Part 2

"Suppose the colonists do abound in men, what does that signify? They are raw, undisciplined, cowardly men. I wish instead of 40 or 50,000 of these brave fellows, they would produce in the field at least 200,000, the more the better, the easier would be the conquest; if they did not run away, they would starve themselves into compliance with our measures."[9]

And the Bill was passed.

One has but to read the stirring debates of that memorable year in Parliament, over the Petitions for Redress of Grievances from America; over the Petitions for Reconciliation from the Merchants of Bristol and of London; over the Resolutions offered by its own members; and over the addresses to them by their King;--to realize that the great question of American rights had almost as many, and surely as eloquent advocates, there as here.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] In a little cemetery at West Fairlee, Vt., is a memorial stone which reads "Wm. Cox, died July 27, 1838, Aged 88. He helped steep the tea in the Atlantic." His name seems to have been overlooked by historians, so I mention it here.

[2] Lossing's History of the United States, page 226.

[3] Frothingham's Rise of the Republic, page 326.

[4] Hansard's Parliamentary History, XVIII, cols. 238, 240.

[5] Hansard's Parliamentary History, XVIII, col. 154.

[6] Hansard's Parliamentary History, XVIII, col. 215.

[7] Hansard's Parliamentary History, XVIII, col. 355.

[8] Hansard's Parliamentary History, XVIII, cols. 442, 443.

[9] Hansard's Parliamentary History, XVIII, col. 446.

THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.

As we have seen, the First Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774. They met in Carpenter's Hall. The First Provincial Congress of Massachusetts met at Salem, Oct. 7, following. John Hancock was chosen President. In its first set of Resolutions it announced: "the necessity of its most vigorous and immediate exertions for preserving the freedom and constitution," of the Province.

The Royal Governor, Gen. Thos. Gage, had issued his writs the first day of September, calling upon the inhabitants to return representatives to the Great and General Court to be convened at Salem on the fifth of October. In the meantime, becoming alarmed at the tumults and disorders--the extraordinary resolves passed by some of the Counties, the instructions given by Boston and some other towns to their representatives, and the general unhappy condition of the Province, he determined that the time was not auspicious for such a gathering, and accordingly issued a proclamation countermanding the call. However, ninety representatives met on that day, waited loyally for the Governor, and when he failed to appear, adjourned to the next day, Oct. 6, and met as a Convention, choosing John Hancock, Chairman. Not much in the way of business was accomplished on that day, and they adjourned again, until the next, Oct. 7th, when they met and declared themselves to be a Provincial Congress and chose John Hancock, Permanent Chairman.

Thus the First Provincial Congress was, strictly speaking a self-constituted body, with not even the sanction of a popular vote. Yet they felt secure in a popular support. They could not pass laws, but they could resolve, advise and recommend, and such acts were generally heeded by a majority of their fellow citizens.[10]

The military organization of the Province was equally without effective power, as they recognized no real commanding officer of higher rank than Colonel. It is true that the Congress had nominated three general officers, but their real powers to command were feeble. The minute men and militia were enrolled by thousands, but they were poorly equipped, without uniforms, and without discipline. They marched to Battle Road in company formation, but upon arrival or very soon after, manœuvred and fought as individuals simply.

The Second Provincial Congress, more nearly an elective body than the First, realized their own lack of authority over the people and particularly over the military branch of their constituents. They wrote to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, under date of May 16, 1775, stating that they were compelled to raise an army; of their triumph at having one consisting of their own countrymen; but they admitted a lack of civil power to provide for, and control it. And they asked for advice from the greater congress which represented all the Colonies as to the taking up and exercising of the necessary powers of a civil government.[11]

Let us, then, as we go forward with this narrative, bear these facts in mind, that we may not in this very first day of a new nation's struggle for liberty expect too much from those who, indeed had the wisdom, had the strength, had the courage and the skill, but greatly lacked the first elements of a civil government or a military force--discipline and efficiency.

The First Provincial Congress next met in Concord, Oct. 11, 1774. Hancock was chosen President, an office higher than Permanent Chairman. Several following days were devoted to public business. From there they addressed a communication to Gen. Gage, wherein they expressed the apprehensions excited in their minds by the rigorous execution of the Port Bill; by the alteration of the Charter; by the administration of justice in the Colony; by the number of troops in the capital [Boston]; and particularly by the formidable and hostile preparations on Boston Neck. And they asked, rather pointedly, "whether an inattentive and unconcerned acquiescence in such alarming, and menacing measures would not evidence a state of insanity?" They entreated him to reduce the fortress at the entrance to Boston, and concluded by assuring his Excellency that they had not the least intention of doing any harm to his Majesty's troops.[12]

Four days later, Oct. 17, sitting at Cambridge, they received his reply. It was altogether lacking in satisfaction. He answered them as to the fortification on Boston Neck, that "unless annoyed," it would "annoy nobody." And the rest of his communication was equally unassuring.

