Signature, Benjamin Faneuil, Jr
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON, ON THE 5TH& 6THNOVEMBER, 1773,
Referred to by Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, & BenjnFaneuil, Junr.,in their above mentioned Letters, from the news papers enclosed.
[From the Massachusetts Gazette of Thursday, Nov. 11, 1773.]
The following notification was issued on Thursday last:
The freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Boston, qualified as the law directs, are hereby notified to meet at Faneuil Hall, on Friday, the 5thday of November instant, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to consider the petition of a number of the inhabitants, setting forth, "that they are justly alarmed at the report that the East India Company, in London, are about shipping a cargo or cargoes of tea into this and the other Colonies, and that they esteem it a political plan of the British administration, whereby they have reason to fear, not only the trade upon which they depend for subsistence, is threatened to be totally destroyed, but what is much more than any thing in life to be dreaded, the tribute laid on the foundation of that article will be fixed and established, and our liberties, for which we have long struggled, will be lost to them and their posterity,and therefore praying that a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants, may be immediately called, that so the sense of the matter may be taken, and such steps be pursued as to their safety and well being shall appertain."
By order of the Select men,
William Cooper, Town Clerk.
Boston, Novr4th,1773.
On Friday last there was a very full meeting of the freeholders, and other inhabitants of this town, in Faneuil Hall, agreeable to a notification issued by the Select men, when the Hon'ble John Hancock, Esqr.,was chosen moderator, and the Town, after due deliberation, came into the following resolutions, viz.:
Whereas, it appears by an Act of the British Parliament, passed in the last session, that the East India Company, in London, are by the said Act allowed to export their teas into America in such quantities as the Lords of the Treasury shall think proper. And some persons, with an evil intent to amuse the people, and others thro' inattention to the true design of the Act have so construed the same as that the tribute of three pence on every pound of tea is to be exacted by the detestable task masters here. Upon the due consideration thereof,—
Resolved, That the sense of this Town cannot be better expressed than in the words of certain judicious resolves, lately entered into by our worthy brethren of Philadelphia. Wherefore,
Resolved, That the disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen; that there can be no property inthat which another can, of right, take from us without our consent; that the claim of Parliament to tax America is, in other words, to claim a right to levy contributions on us at pleasure.
2d.That the duty imposed by Parliament upon tea landed in America, is a tax upon the Americans, or levying contributions on them without their consent.
3d.That the express purpose for which the tax is levied on the Americans, namely, for the support of government, administration of justice, and the defence of His Majesty's dominions in America, has a direct tendency to render assemblies useless, and to introduce arbitrary government and slavery.
4th.That a virtuous and steady opposition to this ministerial plan of governing America is absolutely necessary to preserve even the shadow of liberty, and it is a duty which every free man in America owes to his country, to himself and to his posterity.
5th.That the resolution lately agreed to by the East India Company, to send out their tea to America, subjected to payment of duties on its being landed here, is an open attempt to enforce the ministerial plan, and a violent attack upon the liberties of America.
6th.That it is the duty of every American to oppose this attempt.
7th.That whoever shall, directly or indirectly, countenance this attempt, or in any wise aid or abet in unloading, receiving or vending the tea sent or to be sent out by the East India Company, while it remains subject to the payment of a duty here, is an enemy to America.
8th.That a committee be immediately chosen to wait onthose gentlemen, who, it is reported, are appointed by the East India Company to receive and sell said tea, and request them, from a regard to their own characters, and the peace and good order of this Town and Province, immediately to resign their appointments.
And the following gentlemen, viz., the Moderator, Mr. Henderson Inches, Benjamin Austin, Esqr.,and the Select men of the Town, were appointed a committee accordingly.
At the same time, the Town passed the following resolves, viz.:
Whereas, the merchants of this Continent, did enter into an agreement to withhold the importation of teas until the duty laid thereon mould be repealed, which agreement, as we are informed, has been punctually observed by the respectable merchants in the Southern Colonies, while, by reason of the peculiar circumstances attending the trade of this place, some quantities, tho' very small in proportion to what had been usual before said agreement, have been imported by some of the merchants here. And whereas, it now appears probable to this Town, that the British Administration have taken encouragement, even from such small importations, to grant licenses to the East India Company, as aforesaid, therefore,—
Resolved, That it is the determination of this Town, by all means in their power, to prevent the sale of teas exported by the East India Company, and as the merchants here have generally opposed this measure, it is the just expectation of the inhabitants of this town that no one of them will, upon any pretence whatever, import any tea that shall be liable to pay the duty from this time, and until the Act imposing the same shall be repealed.
