A Letter to...the Sheriffs of Bristol, on the Affairs of America

"A Letter to...the Sheriffs of Bristol, on the Affairs of America" was a pamphlet written by Edmund Burke in 1777. In it, Burke argued against the British government's policies towards the American colonies. He believed that the use of force and coercion was imprudent and inconsistent, and that a more conciliatory approach was necessary.1

Burke contended that the widespread disobedience in the colonies indicated serious misgovernment. He advocated for a pragmatic policy that considered circumstances and moral principles, rather than strict legalism. He suggested that Parliament should show a willingness to address American grievances and restore confidence in British authority. The pamphlet reflects Burke's broader political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of tradition, gradual change, and the need for government to respect the temper of those it governs.12