USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Boston > Part 5
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ington, was dressed in an odd style, with a long rusty sword, and a huge wig, attended by his orderly serjeant, in a rude country dress, with an old gun seven or eight feet in length.
6. At the moment this figure appeared, one of the British serjeants came running breathless upon the stage, and ex- claimed -' The Yankees are attacking our works on Bun- ker's Hill.' The spectators laughed, and thought the scene quite funny, but when General Howe called out, 'Officers to your posts,' they began to see that it was all real, and not part of the play. Great confusion followed. The ladies shrieked and fainted, and in a few minutes the theatre was empty. The Yankees had provided an entertainment for them, of a different kind. -
7. Washington had been for some time contemplating an attack upon Boston. The American army consisted of about 20,000 men. With these troops, he determined to take possession of Dorchester heights, a position, from which the ships and soldiers of the enemy, could be annoy- ed with much success. On the night of the fourth of March, this plan was to be executed. The evening came with a full bright moon, and a very mild, pleasant air. A heavy bombardment was opened, soon after dark, on the town and the lines of the enemy.
8. This fire served to conceal their purpose, and a con- siderable detachment passed under its cover, to take posses- sion of the heights. The ground was very hard, but by
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working with great industry, they had so far completed two forts before morning, that they formed a sufficient defence against grape shot and small arms. When General Howe saw these forts at day-break, much magnified in their ap- pearance, by the haziness of the air, he was struck with perfect astonishment. ' I know not what I shall do,' he said ; ' the rebels have effected more in one night than my whole army would have done in weeks.'
9. A tremendous cannonade was immediately commen- ced, from the forts in Boston, and the ships of war in the harbor. The royal troops were seen to be in motion, and it was not known what direction would be given to them. General Howe had concluded to make an attack on the works, and to dislodge the provincials.
10. He commanded the execution of this plan, but a vio- lent storm came on at night, and completely defeated it. A council of war was called the next morning, and a flag of truce was sent to General Washington, with a message from the selectmen of the town. An offer was made by the British officers to retire from Boston, and leave it standing, if they might be allowed to retire unmolested.
11. On the morning of the seventeenth of March, the royal army commenced their embarkation. In the course of the forenoon all their fleet was under sail, and was suf- fered to leave the harbor without injury. By this event, the inhabitants of Boston were relieved of the presence of a powerful enemy. Immediately after they had set sail,
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General Washington ordered the greater part of his army to march to New York, in order to protect that city against an expected attack of the British force.
12. In the course of two or three days, the American troops were allowed to enter Boston. As they marched through the streets, they were greeted by the shouts of the inhabitants, who had been relieved from their oppressive imprisonment. nt. Every thing, however, wore an aspect of gloom, and told too plainly, that Boston had been a garri- soned town.
13. The common was found to be much disfigured by ditches and cellars, which had been dug by the British troops for their accommodation while in camp. The fence about the common, and many of the trees had been cut down for fuel. It is said that the Tories had commenced the destruction of all the trees in the mall, but had been stopped by the orders of General Howe. As we walk under the shade of those aged and majestic elms, we may remem- ber that we are indebted for their preservation, to the gene- rosity of an enemy.
CHAPTER XIV.
John Hancock. Proclamation of peace. Josiah Quincy, Jr. His reply to a menacing letter. His visit to England. Death on his voyage home. James Otis. His derange- ment. Residence at Andover. Death.
1. FROM the period of the evacuation of Boston by the British troops, the scene of war was removed to a dis- tance. The inhabitants, however, continued throughout the contest of eight years, to preserve the spirit which they had shown at its commencement. The proscribed John Han- cock, who had the honor of placing the first signature to the Declaration of American Independence, was the first governor chosen under the new constitution of Massa- chusetts.
2. The proclamation of congress, which announced the peace, was received at Boston, on the twenty-third of April 1783. It was read at noon-day, from the balcony of the old town-house. A large number of the citizens were col- lected on this occasion, and gave evidence of their joy by
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loud shouts and cheers. Cannon were then fired from Fort Hill and from the Castle.
