USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Boston, the metropolis of Massachusetts, from its origin to the present period; with some account of the environs > Part 29
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' The town is at this crisis in a situation, nearly such as if war was formally declared against it. To contend with our parent state is in our idea the most shocking and dreadful ex- tremity : but tamely to relinquish the only security, we and our posterity retain of the enjoyment of our lives and proper- ties, without one struggle, is so humiliating and base, that we cannot support the reflection. We apprehend, Sir, that it is at your option, in your power, and we would hope in your inclination, to prevent this distressed and justly incensed peo- ple from effecting too much, and from the shame and reproach of attempting too little.'
The Governour received the deputation graciously, but re- plied to their petition to have the Romney ordered out of the harbour, that he had no authority over H. M.'s ships. Capt. Corner, however, gave publick notice on the 20th, that he would not take any man belonging to or married in the province, nor any employed in the trade along shore, or to the neighbouring colonies. The legislature being in session, the town gave instructions to their representatives, in terms equally strong with those expressed in the above petition : but they had little opportunity to act in conformity to them : for on the first of July, the House was dissolved by the Gov- ernour, in consequence of a refusal to rescind and disavow their circular letter of Feb. 11th, in compliance with the or- ders of the British ministry.
On the first of August, 211 Boston merchants and traders agreed, that, for one year from the last day of the present year, they would not send for or import, either on their own account or on commission, or purchase of any that may im- port, any kind of merchandise from G. B. except coals, salt, and some articles necessary for the fisheries, nor import any tea, glass, paper, or colours, until the acts imposing duties on those articles are repealed. In that month also, another difficulty occurred between some of the town's people and the
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crew of the Romney, in which the former gained their point and compelled the man-of-war's men to quit the wharf, which they did in great fury. On the 14th, a large company cele- brated the anniversary of the first opposition to the stamp act at the Tree of Liberty.
The combination of all these proceedings on the part of the people of Boston, furnished Gen. Thomas Gage, who was commander of the military forces in North America, with a sufficient pretence for sending a portion of regular troops into Boston. His intentions to do so became generally known in July, but nothing certain was determined until September. On the 12th of that month, a town meeting was held on the subject in Faneuil-Hall. The meeting was opened with pray- er by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Cooper, of Brattle-street church. Mr. Otis was chosen moderator, and Messrs. T. Cushing, Sam'l Adams, Richard Dana, John Rowe, John Hancock, Benja. Kent, and Dr. Joseph Warren, were appointed to wait on His Ex. and humbly request him to communicate the rea- sons on which he supposed troops would be ordered here. A committee was also appointed to request him forthwith to issue precepts for a general assembly. H. E. replied, that his in- formation respecting the troops was only of a private nature, and that the business of calling another Assembly was before the king, and I. E. could do nothing in it without H. M.'s commands.
But it did not please the town of Boston to wait for His Majesty's determination. They met again on the next day, and among other things* resolved to choose 'a suitable number of persons to act for them as a committee in convention, with such as may be sent to join them from the several towns in this province, in order that such measures may be consulted and advised as H. M.'s service, and the peace and safety of his subjects in the province may require.' A circular was forth- with addressed to the several towns, and on Thursday the 22d of September, upwards of seventy gentlemen appcared as committees from sixty-six towns, t besides districts. Messrs Otis, S. Adams, Hancock, and Cushing, were the members from Boston. Cushing was chosen chairman. Their debates and proceedings were open : and the first step was to prepare a petition to H. E. for the calling of a General Assembly. H. E. begged to be excused ' from receiving a message from that assembly, which is called a Committee of Convention,
* One vote was, that ' as there is at this time a prevailing apprehension of approaching war with France,' every inhabitant be requested to provide himself with 'a well fixed firelock, musket, accoutrements, and ammunition,' as the law requires.
t The number afterwards increased to above 100 from 98 towns and districts.
