"All the people on the streets, myself among the number, followed the
procession to where a grave had been dug, and when the image was about to
be buried, Jotham Lewis called out that he thought he perceived some signs
of 1ife in Liberty. With that the statue was carried back to Master
Leavitt's store, and Master McCleary addressed the assembled throng,
saying that if the Goddess could be restored to health her Sons were the
ones to do it. He was greeted with mighty cheers, such as must have been
heard even at the Governor's house; and when the tumult had died away,
Master George Messerve declared that he did not intend to accept the
office the king had bestowed upon him. He then delivered his commission
and instructions to the Sons of Liberty, and next morning all who are
known as belonging to that association marched around the town, carrying
the parchments like a banner, on the point of a sword.
"Master Messerve then took his oath before Justice Claget that he would
not attempt to issue stamps, and the commission was given to the captain
of the 'Saucy Mary,' who is sworn to deliver it up to the Commissioners of
the Stamp Office in London immediately upon his arrival in England. You
see, matters have changed considerably since the day you started out to
deliver a message to Master Revere.
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