Oct. 19, a committee was appointed to inquire into the then present state and operations of the British Army;[13] and on Oct. 20, another committee to report on what was necessary to be done for the safety and defence of the Province.[14]

Matters were crystallizing very fast, for on Oct. 24, a committee was appointed to consider and report on the most proper time for the Province to provide a stock of powder, ordnance and ordnance stores. That same afternoon, one of the members, Mr. Bliss, was ordered to wait upon the Committee to ascertain their reply. They quickly responded that their opinion was that "_now_" was the proper time to procure such a stock.[15] Another committee was at once appointed to take into consideration and determine the quantity and expense thereof.[16]

On the afternoon of the following day, Oct. 25, the schedule was presented to the Congress and one of its items called for 1000 barrels of powder, and the proposed expense was £10,737. Items were added by the Congress to increase the amount to £20,837. It was likewise ordered "that all the matters which shall come under consideration before this Congress be kept secret."[17]

Oct. 26, it was resolved that a Committee of Safety should be appointed, whose business it should be "most carefully and diligently to inspect and observe all and every such person and persons as shall at any time, attempt or enterprise the destruction, invasion, detriment or annoyance of this province." And they should have the power to alarm, muster and cause to be assembled with the utmost expedition and completely armed for the defence, such of the militia as they shall deem necessary for its defence.[18] And it was also resolved that as the security of the lives, liberties and properties of these inhabitants depend on their skill in the art military and in their being properly and effectively armed, it was therefore recommended that they immediately provide themselves therewith.[19]

On Oct. 27, Congress appointed a Committee of Safety consisting of nine members, three from Boston and six from the country, John Hancock, Chairman, and also a Commissary, or Committee of Supplies, consisting of five members.[20] At a subsequent meeting on the same day, Jedidiah Preble was elected to be chief in command and Artemas Ward, second.[21]

Oct. 27 a vote was passed recommending that the inhabitants perfect themselves in the military art.[22] On that same day a committee was appointed to wait upon his excellency the governor to express their surprise at his active warlike preparations, and to announce that their constituents would not expect them to be guided by his advice.[23] But before the conclusion of this session another resolution was passed to the effect that the lives and liberties of the inhabitants depended upon their knowledge and skill in the military art.[24]

The First Provincial Congress was dissolved Dec. 10, 1774, every session of its deliberations having been devoted to the Civil Rights and Liberties of the People over which it had presided.

The Second Provincial Congress was convened in Concord Feb. 1, 1775. One of its earliest acts, Feb. 9, was to appoint Hon. Jedidiah Preble, Hon. Artemas Ward, Col. Seth Pomeroy, Col. John Thomas and Col. William Heath, general officers.[25] The same day, in an address to the Inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay they said, "Though we deprecate a rupture with the Mother State, yet we must urge you to every preparation for your necessary defence."[26]

Nor were the Indians neglected in these strong appeals to the patriotism of the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, for under date of April 1, 1775, an address was issued to Johoiakin Mothksin and the rest of the Indians of Stockbridge, expressing great pleasure that they were "willing to take up the hatchet," and announcing that Col. Paterson and Capt. Goodridge should present each that had enlisted a blanket and a ribbon. A committee was also appointed to address the chief of the Mohawks.[27]

The Committee of Safety met for the first time at the house of Capt. Stedman, in Cambridge, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1774, and organized, as we have stated, with John Hancock, Chairman. John Pigeon was chosen clerk. Their first vote after organization was a recommendation to the Committee of Supplies to procure as soon as may be, 335 barrels of pork, 700 barrels of flour, 20 tierces of rice, 300 bushels of peas, and that these be distributed in Worcester and Concord. On Nov. 8, following, in joint meeting with the Committee on Supplies, the latter was advised to procure all of the arms and ammunition possible from the neighboring provinces, and that they might with safety engage to pay for the same on arrival.

At subsequent meetings various military stores were liberally provided. With a unanimous vote on Feb. 21, 1775, by both committees in joint session, it was decided that the Committee of Supplies should purchase all kinds of military stores sufficient for an army of 15,000 men.[28] It did not then seem to them as if a peaceful solution of the estrangement were longer possible.

The last meeting of the Provincial Congress before the battle, was held in Concord, April 15, and when it adjourned it was until May 10. But considering "the great uncertainty of the present times," it was provided, however, that a call might issue for an earlier assembling. Only two days elapsed before apprehensions of immediate danger arose, which grew so intense, that Richard Devens on the 18th, issued a summons for immediate assembling at Concord. Although it was circulated with the greatest dispatch many of the members could not have learned of it before the marching of the British troops on that same night from Boston Common.

