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they might meet with some difficulty; and those that did, I was not convinced so great good would result therefrom as if another method was taken.
Secondly, I thought and still think it would be much better for the Province; for supposing there was not one Commission-officer for the present in it, what danger could the Province sustain?
It may be answered, Commission-officers are supposed to be the most understanding in military affairs.
I grant it: But supposing their commissions were vacated, supposing the respective companies in the Province were disposed and determined to do any one matter or thing which they imagined to be for its safety, and proper persons were to be employed to lead them, &c., doth their not having commissions in the least unfit them from being employed in the particular services they may be chosen to execute?
and in this way can not any one conceive that the Commission-officers leading their respective companies, might in the eyes of the judicious be looked upon more blamable in doing such and such things, than they would be if they were not military officers, and did not act under commission?
Might not the difference with respect to the Province be looked upon very great, both at home and here?
It was suggested that General Gage demanded the Towns Stocks of Powder; this certainly he did not; the above order speaks for itself.
As I would not have delivered the Provincial powder to any one but to his Excellency or order, so the Towns Stocks I would have delivered to none but to the selectmen or their order.
Upon the whole, the threatenings I have met with, my banishment from my own home, the place of my nativity, my house being searched, though I am informed it was without damage, and the sense of the people touching my conduct &c. cannot but be grievous, yet this grief is much lessened by the pleasure arising in my mind from a consciousness that I am a friend to my country; and, in the above instances, that I really acted according to my best judgment for its true interest.
I am extremely sorry for what has taken place; I hope I may be forgiven, and desire it of all that are offended, since I acted from an honest, friendly principle, though it might be a mistaken one.
The Governor having dissolved the House of Representatives in June, writs were issued for the election of a new House, to assemble at Salem on the 5th of October. Meantime, the Council elected by the former House had been superseded by the Mandamus Council. Having already compelled the resignation
