Page:Letters of John Andrews.djvu/75

Rh or's proposal before them. I think it a degree of condesention we could not have expected from the Governor, as he not only permits the meeting, contrary to the express letter of the Act—but rather promotes it by holding a conference with them when assembled in that capacity.

November 1st. Tomorrow come, but no good effects have arisen from the Governor's proposal, as a discontented few, who make it their principal to keep up the Ball, by their influence among the popularity, rais'd a party, aud caus'd the whole day to be pass'd in altercation, and eventually, set the matter aside—under a notion of preserving the dignity of the town, and that it was derogatory to their honor to treat with the governor in his Military capacity—tho' his excellency propos'd, among other things, that the Soldiers should not be permitted to wear side arms, but upon duty. The affair of burning the vessel with tea at Maryland has elevated their spirits—and caus'd an indignant smile at the feeble efforts of tyranny.

November 2nd. Last evening the Overseers of the poor here, as is their custom, took up the Mistress, or house keeper of one Wiswall, a shoemaker (who formerly belong'd to Cambridge, but since the troops have been here has got to work for one of the Regiments and remov'd into town, where he has kept a house of ill fame for some time past), and committed her to the charge of a constable, to be deliver'd to the care of another constable at Charlestown, and so on till they get her to the town from whence she came;—upon which Wiswall apply'd to the Colonel of the Regiment, and told him they had taken away his wife because he work'd for them. In consequence of which, the Colonel immediately orders a guard of men in pursuit of her, who came up with her at Charlestown and forcibly took her from the Constables and convey'd her to the Camp. Upon application of the Gentlemen Overseers to the General, he not only order'd her to be deliver'd immediately—but very severely reprimanded the Colonel for medling in the matter—and likewise thoroughly assur'd, as well as convinc'd, the Overseers and Selectmen, that he was more dispos'd to support the civil or Common Law, than Military Law in this town.

November 3rd. In consequence of an adjournment from Tuesday the town met this day, and made choice of a new Committee to consider of some plan to preserve the peace of the town ; by increasing the number of watchmen, &ca.

November 4th. Am told the General is determin'd to send two or three Officers home, who were the principals in this affray of Satin-