'II I -ii . ^ ^ /> C~Oy ^ i^^ Destroying the Tea. HISTORY OF BOSTON. BY ROBIN CARVER. BOSTON : LILLY, WAIT, COLMAN, AND HOLDEN. 1834. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, By LiiXY, Wait, Colmaft, & Holden, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. CONTENTS. Vll XI. ^ Anecdote of the Boston boys and General Gage, importations of tea. Meeting of the inhabitants. Anecdote of the Tea Party. Closing of the port of Boston. Arrival of soldiers. Their depredations. Alarm. Provincial Congress, 82 — 87 XII. Col. Nesbitand the countryman. Battles of Lexington and Concord. Retreat of the regular troops. Blockade of Boston. Governor's pro- clamation. Battle of Bunker's Hill. Burning of Charlestown. Siege of Boston. General Washington. Proclamation. Distress, 88 — 96 XIII. Anecdotes of the siege. Bullets and Beetles. Scarcity of fuel. Out- • •' -^S^^ ^^ ^^^^ Soldiers. Attack on Charlestown. Amusing incident. Wasjiington takes possession of Dorchester Heights. Evacuation of V . .Bffst*n. Entry of the American army, 97 — ^101 * ^ •*■ '.-/^■^ XIV. \ .; - John Hancock. Proclamation of peace. Josiah Quincy, Jr. His re- ply to a menacing letter. His visit to England. Deatii on his voyage home. James Otis. His derangement. Residt.'nce at Andovcr. Death, 102—105 XV. Early patriots. John Hancock. His birtli and education. lie re- ceives a large fortune. Anecdote. Chosen president of Congress. Elected Governor. His death. Character. Anecdote, 100 — 109 XVI. Samuel Adams. Education. Entrance into public life. Hutchinson's opinion of him. Anecdotes. Sent to Congress. Character. Anec- dote. 110—113 via CONTENTS. XVII. "^ Old manners and customs. Hackney coaches. Fashion of''^dress. Marriage custom. Wigs and powder. Taking tea. Articles of^apparel. Butcher's shop. Amusing anecdote. Old State House. Whipping post. Beacon Hill. 114—118 XVIII. War of 1814 with England. Chesapeake lying in Boston harbor. Battle with the Shannon. Death of Lawrence. Reflections. 119 — 122 XIX. Visit of Lafayette. His early Adventures. His arrival at Boston in 1824. His Welcome. Great Parade. The Schools make a processioOi*;', ^ Laying the Corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument. Visits of jthe.,*". Presidents. Reflections. 123 — 127" XX. . Reflections. Bridges and avenues to the city. View from the Sea. Approach of a stranger. His reflections. The harbor. Old times. Faneuil Hall Market. Faneuil Hall. May-Fair. Institution for the Blind, 128—136 XXI. North End. Common. State House. View from its Dome. Tre- mont House. Theatre. Churches, 137 — 142 XXII. Wharves. Schools. The Athenseum. Gallery of Paintings. Na- hant. Roads. Charlestown. Monument. Navy yard. State prison. Cambridge. Harvard College. Mount Auburn. Conclusion, 143 — 149 \ F 73.3 HISTORY OF BOSTON. CHAPTER I. Two Hundred years Ago. The May Flower. Landing at Plymouth. The First Winter. Welcoyne of Samoset. Visit from the Indians. Blount Wolaston. Fleet sails for America. Arrival. Settlement at Charlcstown. Great Distress. 1. It is now about two hundred and thirteen years, since the first settlers of New England lauded at Plymouth. Be- fore that time, a few voyagers and fishermen had touched upon this part of the North American continent, but none had remained. Tiiick forests darkened the places that arc now crowded with happy villages. Waters, which arc now ploughed by mighty ships, laden with the productions of far distant countries, were then only disturbed by the frail and 10 HISTORY OF BOSTON. silent canoe of the Indian. Places now busy with the hum of active and laborious industry, were the solitary hunting grounds of an indolent and savage race. 2. In December 1620, a small vessel called the May Flower was beating about in a stormy sea, on an unknown coast. On board of this vessel were strong men, with their wives and tender children. They had fled with all that they loved from England, their native country, because they had been persecuted for refusing to comply with certain reli- gious forms and ceremonies. They preferred to live in a de- sert where they could worship God in peace, and in sim- plicity. 3. On the twenty-second of December, the wave-driven pilgrims landed, and resolved to commence a settlement. A large fragment of the rock on which they first stepped is still preserved, as a sacred memorial of this event. They chose Mr John Carver for their governor, and named the jpot which they had resolved to make their home, New- Plymouth. 4. The season which followed was comfortless and severe to them. The fatigue and suffering to which they were ex- posed caused much sickness. Many of their number died. The survivors were filled with sorrow for the loss of their friends, and anxiety for their own fate. By good fortune the spring was an early one, and brought a welcome relief from the chill blasts of winter. 5. It was not till after some months that the white men HISTORY OF BOSTON. 11 spoke with a native of the country. They knew that it was inhabited by savage tribes ; they had sometimes seen a few of the Indians at a distance, and had once been visited by a shower of arrows. 6. On the sixteenth of March, 1621, they were surprised by the sudden approach of an Indian. He advanced boldly alone into the street of Plymouth, and exclaimed, ' Wel- come Englishmen ! Welcome Englishmen !' They were much astonished to hear him speak in their own language. He told them that he had learned it from the fishermen who had sometimes been upon the coast. He informed them, that all the inhabitants of the place where tXiCy were seated had died, about four years before, of an extraordinary plague. He also told them that his name was Samoset, and that be was the chief of a tribe. 7. Samoset was a tall straight man, with black hair, short before, but hanging long behind. He had a bow and two arrows. The pilgrims received him kindly, and gave him^ some biscuit and butter, cheese, pudding, and a piece of roast duck. The chief was quite pleased with his treat, and in return told the new comers a great many useful things. 8. The next morning Samoset paid them a visit with five other natives. Some of them were clothed in deer skins. Some wore long stockings that covered the whole legs, and pieces of leather about their waists. The chief was distin- guished by having the skin of a wild cat on his arm. They 12 HISTORY OF BOSTON. were tall men, with long black hair, stuck full of feathers, and painted to the excess of the fashion. After eating and drinking heartily Avith the English, they amused them by some Indian dances and songs. 9. In the course of four or five years, several English settlements were made at different points of Massachusetts Bay. One was made in 1625, by Captain Wolaston, who brought over a party and placed them in a spot now called Braintree. He chose for this settlement a hill which he named Mount Wolaston. 10. Affairs were going on happily at this settlement, when the captain, w j h a part of the company, resolved to go on a voyage to Viri,inia. Among the men left behind there was a noisy, riotous fellow, by the name of Thomas Morton. This man determined to do some mischief. 11. One night, soon after the captain's departure, 3Iorton called the men together, and gave them a plenty of punch. As soon as they had become a little merry and excited, Morton said to them — ' Now, my good fellows, the captain is gone, — suppose we turn out the lieutenant, and we shall then be able to do as we please.' 12. The men consented, and the lieutenant was forced to give up his authority. All was now changed at Mount Wolaston. They passed their days in eating, drinking, and dancing about a May-pole. It was a continued feast and riot. There was no power and no obedience. Each did as he liked, for there was no one to call another to account. Jndian Dance. HISTORY OF BOSTON. 15 * 18. They altered the name of the settlement to Merry Mount. In order to support their idleness and excess, they endeavored to make friends of the natives, by teaching them the use of fire-arms. The Indians soon became better marksmen than the English. They were delighted with their new weapons, threw away their bows and arrows, and were willing to give any price for guns, powder and shot. 14. This was against tiie express orders of the king of England. It was unlawful to trade with the Indians in any sort of warlike stsres. Captain Miles Standish was accord- ingly sent with some companions from Plymouth to put a stop to this traffic. He took Morton and his followers pris- oners, and the colony at Mount "NVolaston was broken up. 15. In March, 1630, there was a fleet of fourteen vessels at anchor in the English Channel, ready to set sail for Ame- rica. On board of them were several hundred men, women and children. They were provided with necessaries for u long voyage, and subsistence for some time after their arri- val. Tiiere were carpenters, blacksmiths, and men of dif- ferent trades ; and every care was taken in order to settle a strong and lasting colony. 3* 16. During the voyage of this fleet across the ocean, the weather was very variable. Sometimes every thing would be quiet and mild, and it would seem that^there was not a breeze stirring to roughen the waters. On other days, the rain fell, the winds blew, the waves swelled and roared, and the vessels were driven about as if under no human control. 16 HISTORY OF BOSTON. 17. Very strict rules were observed during the whole pas- sage. Two young men disputed about some trifle, and were carried so far by their anger as to come to blows. To make an example of them, they were sentenced to walk upon deck till night, with their hands tied behind them. 18. By the sixth of July, thirteen out of fourteen of the ships had arrived in JVew England. They anchored in the harbor of Salem. Only fifteen of the passengers had died during the voyage. On the eighth of July, a public thanks- giving was kept through all the plantations. 19. A considerable number soon left Salem, and made a settlement at Charlestown. Among these was Mr John Winthrop, who had been appointed governor. Tents and cottages were hastily raised in the new town, and a build- ing, called the great house, was erected for the public officers. 20. Great distress, however, began to prevail. Many were taken sick and died. They suffered very much from the want of water. There was only one spring in the place, which was poor and brackish, and so situated as only to be reached at low tide. It was the want of good water at this place, that led to the immediate settlement of Boston. CHAPTER II. Trmormtain. Mr Blachstonc. Settlement of Boston. Death of Lady Johnson. Mr Johnson. Condition of the Colony. Arrival of the Lion. Whipping. Vessel built. Month- ly Trainings. Mr Josias. Festival. Increase of Boston. Old account of the Toicn. 1. On the south side of the moutli of Cliarlcs river, there is a smnll peninsula of liigh ground, about a mile in breadth, and two and three (juarters in length. A peninsula is a por- tion of land almost surrounded by water. In 1G30, when seen by the settlers at Charlcstown, on the op])osite side of the river, this spot presented the appearance of three large hills ; one of which was crowned by two or tliree smaller hills. They accordingly gave it the name of Trimountain. The Indian name was Shawmut. 2. These hills were covered with bushes and trees. There was only one little cottage in the whole place. The Indians, who had formerly lived there, had been swept away 18 HISTORY OF BOSTON. by a pestilence. Mr William Blackstone was the only in- habitant, and the first white man who ever slept on Shawmut. 3. Mr Blackstone had found a spring of very excellent water at Shawmut, and was desirous that the poor suffer- ers at Charlestowu should partake of it. He accordingly sent to Governor Winthrop, and invited him over to his side of the river. The chief persons of the company were induc- ed, by this invitation, to remove immediately. 4. The foundation of a town was laid, by the erection of several small cottages ; and on the seventh of September 1630, it was ordered that Trimountain should be called BOSTON. This was the commencement of what has since become a great city. 5. The change of residence did not restore the sufferers to immediate health. The sickness still continued, and by December over two hundred of their number had died. Among them was Lady Arabella Johnson, a woman of great resolution and virtue, very much beloved by all the colony. She died in the latter part of the summer, and was buried at Salem. 6. The death of her husband soon followed. He was one of the wealthiest and most venerated of the colonists. It was owing in a great measure to his efforts, that the settle- ment of Boston was determined upon. At his own re- quest, he was buried in a corner of the lot, which had been marked out for his house and garden. This was in the spot HISTORY OP BOSTON. 19 where the burial ground attached to the Stone Chapel now stands. 7. Notwithstanding all the sickness and distress, the colo- nists kept up a good heart, and continued to busy them- selves in clearing away the land, and building their poor cottages. They had arrived too late in the season to plant any thing, and their provisions began to fail them. When the winter set in, it was very cold and stormy, and they had but little to eat. You may well suppose that they were anxious to hear from their friends on the other side of the ocean. 8. Some weeks thus lingered on, and tiicy were begin- ning to fear that they might perish of hunger. The long winter nights were dull and cheerless, and when the snow and tempest descended on their solitary huts, and the chill winds whistled through the bare forest trees, they thought of their comfortable homes in England, and perhaps with a thought of regret. But this soon passed away, and amid all their sorrows and suftcrings they relied, with a humble but firm confidence, on the goodness of an overruling Providence. 9. It was on the fifth of February 1G31, that Governor Wintlirop was walking upon the elevation tliat is now called Fort Hill. lie was full of sadness for the distress of his companions. As he raised his eyes, and directed them to the waters of the bay, tliey caught the glad sight of a sail 20 HISTORY OP BOSTON. in the distance. It was a messenger from his friends in the old world. 10. The little colony was immediately informed of this happy circumstance. They soon thronged to the sea-shore to welcome their visitors. Men, women and children, hur- ried to embrace their friends, and hear what had happened in the land they had left behind. The ship proved to be the Lion, under the command of Captain William Pierce. It was laden with supplies of food and clothing, which afford- ed the colony great relief. 