Oct. 28—The Governor of Massachusetts having refused to call the General Court (or legislative body of the colony) together, a public meeting was held and resolutions passed to encourage “economy, industry, and manufactures,” and a committee appointed to get subscribers to an agreement to discontinue the importation of British goods not absolute necessaries. This was imitated in other colonies. 1768. Feb. 11—Massachusetts General Court issues a general circular to other colonial assemblies, inviting coöperation for the defense of colonial rights. Those bodies mostly gave cordial replies. This General Court having July—been dissolved, the new one being called on to rescind this circular, refused by a vote of ninety-two to seventeen. These seventeen became the butt of public scorn. Sept. 12—Four regiments of British troops ordered to Boston. ” 22—The governor had been desired, by a Boston “town meeting,” to call a General Court. He refused, and the “meeting” issued a call for delegates from the towns to a colonial convention. More than a hundred towns were represented in the convention meeting this day. Their main effort was to vindicate the ” 28—colony from the charge of a rebellious spirit. The day after this meeting adjourned two regiments of British troops arrived in Boston. 1769. Jan’y—Parliament severely censures all the colonial acts, and directs that persons arrested in the colonies for treason be sent to England, to be tried. May—The Virginia Assembly take strong ground against this, and agree with the Massachusetts Convention. ” 31—The Massachusetts General Court assembles, but refuses to transact business in the midst of an armed force. After long contest with them the Governor adjourned them to Cambridge. June 13—Required to support the troops, they respectfully and temperately, but firmly, refuse, and decline to vote any supplies for government till their grievances are redressed. July 15—All the colonies manifest the same spirit. 1770. Mar. 5—The indignation of Boston at the presence of troops breaks out into an affray. The troops fire on the citizens. Three are killed and five wounded. It was called the “Boston Massacre.” April—British Parliament repeals the last tax on all articles but tea. The non-importation agreements had exerted a great influence in promoting economy, encouraging manufactures, and bringing “home-made” into fashion. The graduating class in Harvard College took their degrees in “home-spun” this year. 1771.