[Aug. 27.] The next day it was strongly reported by the enemies of Dr. _Jonathan Mayhew_, that he approved of these doings; and had, indeed, encouraged them, in a sermon preached the preceding Lord’s day, on _Gal._ v. 12, 13. This led him to write immediately to Hutchinson; and in his letter he condoled with him, “on account of the almost unparalleled outrages committed at his house the preceding evening;” and said, “God is my witness, that, from the bottom of my heart, I detest these proceedings; and that I am sincerely grieved for them, and have a deep sympathy with you and your distressed family on this occasion. I did, indeed, express myself strongly in favor of civil and religious liberty, as I hope I shall ever continue to do; and spoke of the stamp act as a great grievance, like to prove detrimental, in a high degree, both to the colonies and the mother country, and I have heard your honor speak to the same purpose. But as my text led me to do, I cautioned my hearers very particularly against the abuses of liberty, and expressed my hopes, that no persons among ourselves had encouraged the bringing of such a burden on their country, notwithstanding it had been strongly suspected. In truth, Sir, I had rather lose my hand than be an encourager of such outrages as were committed last night. I do not think my regard to truth was ever called into question by those that knew me; and therefore hope your honor will be so just as to give entire credit to these solemn declarations.” This same day the superior court began its term. The chief justice, Mr. _Hutchinson_, attended in his only suit, and necessarily without those ensigns of office so wisely calculated to procure regard to authority; while the other gentlemen of the bench and bar, appeared in their respective robes. The court refused to do any business, and adjourned to the fifteenth of October, to show their resentment of the insult offered to the lieutenant governor, as well as their sense of the anarchy to which the government was reduced. Half a dozen of the dregs of the people, who, being taken up, refused to discover the ringleaders, were committed. Three broke jail and fled, against one of whom a bill was found; against the other three in custody none was found; for it was not thought safe to prosecute. The temper of the public would not admit of it, without hazarding further disturbances; and for that reason, one who was capitally charged with being a principal in the riot, and secured, was finally dismissed by the justices.