g to the
company to be ready, and to appear in arms at such place of
parade as you think fit, whensoever there may be a
tumultuous assembly of the people, in violation of the laws,
in order to their being aiding and assisting to the civil
magistrate as occasion may require."

This company, which was immediately under the governor's orders, had
been of service during the stamp act riots, and had often been
complimented for its discipline. The evident intent of this order, to
use military force to suppress public assemblages, and the stationing of
companies of British troops in the neighboring towns, augmented the
uneasiness already felt. There was now, besides the soldiers at the
castle, a considerable naval force in the harbor, under Admiral John
Montagu.

* * * * *

On the morning of November 17, a little party of family friends had
assembled at the house of Richard Clarke, Esq., known as the "Cooke
House," near the King's Chapel, on School Street, to welcome young
Jonathan Clarke, who had just arrived from London. All at once the
inmates of the dwelling were startled by a violent beating at the door,
accompanied with shouts and the blowing of horns, creating considerable
alarm. The ladies were hastily bestowed in places of safety, while the
gentlemen secured the avenues of the lower story, as well as they were
able. The yard and vicinity were soon filled with people. One of the
inmates warned them, from an upper window, to disperse, but getting no
other reply than a shower of stones, he discharged a pistol. Then came a
shower of missiles, which broke in the lower windows, and damaged some
of the furniture. Influential patriots had by this time arrived, and put
a stop to the proceedings, and the mob quietly dispersed. The consignees
now called on the governor and council for protection.

During the day, an arrival from London brought the news that three
ships, having the East India Company's tea on board, had sailed for
Boston, and that others had cleared for Philadelphia.

A petition for a town meeting was at once presented to the selectmen,
representing that the teas were shortly expected, and that it was
apprehended that the consignees might now be sufficiently informed on
the terms of its consignment, to be able to give their promised answer
to the town. A meeting was therefore appointed for the next day.

John Hancock was the moderator of the last town meet