ent by its passage and enforcement. It was designed not only to
awe the people into submission, but to overturn the government of the
people and establish kingly prerogative. Parliament could not have
committed a greater blunder. Instead of humbling the people of Boston,
it aroused the sympathies of the entire country, and became a potent
influence in bringing about the union of the Colonies. Contributions
of food, wheat, corn, rye, peas, beans, flocks of sheep, and herds of
cattle came from all of the Colonies.]

It was near sunset when Robert turned into the highway leading from
Roxbury to Boston. He was surprised to find fortifications--a ditch
and embankment and cannon mounted upon it--at the narrowest part of
the Neck. The sentinels glared at him, but did not offer any
insult.[51] He knew several regiments of troops had already arrived,
and it was reported that others would soon be sent from England to
enforce the laws. He drove slowly along the street, past the Liberty
Tree. A half dozen citizens were sitting on the benches beneath it
smoking their pipes. There were few people but many soldiers in the
streets. He watered the horses at the pump, then drove to the Green
Dragon.

[Footnote 51: Several regiments of troops had already arrived in
Boston, and fortifications were being constructed on Roxbury Neck,
making it a garrisoned town.]

It was a hearty welcome which he received in the Brandon home.

"You find us under the harrow," said Mr. Brandon. "The king and
ministry are determined to crush the life out of us. All business has
stopped. Grass is growing in the streets. Ship-carpenters, joiners,
blacksmiths, ropemakers, are idle; no one has any work for them.
Thousands have already left town, and others are going. Nobody can
earn a penny, and we are all growing poorer. We should starve in a
short time were it not for the kindness and benevolence of the people.
We are receiving contributions of food from everywhere. Doctor Warren,
John Hancock, and a large number of our public-spirited citizens are
distributing the gifts."

Tom said he was aiding the committee, looking after the poor. Not only
were kind-hearted people sending grain, but flocks and herds.

"Only yesterday," he said, "Colonel Israel Putnam, who served in the
French and Indian war, arrived with a flock of sheep from Connecticut.
Day before yesterday a sloop dropped anchor in Salem harbor, loaded
with corn contributed by the people of North Ca