Page 362 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

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the outrages to be apprehended om military license. Their city had become a close prison, and themselves no better than hostages in the hands of the British commanders. This consideration alone su ced great­ ly to impede all civil and military operations pro­
extric e the Bostonians om this embarrassing situ­ ation; which, if they evinced no great prudence, certainly demonstrated no ordinary obstinacy. Som advised, that all the inhabitants of Boston should abandon the city, and take re ge in other places, where they should be succoured at the public ex­ pense: but this design was totally impracticable, since it depended on General Gag to prevent its execution.
4. Others recommended, that a valuation should be made of the houses and rniture belonging to the inhabitants; that the city should then be red; and that all the losses should be reimbursed om the public treasure. After mature deliberation, this pro­
ject was also pronounced not only very di cult, but absolutely impossible to be executed.
5. ::r any inhabitants, however, le the city pri­ vately, and withdrew into the interior of the country; some, om disgust at this species of captivity; others, from ar of the approaching hostilities; and others, nally, om apprehensions of being questioned r acts against the government; but a great number, also, with a rm resolution, preferred to remain, and brave all consequences whatever.
6. The soldiers of the garrison, weary of their long con nement, desired to sally rth, and drive away these rebels, who intercepted their provisions, and
jected by the Americans.
,READING LESSO.NS.
. , 3. Various expedients were suggested, in order to
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