Historic Homes of New England

by Mary Harrod Northend

Those were troublous times. The edict had gone forth forbidding the passage of many measures that would have given to the colonies more freedom than the mother country thought best. It was even feared that if these measures were adopted, the colonies would eventually be allowed to do practically as they chose.

In considering this subject, it must be remembered that the colonies were supposed by England to have very rich possessions, and it behooved her to keep a strict hand on her unruly subjects who were planning for separation from the mother land.

Plate XVII.—Hallway, "The Lindens."

General Gage was sent over to look into the condition of affairs and to see what could be done to bring about harmony. It was the middle of July when the troop ships sailed into the harbor of Boston, and landed General Gage, who later made his way through Salem streets to his headquarters in the Hooper house. During his residence, this mansion was the scene of many a merrymaking, and within its walls was often heard the clanking of his officers' swords as the brilliantly uniformed men, members of His Majesty's army, visited the house and were entertained by their commander.

While "The Lindens" was the headquarters of General Gage, or Governor Gage, as he was generally known, he had his office at the Page house in Danvers, where the tea drinking episode took place on the roof. He formed a brilliant spectacle, with his officers accompanying him, as he rode over the highway every day in the fulfilment of his official duties.

At that time the country was not thickly settled, and the houses were so few that from his windows he could obtain an uninterrupted view of Salem harbor. One reason for his taking the Page house was because he could watch the vessels sailing in and out and thus guard himself against capture by surprise.

Not long afterwards British troops were brought into Salem harbor, disembarking at the point where Derby Wharf now is. There were two companies of the Sixty-fourth Royal Infantry who, with their brilliant red uniforms, made a striking spectacle as they marched through the streets to the governor's house, where they encamped on the plain opposite the headquarters. Later on these troops were followed by the Fifty-ninth Regiment, who were quartered at Fort Pickering on Winter Island. Messengers were constantly passing from one body of troops to the other, carrying messages from the commander.

But little imagination was required to realize that the defender was not popular, and that the people had very little respect for him. They had never forgotten the Boston Massacre, neither did they fail to remember that they had come to this country for freedom of thought. There was a growing hostility among them, though they were under discipline and generally kept within bounds. Still, enough restlessness was manifested for the camp to be watchful against surprise. They knew only too well that the independent citizens would let no occasion pass for a taunt or a scornful word. During their encampment many practical jokes were played on the troops, one of which was particularly amusing. At the drum call to arms one morning, a thoroughly disguised man dashed in among them on horseback and in a very loud voice cried: "Hurry to Boston, the devil is to pay!" The troops were on the alert, however, and paid no attention to his cry.