A half-century of conflict. France and England in North America. Part ...

1745.] SHIRLEY'S ADVICE. 67sented, and took the oath. Then, to their amazement,the governor invited them to undertakeforthwith the reduction of Louisbourg. The idea ofan attackSince theautumn, proposals had been heard to petitionthe Britishon that redoubtable fortress was not new.ministry to make the attempt, undera promise that the colonies would give their best aid.But that Massachusetts should venture it alone, orwith such doubtful help as her neighbors might give,at her own charge and risk, though already insolvent,without the approval or consent of the ministrj^, andwithout experienced officers or ti'ained soldiers, wasa startling suggestion to the sober-minded legislatorsof the General Court. They listened, however, withrespect to the governor's reasons, and appointed acommittee of the two houses to consider them. Thecommittee deliberated for several days, and thenmade a report adverse to the plan, as was also thevote of the Court.Meanwliile, in spite of the oath, the secret hadescaped. It is said that a country member, morepious than discreet, prayed so loud and fervently, athis lodgings, for light toguide him on the momentousquestion, that his words were overheard, and themystery of the closed doors was revealed. The newsflew through the town, and soon spread through allthe province.After his defeat in the Assembly, Shirley returned,vexed and disappointed, to his house in Roxbury.few days later, James Gibson, a Boston merchant,A