Signature, Samuel Adams.Governor Gage, through Col. Fenton, to Samuel Adams, 1773."Mr. Adams, you have displeased His Majesty, made yourself liable to be sent to England, and tried for treason. Change your political course, you will receive personal advantages, and also make your peace with the King."Mr. Adams' Reply:"I have long since made my peace with the King of Kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country. Tell Gov. Gage it is the advice of Samuel Adams, to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an already exasperated people."
Governor Gage, through Col. Fenton, to Samuel Adams, 1773.
"Mr. Adams, you have displeased His Majesty, made yourself liable to be sent to England, and tried for treason. Change your political course, you will receive personal advantages, and also make your peace with the King."
Mr. Adams' Reply:"I have long since made my peace with the King of Kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country. Tell Gov. Gage it is the advice of Samuel Adams, to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an already exasperated people."
And then the Town adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon.
At 3 o'clock, there was again a very full assembly, and the committee reported to the Town that they had waited on Richard Clarke, Esqr.and Son, and Benjamin Faneuil, Esqr.,said to be factors of the East India Company, and communicated to them the resolve of the Town, whereby they were requested, immediately, to resign their appointment, and that said gentlemen informed the committee, that as Messrs. Thomas & Elisha Hutchinson, (who are also reported to be factors of the said Company,) were at Milton, and not expected in town 'till Saturday evening, and as they chose to consult them, they could not return an answer to the Town 'till Monday morning.
Then another committee was chosen viz., Mr. Samuel Adams, Mr. Wm. Molineux and Dr. Joseph Warren, to acquaint Messrs. Clarke & Faneuil, that as they were not joint factors for the East India Company with the Hutchinson's, it was supposed they could determine for themselves, and therefore it was the expectation of the Town that they return an immediate answer to the message, and this committee reported to the Town that an answer might be expected in half an hour.
A motion was then made that a committee be appointed to repair to Milton, and acquaint Messrs. Thomas and Elisha Hutchinson, with the request of the Town, that they immediately resign their appointment, and John Hancock, Esqr.,Mr. John Pitts, Mr. Samuel Adams, Mr. Samuel Abbott, Dr. Joseph Warren, Mr. Wm. Powell, and Mr. NathlAppleton, were appointed for that purpose.
A letter was brought into the hall, signed by Richard Clarke & Son, & Benjamin Faneuil, for himself & Joshua Winslow, Esqr.,and directed to the Moderator, to be communicated to the Town, viz:
"Boston, 5thNovmr.,1773.
Sir:
It is impossible for us to comply with the request of the Town, signified to us this day by the committee, as we know not what terms the tea, if any part of it should be sent to our care, will come out on, and what obligations, either of a moral or pecuniary nature, we may be under, to fulfil the trust that may be devolved on us. When we are acquainted with these circumstances, we shall be better qualified to give a definitive answer to the request of the Town. We are, sir,
Your most h'ble servts,
Richard Clarke & Son,Benjamin Faneuil, for self &Joshua Winslow, Esqr.
Hon'ble John Hancock, Esqr.,Moderator of a Town Meeting, assembled at Faneuil Hall."
This letter was read, and unanimously voted to be not satisfactory to the Town, and then the meeting adjourned 'till the next day, at eleven o'clock, to receive the report of the committee appointed to wait on the Hutchinsons.
The Town met by adjournment, on Saturday, (the meeting still continuing very full,) and the committee reported, that they had seen Mr. Thomas Hutchinson only, (his brother being neither at Milton or Boston,) and that the Town might expect an answer from him immediately.
The following letter was soon after sent in to the Moderator, signed Thomas Hutchinson, which was read, and unanimously voted to be an unsatisfactory answer, viz.:
"Sir:
I know nothing relative to the teas referred to in the request or vote of the Town, except that one of my friends has signified to me by letter, that part of it, he had reason to believe, would be consigned to me and my brother jointly. Under these circumstances, I can give no other answer to the Town at present, than that if the teas should arrive, and we should be appointed factors, we shall then be sufficiently informed to answer the request of the Town. I am, for my brother and self, sir,
Your h'ble servt,
Thos. Hutchinson, Junr.
Hon'ble John Hancock, Esqr.,Moderator of a Town Meeting, now assembled.
It was then voted, that the letter, signed Richard Clarke & Son, Benjamin Faneuil, for self and Joshua Winslow, Esqr.,and also the letter signed Thomas Hutchinson, which had been read, were daringly affrontive to the Town, and the meeting was immediately dissolved.
AN ACCOUNT OF TEA IMPORTED AT BOSTON,
Referred to above, in Mr. Clarke's Letter, from the same.
