LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 55
men to go on with yl frames, &ca., nor in any shape to contribute towards the accommodation of the soldiery, as they might themselves give offence to their country brethren. The purport of which coming to the Governor, he sent his compliments to the Select men, and beg'd their attendance a1 six o'clock this evening, when he requested of them that they would not take any measures to prevent the workmen from going on with the barracks. They reply'd it was not in their power to influence the country, and it lay principally with them whether the workmen should proceed or not : that they themselves ■were dispos'd to have the barracks go on, as they conceiv'd it much more li>r the benefit of the town (if the Soldiery must be here) to have them kept together, rather than to he scatter' d over the town, as in that case it would be a very difficult matter to keep them in order. The Governor seem'd a great deal worried about y'.' affair, and am told that in tin- course of the conversation he express'd himself thus — "Good G — d! for G — d's sake, Gentlemen! they have got two months work to do, and the Soldiers ought to he in barracks in one. Do consider. Gentlemen!" — Thus the tables are in some measure turn'd. Formerly they solicited the Governor, hut now it seems he solicits them. A pretty good mess for .Sunday, Bill ; don't you think it is?
September 26th. Sometime this day the Governor had a confer- ence with Col: Hancock, requesting him to use his influence with the Committee to re-consider their vote respecting the barracks. The Colonel observ'd to him that he had taken every possible measure to distress us: that notwithstanding it was the Solicitors opinion that the Act could be construed to prevent goods, &ca., being transported within y'". hounds of the harbour, yet he had not suffered it to he done, and the Ships of War had seiz'd whatever had been attempted to be transported in that manner. He likewise told him that he had been threat'ned, and apprehended his person was in danger, as it had been gave out by some of his people that he deserv'd to he hang'd : upon which the Governor told him he might have a guard, if he chose it. to attend him night and day. You will naturally conclude that he declin'd accepting.
September 27th. At four o'clock yesterday afternoon, the work- men all pack'd up their tools and left the barracks, frames, &ca. ; so that I am apprehensive we in the town will feel ill effects of it. as it has been given out that the troops will force quarters next month, if barracks are not provided for 'em : neither should I blame them for
�� �
