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

324 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. 11766.
The Town Undecided.
Evidently the town, divided in sentiment
on the question, and unwilling to commit
itself upon the issue, selected the best way out of the
dilemma, by voting to abide by the decision of its representative.
What discussion occurred in the town-meeting,
or even what may have been the report of the committee,
is not known, as that document has not been preserved.
It is possible, judging from the political complexion of the
committee, as developed later, that they may have reported
in favor of the grant, but against the indemnity. It is
not probable that they favored the passage of the bill as
a whole, nor that they proposed to put the matter unreservedly
into the hands of their representative, as both of
these suggestions were voted on independently of their
report.
The Bill passed by Tliis Committee contained in the persons of
the Legislature. Timotliy Dwiglit and Solomon Stoddard,
two individuals who were afterwards
avowed tories, and one at least of the others is believed to
have had strong predilections in that direction. The result,
however, was decidedly in favor of the bill, for which
Major Hawley had already committed himself. During
the debate in the legislature, he made strong opposition to
any grant unless accompanied by the indemnity clause.
A majority of the towns decided, like Northampton, to
abide by the decision of their representatives, and the
House voted at first to raise no money for such a purpose
by taxation. After further discussion, however, an act
substantially in accordance with the proposition sent to the
towns, was passed by the House of Deputies, by a majority
of eighteen votes. It was concurred in by the Council, and
with reluctance signed by the Governor. This act was
subsequently annulled by the King, but not before the pro-
vision granting compensation had been carried out.
Further Strife with Politics camc ouce more to the front in
Parliamentary Laws, the year 1768, wlieu the towu was called
upon to join in a convention to be held in
Boston, for the purpose of consulting upon the position of
affairs. A brief summary of the events which led up to