easiness, arising from the apprehension ; that the
troops under the influence of such a man would
be employed to effect the most dangerous pur-
poses ; but failing of that, other houses were
pro-
cured, in which, contrary to act of parliament,
he caused the troops to be quartered. After
their quarters were settled, the main guard was
posted at one of the said houses, directly opposite
to, and not twelve yards from, the State-house,
(where the General Court, and all the Law
courts for the county were held), with two
field pieces pointed to the State-house. This
situation of the main guard and field pieces
seemed to indicate an attack upon the constitu-
tion, and a defiance of law ; and to be intended
to affront the legislative and executive authority
of the province.
The General Court, at the first Session after
the arrival of the troops, viewed it in this light,
and applied to Governor Bernard to cause such
a nuisance to be removed ; but to no purpose.
Disgusted at such an indignity, and at the appear-
ance of being under duresse, they refused to do
business in such circumstances ; and in conse-
quence thereof were adjourned to Cambridge, to
the great inconvenience of the members.
Besides this, the challenging the inhabitants
by centinels posted in all parts of the town be-
fore the lodgings of officers, which (for about
six months, while it lasted), occasioned many
quarrels and uneasiness.--