Mr.Draper:
Please to publish the following account of the importation of teas from Great Britain, from the commencementof the year 1768, to the present time, for the information of such of your readers as desire to be acquainted therewith:
Chests.In1768,942by82difftpersons.1769,34033do.1770,16722do.1771,890103do.1772,37570do.1773,37861do.
N.B.—The merchants in London, not having executed the orders for tea this fall, on account of the expected exportation from the East India Company, greatly lessens the quantity of the present year.
Q.
HALIFAX.
Mr. Michell presents his compliments to Mr. Watson, and by order acquaints him, that the Court of Directors of the East India Company have agreed that the Company's teas, which may be rejected at Boston, and other places in America, should be sent to Halifax, in the manner with which Mr. Watson was acquainted by the Committee, with whom he this day conferred, and Mr. Michell is to desire Mr. Watson will, as soon as may be, name to him the other house here, which is to join in that business, and the other gentleman at Halifax, to be concerned in the agency there with Mr. John Butler, that the necessary dispatch may be given to the advices, to go from hence tomorrow, at 10 in the forenoon, to the plantation office, and be there forwardedto America. He is also to request Mr. Watson, will by that time, convey hither such letters as he intends should go under the Company's cover, by the same dispatch to Halifax, relating to this business
East India House,
Friday evening, 7thJany,1774.
Joshua Mauger, Esqr.,Member of Poole, in £10,000.Brook Watson,}of London, merchants, and in £10,000.RobtRashleigh,
Joint security for the due execution of the commission for the disposal of the Company's teas by John Butler, Esqr.,and ThosCochran, of Halifax.
NEW YORK.
THE AGENTS OF NEW YORK, THEIR PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR,
Referred to in their Letter of the 1stDecr.
To His Excellency William Tryon, Esqr.,Captain-General and Governor in Chief in and over the Province of New York, and Territories depending thereon, in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same.
The Memorial of Henry White, AbramLott, & BenjmBooth, of the City of New York, merchants.
Humbly sheweth:
That your memorialists have, by the last packet, received advices of their being appointed agents by the EastIndia Comy.for the sale of certain teas by them shipped and daily expected to arrive in this port.
That your memorialists are informed by letter from the Directors of the said Company, that they have given security in double the value of the tea, that a certificate of its being duly landed shall be returned to the custom house, in London.
That as the said tea, on its importation, will be subject to the American duty, and as there is on that account a general and spirited opposition to its being sold, and being well convinced from the nature of the opposition, that so considerable a property of the Company will not be safe unless Government takes it under protection, your memorialists therefore humbly pray that your Excellency will be pleased to direct such steps to be taken for the preservation of the said tea, as your Excellency in your wisdom shall think most conducive to that end.
Henry White.[47]AbrmLott.BenjmBooth.
New York, 1st Decr.,1773.
Hutchinson
BOSTON.
Proceedings of the inhabitants of the town of Boston, on the 18thNovr.,1773, referred to by the agents in their letter of the 2dDecr.,are missing, supposed to be transmitted to Lord Dartmouth.[48]
PETITION OF THE AGENTS, & PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF BOSTON THEREON,
Referred to by the Agents in their Letter of the 2dDecemr.
To His Excellency the Governor and the Hon'ble His Majesty's Council.
The Petition of RichdClarke & Sons, of BenjnFaneuil, & Thos.& Elisha Hutchinson.
That the Hon'ble East India Company, in London, have shipped a considerable quantity of tea for the port of Boston, and as your petitioners aremadeto understand, will be consigned to their address for sale.
That some of your petitioners have in consequence of this been cruelly insulted in their persons and property; that they have had insulting and incendiary letters left and thrown into their houses in the night; that they have been repeatedly attacked by a large body of men; that one of the houses of your petitioners was assaulted in the night by atumultuous and riotous assembly of people, and violent attempts made to force the house for the space of two hours, that have greatly damaged the same; that they are threatened in their persons and property, and further with the destruction of the said tea on its arrival into the port; and that the resolves and proceedings of the Town, in their meetings on the 5thand 18thinst., are intended to be expressive of the general sense of the Town, to which we beg leave to refer your Excellency and the Honorable Board.
Your petitioners therefore beg leave to resign themselves, and the property committed to their care, to your Excellency and Honors, as the guardians and protectors of the people, humbly praying that measures may be directed to, for the landing and securing the teas, until your petitioners can be at liberty, openly and safely, to dispose of the same, or until they can receive directions from their constituents.
Signed,RichdClarke,BenjnFaneuil, Junr.Thos& Elisha Hutchinson.
A true copy from the original.
Petition on file. Attest:
Signed,Thos.Flucker, Secy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL THEREON,
At a Council held at the Council Chamber, in Boston, upon Friday, Novr19, 1773.
