"Old Mr. Crosby was a strong whig--a man of reading and information--
one who took a deep interest in the welfare of his country.

"About the time that Enoch first left home to learn his trade, the
troubles of America began with England. The king and his ministers
became jealous of the Americans. They thought them growing too fast--
'They will soon,' said they, 'become proud, and wish to be free and
independent--we must tax them--we must take away their money. This
will keep them poor and humble.'

"Those things used often to be talked over, at old Mr. Crosby's. The
neighbours would sometimes happen in there of a winter's evening to
spend an hour, or two--the minister--the schoolmaster--and others--and
although Southeast was a retired place, the conduct of the 'mother
country,' as England was called, was pretty well understood there, and
justly censured.

"Old Mr. Crosby, especially, condemned the conduct of England. He
said, for one, he did not wish to be trampled on. 'They have no right
to tax us,' said he,--'it is unjust--it is cruel--and, for myself, I
am ready to say, I will not submit to it. And, mark my word, the time
will come, when the people will defend themselves, and when that time
comes, I hope,' said he--looking round upon his sons, especially upon
Enoch--'I hope my boys will not shame their father--no, not they.'

"Enoch thought much of his father. He was a grave man--one who sat
steady in his chair when he talked--and talked so slowly, and so
emphatic, as always to be heard. Enoch, though a boy, listened--he was
_then_ interested--and as he grew older and was at home occasionally,