Colonel Winslow, commanding the Massachusetts militia, repaired thither with great array.

"It is a painful duty which brings me here," he said.

"I have orders to inform you that your lands, your houses, and your crops are confiscated to the profit of the crown; you can carry off your money and your linen on your deportation from the province." The order was accompanied by no explanation; nor did it admit of any.

All the heads of families were at once surrounded by the soldiers.

By tens, and under safe escort, they were permitted to visit once more the fields which they had cultivated, the houses in which they had seen their children grow up.