3. I shall now tell you a few stories, of some of the men, who were most distinguished in the times of the revolution, and in the times which followed it. You have already heard of Josiah Quincy, Jr, and James Otis. These men were unfortunately not spared long to their country, in the period of her greatest troubles.
4. Josiah Quincy, Jr was born in Boston, in February 1744. He received his education at Harvard College, and pursued the study of the law in his native town. His zeal and ardor, against every encroachmeut of the mother coun- try, soon made him conspicuous. He spoke and wrote against all her usurpations, with great talent and eloquence.
5. I have already to'4 you of his defence of the soldiers, who were concerned in the massacre of the fifth of March. This was the most trying event of his life. It is that which now reflects the greatest honor on him, though for a time it rather clouded his popularity. Until 1772, he continued in the active pursuit of his profession, and in circulating his generous and patriotic opinions.
6. His health had now been so much injured by incessant application, that he was obliged to abandon business alto- gether. It was necessary for him to seek a milder climate, and he paid a visit to South Carolina. On his return he again resumed his labors, and prepared his chief political work for publication.
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7. When this work was advertised as in the press, Mr Quincy received a letter, in which he was threatened with loss of life, and of his estate, if he published it. To these menaces, a request was added, which conjured him to aban- don his present course, and devote his talents to the interests of the British government.
8. Mr Quincy published in one of the papers of the day, a reply to this insolent communication. 'The danger and the wrongs of my country,' he said, 'are to me equally ap- parent. In all my public exertions, I feel a sense of right and duty, that not only satisfies my conscience, but inspires my zeal. While I have this sentiment, I shall persevere, till my understanding is convinced of its error, - a convic- tion that will not be wrought by the arm of power, or the hand of an assassin.'
9. In the fall of 1774, Mr Quincy was prevailed upon to sail for London, in the hope that his presence there might promote the interests of his native land. There he became acquainted with some of the most eminent men of Eng- land, and labored with unwearied diligence, for the service of his countrymen. During this time, he maintained a con- stant correspondence with the friends of liberty at home.
10. He remained in London till early in the spring of 1775, when he embarked for America. It was thought that his return was desirable, for the interests of the cause in which he had engaged. Though his health was so much impaired, that he was convinced his only hope of recovery
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was by remaining in England, he thought it his duty to sacrifice even life itself, for his country. The sacrifice, how- ever, was in vain. In sight of his dear native land, but be- fore he reached her shores, he died, a martyr to his love of country.
11. The fate of James Otis was more melancholy. I have told you of the cowardly assault upon him in the coffee- house, and of his generous conduct afterwards. In 1770 he retired into the country for his health. The wounds he had received were thought to have occasioned partial de- rangement. His mind became seriously affected, and con- tinued so with intervals of reason, till his death. Some- times he was full of humor and eccentricity ; again, he would be almost in a state of madness.
12. He passed the last two years of his life at Andover. After residing there some time, his health was supposed to be completely restored, and he returned and resumed his professional pursuits in Boston. At this visit, he argued a case in court, in which he is said to have displayed much ability, though less than usual. He was induced to go back to Andover, and in about six weeks afterwards was killed by a stroke of lightning. This melancholy event happened in the sixtieth year of his age, May 23, 1783.
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CHAPTER XV.
Early patriots. John Hancock. His birth and education. He receives a large fortune. Anecdote. Chosen president of Congress. Elected Governor. His death. Character. Anecdote.
1. I AM now going to tell you a few anecdotes of the dis- tinguished patriots, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams. They were early and active in the cause of liberty, and their names will ever be remembered with honor, in our history.
2. John Hancock was born at Quincy, in 1737, and re- ceived his education at Harvard College. His father died when he was a child, and he was then adopted by his uncle, the richest merchant in Boston, and a man of liberality and public spirit. This benevolent man took the entire charge of his young nephew, and, on the completion of his studies, received him into his counting house.
