IONS OF RECONCILIATION AND
UNION DISAPPOINTED.

This was the year of bloody collision and parliamentary decision, which
determined the future relations between Great Britain and the American
colonies. Dr. Ramsay observes:

"From the Royal and Ministerial assurances given in favour of America in
1769, and the subsequent repeal in 1770 of five-sixths of the duties
which had been imposed in 1767, together with the consequent renewal of
the mercantile intercourse between Great Britain and her colonies, many
hoped that the contention between the two countries was finally closed.
In all the provinces, excepting Massachusetts, appearances seemed to
favour that opinion. Many incidents operated there to the prejudice of
that harmony which had begun elsewhere to return. Stationing a military
force among them was a fruitful source of uneasiness. The royal army had
been brought thither with the avowed design of enforcing submission to
the mother country. Speeches from the Throne and addresses from both
Houses of Parliament had taught them to look upon the inhabitants of
Massachusetts as a factious, turbulent people, who aimed at throwing off
all subordination to Great Britain. They, on the other hand, were
accustomed to look upon the soldiery as instruments of tyranny, sent on
purpose to dragoon them out of their liberties.

"Reciprocal insults soured the tempers, and mutual injuries embittered
the passions of the opposite parties. Some fiery spirits, who thought it
an indignity to have troops quartered among them, were constantly
exciting the townspeople to quarrel with the soldiers.

"On the 2nd of March, 1770, a fray took place near Mr. Gray's ropewalk,
between a private soldier of the 20th Regiment and an inhabitant. The
former was supported by his comrades, the latter by the ropemakers, till
several on both sides were involved in the consequences. On the 5th a
more dreadful scene was presented. The soldiers when under arms were
pressed upon, insulted and pelted by the mob, armed with clubs, sticks,
and snowballs covering stones. They were also dared to fire. In this
situation, one of the soldiers, who had received a blow, in resentment
fired at the supposed aggressors. This was followed by a single
discharge from six others. Three of the inhabitants were killed and five
were dangerously wounded. The town was immediately in commotion. Such
were the temper, force, and number of the inhabitants, that nothing but
an engageme