At this time, and from a very trifling circumstance, a spirit of military union, and also of hostility, was peculiarly apparent among the New Englanders. A report, very industriously propagated, and seemingly with a view to probe the general feelings, gained ground, that the British had occupied the Neck, had cut off all communication with the Continent, in order to compel the inhabitants of Boston into the unlimited assent of every measure. This being spread abroad, the adjacent country assembled, intimated to the people within the town their readiness to assist them; but that if they should sacrifice their liberties, such an inglorious compact would extend no farther.
They moreover avowed their intentions of combining together in what manner and form they chose for mutual security.
Every thing foreboding hostile events, General Gage fortified the Neck at Boston, and as precautionary steps he also seized upon the provincial arsenal at Cambridge, and the powder lodged in the magazines of Charlestown.
These measures were sufficient to rouse the popular indignation, in no want of inflammatory materials; but although they might not have been political, they were still, however, expedient, under existing circumstances.
To ascertain the views and opinions of so many provinces, different in their manners, and in some respects opposite in their interests, a general Congress was held at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774, by deputies from the whole. Their proceedings were marked by moderation, but by firmness.
The terms of conciliation arising from them having been rejected by the mother country, his Majesty communicated a message, recommending the augmentation of his forces, by sea and land.
The union which pervaded America, sufficiently proves how widely popular had been the resolves of their deputies. These were almost every where the political creed of the Colonies, and the crowd.
Things arrived at such a crisis early in 1775, that the die could not be long suspended. A trivial affair, upon the 26th of February, shewed by what a slender thread the tranquillity of the Empire hung, and although it was not accompanied by any act of hostility, still it tended to ground a mutual antipathy between the Soldier and the Native.
General Gage having learned that some brass guns had been collected in the town of Salem, sent a detachment in order to bring them to Boston. Landing at Marblehead, they continued their march towards the place of destination, but not finding the cannon, which had been removed, they penetrated farther into the country in quest of them.
In the course of their route there was a draw-bridge, which the numerous populace on the other side had taken up, on purpose to stop the passage of the troops. An order from the Commanding Officer to let it down was disobeyed, who attempted to seize on a boat, in order to get possession of the bridge. A scuffle ensued, but nothing occurred which could be denominated sanguinary force. This was owing to the address of a neighbouring Clergyman, who, while he consulted the feelings of an Officer in prosecuting his instructions, also expostulated with him who headed the detachment, upon the endless and calamitous results if blood was spilt. Appealing to the people also, he invoked them to concede their point, which, for a short time, delayed the awful quarrel.