part against the Court.  The proceedings after the insurrection under Monmouth had not entirely shown how cruel James could be.  His position then had been far less critical than now.  Then he enjoyed some degree of popular esteem, and the preparations against him were not on a formidable scale.  Now he was thoroughly frightened.  In proportion to his present alarm would be his fury, if he should come off victorious.  The last chance was pending.  If now resisted in vain, he would be henceforward irresistible.  Englishmen who should now oppose their king must be sure to conquer him, or they lost all security for property, liberty, and life.  Was it any way prudent for the feeble, colony of Massachusetts, divided by parties, and with its administration in the hands of a tool of the tyrant, to attempt to throw itself into the contest at this doubtful stage?

It is unavoidable to suppose that these considerations were anxiously weighed by the patriots of Massachusetts after the reception of the intelligence from England.  It is natural to believe, that, during the fortnight which followed, there were earnest arguments between the more and the less sanguine portions of the people.  It seems probable that the leaders, who had most to fear from rashness, if it should be followed by defeat, pleaded for forbearance, or at least for delay.  If any of them took a different part, they took it warily, and so as not to be publicly committed.  But the people’s blood was up.  Though any day now might bring tidings which would assure them whether a movement of theirs would be safe or disastrous, their impatience could not be controlled.  If the leaders would not lead, some of the followers must take their places.  Massachusetts must at all events have her share in the struggle,—­and her share, if King James should conquer, in the ruin.

It may be presumed that Andros saw threatening signs, as, when next heard of, he was within the walls of the work on Fort Hill.  Two weeks had passed after Winslow came with his news, when suddenly, at an early hour of the day, without any note of preparation, Boston was all astir.  At the South end of the town a rumor spread that armed men were collecting at the North end.  At the North it was told that there was a bustle and a rising at the South; and a party having found Captain George, of the Rose frigate, on shore, laid hands on him, and put him under a guard.  “About nine of the clock the drums beat through the town, and an ensign was set up upon the beacon.”  Presently Captain Hill marched his company up King [State] Street, escorting Bradstreet, Danforth, Richards, Cooke, Addington, and others of the old Magistrates, who proceeded together to the Council-Chamber.  Meantime, Secretary Randolph, Counsellor Bullivant, Sheriff Sherlock, and “many more” of the Governor’s party, were apprehended and put in gaol.  The gaoler was added to their company, and his function was intrusted to “Scates, the bricklayer.”