164 
HISTORY OF THE [book m, 
mean-while, to convince the people that his firm¬ 
ness was unabated, and that he still considered 
himself in the rightful exercise of his authority, 
he issued a proclamation to dissolve the assembly. 
Matters were now coming fast to an issue. The 
assembly continued sitting notwithstanding the go¬ 
vernor’s proclamation, and resolved, that having- 
been recalled by his sovereign, his continuance in 
the government was usurpation and tyranny, and 
that it was their duty to take charge of the safety 
and peace of the island. On hearing of this vote, 
the governor secretly ordered a party of soldiers to 
surround them; but the assembly having obtained 
information of his intentions, immediately separa¬ 
ted to provide for their personal safety. The en¬ 
suing night and the whole of the following day, 
were employed in summoning the inhabitants from 
all parts of the island, to hasten to the capital, 
properly armed, to protect their representatives. 
It was given out, however, that the governor’s life 
was not aimed at; all that was intended was to 
secure his person, and send him from the island. 
On Thursday the 7th of December 1710, early 
in the morning, about five hundred men appeared 
in arms, in the town of Saint John’s, where colo¬ 
nel Park had been making provision for resistance 
in case of an attack. He had converted the govern¬ 
ment house into a garrison, and stationed in it all 
jhe regular troops that were in the island. On the 
approach of the inhabitants, however, his courage 
