sive measures of the British administration: but many had a hope of more favourable terms; and some were so fearful of the consequences, that they preferred submitting to the pleasure of the king and parliament. A resort to arms in opposing the authority of Great Britain, was not contemplated as an immediate, nor, necessarily, as an ultimate measure. But some more full and explicit expression of the sentiments of the people against the severe policy and arbitrary principles of ministry, was considered absolutely requisite at this time, to prevent greater acts of oppression, and to preserve from utter annihilation, the rights and privileges of freemen. With this view, in the preceding year, a very large committee had been chosen by the town of Boston, to state the rights of the colonies and to correspond with the other towns of the province on the grievances which they all in common endured. As soon as the general court met, early in the year 1773, they followed up the energetic course which had been thus adopted, and entered at once into a long and able controversy with the governor on the subject of their violated rights. They passed strong resolutions, declaring the assumption of power by the British parliament to be in direct violation of their charter and the constitution of the country; and they adopted the system which afterwards proved of incalculable benefit, of corresponding with the other colonies on the subject of their mutual griev

ances.

On the twenty-eighth of May, two days after Mr. Gerry had taken his seat in the house, Mr. Adams

brought forward his celebrated resolutions to appoint a standing committee of correspondence and inquiry, whose business it should be to obtain the most early and authentic intelligence, of all such acts and resolutions of the British parliament, or proceedings of administrations as may relate to, or affect the British colonies in America; and to keep up and maintain, a correspondence and communication with our sister colonies, respecting these important considerations; and the result of such their proceedings, from time to time, to lay before the house.

Of this committee, Mr. Gerry was chosen a member, a proof of the high standing and character, he had attained even before he entered the legislature. In all the proceedings of the committee he took an active and prominent part, and as his capacious mind gradually unfolded its powers, his assiduity and attention to business, rendered him a most useful member of the legislature.

In the month of June, we find Mr. Gerry warmly supporting Mr. Adams, in the measures he brought forward and pursued towards governor Hutchinson, on receiving from Dr. Franklin the celebrated letters written to England with the evident intention of increasing the bitter feelings which there existed against the province. He also zealously united himself with that bold and distinguished patriot in most of those resolute measures, which he introduced about this period, and which resulted in the overthrow of the royal government of the province. To trace these various subjects would

be to write the history of Massachusetts rather than the life of Mr. Gerry, for although he was a principal mòver in them, it was in union with other patriots and with the general cooperation of the whole body of the people. Through the eventful scenes which marked the year 1774, the impeachment of the judges, the opposition to the importation of tea and to the Boston port bill, the establishment of the system of non-intercourse, and the arrangement of a close correspondence with the other colonies, he was active among the foremost. He also took a decided part in promoting the meetings which were held in all the large counties of the province, composed of committees from every town to express their sentiments on the alarming state of the country, and to consult for the liberties and welfare of the people.

In the month of August, general Gage, who had succeeded governor Hutchinson in the administration of the province had issued precepts for the choice of representatives to meet at Salem, the first week in October. But, afterwards, in consequence of the county conventions, which proposed a provincial congress, and advised that they should not acknowledge or act with "Mandamus" counsellors, he declared by proclamation, that they were excused from assembling. On the recommendation of these county meetings, however, delegates were chosen from all the towns; and assembled at Salem on the seventh of October. Neither the Governor nor the council appeared to administer the usual oaths: and had they attended with that view, the delegates, no doubt, would have declined taking

them. They formed themselves into a provincial congress; and immediately adjourned to Concord, where they met three days after, and proceeded to public business. Immediately upon their organization here, they appointed a committee of several leading delegates to consider the state of the province, and of this Mr. Gerry was a leading and conspicuous member. They prepared directly an address to the governor which was approved by the congress, in which after an apology for having thus assembled, and observing that the distressed situation of the province, owing to the many grievances and oppressions under which the people groaned, had brought them together to prevent impending ruin, and provide for the public safety; they remonstrated against his hostile measures, which threatened to involve the province in the horrors of civil war. They declared their attachment to Britain, their loyalty to the king, and their love of order and tranquillity: but added, "that when the power of government, which was originally designed for the security and welfare of the people, was employed to harass and enslave them, it became a curse, rather than a blessing." They complained of the late act of parliament, by which their charter was directly violated, their rights abridged, justice perverted, and even murders were licensed; and which, if carried into execution, would reduce them to abject slavery; of the large military force in the capital, and of the fortifications erected at its entrance, as most oppressive and insulting, not only to the inhabitants of Boston, but to all the people of the

province. They urged him to discontinue these offensive preparations; and declared that the citizens would not be satisfied until these hostile works were wholly demolished. Congress then adjourned to Cambridge, where they met the following week.

This assembly was composed of patriotic and resolute men, prepared for any measure which should be deemed wise or proper for the restoration or defence of their violated rights. They continued to meet by adjournments from time to time during the month, and to consult and adopt measures for the defence and safety of the province. They declared the counsellors appointed by the king and ministry unconstitutional; they recommended the people to refrain as much as possible from purchasing imported articles and goods of every description; the constables and collectors of taxes were ordered, not to pay any sums to the treasurer of the province, who had then become less opposed to the policy of ministers, and would be likely to pay over the same to the officers of the crown; but to retain it, and to pay it afterwards, as the congress might direct. An estimate was made of the sum necessary to be expended in providing ordnance and military stores, in addition to the quantity then belonging to the province, and the estimated amount was twenty thousand pounds.

They solemnly declared, that, in their opinion, nothing, except slavery, was more to be deprecated than hostilities with Great Britain; and that they had no design to attack or annoy his majesty's troops within the province. But being satisfied, that in their situa

VOL. VIII.-C