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Thursday, October 6, 1774.
The Congress met according to adjournment, and resumed the consideration of the means proper to be used for a restoration of American rights. During the debate, an Express from Boston arrived with a Letter from the Committee of Correspondence, dated the 29th of September, which was laid before the Congress.
In this the Committee inform the Congress, that they "expected some regard would have been paid to the Petitions presented to their Governour, against fortifying their Town in such a manner as can be accounted for only upon the supposition that the Town and Country are to be treated by the Soldiery as declared enemies — that the entrenchments upon the Neck are nearly completed — that Cannon are mounted at the entrance of the Town — that it is currently reported, that Fortifications are to be erected on Corpse Hill, Beacon Hill, and Fort Hill, &c˙, so that the Fortifications, with the ships in the Harbour may absolutely command every avenue to the Town both by sea and land — that a number of Cannon, the property of a private gentleman, were a few days ago seized and taken from his wharf, by order of the General — that from several circumstances mentioned in the Letter, there is reason to apprehend that Boston is to be made and kept as a garrisoned Town — that from all they can hear from Britain, Administration is resolved to do all in their power to force them to a submission — that when the Town is enclosed, it is apprehended the inhabitants will be held as hostages for the submission of the Country, they apply therefore to the Congress for advice how to act — that, if the Congress advise to quit the Town, they obey — if it is judged that by maintaining their ground they can better serve the publick cause, they will not shrink from hardship and
Ordered, That this Letter be taken into consideration to-morrow morning.
Means for restoration of American Rights further considered
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danger — finally, that as the late Acts of Parliament have made it impossible that there should be a due administration of justice, and all law therefore must be suspended — that as the Governour has by Proclamation prevented the meeting of the General Court, they therefore request the advice of the Congress."