[44] “The council questioned” (_i.e._, the colony’s council) “his authority to distribute the stamps, and unanimously advised him to declare that he would do nothing in relation to them, but await the arrival of the new governor, and his declaration to that effect ... was immediately published. But the confidence of the people was shaken.”—_Idem._, vol. v., ch. 19, p. 356. [45] “‘We will have the stamp papers,’ cried Sears to the multitude, ‘within four and twenty hours,’”—_Idem._ [46] “Colden invited Kenedy to receive them on board of the Coventry.... Gage being appealed to, avowed his belief that a fire from the fort would be the ... commencement of civil war.”—_Idem._, 356-7. [47] “Colden, perceiving further resistance ... unavailing, ordered the stamps to be delivered to the Mayor (Cruger) and Common Council, the former giving a receipt for the same, and the corporation agreeing to pay for all the stamps that should be destroyed or lost. This was satisfactory to the people.”—_Lossing’s Pic. Field Book_, vol. ii., p. 789. [48] “In all the streets were heard the shouts of Liberty, Property, and no Stamps.”—_Bancroft’s U. S._, vol. v., ch. 19, p. 357. [49] “The press continued its activity.”—_Idem._ [50] “I rejoice that America has resisted.”—William Pitt in the House of Commons.—_Idem._, vol. v., ch. 21, p. 391. [51] “On ... the joyful intelligence of the repeal of the Stamp Act ... the city was filled with delight. Bells rang ... cannon roared ... the Sons of Liberty drank twenty-eight ‘loyal and constitutional toasts.’”—_Lossing’s Pic. Field Book of the Rev._, vol. ii., p. 789. THE LAST CRUISE OF THE GASPEE. 1772. One windy day in March,[1] Ghost-white against the gray, A cruiser fleet, through snow and sleet, Made Narraganset Bay. There were smugglers in the bay, And smugglers on the shore; But loyal still to the royal will Ten times as many more,— Ten times as many more, Though every smuggler there But thrived because of England’s laws[2] And taxes none could bear. Yet the cruiser’s captain drawl’d, The while he quaft his ale, “These islands low are full you know, Of fellows fled from jail, “Of Puritans fled from law And kings they curse and fear. Aha!” he laugh’d, “our loyal craft Has brought the Cavalier! “Our guns will speak in tones To make the whole bay ring; And teach to each within their reach The reverence due the king. “Their ships upon the bay Shall heed our cannon’s call, And dip their flags,[3] or sail in rags, And yield us bounties all.[4] “Their sheep upon the shore, A royal tax will be.[4] No lack of food or kindling wood Is here,” quoth he, “for me!” There were smugglers in the bay, And smugglers on the shore; This craft, I ken, a band of men Ten times as lawless bore.