In this letter dated 2 May 1767 English Parliament member Thomas Whately writes to John Temple, the newly appointed Customs Commissioner of Boston. Whately discusses the importance of Temple's position in light of some forthcoming Parliamentary regulations. Whately explains the distinction between the Stamp Act and the upcoming acts (these would eventually be passed in June 1767 and would be known as the Townshend Acts), detailing various types of import duties to be imposed. He also mentions the colonies' attempt at usurpation of the King's power over them.