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

17-4] REVOLUTION—PRELIMINARY EVENTS. 347
"The People then reassembled before Mr. Parsons's house. Your
uncle Catlin^ falling into a personal quarrel, at length gained the atten-
tion of the people. They considered him as an object worthy of their
malice, as he was an officer of the coiart. He was treated with candor
and too mildly to make any complaint. His boasted heroism failed
him in the day of trial, and vanished like a puf of smoak. He and O.
Warner, who came to his assistance in the quarrel, made such declarations
as were requested of them, and then were dismissed, unhurt, and
in peace. Your uncle may say what he pleases with regard to their
abuse of him, but I was an eye witness to the whole, and you I believe
will be satisfied that no abuse was intended when I tell you what easy
terms they requested & were satisfied with, namely, only a declaration
that he would not hold any office under the new act of parliament.
"Col. Worthington- was next brought iipon the board. The sight of
him flashed lightning from their eyes. Their spirits were already
raised and the sight of this object gave them additional force. He had
not refused his new office of counsellor. For that reason especially he
was very obnoxious. But the people kept their tempers. He attempted
to harangue them in mittagation of his conduct, but he was soon
obliged to desist. The people were not to be dallied with. Nothing
would satisfy them but a reniuiciation in writing of his office as Counsellor
and a recantation of his address to Gov. Gage, which last
likewise signed by Jona. Bliss & Caleb Strong, Jun.
was
"Jonathan Bliss next came upon the floor, he was very humble and
the people were very credulous. He asked their pardon for all he had
said or done which was contrary to their opinions ; and as he depended
for his support upon the people, he beged to stand well in their favor.
"Mr. Moses Bliss^ was brought into the ring, Imt the accusation
against him was not well supported, and he passed off in silence. The
Sheriff was the next who was demanded ; he accordingly appeared.
He was charged with saying some imprudent things, but none of them
were proved, & he departed. But he was humbled. Col. Williams*
took the next tui*n. He went round the ring and vindicated himself
from some accusations thrown upon him and denied some things that
were laid to his charge.
"He declared in my lieai'ing that 'altho' he had heretofore differed
from tlie people in opinion with regard to the mode of obtaining redress,
he would, hereafter, heartily acquiesce in any measures, that they
should take for that purpose, and join with them in the common cause.
He considered his interest as embarked in the same bottom with theirs,
and hoped to leave it in peace to his Children.'
1 Col. Catlin was Major Catlin of Deerfleld, a noted tory, who had likewise suffered
for his adherence to royalty.
2 Col. Worthiiigtou was Hon. John Worthiugton of Springfield, a celebrated lawyer
and an ardent loyali.st. He had been appointed one of the Mandamus Council-
lors by Gov. Gage, but never took the oath of office. He was a man of great influence,
and an able lawyer, but retired to private life after the Revolution.
3 Jonathan and Moses Bliss were eminent lawyers of Springfield.
4 Col. Williams, was undoubtedly Col. Israel Williams of Hatfield, who had
already been dealt with for toryism.