11. To give you an idea of the old manners and customs of Boston, I will tell you a few things that may seem a little singular. It was the fashion at this time, and a great many years afterwards, to have those who broke the laws publicly whipped. A man, for instance, was whipped for stealing a loaf of bread, and another for shooting a fowl on Sunday. Another was sentenced to pay a fine of five pounds, or be whipped, for selling a quack medicine. 12. On the fourth of July 1631, the first vessel built in the colonies was launched. It had been built by the direc- tion of Governor Winthrop, and was called the Blessing of the Bay. During the ensuing summer and fall, this bark made several little voyages along the coast. 13. About this time, the inhabitants were ordered to be train- ed every month. This was for the purpose of keeping them in readiness to fight, if they were attacked by the Indians. Launch of Blessing of the Bay, HISTORY OF BOSTON. 23 Six watchmen were also chosen to keep guard during the night. In September 1G;U, a ]Mr Josias stole some articles from the Indians. He was discovered and fined. In addi- tion to this punishment, he was condemned to lose the title of ' Mister,' and to be called plain Josias. 14. In November of tlie same year the Lion again arrived at Boston. Anrong the sixty passengers, whom it brought from England, were the children and wife of the governor, and the Rev. John Eliot, who afterwards devoted himself to teaching and civilizing the Indians. He was a benevolent and able man of great worth, and his labors were crowned with success. 15. The inhabitants of Boston determined to take this oc- casion to show publicly their great respect and . esteem for the governor. They ordered the vessel to be detained below the islands two days, that they might find time to make preparations to receive his lady. ^ IC. When the governor and his family were passing in the barge to the shore, the captain of the Lion saluted them with a discharge of several guns. On landing, they were received with due military honors. The officers had pro- vided a guard for their escort, and they were welcomed with volleys of small arms and three pieces of artillery. 17. A number of people had assembled from the neigh- boring villages to witness the ceremony. Numerous pre- sents of venison, kids, geese and partridges were brought to the governor, and every thing was as joyful and happy as 34' HISTORY OF BOSTON. possible. It was the first show of any thing like a public festival in New England. 18. Boston soon began to take a stand above all the other towns. It was thought the best place in the Bay to hold public meetings. A house of correction was built by order of the court of assistants ; and fortifications were erected upon an eminence, which afterwards received the name of Fort Hill. This same Court ordered in 1632, that no person should take tobacco puhlicly ; and that every one should pay a penny for every time of taking tobacco in any place. 19. The number of inhabitants increased rajiidly. Two ferry boats were kept upon Charles river, to accommodate the passengers between Charlestown and Boston. ' This town,' says a traveller who wrote in 1633, 'although it be neither the greatest nor the richest, yet is the thost noted and frequented, being the centre of the plantation where the monthly courts are kept. Here likewise dwells the gov- ernor. This place hath very good land, affording rich corn- fields and fruitful gardens, having likewise sweet and pleas- ant springs.' CHAPTER III. Arrival of Mr Cotton. Extravagance. Wearing veils. Chicatabot. His vi.earcd trembling with fear, and with his head hung down in shame and terror. He expected to be whipped in public, or placed in the stocks, at least. All that the governor said, however, was ; 'Friend, the sea- son is a very cold one, and I am afraid you are poorly pro- vided with wood ; you are welcome to help yourself at my pile till the winter is over.' 5. Governor Winthrop was buried in a tomb on the north side of the chapel burial ground. A portrait of him is still preserved. Ife was about six feet high, with a long beard, a high forehead, and dark hair. Ilis memory has been cher- ished with much love and respect, for he was a good man and a wise governor. C. In 1G52, the first minister of the town died. This was the learned and excellent Mr John Cotton. lie was a man of impressive appearance, with a fine, clear voice, and a plain natural style of jjreaching. His influence in the new settlement was very great, and he deserves to be re- membered as one of the first and best of our clergy. 7. One of the most remarkable occurrences in the hi.>itory of the colony took place in 1055. This was a trial and con- 36 V HISTORY OF BOSTON. demnation for witchcraft. In this time of general intelli- gence, a child would ridicule notions which were then firm- ly believed by men of stajiding, respectability, and reputa- tion. 8. The person who suffered was a woman named Ann -Hibbins. Her husband had been a merchant, and at one period was possessed of considerable foitune. In the later part of his life, however, he met with large losses which troubled him a good deal, and made his wife very cross and quarrelsome. 9. It was wrong in the old lady to be noisy, and to dis- pute with her neighbors : but if all cross people were to be hung for witches, it would thin the population of the world very considerably. Mrs Hibbins became at last sufch a scold, and so very unruly and turbulent, that the members of the church took notice of it, and rebuked her. 10. This seems to have had but little effect, and her neighbors began to suspect her of what they called witch- craft. She was prosecuted for this imaginary crime, and was finally convicted and condemned to be hung. Her execution took place in June 1656. 11. It seems strange that the good and intelligent men of the community could not have so far restrained the mad- ness of the populace, as to prevent the commission of such an atrocious murder under the mockery of justice. This, however, was the third case of execution for witchcraft in HISTORY OF BOSTON. 37 •I; New Enf^land- Tlie first was in Connecticut. The second was in Boston in 1048. 12. This moral i)higuc afterwards raged with great vio- lence in Salem, and many suftered death, for their supposed connection with evil spirits. So insane were the people on the subject, that a dog was publicly hung, as an accomplice of his master 1 The delusion, however, was one of the sins of the age, and not confined to a particular spot. It de- stroyed more in a single county of England, than it did in all the American colonics. CHAPTER V. Indian Tribes. King Philip. Attack on Swansey. Ano- ther Expedition. Anecdote of the Pcriicig. Death of Philip. One-eyed John. 1. I AM now going to tell you something about the Indian Wars. The inhabitants of Boston were never very much troubled by the natives in their immediate neighborhood ; but the little inland settlements and villages were often dis- tressed by them. 2. The Indians throughout Massachusetts were sej^iarated into a number of distinct tribes. These tribes wer«toot united under one head, nor bound together by any common government. They were entirely separate and independ- ent. One after another, they had made treaties with the white men, and agreed to submit to their authority. For a long time they lived together in great friendship. The white men were just and cautious ; and the savages kept their promises, and hunted and fished in peace. Philip addressing his Tribe. HISTORY OF BOSTON. 41 3. About the year 1G70, the conduct of the Indians began to ap|)ear suspicious. It was thought prudent to take pre- cautions against them. In Rhode Island there was a very cunning and brave chief by the name of Phihp. He lived at Mount Hope, a beautiful hill, which has become quite famous, as having been the residence of this king. He pos- sessed a great deal of power, and was a bitter enemy of the white men. 4. It was an evil sight to him, to see the natives of the soil displaced by the rapid growth of the English colonies. He was unwilling to part with the fields and hills, which had so long been the pleasant hunting grounds of his ancestors. He was crafty, bold, and vigorous. His people looked ujjon him as a great warrior, and obeyed him. They were glad to listen to his counsel, and were easily excited to hate and persecute the strangers, who had come to drive them away from the homes and the graves of their fathers. 5. Philip was too cunning to appear at once as an enemy. He pretended to be a friend of the colonists, and made many promises and professions of peace. Meanwhile he was going about among the different tribes, and endeavoring to rouse them to war. lie laid a plot for the Indians to rise at the same time in all quarters, and drive the English en- tirely out of the country. 6. As the confidence of Philip and his adherents increas- ed, it began to display itself in acts of violence. In June 1675, a party of the hostile Indians entered the town of 4 42 HISTORY OF BOSTON. Swansey, in the Plymouth colony, and, after killing the cat- tle, plundered the houses, and murdered or wounded several of the inhabitants. The troops of Plymouth colony imme- diately marched to the relief of this devoted village. In the flight which followed their depredations, the Indians marked their course by burning buildings, and by poles at the wayside, on which they placed the hands and heads of the whites whom they had killed. 7. Information of this attack was at once dispatched to Boston. A company of foot soldiers under Captain Hench- man, and a troop of horse, were sent to the relief of the settlement. Having arrived at Swansey and rested there one night, the whole force passed over the bridge that led to Mount Hope, and obliged the enemy to retreat some dis- tance. An ensign by the name of Savage, a young man about twenty years of age, quite distinguished himself in this skirmish. As he boldly held the colors in front of his company, he was shot at by ten or twelve of the savages, and received a bullet in his thigh. Another passed through the brim of his hat. 8. New troops arrived to the assistance of the colo- nists, and the Indian tribes in those parts were soon routed. Philip fled to the western part of the colony, and some of the Boston troops returned. Captain Hench- man was sent on another expedition, in November of the same year. Hearing of a number of Indians at Mendon, he went with his soldiers to attack them in their wigwams. HISTORY OF BOSTON. 43 His men behaved in a very cowardly manner, and deserted luni just at the moment of the combat. So he was obbged to give u[) hiV purpose. 0. Rather a laughable incident occurred in one of these expeditions. About sixty white men met with a party of three hundred Indians, in an open plain, and both sides made preparations for battle. When every thing was ready, the captain of the whites plucked off his wig, and put it in his pocket, to prevent any accident happening to it, and tiiat it might not hinder him in fighting. As soon as the Indians saw that, they raised a most hideous yell, crying out ' Umh, umh, me no fight Engismon, Engismon got two hcd; if me cut off un htd, he got nodcr, a put on bcdir as r//s/' Away the whole tribe fled, and could mjt be overtaken. 10. In the following winter, there were a good many en- counters with the Indians, in which the colonists were some- times successful, and sometimes unfortunate. The savages still advanced towards Boston, with the intention to burn ' the town, and kill the inhabitants. It was thought necessa- ry to post a guard at the entrance of the town, and no In- dian was suffered to go in or out unless he was strictly watched. 11. IJeforc tlie close of the year, the great Indian king and warrior, Philip, was slain. Captain Clark, with a Aiith- ful and brave band of soldiers, pursued liim to the recesses of Mount Hope. Here he was shot by an Indian friendly to the whiles. He was very brave and sagacious, and a great 44 HISTORY OF BOSTON. terror to the settlers. The lock of the gun with which he was killed, and a wooden dish taken from his wigwam, have been carefully preserved to this day. 12. There was a famous Indian called One-eyed John, who had made great threats and boasts, and was quite as in- solent, though not so wise and powerful as Philip. This fel- low was taken prisoner, and after being marched through the streets of Boston with a halter about his neck, was hang- ed at the end of the town. CHAPTER VI. Governor Lever dt. Great Jire. Loss of Charters. Sir Ed- mund Andros. Connecticut CImrter. Erpulsion of James II. News received in Boston. Imprisonment of Andros. Sir William Phips. His arrival in Boston. His death. First Newspaper. Benjamin Franklin. 1. Mr Lcverett was govcrnoi- of the colon}' from 1G73 to 1679, when he died in the month of March. In early life he had been a soldier. lie was much beloved by the colony, and his annual election was never contested. Nothing of importance happened during the time he remained in office, excepting the Indian wars. 2. In 1079 there was a great fire in Boston, which broke out about midnight on the eighth of August, and raged with extreme fury. Eighty dwelling-houses and seventy ware- liouses were consumed. Several vessels with their cargoes 46 HISTORY OF BOSTON. were burned. It was supposed that the fire was purposely kindled, by some miserable wretches, who were soon after ordered to quit the town and never to return. The town passed a regulation, that a man should be stationed on the top of every meeting house, during the Sunday services, to give the alarm in case of fire. The houses and ware-houses, re-built after this great fire, were constructed of brick, or plastered on the outside with a strong cement, mixed with gravel and glass, and slated on the top. Several of these plastered houses are still standing in Ann street, in their original form. 3. About this time the colonists fell under the displeasure of the English king. In consequence of some oflfence which they had given, the crown in the years 1684-1687 deprived them of their charters. These chai'ters were parchment rolls given to the early settlers of different parts of the country, signed and sealed by the king of England, at different peri- ods. On these rolls were written the privileges given to the parties holding them, the extent of country granted to them, and the manner in which that country was to be governed. 