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3. After a few years, he sent him to England, to become acquainted with business and foreign merchants. He died in 1764, leaving his nephew his extensive business, and the largest estate in the province. This sudden possession of great riches brought him at once before the public ; and his conduct gained him general good will and esteem.
4. In the course of his business, he employed great num- bers of people, and by his habits of industry and liberality, acquired extensive influence. At length, he was made a member of the provincial legislature. An anecdote, con- nected with this event, is thus related by President Adams.
5. ' I was one day walking in the Mall, and accidentally met Samuel Adams. In taking a few turns together, we came in full view of Mr Hancock's house. Mr Adams, pointing to the stone building, said, ' This town has done a wise thing to-day.' ' What ?' 'They have made that young man's fortune their own.' His prophecy was literally fulfil- led, for no man's property was ever more entirely devoted to the public. The town had that day chosen Mr Hancock into the legislature of the province.'
6. This event decided his future fortunes. He devoted his whole property to the service of his country, and finally risked it all in her defence. He soon became an object of marked dislike to the officers of the English government, and they took every opportunity to display their enmity. This, of course, increased his popularity with his fellow- citizens, and placed him higher in their confidence.
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7. I have already told you that General Gage issued a pro- clamation, a few days before the battle of Bunker Hill, in which he offered pardon to all rebels, except John Hancock, and Samuel Adams. While this proscription exposed them to disgrace, in case of ill success, it served to extend their fame, and make them more widely known as ardent friends of liberty.
8. In 1775, Mr Hancock was sent from Massachusetts, as a delegate to the congress at Philadelphia. In the next year, he was chosen president of that body, and was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. His signature to that instrument is written in a fine, large, bold hand, which seems intended to remain a long time. The pen with which it was made, is still in existence.
9. In 1779 ill health obliged Mr Hancock to resign his seat in Congress. In the next year he was chosen governor of his native State ; and with the exception of two years, he held this office till the time of his death, in 1793. Few pub- lic men have been more respected and esteemed, or more sincerely lamented.
10. If Mr Hancock had not neglected his private affairs, for the public service, he might have made immense addi- tions to his wealth. He seemed to consider that he held his property for the use and benefit of his country. It was at one time thought necessary to burn Boston, in order to force the enemy to leave it. Mr Hancock was consulted about it. His answer was that 'although the greater part of his for-
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tune consisted of buildings within the town, yet, if its de- struction would be useful to the cause of the country, he wished it should be set on fire immediately.'
11. Many instances are related of his generosity of dispo- sition. In the times of distress, it is said that hundreds of families were fed by his bounty. No one had it in his power to make greater sacrifices of wealth, and no one could have used that power with greater profuseness.
12. Mr Hancock seldom spoke in public, but his know- ledge of business and of mankind rendered him peculiarly fit for public life. In private he lived with elegance and hospitality. He was a perfect gentleman of the old school, and dressed richly and fashionably. In many of these things, he differed much from his friend and fellow patriot, Samuel Adams ; of whom I will now give you a short history.
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CHAPTER XVI.
Samuel Adams. Education. Entrance into public life. Hutch- inson's opinion of him. Anecdotes. Sent to Congress. Char- acter. Anecdote.
1. SAMUEL Adams was born in Boston in the year 1722. He received his education at Harvard College. On leaving college he commenced the study of divinity, but afterwards abandoned it. From early youth, he took great interest in public affairs, and by his zeal and vigilance, gained the gen- eral attention and favor of the friends of liberty.
2. In the year 1766 he was made a member of the pro- vincial legislature. Here he soon became distinguished, and had a large share in every important measure. When his character was known in England, and it was also known there that he was poor, the enemies of the province thought he might be bribed into silence. They wrote to Governor Hutchinson on the subject. He was too well acquainted
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with the character of the man, to be unaware that he could not be bribed. His answer was that Mr Adams was so obstinate and unyielding, that he could not be gained over by any office, gift, or bribe, of any amount.
