5. To the Board of Trade in London

Francis Bernard, Castle William, Boston Harbor

[Part of: “Let Those Flatter Who Fear”: American Independence in Verse.]

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August 15, 1765

My Lords,

I used to doubt that Boston would oppose
The Stamp Act. But Virginia’s Resolutions
Have been a siren to the disaffected. 
Every week, papers called for acts of opposition.
I did not think that they would start so soon,
Or go so far.

Yesterday was found, hanging from a tree,
An effigy of Andrew Oliver
With label reading: In Praise of Liberty.
He was to be the Stamp Act Officer.
I ordered that the Sheriff take it down,
But he reported that his men 
Could not do it without danger to
Their lives. It then grew dark. The Mob
Went down to Mr Oliver’s shop,
Called it the Stamp Office, 
And pulled it to the ground;
Then to his house, where they 
Beheaded and then burned the effigy.
Oliver himself they could not find,
Else he surely had been murdered.
Next day I called the Council, who told me
That the Militia would not act against
The rioters. At sunset I escaped 
Here, to the Castle. As I write
I see a bonfire burning on Fort Hill.

August 16

I’ve heard from Boston:
Oliver has declared in public that
He’ll resign, and not act in the Office.
All say that the Stamp Act shall not be executed here;
And that a man who offers stamps will be 
Killed; and that all the power of Great Britain
Shall not oblige them to submit. 
I am utterly unable to
Oppose an insurrection of this kind.
  
August 22

It is my opinion that the worst
Should be expected and provided for.
I am a prisoner-at-large;
Not ten men are here whom I command;
I am but Governor in name.

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