4. By dejjriving the colonists of the charters, the king de- prived them of the rights and privileges which those char- ters granted. They had before been allowed to choose their own governor, but in 1686 Sir Edmund Andros was appointed by Ring James II, governor of the whole coun- try. He was authorized, with four of his council, to make laws, raise taxes, without the consent of any assembly of the HISTORY OF BOSTON. 47 people. Among his other orders he was instructed to allow- no printinj; press. 5. In 1G87 the new governor marched, at the head of a hody of troops, into Connecticut. It was his intention to seize the charter of this colony hy force. The assemhly of the colony met, and the charter was brought out into a room, where they were conversing with Andros. The meeting was prolonged till night, when the peo|)le rushed into the room, extinguished the light, and secreted the charter in an old oak tree which is still standing in Hartford. 6. James II of England was a Catholic, and attempted to restore the followers of the pope to power. His conduct dis- gusted the English nation. AVilliam, |)rince of Orange, had married the princess Mary, and on perceiving the discontent of the people, he landed in England with an army, and ex- pelled .lames from the kingdom. This happened in 1088. 7. When news of these events reached Boston, Sir Ed- mund Andros issued a ])roclamation. In this, he charged all the olhcers and people to hold themselves in readiness to resist any forces, whicli might he sent to the colonists by the prince of Orange. The people became angry and turbulent at this measure. They heard of the expulsion of .Tames with much joy, and, raising a mob, seized their new governor, w^ith the most active members of his council. 8. The former governor, with several assistants, immedi- ately entered upon the direction of public aftairs. AVilliam and Mary were soon proclaimed king and rpicen of England, 48 HISTORY OF BOSTON. and approved the course pursued by the people and the old magistrates. Sir Andros and his friends remained for many weeks in confinement, and at length, by order of the king, were sent back to England. 9. In 1692 a new Charter was granted, and Sir William Phips was appointed the first governor under it. He was a blunt, honest man, ardent and generous, but rather coarse in his manners. He was born in Maine, his father died when he was a mere boy, and left a family of twenty- three children. William bound himself as apprentice to -a ship carpenter, and in the course of time engaged in busi- ness on his own account. 10. In 1683, when about thirty-three years of age, he sail- ed from England in search of a rich Spanish ship, which had been wrecked near the Bahama Islands. After one unsuccessful attempt he discovered the wreck, and obtained from it about 300,000 pounds. From this sum he received a very ample compensation. He was soon after knighted by the king, and appointed high sheriff of New England. 11. He held this oflSce for some time, and during his oc- cupation of it resided in Boston. In consequence of some difiiculties, however, he returned to England. On receiving the appoijiitment of governor in 1692, he again sailed for Boston, where he arrived about the middle of May. 12. On the Monday following his arrival, he was conduct- ed to the town-house, by the magistrates, the clergy and principal inhabitants of Boston and the vicinity, followed HISTORY OF BOSTON. 49 by a large military escort. The charter was then read, and the commission of the governor proclaimed. A public din- ner was afterwards eaten, and the governor was attended back to his house. This house is still standing at the North End, and is now occupied as the Asylum for poor boys. 13. Governor Phips remained but a short time in his new office. He was faithful, but was too hasty and (juarrolsomc, so that he often gave oflence, and many complaints were made against him. He was sent for to England to answer these complaints. After making a sufficient defence, he was preparing to return to his government, when he was taken sick and died in London early in 1091. 14. I have told you a good deal about him, because he was quite remarkable for his perseverance, industry and good sense. From being a poor and ignorant boy, he rais- ed himself to wealth and power. All of us cannot be rich and great, but we can learn, from such an example as that of Sir William Phij)s, that good conduct and unwearied labor will meet their due reward. 15. The year 1704 is remarkable for the appearance of the first newspaper, published in the English colonies in America. It was printed in Boston on a very small half- sheet, and was called the Bns(()7i News Letter. There are now in the United States alone more than twelve hundred newspapers. IC. IJciijamin Franklin, so distinguished in American his- tory, was born in the year 1700. His father was a soap and 50 HISTORY OF BOSTON. tallow chandler, and Benjamin was the fifteenth of seven- teen children. As every thing in respect to great and good men is interesting, I will just mention here that the house in which Franklin was born is still standing. It is at the north part of Boston, at the sign of the Blue Ball, hanging at the corner of Hanover and Union streets. 17. The brother of Franklin was the printer of the second paper published in Boston. In 1731 he published the third paper of the country, under the title of the New England Courant. It was in this paper that Benjamin first began to wi'ite. He at first sent his pieces secretly to the ofiice, and concealed that he was the author. Finding that they were well received, he confessed that he wrote them, and obtain- ed much credit for them. These were the first efforts of a poor and humble boy, who afterwards stood with honor in the presence of kings, and was regarded as one of the first philosophers of his age. CHAPTER VII. Fleet at Nantaskct. Violence of Commodore Knoivlcs. Alarm of the I) cop Ic. Mobs. Magistrate in the stocks. Burning the barge. Governor retires to the Castle. Measures of the council. Toton meeting. Issue of the affair. Townhouse. 1. I sliall now pass over a number of years, diirinf^ which there was no event of particular interest, and shall tell you a story which happened in 1747. It will show you the spirit and indc])endcnce of Bostonians in the old times. This spirit finally led to the American Revolution. 2. In tlie harhor of Nantasket, there was an English fleet, under the command of Commodore Knowles. Some of his sailors had been silly enough to go on shore, and, finding they could amuse themselves a while, determined not to return to the ship. The commodore was anxious to sail, and resolved to procure men in the place of those who had deserted, wherever he could find them. 3. His boats were accordingly sent up to Boston, early 52 HISTORY OF BOSTON. in the morning, manned with sailors and officers, who were commanded to seize a sufficient number of men to fill up their crews. They first surprised all the seamen they found in the vessels in the harbor. Afterwards they went on the wharves, and carried away several apprentices, and labor- ing men, who had business and families on shore, and had never been to sea. 4. The people were soon alarmed at this outrage, and collected in large numbers. The whole town was in an up- roar. Mobs collected, armed with pitch-mops, sticks, and clubs, and soon became large and powerful. Having heard that several of the commanders of the fleet were at the house of Governor Sliirlcy, they immediately proceeded thither with a great noise and shouts. 5. The house was soon surrounded, and the front and back yards were completely filled with the enraged popu- lace. By the exertions of some men of influence, they were prevented from breaking through the doors and win- dows, and carrying their violence to extremity. A poor magistrate of the king exposed himself in the midst of them, in a vain attempt to exercise his authority ; the mob laid hands upon him in no very gentle manner, and hurried him away in triumph to the public stocks. Here they placed him, and amused themselves with him till dinnej- time. 6. Even the anger of the mob yields to the call of appe- tite. The leaders and the followers were both willing to satisfy their hunger, before completing their revenge. They HISTORY OF BOSTON. 53 separated at the usual hour for (lining, and the town once more became quiet. Putting l)y tlieir pitch-mops and clubs, they busied themselves with knives and forks, in a nuich more harmless and agreeable manner. 7. About dusk, liowevcr, they began to assemble again in great numbers. Several thousand people were collected in King street, now State street, below the old Town House. Becoming turbulent and excited, they vented their rage by throwing stones and brickbats, through the windows of the council chamber. 8. The governor, however, ventured to appear in the bal- cony, with several gentlemen and nienil)ers of the council. It was some time before the mob would consent to listen to him. At length silence was obtained, and the governor made an address. He told the people that he disaj)proved of the violent measures of the commodore, and promised to procure a release of the citizens who had been seized. 9. It is in vain to reason with an enraged mob, and the governor found that he had made a long speech to no pur- pose. Nothing would satisfy the leaders but the seizure and imprisonment of all the officers of the fleet, who were in town. It was now thought necessary for the governor to leave the council, and he retired to his own house. 10. The mob next proceeded to a wharf, Avhere they found a barge, which they supposed to belong to the fleet. They immediately seized it, and dragged it through the streets, as far as the house of the governor. They had HISTORY OF BOSTON. .>.» of their fellow-citizens. They also condemned the riotous conduct of those, who had insulted the governor and coun- cil, and committed many other acts of violence. 14. On the following day, the commodore released the men whom he had impressed, and the squadron sailed, to the great joy of the town. The militia turned out in large numbers, with much parade, and escorted the governor to his house. Such was the conclusion of one of the first acts of violence, which excited tlie Bostonians to a similar vio- lent resistance. 15. In the course of this same year, the old Town House was nearly destroyed by fire. Nothing was left standing but the walls. It was repaired in the following year, and not- withstanding it has again suffered from fire, within a few years, its outward appearance still remains nearly the same. CHAPTER VIII. James Otis. Writs of assistance. Mr Otis undertakes the cause of the Merchants. Trial. Mr Gridley. Speech of Otis. Stamp act. Liberty Tree. Mob. Attack on Mr Oliver^s House. 1. We are now coming to more unquiet times. The troubles, which finally led to the American Revolution, had commenced. Oppressive measures on the part of England were followed by resistance and violence in the colonies. In part of this chapter, I shall tell you about Mr James Otis, who was one of the earliest patriots. 2. Mr Otis was born in Barnstable in the year 1724. He received his education at Harvard College, and commenced the study of the law. After practising in his profession for two years at Plymouth, he removed to Boston. Here he soon distinguished himself, and his business became very extensive. 3. In 1759, Great Britain formed the plan of raising a HISTORY OF BOSTON. 57 revenue from tlie colonics. Tlie first evidence of this in- tention was given in the following year. An order was then received hy the custom-house officers in America, to apply to the Supreme Court for what were called writs of assistance. These writs were to authorize the persons holding them, to enter 'any ships, stores or houses, upon mere suspicion, and search for goods that had been import- ed in violation of the English acts of trade. 4. This power was of course very oppressive and odious. The custom-house officers, however, applied to the court for the writs, and the court appointed a time when tJie pro- priety of granting them should be discussed. Mr Otis at this time held the office of advocate-general, and he Avas consequently called upon to render his services in support of the king's officers. Thinking the writs prayed for to be tyrannical and oppressive, he refused, and resigned his office. 5. Being immediately applied to by the merchants on the other side, he undertook their cause, in conjunction with Mr Thacher. He was at this time in the vigor of manhood, and of intellect. The trial took place in the council cham- ber of the old town-house. In those days there was a good deal of pomp in court dignity. The judges were dressed in robes of scarlet, faced with black velvet ; huge wigs envel- oped their heads, and curled down over their shoulders. The barristers appeared before the court, in black gowns, and with powdered hair and bags. 5 58 HISTORY OF BOSToff. 6. The cause excited very deep interest in all classes. Government officers were anxious to know whether they were to receive the writs, that would give them so much power, and perhaps enrich them with great wealth. Citi- zens and merchants were equally desirous to learn, if their houses were to be sacred, or to be open to the curiosity and avarice of every petty officer of the customs, who chose to disturb them with his suspicions. 7. Mr Jeremiah Gridley, a learned and eminent lawyer, was at this time attorney-general, and supported the cause of those who petitioned for the writs. He was very inge- nious and powerful in his argument. Mr Thacher followed him on the opposite side, in a learned and convincing refu- tation. 8. Of the speech pronounced on this occasion by Mr Otis, we have the very highest praise from the elder President Adams. He says that Otis was a flame of fire, and, with a rapid torrent of impetuous eloquence, hurried away all be- fore him. ' American independence,' he continues, ' was then and there born. Every man, of an immense crowded audience, appeared to me to go away as I did, ready to take arms against writs of assistance.' 9. The Court adjourned for consideration, and though they then came to no conclusion on the subject, nothing more was heard or said about the writs. I have told you particularly about thi-s trial, because it is a very important point of our history. From this time parties began to be dlSTORY OF BOSTON. 69 formed, of the friends of the king, and tlie friends of the col- ouies. The people of Boston from this period, entertained but very little affection for their friends on the other side of the water. 