USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts from 1764, to July 1775; when general Washington took command of the American Army. V. 1 > Part 27
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The resolutions passed in the respective conven- tions of delegates for the counties of Middlesex, Plymouth and Worcester, were dictated by the same patriotic feelings which animated the assemblies in the more populous counties of Suffolk and Essex ; and were pointed, with equal severity, against the oppressive acts of Parliament, the arbitrary conduct of ministers, and the hostile operations of general GAGE in the metropolis. A spirit of loyalty to the King, and a regard for the parent country was fully manifested ; but accompanied also, with a resolution to defend their civil rights and privileges amidst all the difficulties and terrors, which an insidious and tyrannical administration could possibly create. And, under all this oppression and irritation, there prevailed almost universally through the province, the greatest order and tranquility ; an unequivocal proof of the intelligence, wisdom and virtue of the great body of the people.
There was some irregularity committed, and some threats uttered against several of the Counsellors then lately appointed by the King, by a concourse of people belonging to the county of Middlesex, who suddenly collected in the town of Cambridge. But this could not be attributed solely to their opposition
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to the oppressive and unconstitutional laws of Parlia- ment; nor was it with a design to obtain a redress of their grievances by force. The appointment of the Mandamus Counsellors was indeed a most un- popular measure; and the indignation of the people was greatly excited by this direct attack upon their charter. But the immediate occasion of the irregu- lar collection and tumult, was the report, probably exaggerated, of the conduct of governor GAGE at Salem, in forbidding a meeting of the citizens in that town, to choose delegates for a county conven- tion, as already related ; and in calling out the mili- tary to oblige the inhabitants to disperse. Imme- diately on this report, many people collected in Cambridge, where several of the newly appointed Counsellors then resided ; and without time for re- flection, and under the influence of sudden resent- ment, went to their houses, and threatened them with personal injury, but on condition of their re- signing the offices, to which they had been designated, so contrary to the provisions of the charter, and to the sentiments of the people. No injury was actually done to the Counsellors : But it was an unjustifiable act, which the more intelligent and discreet greatly lamented. The gentlemen who were threatened, and who chose not to resign the appointment received from the crown, soon after retired to the metropolis, to avail themselves of the protection of governor GAGE, and of the military under his command.
This tumult at Cambridge was greatly magnified, not only in distant parts of the province, and in the adjoining colonies ; upon which a large body of the yeomanry in Connecticut and from the inland towns in Massachusetts collected under arms, and began their march towards Boston, for the protection and safety of the inhabitants in that town and vicinity :*
* Col. Israel Putnam, and General C. Lee visited Boston about this time, and were received with great enthusiasm by the patriotic citizens. Putnam's reputation for bravery was justly very high through New Eng- land ; and he had extensive influence in his native state.
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But in England, in consequence of which more decided and energetic measures were proposed by ministers, and an additional military force was order- ed to be in readiness for Massachusetts, to subdue the riotous and rebellious citizens.
The report and resolutions of the Convention in Suffolk county were immediately forwarded to the Continental Congress then sitting in Philadelphia ; for the purpose, probably,* of exhibiting to that respectable Body the feelings and views of the peo- ple of Massachusetts, and with the hope of receiving advice as to the proper measures to be adopted in their critical and exposed situation. And it was, thereupon, unanimously resolved by the General Congress, " that they deeply felt for the sufferings of their countrymen in Massachusetts, under the operation of the late unjust, cruel and oppressive acts of the British Parliament ; that they entirely approved of the wisdom and fortitude, with which opposition to these wicked ministerial measures had been conducted :" And they earnestedly recom- mended " a perseverance in the same firm and tem- perate conduct as expressed in their resolutions ; trusting that the effect of the united efforts of North America in their behalf, would carry such conviction to the British nation, of the unwise, unjust and ruin- ous policy of the present administration, as soon to introduce better men and wiser measures." Con- gress also recommended, that contributions be con- tinued to the people of Boston; and that these (their) resolutions, and those of the Suffolk Convention be published for the information and benefit of the country.
