r him, or they lost all security for property,
liberty, and life. Was it any way prudent for the feeble, colony of
Massachusetts, divided by parties, and with its administration in the
hands of a tool of the tyrant, to attempt to throw itself into the
contest at this doubtful stage?

It is unavoidable to suppose that these considerations were anxiously
weighed by the patriots of Massachusetts after the reception of the
intelligence from England. It is natural to believe, that, during the
fortnight which followed, there were earnest arguments between the more
and the less sanguine portions of the people. It seems probable that the
leaders, who had most to fear from rashness, if it should be followed by
defeat, pleaded for forbearance, or at least for delay. If any of them
took a different part, they took it warily, and so as not to be publicly
committed. But the people's blood was up. Though any day now might bring
tidings which would assure them whether a movement of theirs would be
safe or disastrous, their impatience could not be controlled. If the
leaders would not lead, some of the followers must take their places.
Massachusetts must at all events have her share in the struggle,--and
her share, if King James should conquer, in the ruin.

It may be presumed that Andros saw threatening signs, as, when next
heard of, he was within the walls of the work on Fort Hill. Two weeks
had passed after Winslow came with his news, when suddenly, at an early
hour of the day, without any note of preparation, Boston was all astir.
At the South end of the town a rumor spread that armed men were
collecting at the North end. At the North it was told that there was a
bustle and a rising at the South; and a party having found Captain
George, of the Rose frigate, on shore, laid hands on him, and put him
under a guard. "About nine of the clock the drums beat through the town,
and an ensign was set up upon the beacon." Presently Captain Hill
marched his company up King [State] Street, escorting Bradstreet,
Danforth, Richards, Cooke, Addington, and others of the old Magistrates,
who proceeded together to the Council-Chamber. Meantime, Secretary
Randolph, Counsellor Bullivant, Sheriff Sherlock, and "many more" of the
Governor's party, were apprehended and put in gaol. The gaoler was added
to their company, and his function was intrusted to "Scates, the
bricklayer."

About noon, the gentlemen who had been conferring together in the
Council-