Under the Liberty Tree: A Story of The 'Boston Massacre'Otis, James
History
Under the Liberty Tree: A Story of The 'Boston Massacre'
Otis, James
Boston Massacre, 1770 -- Juvenile fiction
"When Master Adams came into the meeting-house at the head of the
committee," Mr. Gore said to the boys, in continuing his story, "he
whispered to those who were nearest as he passed, and I was one of
them, 'Both regiments or none! Both regiments or none!' I did not at
the moment understand his meaning; but a few moments later, when the
report had been read, all was clear. Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson
had decided that both regiments could not be removed; one must remain.
The Twenty-ninth, because it was members of that body who committed
the murder, was to be sent to the Castle; but the Fourteenth, so the
Lieutenant-Governor declared, was to remain in the city. Then we knew
what Master Adams meant by his whispered communication, and the cry
went up in such volume as seemed to shake the building, 'Both
regiments or none.'
"With this as the sentiment of the people, little business was done,
save that of making plain to Governor Hutchinson that our will, not
his, must prevail. A new committee, of which were Master Samuel Adams,
John Hancock, and Dr. Joseph Warren, was chosen, and sent to the
Council-chamber to report. I was so fortunate as to be able to speak
with Dr. Warren shortly after they returned, and am, therefore, able
to tell you exactly what occurred. Master Adams, in presenting the
case for the second time to Governor Hutchinson, argued as he always
has, that it is illegal to quarter troops upon the city in time of
peace, and that this, if there was no other reason, would be
sufficient cause for our demanding their immediate removal. The
Lieutenant-Governor insisted it was not only legal, but absolutely
necessary, and he lamely concluded by saying the soldiers were not
under his control. Then it was Master Adams took advantage of this
weak point in His Excellency's remarks, to say that if he had the
power to remove one, he could remove both regiments, and he added--I
can well fancy with what power--'A multitude, highly incensed, now
awaits the result of this application. The voice of ten thousand
freemen demands that both regiments be forthwith removed. Their voice
must be respected--their demand obeyed. Fail not, then, at your
peril, to comply with this request. On you alone rests the
responsibility of this decision; but if the just expectations of the
people are disappointed, you must be answerable to God and your
country for the fatal consequences that must ensue.'"
"And then he could do no less than comply with the demands of the
people," Chris said, excitedly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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