chosen city military officers, two and two, with drawn
swords, followed by John Hancock and Samuel Ad-
ams in a phaeton and pair, the former looking as if
his journey and high living, or solicitude to support
the dignity of the first man in Massachusetts, had im-
paired his health. Next came John Adams and
Thomas Cushing in a single-horse chaise: behind fol-
lowed Robert Treat Paine, and after him the New
York delegation and some from the Province of Con-
necticut, etc., etc. The rear was brought up by a
hundred carriages, the streets crowded with people of
all ages, sexes, and ranks. The procession marched
with a slow, solemn pace. On its entrance into the
city, all the bells were set to ringing and chiming, and
every mark of respect that could be was expressed;
not much, I presume, to the secret liking of their fel-
low delegates from the other colonies, who doubtless
had to digest the distinction as easily as they could."

The events of the 19th of April had widened
the breach greatly; nevertheless, when Samuel
Adams, now more than ever looking forward to
nothing less than independence, stood among
his fellow members in the second Continental
Congress, he found himself still alone. Even
John Adams and Jefferson were as yet far from
being ready for such a step, and in the debates
the only questions raised were between a party
which was in favor of resisting British encroach-
ments by force of arm and a party which de-
sired to make still further appeals to king and

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