138 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.

Rough drafts of the laws, subverting the charter of Massachusetts, were now received; and, by way of reply, the committee of correspondence in Boston framed an agreement, entitled a solemn league and covenant,' to suspend all commercial intercourse with Great Britain, and all consumption of its products until the oppressive laws should be repealed; and threatening to publish the names of all who refused to conform to this agreement.

General Gage issued a proclamation denouncing this act, and threatening punishment; but his threats were disregarded.

On the 4th of September, 1774, the continental congress assembled at Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was chosen president, and Charles Thompson, secretary. It was then determined that each colony should have one vote; and that their proceedings, except such as they might determine to publish, should be kept secret. Resolutions were passed approving the conduct of the people of Massachusetts in resisting the encroachments of arbitrary power, and trusting that the effect of the united efforts of North America in their behalf, would carry such conviction to the British nation of the unwise, unjust, and ruinous policy of the present administration, as quickly to introduce better men, and wiser measures. Contributions from all the colonies, for supplying the necessities, and relieving the distresses of the Boston people, were also resolved on. Resolutions against the importation and use of British goods, and forbidding exports to Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, were also passed; and, notwithstanding their want of legal sanction, they were strictly obeyed by the people.

A Declaration of Rights was also voted, stating the precise ground taken by the colonies, in the contest; and asserting rights which had not been maintained at its

commencement.

The congress also voted several addresses: one to the people of Great Britain; another to the inhabitants of Canada; and a third to the American people; and a petition to the king. The state papers, emanating from this

What was done when the rough drafts of the laws, subverting the charter of Massachusetts, were received?-What was done by the governor 3-Were his threats regarded ?-When did the first continental congress assemble?-Who were the officers ?-What resolutions were passed -For what purpose were contributions resolved on?-What other resolutions were passed ?-What was stated in the Declaration of Rights To whom were addresses voted?

PROCEEDINGS IN MASSACHUSETTS.

139

congress, have been pronounced, by competent authority, to be master-pieces of political wisdom, dignity, and moral courage. The Earl of Chatham compared them with the celebrated writings of Greece and Rome of a similar character, and gave them the preference. They were read and admired in every part of Europe; and enlisted the friends of liberty throughout the civilised world, in the cause of American liberty.

In America they were received with more intense interest; and their immediate effect was to rouse every friend of the common cause to exertion. The whole country resounded with the din of martial preparation. Companies of volunteers were organised in every city and village. Munitions of war were treasured up and concealed from the eyes of the myrmidons of government; contributions of money, ammunition, and provisions were cheerfully made, and persons of every age and rank were roused into the liveliest enthusiasm in the sacred cause of liberty.

When General Gage attempted to introduce the new system of government in Massachusetts, he found himself unable to effect his object. The new councillors, appointed by the crown, were compelled to resign their offices, by threats of popular violence; and the judicial proceedings were prevented by the crowd of people, who filled the court-house, and declared their determination to submit to none but the ancient laws and usages of the country.

Gage, upon this demonstration of popular feeling, raised fortifications on Boston Neck; and, seizing the ammunition and stores, contained in the provincial arsenal and magazines, at Cambridge and Charlestown, conveyed them to Boston. The people were with difficulty restrained from attempting their recovery by force; and in New Hampshire and Rhode Island the powder, belonging to the government, was seized by the people.

In the mean time, the parliament of Great Britain was apprised of the proceedings of the colonists; and severe censure was passed upon them in the king's speech and the addresses in answer to him. Lord Chatham, then in the decline of life, after demonstrating the impossibility of subjugating America, brought forward a bill for com

What is said of these state papers?-How were they received in America ?-What was done by the people ?-In what manner was General Gage opposed in Massachusetts -What measures did he consequently adopt?-What seizures were made in Rhode Island and New Hampshire -What was done by parliament ?-By Lord Chatham }

140

APPROACH OF WAR.

posing all difficulties and disputes, which was promptly and decisively rejected. A bill was then passed for restraining the trade and commerce of the New England provinces, and prohibiting them from carrying on the fisheries on the banks of Newfoundland. While this bill was pending, Lord North suddenly brought forward what he considered a conciliatory measure. It proposed, that parliament should forbear to tax any colony, which should tax itself in such a sum as would be perfectly satisfactory. Its obvious design to separate the colonies from each other, caused it to be received by them with universal scorn and derision.

