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Subject: [GM-L] History of the Town of Concord, Mass. - American Revolution Part 1
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2002 09:45:25 EDT


Subject: Chapter VI - Part 1 - p.76 American Revolution
Source: History of the Town of Concord, Mass. by Lemuel
Shattuck 1835.
Part 1
Concord, Mass.
American Revolution
p.76

The most interesting period in the history of the United
States is undoubtedly that in which they shook off their
allegiance to Great Britain, and assumed the right of
governing themselves.

Much of the spirit of those times may be known from a
general survey of the country, and especially the state
of Massachusetts; but the mainsprings of that great
revolution, the feelings and acts of the people, are best understood from the
minute histories of the towns.

All, however, are not equally interesting. Some from
their locality, accidental occurences, or peculiar
patriotism, were more distinguished than others; and such, from some of these
circumstances, is Concord.

The events of the 19th of April, 1775, the proceedings
of various state and county conventions held here, and
especially the proceedings of the town, would afford
matter for an intersting volume; and give to the history of Concord more than
ordinary value.

Though I shall draw liberally from all my sources of
information, this history can contain a small part only
of the important productions of those eventful times.

>From the commencement of the controversy between England
and the colonies, the citizens of Concord took a ration-
al but decided stand in favor of liberty. They watched
with interest the progress of this controversy and did
not fail to express their disapprobation of the obnoxious acts of the British
Parliament.

As early as October, 1767, the town instructed their
representative to oppose the operation of the stamp act,
and to unite in all constitutional measures that might
be taken to obtain its repeal. In December, 1767, the
Selectmen were chosen a committee to consider and report
on those measures, "which threaten the country with
poverty and ruin." After accepting their report, the
town voted, "to encourage industry, economy, frugality,
and manufactures, at home and abroad, and to prevent
purchasing so much as we have done of foreign commodities."

p.77

Captain James Barrett was chosen a delegate to the con-
vention held in Boston, September 22, 1768, "to consult
on the best measures for the good of the province in
this critical day." The spirit of liberty was thus early and effectually
kindled in Concord.

The address of the citizens of Boston, of the 20th of
November, 1772, relating to the distressed state of the
Province, was laid before this town, December 20th
following; and a committee, consisting of:

Mr. Joseph Lee
Charles Prescott, Esq.
John Cuming, Esq.
Daniel Bliss, Esq.
Mr. John Flint
Deacon Thomas Barrett
Capt. Stephen Hosmer
Capt. James Barrett

Mr. Ephraim Wood, Jr., was chosen to prepare an answer,
and instructions to the representative of the town. Their reports, made at an
adjourned meeting, Jan. 11, 1773, "after being several times read, and very
coolly
and deliberately debated upon," were unanimously accept-
ed in full town-meeting. They appear at length on the
town records, and express "firm attachment and ardent
love to our Most Gracious Sovereign, King George, in de-
fence of whose person and dignity we are always ready, not only to spend our
fortunes but our lives, while we are in the employment of our inestimable
privileges,
granted to us by royal charter," but specify at the same
time several ways in which these privileges have been
curtailed and the charter violated.

"As men," they said, "we have a right to life, liberty,
and property; as Christians, we, in this land, blessed be God for it, have a
right to worship God according to
the dictates of our own consciences; and as subjects,
we have a right to personal security, personal liberty,
and private property."

"These principal rights we have as subjects of Great
Britian; and no power on earth can, agreeably to our
constitution, take them from us, or any part of them
without our consent."

They denied the power of Parliament to tax them without
their consent, and expressed their firm determination,
"never tamely to submit" to any infringement of their
liberties. Several other meetings were held during this
year.

The act of Parliament in relation to exporting tea into
the colonies, was laid before the town Jan. 20th, 1774,
and referred to a committee. Their report, made at an
adjourned meeting, held four days afterwards, was, after
full discussion, unanimously accepted. It breathes a
tone of ardent patriotism and fearless independence,
worthy of the age in which it was produced.

"This town, at this and a former meeting, taking into
serious consideration the present alarming situation of our public affairs,
in consequence of the advice received from the united committees of
correspondence in
the vicinity of Boston, communicated to us, do, express
of our gratitude to them, freely and cheerfully give our
sentiments thereon."

To be continued - Chapter VI - Part 2 - p. 78
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth

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