The committee, about four o’clock, repaired to the Council-Chamber.  It was a room respectable in size and not without ornament and historic memorials.  On its walls were representatives of the two elements now in conflict,—­of the Absolutism that was passing away, in full-length portraits of Charles II. and James II. robed in the royal ermine, and of a Republicanism which had grown robust and self-reliant, in the heads of Belcher and Bradstreet and Endicott and Winthrop.  Around a long table were seated the Lieutenant-Governor and the members of the Council with the military officers,—­the scrupulous and sumptuous costumes of civilians in authority, gold and silver lace, scarlet cloaks, and large wigs, mingled with the brilliant uniforms of the British army and navy.  Into such imposing presence was now ushered the plainly attired committee of the town.

At this time the Lieutenant-Governor, a portion of the Council, the military officers, and, among other officials now in the Town-House, though not in the Council, the Secretary of the Province, were sternly resolved to refuse compliance with the demand of the people.  On the vote of the meeting being presented to the Lieutenant-Governor, Adams remarked at length on the illegality of quartering troops on the inhabitants in time of peace and without the consent of the legislature, urged that the public service did not require them, adverted with sensibility and warmth to the late tragedy, painted the misery in which the town would be involved, if the troops were suffered to remain, and urged the necessity of an immediate compliance with the vote of the people.  The Lieutenant-Governor, in a brief reply, defended both the legality and the necessity of the troops, and renewed his old assertion that they were not subject to his authority.  Adams again rose, and attention was riveted on him as he paused and gave a searching look at the Lieutenant-Governor.  There was in his countenance and attitude a silent eloquence that words could not express; his manner showed that the energies of his soul were roused; and, in a tone not loud, but deep and earnest, he again addressed himself to Hutchinson, “It is well known,” he said, “that, acting as Governor of the Province, you are, by its Charter, the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces within it, and, as such, the troops now in the capital are subject to your orders.  If you, or Colonel Dalrymple under you, have the power to remove one regiment, you have the power to remove both; and nothing short of their total removal will satisfy the people or preserve the peace of the Province.  A multitude, highly incensed, now wait the result of this application.  The voice of ten thousand freemen demands that both regiments be forthwith removed.  Their voice must be respected,—­their demand obeyed.  Fail, then, at your peril, to comply with this requisition.  On you alone rests the responsibility of the decision; and if the just expectations of the people are disappointed, you must be answerable to God and your country for the fatal consequences that must ensue.  The committee have discharged their duty, and it is for you to discharge yours.  They wait your final determination.”  As Adams, while speaking, intently eyed Hutchinson, he says, “I observed his knees to tremble; I saw his face grow pale; and I enjoyed the sight.”