Grandfather went on to tell the proceedings of the despotic king and ministry of England, after the repeal of the Stamp Act.  They could not bear to think, that their right to tax America should be disputed by the people.  In the year 1767, therefore, they caused Parliament to pass an act for laying a duty on tea, and some other articles that were in general use.  Nobody could now buy a pound of tea, without paying a tax to King George.  This scheme was pretty craftily contrived; for the women of America were very fond of tea, and did not like to give up the use of it.

But the people were as much opposed to this new act of Parliament, as they had been to the Stamp Act.  England, however, was determined that they should submit.  In order to compel their obedience, two regiments, consisting of more than seven hundred British soldiers, were sent to Boston.  They arrived in September, 1768, and were landed on Long Wharf.  Thence they marched to the Common, with loaded muskets, fixed bayonets, and great pomp and parade.  So now, at last, the free town of Boston was guarded and over-awed by red-coats, as it had been in the days of old Sir Edmund Andros.

In the month of November, more regiments arrived.  There were now four thousand troops in Boston.  The Common was whitened with their tents.  Some of the soldiers were lodged in Faneuil Hall, which the inhabitants looked upon as a consecrated place, because it had been the scene of a great many meetings in favor of liberty.  One regiment was placed in the town house, which we now call the Old State House.  The lower floor of this edifice had hitherto been used by the merchants as an exchange.  In the upper stories were the chambers of the judges, the representatives, and the governor’s council.  The venerable counsellors could not assemble to consult about the welfare of the province, without being challenged by sentinels, and passing among the bayonets of the British soldiers.

Sentinels, likewise, were posted at the lodgings of the officers, in many parts of the town.  When the inhabitants approached, they were greeted by the sharp question—­“Who goes there?” while the rattle of the soldier’s musket was heard, as he presented it against their breasts.  There was no quiet, even on the Sabbath day.  The pious descendants of the Puritans were shocked by the uproar of military music, the drum, fife, and bugle, drowning the holy organ peal and the voices of the singers.  It would appear as if the British took every method to insult the feelings of the people.

“Grandfather,” cried Charley, impatiently, “the people did not go to fighting half soon enough!  These British red-coats ought to have been driven back to their vessels, the very moment they landed on Long Wharf.”

“Many a hot-headed young man said the same as you do, Charley,” answered Grandfather.  “But the elder and wiser people saw that the time was not yet come.  Meanwhile, let us take another peep at our old chair.”