10. In 1765 the king of England, George III, gave his consent to the famous Stamp Act. You have heard of this act, and as it led to the most important results, I shall ex- plain it to you at length. It laid a tax or duty, on every piece of vellum, parchment or paper, on which any thing of use to any person could be written or printed. This tax varied from half a penny to twenty shillings. 11. This stamp was to have been put on every possible document. Newspapers, almanacks, cards, marriage cer- tificates, writs of court, custom-house papers, all these were to bear the stamp and pay for it. When popular feeling was at its height on this subject in the colonies, news was re- ceived in Boston that a cargo of these papers might be daily expected in the harbor. It was also rumored that Andrew Oliver, Esq., secretary of the province, had been appointed a distributor of the stamps. 12. It is at this time that the Liberty Tree first comes in- to notice. This tree formerly stood, with a noble grove of elms, at the head of Essex street. It was immediately in front of a house opposite to the Boylston Market. On the morning of the fourteenth of August, a couple of images were found hanging from this tree, one of which was intend- 60 HISTORY OF BOSTON. ed to ridicule Mr Oliver. The other was a boot, with a gro- tesque figure peeping out of it, having the stamp act in its hand, intended to represent Lord Bute, who had done much in parliament to promote American taxation. 13. Very little business was done during the day. People collected in knots about the streets, talking of the stamp act, and. British officers, and Liberty Tree. Large numbers came in from the towns in the neighborhood, to learn what was going on, and to join in the expression of popular feel- ing. 14. The mob gradually increased and became more for- midable. A little after twilight they formed a procession, and cai-ried the effigy from Liberty Tree to the town-house, where they knew that the governor and his council were hold- ing a consultation. Here they gave three shouts, and passed on to Kilby street. In this place a building had just been erect- ed by Mr Oliver, which they supposed was intended for a stamp office. 15. This they immediately levelled with the ground, and carried oft* the remains in triumph upon their shoulders. Proceeding to Fort hill, where Mr Oliver then resided, they made a bonfire in front of his house, and on it burned the effigy. They then broke the windows, tore down the garden fences, and at length obtained complete possession of his house. 16. Towards twelve o'clock at night, the mob began to HISTORY OF BOSTON. 61 . • become less noisy, and an attempt was made by the govern- ment officers to disperse tliem. These gentlemen, liowever, were unsuccessful, and received rather harsh treatment from the hands of some of the ringleaders. At length about mid- night all was again quiet. CHAPTER IX. The riots are unnoticed. A moh. Their outrages. Mr Hutchinson. Attach on his clicelling-house. Toicn meeting. Declaration of Mr Oliver. Burning stamp papers. Re- peal of the stamp act. Great rejoicings. Fire WorTcs. Lib- erty Tree illuminated. 1. The officers of government were obliged to pass over these riots, without punishment. They knew the state of pubUe feeUng too well, to imagine that it could possibly be resisted. Such deep and general indignation had been ex- cited, that even the more moderate and respectable citzens hardly dared to discountenance the violence of the mob. 2. On the twenty-sixth of August another mob was collect- ed, and a very dangerous and destructive one. It began to come together about dusk, when a bonfire was lighted before the town-house. A large number of boys and men soon as- sembled, ready for any means of displaying their anger. Their cry was ' Liberty and Property.' 3. They made their first visit to the house of Mr Paxton, HISTORY OF nOSTON. 63 who held the office of surveyor of the port, and was on tljat account obnoxious to the people. Here they found the owner of the house, who seems to have been a slirewd and sensi- ble man, and who told them that Mr Paxton and his furni- ture had been removed. He moreover added, that he was himself the only person they would injure by any violence, that he had never done them any harm, and that if they would go witli him to tiie tavern, he would treat them to a barrel of punch. 4. 'Hurrah! Hurrah!' shouted the ringleaders, 'he is a clever fellow and no tcjry, so come along and we will drink his health, and down with the Stamps.' The party then went to the tavern, to drink the punch, and the house was by this means saved. 5. As soon as they had finished their punch, they began to feel a return of their desire to pull down a house. This they soon found an opportunity to gratify. After breaking into one or two dwelling houses, and making a few bonfires, they took up tlieir march to the mansion of the lieutenant governor, Mr Hutchinson. 0. This person is quite distinguished in the history of the colonies, and did more than any one else, to produce their final separation from the mother country. He was born in Boston, and was for a longtime much beloved and highly re- spected. But in the events immediately before the revolution, he behaved with a meanness and hypocrisy, which ren- ^dered him contemptible, and have made his memory odious. G4 , HISTORY OF BOSTON. 7. When he heard that the mob was approaching his residence, Mr Hutchinson was taking tea with his family. He immediately sent away his children, and after a while determined to follow them. The mob soon arrived. They had become very powerful and violent, and, breaking into the house, commenced their work of destruction. 8. Every thing moveable was soon broken to pieces, or carried away. A large amount of plate, manuscripts, mon- ey, jewels, and valuable furniture was exposed to their fury. They worked very hard to tear down the house, but it was built in a very strong style, and they gave up the attempt. They were only able, after three or four hours' labor, to throw over the cupola, and take up part of the roof. The walls were left not mucli injured, though the mob worked till daylight. This house was afterwards repaired, and re- mained standing till the summer of 1833, when it was re- moved. 9. The greatest loss, upon this occasion, was the destruc- tion of a large number of valuable manuscripts. IMr Hutch- inson had been for years gathering interesting letters, and papers, connected with tlie early history of the colonies. His efforts had been very successful, and he had accumulat- ed an extensive and valuable collection. These were de- sti'oyed, and their loss was not again to be repaired. 10. Early on the next day, the more temperate and orderly citizens called a town meeting. They then expressed their HISTORY OF BOSTON. 65 strong disapprobation oftlicse violent measures, .and instruct- ed the magistrates of the town to use their endeavors to prevent such disturbances in future. During the month of Sej)tember a quantity of the stamps arrived, and were de- posited for safe keeping in tlie Castle. 11. Early in December, a report was circulated, that Mr Oliver intended to accept the otRcc of distributor of stamps, though he had previously resigned it. This caused consid- erable excitement, and the people determined to ascertain its truth. A large meeting of the merchants and principal inhabitants, was held at noon-day, under Liberty Tree. A message was then dispatched to ]Mr Oliver, Avith the com- pliments of the people, recjuesting bis appearance. 12. He complied w^th the invitation, and made oath that be would never attempt to enforce the stamp act in America. Three cheers were then given, and Mr Oliver made a short speech. In the course of it, he declared that he held the stamp act in utter detestation, and would do all that lay in his power to serve the town and province. lie then desired that he might no longer be looked upon as an enemy, but as a friend. His remarks were received with shouts and cheers. 13. In February of the following year, a day was ap- pointed for a public burning of one of the stamped papers, in every town through the j)rovince. In Boston the ceremo- ny was performed with much spirit, and the bonfire was in- creased, and graced, by effigies of two of the enemies of the province, in full court dresses. 66 HISTORV OF BOSTON. 14. In May, the glad news was received in Boston of the repeal of the stamp act. The greatest joy was excited by this event, and every mark of public rejoicing was display- ed. Cannon were fired under the Liberty Tree, and in many other parts of the town ; bells were rung, bonfires blazed, and the people were shouting and cheering in all directions. 15. The nineteenth of the month was appointed for aday of general festivity, in honor of this great event. Oh this day people were up very early, and immediately after one o'clock in the morning, the bells of all the churches were set in motion. In about an hour drums were beating in all the streets, guns were fired, and there was noise enough made to rouse every man, woman and child in the town. 16. Liberty Tree was hung round with banners, and the steeple of Mr Byles's Church, in the neighborhood, was decorated in a similar manner. Flags and pendants were displayed from the tops, and at the windows, of the houses. All night the whole town was illuminated, and there was a brilliant display of fire-works on the common, where a pyramid was erected, and lighted with nearly three hundred lamps. Several private entertainments were given, by gen- tlemen who were interested in the popular cause. 17. About midnight, a signal was given for the citizens to retire. The lights were extinguished, the music was silenc- ed, and all sought their dwellings. On the following eve- Liberty Tree hung with Banners. niSTOUY OF BOSTON. 69 ning, .ill the gentlemen in town united to furnish lanterns for an illumination of Liberty Tree. 18. This tree had grown to be a great favorite with the people, and men had been employed to prune and trim it. On this evening, every bough was laden with lanterns, and it presented a very beautiful appearance. A flood of light was shed from it to a great distance, on the faces of a happy and rejoicing crowd, collected from all quarters of the town. CHAPTER ^X. Resistance. Seizure of Hancock'' s Sloop. Moh. Arrival of British troops. Attack on Mr Otis. Agreement of mer- chants. Mr Richardson shoots a boy. His funeral. Story of the Fifth of March. Trial and acquitted of the soldiers. 1. The spirit of resistance in the town seemed to grow, with every indication of a wish in the mother country to employ force. Mobs were frequent, and the collectors of the customs were exposed to occasional peril. In the month of June, 1768, an affray of considerable importance took place with the collectors, which eventually led to great results. 2. Towards twilight on the tenth of this month, a sloop, named Liberty, belonging to John Hancock, and lying at his "wharf, was seized by the officers of the customs. The British ship of war Romney was at this time in the stream, ready to lend them assistance. On a given signal, her boats were manned and sent to the wharf. The officers were Seizing llic Liberty. HISTORY OP BOSTON. 73 warned not to move tlic sloop, l)ut in spite of all remon- strances, her fastenings were cut, and she was carried under the guns of his Majesty's ship. 3. At this event tlie people were exceedingly irritated. A mob soon collected, and some of the officers were rough- ly handled. A party of sailors, who suspected an intention to impress them on board of the ship, joined the multitude and went in pursuit of mischief. Whilst parading in the streets, they met the inspector, and treated him with much more rudeness, than he thought himself entitled to as a faithful servant of the king. They broke his sword, made rags of part of his garments, and obliged him to seek refuge in a house in King street. 4. They next went in pursuit of one of the man-of-war's boats, but finding none on shore, they took possession of a large pleasure-boat that belonged to the collector. This they dragged through the streets in triumph, with loud shouts, till they reached the common, where they amused themselves with making a bonfire of it. 5. Some other affairs of this kind gave a sufficient pre- tence to General Gage, who commanded the military forces in New England, to station a detachment of regular troops in Boston. On the last day of September, six ships of war, with an armed schooner and transports, came sailing up the harbor and ancliorcd round the town. Their cannon were loaded, and springs were on the cables, that they might be easily slipped ; all seemed prepared for a regular siege. G 74 HISTORY OP BOSTON. 6. On the noon of the following day, two regiments, a part of a third, and a train of artillery with two pieces of cannon, were landed on the wharf. There they formed in order, and paraded up King street with colors flying, drums sounding and fifes playing ; each soldier having received six- teen rounds of shot, and having his musket charged and bayonet fixed. 7. Difficulties soon sprang up between the troops and the inhabitants. It was said that the soldiers could not lawfully be quartered in the town, while the barracks at the castle were empty. Meanwhile they were lodged in the town- house and Fanueil Hall, and some in stores on the wharves. Guards were placed at the doors of the town-house, which the council were obliged to pass in going to their own cham- ber. Tents covered the common. Sentinels challenged the citizens as they passed. The sabbath was disturbed by the sound of drums, and other martial music. The town wore the aspect of a garrison, and all the inconveniences ensued, which naturally flow from the presence of a military force in a peaceful community. 8. The luxury of tea, which was first used in New Eng- land about the year 1720, began now to be very unpopular. Many families in Boston had resolved to abstain from the use of it, and several of the neighboring towns had con- cluded to follow their example. 9. In September 1769 a circumstance took place, which ■ occasioned a great excitement among the good people of HISTORY OF BOSTON. 75 the town, and which led to an instance of nohle generosity. Mr Janicd Otis had hccn insulted in some paper, by the commissioners of the customs ; and took occasion to resent it, by advertising them as unworthy of belief. On the next evening he went to the British Coffee-house, which was much visited by the oflScers in the interest of the govern- ment, and where he found a number of them sitting at that time. 10. Among them was Mr Robinson, one of the commis- sioners. When 3Ir Otis entered, a quarrel immediately commenced. It ended in recourse to violence. The lights were extinguished, and Mr Otis, without a friend, was sur- rounded by the companions of Robinson. A young man, by the name of Gridley, happened to be passing at the time, and boldly came in to his assistance ; but he was attacked, beaten, and turned out of the house. 