History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

232 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1754.
did in the affair from Time to Time, not only helped the People to gain
their end in dismissing me, but much encouraged and promoted the
spirit with which it was done your confident, magisterial, vehement
;
manner had a natural direct tendency to it." He also gives his views
concerning the Remonstrance, to which allusion has already been
made, and strongly states his own position in the affair of the proposed
re-settlement.
Major Hawiey in To this letter Major Hawley replied on the
Reply Apologizes 2P' of January, 1755, receiving "kindly
and thankfully," the strictures upon his
conduct which it contained. He acknowledged that he
was guilty in many ways, though he had not in all respects
apprehended himself so culpable as did Mr. Edwards.
Several instances are cited in which he condemns himself
for his manner and language, and evinces much sorrow
therefor, though he still adheres to the sentiments then
uttered. The following paragraph indicates sufficiently the
general tone of the letter : —
•' As to what I said at Father Lyman's before the previous council, I
freely confess, Sir. and own that the air and language in which consid-
erable of what I said was delivered, was irreverent, immodest, deri-
sive, magisterial and savouring of haughtiness and levity, and such as
illy became me when arguing with you. Sir, who was so much
my superior in age, station and accomplishments, and who deserved
from me great respect and defference ; for which I humbly and sincerely
ask your forgiveness and am very sorry, not only for that it was
disrespectful to you. Sir, But also a very ill example to others, and had
a tendency to abate the respect and reverence which the bystanders
ought to have maintained in their minds towards you, and which it
was my Duty to have bj"- all means Endeavored to have maintained,
and probably had an influence upon the hearers towards prompting
them to a disrespectful and Irreverend treatment of you afterwards.
But with regard to the sentiments I then delivered, upon the most im-
partial consideration I have ever been capable of I have not been able
to discover sufficient reason to alter them, and apprehend that if I had
declared them in a decent, moderate, humble manner, I should not have
reason to reflect ujion myself therefor. And I make no doubt. Sir, But
that if I had opportunit,y for free and calm conversation upon the mat-
ter I would satisfie you that there was no Inconsistency in what I said
before that council, with my wholly declining to act as the ch's. agent
in the matter that were to have been laid before it." In regard to the
remonstrance he offers little excuse, but condemns the substance of it,
the manner of its presentation, its undue heat and exaggeration and
the untruths and slanders it contained. He expresses sorrow for the