Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/341

] under the shelter of which they had formerly felt themselves safe, at least from systematic tyranny, was wantonly violated by the arbitrary will of a favorite minister. They were to be governed entirely by strangers, and those in whom they had no confidence; and foreign mercenaries were provided to stifle the murmurs occasioned by oppression, and to check the efforts of a generous patriotism, which ministerial threats had not been able to silence or prevent. The intelligent Citizens who composed the committees of correspondence, and others distinguished by their activity and firmness, were openly threatened by the servile tools of despotism, and marked out as victims to appease a tyrannical administration. But, happily for their countrymen, and happily for posterity, they were not moved from their high purpose by the menaces of the corrupt or powerful. Satisfied of the justice of their cause, they resolved to attempt every thing, and hazard every thing, for its support."

The people, as if by instinct, seemed to apprehend that the result must lead to a contest of force against force. Nothing, says Botta, was heard but the din of arms, or the sound of fifes and of drums; everywhere multitudes were intent upon learning the military exercise and evolutions young and old, fathers and sons, and even the gentle sex, bent their steps towards these martial scenes; some to acquire instruction, others to animate and encourage. The casting of balls, and making of cartridges were becoming ordinary occupations. War, with all its severity, seemed to be at hand. The troops of General Gage had been quartered in the city of Boston; they were reinforced by several regiments, coming from Ireland, from New York, from Halifax, and from Quebec; all directed upon this point, to smother the kindling conflagration. The inhabitants beheld this with incredible jealousy, which was still increased by an order of the general, to place a guard upon Boston Neck. The pretext assigned was, to prevent the desertion of the soldiers, but the real motive of this step was to intimidate the inhabitants, that they might not so freely as they had done heretofore, transport arms from the city into the country. Every day gave birth to new causes of contention between the soldiers and the citizens. Popular rumors were circulated rapidly, and heard with avidity; and the people assembled frequently, as ready at any moment for open revolt. Gage resolved to fortify Boston Neck, a measure which still further exasperated the people; and, as if this was not enough, he sent to Charlestown, and seized upon a quantity of powder in the magazine there. The people of the neighboring towns flew to arms, and agreed on Cambridge as a general rendezvous; and it was with great difficulty that they were dissuaded, by their more prudent leaders, from marching at once to Boston, to require the restoration of the powder, or, in case of refusal, to attack the garrison. Their presence at Cambridge, however, induced several gentlemen to resign their appointments as counsellors under the late act of Parliament, and to declare they would not take any part in carrying into execution the