The friends of order and government met at the house of Captain Hatfield ; more who were for a committee put up at another public house in the town. About 12 o'clock, word was brought to the gentlemen at Captain Hatfield's that the opposite party had already entered upon the business of the day ; upon which they immediately walked down to the court house, although not half of their friends, who were expected had yet appeared, where they found the other company collected in a body. The numbers on each side seemed to be nearly equal, and both together might amount to two hundred, or, at most, two hundred and fifty. The friends to government then declared, that as they had been unlawfully called together, and for an unlawful purpose, they did not intend to contest the matter with them by a poll, which would be tacitly acknowledging the authority that had summoned them thither; but that they came only with a design to protest against all such disorderly proceedings, and to show their detestation of all unlawful Committees and Congresses ; they then declared their determination and resolution to continue steadfast in their allegiance to their gracious and merciful sovereign, King George the Third, to submit to lawful authority, and to abide by and support the only true representatives of

» American Archives, fourth scries, vol. ii. 314.

the people of this Colony, the General Assembly; then giving three huzzas, they returned to Captain Hatfields, singing, as they went, with loyal enthusiasm, the good and animating song of "God save great George our King," " Long live our noble King," &c., &c. At their return, finding that many of their friends had arrived during their absence, and ihat many still kept coming in, they proceeded to draw up and sign the following declaration, which they seemed to do with as much patriotic zeal as ever warmed the hearts of true and faithful subjects, and afterwards dispersed to their different habitations.