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for that would be to admit it to be a legal assembly, which I can by no means allow.' On the same day, H. E. sent a message, without a signature, declaring his opinion that this convention was to all intents and purposes 'an'assembly of the representatives of the people,' and therefore, says he, ' I do earnestly admonish you, that, instantly and before you do any business, you break up this assembly and separate your- selves.' This message was by vote ordered to be returned to the secretary, and the next day it was sent with the signature of Fra. Bernard. On Saturday, the convention sent an an- swer, by way of message, but H. E. refused to receive it. The convention continued their session every day till the 29th, during which time they adopted a letter to be transmit- ted to Dennys De Berdt, the agent of the province, at London, and published ' a result of their conference and consultation,' in which they declared their allegiance to the king, their ab- horrence of riots, and their determination to yield all assist- ance to the civil magistrate towards suppressing them, and also declared their rights, by charter and by nature, and their humble dependence on their gracious sovereign, that their wrongs would be speedily redressed.
It is probable, that the convention effected all that was de- sirable at that moment, and fortunate perhaps that they dis- persed so soon : Otherwise Gov. Bernard might have im- proved the opportunity, as he threatened, to ' assert the pre- rogative of the crown in a more publick manner.' For on the 28th of Sept. six of H. M.'s ships of war, from Halifax, came to anchor in Nantasket. 'On Friday, Sept. 30th, 1768, the ships of war, armed schooners, transports, &c. came up the harbour and anchored round the town ; their cannon loaded and springs on their cables, as for a regular siege. At noon on Saturday, Oct. 1, the 14th and 29th regiments, a de- tachment from the 59th, and train of artillery with two pieces of cannon, landed on the Long-wharf, then formed and marched with insolent parade, drums beating, fifes playing, and colours flying, up King-street : each soldier having re- ceived sixteen round of shot."*
During various disputes about quarters for the troops, the council maintaining that they were not obliged by law, in-
* This quotation is from an engraving of the scene, published by Paul Revere. The view embraces the front of the town from the Old South meeting-house to the North Battery : Eight ships of war with tenders are seen lying off the wharves : the Red coats landing on the S. side of Long-whf : and a truck placed about midway, under guard, to prevent the peo- ple passing down. It is dedicated thus : ' To the Earl of Hillsborough, H. M.'s secretary of state for America, this view of the only well-planned expedition, formed for supporting the dignity of Britain and chastising the insolence of America, is humbly inscribed.'
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deed that they were forbidden by law, to quarter them in the town, while the barracks at the Castle were not filled, some of them were lodged in the Town-house, some in Faneuil- hall, and some in stores at Griffin's wharf : and the town was afflicted with all the appearance and inconveniences of a gar- risoned place.
It was about this time that the luxury of Tea became pro- scribed. In Boston 200 families had agreed to abstain en- tirely from the use of it, by the 6th of October : other towns followed the example, and entered into similar agreements ; the students of Harvard College are highly applauded for resolving, ' with a spirit becoming Americans, to use no more of that pernicious herb,' and ' a gentleman in town, finding it very little in demand, shipped off a considerable quantity of the despised article.'
' Amusements that would have been at other times innocent and congenial, were now foregone : especially if they were to be partaken with those, who were held to be the instru- ments of despotism. A striking example was given, the win- ter after the British troops arrived. Some of the crown offi- cers, who thought the publick gloom disloyal, circulated a proposal for a regular series of dancing assemblies, with the insidious design of engaging the higher classes in fashionable festivity, to falsify the assertions of the prevailing distress, and also to undermine the stern reserve, that was maintained towards the army, and thereby allay the indignation against the system, which they were sent to enforce. But, out of the contracted limits of their own circle, they could not obtain the presence of any ladies. Elegant manners, gay uniforms, animating bands of musick, the natural impulse of youth, all were resisted : the women of Boston refused to join in osten- tatious gaiety, while their country was in mourning.' *
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Remember March ! the ides of March remember.
Shakspeart.
' ON Monday, the 30th of January, 1769, at about half af- ter 10 o'clock at night, the people adjoining to the gaol were
* News-letter, Nov. 10. 'Several transports arrived here this morning from Cork, hav- ing on board part of the 64th and 65th regiments : the remainder are not yet in.'
' We hear, the Honourable the Commissioners of Customs leave Castle William this week. Preparations are making to hold their board in town, [at Concert-Hall,] as heretofore.'
