Page:Letters of John Andrews.djvu/44

 LETTEBa OF JOHN ANDREWS.

r letter from Brigadier Brattle of Cambridge ( am apl to think the lattt r, with a view to exculpate himself from being thought to take such ;i measure of his own head) : the purport of which, as Dear as I can recollect, is as follows, \i/t.; — "that being acquainted by one Cap- tain Minot th[at] he the said Jones had been apply'd to. ami urgently press'd to conduct about fifteen hundred men towards Cambridge, that be disswaded the .-aid Minot from complying, and told him if li«- did. In- would lie hang'd "ml shott for a Rebell : that he was apprehensive the Province powder was in danger, all other, either belonging to particular towns, or individuals, had been withdrawn. It being private property, he could not do otherwise than deliver it. and as a friend to good government he should do his utmost en- deavour to preserve thai a- a sacred depositum."

It was obvious to every one of the least discernment that the Briga- dier was much chagrin'd at not receiving a mandamus, though he has since declar'd, in a scoffing way, that he was exceeding glad he was not appointed, and would only wish to have been, that he might have had an opportunity to shew that he had tin- good of his country at heart, by resigning with contempt, or rather refusing. From the above, we may judge of his sincerity, which was always doubted, ami its very evident that he's aiming to (ill a vacancy.

Judge Danforth waited on Governor tins day to resign his seat at the Councel Board. IK' refus'd to accept of it, and told him lie might absent himself, if he pleas'd, but he had sworn to give him coun- cil, from which oath it was not in his power to release him. And yesterday young Mr. Hutchinson sent in his resignation in writing, with his reasons at large, to his Excellency, which makes me think they must have sonic private intimations from England that affairs are likely to take a more favorable turn for lis.

September 2nd. The country people, being vastly more vigilant and spirited than the town, did not fail to visit Brattle and Sew all's house last evening, but not finding either of 'em at home, they quietly went oil'. But a report having prevail'd through the country (hy rea- son of the seizure of the powder yesterday) that y' same game had been play'd here, and y'. inhabitants disarm'd has rais'd such a spirit as will require the utmost prudence to allay ; for they are ill arms at all quarters, being determin'd to see us redress'd. At eight o'clock this morning there were about tl re i thousand under their regular leaders at Cambridge common, and continually increasing; had left their arms at a little distance, when .Judge Lee and Danforth waited upon 'em,

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