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The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
On September 9, 1774, Boston's Select-Men, led by John Scollay, addressed Governor Thomas Gage expressing fears of town fortification and garrisoning amid Port Bill distresses, potentially deterring provisions. Gage assured no intent to restrict movement or harm subjects, aiming to preserve peace.
Merged-components note: The address from the select-men and the governor's response form a single coherent unit on the same event.
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On Friday last the Select-Men of this Town again waited upon his Excellency the Governor with the following ADDRESS, viz.
May it please your Excellency,
The Select-Men of Boston, at the earnest Desire of a Number of Gentlemen of the Town and Country, again wait on your Excellency to acquaint you, that since our late Application the Apprehensions of the People not only of this but of the neighbouring Towns are greatly increased, by observing the Design of erecting a Fortress at the Entrance of the Town; & of reducing this Metropolis in other Respects to the State of a Garrison.-- This with Complaints lately made, of Abuse from some of the Guards posted in the Quarter in assaulting and forceably detaining several Persons who were peaceably passing in and out of the Town, may discourage the Market People from coming in with Provisions as usual, and oblige the Inhabitants to abandon the Town.--This Event we greatly deprecate.as it will produce Miseries which may hurry the Province into Acts of Desperation.
We should therefore think ourselves happy if we could satisfy the People that your Excellency would suspend your Design,and not add to the Distresses of the Inhabitants occasioned by the PORT-BILL, that of GARRISONING the TOWN.
John Scollay, Chairman of the Select-Men.
The Governor's Answer.
Gentlemen,
When you lately applied to me respecting my ordering some Cannon to be placed at the Entrance of the Town, which you term the erecting a Fortress; I so fully expressed my Sentiments, that I tho't you was satisfied the People had nothing to fear from that Measure, as no Use would be made thereof, unless their hostile Proceedings should make it necessary; but as you have this Day acquainted me, that your Fears are rather increased, I have thought proper to assure you, that I have no Intention to prevent the free Egress and Regress of any Person to and from the Town, or of reducing it to the State of a GARRISON, neither shall I suffer any under my Command to injure the Person or Property of any of his Majesty's Subjects. But as it is my Duty, so it shall be my Endeavour to preserve the Peace, and promote the Happiness of every Individual; and I. earnestly recommend to you, and every Inhabitant, to cultivate the same Spirit.---And heartily wish they may live quietly and happily in the Town.
Tho. Gage.
Boston, Sept. 9. 1774
To the Gentlemen Select-Men of the Town of Boston.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Boston
Event Date
Sept. 9. 1774
Key Persons
Outcome
governor gage assured no intention to restrict movement or garrison the town, and no harm to persons or property; recommended peace.
Event Details
Select-Men of Boston addressed Governor Gage expressing increased apprehensions over plans for a fortress, cannon placement, and guards abusing passersby, fearing provision shortages and town abandonment amid Port Bill distresses; requested suspension of designs. Gage responded assuring free passage, no garrisoning, and commitment to peace.