Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

BOSTON, September 14.

On Monday last about 100 men, with arms, of various sorts, assembled at Concord, under the direction of one Shattuck, of Groton, one Smith, of Shirley. They made with posts and boards shelters, under which they slept. -- On Tuesday they took possession of the ground opposite the Court-House, and kept a number of guards marching backward and forward, from the line they form'd to the Court-House, to prevent any persons, other than their own friends and comrades, approaching it. A few who by mistake infringed on the ground thus set apart, were treated with great harshness, and there were several instances of thrusts with bayonets being wantonly made at men and horses, when on their way to quit to them what they required exclusively to occupy. -- They had procured several barrels of rum, which were on tap at convenient places near them, and several loads of hay for the accommodation of the parties at a distance, expected in to their aid. About two o'clock in the afternoon, a man acting as a Serjeant, with two drums and fifes, went some distance, and in about half an hour returned at the head of about 90 armed men, from the counties of Hampshire and Worcester, under the leading of one Wheeler, of Hubbardston, and Converse of Hardwick, who joined the other party, which had since Monday insensibly encreased to about 200. A convention from about 26 towns, in consequence of a circular letter from Concord, were sitting in the meeting-house, and a communication was opened between them and the armed body, who first communicated their resolutions to the convention, with respect to public business, and from them intelligence was conveyed to the Court. The armed body becoming impatient at the long time taken by the Justices in deliberating what conduct to pursue, sent a detachment, form'd by part of the Hampshire and Worcester insurgents, on horseback, and part by their own footmen, who marched to and fro' by the tavern, where the Justices were assembled, and finally halted and faced about to the house in a menacing manner. The Justices sent them word, that neither Court would be attempted to be opened, as an armed force rendered it impossible, and the party marched off to the main body. Afterwards, they came back to demand it in writing, under the hands of the Court, who referred them to their Clerk, who declined doing any thing in the matter, as he was a recording officer, and had no order therefor from the court. The Justices, in the mean while having departed, the insurgents made violent complaints, on being disappointed in this last object, and dispersed late on Tuesday night. The body was computed at about 300, and contained about 50 lads from 16 to 20 years of age, and excepting some of the lads, and about 8 or 10 of the party of Worcester and Hampshire, who were of tolerable appearance, were the most despicable wretches that could be collected in the Commonwealth. The liquor circulated very briskly, and it was supposed (and charitably enough too) that by 5 o'clock, three quarters of the whole were inebriated, and not only then but when they were sober, the major part seemed to be very indifferent as to their errand, and ready to quit it if desired -- they were kept together by about 6 men, viz. Shattuck, Smith, Wheeler, Gale, Morris and Converse, and could they have been arrested, beyond a doubt the party would have cheerfully retired in peace to their own homes They had very few cartridge boxes, about half the guns furnished with bayonets, about 220 guns and the other arms were swords, clubs, &c. Almost all the muskets were rendered useless by the rain, and the men by New-England rum, so that probably, if occasion required, not above 30 or 40 men would have been procured capable of opposing any governmental measures.

Copy of a letter from a gentleman at Worcester.

I have only time to inform you, judge Ward has done himself great honour. He had four bayonets kept at his breast for some moments. but discovered not the least fear, nor gave back one inch, though desired. He told them he would not speak to them while they kept the bayonets at his breast; that he did not fear them. and, as he was in the way of his duty, they might plunge their bayonets into his heart, &c. He discovered the greatest firmness, and supported the dignity of his office. He would answer no person, until he asked them their names, and they told him. They have opened the Court, and adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow. Expresses are gone out -- but I must not add.