The Group

Group, The (1775), a play by Mercy Otis Warren. A group of men who, for a variety of reasons and with varied shades of enthusiasm, have embraced the loyalist cause, gather to discuss the growing movement towards rebellion in the colonies. They implore Sylla (read General Gage) to take action, but Sylla is torn between his sense of duty and a compassion for the plight of the colonials. Described by Arthur Quinn as more conversation than play, the text was widely circulated among anti‐British factions. No record of performance survives, although the title page states “As lately acted.”