organized. In short, the whole place was, beyond doubt, resting over a
concealed volcano, and the instinct of self-preservation demanded the most
summary work. Let the inhabitants of any city become thoroughly possessed
of such an idea, and they will act with no more prudence or reason than
the people of New York at that time did. An undoubted belief in such a
state of things will confuse the perceptions and unbalance the judgment of
a community anywhere and everywhere on the globe.

Still, consistent as it is with human history, one can hardly believe it
possible, as he stands in New York to-day, that men have there been burned
at the stake under the sanction of English law, or left to swing and rot
in the winds of heaven, by order of the Supreme Court of the city.



CHAPTER III.


THE STAMP-ACT RIOT OF 1765.

Thorough Understanding of the Principles of Liberty by the People.--The
Stamp Act.--How viewed by the Colonists.--Colden strengthens Fort George
in Alarm.--Arrival of the Stamps.--How the News was received by the Sons
of Liberty.--A Bold Placard.--Stamp Distributor frightened.--Patriotic
Action of the Merchants.--Public Demonstration against the Stamp Act.--
Colden takes Refuge in the Fort.--Dare not fire on the People.--The People
at the Gate demand the Stamps.--Colden and Lord Bute hung in Effigy.--
Colden's Coach-house broken open.--The Images placed in the Coach, and
dragged with Shouts through the Streets.--Hung again in Sight of the
Fort.--A Bonfire made of the Fence around Bowling Green, and the