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alarmed by the prisoners crying Fire ! on which the keeper and a number of persons ran there, and found part of the in- side in a blaze. It was some time before the prisoners could be got out, the inner keys being lost in the confusion, and the wooden work being so strongly bound with iron, that it was difficult to cut through the doors and partitions. Capt. Wilson of the 59th reg. was particularly active in extricating them. It was expected the fire would be kept under. but the great quantity of inside timber work, occasioned it to rage with great violence, and the flames burst through the windows and reached the roof, which after burning some hours fell in : the wood work burnt all night, and in the morning nothing remained but the bare stone walls. During the continuance of the fire, the town's people behaved with their usual alac- rity ; and many of the military were very active in assisting the.n ; the commodore was present, a number of officers and sailors were landed from the ships, and an engine was sent from the Romney. The commander of the main guard, with a party offered their service on the first alarm, which was de- clined ; but they were afterwards sent for and took charge of some of the prisoners.' This is the only good deed we have found attributed to the regular soldiers.
It was generally understood in Boston, that the occurrences in the town, for some time past, had been represented at home in an unfavourable light : the selectmen* thought it their duty to call upon Governour Bernard, in behalf of the town, to communicate to them such representations of facts as he had sent to England ; and at the annual meeting in March, the town addressed the king in a most dutiful and loyal petition, setting forth their grievances, and in the most affecting strains begging nis royal protection, against their revilers and op- pressors.
When the time for the annual choice of representatives came round, the selectmen waited on Gen. Mackay, who com- manded the troops in town, with the request that he would or- der them out of the town on the day of election. The Gene- ral declared that it was not in his power, but engaged to con- fine them within their barracks. The town met on the 5th of May, and before proceeding to business, entered upon their records a declaration of their rights, and a protest ' that their proceeding to an election under such circumstances, is wholly from necessity, and not to be considered as a precedent at any time hereafter, or construed as a voluntary receding from the incontestible rights of British subjects and freeholders on so
* Joshua Henshaw, Jos. Jackson, J. Ruddock, J. Hancock, J. Rowe, Saml. Pemberton; II. Inches.
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interesting an affair.' The next day, Messrs. Otis, Cushing, Adams, and Hancock, were chosen again; H. having. 505, A. 503, C. and O. 502, out of 508 votes : a result that speaks strongly of the unanimity of the town.
When the legislature met, they refused to proceed to busi- ness in the Town-house, other than the choice of counsellors and officers, unless the fleet and army were removed from the town and harbour. After waiting a fortnight, the Governour adjourned them to Cambridge. There they passed votes of censure upon his conduct. They also passed a petition to . the king for his removal, and on the day after (June 28,) he informed them that he was ordered to attend upon the king to lay before him the state of the province. He left Boston, July 31, and Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson officiated in his stead.
The occasions of controversy between the people and the servants of the crown were now alinost as frequent as the occa- sions of intercourse, and every man felt himself interested in every occurrence that interested his neighbour. But the greatest excitement produced by any thing, that more particu- larly concerned an individual, arose from an attack upon Mr. Otis. His name had been introduced. in an offensive manner, in some paper of the commissioners of the customs, and he therefore advertised them by name, Henry Ilulton, Charles Paxton, William Burch, and John Robinson, as no more worthy of credit than Sir Francis Bernard, of Nettleham, Baronet. ' The next evening, (Sept. 5th,) about 7 o'lock, Mr. O. went to the British Coffee-house, [it was on the spot where the Massachusetts Bank now stands, in State-st.] where Mr. Rob- inson was sitting in company with a number of army, navy, and revenue officers. As soon as he came in, an altercation took place, which terminated in Robinson's striking Otis with a cane, which was returned with a weapon of the same kind. Great confusion then ensued. The lights were extinguished, and Otis, without a friend, was surrounded by the adherents of Robinson. A young man, by the name of John Gridley, passing by, very boldly entered the Coffee-house, to take the part of Otis against so many foes ; but he was also assaulted, beaten, and turned out of the house. After some time the combatants were separated ; Robinson retreated by a back passage, and Otis was led home wounded and bleeding. The animosity that existed towards the revenue officers, for their insolent and oppressive conduct, the sympathy and admira- tion that were cherished for the character, talents, and servi- ces of the leading patriot of his day, all conspired to give this transaction the odium of a scheme of assassination. Mr. O. instituted an action against Robinson, and obtained a verdict in his favour for £2,000 sterling damages. This sum he no-
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bly declined receiving, on a suitable apology from the de- fendant .*
In January, 1770, the merchants renewed their agreement not to import British goods. They held several meetings in Faneuil-Hall, and appointed committees of inspection, who should examine into the truth of reports, concerning the un- faithfulness of some who had signed the articles. The names of several were reported, and ordered to be published. Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson sent a message to one of these meetings, by the sheriff, (whose name was Stephen Greenleaf,) 'enjoining and requiring them without delay to separate and disperse, and to forbear all such unlawful assemblies for the fu- ture.' After a calm consideration of the message, it was unanimously voted to proceed : and a written answer was sent to His Honour, signifying their opinion that the meeting was warranted by law.
