protection of the officers employed in collecting the revenue, and of the magistrates in preserving the. public peace; and orders to detach at least one rcgiment on that service had already been given to General Gage, who was directed to select for the command of it an officer on whose prudence, resolution, and integrity, he could entirely rely. The transactions respecting the seizure of the sloop Liberty rendered any attempt to produce a countermand of these orders entirely abortive, and probably was the cause that two regiments instead of one were detached by General Gage.

Before the arrival of this military force, the governor had used expressions intimating that it might be expected; in consequence of which, a committee of the inhabitants was deputed in a town-meeting to wait on his excellency, to learn on what the suspicions he had expressed were founded, and also to pray him to convene another general assembly.

The answer of the governor confirmed their fears respecting a military force, though he assured them that he had no official communication on the subject; and contained also the information, that no other assembly could be convoked until his Majesty's commands for that purpose should be received.

It seems to have been supposed that a dissolution of the assembly of Massachussetts would also dissolve the opposition to the measures of administration; and that the people, having no longer constitutional leaders, being no longer excited and con

ducted

ducted by their representatives, would gradually become quiet, and return to what was termed their duty to government. But the opinions expressed by the house of representatives were the opinions of the great body of the people, and had taken too deep root to be so readily suppressed. The most active and energetic part of society had embraced them with enthusiasm; and the dissolution of the assembly only created a necessity for devising other, perhaps more efficient, expedients, and hastened a mode of conducting their opposition which was afterwards universally adopted.

The answer of the governor to their message being reported, the meeting immediately proceeded to resolve, "That to levy money within that province by any other authority than that of the general court, was a violation of the royal charter, and of the undoubted natural rights of British subjects.

"That the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston would, at the peril of their lives and fortunes, take all legal and constitutional measures to defend all and singular the rights, liberties, privileges, and immunities, granted in their royal

charter.

"That, as there was an apprehension in the minds of many of an approaching war with France, those inhabitants, who were not provided with arms, should be requested duly to observe the laws of the province, which required that every householder should furnish himself with a complete stand."

They further resolved, "That as the governor did not think proper to call a general court for the redress of their grievances, the town would then make choice of a suitable number of persons to act for them, as a committee in a convention to be held at Faneuil-hall in Boston, with such as might be sent to join them from the several towns in the province."

These votes were, at the desire of the meeting, communicated by the select men in a circular letter to the other towns in the province, which were invited to concur in them, and to elect committeemen, who should meet those of Boston in convention.

The measure was very generally adopted, and a convention assembled, which was regarded with all the respect that could have been paid to a legitimate assembly.

The country in general, though united on the great constitutional question of taxation, was probably not exasperated to the same point with the people of Boston; and the convention appears to have acted with unexpected moderation. They disclaimed all pretensions to any other character than that of mere individuals, assembled, by deputation from the towns, to consult and advise on such measures as might tend to promote the piece and good order of his Majesty's subjects in the province, but without power to pass any authoritative or governmental acts.

They

They petitioned the governor to assemble the general court, and addressed a letter to the agent for the province in England, stating the character in which they met, and the motives which brought them together. After expressing their opinions. with temper and firmness, on the subjects generally complained of, and recommending to the people patience, and regard to good order, they dissolved themselves, and returned to their respective homes.

The report that the two regiments were ordered to Boston had spread through the country; and some hints which had been thrown out seemed to have created an apprehension, that the more violent part of the town would oppose their landing, and precipitate the province into a civil war.

The day before the convention rose, two British regiments, commanded by Colonel Dalrymple, ar'rived under convoy in Nantasket road. The application of the governor to the council, to provide quarters for them in Boston, had been rejected, because there were barracks sufficient for their reception in the castle; and by act of parliament the British troops were to be quartered no where else, until those barracks should be full. But a report having prevailed that the people about Boston were in a state of open revolt, General Gage, who had originally directed one regiment to be stationed in the town, transmitted such orders, as, combined with the threats which had been uttered, of opposing the debarkation of the troops, induced the commanding

manding officer to determine to land both regiments in Boston. The fleet, therefore, was put in motion, and took a station which commanded the whole town. The ships of war lay with their broadsides towards the town, with springs on their cables, and their guns ready for firing on the place should any resistance be attempted. These formidable preparations having been made, the troops began to land about one o'clock in the afternoon, under cover of the cannon of their ships. This being effected without experiencing any opposition, they marched into the town with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets, in all that military pomp and parade which indeed are usual on such occasions, but which were believed by the inhabitants to be then displayed for the purposes of intimidation or irritation.

The select men, as well as the council, having refused to provide quarters in town for the troops, the state-house was, by order of the governor, opened for their reception, and they took possession of all the apartments belonging to it, except that which was reserved for the council; and two fieldpieces with the main guard were stationed just in its front. The utmost indignation and disgust were excited among the people at seeing the chamber of their representatives filled with regular soldiers, their counsellors surrounded with foreign troops, and their whole city exhibiting the appearance of a garrisoned town. The inhabitants also complained of being challenged as they passed and repassed;