At an early day of the session, a large committee was chosen, to state the rights of the colonies, con-
* No information could have been given by these proceedings, of the conduct of Governor Gage in Boston ; for the delegates from Massa- chusetts had departed only a few days before, and intelligence was continually forwarded of the movements of the British troops.
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sisting of two members from each province: And S. ADAMS and J. ADAMS were selected for Massa- chusetts. The rights of the people in British Ame- rica were stated by this committee with great precision and firmness ; and were such as had been previously asserted and contended for by Massachusetts, and most of the other colonies : And the several acts of Parliament, which were considered as infractions of these rights, were particularly pointed out. As a means of restoring the rights and liberties of the colonies, it was voted to allow no importations from Great Britain, after two months ; and if any English goods should be imported, that they should not be used or purchased ; to petition the King for a re- dress of grievances; to forward an address to the people of England, and to the inhabitants of Canada : And also to state to their constituents, their opinions and views of the course proper to be pursued in their distressed situation. But these proceedings had reference to the whole continent; and not, par- ticularly, to Massachusetts.
Besides the numerous and spirited resolutions passed by the Suffolk Convention, which have been given above, on the day of their adjournment, Dr. WARREN and others were chosen a committee to wait on the Governor, to inform him that the people of the county were much alarmed at the fortifications making on Boston neck, and to remonstrate against the measure, as well as the repeated and gross insults offered by the soldiers to the peaceable inhabitants in passing into and from the town, when engaged in their usual and lawful business. In their address to the Governor, the committee observed, " that a mea- sure so formidable, carried into execution from a preconceived, though causeless jealousy of the inse- curity of his Majesty's troops and subjects in the town, deeply wounds the loyalty, and is an additional injury to the faithful subjects in this county, and affords them a strong motive for this application.
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We, therefore, entreat your Excellency to desist from your design, assuring your Excellency, that the people of this county are by no means disposed to injure his Majesty's troops. They think themselves aggrieved and oppressed by the late acts of Parlia- ment, and are resolved, by Divine assistance, never to submit to them ; but have no inclination to com- mence a war with his Majesty's troops; and beg leave to observe to your Excellency, that the ferment now excited in the minds of the people is occasioned by some late transactions, by seizing the powder in the arsenal at Charlestown, by withholding the powder lodged in the magazines from the legal proprietors, by insulting and beating the people passing to and from the town of Boston, and especially by fortifying the only avenue by land to the capital of the pro- vince."
In reply to this address, the Governor observed, that it was not his design to prevent or to interrupt the intercourse between the town and the country ; that he believed there were very few instances of insult offered by the soldiers to the inhabitants, and that he should endeavor to keep the troops under strict subordination. He also inquired, why it was that the citizens were arming themselves in various parts of the province, and expressed a suspicion, that an attack was meditated against the troops under his command. In such a state of affairs, he declared he should not think it proper to discontinue the for- tifications he had begun at the entrance of the me- tropolis.
The committee were not satisfied with this reply of the Governor, and addressed a second letter to him, in which they stated, that they considered the hostile preparations which he was making, and the order for an additional number of British troops, which had been given, furnished a sufficient apology to the citizens of the province, to be providing means for their own safety and protection. And they urged
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most earnestly the removal of the military force from the entrance into the town of Boston, which was a source of great discontent and irritation to the peo- ple. GAGE refused to receive this address ; and said to the secretary who offered it to him, that his opinion had already been expressed on the subject, and he should not recede from the measure he had begun.
This conduct of the Governor gave much dissatis- faction and alarm, not only to the citizens in Boston and its vicinity, but generally through the province. And yet the friends of general GAGE contended, that he was justified in the measure, from considera- . tions of prudence, as a great excitement prevailed among the people, at the time, and some believed it not improbable, they might be induced to make an attack upon the British troops in the capital, before the arrival of reinforcements, then daily expected.
