This rumor
was not, indeed, fully substantiated, but the mere fact that it found
circulation and some to credit it, is in itself striking evidence of
the agitated and abnormal condition of the public mind.
Toward sunset, the news reached Stockbridge of yet another rebel
victory in the lower counties. The Monday preceding, 300 armed farmers
had marched into the town of Concord, and prevented the sitting of the
courts of Middlesex county. The weakness of the government was shown
by the fact that, although ample warning of the intentions of the
rebels had been given, no opposition to them was attempted. The
governor had, indeed, at first ordered the militia to arms, but
through apprehension of their unfaithfulness had subsequently
countermanded the order. The fact that the rebellion had manifested
such strength and boldness within a few hours' march of Boston, the
capital of the state, was an important element in the elation which
the tidings produced among the people. It showed that the western
counties were not alone engaged in the insurrection, but that the
people all over the state were making common cause against the courts
and the party that upheld them.
The jubilation produced by this intelligence, combining with the usual
reaction at sunset after the repression of the day, caused that
evening a general pandemonium of tin-pans, bonfires, mischief of all
sorts, and the usual concomitant of unlimited drunkenness.
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