Samuel Adams drafted the instructions, which were the first public protest in America against the right of Parliament to tax the colonies. He drafted the instructions given by the town of Boston to its newly chosen representatives in regard to Greenville's proposed Stamp Act. He also played an important part in arousing the Stamp Act riots in Boston. In 1765, he was elected to the legislature, where he remained until 1774, officiating as clerk of the house. As clerk of the house, Adams had his eye on everything, and his hand entered into numerous resolutions. On the passage of the Townshend Acts in 1767, Adams wrote the petition of the Massachusetts legislature to the king, the letter of instructions to their agent in England, and the circular letter addressed to the other colonies, inviting their aid in the defense of the common rights of Americans. This circular letter especially enraged the King, which created a rift between mother country and the Colonies. He organized opposition to the Townshend Acts in 1767.
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He helped form the Non-Importation Association of 1768.In 1769 Adams assumed the leadership of Massachusetts radicals. Adams next worked on setting up a network for revolutionaries. On November 2, 1772, the Boston Town Meeting established a committee of correspondence for circulating information and coordinating efforts. This achievement by Adams basically established the structure for an underground rebellion state government and provided the blueprint for other colonies. Adams used the Hutchinson Letters Affair in 1773 to stir up further discontent against the state's royal government including Royal Governor Hutchinson. The letters had urged tougher policies on the colonies by England. In 1774, he became the leader of radical factions that demanded strong measure against Great Britain.
Samuel Adams led the colonial resistance to British trade regulations.