George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[162] divined their purpose; and at its legal meeting on

Chap. XXXIV.} 1768. June.

Friday, the seventeenth, instructing its representatives in words prepared by John Adams,¹ it put its sentiments on record. ‘After the repeal of the last American Stamp Act,’ it said,

we were happy in the pleasing prospect of a restoration of tranquillity and harmony. But the principle on which that detestable act was founded continues in full force, and a revenue is still demanded from America, and appropriated to the maintenance of swarms of officers and pensioners in idleness and luxury. It is our fixed resolution to maintain our loyalty and due subordination to the British Parliament, as the Supreme Legislative in all cases of necessity for the preservation of the whole empire. At the same time, it is our unalterable resolution, to assert and vindicate our dear and invaluable rights and liberties, at the utmost hazard of our lives and fortunes; and we have a full and rational confidence that no designs formed against them will ever prosper.

Every person who shall solicit or promote the importation of troops at this time, is an enemy to this town and Province, and a disturber of the peace and good order of both.

Instructions in Appendix Hutchinson, III. 489-491.

Having given these instructions the Town Meeting broke up. The Assembly, which was in session, had been a spectator of the events; and the very next morning, on motion probably of Otis, a joint committee was raised to inquire ‘if measures had been taken, or were taking, for the execution of the ’