3. Mr Adams was one of that class, who saw very early that it would be necessary for the colonies to fight. After he had come to this conclusion, no one could have been more unwilling to yield any thing to the British government, in the hope of purchasing peace.
4. When he had received warning at Lexington, of the intended expedition of the British, he was passing through the fields with some friends, to escape from the search which he knew would be made for him. As they were walking along, Mr Adams exclaimed, ' This is a fine day !' ' Very pleasant, indeed,' answered one of his companions, thinking that he referred to the clearness and beauty of the sky.
5. 'I mean,' replied Mr Adams, ' this day is a glorious day for America !' His own situation was at that time full of danger. He had made himself particularly obnoxious to the British government, and had nothing to hope from their forbearance. But he lost all sense of his own and his coun- try's danger, in the prospect of the liberty, that was to fol- low a successful struggle.
6. About the year 1773, Governor Gage made an effort to corrupt Mr Adams, but without success. An officer of the royal army called upon the patriot, and assured him, that he should receive any benefit that the government could bestow,
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if he would desist from his opposition. At the same time, he intimated that his previous conduct had excited the dis- pleasure of the king, and might endanger his personal safety.
7. To this proposition, Mr Adams listened in silence. At its conclusion, with the indignation of a man of honor, in- jured by an unworthy offer, he replied : 'go, tell Governor Gage, that my peace has long since been made with the King of Kings, and that it is the advice of Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an already exas- perated people.'
8. In 1774, Mr Adams was sent to the first congress. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Of this measure he was always an active supporter, and labored with all his unwearied zeal to bring it forward. He was afterwards lieutenant governor, and governor, of his native State. He lived to a very advanced age.
9. In his religious and political opinions, Mr Adams was always very strict and rigid. No person of his time bore a stronger resemblance, in character and feelings, to one of the Plymouth pilgrims. Nothing in the world could have induced him, to relax from a principle which he consider- ed a true one. The loss of life appeared to him a trifling matter, compared with the neglect of duty, or the unjust surrender of a right. He would sooner have been condemn- ed as a traitor, than have paid an unlawful tax, whether in the shape of a trifling duty on tea, or a sixpence stamp.
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10. At a meeting, in Boston, Mr Adams related the fol- lowing fable, which is a good specimen of his style of public speaking. ' A Grecian philosopher, who was lying asleep upon the grass, was roused by the bite of some animal upon the palm of his hand. He closed his hand suddenly, as he awoke, and found that he had caught a field mouse. As he was examining the little animal who dared to attack him, it unexpectedly bit him a second time ; he dropped it, and it made its escape. Now, fellow-citizens, what think you was the reflection he made upon this trifling circumstance ? It was this : that there is no animal, how- ever weak and contemptible, which cannot defend its own liberty, if it will only fight for it.'
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CHAPTER XVII.
Old manners and customs. Hackney coaches. Fashion of
dress. Marriage custom. Wigs and powder. Taking tea. Articles of apparel. Butcher's shop. Amusing anecdote. Old State House. Whipping post. Beacon Hill.
1. MY little friends desire, I suppose, to learn something of the manners and customs of the Bostonians in old times. They now walk about the streets, and see every where signs of wealth and luxury. Rich dresses pass them on every side ; and they sometimes see a bonnet, which costs enough to have furnished a whole dress, for the great-grandmother of the dashing belle who wears it.
2. They see a great many private carriages and hackney coaches. Before the revolution, there was only a single Hack in the town. This was called the Burling Coach, and was first set up in 1762, by a royalist, who afterwards left
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Boston with the British troops. The next public Hack first flourished about forty-three years ago. It was a small post- chaise, drawn by a couple of grey horses, and used to stand for customers at the head of State street.
3. Eighty years ago, red cloaks, wigs and cocked hats, were the usual dress of gentlemen. Few wore boots, except military men. Buckles were the only shoe fastenings : strings were worn only by those who could get nothing else. In winter, round coats were in fashion, made stiff with buck- ram, and in front reaching to the knees. Before the revo- lution, boys were dressed with wigs and cocked hats. Think what a figure any little boy of your acquaintance would make in such a costume ! But in the dress of our time, he would have looked just as queerly to a boy of 1770.
