The relation of the
priest to the sorcerer is a most interesting phenomenon of social
development; but it would require a treatise by itself.] For the honor of
our Common wealth let the tale be told of a state prosecution after her
bar was formed.
In 1768 the British Ministry saw fit to occupy Boston with a couple of
regiments, a force large enough to irritate, but too small to overawe, the
town. From the outset bad feeling prevailed between the citizens and the
soldiers, but as the time went on the exasperation increased, and early in
1770 that intense passion began to glow which precedes the outbreak of
civil war. Yet though there were daily brawls, no blood was shed until the
night of the 5th of March, when a rabble gathered about the sentry at the
custom-house in State Street. He became frightened and called for help,
Captain Preston turned out the guard, the mob pelted them, and they fired
on the people without warning. A terrific outbreak was averted by a
species of miracle, but the troops had to be withdrawn, and Preston and
his men were surrendered and indicted for murder.
John Adams, who was a liberal, heart and soul, had just come into leading
practice. His young friend Josiah Quincy was even more deeply pledged to
the popular cause. On the morning after the massacre, Preston, doubtless
at Hutchinson's suggestion, sent Adams a guinea as a retaining fee, which,
though it seemed his utter ruin to accept, he did not dream of refusing.
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