was a humanitarian, and was one of the first, not only
to oppose flogging in the army, but also to advocate friendly personal
relations between officers and men. America seldom took Burgoyne
seriously, but he is to us of to-day a pleasing and picturesque
character.

The third of the new generals was Sir William Howe, whose chief
misfortune was that fate had set him to oppose Washington. He came of a
family well known in American annals, for one brother was now an admiral
popular in the colonies, and another was still mourned in America for
his brilliant talents and magnetic personality. William Howe had gained
his seat in Parliament by appeals to the memory of that brother, and by
promises to take no active military command against America. But on
being offered the post under Gage, Howe asked if this were a request or
an order. The adroit king returned the proper answer, and Howe,
protesting that no other course was open to him, prepared to sail for
Boston.

Meanwhile Gage, alone, made various futile moves, at which the province
looked with patience. From time to time his troops marched a few miles
into the country, and returned again. In January he sent a detachment to
Marshfield, to occupy the village so that the loyal residents might
drink their tea in peace. It was a comfort to him to think that there
was one town in the province in which a militia company was drilling for
his support, and with the king's muskets. A month later Gage sent troops
to Salem, in order to seize some cannon; but the commander, finding the
country in arms to receive him, wisely withdrew his little force
after--to use a term yet to be invented--"saving his face" by crossing a
bridge under promise of immediate return.

The Reverend Jonas Clark, speaking of this event, adds an indignant note
to an equally indignant sermon.[49] "This unsuccessful expedition was
made on Lord's day, Feb. 26, 1775. The party consisted of 200 or 300
men; it was commanded by Lieut. Col. Leslie. The vessels which brought
them to _Marblehead_, arrived in the harbour, on the morning of the
sabbath; and the better to conceal their intentions, lay quietly, at
anchor, near to the wharves, with but very few hands upon deck (the
troops being kept close) 'till the people of the town were assembled
for the services of religion.--While the inhabitants were thus engaged
in their devotions to God, the party landed and made a speedy march to
Salem. But all their precaution did