In opposition to this policy, and in behalf of commercial freedom, James Otis made (1761) his memorable speech on writs of assistance. The idea was entertained, at this period, that an American empire was close at hand. It was deduced from the ratio of the increase of population in the colonies, their great natural resources, free spirit, deliverance from danger from the French, and the adoption of the restrictive policy of the ministry. It is not the purpose of these pages, however, to dwell on political events further than as they were the immediate occasion of the commencement of hostilities. In 1765 the ministry determined to enforce the supremacy of Parliament by a system of internal taxation. Hence the stamp act, and the opposition to it; its repeal, and the wild joy of the colonists. But the claim was still asserted, that Parliament had the right to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever; and, to enforce it, other acts were passed, bearing upon all of them, and calling forth in all general opposition and counteracting

measures.

In Massachusetts, for nearly a century and a half, there had been a steady and healthy development of free principles. The people manifested it in the early struggles for their charters, in their resistance to the greedy tyranny of Andros, and in the subsequent political controversies between the libertymen and the prerogative-men. Hence, during the ten years of strong reasoning, and firm resolve, and eloquent appeal – from 1764 to 1774-the acts judged unconstitutional, and contrary to natural and chartered rights, met in this colony with the most determined opposition. It was carried on by men of the Puritan stock, who had in them the earnestness, singleness of heart, and ready devotion, of the olden time, and who believed that Divine Providence had appointed them to develop and defend a rational liberty. There was no compromise, by such men, with duty. Hence, in dealing with the small tax on tea, when no other course remained, they did not hesitate to destroy the obnoxious herb. Hutchinson writes, "This was the boldest stroke that had been struck in America." It was done after deliberate council, was the work of no common mob, was welcomed through the colonies by the ringing of bells and other signs of joy, and was defended.

as a measure of political necessity. Ministerial wisdom devised as a punishment the Boston Port Bill, which was signed March 31, 1774, and went into effect on the first day of June.

The execution of this measure devolved on Thomas Gage, who arrived at Boston May 13, 1774, as Captain General and Governor of Massachusetts. He was not a stranger in the colonies. He had exhibited gallantry in Braddock's defeat, and aided in carrying the ill-fated general from the field. He had married in one of the most respectable families in New York, and had partaken of the hospitalities of the people of Boston. His manners were pleasing. Hence he entered upon his public duties with a large measure of popularity. But he took a narrow view of men and things about him. He had no sympathy with the popular ideas, and no respect for those who advocated them. In his eyes, the mass of the people were "a despicable rabble," without the ability to plan or the courage to fight, and their leaders were oily demagogues governed by a selfish ambition; and it was beyond his comprehension, how, in a time of prosperity, when trade was good, when food was cheap and taxes were light, such a community could run the chance of ruin out of devotion to principle. His instructions required him to compel "a full and absolute submission" to the rigorous laws of Parliament; and to this end he was, if it should be considered necessary, authorized to employ with effect the king's troops. This was a harsh duty

'The Earl of Dartmouth, in a letter to Governor Gage, dated April 9, 1774, after urging the duty of "mild and gentle persuasion," says: "At the same time, the sovereignty of the king, in this Parliament, over the colonies, requires a full and absolute submission; and his majesty's dignity demands, that until that submission be made, the town of Boston, where so much anarchy and confusion have prevailed, should cease to be the place of the residence of his governor, or of any other officer of government who is not obliged by law to perform his functions there." After dwelling on the "criminality" "of those who aided in the proceedings in Boston during the months of November and December, 1773, the letter says: "The king considers the punishment of these offenders as a very necessary and essential example to others of the ill consequences that must follow from such open and arbitrary usurpations as tend to the subversion of all government," &c. The instructions of the Treasury Board, dated March 31, are equally rigorous, and looked to a complete prostration of the commerce of Boston.

to perform; but, making every allowance for its character, General Gage proved as a civilian and a soldier unfit for his position. He was arrogant in the discharge of his office, and to downright incapacity he added gross insincerity in his intercourse with the people.

