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the next election showed great unanimity, and recognized that central principle of majority which lies at the basis of our civil liberties.
The Constitution provided that the annual election should take place in April; thus giving the farmers the winter to think of it, and an occasion of finishing it before planting.
April 2, 1781: The first in the series of the annual elections took place on this day; and the votes, in
Medford, stood thus:--
The State government took up the cause of independence with wisdom and power.
At this time, a levy of clothing and beef for the army was made by it, and our records show that
Medford raised its share with promptitude.
The second annual election of State officers was like the third, which, in
Medford, stood thus :--
At the fourth annual election, April 7, 1783,
Governor Hancock had, in
Medford, 36 votes;
Lieutenant-Governor Gushing, 30.
Each
Senator had 24.
These facts show remarkable political harmony in the town.
The recognition of independence by the mother country caused a day of thanksgiving in
Medford,which the aged among us remember.
There were meetings and feastings and congratulations and rejoicings without number.
It seemed here as if the whole heavens were filled with rainbows.
So intoxicated with hope were our fathers, that they doubtless presumed that two blades of grass would henceforth grow where