11. After some time, the combatants were separated, and Mr Otis was led home, wounded and bleeding. lie after- wards commenced an action at law, against Robinson, and the jury awarded him a verdict of cf^OOO. This sum he generously returned, on receiving a suitable apology. 12. An event took place in February, 1770, which ilhis- trates the feelings of the time. The merchants of the town had agreed not to import British goods. Some, however, were so regardless of public opinion and interest, that they determined to pursue their trade as usual. They of course 76 HISTORY OF BOSTON. fell under the censure of their fellow citizens, and were ob- jects of contempt and hatred. 13. By the house of one of these men, a large wooden head had been fixed on a pole, ornamented with the carved faces of other importers. A despicable fellow, by the name of Richardson, tried to persuade some teamsters to run down this pole with their carts. They knew the meaning of the exhibition, however, and were wise enough to let it alone. 14. Richardson persisted in his folly, and at last excited the attention of a crowd of boys, who pelted him with stones and mud, till he was obliged to seek shelter in his own house. The little heroes had caught sometliing of the angry spirit of their fathers, and were fond of taking liberties with the old fellows, who were too fond of their pence, to look after their rights. The shouts of the boys drew together quite a multitude. A quarrel ensued between the mob and Rich- ardson, which ended in his discharging a musket from his window, and another from his door. 15. By these random shots, a young man and a boy were severely wounded. On this the bells Avere all set to ringing, and a vast multitude was soon collected. Richardson, with a companion, was carried to Faneuil Hall, where he was examined and committed for trial. In the course of the evening the lad died, and three days afterwards his funeral was attended with great honors. 16. On his coffin were various Latin inscriptions, suitable to the feelings and character of the time. On the foot was HISTORY OF BOSTON. 77 a sentence which signified ' The snake lies hid in the grass;' and on the Iiead, ' Innocence nowhere safe.' The proces- sion was formed under Liberty Tree. It consisted of four or five hundred school-boys, walking two by two before the body; about thirteen hundred citizens on foot, and thirty chaises and carriages. 17. This scene was very imposing, and was so arranged as to strike gloom into every heart. The papers of the lifth of March, which gave an account of the ceremony, also told of farther difficulties and quarrels between the soldiers and the people of the town. This day was to be marked by an event of more horror, than any which had yet befallen the inhabitants of Boston. The massacre, which then occurred, originated in a slight affray between three or four young men, and a soldier, who was stationed as sentinel, by a little alley which led to the barracks of the 14th regiment. 18. The main guard of the troops was stationed opposite the town-house ; and to this place they were all marched daily. A mob had been collected by the rencontre with the sentinel, and were ready for an attack even on the armed sol- diers. They shouted for the main guard, and soon found the way to the neighborhood of their station. One party found a single sentinel standing before the door of the cus- tom-house, which was in a building now occupiea as a bank in State street. 19. It was a clear moon-light night, and tlicre was some snow on the ground. As the mob approached, tlic scntinol 78 HISTORY OP BOSTON. retired to the door of the house, and knocked three or four times to apprise those within of the danger. Word was soon sent to the lieutenant of the main guard, of the expect- ed assault, and he dispatched a serjeant with six men, to the relief of the sentinel. Captain Preston immediately follow- ed them. 20. The party formed in a semi-circle about the steps of the custom house. Mr Knox, a bookseller, and afterwards a famous general of the revolution, went from the guard house with Preston, having his hand on his shoulder all the way down, and warning him of the consequences of firing upon the mob. By this time all the bells were ringing, and people collected from every quarter to ascertain what was going on. They pressed and crowded upon the soldiers, and some attacked them with pieces of snow and ice, and clubs, while from all sides were shouts of ' Fii*e, fire, if yea dare.' 21. The soldiers at length commenced firing, and three of the citizens were killed on the spot. Two others were mor- tally wounded, and several were considerably injured. A cry was soon raised through the town of ' To arms, to arms, turn out with your guns,' and the drums were beating, and bells ringing, in all directions. The King's Council imme- diately assembled, and the people were assured that Captain Preston and his men should be delivered to the magistrates. 22. The funeral of the slain was attended with great cere- mony, and by an immense multitude ; the shops were closed, Fifth of Marcli. HISTORY OF BOfexON. 81 and all the bells were tolled in Boston, and the neighboring towns. The ])rocession formed in King street, and march- ed through the town to the burial-ground, where the bodies were deposited in one grave. 23. In the course of a few days, all the troops were re- moved to the Castle. Captain Preston was tried and ac- quitted. The soldiers were soon after tried. They were defended by John Adams, and Josiah Quincy, Jr. Two were ccmvicted of manslaughter, and the other six were ac- quitted. These acquittals were highly creditable to the citi- zens of the town. Even in the midst of a deep excitement and indignation, we see that they were governed only by the strictest sense of duty and justice. CHAPTER XI. Anecdote of the Boston hoys and General Gage. Importa- tions of tea. Meeting of the inhabitants. Anecdote of the Tea Party. Closing of the port of Boston. Arrival of soldiers. Their depreciations. Alarm. Provincial Con- gress. 1. It was at some time during the stay of the British troops in Boston, that a circumstance occurred which displays the spirit of the Boston boys. In the winter time, the boys were in the habit of building hills of snow, and sliding from them to the pond on the Common. The English soldiers, in the love of mischief, found no objects too small for their malice, and destroyed all their works. They complained of this injury, and set about repairing it, but on their return from school, they found the snow-hills again demolished. 2. Several of them now waited on the British captain, and. informed him of the misconduct of his soldiers. No regard was paid to their complaint, and it was at length HISTORY OF BOSTON. 83 resolved to call a meeting of the largest boys, and wait ifpon General Gage with a statement of their grievances. When the boys were conducted before the general, he asked, with some surprise, the occasion of their visit. ' AVe come, sir,' answered the leader, ' to ask for punishment on those who wrong us.' 3. ' Why, my little fellows,' replied the general, ' have your fathers been bringing you up rebels, and sent you here to talk rebellion V ' Nobody sent us, sir,' answered the first speaker, * we have never abused or insulted your soldiers ; but they have spoiled our skating ground, and trodden down our snow-iiills. We complained, and they only laughed at us. We told the captain, and he sent us away. Yesterday our works were again destroyed, and we can bear it no longer.' 4. General Gage looked at the boys in admiration, when turning to an officer by his side, he exclaimed, ' Good heav- ens ! tiie very cliildren draw in a love of liberty with the air they breathe.' To the boys he added, ' you may go, my brave lads, and if any of my soldiers disturb you in future, they siiall be severely punislied.' 5. You remember that 1 told you in the last chapter, of a determination to abolish the use of tea. But there was still a good deal of this pleasant article consumed, and a fa- vorable license was granted to the EngHsh I^ast India Com- pany, to export a large quantity of it to America. A num- ber of American merchants, at this time in London, were 84 HISTORY OF BOSTON. very eager to obtain the privilege of furnishing vessels to carry this obnoxious cargo. These facts became known in Boston early in the October of 1773, and meetings were im- mediately held in various parts of the town to prevent the landing of it. 6. When the tea arrived, the people resolved that it should be sent back immediately. About the middle of December, a large meeting was held at the Old South, at which at least two thousand men were present from tlie neighboring towns. At this meeting, Mr Rotch was ordered to get his tea ship ready for sea that day, and proceed directly to the governor and demand a pass to go by the Castle. 7. The governor at that time resided in Milton, at the dis- tance of seven or eight miles. Meanwhile the meeting ad- journed till three o'clock in the afternoon. Mr Rotch did not return till nearly six,- and in the interval, Josiah Quin- cy Jr., addressed the assembly with much eloquence, on the importance of the present crisis. The answer of the gover- nor was, ' that for the honor of the laws, and from duty towards the king, he could not grant the permit until the vessel was regularly cleared.' 8. A great commotion in the meeting followed this reply. Some one in the crowd exclaimed, ' Who knows how tea will mingle with salt water?' There were about sixty per- sons present disguised in the manner of the Indians. One of their number at this moment raised the war-whoop, and the assembly immediately dispersed. Mr Samuel Adams cried niSTORY OP BOSTON. 85 out, that it was a trick of the enemy to disperse the meeting, and requested the people to kee|) tlieir ])Uices. IJiit the dis- guised Indians rushed to the wharf, and went on hoard tlio ships loaded with tea. 9. Here they set to work in earnest, with holdness and hearty good will, and in a little less than two hours, they had made tea of half the water in the dock. Ahout two hundred and forty chests, with a hundred half chests, were staved and emptied over the sides of the vessels. The affair was conducted without disturbance, and no injury was done to any thing but the tea. You will find a picture of this, at the heginning of the hook. 10. Tills aflaii- took place almost under the guns of the Castle, and in the presence of several ships of war, at that time floating in the harhor. It is a little singular, that the British troops were not called in, to put a stoj) to it. The names of the men, who had the boldness and spirit to en- gage in this i)lan, have never all been made pu!)lic. The last surviving member of the party recently died. 11. The news of this transaction was received in England with great indignation. A bill was passed in jiarliament, which enacted, that from and after the first of .Tune, the landing and discharging, lading or shipping of goods, in the harbor of Boston, should be discontinued. This act occa- sioned great distress in the town. All business ceased. The poor were thrown out of employment, and the necessaries of life rose to a very high price. It would iiavc been almost 86 HISTORY OF BOSTON. impossible for the very poor to have subsisted, if it had not been for the assistance and encouragement of the inhabit- ants of the neighboring towns. 12. During the summer of 1774, troops had been con- tinually arriving, and were employed in building fortifica- tions and barracks on the neck. The town's people would give them no aid in erecting these works, and laborers were hired from other places. Early in September two hun- dred of these soldiers sailed up the river Mystic, and stole from the powder-house on Quarry Hill, a ]arge quantity of powder, which belonged to the province. 13. A number of the same party also went to Cambridge, and marched off with a couple of field-pieces. These out- rages raised a great alarm, and several thousand persons assembled in arms in Cambridge, and obliged all the indi- viduals, who were favorably disposed to the government, to forswear all offices under the new order of things. 14. General Gage was at this time governor, and had de- termined to assemble a General Court at Salem, on the fifth of October. The prevailing excitement alarmed him, and he deferred the meeting by proclamation. The representa- tives however appeared, assembled, and formed themselves into a provincial congress. This congress chose John Han- cock for chairman, and Benjamin Lincoln for clerk. They then adjourned, to meet at Concord, on the eleventh of the month. 15. This congress advised the people to supply them- HISTORY OF BOSTON. 87 selves with arms and ammunition. Governor Gage de- nounced the congress as an unhiwful assembly, and one with whose recommendations it would be dangerous to com- ply. The same assembly, however, met again in December, and appointed a body which they termed a committee of safety. It was the duty of this committee to watch over the general interests of the State, to call together the militia when necessary, and to station them in such places as they should think proper. IG. In the neighborhood of Boston, the state of aftairs was very serious. Every exertion was made to arm the peo- ple, and to provide them with such articles as they would need in war. In carrying these from the town to the country, the inhabitants were obliged to be very cunning and cautious, in order to deceive the guard on the neck. Cannon balls were concealed in loads of manure, powder and shot in the baskets of the marketmen, and in candle boxes. 17. Towards the close of 1774, there were eleven British regiments stationed in Boston. Five hundred soldiers pa- raded, and were on duty daily. The conduct of the troops was at first peaceable ; but in the course of the winter they were guilty of several acts of outrage and riot. CHAPTER XII. Col. Neshit and the countryman. Battles of Lexington and Concord. Retreat of the regular troops. lilockade of Boston. Governor'' s proclamation. Battle of BunJcer^s Hill. Burning of Charlestoicn. Siege of Boston. Gen- eral Washington. Proclamation. Distress. 