panies, which had been posted without the circumference, were ordered to retire within; the two ends of the broken circle to close up, in their rear; and, after making a show of resistance, to give way and retreat. The two first companies, at the same time, were joined by one company of grenadiers, and another of light infantry. The thin ranks gave ground, according to orders: the Indians followed with headlong impetuosity; and, supposing themselves masters of the field, began what they meant for a slaughter, rather than an action. Two of the companies, already mentioned, made a sudden turn upon their flank; while the remaining two attacked them in front. For a moment, they were not undeceived; and returned the fire with activity and resolution. But a short time served to convince them of their mistake: they betook themselves to their swiftness of foot; and the four companies pursued them so closely, that they never looked behind, until they got beyond the probability of annoyance. But this conquest was, in truth, a defeat. The great object of the expedition, was, to supply Fort Pitt with stores; and, so many the pack-horses were killed in these several engagements, that Colonel Bouquet was obliged to destroy the greatest part of the provisions. The army advanced about two miles; pitched their tents; and imagined, that they might take some rest. Scarcely

of

had they finished their preparations, when the Indians again made their appearance. They seemed not to be yet certain, that they were the weakest; but a few discharges completed their conviction; and, for the four remaining days, they suffered the troops to march unmolested.

Having succeeded so ill against Forts Detroit and Pitt, the Indians now concentrated their forces, for an attack upon Niagara. Their object was to isolate the fort, and intercept its reinforcements and supplies. On the 14th of September, 1764, they annihilated a convoy, which was marching to its relief; and, not long after, made an unsuccessful attack, in canoes, upon a schooner, which was carrying provisions to Detroit. All the northern colonies were called upon to contribute their quotas of men, for the prosecution of the war; and, among the rest, Connecticut raised a battalion, and put it under the command of Colonel Israel Putnam.* Strengthened by these reinforcements, Colonels Bouquet and Bradstreet harassed the Indians during the spring and summer of 1765; and, in September, they were willing to bury the hatchet. and conclude a peace.

* See Note (L).

CHAPTER VII.

Seeds of the Revolution-Assertion and Denial of the Right to tax the Colonies-Passage of the Stamp-Act-Congress at New York-Associations against the Stamp-Act-The Repeal-Tax on Tea, Glass, and Painters' Colours-Spirit of Massachusetts-Mob at Boston-Convention at Fenuil Hall-Affray with the Soldiery-Non-Importation Associations-Insurrection in North Carolina-Corresponding Committees-Hutchinson and Oliver's Letters-Dr. Franklin-Results of the Stamp-Tax and Duty on Tea-Plan to test the Resolution of the Colonists-The Tea emptied into Boston Harbour-Boston Port-Bill, &c.-Resolution of the Colonies to support Boston-Day of Humiliation and Prayer throughout the Continent-Governor Gage-Proposition for a general Congress-Proceedings of the Massachusetts Legislature-Congress at Philadelphia-Unanimity of the Colonists-Alarms-Obstinacy of the Bostonians-New Alarms-Proceedings of Parliament-Attempt to divide the Colonies Battle of Lexington.

As far back as the year 1692, the general court of Massachusetts had formally denied the right of parliament, to impose any tax whatever upon that colony. New York, soon after, followed the example; and, though the southern colonies made no express determination on the subject, their language uniformly implied a recognition of the same principles. Parliament, on the other hand, seems never to have had the least doubt, that its supremacy extended to the enact

ment of laws, which should bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever. So early as 1739, a knot of American merchants recommended a scheme of provincial taxation: but it was not until 1754, that the subject attracted the serious attention of the ministers; and, even then, the known disposition of the colonists, and the necessity of their friendship and co-operation in the approaching war, were sufficient to postpone, for the present, the adoption of a measure, which would, at all times, be of questionable policy. Ten years afterwards, however, when these objections were, in a great measure, removed, and when the unexampled expenses of the war called for extraordinary sources of revenue, there could be no danger, it was thought, in passing a bill, which, without startling the colonists with its immediate execution, should merely suggest the propriety of laying certain stamp-duties upon them.

But the ministry were greatly deceived, if they supposed, the Americans would not awake, at such a step towards the infringement of their rights. A cry was universally raised against the measure; and, though the colonists had quietly submitted to commercial duties, imposed by the mother country; yet there was a distinction, they began to assert, between external and internal duties,-between taxes imposed for the general regulation of commerce, and those which were levied for the creation of revenue. They were suffi

A a

ciently acquainted with the English constitution, to know, that it required taxation and representation' to go hand in hand; and they appealed to the original principles of free government, against the assumed right of taking away their property without their consent. It was the fruitful theme of all conversations; and the source of endless petitions and memorials. All this, however, was of no avail against the necessities of the state. The exertions of the provinces, during the last war, had given the mother country an extravagant idea of their wealth; though they had failed to lessen her contempt of their power. The remonstrances of the colonial agents were given to the wind; and, in 1765, the stamp-act passed, in the house of commons, with only one dissenting voice.

The legislature of Virginia, which happened to be in session, when the news was received, immediately adopted a series of strong resolutions against the act; and the general court of Massachusetts soon after recommended a congress of deputies from all the colonies, to deliberate upon the best means of preventing the difficulties, to which they must be subjected, by such a preposterous system of taxation. New Hampshire alone dissented from the proposal; and the legislatures of Virginia and North Carolina were not in session: but delegates from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Penn