Theophilus Lillie, who kept a shop near the New Brick meeting-house, was one of those denounced as Importers. On the 22d of February, some persons erected near Lillie's, a large wooden head, fixed on a pole, on which the faces of several importers were carved. One Ebenezer Richardson living in the neighbourhood, (who had acquired the appella- tion of Informer,) endeavoured to persuade some teamsters from the country, to run the post down with their carts ; but they understanding the nature of the pageantry, would have nothing to do with it. Richardson foolishly persisted, and seized the bridle of the horses, but failed of his intent to guide the team against the post. On this, the boys set up a shout, which being resented by Richardson, they pelted him with dirt till they drove him into his own house. The noise gath- ered a considerable number of people. Hard words passed between Richardson and some of the multitude ; stones were thrown on both sides, till at length Richardson discharged a musket at random from his door, and another from his win- dow. One young man was severely injured, and a boy, Christopher Snider, about eleven years of age, received a mortal wound in his breast. Upon this the bells were set to ringing, and a vast concourse of people drawn together. Richardson, and one Wilmot, a seaman, who had taken his part in the affray, were secured and carried to Faneuil-Hall, where they underwent an examination and were committed for trial.
The boy died in the course of the evening, and was remo- ved to his parents' house in Frog-lane [Boylston-st.] All the friends of liberty were invited to attend the funeral 'of this
* Tudor, p. 362-In October, 1769, the town published an Appeal to the World, or Vindi- cation of Boston, from the aspersions of Bernard and others.
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little hero and first martyr to the noble cause.' This innocent lad was announced as ' the first whose life had been a victim to the cruelty and rage of oppressors. Young as he was, he died in his country's cause, by the hand of one, directed by others, who could not bear to see the enemies of America made the ridicule of boys.' On Monday, the 26th, his funeral took place. The little corpse was set down under the Tree of Liberty, from which the procession began. 'The coffin bore inscriptions appropriate to the times ; on the foot . Latet an- guis in herba :' on each side, 'Haeret lateri lethalis arundo :' and on the head, ' Innocentia NUSQUAM tuta.' Four or five hun- dred school boys, in couples. preceded the corpse ; six of the lad's playfellows supported the pall; the relatives followed, and after them a train of 1300 inhabitants on foot, and thirty chariots and chaises closed the procession.
A more imposing spectacle than this could hardly have been contrived, or one better adapted to produce a lasting impression on the hearts of the beholders: but it was only the prelude to a scene of far greater horrour. The morning papers of Monday, the fifth of March, which told of this trans- action, gave also several accounts of quarrels between the sol- diers and different individuals belonging to the town. The officers were apprehensive of difficulties, and were particular- ly active in their endeavours to get all their men into their barracks before night. Murray's Barracks, so called, where the 14th regiment was principally quartered, were in Brattle- street, in the buildings directly opposite the little alley, which leads from the bottom of Market-street. The 29th regt. was quartered in Water-street and in Atkinson-street. As a meas- ure of precaution, there was a sentinel stationed in the alley before mentioned, (then called Boylston's alley) and this very circumstance led to the quarrel which terminated in the Boston Massacre. Three or four young men, who were dispos- ed to go through the alley, about nine o'clock, observed the sentinel brandishing his sword against the walls and striking fire for his own amusement. They offered to pass him and were challenged, but persisted in their attempt, and one of them received a slight wound on his head. The bustle of this rencontre drew together all those who were passing by, and fifteen or twenty persons thronged the alley, and thirty or forty more, gathered in Dock-square, were attempting to force their way to the barracks through Brattle-street, (which was at that time so narrow that a carriage could with difficulty pass.) Being foiled in this attempt, the party, which was con- tinually increased by accessions, gathered in Dock-square round a tall man with a red cloak and white wig, to whom they listened with close attention two or three minutes, and then gave three cheers and huzzaed for the main guard.
