Mr. Adams was one day surprised by a message from Gov. Gage communicated through Col. Fenton, offering him what modern truckling politicians would call a great inducement to _change_ and in case he refused, to inform him he would be arrested and sent beyond the seas there to be tried for high treason. To the last part of the message he listened with most attention and asked Col. Fenton if he would truly deliver his answer. Receiving an affirmative assurance Mr. Adams rose from his chair, assumed an air of withering contempt and said--"I trust I have long since made my peace with the KING OF KINGS. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country. Tell Gov. Gage it is the advice of Samuel Adams to him--_no longer to exasperate the feelings of an insulted people_." This reply roused the ire of the royal governor and when he subsequently issued a proclamation offering a free pardon to those rebels who would return to what _he_ termed their duty he expected Samuel Adams and John Hancock--the highest compliment within his power to bestow on the two patriots. They received this mark of distinction as a special commission from the throne directing their future course--a royal diploma of liberty that left them as free as mountain air in their future action. No bribe could seduce--no threat divert Mr. Adams from the path of duty. He placed his trust in the Rock of Ages--enjoyed the rich consolations of an approving conscience--the unlimited confidence of his friends, the approbation of every patriot. These were more dearly prized by him than all the dazzling honors of kings and potentates. He became an object of vengeance and was the immediate cause of the memorable battle at Lexington on the 19th of April 1775--the troops sent being in pursuit of him and John Hancock. Apprised of their mission Gen. Joseph Warren sent an express late in the evening to the two patriots warning them of approaching danger. In a few minutes after they had left, the British troops entered the house which they had just emerged from. In a few ominous hours the crimson curtain rose--the revolutionary tragedy commenced. The last maternal cord was severed--the great seal of the original compact was broken--the covenants of the two parties were cancelled in blood. Mr. Adams remained in the neighborhood during the night. The next morning, as the sun rose without an intervening cloud, he remarked to a friend, "This is a glorious day for America." He viewed the sacrifice as an earnest of ultimate success and future blessings. To rouse the people to action now became the sole business of this devoted friend of his bleeding country. The grand signal for action had been given--the tocsin of war had been sounded--the requiem of battle had been sung--its soul-stirring notes had been wafted far and wide on the wings of wind and were responded to by millions of patriotic hearts.