sages between the Governor and Assembly previous to the dissolution.

On the 5th instant orders were received here to prepare temporary coverings for the six companies of the 59th Regiment on the islands of Cape Breton and St. John, and the four of the 29th at the other outposts of this province. Upon information of these orders from Colonel Dalrymple, I ordered the equipment of the Launceston to be hastened as much as possible, and she is now ready for service; and as I had a letter yesterday from General Gage, requesting my assistance for transporting troops, and Colonel Dalrymple having orders to repair to Boston with those now here, if a requisition should be made by Governor Bernard before a junction of the whole can be effected, I hold the Launceston in constant readiness to take troops on board. I have sent an officer with my letters to the Admiralty, and I could not let him depart without being the bearer of a letter to you. I have the honour to be, &c., &c. SAM. HOOD.1

On August 8 Hood sent further intelligence to Mr. Grenville. He says: The aspect of things is not in the least mended-indeed, the ferment among the people seems at times to be smothered, but then diligent search is ever making by the demagogues after fuel to kindle the flame afresh.' And he gives further particulars of the troubles.

Mr. Williams, the Inspector-General of the Customs, who was from home in the late riots, had his house beset on the evening of his return by a vast mob, who in a tumultuous manner insisted on seeing Mr. Williams and his appearing at the window. It was demanded that he should immediately go to Liberty Tree, there resign his office, and take an oath never to resume it; which he refused, assuring them at the same time that he had friends in the house ready to defend him if his doors were forced. They then insisted he should go to the Castle to the Commissioners, where they have been prisoners at large many weeks; which he also refused, when much clamour ensued and much vengeance was threatened; but on assurances being given by Mr. Williams that

Letter from Commodore Hood to Mr. Grenville,' dated 'Halifax (Nova Scotia), July 11, 1768,' in The Grenville Papers, vol. iv. He was at this time Commander of His Majesty's ships and vessels on the Boston station. He was subsequently well known as a most distinguished admiral. He was created Viscount Hood in 1796, and died in 1816' (Note to the above letter).

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129

he would meet them at the Town House next day at noon, they dispersed without doing much mischief.

At the appointed hour Mr. Williams went through a mob of many thousands, who opened a passage for him, and from a window he repeatedly told them of their proceedings last evening, that he was come agreeable to his promise, and demanded what they had to say to him; not a word of reply was made by any one; all were silent. His resolute behaviour had quite disconcerted them; but he has often since received anonymous letters threatening his life unless he resigns his office.

Governor Bernard was very apprehensive that the Castle would be attacked, and wrote to Captain Corner of the Romney, requesting his assistance by all means in his power for the defence and protection of it. Thus things at present are; from the information I have received all is confusion, and Government without authority.

In the latter end of last month Mr. Bernard pressed his Council to advise him to call for troops; the whole except three opposed the measure; so that his Excellency is now left to act upon his own judgment solely, which may possibly make him less

timid.

Colonel Dalrymple, by General Gage's order, holds two regiments in constant readiness to embark from hence whenever they are required by the Governor or directed by the General. Had this force been landed in Boston six months ago, I am perfectly persuaded no address or remonstrance would have been sent from the other colonies, and that all would have been tolerably quiet and orderly at this time throughout America. Every day's delay of the only remedy that can prove effectual has manifestly tended to an increase of bad humour, by which what would have been without difficulty effected early in the spring will become an arduous and probably a fatal undertaking late in the year.

The giving to the colonies such time and opportunity for uniting in opposition to the British Acts of Parliament ought, in my humble opinion, by all possible means to have been prevented. But I forget to whom I have the honour to address myself, and must entreat your goodness, Sir, to excuse my presumption in saying what I have in matters of such high importance, and to one who is so perfect a judge of them; I meant only to relate facts as they were transmitted to me.

At home, in England, opinions differed much as to the real meaning of the Boston outbreak, for the story was at

VOL. II.

K

best but imperfectly known to the general public, and not fully apprehended by the Ministers. As to Governor Bernard, some persons thought he did too much, others that he did too little. He had many revilers, but he had also some staunch admirers. Among the latter was William Warburton,' Bishop of Gloucester, who had borne kindly testimony to Francis Bernard's character and disposition when a youth. He wrote before the refusal to rescind and attempt to intimidate the Inspector-General were known in England, but after the first assaults on the Commissioners: 'You have got immortal honour in our House by your manly, prudent, and steady conduct amidst all the confusions both in the Old and New World. Whenever Government recovers its vigour we think you cannot miss the reward of your important services."