When the bill restraining the trade of New England had passed, information was received, that the middle and southern colonies were supporting their northern friends in every measure of opposition. In consequence of this intelligence, the same restrictions were extended, by a second bill, to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Delaware. New York and North Carolina escaped, on the ground of their supposed dissent from the opposition.

The reception of these laws in America seems to have convinced the people that there was no hope of redress by peaceful or constitutional measures. Their addresses, remonstrances, and petitions, had been treated with contempt; and when they had hoped for a considerate hearing of their defence, they had only received a fresh accumulation of wrongs and insults. All now looked forward to a fearful contest. The terrible calm that precedes a storm, settled darkly over the continent, and thunders of vengeance muttered in the distance. The crisis was at hand.

CHAPTER XXIV.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

Ir seems to have been the determination of the people of New England, that whenever actual hostilities should

What bill was then passed ?-What bill was brought forward by Lord North-How was it received in America?-To what states were the commercial restrictions extended?-What states escaped, and on what ground?-What was the effect of the reception of these laws in Ameri ca?-What was the determination of the people of New England?

commence, the royal party should be the aggressors. With their habitual reverence for law and justice, they resolved to place their adversaries in the wrong, and to keep the right on their own side. It was equally their determination to repel with firmness the first hostile attack which should be made. An occasion was soon furnished in which these principles of action were put to the test.

On the evening preceding the 19th of April, 1775, General Gage detached Lieutenant Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, with 800 grenadiers and light infantry, to destroy some military stores which had been collected at Concord, about eighteen miles from Boston. Information of this movement was sent into the country by Dr. Warren, and the whole surrounding region was soon in arms, and marching, in small parties, towards the scene of action.

6

When the British troops reached Lexington, about five o'clock in the morning, a small body of militia was paraded in front of the meeting house. Major Pitcairn, who led the van, rode up, calling out, Disperse, rebels, disperse.' His soldiers rushed forward, with loud huzzas, and commenced a scattering fire. This was soon followed by a general discharge, which continued until the militia retreated. Eight men were killed, and a considerable number wounded. The main body now proceeded to Concord and destroyed the stores.

The British commander then attempted to cut off the approach of the Americans from the neighbouring towns,

For what purpose were British troops sent to Concord ?-What took place at Lexington?

142

RETREAT FROM CONCORD.

by destroying or occupying the bridges. A party was sent to the south bridge and tore it up. Another force was sent to the north bridge to guard it, and being attacked by the Americans, who were desirous of keeping open the communication with the town, a smart action took place, which terminated in the retreat of the British, after the loss of several killed and wounded, to the centre of the town. After hastily burying their dead in the public square, they recommenced their march, or rather their flight, towards Boston. At the sound of the alarm guns, and the ringing of the church bells, the people had hastily armed themselves, and mustered in such numbers, that the British found themselves surrounded on all sides by enemies, firing upon them in detached scouting parties, from every covert they could find. Every patch of trees, every rock, every stream of water, every building, every stone wall, was lined with an unintermitted fire.'

At Lexington they were partially relieved by a reinforcement of 900 men, with two field pieces, commanded by Lord Percy. After resting under protection of this strong party for half an hour, the British resumed their march under a continued and heavy fire of the Americans. Near 100 men fell in the retreat; a considerable number were made prisoners; a round or two of ammunition only remained and it was not till late in the evening that the exhausted remnant of the British reached the heights of Charlestown. Here they received an additional reinforcement from Boston, who protected them during the night; and before the close of the next day the royal army was formally besieged in Boston.*

:

This, the first battle of the revolution, was important," not only on account of its placing the parties in an attitude of open hostility, but also from its moral influence on the spirit and subsequent proceedings of the colonies. It fully demonstrated the efficiency of the provincial troops, when acting against regulars, and the fatal precision of their marksmen. It secured the position which they had been so anxious to take in the outset, as the party aggrieved and attacked, acting entirely on the defensive. They had been careful not to give the first fire at Concord, even after the affair at Lexington, so anxious were the leaders

What took place at Concord ?-What obliged the British to retreat?Describe the retreat.-What was their loss?-Why was this battle im

portant?

* Everett.