Present:
His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, Esqr.,Governor.
Isaac Royal,[49]}James Bowdoin,}James Pitts,John Erving,Esqrs.James Russell,Esqrs.Wm. Brattle,[50]James Otis,SamlDexter, Esqrs.
His Excellency represented to the Council the tumults and disorders prevailing in the town of Boston, and required their advice upon measures proper for preserving the peace, and for supporting the authority of Government. Whilst the Council were debating on the subject, a petition from RichdClarke, BenjnFaneuil, and Messrs. Thos.and Elisha Hutchinson, to the Governor and Council was presented, setting forth that the Hon'ble East India Comy,in London, have ship'd a considerable quantity of tea for the port of Boston, which they are made to understand, will be consigned to their address, for sale, and that some of them have, in consequence of this, been cruelly insulted in their persons andproperty. They therefore beg leave to resign themselves, and the property committed to their care, to the Governor and Council, as the guardians and protectors of the people, and pray that measures may be directed to, for the landing and securing the teas, until they can be at liberty, openly and safely, to dispose of the same, or until they can receive directions from their constituents. After long debate, it was proposed and agreed that his Excellency be desired to appoint a future day for the Council to sit, and he appointed the 23dinst., and the Council adjourned the further consideration to that time accordingly.
November 23d,1773. Present in Council: His Excellency Thos.Hutchinson, Esqr.,Governor.
Isaac Royal,John Erving,}Esqrs.James Bowdoin,James Russell,James Otis,}Esqrs.James Pitts,John Winthrop, Esqrs.
His Excellency directed the Council to proceed in the consideration of the petition of RichdClarke, Esqr.,and others, as entered the 19thinst., for which purpose he had ordered them to sit at this time, and a debate being had thereupon, it was moved to his Excellency that the Council might sit on a further day, there being only a bare quorum present, to which his Excellency agreed; advised that all those members of the Council who live within 40 miles of the town of Boston be summoned then to attend, which was done accordingly, to meet on Saturday, the 27thinst.
Novemr27th.Present in Council: His Excellency Thos.Hutchinson, Esqr.,Governor.
THOMAS GAGE, THE LAST ROYAL GOVERNOR.THOMAS GAGE, THE LAST ROYAL GOVERNOR.
Samuel Danforth,[51]Isaac Royal,John Erving,James Bowdoin.James Russel,James Pitts,Samuel Dexter,James Humphrey,Artemas Ward,John Winthrop, Esqrs.George Leonard.
His Excellency, after representing to the Council the disorders prevailing in the town of Boston, recommended to them to proceed on the petition of RichdClarke, and others, relative to those disorders, and required their advice. After a long debate, it was moved to his Excellency that a Comteeof the Council be appointed to prepare the result of the said debate, to be laid before his Excellency, to which he consented, and James Bowdoin, SamlDexter, and John Winthrop, Esqrs.,were appointed accordingly. Mr. Bowdoin made a report, which was considered and debated by the Council, and it was moved to his Excellency that he would adjourn the Council to a future day for further consideration, and he appointed Monday, the 29thfor that purpose.
Novemr29th,1773. Present in Council: His Excellency Thos.Hutchinson, Esqr.,Governor.
Samuel Danforth, Esqr.Isaac Royal,John Erving,James Bowdoin,James Russell,James Pitts,Samuel Dexter, Esqrs.Geo. Leonard,Artemas Ward,John Winthrop,
His Excellency directed that the Council proceed upon the business for which it stands adjourned. After debate upon the report of the Comteethe question whether it should be accepted was put, which passed unanimously in the affirmative as the advice of the Council to his Excellency, in the words following, viz.:
Previous to the consideration of the petition before the Board, they would make a few observations occasioned by the subject of it. The situation of things between Great Britain and the Colonies has been for some years past very unhappy. Parliament, on the one hand, has been taxing the Colonies, and they, on the other hand, have been petitioning and remonstrating against it, apprehending they have constitutionally an exclusive right of taxing themselves, and that without such a right, their condition would be but little better than slavery.
Possessed of these sentiments, every new measure of Parliament tending to establish and confirm a tax on them renews and increases their distress, and it is particularly encreased by the Act lately made, empowering the East India Company to ship their tea to America. This Act, in a commercial view, they think introductive of monopolies, and tending to bring on them the extensive evils thence arising. But their great objection to it is from its being manifestly intended (tho' that intention is not expressed therein,) more effectually to secure the payment of the duty on tea, laid by an Act of Parliament passed in the 7thyear of his present Majesty, entitled, "An Act for granting certain duties in the British colonies and plantations in America," which Act in its operation deprives the colonists of the right above mentioned (the exclusive right of taxing themselves), which they hold tobe so essential a one that it cannot be taken away or given up, without their being degraded, or degrading themselves below the character of men.
