A report having been spread that governor _Bernard_ had intimated his apprehensions that one or more regiments were to be daily expected at _Boston_, a meeting of the inhabitants was called, and a committee appointed to wait on him to know the grounds of his apprehensions, and to pray him to issue precepts forthwith for convening a general assembly. He acknowledged his having received those informations which produced such apprehensions, but said they were of a private nature. The calling of another assembly he told them could not be complied with, till his majesty’s commands were received. The answer being reported, it was resolved, “That the freeholders, and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, will, at the peril of their lives and fortunes, take all legal and constitutional measures to defend all and singular the rights, liberties, privileges, and immunities, granted in their royal charter.” It was also declared to be the opinion of those present, “That a suitable number of persons to act for them as a committee in convention, with such as may be sent to join them from the other towns, should be now chosen, in order that such measures may be consulted and advised, as his majesty’s service, and the safety of the province may require.” It was then voted, “That the select men of Boston should write to the select men of the other towns, to acquaint them with the foregoing resolutions, and to propose, that a convention be held at Fanueil-hall in Boston, on the twenty-second instant.” It was afterward voted, “That, as there is an apprehension, in the minds, of many, of an approaching war with France, those inhabitants who are not provided, be requested to furnish themselves forthwith with arms. [Sept. 22.] The _convention_, consisting of committees from ninety-six towns and eight districts, met as proposed; and after conference and consultation, petitioning the governor, declaring that they only considered themselves as private persons, making loyal professions, expressing their aversion to standing armies, to tumults and disorders, their readiness to assist in suppressing riots and preserving the peace, and recommending patience and regard to good order, they broke up and went home on Thursday the twenty-ninth. Advice was received the day before, that the men of war and transports from Halifax, with some hundreds of troops, were safe arrived at Nantasket harbour, a few miles below Castle William. Two days before the convention closed, they dispatched a letter to Mr. _Berdi_, containing a representation of what had taken place, with such papers and instructions as were judged most suitable to the circumstances of their assembly.