Page:Archæologia Americana—volume 2, 1836.djvu/29

MEMOIR OF ISAIAH THOMAS. XXV citizens, as learning and elegance of composition are to pro- duce an effect upon another. The cause of America was just, and it was only necessary to state that cause in a clear and impressive manner, to unite the American people in its sup- port." During that time of appalling gloom, when the people of Boston were goaded to resentment by the provisions of the Port Bill, the editor of the Spy continued the publication of his paper in that city. His manner of defeating the attempts to overawe the freedom of the press manifested a wisdom, a fertility of expedients, and a patriotic integrity, that insured him the highest confidence. A numerous standing army held unlimited control of the metropolis, and repeated outrages on the part of the soldiery were not discountenanced by the pub- lic officers. Mr. Thomas had rendered himself obnoxious to the British, and threats of vengeance were thrown out against him and his printing-office. Timely information was given him of intended violence, which induced him to pack up pri- vately a press and printing apparatus, and send them in a boat across Charles River under the care of General Warren, the martyr of Bunker Hill. Early in the spring of 1775, arrangements were made for sending detachments into the interior to destroy the military property, which the people were preserving against the ap- proaching contest. The vigilance of the friends of liberty in town, had faithfully transmitted information into the country of the intended expedition to Concord. The editor of the Spy was concerned in furnishing this information, in consequence of which, he left Boston at day-break, on the morning of the memorable 19th of April, and joined the Provincial militia in opposing the King's troops at Lexington. The next day he arrived at Worcester, opened his printing-office, and recom- menced the publication of the Spy, May 3d, 1775. This event formed an era in the history of the country, as well as in the annals of the town, where he thenceforward re- sided. It was the first printing ever performed in the interior VOL. ii. d