consideration, and 'out of
great tenderness' their request was granted. To prevent any surprise,
however, a watch of twenty-five persons, under Edward Proctor, was
appointed to guard the ship during the night.

"The answer of the consignees was given in the morning (November 30);
and after declaring that it was out of their power to send back the
teas, they expressed their readiness to store them until otherwise
advised. In the midst of the meeting the Sheriff of Suffolk entered,
with a proclamation from the Governor, warning the people to disperse;
but the message was received with derision and hisses, and a unanimous
vote not to disperse. The master and owner of the ship which had lately
arrived were then required to attend; and a promise was extorted from
them that the teas should be returned without landing or paying a duty.
The factors of two other vessels which were daily expected were next
summoned, and similar promises were given by them; upon which the
meeting, after voting to carry into effect, 'at the risk of their lives
and properties,' their former resolves, quietly dissolved.

"After this dissolution, the Committee of Correspondence of Boston and
its vicinity held meetings daily, and gave such directions as
circumstances required. The other ships, on their arrival, anchored
beside the _Dartmouth_ (Rotch's vessel), that one guard might serve for
all; and the inhabitants of a number of towns, at meetings convened for
the purpose, promised to aid Boston whenever their services should be
needed. At the end of twenty days the question must be decided, and if
the teas were landed all was lost. As the crisis drew near the
excitement increased. Hutchinson was confident that no violent measures
would be taken. The wealth of Hancock and others seemed sufficient
security against such measures. But the people had counted the cost,
and had determined to risk all rather than be slaves.

"The eventful day (December 16) at last dawned; and two thousand from
the country, besides the citizens of Boston, assembled in the Old South
Meeting-house at ten o'clock, to decide what should be done. It was
reported that Rotch, the owner of the _Dartmouth_, had been refused a
clearance; and he was immediately instructed to 'protest against the
Custom-house, and apply to the Governor for his pass.' But the Governor
had stolen to his residence at Milton, and at three o'clock in the
afternoon Rotch had not returned. What should be done