The convention attracted universal
notice. Copies of its proceedings were sent to the Continental
Congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, and they received cordial
approbation. But even as late as September, 1774, the patriots say to
General Gage, "that their sole intention is to preserve pure and
inviolate those rights to which, as men, and English Americans, they
are justly entitled, and which have been guaranteed to them by his
majesty's royal predecessors." Thus anxious were they at every point
of the controversy to define the ground on which they stood.
From August, 1774, to February, 1775, the British were engaged in
examinations of the country, in landing and drilling the troops,
and in vain attempts to check the progress or expression of the
public sentiment of almost universal hostility.
The province was engaged in the organization and discipline of the
minute men, and the collection and safe-keeping of stores, arms, and
munitions of war; preparations for attack on the one side, and
preparations for defence on the other. Nevertheless, this was a
season for reflection. For six months after the issue was fairly
presented, there were no evidences of fear, and but few indications of
a disposition to conciliate.
General Gage, however, appears not to have entertained the common
notion of English officers, that a small body of troops would put down
all opposition.
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