On the 26th of May 1773 he commenced his official career as a member of the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay then called the General Court. That body and the royal governor took a strong issue upon rights and wrongs. The unconstitutional acts of parliament were sanctioned by the latter and fearlessly censured by the former. A standing committee was appointed to scan the proceedings of ministers and parliament and to correspond with the other colonies relative to the important concerns of the nation. Mr. Gerry had been in that body but two days when he was made a member of this important committee. He became one of the principal actors on the tragic stage of the revolution, the drama of peace and formation of the Federal government. He walked shoulder to shoulder with Samuel Adams and John Hancock in the bold measures that roused the lion from his lair--the people to their duty. At the Boston tea party--in the opposition to the Port Bill--the impeachment of the crown judges--the controversy with Gov. Hutchinson--non-intercourse with Great Britain--Mr. Gerry stood firm as the granite shores of the Bay State. Nor did he waver when Gov. Gage took the helm with a military force to do his will and pleasure. When it was found that reason, appeal, remonstrance--all fell upon his adamantine soul like dew upon the desert of Sahara, the legitimate source of a righteous government was resorted to--THE PEOPLE--who nobly sustained their leaders in the hour of peril. Severe measures were adopted by parliament--the charter of Massachusetts was altered by _ex-parte_ legislation--illegal taxes were increased--the hirelings of the King became more insolent--the indignation of the people rose like a tornado--colonial blood flowed--the war cry was raised--the clash of arms commenced--the fury of battle raged--the struggle was terrific--the lion was conquered--AMERICA WAS FREE.