It not only deprives them of that right, but enacts that the monies arising from the duties granted by it may be applied "as his Majesty or his successors shall think proper or necessary for defraying the charges of the administration of justice and the support of the civil government, in all or any of the said colonies or plantations."
This clause of the Act has already operated in some of the colonies, and in this colony in particular, with regard to the support of civil government, and thereby has operated in diminution of its charter rights to the great grief of the good people of it, who have been and still are greatly alarmed by repeated reports, that it is to have a further operation with respect to the defraying the charge of the administration of justice, which would not only be a further diminution of those rights, but tend in all constitutional questions, and in many other cases of importance to bias the judges against the subject. They humbly rely on the justice and goodness of his Majesty for the restitution and preservation of those rights.
This short statement of facts the board thought it necessary to be given to shew the cause of the present great uneasiness which is not confined to this neighbourhood, but is general and extensive. The people think their exclusive right of taxing themselves by their representatives, infringed and violated by the Act above mentioned. That the new Act empowering the East India Company to import their tea into America confirms that violation, and is a new effort, not only more effectually to secure the payment of the teaduty, but lay a foundation for enhancing it, and in a like way, if this should succeed, to lay other taxes on America. That it is in its attendants and consequences ruinous to the liberties and properties of themselves and their posterity; that as their numerous petitions for relief have been rejected, the said New Act demonstrates an indisposition in ministry that Parliament should grant them relief; that this is the source of their distress, a distress that borders upon dispair, and that they know not where to apply for relief.
These being the sentiments of the people, it is become the indispensible duty of this Board to mention them that the occasion of the late demands on Mr. Clarke and others, the agents of the East India Company, and of the consequent disturbances, the authors of which we have advised should be prosecuted, but to give a just idea of the rise of them.
On this occasion, justice impels us to declare that the people of this Town and Province, tho' they have a high sense of liberty derived from the manners, the example and constitution of the mother country, have, 'till the late parliamentary taxation of the Colonies, been as free from disturbances as any people whatever.
This representation the Board thought necessary to be made prior to their taking notice of the petition of the agents above mentioned, to the consideration of which they now proceed.
The petitioners beg leave "to resign themselves, and the property committed to their care, to his Excellency and the Board, as guardians and protectors of the people, praying that measures may be directed to for the landing and securing the tea,"&c.
With regard to the personal protection of the petitioners, the Board have not been informed that they have applied for it to any of the justices of the peace, they being vested by law with all the authority necessary for the protection of his Majesty's subjects. In the principal instance of abuse of which they complain, the Board have already advised that the authors of it should be prosecuted according to law, and they do advise the same in the other instances mentioned in their petition.
With regard to the tea committed to the care of the petitioners, the Board have no authority to take either that or any other merchandize out of their care, and should they do it, or give any order or advice concerning it, and a loss ensue, they apprehend they should make themselves responsible for it. With respect to the prayer of the petition, that measures may be directed to "for the landing and securing the tea," the Board would observe on it, that the duty on the tea becomes payable, and must be paid or secured to be paid on its being landed, and should they direct or advise to any measure for landing it, that would of course advise to a measure for procuring the payment of the duty, and therefore by advising to a measure inconsistent with the declared sentiment of both houses in the last winter session of the General Court, which they apprehend to be altogether inexpedient and improper.
The Board, however, on this occasion assure your Excellency that as they have seen, with regret, some late disturbances, and have advised to the prosecuting the authors of them, so they will in all legal methods endeavor to the utmost of their power to prevent them in future.
Whereupon advised that his Excellency renew his ordersto his majesty's justices of the peace, sheriffs, and other peace officers, to exert themselves to the utmost for the security of his Majesty's subjects; the preservation of peace and good order, and for preventing all offences against the laws.
His Excellency thereupon demanded of the Council whether they would give him no advise upon the disorders then prevailing in the town of Boston, and it was answered in general that the advise already given was intended for that purpose.
A true copy from the minutes of the Council.
Attest:
Thos.Flucker, Secy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON ON THE 29TH& 30THNOVEMBR,1773,
Referred to by the Agents there, in their Letter of the 2dDecember, 1773.
At a meeting of the people of Boston and the neighbouring towns, in Faneuil Hall, in said Boston, on Monday, 29thNovemr,1773, nine o'clock,a.m., and continued by adjournment to the next day, for the purpose of consulting, advising, and determining upon the most proper and effectual method to prevent the unloading, receiving or vending the detestable tea sent out by the East India Company, part of which being just arrived in this harbour, in order to proceed withdue regularity, it was moved that a moderator be chosen, and Jonathan Williams, Esqr.,was then chosen moderator of the meeting.
