"His military reputation," says Mr.Minot, "and mildness of temper, rendered him doubly capacitated for so delicate and important a trust." But the public treasury did not afford the means of keeping this force in the field a single week; and, the legislature not being in session, the government was incapable of putting the troops in motion.

This difficulty was removed by individual patriotism.

From the commencement of the commotions, the citizens of Boston had manifested, unequivocally, their fidelity to the constitution.

On this occasion, a number of gentlemen, preceded by the governor, subscribed, in a few hours, a sufficient sum to carry on the proposed expedition.
In the depth of winter, the troops from the eastern part of the state assembled near Boston, and marched towards the scene of action.

Those from the western counties met in arms under General Shepard, and took possession of the arsenal at Springfield.