The meeting was finally assembled on April 22, and quickly adjourned to Watertown, evidently to be in closer touch with the thrilling events that had so dramatically opened.[29]

FOOTNOTES:

[10] See their "advice" to constables and to tax collectors Oct. 14, 1774, not to pay moneys collected by them to the royal treasurer of the province, Hon. Harrison Gray (Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 19) and their "recommendation" to towns, Oct. 28, to direct their constables and tax collectors to pay such moneys to their appointee as Receiver General, Henry Gardner (Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 38.)

[11] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 230.

[12] Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Mass., page 18.

[13] Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Mass., page 22.

[14] Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Mass., page 23.

[15] Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Mass., page 29.

[16] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 29.

[17] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 30.

[18] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 32.

[19] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 34.

[20] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 35.

[21] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 35.

[22] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 41.

[23] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 45.

[24] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 48.

[25] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 90.

[26] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, page 92.

[27] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, pages 115, 116.

[28] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, pages 505, 509.

[29] Journals of Each Provincial Congress, pages 146-7.

BRITISH FORCES IN BOSTON.

General Thomas Gage, Commander of the British forces in America, and successor of Thomas Hutchinson as Governor of Massachusetts Bay, landed in Boston, May 13, 1774. Inspired by a hope that his administration might soften the feeling of resentment against the Mother Country, by annulling some of its causes, his reception on the 17th was dignified and cordial. He was greeted with cheers by the multitude, the firing of salutes in his honor, and a lavish banquet in Faneuil Hall.[30] A few weeks before he had assured his king that the Americans "will be lions while we are lambs; but if we take the resolute part they will prove very weak."[31]

His military force then in Boston was less than 4,000 men,[32] and consisted of the Fourth or King's Own; Fifth; Tenth; Seventeenth: 3 Companies of the Eighteenth; Twenty-second; Twenty-third; Thirty-eighth; Forty-third; Forty-fourth; Forty-seventh; Fifty-second; Fifty-ninth; Sixty-third; Sixty-fourth; six or eight Companies of Artillery; and six or eight Companies of Marines, numbering 460, under Major Pitcairn.[33]

Major Gen. Heath is the authority for the statement that the Provincial Congress appointed a committee to make inquiry into the state of operation of the British Army in Boston, and on the 20th of March, they reported that there were about 2,850 men distributed as follows: Boston Common, about 1,700; Fort Hill, 400; Boston Neck, 340; in Barracks at the Castle, about 330; King Street, 80; that they were erecting works at Boston Neck on both sides of the way, well constructed and well executed. The works were in forwardness and mounted with ten brass and two iron cannon. The old fortification at the entrance of the town was replaced and rendered much stronger by the addition of timber and earth to the parapet, and ten pieces of iron cannon were mounted on the old platform. A block house had been brought from Governor's Island and was being erected on the south side of the Neck.[34]

But a short time was required to show that in every political question Gen. Gage was loyal to his king. Accordingly throughout the Province the press, the pulpit, the expression of opinion in public meetings, while professing loyalty to the king personally, were extremely bitter against his representative in command.

Conventions were held in the various Counties of the Province, the earliest one being in Berkshire County, July 6, 1774, followed by the one in Worcester County, Aug. 9. Resolutions were passed at each, professing loyalty to the king, but remonstrating strongly against Parliament. It was left for the Middlesex County Convention, August 30, to pass resolutions that rang throughout the Province. While also professing loyalty to the King their final sentence was:

"No danger shall affright, no difficulties intimidate us; and if in support of our rights we are called to encounter even death, we are yet undaunted, sensible that he can never die too soon, who lays down his life in support of the laws and liberty of his country."

These resolutions were passed by a vote of 146 yeas against 4 nays.[35]

Although the town of Boston itself was the headquarters of Gen. Gage, and his soldiers were parading in its streets, and encamping on its Common, the patriots had by no means deserted it. There were several secret societies who made it their business to watch for and report hostile movements and plans. These were the "North End Caucus;" the "South End Caucus;" the "Middle District Caucus;" and the "Long Room Club;" all of which owned allegiance to the "Sons of Liberty," a body which acted in the capacity of a higher council and which kept itself in close communication with similar organizations outside of this Province. Members of these various bodies paraded the streets nightly, that any sudden or unusual movement of the army might be at once reported. Paul Revere belonged to one or more of these, and was active in patriotic work.

Nor was Gen. Gage idle in acquiring information about the Provincial Army being assembled, and the topographical features of the country around Boston. His troops were especially trained by marches, over the highways in the vicinity,[36] and his spies brought him maps and reports from the scenes of his possible future operations. The two that acted for him in this secret service were Capt. Brown of the 52nd regiment, and Ensign De Bernicre of the 10th regiment. They were disguised in "brown clothes" with "reddish handkerchiefs" tied about their necks, and were accompanied by a servant. All three were well armed.

