rth Meetinghouse, and
cut its timbers into kindlings. After much hacking they leveled the
Liberty Tree, not only to obtain the wood, but to manifest their
hatred of the tree. Not being able to feed the people, he sent three
hundred and fifty from the town, landing them at Point Shirley, to
make their way over the marshes to Lynn as best they could. Others
were directed to go.

"We shall not go. I do not propose to let the redcoats make themselves
at home in this house," said Berinthia to the sergeant who asked if
the family would like to leave the town.

"What will you live on? Butcher Thurbal, whom General Howe has
appointed to take charge of all the cattle, says he has but six left,
and here it is December, with winter only just begun. You will starve
before spring," the sergeant replied.

"We have a little flour, and there is a bit of mackerel; a layer of
pork is still left in the barrel. We will not go till the last
mouthful of food is gone," Berinthia said resolutely.

The knocker rattled.

"One of Massa Genral Howe's ossifers," said Mark Antony.

A young lieutenant entered; but seeing a fair-faced young lady he
removed his cap.

"I would like to see the mistress of the house," he said.

"I am mistress. What is it you wish?"

"I come to inform you that Colonel Hardman desires to occupy these
premises for himself and staff, of which I have the honor to be a
member. I am directed to inform you that you can have twenty-four
hours to effect your removal."[75]

[Footnote 75: Under date of September 13, 1776, is the following from
the letter of Reverend Andrew Eliot to S. Eliot: "Every house is now
taken as the officers please. General Clinton is in Mr. Hancock's,
Burgoyne in Mr. Bowdoin's."]

"Colonel Hardman desires to take our house, does he?"

"That is his wish."

"Has he ordered you to take possession of it for him?"

"No, he has directed me to inform you of what he intends to do, that
you may make preparations at once for your removal."

"You will please say to Colonel Hardman that we cannot accede to his
wish."

It was said with such firmness and quiet dignity that the lieutenant
was amazed. He waited to hear some reason why she would not comply
with the demand. She stood silent before him, composedly looking him
in the face. Not being able to find words to reply, the lieutenant
bowed stiffly and departed.

"You haven't got through with Colonel Hardman," said Abraham. "He
likes the looks of