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

[467] refused to waive the claim of right, which could only

Chap. L.} 1773. Sept.

divide the Americans in sentiment and confuse their counsels. ‘What oppressions,’ they asked in their circular to all the other towns, ‘may we not expect in another seven years, if through a weak credulity, while the most arbitrary measures are still persisted n, we should be prevailed upon to submit our rights, as the patriotic Farmer expresses it, to the tender mercies of the Ministry? Watchfulness, unity and harmony are necessary to the salvation of ourselves and posterity from bondage. We have an animating confidence in the Supreme Disposer of events, that He will never suffer a sensible, brave, and virtuous People to be enslaved.’¹

Sure of Boston and its Committee, Samuel Adams

Oct.

next conciliated the favoring judgment of the patriot Hawley, whose influence in the Province was deservedly great, and who had shared with him the responsibility of the measures of the Assembly. ‘I submit to you my ideas at this time, because matters seem to me to be drawing to a crisis.’ Such were his words on the fourth, and the thirteenth of October. ‘The present Administration, even though the very good Lord Dartmouth is one of them, are as fixed as any of their predecessors in their resolution to carry their favorite point, an acknowledgment of the right of Parliament to make laws, binding us in all cases whatever. Some of our politicians would have the people believe, that Administration are disposed, or determined to have all the grievances which we complain of, redressed, if we will only be quiet; ’