generally related, I am constrained, in support of my character, to give the publick a more particular account of those parts in which I was so unhappily involved.

Early in the morning of that day a number of the inhabitants of Charlestown called at my house, to acquaint me that a large body of people from several towns in the county were on their way coming down to Cambridge; that they were afraid some bad consequences might ensue, and begged I would go out to meet them, and endeavour to prevail on them to return. In a very short time, before I could prepare myself to go, they appeared in sight, I went out to them, and asked the reasons of their appearance in that manner; they respectfully answered, they "came peaceably to inquire into their grievances, not with design to hurt any man." I perceived they were the landholders of the neighbouring towns, and was thoroughly persuaded they would do no harm. I was desired to speak to them; I accordingly did, in such a manner as I thought best calculated to quiet their minds. They thanked me for my advice, said they were no mob, but sober, orderly people, who would commit no disorders; and then proceeded on their way. I returned to my house. Soon after they had arrived on the Common at Cambridge, a report arose that the troops were on their march from Boston; I was desired to go and intercede with his Excellency to prevent their coming. From principles of humanity to the country, from a general love of mankind, and from persuasions that they were this orderly people, I readily undertook it; and is there a man on earth, who, placed in my circumstances, could have refused it? I am informed I am censured for having advised the General to a measure which may reflect on the troops, as being too inactive upon such a general disturbance; but surely such a reflection on the military can never arise but in the minds of such as are entirely ignorant of these circumstances. Wherever this affair is known, it must also be known it was my request the troops should not be sent, but to return; as I passed the people I told them, of my own accord, I would return and let them know the event of my application, (not, as was related in the papers, to confer with them on my own circumstances as President of the Council.) On my return 1 went to the Committee, I told them no troops had been ordered, and from the account I had given his Excellency, none would be ordered. I was then thanked for the trouble I had taken in the affair, and was just about to leave them to their own business, when one of the Committee observed, that as I was present, it might be proper to mention a matter they had to propose to me. It was, that although they had a respect for me as Lieutenant Governour of the Province, they could wish I would resign my seat. I told them I took it very unkind that they should mention any thing on that subject; and, among other reasons, I urged, that, as Lieutenant Governour, I stood in a particular relation to the Province in general, and, therefore, could not hear any thing upon that matter from a particular county. I was then pushed to know, if I would resign when it appeared to be the sense of the Province in general; I answered, that when all the other Counsellors had resigned, if it appeared to be the sense of the Province I should resign, I would submit.

They then called for a vote upon the subject, and, by a very great majority, voted my reasons satisfactory. I inquired whether they had full power to act for the people, and being answered in the affirmative, I desired they would take care to acquaint them of their votes, that I should have no further application made to me on that head. I was promised by the Chairman, and a general assent, it should be so. This left me entirely clear and free from any apprehensions of a further application upon this matter, and perhaps will account for that confidence which I had in the people, and for which I may be censured. Indeed, it is true, the event proves 1 had too much, but reasoning from events yet to come, is a kind of reasoning I have not been used to.

In the afternoon I observed large companies pouring in from different parts; I then began to apprehend they would become unmanageable, and that it was expedient to go out of their way. I was just going into my carriage when a great crowd advanced, and, in a short time, my house was surrounded by three or four thousand people, and one quarter part in arms. I went to the front door, where I was met by five persons, who acquainted me they were a Committee from the people to demand a resignation of my seat at the Board. I was shocked at their ingratitude and false dealings, and reproached them with it. They excused themselves by saying the people were dissatisfied with the vote of the Committee, and insisted on my signing a paper they had prepared for that purpose, I found I had been ensnared, and endeavoured to reason them out of such ungrateful behaviour. They gave such answers that I found it was in vain to reason longer with them; I told them my first considerations were my honour, the next my life; that they might put me to death or destroy my property, but I would not submit. They began then to reason in their turn, urging the power of the people, and the danger of opposing them. All this occasioned a delay, which enraged part of the multitude, who, pressing into my back yard, denounced vengeance to the foes of their liberties, They endeavoured to moderate them, and desired them to keep back, for they pressed up to my windows, which then were open; I could from thence hear them at a distance calling out for a determination, and, with their arms in their hands, swearing they would have my blood if I refused. The Committee appeared to be anxious for me, still I refused to sign; part of the populace growing furious, and the distress of my family, who heard their threats, and supposed them just about to be executed, called up feelings which I could not suppress; and nature, ready to find new excuses, suggested a thought of the calamities I should occasion, if I did not comply; I found myself giving way, and began to cast about to contrive means to come off with honour, I proposed they should call, in the people to take me out by force, but they said the people were enraged, and they would not answer for the consequences; I told them I would take the risk, but they refused to do it." Reduced to this extremity, I cast my eyes over the paper, with a hurry of mind and conflict of passion which rendered me unable to remark the contents, and wrote underneath the following words: "My house at Cambridge being surrounded by four thousand people, in compliance with "their commands, I sign my name, Thomas Oliver," The five persons took it, carried it to the people, and, I believe, used their endeavours to get it accepted. I had several messages that the people would not accept it with these additions, upon which I walked into the court yard, and declared I would do no more, though they should put me to death.

I perceived that those persons who formed the first body which came down in the morning, consisting of the land-holders of the neighbouring towns, used their utmost endeavours to get the paper received with my additions; and I must, in justice to them, observe, that, during the whole transaction, they had never invaded my enclosures, but still were not able to' protect me from the insults which I received from those who were in arms. From this consideration I am induced to quit the country, and seek protection in the town.

THOMAS OLIVER.

Boston, September 7, 17741

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ST. JOHN'S PARISH, IN GEORGIA, DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1774.

The struggle in the cause of liberty in the Province of Georgia has been very considerable. At a General Convention at Savannah, on the 10th day of August, a number of spirited Resolutions were entered into, and unanimously agreed upon, as you may see published in the Georgia Gazette; but a difference of opinion arising on this proposition, viz: "Whether Deputies should be sent to join with the Deputies of the other Colonies at the General Congress," it was over-ruled in the negative; but this negative was maintained by a majority of numbers of gentlemen of Savannah, who were not properly constituted, and had no right to vote in the case. The other Parishes immediately expressed their dissatisfaction, and made a second attempt, in which the Parish of St. John took the lead, and came to this further Resolution: "That if the majority of the other Parishes would join with them, they would send Deputies to join; the General Congress, and faithfully and religiously abide by, and conform to, such