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The main guard was regularly stationed near the head of State-street, directly opposite the door on the south side of the Town-house. To this place all the soldiers detached for guard duty were daily brought, and from thence marched to the particular posts assigned them. On this day the com- mand of the guard had devolved on Capt. Thomas Preston, and Lt. Basset under him.
As the party dispersed from Dock-square, some ran up Cornhill, others up Wilson's lane, others up Royal Exchange lane (now Exchange street.) These last found a single senti- nel stationed before the door of the Custom house, which was the building now occupied by the Union Bank, and then made one corner of that lane, as the Royal Exchange tavern did the other. As the sentinel was approached, he retreated to the steps of the house, and alarmed the inmates by three or four powerful knocks at the door. Word was sent to Lt. Bas- sett that the sentinel was attacked by the town's people. He immediately sent a message to his captain, who instantly re- paired to the guard house, where Lt. Basset informed him that he had just sent a serjeant and six men to assist the sentry at the Custom house. 'Well,' said the captain, 'I will follow them and see they do no mischief.' He overtook them before they reached the Custom house, where they joined the sentinel and formed a half circle round the steps.
By this time the bells were set to ringing, and people flock- ed from all quarters, supposing there was fire. The soldiers were soon surrounded ; many of those nearest to them were armed with clubs and crowded close upon them ; those at a distance began to throw sticks of wood and snow-balls and pieces of ice at them, while from all sides they were challeng- ed to Fire, fire if you dare. At last they thought they heard the order given, and they did fire in succession from right to left. Two or three of the guns flashed, but the rest were fatal. Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, and James Caldwell were killed on the spot, Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr received mortal wounds, of which the former died the next morning, and Carr on the Wednesday of the next week. Several other persons were more or less injured : the greater part, persons passing by chance or quiet spectators of the scene. The people instantly retreated, leaving the three un- happy men on the ground. All this transpired within 20 minutes from the time of Capt. Preston's joining the guard.
' On the people's assembling again,' says Capt. P. 'to take away the dead bodies, the soldiers, supposing them coming to attack them, were making ready to fire again-which I pre- vented by striking up their firelocks with my hand. Immedi- ately after, a townsman came and told me that 4 or 5000 people were assembled in the next street, and had sworn to take my
WOOL.
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P. 280.
4.Bowen Se.
J.R. Penniman Del.
Intered according to Act of Congress by A. Bowen ..
VIEW OF STATE STREET & OLD STATE HOUSE.
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life with every man's with me ; on which I judged it unsafe to remain there any longer, and therefore sent the party and sentry to the main guard, where the street is narrow and short, then telling them off into street firings, divided and planted them at each end of the street to secure their rear, expecting an attack, as there was a constant cry of the inhab- itants, ' 'To arms, to arms, turn out with your guns,' and the town drums beating to arins. I ordered my drum to beat to arms, and being soon after joined by the several companies of the 29th regiment, I formed them, as the guard, into street firings. 'The 14th regiment also got under arms, but remain- ed at their barracks. I immediately sent a serjeant with a party to Col. Dalrymple, the commanding officer, to acquaint him with every particular. Several officers going to join their regiment were knocked down by the mob, one very much wounded and his sword taken from him. The Lieut. Gov. and Col. Carr soon after met at the head of the 29th regt. and agreed that the regiment should retire to their bar- racks, and the people to their houses : but I kept the piquet to strengthen the guard. It was with great difficulty that the Lieut. Gov. prevailed on the people to be quiet and retire : at last they all went off except about a hundred.' This hun- dred was composed of some of the most distinguished inhabi- tants, who volunteered to form a citizens' guard.
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