George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 5, 13th edition.

‘ [350] character, unless it should be admitted that he is too

chap. XIX.} 1765. Oct.

attentive to the public, and not enough so to himself or his family. He is always for softness and prudence, where they will do; but is staunch, and stiff, and strict, and rigid, and inflexible in the cause.’

The firmness of the new legislator was sustained by the unwavering confidence of the people of Boston beyond what was given to any of his colleagues; and the vacillation of Otis, increasing with his infirmities, ceased to be of public importance. Massachusetts never again discussed with the British ministry the amount of a practical tax, or the inexpediency of taxation by parliament, of the propriety of an American representation in that body.

‘I am resolved to have the stamps distributed,’ wrote Colden to the British secretary, the day after the Congress adjourned. Officers of the navy and army, with great alacrity, gave him every assistance he required; and they ridiculed the thought that the government would repeal the Stamp Act, as the most singular delusion of party spirit. His son, whom he appointed temporary distributor, wrote on the same day to the commissioners of stamps, soliciting to hold the place permanently; for, he assured them, ‘in a few months, the act would be quietly submitted to.’¹ But the people of New-York, one and all, cried out, ‘Let us see who will dare put the Act into execution, upon the governor's appointment; we will take care of that.’

On the thirty-first of October, Colden and all he

Oct.

royal governors took the oath to carry the Stamp