University of Virginia Library

2. CHAPTER II.
THE TWO PATRIOTS.

FLEMING passed out of the court and entered Cornhill, then one
of the principal streets of the old town of Boston. The darkness
of night had not yet set in, and objects and persons near
could be seen and recognized with ease. He passed southward in
the direction of the old State House, near which he observed a group
gathered. As he came near and thrust himself forward among the
people, some fifty or sixty in number, who stood silently gazing upon
some object, he discovered that it was a piece of artillery with the
muzzle pointed at the windows of the Town Hall, opposite which was
lighted up. Around the gun were stationed four or five soldiers.
While he was looking at it and was about to ask a citizen what it
meant, a loud cry was raised from the north outlet of King street.

“Clear the way all! Stand back men!”

The call was echoed sternly by the soldiers about the gun, who,
at the same time, with their sheathed sabres began to drive back the
citizens.

Fleming extricated himself from the rushing mass, and looking down
King street where he heard the heavy rumble of wheels and the tramp
of feet, and beheld advancing a second piece of ordinance drawn by
horses, followed by soldiers, and attended by two officers on horseback.
He stepped back to let the whole pass. The gun was trundled
round into Cornhill and wheeled into its place abreast of the
other. The horses were unharnessed and driven off, while the soldiers
who had accompanied the piece, prepared to load it. The two
officers sat looking on in their saddles in the space left by the citizens;
while the latter remained aloof, gazing upon the scene with

mingled emotions of fear, surprise and indignation. The latter feeling
alone had place in Fleming's bosom.

“What means this outrage?” he asked of a man who had resisted
the soldiers, and only retired after having wrested from them and broken
one of their sheathed sabres.

“It means, that we in Boston are fast becoming slaves to the King
of England. The passage of the Stamp Act has emboldened Hutchinson,
and you see what he does! The act is nothing more nor
less than a law and command for him and all others in power in the
colonies, to bind us and make bondsmen of us.”

“Give me your hand, William Lee. Your heart and mine beat to
the same measure.”

William Lee grasped the outstretched hand of Fleming. The act
and words were noticed by those who pressed near.

“I am glad to see that the young men feel what they ought to, as
well as we who are older,” said a man with grey locks. “It is time
the colonies all took the alarm.”

“And they will take it, mark me, friends and townsmen,” answered
William Lee, a strong, stout ship-wright, in an energetic voice.
“The express rider that went to-day with the news to York and
Virginia, will leave fire in his path.”

“What means these two cannon posted here, William?” asked
Fleming, who was watching the soldiers as they were loading and
levelling it.

“It means that the general court shall not do any thing that Hutchinson
don't like,” answered the ship-wright. “These cannon are
placed here to overawe our colonial authorities. The court are to
sit under the mouths of the king's cannon.”

“Let us drag them into the dock!” cried a voice from the crowd.

“Patience, friend. All in good time. This is but the beginning.
Let us not be too precipitate. The nut is not yet ripe for the
cracking.”

This was spoken by Fleming in a low but impressive tone.

“Yes, all in good time, as Fleming Field says,” answered William
Lee, the ship-wright. “You see, Fleming, that the town-hall is
lighted to-night. There is to be a meeting of the general court and of
such of the townsfolk as choose to attend, to deliberate upon the course
best to be pursued when the stamped paper arrives. The governor
has ordered up the cannon to keep them from speaking too freely.”

“And yet,” answered Fleming, “there is no man in that assembly

who will withhold the free expression of his sentiments, were the whole
British force to surround the hall, aye, stand within it. I have seen
bold brows and heard the echo of brave hearts to-day.”

“So have I, young man,” responded Lee. “Do you know that
there has been full fifty doors barred against the soldiers that Hutchinson
would have quartered upon their hearth-stones.”

“I am glad of that!” cried Fleming, with animation. “I knew we
were not all slaves in Boston. I also was honored by a detachment
of a dozen huzzars, with young Captain Cleverling at their head.”

“You!—why should so gay a gallant pass the rich man's portico to
disturb you in your humble home?”

“I asked not his motives,” responded Fleming, with a cheek heightened
by the quick blood; “but I did not let him enter. He left without
crossing my threshold, though none but a free man with a fearless
heart and strong arm stood upon it.”

“Bravo!” cried Lee. The word was echoed by the crowd; and
Fleming recollecting his mission to the governor, withdrew from the
throng, and passing with a proud step and an air of calm defiance,
in front of the cannon, and so close to the soldiers as to brush against
them, walked rapidly up the street. He had not gone but a few steps,
when Lee overtook him, and laid his hand on his arm.

“Fleming, where do you go? You and I must know each other
better. We are one in this matter.”

“I shall be glad to act with you for the good of the country, William
Lee. I foresee that something will come of this besides mere
passive resistance.”

“Yes. The people are up. The colonies will not consent to this
usurpation, believe me. You have seen what spirit was brought out
to-day. Every man speaks his indignation openly. The news is
flying south and it will thrill every true bosom. Great events will
follow this madness of the ministry. When we heard a few weeks
ago that such a bill was to be brought before parliament, not one
sensible man ever thought it would pass. We worked idly upon the
issue, therefore. But to-day has opened our eyes. We see the cloven-hoof,
Fleming, and we must be watchful. This is only a grand
scheme to make us a colony of serfs.”

