duty to dissolve you, and you are dissolved accordingly."

This, like every previous measure of intimidation, excited to a still higher degree the spirit of opposition. The members assembled at a private house, elected their speaker to preside as moderator, and unanimously formed a non-importation agreement, similar to those previously adopted at the north. In a few weeks, the example of Virginia was followed by most of the southern colonies.

To the citizens of Boston, the troops quartered among them was a painful and irritating spectacle. Quarrels occurring daily between them and the populace, increased the animosity of each to ungovernable hatred. At length, on the evening of the fifth of March, an affray took place in Kingstreet, (since called State-street,) in which a detachment of the troops commanded by Captain Preston, after being insulted, pelted with snow balls, and dared to fire, discharged their muskets upon the multitude, killing four persons and wounding others.

The drums were instantly beat to arms, several thousand people assembled, who enraged by the sight of the dead bodies of their fellow citizens, slain in a cause dear to them all, prepared to attack a larger detachment which had been sent to support their comrades. In this state of excitement they were addressed by Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, who appeared in the midst of them. Though personally obnoxious, he calmed their fury, and prevailed upon them to disperse until morning.

The next day, Captain Preston and his party were arrested and committed to prison. The citizens met and appointed a committee to demand the immediate removal of the troops from the town. At this meeting, Samuel Adams, an inflexible patriot, was distinguished for his decision and boldness. After some hesitation, on the part of the commanding officer, they were sent to Castle William, and were accompanied by several officers of the customs who dreaded the indignation of the people.

Three days afterwards, the funeral of the deceased took place. It was conducted with great pomp and unusual ceremonies, expressive of the public feeling. The shops were closed. The bells of Boston, Roxbury, and Charlestown were tolled. Four processions, moving from dif ferent parts of the town, met at the fatal spot, and proceeded thence towards the place of interment. This united procession comprised an immense number of people on foot and in carriages, all displaying the deepest grief and indignation. The bodies were deposited together in the same vault.

When the passions of the people had in some degree subsided, Captain Preston and his soldiers were brought to trial. They were defended by John Adams, and Josiah Quincy, two able lawyers and distinguished leaders of the popular party. For nearly six weeks the court were employed in examining witnesses, and in listening to the arguments of counsel. Captain Preston, not having ordered his men to fire, was acquitted by

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the jury. Of the soldiers, six were also acquitted, there being no positive testimony that they fired upon the people; and two were acquitted of murder, as great provocation was offered, but found guilty of manslaughter.-A result evincing the integrity of the jury and the magnanimity and uprightness of the counsel for the accused.

While these events were occurring in the colonies, an attempt supported by the prime minister, was made in England, to repeal all the laws for raising a revenue in America. The parliament, with a mixture of timidity and obstinacy, characteristic of the councils of the nation at that period relinquished all the duties but that on tea, and this they unwisely retained to assert and display their supremacy over the colonies.

This partial repeal produced no change in the sentiments of the people. By rendering the contest more clearly a contest of principle, it sanctified their conduct in their own view and ennobled it in that of the world. The non-importation agreements, however, were made to correspond with the altered law. Tea only was to be excluded from the country; and this article of luxury was banished from the tables of all who were friendly to American rights.

CHAPTER XVI.

REVOLUTION.

THE years 1771 and 1772 were not distinguished by any important event. The southern colonies, more agricultural than commercial, suffered but little from the operation of the laws of trade, and having mostly popular governors, continued tranquil. In Massachusetts, various causes contributed to increase the discontent which previously existed. Governor Hutchinson, having adjourned the general court to Salem, refused, notwithstanding reiterated remonstrances. to permit them to return to Boston. He withdrew the provincial troops from the castle and supplied their place with regulars, as the British troops were then called. He declined receiving his salary from the colonial treasury, stating that his majesty had assigned to him, and also to the judges, permanent and honourable salaries, to be paid in Great Britain. These measures were highly unpopular, and especially the last, which released those officers from all dependence on the people.

To ascertain the sentiments of the inhabitants; to enlighten the remotest parts of the province by diffusing intelligence, and distributing political essays; and to produce concert in measures,

James Warren and Samuel Adams suggested and procured the appointment, in every town, of committees of correspondence. By the agency of these, resolutions and addresses, sometimes inflammatory and always spirited, were speedily conveyed through the country, arousing the attention of all and exhorting to perseverance in the cause of liberty. This example was soon after followed in other colonies; and in 1773, at the suggestion of the Virginia assembly, standing committees were appointed, by the colonial legislatures, to correspond with each other. This institution, when more active opposition became necessary, was found extremely useful.

In this year, Dr. Franklin obtained in London a number of original letters from Governor Hutchinson, Lieutenant Governor Oliver and others, to their correspondents in parliament. In these letters, the opposition in Massachusetts was stated to be confined to a few factious individuals who had been emboldened by the weakness of the means used to restrain them. Measures more vigorous were recommended : and the ministry were urged to take from the people and exercise themselves the power of appointing counsellors and all colonial magistrates. These letters he transmitted to Boston.

The source and occasion of the offensive proceedings of parliament were now disclosed. The passions of the people were highly inflamed, and the weight of popular indignation fell upon the authors of these letters. The central committee of correspondence, at Boston, sent printed copies,