It is impossible to express or describe the extraordinary joy with which the body of the Americans received the news of the repeal, though the power of the vice-admiralty courts remained unabridged, and the declaratory act was added. The latter was considered by some, as passed merely to save appearances, while contemned by others, whose wisdom would have been more evident had they repressed their contempt, whatever was their opinion. In regard to the former, “the judges of the vice-admiralty courts in the colonies, had assigned them, by acts of parliament, a jurisdiction for the recovery of penalties upon the laws of revenue and trade, without juries for near a century past.”[92] Had a prudent and moderate temper taken possession of all parties at this period, it had been happy: but they were so much heated in some colonies, as to be determined upon opposing each other. When the choice of members for _Boston_, to represent the town in the next general court, was approaching, Mr. _John Rowe_, a merchant, who had been active on the side of liberty in matters of trade, was thought of by some influential persons. Mr. _Samuel Adams_ artfully nominated a different one, by asking with his eyes looking to Mr. _Hancock_’s house, “Is there not another _John_ that may do better?” The hint took. Mr. _John Hancock_’s uncle was dead, and had left him a very considerable fortune. Mr. _Samuel Adams_ judged that the fortune would give credit and support to the cause of liberty; that popularity would please the possessor; and that he might be easily secured by prudent management, and might make a conspicuous figure in the band of patriots. Messrs. _James Otis_, jun. _Thomas Cushing_, _Samuel Adams_, and _John Hancock_ (who had never been of the house before) were returned for _Boston_. The town of _Plymouth_ made choice also of a new representative, the high sheriff of the county, _James Warren_, esq. a gentleman of real abilities, and who espoused the side of liberty upon principle. The government wished to have him upon their side, and played off both threats and promises; however he was immoveable.