A motion was made, that as the Town of Boston had determined, at a late meeting, legally assembled, that they would, to the utmost of their power, prevent the landing of the tea, the question being put whether this body be absolutely determined that the tea now arrived, in Capt.Hall's ship, shall be returned to the place from whence it came, at all events, and the question being accordingly put, it passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
It appearing that the hall could not contain the people assembled, it was voted that the meeting be immediately adjourned to the Old South meeting-house, leave having been obtained for this purpose.
The people met at the Old South, according to adjournment.
A motion was made, and the question put, viz.: Whether it is the firm resolution of this body, that the tea shall not only be sent back, but that no duty shall be paid thereon, and passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
It was moved, that in order to give time to the consignees to consider and deliberate before they sent in proposals to this body, as they had given reason to expect would have been done at the opening of the meeting, there might be an adjournment to 3 o'clock,p.m., and the meeting was accordingly adjourned for that purpose.
Three o'clock,p.m.Met according to adjournment.
A motion was made whether the tea now arrived in CaptHall's ship, shall be sent back in the same bottom. Passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
Mr. Rotch, the owner of the vessel, being present, informed that body that he should enter his protest against their proceedings.
It was then moved and voted,nem. con.,that Mr. Rotch be directed not to enter this tea, and that the doing of it will be at his peril.
Also voted, that Capt.Hall, the master of the ship, be informed that, at his peril, he is not to suffer any of the tea brought by him, to be landed.
A motion was made, that in order for the security of Capt.Hall's ship and cargo, a watch may be appointed, and it was voted that a watch be accordingly appointed, to consist of 25 men.
Capt.Edward Proctor was appointed by the body to be capt.of the watch for this night, and the names were given in to the moderator of the townsmen who were volunteers upon the occasion.
It having been observed to the body that Governor Hutchinson had required the justices of the peace in this town to meet and use their endeavours to suppress any routs, or riots, &c., of the people, that might happen, it was moved and the question put, whether it be not the sense of this meeting that the Governor's conduct herein carries a designed reflection upon the people here met, and is solely calculated to serve the views of administration. Passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
The people being informed by Colonel Hancock that Mr. Copley, son-in-law to Mr. Clarke, senr.,had acquainted him that the tea consignees did not receive their letters fromLondon 'till last evening, and were so dispersed that they could not have a joint meeting early enough to make their proposals at the time intended, and therefore are desirous of a further space for that purpose.
[It is necessary to note that Mr. Copley, and some others, our friends informing us, that to prevent immediate outrage, it was necessary for us to send something in writing to the Select men, which we then did, absolutely refusing to do what they had before informed us the people expected; but Mr. Copley, on his return to town, fearing the most dreadful consequences, thought best not to deliver our letter to the Select men, he returned to us at night representing this. We then wrote the letter you see printed in this paper.]
The meeting, out of great tenderness to these persons, and from a strong desire to bring this matter to a conclusion, notwithstanding the time they had hitherto expended upon them, to no purpose, were prevailed upon to adjourn to the next morning, 9 o'clock.
Thursday morning, nine o'clock.
Met according to adjournment.
The long-expected proposals were at length brought into this meeting, not directed to the moderator, but to John Scollay, Esqr.,one of the Select men. It was, however, voted that the same should be read, and they were, as follows, viz.:
"Monday, Novr29th,1773.
Sir:
We are sorry that we could not return to the Town satisfactory answers to their two late messages to us respectingthe teas. We beg leave to acquaint the gentlemen, Select men, that we have since received our orders from the Hon'ble East India Comy.
We still retain a disposition to do all in our power to give satisfaction to the Town; but, as we understood from you and the other gentlemen, Select men, at Messrs. Clarke's interview with you last Saturday, that this can be effected by nothing less than our sending back the teas, we beg leave to say that this is utterly out of our power to do, but we do now declare to you our readiness to store the teas until we shall have an opportunity of writing to our constituents, and shall receive their further orders respecting them, and we do most sincerely wish that the Town, considering the unexpected difficulties devolved upon us, will be satisfied with what we now offer. We are, sir,
Your most humble servants,
Thos.& Elisha Hutchinson.[52]BenjnFaneuil, Junr.,for self andJoshua Winslow, Esqr.,Richard Clarke & Sons.
To John Scollay, Esqr."
Mr. Sheriff Greenleaf came into the meeting, and begged leave of the moderator that a letter, he had received from the Governor, requiring him to read a proclamation to the people here assembled, might be read, and it was accordingly read.
