Closing the gate, he retired to the council chamber and laid the letter before his cabinet and magistrates.

After examining it they said: "Read the letter to the people, and so get their minds." The governor stoutly refused.

The council and magistrates as stoutly insisted that he should do so, when the enraged governor, who had fairly earned the title of "Peter the Headstrong," unable to control his passion, tore the letter into pieces.

The people at work on the palisades, hearing of this, hastened to the Statehouse, where a large number of citizens were soon gathered.

They sent a deputation to the fort to demand the letter.