“In 1771, the apprenticeship of Enoch ended.  He was now twenty-one years old—­a man grown—­industrious—­honest—­and ready to begin business for himself.

“Old Mr. Crosby was a strong whig—­a man of reading and information—­ one who took a deep interest in the welfare of his country.

“About the time that Enoch first left home to learn his trade, the troubles of America began with England.  The king and his ministers became jealous of the Americans.  They thought them growing too fast—­ ‘They will soon,’ said they, ’become proud, and wish to be free and independent—­we must tax them—­we must take away their money.  This will keep them poor and humble.’

“Those things used often to be talked over, at old Mr. Crosby’s.  The neighbours would sometimes happen in there of a winter’s evening to spend an hour, or two—­the minister—­the schoolmaster—­and others—­and although Southeast was a retired place, the conduct of the ’mother country,’ as England was called, was pretty well understood there, and justly censured.

“Old Mr. Crosby, especially, condemned the conduct of England.  He said, for one, he did not wish to be trampled on.  ’They have no right to tax us,’ said he,—­’it is unjust—­it is cruel—­and, for myself, I am ready to say, I will not submit to it.  And, mark my word, the time will come, when the people will defend themselves, and when that time comes, I hope,’ said he—­looking round upon his sons, especially upon Enoch—­’I hope my boys will not shame their father—­no, not they.’

“Enoch thought much of his father.  He was a grave man—­one who sat steady in his chair when he talked—­and talked so slowly, and so emphatic, as always to be heard.  Enoch, though a boy, listened—­he was then interested—­and as he grew older and was at home occasionally, on a visit, and these subjects were discussed—­he took a still deeper interest, and would sometimes even mingle in the animated talk, round the fire side of his father.

“And, then, there were times, too, when he was seated on his bench, thinking over what he had heard; or sat listening to some customer of his master, who happened in, on a rainy day—­and who had seen the last paper which gave an account of some new attempt to oppress the colonies—­at such times, he would almost wish himself a soldier, and in the field fighting for his country.  And then the hammer, it was observed, would come down upon his lapstone with double force, as if he were splitting the head of one of the enemy open, or his awl would go through the leather, as if he were plunging a bayonet into the belt of a soldier.”

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“Such were the workings of Enoch Crosby’s mind—­the work of preparation was going on there—­the steam was gradually rising—­and though he realized it not—­he was fitting to become a zealous and active soldier, in his country’s service.

“On the 5th of March, 1770, nearly a year before Enoch’s time was out, the ‘Boston Massacre’ happened.”