1. In March 1775 the public feeling was much excited, by the disgraceful conduct of a British officer. The inhab- itants of the neighboring towns were suspected of pur- chasing guns of the soldiers. In order to inflict a striking punishment for this offence, an officer of some rank, by the name of Nesbit, ordered one of his men to offer a country- man an old rusty musket. A farmer from Billerica was tempted by this offer, and bought the gun for three dollars. 2. The poor fellow was immediately seized by Nesbit and confined all night, in the guard house. Eai'ly next morning, the soldiers stripped him entirely naked, covered him with tar and feathers, and carted him through the HISTORY OF nOSTON. 89 streets, to Liberty Tree, where tliey were obliged by the citizens to release him, ami retreat to their barracks. The party was composed of about thirty grenadiers with fixed bayonets, twenty drums and fifes, headed by the valiant Nesbit with a drawn sword. A British uniform has seldom been so miserably disgraced, as it was on this occasion. 3. At nightfall, on the eighteenth of April, General Gage dispatched a body of eight or nine hundred soldiers, to de- stroy the military stores wiiich had been collected at Con- cord, a town about eighteen miles from Boston. Having reached Lexington, six miles distant from Concord, they were met by a company of militia, who had hastily assem- bled from the difVeront villages on the first alarm. It was about sunrise. The British advanced at quick march to within a few rods, when Major Pitcairn called out in a loud voice, ' disperse, you rebels, throw down your arms and dis- perse.' 4. Their number was too small to risk a battle. While they were dispersing, the British shouted, and by a discharge from their ranks, killed several of the party. They then renewed their march to Concord, where they destroyed a few articles of stores, and sixty barrels of flour. The militia men had now collected in considerable numbers. Beingen- raged at the loss of their companions, they made a bold and furious attack on the enemy, and drove them back to Lex- ington. Hearing of the situation of his troops, (Jeneral Gage sent a large reinforcement, with two field-pieces, to 7 90 HISTORY OF BOSTON. their assistance. The united forces amounted to about eighteen hundred men. 5. In their hurried retreat, the regular troops were pur- sued with the utmost activity. From the cover of trees, and stone walls, the undisciplined farmers were able to thin the ranks of the enemy, with great success. The situation of the king's forces, during the day, was extremely hazardous, and it is wonderful that so many of them escaped. Worn down with fatigue, and almost exhausted, they reached Charlestown, about seven in the evening, with the loss of two hundred and seventy-three men, killed, wounded and taken prisoners. The next dayjhey entered Boston. 6. Hostilities had now commenced. The strongest ex- citement prevailed tliroughout all New England. The coun- try militia assembled from every quarter in great numbers, and in the course of two days, Boston was in a complete state of blockade. Many of the inhabitants were in a very miserable situation. All intercourse between the town and country ceased. Liberty poles were erected in almost every village, and all who fell under suspicion were obliged to make a public recantation of their odious principles. 7. Towards the end of May, the British army was rein- forced by considerable numbers. About the middle of June, General Gage issued a proclamation, in which he declared the province of Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion, and offered pardon to all who would resort to his standard. Passage to Charlestown. HISTORY or BOSTON. 93 He was pleased to deny pardon, particularly, to Jolin Han- cock and Samuel Adams. 8. The American commanders had obtained information, that the Briti^jji intended to post themselves on Bunker's Hill. The position was a very important one, and it was deter- mined to defeat their design. Accordingly, on the sixteenth of June, 9 band of one thousand provincials, under the command of Colonel Prcscott, was sent to take possession of the station. It was late in the evening, before they reached the heights, and full midnight before they com- menced to dig the entrenchments. They proceeded in their labors with order and the utmost silence, and it was the next morning before the Britisii knew any thing of their reat interest to you, iiave occur- red in our liistory. It is not then surprising, that one of the most striking events of our more recent annals should also be connected with that great event. I refer to the visit of Lafayette to Boston in lS-24, of which you may like to hear a short account. 2. Lafayette, you already know, was born in a village of France, in 1757. When about nineteen years of age, he secretly h.-ft his native land, to engage in the cause of Ame- rican liberty. Our country was at that time in a very un- 124 HISTORY OF BOSTON. fortunate and gloomy condition, and his arrival created great joy among the feeble and almost despairing patriots. 3. The young foreigner was at once appointed to a com- mand in the Continental army. This lie declined, and having raised, and equipped a body of men at his o,vn ex- pense, he entered the service as a volunteer, with jut pay. He rendered very important aid to the cause, by his per- sonal exertions and valor here, and his influence at home. For a long time, he lived in the family of Washington, and was always honored with his full affection and confidence. 4. He returned to France, soon after the close of the re- volution, and has carried with him through life, his early love of liberty. Several invitations had been given to him, to visit once more the country of his early exploits. At length, he consented. In August 1824, he landed at New York, and was received there with the shouts of thousands, who crowded to greet and welcome the old friend of their fathers. 5. In a few days, he reached the residence of Governor Eustis, his old companion in arms, at Roxbury, in the neighborhood of Boston. Every where, in the country through which he passed, he was received with the greatest delight and enthusiasm. 6. On the morning after his arrival at Roxbury, a caval- cade of eight hundred citizens of Boston, waited on him, to form an escort to the town line. Here he was met . by the mayor, and other city officers, and a military escort. On HISTORY OF BOSTON. 125 receiving from the mayor a welcome, in the name of the city, Lafayette made the foMowiiig brief, but apt reply : 7. ' The emotions of love and gratitude, which I have been accustomed to feel on entering this city, have ever mingled with a sense of religious reverence, for the cradle of American, and, let us hope it will be hereafter said, of universal liberty. 8. ' What must be, sir, iny feelings at the blessed moment, when, after so long an absence, I feel myself again sur- rounded by the good citizens of Boston, where I am so af- fectionately, so honorably welcomed, not only by old friends, but by several successive generations ; where I can witness the prosperity, the immense improvements, that have been the just reward of a noble struggle, virtuous morals, and truly republican institutions. 9. ' I beg of you, Mr Mayor, gentlemen of the City Coun- cil, and all of you, beloved citizens of Boston, to accept the respectful and warm thanks of a heart, which has for nearly half a century been devoted to your Ilhtstrious City.'' 10. The procession then formed, and began to advance towards the city, at about 11 o'clock. It passed through all the principal streets, and during its progress, Lafayette was continually received with the cheers and shouts of the mul- titude. Tiie windows of all the houses were crowded with spectators, waving handkerchiefs, and throwing .garlands into his barouche as he passed. 11. On this occasion, a truly beautiful sight was present- 120 HISTORY OP BOSTON. ed. The children of the pubhc schools, dressed in a neat uniform, were ranged in two rows, by the lower part of the common, under the direction of their teachers. As the pro- cession passed through the lines formed by these boys and girls, they raised their little voices to add one more shout of welcome, to the thousands that had greeted the friend of Washington. 12. During the stay of General Lafayette in the city, the excitement of the people seemed constantly to increase. Every mark of respect and affection was paid to him, both in private and public. When he left Boston, he expressed his intention to return by the seventeenth of the following June, to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of the Bunker Hill Monument. 13. On that day, he was again in Boston, The weather was mild and pleasant, and large numbers of people had collected, from all quarters, to witness the ceremony. At about half past ten in the morning, a procession was formed near the State House, to escort the General to the former scene of the revolutionary battle. 14. An immense crowd of people was collected. Old men, and boys, seemed equally excited by the occasion, and thronged in vast numbers to engage in the services of the day. First marched the military escort, which consisted of sixteen companies, and a corps of cavalry, in full uniform. Then came the aged soldiers, who had fought fifty years before in the battle, and who had been so fortunate as to live to witness this scene of triumph. HISTORY OF BOSTON. 127 15. After these, followed the other surviving soldiers and officers of the revolution. Then came the niemhers of the Association formed to build the monument, all wearing suit- able badges. The various companies of Free Masons, and the officers of the Association followed. General Lafayette, in a coach and four, came next, and the procession was closed by the various officers of state, and a large body of citizens. IG. This procession moved from the State House, passed through some of the principal streets of the city, and then to Bunker Hill. The corner stone of the Monument was then laid, an oration was delivered, and the day closed with festivity and rejoicing, 17. Boston has been twice visited by presidents of the United States ; by James Monroe, in 1817, and by Andrew Jackson, in IKJ:}. On each of these occasions, there was, perhaps, a greater display of splendor and pageantry, than is consistent with republican simplicity. CHAPTER XX. Reflections. Bridges and avenues to the city. Vieio from the sea. Approach of a stranger. His reflections. The har- bor. Old times. Fancuil Hall Market. Faneuil Hall. May-Fair. Institution for the Blind. 1. I HAVE now told you many stories about Boston. You have followed its progress from a desert solitude, trodden only by the Indian hunter, to a large, populous and commercial city, full of fine dwelling houses, churches and public buildings, and inhabited by a wealthy and refined people. You shall now hear something of Boston as it is. 2. I have already told you that Boston is situated on a peninsula, almost entirely surrounded by water, and con- nected with the main land only by a narrow avenue called the neck. This was formerly the only way of entering or HISTORY OF BOSTON. 129 leaving tlie town, except in boats or large vessels. But there are now no less than nine avenues. 3. There are four bridges built over the river Charles, which connect the city with Cambridge and Charlestown. There are two bridges leading to South Boston, where are the forts erected during the revolution, and rebuilt during the last war. A fine dam, called the western avenue, leads from Beacon street to a point in Brookline ; and three rail- roads to different points in the country, will soon be com- pleted. There is also an extensive ferry between the city and Chelsea, with steam-boats for the accommodation of wagons and carriages, as well as foot passengers. 4. Every avenue to the city presents a beautiful view. "When approached from the sea, it is exceedingly picturesque and striking. The ship, sailing among a hundred green or rocky islands, and passing between the two forts that com- mand the entrance of the harbor, is borne onwards to the noble city before it. 5. A stranger is first struck by tlie high parts of the city, where his eye rests upon the conspicuous dome of the State House, and the many spires rising from the various quarters. On nearer approach, he examines with much pleasure and perhaps astonishment, the noble wharves, with their massive blocks of brick and granite ware-houses and stores, and the many ships crowding them with their unladen treasures. 6. On landing, he stops a moment to gaze behind him, 130 HISTORY OF BOSTON. on the magnificent prospect he is about to leave ; that of the spacious harbor, Avhitened with the sails of so many ships, and dotted with so many little islands. Well, indeed, may he linger and gaze, for seldom may his eye I'est on so beautiful a scene ! 7. If he know any thing of the history of our country, he remembers that he has reached a part of it rich in patriotic adventures. He thinks of the tea story, and looks round to see if he can find any little stone or monument to mark the spot where this famous event took place. He lifts his eyes to the green hills across the bay, and remembers that Howe gazed upon them with more surprise, when he saw them covered with the ramparts which the soldiers of Washing- ton had raised in a night, 8. His eye again turns to the blue waters of the bay, and he pictures to himself the time when they were covered with the departing ships of the British, sullenly yielding to the fate of war, and abandoning their stronghold to the Yankee general and his farmer-soldiers. Or, he is carried still far- ther back, to the day when the pestilence had destroyed the original owners of the soil, and solitude and silence hung over the places now so busy with the hum and bustle of ci'owded life ! 9. But I must leave these reflections and take the stranger about the city, to show him the chief buildings, and the gen- eral beauties of the place. We will first take him to the new market-house, and Faneuil Hall, as they happen to be nearest the water, and will be more in our way. HISTORY OP nOSTO.V. 131 10. First examine tlie Faneuil Hall market. This is pro- bably the most splendid edifice raised for such a purpose, in the world. It is built wholly of fine granite. Its length is five hundred and thirty-five feet, and its width fifty feet. At each end is a noble portico, supported by four columns about twenty feet high, and three and a half feet in diame- ter. From the centre of the buildinfif, rises a spacious dome, springing from four ornamented arches. 