e alms-house of the town of Boston. He not only served
at Concord but during the war; and his love of country shone as bright
in the evening as in the morning of his days.

In Massachusetts the revolution was carried on by towns. These
organizations were proof against all the attacks of the British
Government. For ten years previous to 1775, they had passed
resolutions and taken the initiatory steps of resistance. The
colonies were more cumbrous, and opinion when expressed was necessarily
representative. Representatives may go beyond, or fall short of, the
opinions of their principals, but the people themselves make no such
mistakes. A New England town meeting is the most perfect democracy
which the world has ever seen. Citizens are upon an equality. Votes
are not given on account of wealth, standing, or official position,
but as the primary, legitimate right of each citizen. Even at the
commencement of the Revolution we had had great experience in voting.
It was not a questionable right. At all times, even when valued rights
of British subjects were invaded, that of voting had never been
assailed. Towns not only chose their selectmen and representatives,
but with great freedom they expressed opinions upon public affairs and
the conduct of public men, even to the King upon his throne. They had
voted men and supplies in the French war, and in the Revolution they
did the same. In this province the people were reached through the
towns almost exclusively. They voluntarily assumed the burdens of the
war, and hence they had great influence in its prosecution. It is a
singular and most agreeable fact that the Revolution was eminently a
popular movement; and in proportion as we appreciate correctly the
burdens of the war does our respect increase for the men who
voluntarily assumed them. When the army was famishing, when the
soldiers were destitute of clothing, when men and money were needed,
the appeal was made to the towns, and in their meetings the subject
was considered and determined. I know not of a more gratifying fact
in the Revolution than this, and I may venture to say that it is one
whose importance has been sometimes overlooked.

The spirit of patriotic Boston was the spirit of every municipality
in the province, and there is no instance of devotion superior to that
manifested by all when Boston was the special object of ministerial
wrath. Her injuries were felt by each town as though the blow we