“I see that it is so! I am young and not so well skilled in politics
as you are, William, but I can read what is written so plainly upon
the wall. I can translate for George of England the hand-writing;

and it is like that of God's to Belshazzar—`Thy kingdom is finished!'
”

“Bold, but I do believe true words, young man. But whither do
you walk so fast? Shall I go with you?”

“I will let you, though I intended to go alone. I am going to ask
an audience of the lieutenant-governor.”

“Of Hutchinson?” asked Lee, with surprise, and half checking
his steps, for they had been walking on side by side while talking.

“Yes!”

“For what end. Do you know him?”

“I have seen him, and I know his character, William.”

“He will not speak to you. What can you have to ask of him?”

“Come with me and you shall hear in his presence. I have no
time to explain now.”

“Well, I will go with you. I see you have some determined purpose
on your mind. If evil come to you, or wrong has already been
done you, in me you will find a friend.”

“I thank you. I need no friend that my country needs not. He
who serves her serves me. He who is my friend is hers!”

“You speak the very thoughts of my own heart, Fleming Field.
Ah, who is that who passed and spoke to you? I have seen him with
the governor.”

“It is a young gentleman, his secretary.”

“He spoke kindly.”

“He is my friend, I believe.”

“Trust none of them, Fleming.”

“I think he is honorable.”

“He may be. I bluntly tell you, I have no faith in any English
born, especially those of blood.”

“He is not high-born. He is as humble in birth as myself.”

“Then I like him the better. But it is strange the proud, highborn
Hutchinson should have in his house, and so near to his person,
one of lowly origin.”

“There is a story touching his birth and life that I will tell you
sometime if you ask me, which will explain this. But here we are
near the guard-house of the governor's mansion!”

“I see the sentries are doubled, and that a detachment of his bodyguard
stand under arms by the gate. You see the coward trembles.
He will not admit you.”

“He will!” answered Fleming, firmly.

“You are a very determined young man. I can take lessons of
you, and better men than I. But these soldiers are under marching
orders. They are tramping this way. Suppose we stand aside and
let them pass on.”

“Not for British soldiers, Lee. We must let them see we do not
fear them. They will grow insolent now, that by the news of today
they see how the king regards us, and we must hold ourselves
firmly as men and free citizens.”

“Your words are as full of wisdom, young man, as your heart of
courage. We will not stand off into the street. We will give them
full space, and stand our ground.”

They stood still by a post, awaiting the passage of a column of
about thirty men. As they came near the officer in command, who
had been detained in the rear after it had left the door of the guard-house,
advanced to its head. It was light enough for Fleming to recognise
his enemy, Cleverling. He at once understood that he was
marching to arrest him in his house, with an order from the governor.
His first impulse was to step boldly forward and confront him. But
he trembled for the fate of Mary, unprotected and exposed to his free
admiration and bold presence, and pressing quickly the arm of William
Lee, he said:—

“Let us precede them at a quick pace, while I say three words to
you.”

They then walked rapidly back the way they had come, keeping
about thirty paces ahead of the column which was advancing along the
side-walk in column four abreast, at double quick time, and without
music.

“William, this party is doubtless sent to seize upon my person.
Do not think I am escaping from fear. I have a favor to ask of you,
and only wish to gain time.”

“Speak, and it is done!” answered the shipwright, warmly.

“The party that I ejected from my house, was commanded by the
officer who commands this. At the time some words passed between
us—I knew well his motive in seeking to billet himself there, lowly as
our estate is. He has conceived a wicked passion for my sister Mary,
whom he has already insulted by his notice, and passing by loftier
roofs, he pounced upon mine. I knew the man and his motives, and
I gave him the reception both merited.”

[ILLUSTRATION]

Cleverling intrudes himself on the presence of Mary Field.

“You did well. But go on!”

“He left the door, and marched off with his men, breathing vengeance
and the wrath of Hutchinson against me. For myself I cared
not; I thought only of those dear to me. I resolved to”—

“Let us move faster—as the officer is hastening. I would not have
him know who you are! We are but two to thirty, here.”

“I resolved to anticipate him, and see the governor in person, and
represent to him the truth. Besides, I am inspired with a strong desire
to speak a few plain words to this man's ears! Now, this party
behind us are doubtless moving towards my little home. I wish you
to hasten thither in advance, and stand in the gate, and tell them I am
not there. I leave to you this trust. You will do it better than I.”

“I shall, and will do it! But do not say anything rash to Hutchinson.
But take my advice, and go not near the man. It will be putting
your head into the lion's mouth.”

“I do not fear him. Besides, it is but arrest there or at home, for I
will not hide from him like a criminal.”

“Nor should you!”

“I have done nothing but what every brave man should have done.
If I am put under arrest by him, I shall have for friends every patriot
in Boston. My imprisonment will be a sifter, and show what is chaff
and what is the wheat among us.”

“You ought not to risk so much for this end.”

