bouring country, and neighbouring colonies, and General Gage soon found himself closely invested in Boston.*

The spirit of the provincials, and the hasty retreat of the troops into Boston, gave such an alarm to General Gage, that he began immediately to provide for his own safety, by disarming the inhabitants of the town of Boston, and causing the same to be deposited in Fanuel Hall, by a `special agreement with the town committee, said arms to be under the care of the select-men, and to be hereafter returned to their owners.†

He also gave permission, to all who chose to remove into the country, with their families and effects, and promised protection to all such as should choose to remain, and engaged also that the poor should be comfortably provided for. The committee of the town, at the request of General Gage, wrote the following letter to Dr. Warren, chairman of Congress, dated April 25th. "Permission will be granted for 30 waggons to enter the town at once, to carry away the effects of the inhabitants; so soon as those have returned to the end of the causeway leading to Roxbury, others will be permitted to come in. None will be permitted to enter until after sun rise, nor to depart after sunset. If any vessel, or boat now in the harbour, be employed to remove the effects of the inhabitants, security must be given that it be returned. It is expected that leave be obtained for some persons to go to the different parishes, to give notice to such persons as may choose to come with their effects into Boston, that they may come without molestation; and it is desired that the waggons, and vessels employed to carry away the effects of the in

*The whole amount of loss and damage done by the British in this expedition, as estimated by a committee specially appointed for that purpose, amounted to 24287. 14s. 11d.

Under this requisition 1778 stand of arms, 634 pistols, 38 blunder busses, and 273 bayonets, were lodged by the inhabitants.

habitants of Boston, may bring the effects of those who are desirous to leave the country, they paying half the expense."

To which Dr. Warren returned the following reply, the next day, April 26th.

"Sir,

The unhappy situation into which this colony is thrown, gives the greatest uneasiness to every man, who regards the welfare of the empire, or feels for the distresses of his fellow men; but even now much may be done to alleviate those misfortunes which cannot be entirely remedied; and I think it of the utmost importance for us, that our conduct be such as that the contending parties may entirely rely upon the honour of each other, for the punctual performance of any agreement that may be made between them. Your excellency, I believe, knows very well the part I have taken in public affairs. I ever scorned disguise, I think I have done my duty; some may think I have done otherwise; but be assured, sir, as far as my influence goes, every thing that can be required of us reasonably to do, shall be done; and every thing promised shall be religiously performed. I should now wish to know of you sir, how many days you desire may be allowed for such as wish to remove to Boston with their effects, and what time you will allow the people of Boston for their removal. When I have received the information, I will repair to Congress, and hasten as far as I am able, the issuing a proclamation. I beg leave to suggest that the admitting of only thirty waggons at a time into the town, appears to me very inconvenient, and will prevent the good effects of a proclamation intended to be issued for the encouragement of all waggoners, to assist in removing the effects from Boston, with all possible speed. If your excellency will be pleased to take the matter into consideration, and favour me as soon as may be, with an answer, it will lay me under a

great obligation, as it so nearly concerns the welfare of my friends in Boston," &c.

Under this arrangement, a general removal took place, by all such as wished to remove, either out of, or into Boston, until General Gage found that too much of the val uable effects was about to be removed from the town; he then began his restrictions, by suffering the inhabitants to remove without carrying any more of their effects, than were necessary for immediate use; but when he discovered the frauds that were committed under this license, he interdicted all intercourse, and the town was shut.

At this time the heroes of the old war had assembled their brave companions in arms, and joined General Ward at Cambridge. Amongst these stood the brave Colonel Putnam, who, like Cincinnatus, abandoned the labours of the field, and put himself at the head of a numerous collection of militia, from the town and vicinity where he dwelt, and in his rustic dress flew to the aid of his country, and reached Cambridge in 18 hours; (a distance of 100 miles ;) and his comrades in arms joined him soon after, on foot, by a march as rapid in proportion as that of their chief. The same ardent zeal prevailed generally throughout the neighbouring colonies.

New-York shut her custom-house upon the first tidings of the Lexington action, and closed her port against all vessels bound to Quebec, Newfoundland, Georgia, and Boston. This threw the city into such a high state of confusion, and alarm, that it became necessary to appoint a committee of one hundred, for the city and county of NewYork, to quiet the minds of the people, and restore tranquillity. This committee, in an address to the lord-mayor, aldermen, and common council of the city of London, thus expressed themselves, May 5th.

"The disposal of our own property, with perfect spontaneity, and in a manner wholly divested of every appear

ance of restraint, is our indefeasible right. This exalted blessing we are resolutely determined to defend with our blood, and to transfer it uncontaminated to our posterity. America has grown so irritable, by oppression, that the least shock in any part, is, by the most powerful and sympathetic affection, instantaneously felt through the whole continent. That while the whole continent are ardently wishing for peace, on such terms as can be acceded to by Englishmen, they are indefatigable in preparing for the last appeal. We speak the real sentiments of the confederated continent, from Novascotia to Georgia, when we declare, that all the horrors of a civil war, will never compel America to submit to taxation by authority of Parliament."

They closed their address by conjuring the city of London, to put forth their most vigorous exertions to restore union and peace to the empire.

The next day, May 6th, a general association took place in the city and county of New York, for the support of the measures of the General Congress, and their own mutual co-operations against the oppressive measures of Parliament, as well as their joint efforts with their committee of safety, for the defence and protection of their honors and property.

New-Jersey took the alarm, at the first tidings of the Lexington battle, seized on the treasury of the province, and appropriated its contents, (say 20,000l.) to the payment of the levies, then raising for the war.

Philadelphia co-operated with New-York, in closing her

port.

At this time, the conciliatory plan of disunion arrived at Philadelphia, and was laid before the assembly by the governor; but the plan was promptly rejected, as dangerous to the union, and harmony of the colonies. This conciliatory bill was as follows:-

"Whenever the governor, council, and assembly, or general court of his majesty's provinces, or colonies, shall propose to make provision, according to their respective conditions, circumstances, and situations, for contributing their proportion to the common defence, (such proportion to be raised under the authorities of the general court, or general assembly of such province, orcolony, and disposable by parliament,) and shall engage to make provision for the support of the civil government, and the administration of justice in such province, or colony, it will be proper, if such proposal shall be approved by his majesty in parliament, and for so long as such provision shall be made accordingly, to forbear, in respect to such province, or colony, to levy any duties, tax, or assessment; or to impose any further duty, tax, or assessment, except only such duties, as it may be expedient to impose for the regulation of commerce; the nett produce of the duties last mentioned, to be carried to the account of such province, colony, or plantation, respectively."

Even the high prerogative party in parliament declared their opposition to this bill," as being highly insidious, base, and treacherous;" all which the minister acknowledged, and yet it passed by a majority of three to one.

Dr. Franklin had now returned to America, and was elected a member of this assembly. The house had expressed, by a resolution, the high sense they entertained of his useful services in England, and their confidence in his talents, and integrity. The house at the same time rejected the insidious bill of the minister, with indignation, and this became the fate of the bill whenever it was introduced.

The conflict at Lexington was communicated to the citizens of Baltimore, in six days-viz. on the 25th, and they immediately seized on the provincial magazine, conVOL. III.

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