Whereupon it was moved, and the question put, whether the sheriff should be permitted to read the proclamation, which passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
The proclamation is as follows, viz.:
"Massachusetts Bay.
By the Governor.
To Jonathan Williams, Esqr.,acting as Moderator of an assembly of people, in the Town of Boston, and to the people so assembled:
Whereas, printed notifications were on Monday, the 29thinst., posted in divers places in the town of Boston, and published in the news papers of this day, calling upon the people to assemble together for certain unlawful purposes, in such notifications mentioned; and whereas, great numbers of persons belonging to the town of Boston, and divers others belonging to several other towns in the Province, didassemble in the said town of Boston, on the said day, and did then and there proceed to chuse a moderator, and to consult, debate, and resolve upon ways and means for carrying such unlawful purposes into execution, openly violating, defying and setting at naught the good and wholesome laws of the Province, and the constitution of government under which they live; and whereas, the people thus assembled, did vote or agree to adjourn, or continue their meeting to this the 30thinst., and great numbers of them are again met or assembled together for the like purpose, in the said town of Boston:
In faithfulness to my trust, and as his Majesty's representative within the Province, I am bound to bear testimony against this violation of the laws, and I warn and exhort you and require you, and each of you thus unlawfully assembled forthwith, to disperse and to surcease all further unlawful proceedings at your utmost peril.
Given under my hand, at Milton, in the Province aforesaid, the 30thday of Novr.,1773, and in the fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign.
T. Hutchinson.
By his Excellency's command.
Thos.Flucker, Secy."
And the same being read by the sheriff,[53]there was, immediately after, a loud and very general hiss.
A motion was then made, and the question put whether the assembly would disperse and surcease all further proceedings,according to the Governor's requirement. It passed in the nege,nem. con.
A proposal of Mr. Copley was made, that in case he could prevail with the Messrs. Clarkes to come into this meeting, the question might now be put, whether they should be treated with civility while in the meeting, though they might be of different sentiments with this body, and their persons be safe, until their return to the place from whence they should come. And the question being accordingly put, passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
Another motion of Mr. Copley's was put, whether two hours shall be given him, which also passed in the affirmative.
Adjourned 'till two o'clock,p.m.
Two o'clock,p.m.Met according to adjournment. A motion was made and passed, that Mr. Rotch and CaptnHall be desired to give their attendance. Mr. Rotch appeared, and upon a motion made, the question was put, whether it is the firm resolution of this body, that the tea brought by CaptnHall shall be returned by Mr. Rotch to England, in the bottom in which it came, and whether they accordingly now require the same, which passed in the affirmative,nem. con.
Mr. Rotch then informed the meeting, that he should protest against the whole proceedings, as he had done against the proceedings on yesterday, but that, tho' the returning the tea is an act in him, he yet considers himself as under a necessity to do it, and shall therefore comply with the requirement of this body.
Captain Hall being present, was forbid to aid or assist in unloading the teas at his peril, and ordered, that if he continuesmaster of the vessel, he carry the same back to London, who replied, he should comply with these requirements.
Upon a motion, resolved, that John Rowe, Esqr.,owner of part of Capt.Bruce's ship, expected with tea, as also Mr. Timmins, factor for Capt.Coffin's brig, be desired to attend.
Mr. Ezekiel Cheever was appointed captain of the watch for this night, and a sufficient number of volunteers gave in their names for that service.
Voted, that the captain of this watch be desired to make out a list of the watch for the next night, and so each captain of the watch for the following nights, until the vessels leave the harbour.
Upon a motion made, voted, that in case it should happen that the watch should be any ways molested in the night, while on duty, they give the alarm to the inhabitants by the tolling of the bells, and that if any thing happens in the day time, the alarm be by ringing of the bells.
Voted, that six persons be appointed, to be in readiness, to give due notice to the country towns, when they shall be required so to do, upon any important occasion, and six persons were accordingly chosen for that purpose.
John Rowe, Esqr.,attended, and was informed that Mr. Rotch had engaged, that his vessel should carry back the tea she brought, in the same bottom, and that it was the expectation of this body that he does the same by the tea, expected in Capt.Bruce, whereupon he replied, that the ship was under the care of the said master, but that he would use his utmost endeavor, that it should go back as required by this body, and that he would give immediate advice of the arrival of said ship.
Voted, that it is the sense of this body, that Capt.Bruceshall, on his arrival, strictly conform to the votes passed respecting Capt.Hall's vessel, as they had all been passed in reference to Capt.Bruce's ship.
