History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1783.] SERIES OF CONVENTIONS—PEACE—EASTHAMPTON. 465
them believe that the latter were to be held for trial and
punishment in any event.
Action of the Leg- The position of affairs in this county nat-
isiature. urally attracted the attention of the Legis-
lature, which was at that time in session.
On the 17"' of June it voted to suspend the habeas corpus
act for six months within the County of Hampshire, and
ordered out the posse comitatus to bring the prisoners to
Boston. ^ At the November session agreeably to the recommendation
of the Hatfield convention, a full pardon was
granted to all the rioters with the exception of Ely. The
'' Tender Act *' was passed on the 3"^ of July, and soon after
a committee was appointed to investigate the cause of the
disturbances. It consisted of Samuel Adams of the Senate,
and Artemas Ward and Nathaniel Gorham of the House.
A Letter from Major Major Hawlcy was strougly in favor of the
Hawiey. appointment of this committee. In a letter
to Caleb Strong, who was then a member
of the Legislature, he decidedly advocated its forma-
tion, and his influence undoubtedly had much to do in de-
ciding the matter. The following extracts from this letter
show, not only the sentiments of Major Hawley, but the
general tendency of public opinion, as well as the method
suggested by one who was well acquainted with the best
and most popular means of enlightening and controlling
public sentiment : —
" June 24, 1782.
" In a letter by Doct. Lyman I proposed the General Court sending a
committee into this county without any delay. I now undertake to
pronounce that without such a step there is the utmost hazard that the
government will take such measures as may vastly endanger the whole
American cause. You would be astonished to know with what amazing
rapidity the spirit of the Insurgents propagates. Manj- are infected
with it, of whom you never would have the least siispicion. We are
not certain who besides the De\'il sprang Ely at first. But we are not
at a loss who ventilates the flame, for the fire is now become such a
flame as I cannot describe to you. The Genl. Court have not had any
affair of greater magaitude before them since the Revolution. Dispatch,
dispatch is of infinite consequence, but at the same time we
must remember Fe.stitia lente, for that interest a committee must pre-
1 Belknap's Letters, Mass. Historical Collections, Ser. 5, vol. 2, p. 133.
30