4. It was formerly usual for the bride and bridegroom, with the bride-maids and groomsmen attending, to go to church together for three successive Sundays, after the wed- ding, with a change of dress each day. The bridegroom, for instance, would appear on the first Sunday in white broadcloth, the second in blue and gold, the third in peach- bloom and pearl buttons.
5. Till within thirty-five years, gentlemen wore powder. Many of them were in the habit of sitting half an hour or more, every day, in the barber's chair, to have their hair craped ; suffering torture from the hot curling-tongs, and the awkward pulling of the barber. When there was a great party, and they could not engage a barber on the same day,
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ladies were sometimes dressed the day before, and slept in easy chairs, to keep their hair from being tumbled. It was then the fashion, for ladies to send word to their friends that they would visit them; it was not the custom to wait to be in- vited. They went to take tea about four o'clock, and in summer never staid after candle light.
6. Half-boots were first worn in Boston about forty years ago, having been introduced by a gentleman from the South. About thirty years since gentlemen wore scarlet coats, with black velvet collars, and very expensive buttons, made of mock pearl, cut steel, or painted glass. About their wrists they wore lace ruffles, and their neck cloths were edged with lace. Flannel was first used here next to the skin, by Lord Percy's regiment, which had its encampment on the common in the autumn of 1774. In the whole town, at that time, there was hardly flannel enough to be bought for this single regiment.
7. In another part of the book you will read of the mag- nificent stone Market, which now forms one of the first or- naments of the city. A hundred years ago, there was no large meat-market in the town ; but there were four shops in which meat was sold. One of them was near the corner of State street. When a person wished for a piece of meat, he was obliged to give a day's notice before hand, and put his name down for what he wanted.
8. Outside of the meat shop in State street was a large hook, on which carcasses used to be hung. A little man,
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who was a justice of the peace, came one day for some meat, but was civilly told that all of it had been engaged. Sever- al nice large pieces were lying about, and the good justice was inquisitive as to the purchasers. One piece that he coveted very much, had been bought by a tradesman ; and the testy justice said that he would ' send the fellow a salad for his lamb.'
9. The meat buyer happened to be in debt to the town for his last tax-bill, and the man of law sent to him for its immediate payment. This vexed the meat buyer exceed- ingly, and he determined to be revenged. A few days after- wards they met accidentally, in the same shop. The trades- man turned to the justice, and told him he was 'happy of an opportunity to return his kindness ;' which he did by seiz- ing him, and suspending him by the waistband of his breech- es, to the butcher's hook. Here he hung till some of the bystanders took pity on him, and assisted him down.
10. The Old State House was anciently the Exchange. The lower floor, where the Post Office and Reading Room now are, was formerly an open space, with the exception of two small apartments, used as offices of the clerks of the court. There was a range of pillars to support the floor above. The House of Representatives occupied the centre. The east end was occupied by the Senate ; from thence a large flight of steps descended into State street, and over these was the balcony, from which the sheriff used to pro- claim the governor. At the west end was a stairway, an
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entry and a lobby. The lower floor of the State House was a convenient place of assembling on election days, and min- isters from the country, and other strangers, used to meet there and interchange their civilities.
11. A little below the State House, nearly opposite the corner of Devonshire street, stood the whipping post, at which offenders used to be publicly beaten. An immense cage on wheels was afterwards used. Culprits were caged in the jail yard, which was on the spot where the new stone Court House is building, and were drawn into State street. Here they were brought out, one by one, and whip- ped on the top of the cage. The upper part was also a pil- lory. This barbarous custom of public whipping has been abolished only about thirty-three years.
12. Beacon Hill received its name from a beacon, which was formerly erected on its summit. It was about seventy feet high. Sixty-five feet from the ground, an iron was fix- ed about five feet in length, at the extremity of which was an iron frame-work, fitted to receive a half barrel filled with combustibles.
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