controversy; the quarrel, increasing in virulency, had extended to other objects of still greater moment, and concerning the very nature of the government.

The ministerial party entertained the most violent suspicions, that, under this shadow of pretensions about taxes and constitutional liberty, machinations were concealed, tending to alter the form of government, to propagate, and perhaps to realize, those ideas of a republic which had occasioned in England so much discord and so many wars.

The present partisans of liberty in America, and those who favored them in Great Britain, much resembled those of times past; and it was apprehended they were plotting the same designs. The least partiality for the cause of the Americans was viewed as a criminal scheme against the state; all those who declared themselves in their favor were considered as an audacious set of men, full of ambition and obstinacy, who, to acquire power and gratify their vengeance, would have involved the whole empire in devastation and carnage. It was believed, that, as fathers leave their inheritance to their children, the patriots of the times of the revolution had transmitted the venom of their opinions to those of the present epoch; and that these, by means of the American revolution, were seeking to accomplish their pernicious plots. The insurrection of the colonies, and the intestine dissentions in England, seemed to be the prelude of their nefarious purposes. It appeared manifest, that, in the expectation of future events, unable as yet to make themselves masters of the state, they had formed a conspiracy to attack incessantly those who governed it, with their odious imputations and incendiary clamors. In effect, the partisans of the Americans had, for some time, abandoned themselves to the most extraordinary proceedings. They observed no human respect,-no sort of measure; all ways, all means, they reputed honest, if conducive to their purposes. Consequently, in a discussion sustained with so much vehemence, and imbittered by the remembrance of ancient outrages, every motion in favor of the Americans was interpreted in the most unfavorable manner. It was thought that Great Britain had no interest in coming to an accommodation with her colonists, until this republican spirit was first put down and extinguished; and, as this could not be effected but by force of arms, the friends of government wished they might be employed; 'Whatever,' said they, may be the result of mild counsels, they will but palliate the evil,-not effect its cure; it will reappear on the first favorable occasion, more formidable than ever.'

Such were the prevailing opinions, both within and without the parliament. To these apprehensions must be attributed, principally, the harsh reception encountered by all the propositions for an accommodation, which were made by the friends of the Americans. The

ministers, besides, were persuaded that the insurrection of the colonies proceeded rather from a popular effervescence than a concerted plan; and that this flame would expire, as promptly as it had been kindled.

Propositions of arrangement, and petitions, continued, however, still to be offered; but perhaps they were made merely because it was known they would be rejected, as they were in effect. Thus were extinguished all hopes of reconciliation; thus the last extremities were rendered inevitable; thus was announced the precipitate approach of war; and good citizens perceived, with horror, the calamities about to fall upon their country.

Meanwhile, the horizon became every day more lowering, in America; and civil war seemed only waiting the signal to explode. The congress of Massachusetts had passed a resolution for the purchase of all the gunpowder that could be found, and of every sort of arms and ammunition requisite for an army of fifteen thousand men. This decree was executed with the utmost solicitude; and, as these objects abounded principally in Boston, the inhabitants employed all their address to procure and transport them to places of safety in the country, by deceiving the vigilance of the guard stationed upon the isthmus. Cannon, balls, and other instruments of war, were carried through the English posts, in carts apparently loaded with manure; powder, in the baskets or panniers of those who came from the Boston market; and cartridges were concealed in candle boxes.

Thus the provincials succeeded in their preparations; but, as it was feared that general Gage might send detachments to seize the military stores in places where they were secreted, men were chosen to keep watch at Charlestown, Cambridge and Roxbury, and be ready to despatch couriers to the towns where the magazines were kept, as often as they should see any band of soldiers issuing from Boston. General Gage was not asleep. Having received intimation that several pieces of artillery were deposited in the neighborhood of Salem, he sent a detachment of the garrison at the castle to seize them, and return to Boston. They landed at Marblehead, and proceeded to Salem; but without finding the object of their search. They had to pass a drawbridge, which formed the communication with Danvers, where the people had collected in great numbers. The bridge had been drawn, to impede the passage of the royal troops; the captain in command ordered the bridge down; the people refused; and a warm altercation ensued with the soldiers. A sinister event appeared inevitable. At this juncture, came up a clergyman, named Bernard, a man of great authority with the people, who persuaded them to let down the bridge. The soldiers passed it; and having made a slight incursion on the other side, in token of the liberty they had obtained to scour the country, they returned peaceably on board. But the country people had already

concealed, in places more secure, the artillery and ammunition. Accordingly, the expedition of general Gage completely failed of

success.

Thus, by the prudence of a single man, the effusion of blood was prevented; of which the danger was eminent. The resistance, however, which the soldiers encountered, had greatly exasperated their minds; and if, before, the people of Boston lived in a state of continual jealousy, after this event, the reciprocal irritation and rancor had so increased, that it was feared, every moment, the soldiers and the citizens would come to blows.

