1 The question of the extent to which the several Provincial Congresses, uninfluenced by the outside pressure of homemade partisan demonstrations or by the inside domination of those who assumed to social or intellectual superiority, would have given their authority for the enactment and execution of such violent measures, against those of their fellow Colonists who did not concur in all which was done by the Continental Congress of 1774, as we have noticed, is worthy of the examination which it will some day receivo at the hands of an intelligent, industrious, and fearless Btudeut.

If we do not mistake, and we incline to the belief that we do not, when that examination shall have been made, very much of the responsibility for the multitude of atrocious acts which were done in behalf of "the cause of America" and of " the Liberties of America,' 1 will be shifted from the shoulders of sensible, but modest and less energetic, men, where it now rests, to those of men who are now represented as having been incapable of such enormities.

History tells of more than one instance in which a mere handful of enthusiasts, more or less honest in their professions, has fastened itsell on a great political party which entertained none of those enthusiastic dogmas which the others assumed to believe and maintain, and which, having thus fastened itself on the larger body, taking advantage of favorable opportunities, artfully adapting itself to existing tempers and circumstances, and persistently -- sometimes, impudently-- thrusting it self into every seat of influence and authority to which it could possibly gain access, has succeeded in re-moulding the policy of the party which it has invaded ; and mado it appear to be what, originally, it was not ; to maintain opinions which, originally, it disclaimed and opposed ; and to do, or permit to be done, in its name, what, originally, it would have honestly shrunk from, as improper and unjust.