“I do not for this end. I have higher motives. I do but speak of
the results that would follow. And, William, should I be detained by
the governor, I leave my little fold at home to your charge. Saul is
faithful and brave where those he loves, as he does Mary, are in danger,
but Saul is not proof against duplicity and art. I leave her to
you.”

“She is as safe as in a castle, Fleming. I have only to give the
rallying cry, and four hundred stalwart hands, with stout weapons in
them, will be at my side. So fear not for her. If you have a mind
to see and talk with the governor, go! Your pretty sister shall be
safely guarded from all harm, and if Hutchinson dare lay a finger on
you to injure you, let him beware. His canon, nor his guns, would
avail the cruel coward.”

“We will part here—I up this street, you through that avenue.

Good night! Remain at my house an hour after the bell rings nine,
and I will be there.”

“I hope so. If not, I shall see that you are looked up.”

With these words the two friends separated at a corner of the street,
in the dark shadow cast by the drooping branches of a tree that over-arched
the walk. The officer, Cleverling, had evidently been hastening
his steps to overtake the two men he had seen turn and precede
him; but they walked so rapidly, that unless he had fairly run, he
could not have come up with them. But as he had no suspicion who
they were, he let them continue on; when at length he thought he recognised
Fleming's voice, as for a moment he elevated it. He was
about to call on the leading platoon of four men to rush forward with
him to ascertain, when they parted at the corner; and when he came
to it, neither were visible, nor could he hear a footfall to guide him.
He then proceeded on his march in the direction of Fleming's abode,
for thither was he destined, for the purpose, as the young colonist had
suspected, of arresting him, and bringing him before the governor,
who, infuriated by the numerous failures of his soldiers to get quarters,
and the number of houses of the chief citizens closed against them, resolved
to make an example of Field, whose case he regarded as the
most aggravating of all; for Cleverling had not failed to report it with
every coloring that malice could dictate.

After the division passed on, Fleming let himself down from the
tree into which he had drawn himself up after Lee left him, and took
his way rapidly a second time towards the governor's residence. This
was a spacious and very elegant mansion, separated from the street by
a broad, ornamented court-yard, adorned by a fountain and several
statues. It was approached by an imposing alley, paved with smooth
flags, and bordered by shrubbery. On the left of the gate, which was
arched and crowned with the royal crest, gilt, stood a small guard-house,
capable of containing ten or a dozen soldiers. Before the gate
always paced a sentry with a musket at his shoulder. As Fleming
came up, he saw two walking alternately opposite ways, like sentries
in a besieged camp; for Hutchinson's cowardly fears made him unusually
vigilant. He had seen evinced that day, a spirit he hardly
believed existed in the land. He had hitherto seen the people submissive
and quiet, even under his vexatious rule; but the annoyances
to which he subjected them were petty and local. They did not involve

any great principle. The colonists were pacific and loved quiet,
and so let his low acts of personal despotism pass without replication
than irony, sneers, contempt, or pity, and always with more or less of
detestation. But when a principle like that of civil liberty was moved,
the people who had hitherto been indifferent to what could not be well
mended, suddenly seemed to be new created. He found a lion beneath
where he had lifted the lamb's skin. He was amazed; and not
only amazed, but frightened. He drew around him soldiery, and
planted cannon in the streets. He issued proclamations every half
hour from his house, wherein he kept himself with double sentries for
his protection; for he had had it whispered to his trembling ears, that
men said that he had first suggested to Lord North in a letter, the infamous
project of levying the stamp duty.

When Fleming came to the guard-house, before the mansion he saw
by the lights which shone from the illuminated windows, for the governor
had candles placed in every window, to expose clearly every
object in the court and street beyond the gate, he was challenged by
the sentry.

“Who comes?”

“A citizen!” answered Fleming, approaching still.

“Stand and give the countersign.”

“We citizens are not apt to be made guardians of such military
secrets, especially in time of war.”

“In time of war, young fellow!” repeated a tall slender officer,
who was just coming out. “What do your words mean? Who are
at war?”

“England with her colonies, I believe.”

“How so? We are not yet, nor likely to be.”

“Then why are our streets planted with her cannon, our halls of
justice besieged, our homes intruded upon by her soldiery? Why
does the king's governor hold himself in the house with defences about
his person, as if in a leaguered castle? What can war do more than
all this?”

“I, faith, not much, that is the truth, young man,” responded the
officer, laughing; and passing out of the gate, he mounted a horse held
by an orderly, and galloped up the street.

“That seems a good-natured officer. Who is it?” asked Fleming
of the sentry.

“It is Colonel Barry, of the sixty-fourth. But what do you wish?”

“To see the governor. I have not the pass-word, but I have something
to say to him of moment. You will oblige me by sending in to
ask him if he will let me see him.”

The pleasing manner in which Fleming spoke, caused the soldier
to address himself to one of his comrades off duty, and send him in with
the request. The man returned and reported that the governor could
see no one of the town's people.

“Take him this; and tell him the bearer waits,” said Fleming, giving
the soldier a gold seal.

The man hesitated; but the air of decision with which Fleming
gave him the order, induced him to comply. In a few moments he
came back and said, respectfully,

“His excellency desires me to conduct you to him.”