Philip Young, Bishop of Norwich, wrote a fortnight later, when more news must have arrived; in fact, the Comptroller, Mr. Hallowell, had reached England and told his own story:

I am amongst those who thought from the beginning of our differences with the colonies that it was bad policy, at least, not to leave them to the taxing themselves. I think so still. But yet I think their behaviour to be most detestably bad, as I think your wise and steady conduct has been uniformly such as gains you unsullied honour. I hope that they who can reward it will do so, and make the rest of your days as happy as you can wish.

The kind wishes and anticipations expressed in these letters were not realised.

1 See vol. i. ch. ix. of this work.

2 Life of Sir Francis Bernard: 'Letter from the Bishop of Gloucester to Governor Bernard, dated 10 July, 1768.'

Mr. Knox, Under-Secretary of State to Lord Hillsborough, writes to Mr. Grenville:

'London: July 23, 1768.

'Dear Sir,-The newspaper will have told you on your tour what I am now sending better authenticated to meet you on your return. The Comptroller of the Customs at Boston is arrived, and I met him this morning at Lord Hillsborough's office.'

4

Life of Sir Francis Bernard: Letter from the Bishop of Norwich to Governor Bernard, dated 9th August, 1768.'

AFFAIRS IN BOSTON

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CHAPTER XXII

THE DEFECTION OF THE COUNCIL

Letters on the State of Affairs in Boston-The Disposition of the Council— Celebration of the Stamp Act Riots-The first Troops ordered to BostonThe dissolved House of Representatives meets as a Self-Constituted BodySamuel Adams becomes an Advocate of desperate Measures-The Housing of the Troops-The Council and the Billeting' or 'Mutiny Act'-The varying Policy of successive English Ministries -Francis Bernard accepts a Baronetcy-Disloyalty in Virginia.

IN order not to interrupt the narrative of events in the preceding chapter, two letters bearing on the state of affairs in Boston have been reserved for this place. The first, said to be from a Gentleman of Character,' is dated from Boston on June 14, the very day of the meeting in Faneuil Hall and the deputation to the Governor's country house. The names of the sender and receiver are both left blankdoubtless out of regard to their safety.

Sir, Mr. this morning delivered your kind message; I am sincerely sorry for the ill-behaviour of the people, which must terminate in their ruin and destruction. There certainly is, among some of the most wicked and abandoned, a settled scheme to oppose even the King's troops landing, if that should be attempted, and they are endeavouring to get the country to join in that most profligate and vile undertaking; however, I think it is beyond all doubt, but those of property, and the better sort of people among us, will discountenance such intolerable madness; and will, notwithstanding the malicious and unreasonable efforts of a few, lost to all sense of gratitude to their Mother Country, desperate in their fortunes, and, in short, devoid of all principles except such as are peculiar to devils, exert themselves against such a measure, as soon as they dare act in conformity to their own judgment.

It is my opinion that the promoters of the present evils are ready to unmask and openly discover their long and latent design to rebel, and, if possible, to involve this miserable country in

blood and horror. Heaven avert the evil! To commit to writing the various methods by which they delude the ignorant, and persuade the vicious, would be extremely tedious; but in general nothing is left undone to accomplish both.

One of their grand objects is to spread the infection, and thereby bring all the colonies to the very verge of a general revolt; if they are disappointed in this their projects will drop of course.

I still am, and will continue to be, dear Sir,

Your sincere friend and most obedient Servant1

There is nothing distinctive in the contents of this letter, but the next, which is undated, is evidently addressed to one of the Commissioners:

Dear Sir, It is with the utmost concern that I observe a great uneasiness and unusual sourness in the minds of the people in general; have much grieved at the public abuses of some great personages among us, who, to say no more, have merited very different treatment. Much might be said on that head; but to pursue what was more immediately in my mind; I don't know, but fear, that the uproar of Friday night is but a prelude of greater disturbances; and, Sir, as my regards for you are unfeigned, I would just hint what I have noticed from the several quarters, &c. The people, as a people, are exceedingly averse to the Gentlemen of the Honourable Board of Commissioners. I have heard your name oftenest mentioned. I have obviated many things, and anticipated others, to the utmost of my poor abilities. I know that these convulsions among these people must give you uneasiness; but rouse your philosophy. I fear there will be more confusion; though I do but guess, for I am in no secret; yet, at the same time, he that runs may read, that without some speedy interposition a great storm will arise; which God avert. I am, dear Sir, &c.2

(A true copy.)

This letter is said to have been written by 'a Gentleman well acquainted with the state of the Town of Boston.'

1 'Memorials of the Commissioners of the Customs in North America, with several Letters and Papers annexed' (in the same volume as 'Letters to the Ministry'): Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of Character, dated Boston, June 14, 1768.'

2. Memorials of the Commissioners, &c., &c.': 'Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman well acquainted with the state of the Town of Boston.'