large masses of men, we
shall see no material difference between this language and that of the
Declaration of Independence. It was a pledge of life to the support
of the laws and liberties of the land. It was at once a concise and
forcible review of the past; a just and eloquent defence of the
principles and conduct of the colony; a noble appeal in behalf of
that and future generations. Memorable words for men to utter who
led at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill!

James Prescott, of Groton, was chairman of the convention, and
Frances Faulkner, John Hayward and Ephraim Hapgood were members from
the town of Acton. This was the most important step taken prior to
the commencement of hostilities. The convention attracted universal
notice. Copies of its proceedings were sent to the Continental
Congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, and they received cordial
approbation. But even as late as September, 1774, the patriots say to
General Gage, "that their sole intention is to preserve pure and
inviolate those rights to which, as men, and English Americans, they
are justly entitled, and which have been guaranteed to them by his
majesty's royal predecessors." Thus anxious were they at every point
of the controversy to define the ground on which they stood.

From August, 1774, to February, 1775, the British were engaged in
examinations of the country, in landing and drilling the troops,
and in vain attempts to check the progress or expression of the
public sentiment of almost universal hostility.

The province was engaged in the organization and discipline of the
minute men, and the collection and safe-keeping of stores, arms, and
munitions of war; preparations for attack on the one side, and
preparations for defence on the other. Nevertheless, this was a
season for reflection. For six months after the issue was fairly
presented, there were no evidences of fear, and but few indications of
a disposition to conciliate.

General Gage, however, appears not to have entertained the common
notion of English officers, that a small body of troops would put down
all opposition. He informed his government that the time for
"conciliation, moderation, reasoning was over," and that the first
campaign should be opened by the presence of twenty thousand men. This
was wise advice, because it was such advice as a wise man would have
given under the circumstances. It was, however, a fortunate blunder
in the English Government tha