120 



But the excitement did not immediately cease -u'itli the oc- 

 casion which gave it birth. We have already said that among 

 the inhabitants of Salem, was found a small sprinkling of the 

 friends of arbitrary power. After this defeat of the troops, that 

 portion of the community were filled with apprehension for 

 their personal safety. All who were suspected of aiding in any 

 way this attempt to seize the cannon, by giving information or 

 otherwise, were anxious to clear themselves of the obloquy, and 

 the affair finally passed off without further trouble. From the 

 following extract of a ballad, which finds its recommendation 

 more in the simple truthfulness which appears to pervade tlie 

 narrative than any intrinsic merits, we learn 



" The'tories in the town 



Were all put to fright ; 

 Some left their houses 



And others watched all night. 

 Prince, he kept close, 



John Sargent, he fled, 



And Grant was afraid 



For to sleep in his bed." 



Thus, on the soil, and from the inhabitants of Salem, the mil- 

 itary arrogance of Great Britain received its first check in the 

 fearful struggle just then commencing between her and her Amer- 

 ican Colonies. Here was spilt the first blood of the Revolution 

 after the arrival of Governor Gage. Here was raised the first 

 standard of liberty.* The failure of this expedition should have 

 convinced the ruling powers of the unconquerable spirit of the 

 people, and their resolution to defend, at whatever disparity of 

 strength, and at any hazard, their just rights and privileges. 



der arms on the occasion : " There were eight military companies, in 

 Marblehead at that time, comprising nearly the whole male population, 

 between sixteen and sixty years of age. They were all promptly assem- 

 bled under Colonel Orne. Mr. Howard thinks that they numbered more 

 than a thousand men. They were ordered to station themselves behind 

 the houses and fences along the road, prepared to fall upon the British 

 on their return from Salem, if it should be found that hostile measures 

 had been used by them ; but if it should appear that no concerted act of 

 violence upon the persons or property of the people had been committed, 

 they were charged not to show themselves, but to allow the British de- 

 tachment to return unmolested to their transport."' — Upham's 4th July 

 Address, 1842. 



* The Gentleman's Magazine of 17th April, 1775, published in 

 London, contains the following : — " By a ship just arrived at Bristol, 

 from America, it is reported that the Americans have hoisted their 

 standard of liberty at Salem." 