Gen. Gage's instructions to them, under date of Feb. 22, 1775, called for description of the roads, rivers, and hills; available places for encampments; whether or not the churches and church yards were advantageous spots to take post in and capable of being made defensible. They were also told that information would be useful in reference to the provisions, forage, etc., that could be obtained at the several places they should pass through.

Their first trip was to Worcester, in the latter part of February, and their next one to Concord, for which place they set out on March 20, passing through Roxbury, Brookline, and Weston, where they stopped at the Jones Tavern.

Then they proceeded through Sudbury, crossed over the South Bridge into Concord village, where they were entertained by a Mr. Bliss, a friend of the royal government.

Wherever they went their mission was known in spite of their disguises. They succeeded, however, in bringing back to Gen. Gage a very tolerable description of the country, and so fulfilled their mission. In Concord, especially, they located many of the provincial military stores, information particularly useful to the invading force on April 19th.

Having thus possessed himself of sufficient data, Gen. Gage then laid his plans for a midnight march to Lexington and Concord with the view, possibly, of capturing Hancock and Adams, who were known to be at the former place, and especially of destroying all the war-like supplies that had been gathered at Concord.

April 15, the grenadiers and light infantry had been relieved from duty, with the excuse that they were to learn a new exercise. That night, about twelve o'clock, boats belonging to the transports which had been hauled up for repairs were launched and moored under the sterns of the men-o-war.[37] The _Somerset_ was anchored near the Charlestown Ferry.[38] These movements awakened the suspicions of Dr. Warren, who lost no time in notifying Hancock and Adams, then at Lexington. On the afternoon of April 18th, he learned from several sources that the British were about to move. A gunsmith named Jasper, learned as much from a British sergeant and lost no time in informing Col. Waters of the Committee of Safety, who in turn gave the news to Warren.[39] John Ballard, connected with the stable in Milk Street, overheard some one in the Province House remark that there would "be hell to pay tomorrow;" a remark so full of significance that he reported it to a friend of liberty in Ann Street, thought to have been William Dawes, who in turn reported it to Paul Revere.[40]

That night Gen. Gage despatched ten or more sergeants, partially disguised, along the highways in Cambridge and beyond, towards Concord. They were instructed to intercept any passers-by, and so prevent his intended movement from becoming known. A party of his officers dined at Wetherby's Tavern[41] in Menotomy (now Arlington), where also met that day the Committee of Safety and Committee of Supplies, some of whom, Mr. Gerry, Col. Orne and Col. Lee, remained to pass the night.[42]

Solomon Brown of Lexington, a young man nineteen years old, was the first to report in that town the unusual occurrence of so many officers along the highways in the night, and it was surmised there that the capture of Hancock and Adams was intended. Brown was returning home from Boston when they passed him on the road. Somehow gaining the front again he rode rapidly into Lexington village and reported what he had seen. Sergeant Munroe and eight men were sent to guard the parsonage where the patriot statesmen were stopping, and Solomon Brown, Jonathan Loring, and Elijah Sanderson, all members of Captain Parker's Company of Minute Men, were despatched to watch the officers after they had passed through Lexington toward Concord. They followed them on horseback into Lincoln, about two and a half miles from Lexington village, where they were ambushed by the ones they were following, and taken prisoners. It was then about 10 o'clock in the evening of April 18th. They were detained until Revere was also captured at the same place a few hours later, early in the morning of the 19th.

FOOTNOTES:

[30] Frothingham's Rise of the Republic of the U. S., page 330.

[31] Frothingham's Rise of the Republic of the U. S., page 318.

[32] Hale in Memorial History of Boston, III, 79.

[33] This list I make up from a document from among the Swett papers, and an article in the Atlantic Monthly, April, 1877, entitled A British Officer in Boston in 1775. The Swett MS. is interesting as giving the distinctive uniforms as follows:

Fourth or King's Own, red faced with white; 5th, Lord Percy, red faced with blue; 10th, red faced with green; 17th, Light Dragoons, red faced with yellow; 22d, Gen. Gage, red faced with white; 23d, Gen. Howe, red faced with blue; 38th, Gen. Piget, red faced with yellow; 43rd, red faced with light buff; 44th, red faced with yellow; 52d, red faced with white; 59th, called the Pompadours, red faced with crimson; 63d, red faced with yellow; 64th, red faced with black; artillery, blue faced with red; Marines, red faced with white.

Some of these were encamped on the Common.

[34] Heath's Memoirs, written by himself. Boston, 1798. Page 11.

[35] Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Mass., page 114.