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[133] New England,1 he was persuaded that all classes sin-
Chap. XXXII.} 1768. March
cerely loved their mother country, and, as he believed, would never accept foreign aid. Besides so convinced were they of the justice of their demands and their own importance, they would not hold it possible that they should be driven to the last appeal. ‘It is my fixed opinion,’ said he, ‘that the firebrands will be worsted, and that the Colonies will, in the end, obtain all the satisfaction which they demand. Sooner or later the government must recognise its being in the wrong.’

The Crown officers in Boston were resolved that instead of concessions, America should suffer new wrongs. ‘The annual election of Councillors,’ wrote Bernard,2 ‘is the canker worm of the constitution of this government, whose weight cannot be put in the scale against that of the people.’ ‘To keep the balance even,’ argued Hutchinson, ‘there is need of aid from the other side of the water.’3

How to induce the British Government to change the Charter, and send over troops was the constant theme of discussion; and it was concerted that the eighteenth of March, the anniversary of the Repeal of the Stamp Act, should be made to further the design. Reports were industriously spread of an intended insurrection on that day; of danger to the Commissioners of the Customs. The Sons of Liberty, on their part, were anxious to preserve order. At day-break the effigy of Paxton and that of another revenue officer, were found hanging

1 De Kalb to Choiseul, 2 March, 1768.

2 Compare also Bernard to the Secretary of State, 12 March, 1768.

3 Hutchinson to Thos. Pownall, 23 Feb. 1768.

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