An hour later the boys were at Chris Gore's home, and there they remained until noon, when it was learned that a formal town meeting was appointed for three o'clock in the afternoon. During the informal meeting Master Samuel Adams had made an address to the people, in which he recommended that a committee be sent to the Governor, to tell him once more that peace could not be maintained while the British soldiers virtually held possession of the city, and of this committee was Master Samuel Adams.
At night, when Chris Gore's father came home, he reported all the general public knew regarding the condition of affairs.
Faneuil Hall had proven too small for the throng of citizens assembled at the hour set, and it became necessary to adjourn to the Old South Meeting-house.
There it was said by some one who claimed to have talked with one of the committee appointed to wait upon the Governor, that while the throng were passing from Faneuil Hall to the church a member of the Council said to Hutchinson:
"This multitude are not such as pulled down your house; but they are men of the best character, men of estates, men of religion, and men who pray over what they do."
"When Master Adams came into the meeting-house at the head of the committee," Mr. Gore said to the boys, in continuing his story, "he whispered to those who were nearest as he passed, and I was one of them, 'Both regiments or none! Both regiments or none!' I did not at the moment understand his meaning; but a few moments later, when the report had been read, all was clear. Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson had decided that both regiments could not be removed; one must remain. The Twenty-ninth, because it was members of that body who committed the murder, was to be sent to the Castle; but the Fourteenth, so the Lieutenant-Governor declared, was to remain in the city. Then we knew what Master Adams meant by his whispered communication, and the cry went up in such volume as seemed to shake the building, 'Both regiments or none.'
"With this as the sentiment of the people, little business was done, save that of making plain to Governor Hutchinson that our will, not his, must prevail. A new committee, of which were Master Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Dr. Joseph Warren, was chosen, and sent to the Council-chamber to report. I was so fortunate as to be able to speak with Dr. Warren shortly after they returned, and am, therefore, able to tell you exactly what occurred. Master Adams, in presenting the case for the second time to Governor Hutchinson, argued as he always has, that it is illegal to quarter troops upon the city in time of peace, and that this, if there was no other reason, would be sufficient cause for our demanding their immediate removal. The Lieutenant-Governor insisted it was not only legal, but absolutely necessary, and he lamely concluded by saying the soldiers were not under his control. Then it was Master Adams took advantage of this weak point in His Excellency's remarks, to say that if he had the power to remove one, he could remove both regiments, and he added—I can well fancy with what power—'A multitude, highly incensed, now awaits the result of this application. The voice of ten thousand freemen demands that both regiments be forthwith removed. Their voice must be respected—their demand obeyed. Fail not, then, at your peril, to comply with this request. On you alone rests the responsibility of this decision; but if the just expectations of the people are disappointed, you must be answerable to God and your country for the fatal consequences that must ensue.'"
"And then he could do no less than comply with the demands of the people," Chris said, excitedly.