The Quartering Act

November 1, 1998

The Quartering Act was passed by the British Parliament in 1765, on the recommendation of General Gage, the British commander in chief. The law said that local assemblies had to provide and furnish quarters for soldiers, whenever barracks were lacking or inadequate. The soldiers often did not have quarters in America, since their numbers had been greatly increased as the territory expanded.

The colonists did not like having strangers just come into their homes, eat all of their food, and take over their lives. Commanders could tell the colonists what to do and when to do it. Soldiers got the best bed and food the house offered, and were able to come and go as they pleased. People also did not like to pay for British soldiers, since they felt they were not needed in the colonies and England should pay. 

The local assemblies protested the cost, said it was taxation, and claimed the right to ratify any agreements. Some decided to go along and others refused. If they refused, Parliament either raised taxes or created new ones. Some, like New York, refused, but was punished by the Restraining Act. Boston declared that no quarters were available.