But war being momently expected, the particular fate of the inhabitants of Boston had become the object of general solicitude. The garrison was formidable; the fortifications carried to perfection; and little hope remained that this city could be wrested from British domination. Nor could the citizens flatter themselves more with the hope of escaping by sea, as the port was blockaded by a squadron. Thus confined amidst an irritated soldiery, the Bostonians found themselves exposed to endure all the outrages to be apprehended from military license. Their city had become a close prison, and themselves no better than hostages in the hands of the British commanders. This consideration alone sufficed greatly to impede all civil and military operations projected by the Americans. Various expedients were suggested, in order to extricate the Bostonians from this embarrassing situation; which, if they evinced no great prudence, certainly demonstrated no ordinary obstinacy. advised, that all the inhabitants of Boston should abandon the city, and take refuge in other places, where they should be succoured at the public expense; but this design was totally impracticable; since it depended on general Gage to prevent its execution. Others recommended, that a valuation should be made of the houses and furniture belonging to the inhabitants, that the city should then be fired, and that all the losses should be reimbursed from the public treasure. After mature deliberation, this project was also pronounced not only very difficult, but absolutely impossible to be executed. Many inhabitants, however, left the city privately, and withdrew into the interior of the country; some, from disgust at this species of captivity; others, from fear of the approaching hostilities; and others, finally, from apprehensions of being questioned for acts against the government; but a great number, also, with a firm resolution, preferred to remain, and brave all consequences whatever. The soldiers of the garrison, weary of their long confinement, desired to sally forth, and drive away these rebels, who interrupted their provisions, and for whom they cherished so profound a contempt. The inhabitants of Massachusetts, on the other hand, were proudly indignant at this opinion of their cowardice, entertained by the soldiers; and panted for an occasion to prove, by a signal 'vengeance, the falsehood of the reproach.

In the meantime, the news arrived of the king's speech at the opening of parliament; of the resolutions adopted by that body; and, finally, of the act by which the inhabitants of Massachusetts were declared rebels. All the province flew to arms; indignation became fury,-obstinacy, desperation. All idea of reconciliation had become chimerical; necessity stimulated the most timid; a thirst of vengeance fired every breast. The match is lighted,-the materials disposed,-the conflagration impends. The children are prepared to combat against their fathers; citizens against citizens; and, as the Americans declared, the friends of liberty against its oppressors, against the founders of tyranny.

'In these arms,' said they, in our right hands, are placed the hope of safety, the existence of country, the defence of property, the honor of our wives and daughters. With these alone can we repulse a licentious soldiery, protect what man holds dearest upon earth, and unimpaired transmit our rights to our descendants. The world will admire our courage; all good men will second us with their wishes and prayers, and celebrate our names with immortal praises. Our memory will become dear to posterity. It will be the example, as the hope of freemen, and the dread of tyrants, to the latest ages. It is time that old and contaminated England should be made acquainted with the energies of America, in the prime and innocence of her youth; it is time she should know how much superior are our soldiers in courage and constancy, to vile mercenaries. We must look back no more! We must conquer or die! We are placed between altars smoking with the most grateful incense of glory and gratitude, on the one part, and blocks and dungeons on the other. Let each then rise, and gird himself for the combat. The dearest interests of this world command it; our most holy religion enjoins it; that God, who eternally rewards the virtuous, and punishes the wicked, ordains it. Let us accept these happy auguries; for already the mercenary satellites, sent by wicked ministers to reduce this innocent people to extremity, are imprisoned within the walls of a single city, where hunger emaciates them, rage devours them, death consumes them. Let us banish every fear, every alarm; fortune smiles upon the efforts of the brave!'

By similar discourses, they excited one another, and prepared themselves for defence. The fatal moment is arrived; the signal of civil war is given.

General Gage was informed, that the provincials had amassed large quantities of arms and ammunition, in the towns of Worcester and Concord; which last is eighteen miles distant from the city of Boston. Excited by the loyalists, who had pursuaded him that he would find no resistance, considering the cowardice of the patriots, and perhaps not imagining that the sword would be drawn so soon, he resolved to send a few companies to Concord, in order to seize

the military stores deposited there, and transport them to Boston, or destroy them. It was said also, that he had it in view, by this sudden expedition, to get possession of the persons of John Hancock and of Samuel Adams, two of the most ardent patriot chiefs, and the principal directors of the provincial congress, then assembled in the town of Concord. But to avoid exciting irritation, and the popular tumults, which might have obstructed his design, he resolved to act with caution, and in the shade of mystery. Accordingly, he ordered the grenadiers, and several companies of light infantry, to hold themselves in readiness to march out of the city, at the first signal; adding, that it was in order to pass review, and execute different manœuvres and military evolutions. The Bostonians entertained suspicions; and sent to warn Adams and Hancock to be upon their guard. The committee of public safety gave directions that the arms and ammunition should be distributed about in different places. Meanwhile, general Gage, to proceed with more secrecy, commanded a certain number of officers, who had been made acquainted with his designs, to go, as if on a party of pleasure, and dine at Cambridge, which is situated very near Boston, and upon the road to Concord. It was on the 18th of April, in the evening, these officers dispersed themselves here and there upon the road and passages, to intercept the couriers that might have been despatched to give notice of the movement of the troops. The governor gave orders that no person should be allowed to leave the city; nevertheless, doctor Warren, one of the most active patriots, had timely intimation of the scheme, and immediately despatched confidential messengers; some of whom found the roads interdicted by the officers that guarded them; but others made their way unperceived to Lexington, a town upon the road leading to Concord. The intelligence was soon divulged; the people flocked together, the bells, in all parts, were rung to give the alarm; the continual firing of cannon spread the agitation through all the neighboring country. In the midst of this tumultuous scene, at eleven in the evening, a strong detachment of grenadiers, and of light infantry, was embarked at Boston, and went to take land at a place called Phipps' Farm, whence they marched towards Concord. In this state of things, the irritation had become so intense, that a spark only was wanting, to produce an explosion; as the event soon proved.

The troops were under the command of lieutenant-colonel Smith, and major Pitcairn, who led the vanguard. The militia of Lexington, as the intelligence of the movement of this detachment was uncertain, had separated in the course of the night. Finally, at five in the morning of the 19th, advice was received of the near approach of the royal troops. The provincials, that happened to be near, assembled to the number of about seventy, certainly too few to have had the intention to engage in combat. The English appeared, and