In the month of September, J. QUINCY, Esq. sailed for England ; with a view, partly, to the restoration of his health ; but chiefly for the purpose of learning the objects and plans of the British ministry. And he had the approbation of many intelligent men in the province, in his intentions to ascertain the views and purposes of the parent government. He found that great misrepresentations respecting the temper and designs of the people in Massachusetts had been made by BERNARD and HUTCHINSON ; and that they had been instrumental, in some measure, in procuring the enactment of some of the statutes, which operated to the abridgement of the rights and prosperity of the province. But he was also convinced, that ad- ministration was resolved to carry its despotic system into effect, and that the people of America must prepare for the defence of their liberties by an ap- peal to arms.
Another communication was made to Congress, the first of October, stating that no regard had been paid by governor GAGE to a request made to him
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by the Convention for Suffolk county, that he was continuing the fortifications at the entrance of the capital, and raising new ones in other places : And praying advice, whether to remove the inhabitants from the metropolis; and also what conduct would be wise and prudent for the province, as they had no legitimate government since the charter had been violated. On the day following, Congress resolved, " that they approved the opposition of the people of Massachusetts to the late acts of Parliament ; and if the same should be attempted to be executed by force, that, in such case, all America ought to sup- port them in their opposition." They also recom- mended to the inhabitants, to submit to a suspension of the administration of justice, as far as possible, if consistent with law and order; and declared, that those who accepted commissions under the act, chang- ing the form of government, and violating the charter of the province, " ought to be held in detestation and abhorrence by all good men, and be considered as the wicked tools of that despotism, which was preparing to destroy the rights, which God, nature and compact had given to America."
As to the question of the propriety of the inhabi- tants removing from the capital, they referred the decision to the Provincial Congress, then recently convened. But they forwarded a letter to governor GAGE, in which it was observed, "that they con- sidered the town of Boston, and the province of Massachusetts, as suffering in the common cause, on account of their noble and spirited opposition to oppressive acts of Parliament;" and assuring him, that they were anxiously devising measures for a restoration of harmony with England, of which they were most desirous, on terms consistent with their former rights and privileges. And they remonstrated against his hostile preparations, which justly pro- duced great alarm and irritation, not only in Massa- chusetts, but throughout all America.
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Governor GAGE had issued precepts in the month of August, to the several towns in the province, for the choice of Representatives to meet at Salem, the first week in October. But, afterwards, in conse- quence of the county Conventions, which proposed a Provincial Congress, and advised that they should not acknowledge or act with the 'Mandamus' Coun- sellors, he declared by proclamation, that they were excused from assembling. On the recommendation of these county meetings, however, delegates were chosen from all the towns ;* and assembled at Salem on the 7th of October. Neither the Governor nor the Council appeared to administer the usual oaths : And had they attended, with that view, the dele- gates, no doubt, would have declined taking them. They formed themselves into a Provincial Congress ; and immediately adjourned to Concord, where they met three days after, and proceeded to public busi- ness. JOHN HANCOCK was chosen President, and BENJAMIN LINCOLN Secretary of the meeting : And a committee was appointed to consider the state of the province, consisting of J. HAWLEY, JOSEPH WARREN, S. DEXTER, A. WARD, JAMES WARREN, W. HEATH, J. LEE, E. CHURCH, J. FOSTER, N. GORHAM, S. HOLTEN, E. GERRY, J. TYNG and S. ROBINSON. An address to governor GAGE was pre- pared by this committee, and approved by Congress, in which, after an apology for having thus assembled, and observing that the distressed situation of the province, owing to the many grievances and oppres- sions under which the people groaned, had brought them together to prevent impending ruin, and pro- vide for the public safety ; they remonstrated against his hostile measures, which threatened to involve the province in the horrors of civil war. They declared their attachment to Britain, their loyalty to the King,
* The whole number was 288; the House of Representatives had usually consisted of about 130 or 140. A very few small towns had no delegates ; but many of the large towns sent two and three.
