tax the colonies. The act was repealed. The news caused universal joy throughout America. Bells were rung, cannon were fired, and festivals were held.

8. But in repealing the stamp act, the British government by no means intended to give up the principle of taxation in every form. In 1767, a duty was imposed on tea, glass, and other articles. The colonies again took the alarm, and manifested their indignation as before. The people of Massachusetts sent delegates to Boston, to consult with the citizens of that place, upon measures for resisting the king and parliament. The citizens of Boston had already incurred the displeasure of his majesty, and General Gage was now ordered to repair to that place, with a regiment of troops to protect the public officers, and quell all disturbances. 9. The soldiers arrived, and were stationed in different parts of the city. Their insolence often excited the people to resistance, and instead of subduing the spirit of liberty, daily increased it. On the 5th of March, 1770, a riot took place, during which, a party of soldiers being insulted, fired upon the citizens, killed three, and wounded several others. The next day they were arrested and imprisoned. This event was

afterwards commemorated as the Boston Massacre. At the demand of the citizens, the troops were removed from the city. The dead were buried with great pomp and solemnity. Soon after, the soldiers were brought to trial, and two of them found guilty of manslaughter.

10. To appease the people of the colonies, parliament repealed all the duties except that on tea. But America was not to be satisfied, so long as the principle of taxation was not renounced. The value of a few pence on a pound of tea, was not what she contended for. The right to take one penny, implied the right

8. What was done in 1767? What did the people of Massachusetts do? What British general was ordered to Boston with a regiment of troops?

9. What took place on the 5th of March, 1770 ?

10. What did parliament do to appease the colonists? Why were not the people satisfied?

to take a thousand. Tea, therefore, was at once banished from the tables of all, both rich and poor, who regarded the liberties of their country.

The colonies denied the right.

11. For two or three years no tea was imported into the colonies. In 1773, the government of England determined to force this article into their ports. Accordingly the East India company was directed to send several cargoes of tea to America. The people of New-York and Philadelphia would not suffer the tea to be brought ashore. At Boston, the masters of the ships met with such violent opposition, that they would gladly have returned to England immediately, but the king's governor would not permit them to leave the port.

12. At a large meeting of the citizens, it was resolved, that "the tea should not be landed." One night a party of men, dressed in the garb of Indians, went on board the ships, broke open the chests, and poured all the tea

11. Did they continue the use of tea? What took place in 1773 ? What did the people of New-York and Philadelphia do?

12. What was done by the people of Boston? Did they do right in throwing the tea overboard? What did the king and parliament now do ?

into the ocean. This bold exploit exasperated the king and parliament; and to humble the Bostonians, they passed an act to blockade the port, break up their trade,

and remove the custom-house to Salem.

13. This act, called the Boston Port Bill, produced great distress in Boston, as it at once deprived the greater part of the population of their usual means of subsistence. But the inhabitants soon found, that the whole country were sympathizing with them. Contributions were raised in other places, for the relief of all who were thrown out of business by this bill. The people of Salem refused to take the trade of their "suffering neighbors," and gave up their wharves and store-houses, for the relief of the Boston merchants.

14. In Virginia a day of fasting and prayer was observed. It was devoutly implored, that God would give to the people one heart and one mind, firmly to oppose every invasion of American rights. It was a serious time. The people in all parts of the country united in a "Solemn League and Covenant," to break off all intercourse with Great Britain. All seemed actuated by an invincible spirit of patriotism and love of liberty. A few, however, favored the cause of England. These were called tories, while those who favored the cause of American rights, were called whigs. The lovers of liberty had no hope of success against the military force of England; but they did hope, that continued resistance would lead her to yield the claims of justice.

15. Yet the colonies now determined to prepare for a united and desperate struggle. On the 5th of Septem

13. What was this act called? How were the Bostonians regarded by the people of the country? Was not this act directly calculated to benefit the people of Salem? What was their conduct? 14. What was done in Virginia? What did the people do in all parts of the country? What two parties were now formed? Who were called tories? Who were called whigs?

15. What did the colonies now determine to do? When and where did a provincial congress meet? From what provinces did telegates attend? Who was chosen president of this congress? 1. John Hancock. What did this congress do?

ber 1774, delegates from all the provinces, except Georgia, met in congress at Philadelphia. Their deliberations were secret. Nothing was to be made public without a vote of congress. They insisted on the rights of the colonies, and resolved to break off all trade with Great Britain, until these rights were ac knowledged. They sent addresses to the king and people of England, expressing a warm attachment to the mother country, and declaring, that they desired nothing, which, as loyal subjects, they had not a right to claim. After a session of eight weeks, having recommended a meeting of another congress the next year, they dissolved.

16. Their addresses displayed so much force of argument, so much knowledge of political science, and so much glowing patriotism, that a strong impression was made in favor of their cause. In the British senate, Mr. Pitt made a most eloquent speech in behalf of America. He spoke in the highest terms of the wisdom and dignity of the congress at Philadelphia.

17. In all the colonies, the enactments and resolutions of congress were observed with the utmost respect and obedience. Every preparation was now making for war. Military stores, arms, amunition, &c., were provided in all the colonies. The people began to train themselves in the use of the sword and musket. Massachusetts, especially, pursued a decided course in opposition to the governor, and in preparation for conflict.

18. General Gage,* who had been appointed governor by the king, took possession of all the fortifications around Boston. An army was quartered in the city,

16. What effect did their addresses produce? 17. What did the people begin to do?

18. Who was now appointed governor of Massachusetts by the king? What was called in Massachusetts at this time? What measures were taken by this assembly?

Thomas Gage, the last governor of Massachusetts appointed by the king, was an officer of some distinction in the British army. He arrived at Boston May 13, 1774, and began that course of illegal and oppressive acts which has tened on the war of the revolution. In Oct. 1775, he went to England, and was succeeded in the command by Sir William Howe. He died in 1787.

ready to march at any moment, according to his orders. But with all this array of force, he could not suppress the combinations of the people. An assembly was called, consisting of delegates from all the towns in the province. Measures were taken to raise an army of 12,000 men, and a strong force was kept in readiness to march at a moment's warning.

19. Matters were now fast approaching to a serious crisis. Nothing had been done in England to satisfy the colonies. The Americans were reproached in parliament as "cowardly, undisciplined, feeble," &c. It was evident, too, from the strong force which had already arrived from England, that she designed to compel the colonists to submit to her unjust laws. But the Americans, except a small party, who were courting the favor of the king, were united and firm in their determination, weak as they were, to maintain their rights against the strongest nation in the world.

WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.

1. At Concord, the colonists, by authority from the provincial congress, had collected a quantity of provisions and military stores. These, General Gage resolved to destroy. For this purpose he despatched from Boston, a body of 800 troops on the evening of the 18th of April. News of this design was immediately sent to Lexington and Concord, and early next morning the militia of those towns had assembled in arms for defence. Bells and signal guns, soon spread the alarm. When the British troops came to Lex

19. What was now evident? What is said of the Americans? 1. What had the people collected at the town of Concord? Where is Concord? A. It is 18 miles northwest of Boston. How many did General Gage send to destroy these stores? Why did he wish to destroy them? Did these troops meet with any opposition? Where? Where is Lexington? A. It is eleven miles northwest Boston. Describe the battle of Lexington.