The Old North Church.
“If you can,” was the answer.
A British fleet then sailed into Boston harbor, and British soldiers swarmed over Boston town. This action enraged the citizens. It angered the “Sons of Liberty,” whose name is self-explanatory and whose slogan was “Liberty or Death,” and inspired them to more vigorous efforts toward freedom from Britain’s power. The “Minute Men” were organized and stood ready to the summons, ready at a minute’s notice to leave forest, field, or fire side, to take up arms in defense of their liberties and their rights.
The spirit of dissension ran rife; and petty altercations between the British soldiers and the citizens were of daily occurrence. A trivial happening brought about the Boston Massacre. A “Son of Liberty” and a British soldier disputed the right of way of a street passage.
“Stand aside,” said the one.
“Give way,” said the other.
Neither would yield. Blows followed. Rocks flew. The soldiers marshaled and fired into the crowd. Several citizens were killed. The town was ablaze with excitement. And the governor had finally to withdraw the troops from Boston.
When antagonism had abated in degree, King George devised new measures of taxation and stirred ill feeling again. Boston brewed British tea in the ocean. England disliked the taste of it. The people were declared Rebels; and the charter of Massachusetts was annulled by Parliament. Ten thousand British soldiers then came over. Boston Neck was seized and fortified. The colonists were to be forced into obedience.
Then from Lexington and Concord the signals of revolt were sounded—