The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American RevolutionStark, James Henry
History
The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American Revolution
Stark, James Henry
American loyalists -- Massachusetts; Massachusetts -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783
"Early in the morning" (of September 2d), said he, "a number of
inhabitants of Charlestown called at my house to acquaint me that a
large body of people from several towns in the county were on their way
coming down to Cambridge; that they were afraid some bad consequences
might ensue, and begged I would go out to meet them, and endeavor to
prevail on them to return. In a very short time, before I could prepare
myself to go, they appeared in sight. I went out to them, and asked the
reasons of their appearance in that manner; they respectfully answered,
they 'came peaceably to inquire into their grievances, not with design
to hurt any man.' I perceived they were landholders of the neighboring
towns, and was thoroughly persuaded they would do no harm. I was desired
to speak to them; I accordingly did, in such a manner as I thought best
calculated to quiet their minds. They thanked me for my advice, said
they were no mob, but sober, orderly people, who would commit no
disorders; and then proceeded on their way. I returned to my house. Soon
after they had arrived on the Common at Cambridge, a report arose that
the troops were on their march from Boston; I was desired to go and
intercede with his Excellency to prevent their coming. From principles
of humanity to the country, from a general love of mankind, and from
persuasions that they were orderly people, I readily undertook it; and
is there a man on earth, who, placed in my circumstances, could have
refused it? I am informed I am censured for having advised the general
to a measure which may reflect on the troops, as being too inactive upon
such a general disturbance; but surely such a reflection on a military
man can never arise but in the minds of such as are entirely ignorant of
these circumstances. Wherever this affair is known, it must also be
known it was my request the troops should not be sent, but to return; as
I passed the people I told them, of my own accord, I would return and
let them know the event of my application (not, as was related in the
papers, to confer with them on my own circumstances as President of the
Council). On my return I went to the Committee, I told them no troops
had been ordered, and from the account I had given his Excellency, none
would be ordered. I was then thanked for the trouble I had taken in the
affair, and was just about to leave them to their own business, when one
of the Committee observed, that as I was present it might be proper to
mention a matter they had to propose to me. It was, that although they
had a respect for me as Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, they could
wish I would resign my seat. I told them I took it very unkind that they
should mention anything on that subject; and among other reasons I
urged, that, as Lieutenant-Governor, I stood in a particular relation to
the Province in general, and therefore could not hear anything upon that
matter from a particular county. I was then pushed to know if I would
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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