History of Montague; A Typical Puritan Town Quotes

“The important point of this report [Montague, Massachusetts; July 7, 1774] may be summed up in six resolutions: 1. We approve of the plan for a Continental Congress September 1, at Philadelphia. 2. We urge the disuse of India teas and British goods. 3. We will act for the suppression of pedlers and petty chapmen (supposably vendors of dutiable wares). 4. And work to promote American manufacturing. 5. We ought to relieve Boston. 6. We appoint the 14th day of July, a day of humiliation and prayer.”
― Edward Pearson Pressey, History of Montague; A Typical Puritan Town

“New Englanders began the Revolution not to institute reforms and changes in the order of things, but to save the institutions and customs that already had become old and venerable with them; and were new only to a few stupid Englishmen a hundred and fifty years behind the times.”
― Edward Pearson Pressey, History of Montague; A Typical Puritan Town

“On January 27, 1778, the -Articles of Confederation-, recently adopted by Congress, were debated here [Montague, Massachusetts]. It was 'voted to approve of the Articles, except the first clause,' giving Congress the power to declare peace and war. This it was resolved, 'belongs to the people.”
― Edward Pearson Pressey, History of Montague; A Typical Puritan Town

“We have been gradually finding out that there is more democracy in letting a committee or representative ten to details than in making everybody's business nobody's business.”
― Edward Pearson Pressey, History of Montague; A Typical Puritan Town

“It was an early saying here [Massachusetts] that there were 'Roots enough to plant Hampshire County and Gunns enough to defend them.”
― Edward Pearson Pressey, History of Montague; A Typical Puritan Town