And how could it be otherwise? If heredity tells for
anything the whole history of the early struggles of the infant colonies
was a guarantee that sturdy traits would be found in the descendants of
the first settlers. In the world's history we find no higher type of
patriotism than on the barren, rocky shores of Massachusetts. It is
undoubtedly true that there were some whose sympathies were not with the
principles which inspired the majority of the people of that day, who
were distrustful of the consequences which would result from failure,
and who gave but feeble encouragement. We find such in every age and
country. But it must be put down to the credit of even these few that
they paid heavy taxes without resistance, and yielded to the popular
will after independence was once declared. "Royalists as well as
republicans, tories as well as whigs, gave of their substance to
establish the liberties of their country."
The acts and motives of the men of this town deserved to be crowned with
that success which came in due season, a priceless benefit to posterity.
It was General Benjamin Lincoln, of Hingham, the wise counsellor, the
foremost citizen of his time, the trusted friend of Washington, who was
designated to receive the sword of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
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