| Citation |
CG-NH.765.030
15 Nov 1765:22 (490)
Middletown, November 2. Yesterday being the day prefix'd,
to inslave America, by an unrighteous and oppressive a--
some of the principle gentlemen of this place, to shew the
sense they had of their native liberty and freedom, which
concluded with that fatal day, met together--and agreed,
that the bell should toll, all day, with the tongue muffled.
. . [7 lines reporting other public manifestations against
the Stamp Act] In the evening, the young people dressed
three images; two of them were dressed very grand--one in an
arm chair, representing a late ignoble lord; the other,
waiting on him, in a private conference, holding up a piece
of parchment, to him, with these words wrote in large
characters, let's inslave America with stamps. Behind them,
on the stage, was a most forlorn image, with a fierce
countenance, representing the D--l, with a spear'd fork in
his right hand, and a lanthorn in his left--(however cloven
his feet were, his d--l ship had gloves on his hands.) On
the forepart of the stage was a large lanthorn, five or six
feet high, and proportionably filled with lighted candles,
(the night being dark and cloudy made a grand appearance) On
the front of which was wrote, in large characters, liberty,
property and no stamps. Confusion to Lord B--, G--, the D--
l, and company. God bless King George, Pitt, Conway, Barre,
and all patriots to liberty. Amen. which was read off loud
at every door in the town-street and lanes; upon which the
company gave three loud and hearty cheers; then a profound
silence was observ'd, when the actor upon the stage (who
played his part extremely well) repeated--
This is the d--l, we know full well,
He's come to kick Lord B-- to h--.
. . . [12 more lines conclusion]
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