General Gage, on the seventeenth of May, landed at the Long Wharf, and was received with much parade. Members of the Council and House of Representatives, and some of the principal inhabitants of the town, with the company of cadets, escorted him to the Council Chamber, amid salutes from the batteries of the town and of the shipping. In King-street, the troop of horse, the artillery company, the grenadiers, and several companies of militia, saluted him as he passed. About noon his commission was proclaimed in form, and a proclamation was read by the high sheriff, continuing all officers in their places. It was answered by three huzzas from the concourse of people, by three vollies of small arms, and a discharge of cannon by the artillery. The governor then received the compliments of his friends, reviewed the militia, and was escorted to Faneuil Hall, where "an elegant dinner," loyal toasts, and animating festivity, closed the ceremonies. He then repaired to the Province House, the place of his residence.1

General Gage held a consultation with Governor Hutchinson, the admiral, and the commissioners of the customs, in relation to putting the Port Bill in force. All agreed in the manner of doing it. The officials left the town, the admiral stationed his ships, and on the first day of June the act went into effect. It met with no opposition from the people, and hence there was no difficulty in carrying it into rigorous execution. "I hear from many," the governor writes, "that the act has staggered the most presumptuous;" "the violent party men seem to break, and people fall off from them." Hence he looked for submission; but Boston asked assistance from the other colonies, and the General Court requested him to appoint a day of fasting and prayer. The loyalists felt uneasy at the absence of the army. "Many are impatient," Gen1 Journals of the day. 2 In 1767, an addition was first made to the number of men who commonly formed the garrison of Castle William. On the

2

eral Gage writes, May 31, "for the arrival of the troops; and I am told that people will then speak and act openly, which they now dare not do." Hence a respectable force was soon concentrated in Boston. On the 14th June, the 4th or king's own regiment, and on the 15th, the 43d regiment, landed at the Long Wharf, and encamped on the common. Additional transports with troops soon arrived in the harbor, and on the 4th and 5th of July, the 5th and 38th regiments landed at the Long Wharf. Lord Percy was among the officers of this arrival. At this time the governor had a country seat at DanOn the 6th of August the 59th regiment arrived from Halifax, and during the following week landed at Salem, and there encamped.' Additional troops were ordered from New York, the Jerseys, and Quebec. These measures, General Gage writes, give spirits to one side, and throw a damp on the other. "Your lordship will observe, that there is now an open opposition to the faction, carried on with a warmth and spirit unknown before, which it is highly proper and necessary to cherish and support by every means; and I hope it will not be very long before it produces very salutary effects." 2

vers.

The Boston Port Bill went into operation amid the tolling of bells, fasting and prayer, the exhibition of mourning emblems, and every expression of general and deep sympathy. It bore severely upon two towns, Boston and Charlestown, which had been long connected by a common patriotism. Their laborers were thrown out of employment, their poor were deprived of bread, and gloom pervaded their streets. But they were cheered and sustained by the large contributions sent from every quarter for their relief, and by the noble words that accompanied them. The mission of this law, how

1st of October, 1768, a body of seven hundred, covered by the fleet, landed in Boston, and with charged muskets marched to the common, amid the sullen silence of the people. In November following, parts of the 64th and 65th regiments joined them. Collisions with the inhabitants followed, and then the tragedy of the fifth of March, 1770. This occasioned the removal to the castle. Here they remained until the ministry resolved to subdue Massachusetts by arms.

1 Newell's Diary. 2 The letters of Lord Dartmouth and General Gage, or rather extracts from them, were published in the Parliamentary Register of 1775.

ever, was rather to develop an intense fraternal feeling, to promote concert of action and a union of the colonies, than to create a state of open war. The excitement of the public mind was intense; and the months of June, July, and August, were characterized by varied political activity. Multitudes signed a solemn league and covenant against the use of British goods. The breach between the whigs and loyalists daily became wider. Patriotic donations from every colony were on their way to the suffering towns. Supplies for the British troops were refused; and essays demonstrated that the royal authority had ceased, and that the people, being in a state of nature, were at liberty to incorporate themselves into an independent community. It was while the public mind was in this state of excitement, that other acts arrived, which General Gage was instructed to carry into effect.

The British Parliament had passed two acts,' virtually repealing the charter of Massachusetts, entitled "An Act for the better regulating the government of the Province of Massachusetts Bay," and "An Act for the more impartial administration of justice in said Province." The first law provided that the councillors, which were chosen by the representatives annually, should be appointed by the king, and should serve according to his majesty's pleasure; that the judges, sheriffs, and other civil officers, should be appointed by the governor, or, in his absence, the lieutenant-governor; that juries should be summoned by the sheriffs; and that town-meetings, except the annual ones of March and May, and other public meetings, should not be held without the permission of the governor. The other act provided that offenders against the laws might be carried to other colonies or to England for trial. These arbitrary acts went to the root of the political system that had grown with the growth and had strengthened with the strength of Massachusetts. They undermined those fundamental prin- . ciples which formed its basis. They struck down customs,

The bill for regulating the government passed the House of Commons May 2, 1774, yeas 239, nays 64; the House of Lords, May 11, yeas 92, nays 20. The bill for the administration of justice passed the House of Commons May 6, 1774, yeas 127, nays 24; the House of Lords, May 18, yeas 43, nays 12 Both bills were approved May 20.