Another important feature in the unfolding of our free
institutions, was the system of town meetings which began to be
held as early as 1767.
"The chief arena of James Otis' and Sam Adams' influence," as
Governor Hutchinson wrote to Lord Dartmouth, "was the town
meeting, that Olympian race-course of the Yankee athlete."
Writing to Samuel Adams in 1790 John Adams, looking back to the
effect of these events, says:
"Your Boston town meetings and our Harvard College have set the
universe in motion."
One held in October of 1767 was presided over by James Otis, and
was called to resist new acts of British aggression on colonial
rights. On September 12, 1768, a town meeting was held, which
was opened with a prayer by Dr. Cooper. Otis was chosen
moderator.
The petition for calling the meeting requested, that inquiry
should be made of his Excellency, for "the grounds and reasons of
sundry declarations made by him, that three regiments might be
daily expected," etc.
A committee was appointed to wait upon the governor, urging him
in the present critical state of affairs to issue precepts for a
general assembly of the province, to take suitable measures for
the preservation of their rights and privileges; and that he
should be requested to favor the town with an immediate answer.
In October several ship-loads of troops arrive.
The storm thickens.
Another town meeting is called, and it is voted that the several
ministers of the Gospel be requested to appoint the next Tuesday
as a day of fasting and prayer.
The day arrives, and the place of meeting is crowded by
committees from sixty-two towns.
They petition the governor to call a General Court. Otis
appeared in behalf of the people, under circumstances that
strongly, attest his heroism.
Cannon were planted at the entrance of the building, and a body
of troops were quartered in the representatives' chamber.
After the court was opened, Otis rose, and moved that they should
adjourn to Faneuil Hall.
With a significant expression of loathing and scorn, he observed,
"that the stench occasioned by the troops in the hall of
legislation might prove infectious, and that it was utterly
derogatory to the court to administer justice at the points of
bayonets and mouths of cannon."