The public attention had been for many years directed to the
possibility of a rupture,--none knew when or how terrible it would be.
There had, however, been a long season of preparation. The courage
necessary to meet the crisis was quite different from that which the
mere soldier requires.
In 1775 our fathers were called upon to judge of the morality of the
course they were entering, not for themselves only, but for their
country and for posterity.
They commenced as rebels; whether their career should be that of
patriots or traitors was in some degree uncertain. But a high sense of
duty overcame all obstacles and led them with a firm reliance on Divine
Providence to take the great step which must lead to freedom and honor
or slavery and disgrace.
Acton had uniformly supported the policy of the colony, and early
pledged itself to the town of Boston in favor of non-importation and
non-consumption of foreign products. It declared in strong language
its hostility to all those who did not subscribe to the merchants'
agreement; even to denying them personal notice and social
conversation. In November, 1774, a company of minute men was raised
and placed under the command of Isaac Davis. It contained the hope of
the town,--young men from sixteen to thirty years of age. They were
frequently drilled at the public cost, and they acquired a good deal
of discipline.
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