11. The corner stone of this immense edifice was laid on the twenty-seventh of April 1825, while Josiah Quincy,son of the revolutionary patriot, was mayor of the city. It was completed in little more than two years, and will remain for many ages, as a monument of the enterprise, skill, and wealth of our citizens at the time. 12. To the west of this building stands Faneuil Hall, which has been called the Cradle of American Liberty, and is very famous throughout the country. It was the place where Josiah Quincy, Jr, James Otis, and Samuel Adams used to address the people during the troubled period which preceded and accompanied the revolution. The original edi- fice was built nearly a hundred years ago, by Petey Faneuil, Esq., and was presented by him to the town. A picture of the generous donor, forms one of the chief ornaments of the hall. 13. The building has a cupola, from which is a fine view of the harbor. The great hall is 7G feet b^quurc, and 28 feet high, with galleries on three sides, supported by plain 132 HISTORY OF BOSTON. columns. Rang^ ^s of ornamented columns support the ceiling, and the walls are decorated by pilasters. A bust of John Adams, the second President of the United States, is placed at one end of the hall, between the picture of Mr Faneuil, and a splendid full length painting of Washington, by the celebrated artist, Stuart. 14. Faneuil Hall is sacred not alone for its patriotic re- collections. It is connected with the history of one of our benevolent institutions, in the most interesting manner. All of my readers who live in Boston, remember the May Fair, that was held for the benefit of the Institution for the Blind, in 1833. 15. The ladies of the city decorated the old hall so mag- nificently, that it looked like a fairy palace. Bowers of evergreen, and roses, hanging curtains, garlands and fes- toons, gleamed on every side, with a show of richness and beauty, that could with difficulty be surpassed. 16. About the hall, and in its centre, tables were placed, loaded with beautiful trinkets, and fancy articles of many descriptions, wrought by the ladies, who were then exhibiting them for sale. For three days and evenings, the hall was crowded with generous purchasers. Several of the little blind boys, for whose benefit the Fair was held, were present at the tables, and seemed to be very cheerful and happy. 17. A band of music played during the evenings of the sec- ond and third days, and added highly to the pleasure of the ^"^-■•f-HHi. Faneuil Hall. niSTOHY OF BOSTON. 136 occasion. Every thing -went off joyfully, and about thir- teen thousaiul dollars were recrived, to be applied to the establislinu'iit of the Institution for the Blind. 18. It is not a great distance from Faneuil Hall, to the street in which the Institution for the Blind is situated. If you please, we will walk round, and show it to the stranger. It is a spacious brick edifice, presented to the Institution, by Colonel Perkins, an opulent merchant, whose generosity is equal to his wealth. Between thirty and forty blind chil- dren are educated here. They arc occupied with a variety of employments, and are all industrious, cheerful, and con- tented. 19. Some learn to play on the pianoforte, and all culti- vate a taste for singing. One of the most affecting concerts to which I have ever listened, has been that of a choir of these blind children, pouring forth some glad melody, with as much glee and joyousness, as if they had never known what it was to be unhappy. But music is only their amusement. By means of raised letters, they arc taught to read, and there is an ingenious contrivance, by which they can learn to write, and to understand letters that are written to them. They also learn Geography very perfect- ly, and are thus enabled to acquire a great deal of know- ledge, that furnishes them with employment, and subjects of reflection, in years that might otherwise be to them almost a blank. 20. There are many useful lessons that we may derive 136 HISTORY OF BOSTON. from visiting such an Institution as this. We learn to be grateful for the blessings that we enjoy, and to thank the Being who made us, that we have eyes to see the wonders and the beauties of the universe. We learn to estimate as we ought, the power and skill of man, which thus enable him to supply the deficiencies of nature, and almost to give sight to the blind. We learn to have more confidence in the goodness and virtue of men, when we see them drawing* something from their own possessions, to relieve the wants,' and console the misfortunes of those who have been less blessed than themselves ! CHAPTER XXI. .North End. Common. State House. View from its Dome. Trcmont House. Theatre. Churches. 1. In walkinj^ about the city, wc shall find that the streets in the north part are narrow and irregular. This quarter was settled at a very early period, and the houses are most- ly small and old. You will notice here, houses that have been standing more than a century, with all the odd fash- ions of architecture common in our old times. It is very interesting to walk among these ancient relics, and imagine the many scenes that have taken place among them. 2. In the west part of tlie town are a number of very beautiful bouses. Around the common, are many splendid mansions, and the noble trees of the open green before them, make them very pleasant residences. 3. The Common, which i.-: so great an ornament to the city, was formerly a public cow pasture, for the conveni- ence of the honest housekeepers of the town. It occupies 10 138 HISTORY OF BOSTON. a space of fifty acres on the southern slope of Beacon Hill, and is surrounded by a mall, planted with noble elms. It is now a famous promenade, and on pleasant evenings in summer, you find hundreds walking here, to enjoy the pleas- ant and cool breezes. 4. On days of public celebrations, it is the ground where the troops exercise and parade ; and sometimes many fine companies are reviewed here. On these occasions, tents are erected, in which refreshments are sold, and various shows are sometimes exhibited. 5. The surface of the Common is varied by slight eleva- ' tions, the largest of which is near the centre, and still ex- hibits the remains of a fortification thrown up by the British ^ troops in 1775. Just to the north of this is a little sheet -' '^^'^ of water, dignified with the name of Crescent Pond, that • ■->' adds something to the general beauty of the scene, l^h^ ^.i,. Common is shaded by nearly six hundred trees, and'-affof ds* '^■'' one of the most beautiful walks in tjie' world. > - 'iw -■ *. .-H 6. Over-looking this beautiful green,- is the State Housed ^ ,*•. which stands at the top of the mall, and of which you,^fill i find a neat cut on the title page. The corner stone. ^(Jj^l^iis ^ ' edifice was laid on the fourth of July, 179|^ Thls?;vho first came to the town when poor boys, and who by honest in- dustry, have made large fortunes, and set an example 'vhich I hope my young friends will imitate. 2. I must not omit to say something about the schools, for Boston is very famous for lier good public schools. In these her best citizens have lieen educated. Every year there is a public examination of the scholars, when prizes 144 HISTORY OF BOSTON. are given to those who have been the best and most indus- trious. The money with which these medals are bought, was given by the great FrankUn, who left in his will a sum to be expended for this purpose. 3. The Atheneeum is a large library, placed in a hand- some building in one of the finest streets of the town. It contains about 28,000 volumes, and is ornamented with statues and busts, copied from the works of ancient sculp- tors. To these, within a few years, have been added sever- al fine paintings, by foreign and American artists. 4. Connected with this establishment is a Gallery of Paintings, which is open through the summer months. Most of the artists in the country send their best pieces to be exhibited here. This gallery is a place of fashionable resort. 5. The roads leading to the city are good, and the sur- rounding country is famous for its beauty. On every side you see fine houses, gardens, orchards, and cultivated fields. In summer there is a steamboat, plying once or twice daily, to Nahant, a rocky peninsula, about fourteen miles from the city, with a fine beach connecting it to the main land. This peninsula runs three or four miles into the sea. Its shores are very bold and steep, presenting on all sides masses of rugged and broken rocks. These rocks have been worn by the waves into the most fantastic shapes. When the tide is high, and the sea is swelling, the dashing HISTORY OF BOSTON. 145 spray foams and sparkles among tlieir caverns, and the roar of tlie waters adds to the sublimity of the scene. G. On the southern side there is a very curious grotto, known by the name of the Swallow House. Its entrance is five feet high, and ten Avide. The grotto is seventy feet long, and increases in height to twenty feet. Great num- bers of swallows have taken up their abode in this cave, and it is supposed by many that they pass the winter here in a torpid state. The Spouting Horn is a deep chasm on the north shore, into which, at half tide, the water rushes with great violence. 7. Towards the East lies the immense ocean, whose waves, whether in tranquillity or tempest, present a mag. nificent spectacle. In a calm day, it is delightful to gaze upon the quiet waters, covered with the many vessels, lazily gliding on their path. A breeze comes up, and they scud swiftly and bravely onward, their sails filling and swelling, while their i)roud keels spurn the waves that are foaming in their track. 8. But the clouds gather, and !he skies darken with a gloom that shuts out every ray of the sun-light. The winds rise, and the waters sound with that sullen murnnir which is the sign of an impending storm. The brave ships liurry for the nearest port, or furl their white sails, to ride out the gale at anchor. Now is the time to witness the glory of the ocean, while the tempest broods over it, and drives to the rocky shores its tossing and impetuous waves. 146 HISTORY OF BOSTON. 9. You can hardly wonder that, with all its sublimity and beauty, Nahant has become a place of very great resort during the summer months. Strangers from the South, and the inhabitants of Boston and its neighborhood, frequent it in large numbers. There is a spacious stone hotel built here for their accommodation, in a commanding position ; and we must do them the justice to suppose that they are as much attracted to this spot by its natural beauties, as by the sports of angling, riding, bilHards and bowling, with which they can here at any time amuse themselves. 10. Immediately connected with Boston by two bridges is Charlestown, a pleasant, but irregular town, with a popu- lation of about nine thousand inhabitants. The more com- pact part of this town is built upon a peninsula, the centre of which is occupied by Bunker Hill. A large monument of gray granite was commenced some years ago upon this eminence. Its height is to be 220 feet, and there is every reason to hope that it will soon be finished. 11. The United States have a navy yard in this town, which occupies sixty acres of ground, and comprises a great number of arsenals, magazines and barracks. The stocks for ship-building are covered with frame houses, large enough to contain first-rate line of battle ships. 12. Here is the Dry Dock, built of hewn granite, a work of immense extent, for the purpose of receiving ships of war to be repaired. It is sufficiently spacious to admit the larg- est ship in our navy, being three hundred and forty-one feet HISTORY OF BOSTON. 147 in length, eighty wide, and thirty deep. After the ship is floated into the dock, and the gates closed, the water is emptied by means of an apparatus, worked by a steam-en- gine of immense power. There are eight pumps, two feet and six inches in diameter, which discharge at every stroke about a hogshead and a half of water each ; besides these, there are eigiit smaller pumps. 13. The water is first forced from the dock, into wells, and then into a capacious reservoir, from which it runs into the sea. The dock is provided with two sets of gates, call- ed turning gates, each weighing fifty tons ; besides these is the floating gate, which is built in the shape of a vessel, and is said to contain timber enough to build a ship of three hundred and fifty tons. 14. In Charlestown is the State Prison of Massachusetts, which consists of several large piles of building, surrounded by a lofty wall. Nearly all the buildings are of stone. Of the convicts confined here, some are employed in hammer- ing stone ; others as tailors, shoemakers, and blacksmiths. They are dressed in clothes of various colors, and while in the yard are guarded by soldiers with loaded muskets. 15. Cambridge lies west of Boston, on the oj)posite side of the river Charles. It has long been celebrated as the seat of Harvard College. This institution was founded a great many years ago, and many distinguished men have been educated there. The library luiinbcrs about thirty- five thousand volumes ; and contains books of almost every 148 HISTORY OF BOSTON. age, and language. Some of these languages are so little known, that I am afraid there are a great many more books here, than are ever read. 16. In Cambridge is the beautiful wooded eminence, call- ed Mount Auburn, which has within a few years been con- secrated to the purposes of a burial-plac^.. It is about four miles distant from Boston. A high and substantial fence has been erected about it, having for its principal entrance a gate-way, finished in the Egyptian style, and twenty-five feet in height. 17. Part of the tract borders upon the high-way, and this has been cultivated as a garden. Within, lies the portion that has been marked out as the cemetery, or burial-place. This is covered, through most of its extent, with a vigorous growth of forest trees, many of which are of a large size, comprising numerous varieties. The grounds of the ceme- tery have been laid out with curved and winding avenues, smoothly gravelled, and to be bordered with shrubs and flowers. Family burial places are set off" at suitable distan- ces, along the passage ways. Elegant monuments of mar- ble and granite, have already been erected, and others will soon be completed. 18. This spot is no where surpassed. The view from its highest point comprises a landscape, of great variety and beauty. Just below is the winding Charles, with the culti- vated fields on its banks, beyond which, in the distance, rise the hills of Milton, wrapped in their blue mantle of air. HISTORY OF BOSTON. 