military powers to replace Hutchinson, having inaugurated his rule by seizing the powder of the province, saw the people rise in resistance, and by September 1774 the King's rule, except inside Boston, had ceased to exist in Massachusetts, and Boston itself became subject to a species of blockade. On the 4th of September the Congress met, and resolved to petition the King. Their councils were of the most moderate kind; those who like Samuel Adams desired independence were as yet but few, and did not venture openly to proclaim their views. In New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina, and Maryland, the conservative party was especially strong. The ruling spirit of the hour was Dickenson, of Pennsylvania, the author of The Farmer's Letters. A respectful hearing was given even to those who, like Galloway, were afterwards during the war among the most devoted royalists. Washington at this period believed that no reflecting person as yet wished for independence. In their petition the Congress only asked for a return to the state of things which had existed previous to 1763; in order to conciliate Rockingham, they made no express mention of the Declaratory Act, and to conciliate Chatham they clearly acknowledged their consent to all Acts of the British Parliament passed for the purpose of regulating trade. At the same time they expressed their approval of the conduct of the State of Massachusetts, and their intention of supporting it in future if necessary; a non-importation agreement was also determined upon, to come into effect on the ist of December, should their grievances remain unredressed at that date.
It was the general belief in England amongst men of moderate views, that the proposals of Congress afforded a fair ground for reconciliation. George III., however, could see nothing in them but the first evidence of an overt rebellion, which, as he expressed it to North, "blows alone could put down."[1] North indeed wished to negotiate, but the King had no difficulty in inducing the majority of the Cabinet to reject all temperate advice, and
- ↑ George III. to North, November 1774.
