Bancroft and the Andrews Letters.

[44] Hancock seems to have practised upon Gage the subterfuge which he
afterwards used with Washington, pretending to be too ill to wait upon
him.

[45] Andrews Letters.

CHAPTER VI

THE POWDER ALARM AND THE WINTER OF 1774-1775

Gage had by this time given up hope of winning to his side the leaders
of the Whigs. If he still retained a doubt of the temper of the people,
the events of the first and second of September would have made him
certain. Marching in companies, they converged upon Cambridge, whence
the Lieutenant-Governor, Andrew Oliver, hastily departed to Boston, to
implore Gage to send out no troops, lest not a man of them should return
alive. On his way in, Oliver passed Warren hastening out. But his
influence was not needed. The militia companies had already laid aside
their weapons and were parading peacefully upon Cambridge common. There
they were addressed by two of the Mandamus Council, who confirmed their
resignations and promised in no way to be concerned in the acts of
Gage's government. Then the high-sheriff came under the attention of the
meeting, and likewise promised to do nothing under the new laws.

Hallowell, the Commissioner of Customs, escaped more serious handling.
Passing by the common and its assemblage of Whigs, he "spoke somewhat
contemptuously of them." They promptly sent some mounted men after his
chaise. On seeing them coming he stopped his chaise, unhitched his horse
and mounted, and ran his pursuers a close race to Boston Neck, where he
found safety with the guard.

Oliver, returning to Cambridge with the governor's promise to send out
no troops, was waited upon by the great assemblage. The Whigs demanded
his resignation as a councillor. This, after demurring, Oliver gave, and
offered to resign also from the lieutenant-governorship. But this the
company allowed him to keep. Andrews records, "It is worthy remark that
Judge Lee remarked to 'em, after he had made his resignation, that he
never saw so large a number of people together and preserve so peaceable
order before in his life."

This orderly meeting, proceeding with parliamentary forms, passed a
resolve that Gage was within his legal rights in removing the powder
from the store-house. They then "voted unanimously their abhorrence of
mobs and riots,"[46] and with these lessons given for any one to learn,
they peaceably turned toward their homes. On their way they turned back
th