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The days and ways of the cocked hats, or The dawn of the Revolution. Denison, Mary A. (1826–1911).
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THE DAYS AND WAYS OF THE COCKED HATS: OR THE DAWN OF THE REVOLUTION.

BY

MRS. MARY A. DENISON.

NEW YORK: S. A. ROLLO, PUBLISHER.

1860.
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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, BY S. A. ROLLO, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. RENNIE, SHEA & LINDSAY, STEREOTYPERS AND ELECTROTYPERS, 81, 83 & 85 Centre-street, NEW YORK. R. CRAIGHEAD, Printer, 81, 83 & 85 CENTRE-ST.

PREFACE.

WE are apt to think of the struggle for American Independence in connection with the battles and diplomacy of that day. It is seldom that we go back of the spots and the hours of which it has been said,
  • "Here once the embattled farmers stood,
  • And fired the shot heard round the world."

But there are periods, places, and characters connected directly and inseparably with The Dawn of the Revolution, around whose progress cluster some of the most thrilling events of our colonial history.

How well and truly these are sketched in the accompanying story, the impartial reader must be the judge.

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INTRODUCTION.

THE sun shone broadly over the waters of Boston harbor. Shouts and huzzas rang from the wharves and all the streets adjacent. Glittering as it came nearer and nearer, the governor's barge drew close to Boston pier. Sir Edmund Andros sat unconcernedly in the stern talking with his officers. His secretary, a gay, handsome man, occupied the seat at his left. The crimson show of the British uniforms, the inspiriting music, and the gay attire of town and country people, conspired to make a somewhat imposing spectacle.

Following the barge came several boats filled with soldiers. These, as they leaped ashore, formed into rank and file, and amid the wild shouts of the younger towns-people, began their march. A splendid carriage had been in waiting for Sir Edmund. Entering it with his secretary and two others of his suite, he was rapidly driven to what by courtesy was called Government House.

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Sir Edmund had been absent for some weeks, visiting New York, which city had been recently added to his government. To judge from the appearance of the people on this day of his return, as the splendid cortege wound among the narrow streets, the governor was not a favorite.

To be sure, there was some trimming of tavern-windows, little boys and large made bluster and show, but many of the staid citizens moved sturdily along, not deigning even to raise their hats or turn their heads. There were bonfires in the evening also, and illuminations, but only in the houses of the wealthier and more special friends of his excellency.

CONTENTS.

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