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and their love of order and tranquility : But added, " that when the power of government, which was originally designed for the security and welfare of the people, was employed to harass and enslave them, it became a curse, rather than a blessing." They complained of the late acts of Parliament, by which their charter was directly violated, their rights abridged, justice perverted, and even murders were licensed ; and which, if carried into execution, would reduce them to abject slavery ; of the large military force in the capital, and of the fortifications erected at its entrance, as most oppressive and insulting, not only to the inhabitants of Boston, but to all the peo- ple of the province. They urged him to discontinue these offensive preparations ; and declared, that the citizens would not be satisfied until these hostile works were wholly demolished. Congress then ad- journed to Cambridge, where they met the following week.
A large committee, consisting of twenty one, some of whom were of the committee that prepared the address, was appointed to present the same to the Governor immediately. He replied, that the pre- parations he had made were designed only for the protection of the troops under his command; and that he considered himself justified in the measure, by the menaces which had been uttered, and by a report of the warlike movements in various parts of the country. "Britain," he said, " could never har- bor the black design of wantonly destroying or en- slaving any people on earth." He assured them, he was desirous of harmony between Great Britain and her colonies, and should be happy to contribute to so salutary an object." He would have them consider, " while they complained of alterations in their char- ter by acts of Parliament, whether their assembling, as they had done, was not a violation of their own constitution :" And he required them to desist from such illegal proceedings.
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This Assembly was composed of patriotic and re- solute characters, prepared for any measure, which should be deemed wise or proper for the restoration or defence of their violated rights. They were un- willing, indeed, to believe, that the King and Parlia- ment would resort to arms, to enforce submission to the arbitrary and unconstitutional laws which had been enacted : And they were ready to suppose, that the British ministry had been deceived by false reports of the temper and designs of the colonists ; or that administration would soon be changed, and a policy more rational and just be adopted towards America. Yet they had long borne these oppres- sions ; petitions and remonstrances had been ineffec- tual; justice was still delayed, and their wrongs were not redressed. All recent appearances, in fact, gave strength to their former fears. Ministers declared their determination to support the claims of the pa- rent government heretofore advanced : And an army was in their capital, ready to slaughter or imprison those who should dare to refuse obedience to statutes which went to the very annihilation of civil liberty in America. In such a situation, it was extremely difficult for men of their character, uniting a love of order with their ardent zeal for freedom, to deter- mine on a course of conduct, which should not be construed into an unjust opposition to government, or a timid surrender of their natural and unalienable rights. We shall find, that they had wisdom and fortitude for the trying occasion. In the measures they recommended and pursued, they displayed equal firmness and caution. They were justly chargeable with no rash or violent conduct, to diminish the con- fidence of their friends ; nor did they weakly yield to despair or inaction, which would have given cause of triumph to their oppressors.
A committee was appointed, consisting of two members from Suffolk, and one from each of the other counties, to consult and take measures for the
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defence and safety of the province. S. DEXTER Was chairman of the committee ; but most of the members were militia officers. Another was chosen at the same time, to confer with the Selectmen, overseers of the poor and committee of correspondence of Bos- ton, and to consider what was necessary for the relief and preservation of the town. It was also resolved by the Provincial Congress, that the Counsellors ap- pointed by the King and ministry, in direct violation of the charter, had, by accepting the appointment, acted a part most inimical to the liberty and welfare of the people ; and that, unless they should publicly announce their intention to resign the office, within ten days, their names would be published, and they would be considered rebels against the state. It was again recommended to the people, to refrain entirely from the use of tea; and as much as possible from purchasing imported articles and goods of every description. And the constables and collectors of taxes were ordered, not to pay any sums to the trea- surer of the province, who had then become less opposed to the policy of ministers, and would be likely to pay over the same to the officers of the crown ; but to retain it, and to pay it afterwards, as the Congress might direct.
An estimate was made by a committee, and after- wards approved by this Congress, of the sum neces- sary to be expended in providing ordnance and military stores, in addition to the quantity then be- longing to the province :* And the estimated amount was twenty thousand pounds.
