being poor.
A few months past, we had got poor in an emergency. I thought I could do anything to help my family. Then, I suggested an idea to my parents. They must have never thought such a thing. The idea was that I sell myself for the slave trade. I have a younger brother and sister. I didn’t know my price, but it would help them. My dad would be able to work well, too. When I finished talking, they were crying. I also cried. We had no other way. In a week, at night, I packed my necessary belongings and I left my home with my baggage. I tried not to be found by my little brother and sister. It was cold night, I cried again. And I swore that I wouldn’t cry anymore.
In the morning, I arrived at the slave trade. There were many people, boys and girls, injured children, and..the men scolded slaves in a loud voice. I was so scared. So I remembered my brother’s face and I became composed. When I heard my name was called by seller, I made up my mind. Then I met the person would be my owner. He was the old man, and looks gentle. When we got his home, he talked about himself. He lost his granddaughter a year ago, so he was really sad and spent alone all this time. I gradually got good feeling for him. I knew it was not compassion. He told that he wants me to be with him. That’s all he wished for me.
Now, the American Revolutionary War ended, I heard from my family and they are fine. I am living with my old man happily. Of course I’m his granddaughter.

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