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

1768.] POLITICAL MATTERS—CENSUS—JAIL—NEW TOWNS. 325
this movement will indicate the critical point which the
controversy with the home government liad reached, as
well as the conservative position assumed by the town.
Feeling in the maritime towns was much more intense than
in the interior of the state, and while the citizens of Northampton
were ever patriotic and ready to uphold their
rights, they were in no haste to follow blindly the lead of
the Boston populace, though guided by such men as Otis,
Adams and Warren. The repeal of the Stamp Act did
not end the struggle to derive revenue from the colonies.
A tax was levied on glass, paj^er, painters' colors, and tea,
a Board of Customs was established, and writs of assistance
legalized. These laws alarmed the people to a much
greater extent than did the Stamp Act, and resistance to
them was at once determined upon. The citizens of Boston
voted in town-meeting to refuse to import certain articles
of British manufacture, and to economize in the consumption
of many others. Resolutions were passed by the Leg-
islature discouraging the use of British manufactured arti-
cles, and recommending those of American production.
An English war vessel impressed seamen in Boston, and a
vessel belonging to John Hancock was seized on charge of
defrauding the revenue. Several mass-meetings of the
people were held in which Adams and Otis denounced with
vigor these acts of their oppressors. The anniversary of
the repeal of the Stamp Act was enthusiastically celebrated,
but no overt act was committed. While all was excitement
and men's passions were at fever heat, instructions
were received ordering the Legislature to rescind its antiimportation
resolutions. This was refused, and Gov. Barnard
prorogued the General Court. Again the merchants
of Boston pledged themselves to import no mereliandise
from England, excejit such as was absolutely necessary.
All but sixteen of them signed tlie agreement, and the arti-
cles upon which duties had been imposed were especially
prohibited. At a mass-meeting held in Faneuil Hall, in
September, it was resolved that "the inlial)itants of Bos-
ton will, at the utmost peril of their lives and fortunes,
maintain and defend their rights, liberties, privileges and
immunities." It was also decided at this meeting to call a
convention of all the towns, within two weeks, and the