In adopting measures for the defence and safety of the province, they observed, that they were com- pelled to make such preparation, since a large body of troops had arrived, and were in forcible possession
* They were as follows, viz .: 16 field pieces, 3 pounders : 4 field picces, 6 pounders : carriages, iron, &c. for 12 battering cannon : 4 mortars: 20 tons of grape and round shot: 10 tons of bomb shells : 5 tons of lead balls : 1000 barrels of powder: 5000 arms and bayonets: 75,000 flints, &c. &c.
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of the capital ; the property of individuals, and the military stores of the province had been seized by the Governor, and many appearances indicated a purpose to invade still more directly the rights and liberties of the people, notwithstanding the repeated assurances given of a disposition in the province in favor of union and harmony with England on just principles. They solemnly declared, that, in their opinion, no- thing, except slavery, was more to be deprecated than hostilities with Great Britain ; and that they had no design to attack or annoy his Majesty's troops within the province. But being satisfied, that in their situation, measures of defence and safety were absolutely necessary, they proceeded to choose an executive committee,* with authority to call out, assemble and put in military array any portion of the militia of the province, for the protection of the citizens ; and earnestly recommended to the militia officers, as they regarded the lives and liberties of their fellow citizens, to be prompt in obedience to such requisitions. Another committee was appointed to furnish supplies of military stores and of pro- visions, if such should be needed, in the recess of the Congress, to equip or support the militia ; and were also instructed to secure all the public stores, which had not been seized by general GAGE. It was further voted to elect three General Officers ;; and the militia were advised to form into companies and battalions, to elect officers, and to attend more assi- duously to military discipline. H. GARDNER Was chosen treasurer of the province at this period ; and the sheriff's and collectors of taxes were directed to pay over the public monies in their possession to him accordingly. It was also voted to request the gentlemen chosen Counsellors in May preceding, to
* Mr. Hancock was the first chairman : and it was called " the Com- mittee of Safety."
t Those chosen at that time were Preble, Ward and Pomroy. In December, Thomas and Heath were also appointed General Officers.
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attend at a future meeting of this Congress to be holden by adjournment in November.
On the 29th of October, the Provincial Congress was adjourned to the last week in November; having previously directed the publication of the most im- portant votes and resolutions which had been adopt- ed ; requested the Committee of Safety to lay before the Continental Congress at Philadelphia a statement of their proceedings ; and prepared another address to governor GAGE, in which they justified their meeting and the measures proposed, as absolutely necessary for the maintenance of rights, which they inherited, not only from their charter, but also from the English constitution. They repeated, that they had the utmost reason to be alarmed at his hostile proceedings ; that a standing army, in the time of peace, placed among the inhabitants, was a flagrant violation of the principles of British liberty; and that in their condition, oppressed by tyrannical minis- ters, and threatened with the horrors of a military government, they should be chargeable with insanity, and guilty of moral suicide, did they not prepare for security and defence.
CHAPTER XV.
Preparations for Defence-Great unanimity of Sentiment-Ardent love of Liberty-Provincial Congress meet in November-Delegates chosen for General Congress-Patriotism of the Clergy-Address to the Peo- ple-Difficulty of the Times-A Resolution to support their Rights- But a great reluctance Forcibly to Resist-Provincial Congress in February, 1775-Committee of Safety to collect Cannon, &c .- New Military Officers Appointed-And Public Fast-Congress Adjourn- ed-Attempt of the British to take Stores at Salem, by force-Mili- tary Stores guarded-Mandamus Counsellors-Congress Adjourned April 15th-Affair at Lexington and Concord, April 19th.
THE course recommended by the Provincial Con- gress, was almost universally approved and pursued by the citizens of Massachusetts. The militia were, in most places, organized anew : Additional com- panies of minute men were formed : Intelligent and active young men were chosen officers, who were ambitious of teaching the soldiers the military art more perfectly .* Preparations were made for self- defence, in case the exigency might require it. Many, indeed, more advanced in life, who were sincere friends to civil liberty, and to the charter rights of the province, from timidity, or from a hope that a better policy would be adopted by the British ministry, were not so decided and open in opposing the arbitrary measures of the parent government, as true patriotism seemed to require. But such even, in many instances, at the request of their more
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