149 19. On anotlier side, is a full view of the city, rising with its spires, anil noble edifices, in beautiful pictures. The old buildings of Harvard college, among the neat private dwell- ings of the village, occupy another point of the landscape. A pretty sheet of water lies at a very short distance to the North, and villas, and country seats, in every direction, give a cheerful and picturesciue appearance to the whole scene. 20. Among tiie other towns, in the immediate neighbor- hood of Boston, are Dorchester, Roxbury, Brookline, and Chelsea, all of which arc ])leasant and flourishing villages, ornamented with beautiful residences. INIany families from the city resort to these towns, to pass the summer months. 21. I have now finished all that I have to tell you of the history of Boston. If you have read it with pleasure, and derived information from it, my labor has not been in vain. Farewell ! QUESTIONS. CHAPTER I. 1. Whex did tlio first settlers land at Plymotitli ? Had this Con- tinent ever been visited before ? 2. What is said of the 3Iay Flow- er ? 3. When did the pilgrims land ? Who was the first Governor? What name did they give to their new home ? 4. What is said of the season which followed? The spring? 5. Indians? G. What happened in March ? What did Samoset relate ? 7. Describe Samo- set ? y. What is said of the Indian visitors ? 9. English settle- ments ? 10. 11. 12. Wiiat happened at Mount Wolaston ? 13. Wliat is said of tlie Indians? 14. What trade was forbidden by the king of England ? Who was sent from Plymouth to stop it? 15. How large was' the fleet about to sail for America? Who were on board of it ? 16, IIow was the weather during the voyage ? 17. How were the two quarrelsome young men jMiuished ? 18. How many ships arri\ed l)y the sixth of July ? Where did they an- chor ? How many passengers had died ? What took place on the eigiitii ? 19. Where did the new settlers remove ? Who was ap- pointed governor ? 20. W^hat is said of distress ? From what did they suffer ? What led to the immediate settlement of Boston ? 152 II. 1. What was the length of the peninsula mentioned ? Breadth ? Appearance in 1630 ? Indian name ? 2. What had become of the Indians ? Who was tlie first white occupant ? 3. Why did he in- vite the Charlestown settlers ? 4. When was the name of Boston given to the new settlement ? 5. Did the sickness continue ? What is said of Lady Johnson ? G. Mr Johnson ? Where was he buried ? 7. What is said of the Colonists ? Planting? Provisions? Winter? 8. Fears of the Colonists ? Reg)-ets ? Confidence in heaven ? 9. When did the vessel arrive from England ? 10. Welcome of their new visitors? 11. What punislmient was much in fashion at this time? 12. When was the Blessing of the Bay laiuiched? 13. What is said of monthly trainings? Watchmen? Mr Josias? 14. Who were passengers in the Lion ? 15. What did the inhabitants detei'mine upon ? 16. What is said of military honors? 17. Presents? 18. What is said of the increase of Boston ? 19 Give the account of the old traveller. III. 1. When did Mr Cotton arrive in Boston ? 2. What is said of extravagance ? Long veils ? 3. Chicatabot ? His visit with his tribe? 4. His dress? 5. The Governor's present? Its return? 7. What story is told in this paragraph ? 8. When did Mr Vane arrive ? What was his character ? 9. What is said of Mi's Hutchinson? 10. What party did Govcraor Vane join? 11. De- scribe the May Election. 19. When did Mr Vane return to Eng- land ? What was his fate ? ]3. What became of Mrs Hutchinson ? 14. What is sal.l of tlie winter of 1637? 14. 15. 16. What is rela- ted in these paragraphs? 17. May Muster? 19. Other trainings ? 20. What story is told in the rest of the chapter ? 153 IV. 1. What is said of the increase of the town ? Occupation of the iiihahitaiits ? 2. When did Governor Wintliroj) dit; ? What is said of his cliaractcr? 3. 4. Anecdote? 5. Appearance? Memory? 6. What is said of Mr Cotton ? 7. What took place in 1G55 ? 8. Wlio suffered? 10. For what supposed crime was Mi-s Ilihhins prosecuted? What was lier fate? 11. What are the reflections in this paragraph ? 12. What farther is said of witchcraft ? 1. Was Boston ever much troubled by the Indians ? 2. What is said of the native tribes? 3. Their conduct in 1670 ? Kinjf Pliihp? 4. His character? His rank among the Indians? 5. His jilot? 6. Acts of violence? 7. What is said of Cajitain Henchman? En- sign Savage? 8. Rout of the Indian tribes? The affair at Mendon ? 9. Anecdote? 10. Farther Indian encounters ? 11. Death of Phil- ip ? Relics of this king ? 12. One-eyed John ? VI. ]. What is said of Mr Leverett ? 2. Describe the great fire of 1679. What is said of the houses built after this fire ? 3. What were the Chartei-s of the colonies ? 4. When was Ajulros ai)j)oint- ed governor? What authority was given to him? 5. Relate tlie story of the Connecticut charter. 6. What is said of James II? Of the prince of Orange ? 7. What proclamation did Andros issue ? What followed ? 8. Return of the Governor ? 9. What is said of Sir William Phif)s? 10. Relate the story of the wreck. What houoi-s did Sir WiUiam receive ? 11. What happened m Ijis new 11 154 office ? When was he appointed governor ? 19. Describe his arrival in Boston. 13. What is said of his character ? Death ? 14. What is said in this paragraph ? 15. For what is the year 1704 remark- able ? 16. Wlien was Benjamin Franklin born ? Where ? 17. What is said of his brother ? Of himself ,' VII. 1. What is said of the independence of our ancestors ? 2. Of Commodore Knowles and his fleet ? 3. What violence was prac- tised by his ortler ? 4. To what did it lead ? 5 — 10. Describe briefly tlie progress of the citizens' violence. 11. What measures were adopted by the governor ? The Commodore 7 12. By the council ? Representatives ? 13. Inhabitants ? 14. Conclusion of the affau* ? 15. What is said of the old Town House ? VIII. 1. What is said of the times ? 2. Where was James Otis bom ? What is said of him? 3. What plan did Great Britain forai in 1759? What were writs of assistance? 4. What is said of this power ? What was the conduct of Mr Otis ? 5. What is said of him ? The trial ? The Judges ? 6. Interest felt in the cause. 7. By whom was the cause argued ? 8. What did President Adams say of Mr Otis? 9. What became of the writs? What is said of par- ties? 10. When did King George consent to the stamp act? What was this act ? 11. On Avhat documents was the stamp to be put ? 12. What is said of Liberty Tree ? The fourteenth of Au- gust ?^ Images ? 1-3. State of public feeling durhig the day ? 14, 15. ]6. Violence of the mob? 155 IX. 1. What is said of public excitement? 2. What is said of another mob? 3. 4. 5. Describe its progress. 0. What is said of Mr Ilutcii- bison ? 7. What happened on the approach of the mob? 8. De- scril)e the violence of the mob. 9. Wliat great loss is mentioned ? 10. What measures were taken by the citizens? AVhat is said of Stamps ? 12. AVhat was the declaration of Mr Oliver ? 13. AVliat happened in Februaiy? 14. What news was received in May? How did it affect the people ? What took place ? 15. What hap- pened on the nineteenth ? IG. What is said of Liberty Tree ? Illu- minations? 17. What is related in this pai-agraph? 18. What is said of Libeily Tree ? X. 1. What is said of resistance ? 2. The seizure of John Han- cock's sloop? 3. Indignation of the people? 4. Bonfire? 5. Course pursued l)y General Gage? Arrival of British Trooj)S ? G. Landing and parade of the regiments ? 7. Difliculties? Quarters of the soldiers? Signs of war? 8. Tea? 9. Attack of Mr Otis? 10. Quarrel? 11. Its result? Generous conduct of Otis? 12. Agreement of merchants? 13. What is tolfl in this paragraph? 14. Conduct of Richardson ? Of the mob? Quarrel? 15. Unfortu- nate issue of this aflair? IG. Describe the funeral. The inscrip- tions on the Coffin ? 17. What is said of fiiis scene ? Origin of tiic Fif^h of March massacre? 18 — 21. Tell the story of ihc Fiftli of March, briefly, in your own words, as if you were descril)ing it to a companion. 22. What is said of the Funeral? 23. Trial and ac- quittal of the soldiers ? 156 XL 1. — 4. Relate the anecdote of the Boston boys? 5. What license was granted to the English E. I. Company ? What is said of Ame- rican merchants ? Meetuigs in Boston ? 6. What did the Bostonians determme about the tea ? 7. What application was made to the governor ? What was his answer ? 8. 9. What is related in these paragraphs? 10. What is said of this affair? 11. How was this affair received in England? What bill was passed by parliament? What were its effects? 12. What is said of the troops ? Their de- predations ? 13. Conduct of the inhabitants of Cambridge ? 14. The provincial congress ? 15. What is said of this assembly ? Com- mittee of safety ? 16. What is said of the state of affairs ? 17. What was the number of i-egiments in Boston at the close of 1774 ? XII. 1. 2. Describe the exploit of Colonel Nesbit ? 3. On what day was the battle of Lexington? Describe its commencement ? 4. How did it terminate ? Subsequent attack ? Reinforcement? 5. Describe the retreat of the regular troops ? 6. What is said of the excite- ment in New England ? Boston ? Liberty Poles ? 7. The govern- or's proclamation ? 8. Bunker's Hill ? Entrenchments ? 9. Can- nonade ? Increase of the provincial army ? 10. Describe the pro- gress of the battle ? 11. Thhd assault? 12. What is said of Gene- ral Warren ? 13. What is said of the battle, and fire of Charles- tOAvn ? 14. Where were the British regular troops posted ? The provincials ? Condition of Boston ? 15. When did Washington take command ? Where did he fix his head quarters ? 16. Who succeeded General Gage in command of the army ? What procla- mation was issued ? 17. What was the state of tilings in Boston ? 157 XIII. 1. Wliat anecdote is related ? 2. How did the soMiers procure fuel? 3. How was the Old Soutli ])rofanod? 4. AVliat took place on the ninth of February ? 5. (i. What amusing incident is con- nected with this aflair? 7. How large was the American army? 7, 8. When and in what manner did the Americans take possession of Dorchester heights? What was General Howe's observation? 9. What followed ? On what did General Howe determine ? 10. What offer was mad(! to General Washington ? 11. When did the British army leave lioston ? V2. Wiiat is said of the entry of the American ti'oops ? 13. Destruction Ijy the British troops ? Trees? XIV. 1. What is said of the Inhabitants of Boston ? The firet govern- or? 2. Proclamation of peace ? 4. Where and when was Josiah Quincy, Jr, born ? What is said of him ? 5. His defence of the sol- diei-s? What was his course of life till 1772? G. His health? Ilia labors? 7. A menacing letter? 8. His reply? [). His visit to England? 10. Return and death ? 11. When did James Otis re- tire from public life ? What was the state of his mind ? 12. At what age and when did he die ? xv: 1. What is said of Hancock and Adams? 2. When was Han- cock born? WMiat is said of his education ? 3. His fortune? 4. His business luid influence ? 5. What anecdote is related by President Adams? G. What is said of his election to the legislature? His popularity? 7. Proclamation of Gi'iieral Gage? 8. When was Hancock sent to the congress at Philadelphia ? What farther is re- 158 lated ? 9. What office did he afterwards hold m his native state ? When did he die ? 10. What anecdote is here related ? 11. What is said of his genei'osity ? 12. His chai-acter and manner of life ? XVI. 1. When was Samuel Adams born ? What is said of him ? 2. What was Hutchinson's opinion of him ? 3. What is said of Mr Adams ? 4. 5. What anecdote is related in these paragi-aphs ? 6. What proposition was made by Governor Gage ? 7. How was it received ? 8. What is said of Mr Adams's public life ? 9. His opinions and character ? 10. Mention the contents of this para- graph, XVII. 1. What is said of luxury ? 2. Of Hackney Coaches ? 3. What was the usual dress of gentlemen, eighty years ago ? Of boys ? 4. Of wedding di-esses ? 5. What is related in this paragrajih ? 6. What is said in this of articles of dress ? Of the markets ? 8. 9. What story is hei-e related ? 10. What is said of the Old State House? 11. Modes of punishment ? 12. Beacon Hill? 13. The beacon P XVIII. 1. Did Boston suffer much during the late war ? 2. What is said of the Chesapeake ? 3. The Shannon ? 4. The challenge, and its acceptance ? 5. View of the battle ? 7. Give an account of the battle ? 8. What is said of Captain Lawrence ? 9. Of his dying message ? His burial ? Memory ? 159 XIX. 1. What is described in this Chapter ? 2. Where was Lafayette born ? At what age did ho leave France ? 3. What is said of him ? 4. When diil he revisit this country? 5. How was he received? 6. How by the citizens of BofSton ? 10. 11, Describe his entry to the. city. 12. What is said of public favor? 13. 14, 15. IG. De- scribe the procession to Bunker Hill. 17. What is said of the Pre- sidents ? XX. 1. What is said of the progress of Boston? 2. Of avenues to the city ? 3. Bridges ? Dam ? Rail-roads ? Ferry ? 4. Ai)proach from the sea? 5. Viewof the City ? G, Harbor? 7. Recollections? 8, DcsQci^e the strajiger's reflections, 10. What issaiil of Faneuil Hall Market? 11, When was it built? 12, What is said of Faneuil Hall? 13. Its length? Ornaments? 14. May Fair? 15. IG. 17. Describe tliis ocrasion. 18. What is said of tiie Institution for the Blind ? 19. Amusement and education of the children ? 20. Re- flections ? XXI, 1. What is said of the north part of the to^vn ? 2. The West ? 3. 4. Tlie Common? 5. Remains of foitiiications ? Trees? 6. State House ? When was its corner stone laid ? 7. How high is ita dome ? What is said of the view from this eminence ? 8. Of Tre- mont House ? Theatre ? 9. Stone Chapel ? 10. Park street Church ? Granaiy buryiug-ground? 11. Old South? 12. Brattle street Church ? 13. Trinity Church ? 160 XXII. 1. What is said of the wharves of Boston ? Commerce ? 2. Schools? Franklin Medals? 3. The Atlieiifeum? 4. Gallery of Paintings ? 5. The surrounduig country ? Nahant ? 6. Swallow House ? Spouting Horn ? 9. Attractions of Nahant ? 10. Charles- town? Monument? 11. Navy yard ? 12. The Dry Dock? What are its dimensions ? 13. How is the water emptied from the Dock ? What is said of the State Prison ? 15. Cambridge ? For what is it famous ? How large is the library of Harvard College ? 16. What is said of Mount Auburn ? 17. The garden ? The Cemeteiy ? 18. 19. The view from this spot ? 20. Other towns in the neighbor- hood? 21. Conclusion? \ 3 1205 02528 7002 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBR/*PY f .'>'"" '^y I Mil AA 000 944 413 4