Mr. Timmins appeared and informed, that Capt.Coffin's brig, expected with tea, was owned in Nantucket. He gave his word of honor that no tea should be landed while she was under his care, nor touched by any one, until the owner's arrival.
It was then voted, that what Mr. Rowe and Mr. Timmins had offered, was satisfactory to the body.
Mr. Copley[54]returned, and acquainted the body, that as he had been obliged to go to the castle, he hoped that if he had exceeded the time allowed him, they would consider the difficulty of a passage by water at this season, as an apology. He then further acquainted the body, that he had seen all the consignees, and though he had convinced them that they might attend this meeting with safety, and had used his utmost endeavors to prevail on them to give satisfaction to the body, they acquainted him, that believing nothing would be satisfactory short of reshipping the tea, which was out of their power, they thought it best not to appear, but would renew their proposal of storing the tea, and submitting the same to the inspection of a committee, and that they could go no further without incurring their own ruin; but as they had not been active in introducing the tea, they should do nothing to obstruct the people in their procedure with the same.
It was then moved, and the question put whether the return made by Mr. Copley from the consignees be in the least degree satisfactory to this body. It passed in the negative,nem. con.
Whereas, a number of merchants in this Province have inadvertently imported tea from Great Britain, while it is subject to the payment of a duty, imposed upon it by an Act of Parliament, for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, and appropriating the same, without the consent of those who are required to pay it, Resolved, that in thus importing said tea, they have justly incurred the displeasure of our brethren in the other Colonies.
And resolved further, that if any person or persons shall hereafter import tea from Great Britain, shall take the same on board, to be imported to this place, until the said unrighteous Act shall be repealed, he or they shall be deemed by this body an enemy to his country, and we will prevent the landing and sale of the same, and the payment of any duty thereon, and we will effect the return thereof to the place from whence it shall come.
Resolved, that the foregoing vote be printed and sent to England, and all the sea ports in this Province.
Upon a motion made, voted that fair copies be taken of the whole proceedings of this meeting, and transmitted to New York and Philadelphia, and that Mr. Samuel Adams, Hon'ble John Hancock, Esqr.,William Phillips, Esqr.,John Rowe, Esqr.,Jonathan Williams, Esqr.,be a committee to transmit the same.
Voted, That it is the determination of this body to carry their votes and resolutions into execution, at the risque of their lives and property.
Voted, That the committee of correspondence for this town be desired to take care, that every other vessel with tea that arrives in this harbour, have a proper watch appointed for her; also,
Voted, That those persons who are desirous of making a part of these nightly watches, be desired to give in their names at Messrs. Edes & Gill's printing office.
Voted, That our brethren in the country be desired to afford their assistance upon the first notice given, especially if such notice be given upon the arrival of CaptnLoring, in Mr. Clarke's brigantine.
Voted, That those of this body who belong to the town of Boston, do return their thanks to their brethren who have come from the neighbouring towns, for their countenance and union with this body, in this exigence of our affairs.
Voted, That the thanks of this meeting be given to Jonathan Williams, Esqr.,for his good services as moderator.
Voted, That this meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved.
LETTER ADDRESSED TO GEO. DUDLEY,Esqr.,
Enclosing 3 news papers and an advertisement, in the name of the people, threatening vengeance on those who favored the tea scheme.
Sir:
The state and condition of the Hon'ble Company's tea in America is as you will find in the enclosed papers.Unless the Tea Act is repealed, no tea can be sold in America. Repeal the Act, and you may dispose of all your teas. The Americans will not be slaves, neither are they to be trapped under the notion of cheap teas. Death is more desirable to them than slavery,—it is impossible to make the Americans swallow the tea. The ministry may amuse the Company, by telling them their tea shall be sold, and the Act preserved, but they are grossly mistaken. None of it is yet landed, neither shall it be.
Your humble servant,
Anglo Americanus.
Boston, New England,Decr13th,1773.
The papers enclosed contain an account of the proceedings of the town of Boston, on the 29th& 30thNovember, and of the resolves of some of the neighboring towns. (The papers are in the miscellany bundle.)
LETTER ADDRESSED TO GEO. DUDLEY,Esqr.,
Enclosing a Boston news paper of the 16thDecr.,1773.
Boston, New England, 17thDecr.,1773.
Gentlemen:
Your tea is destroyed, which was brought in three ships, Capts.Bruce, Hall and Coffin, and the brig with tea is cast away. If the tea is got on shore, it will share the same fate. Every possible means has been used to send it home safe again to you, but the tea consignees would notsend it; then application was made to the commissioners of the customs to clear out the vessel,—they would not do it, then to the Governor to grant a pass, which he refused, and finally the people were obliged to destroy it, (se defendendo,) or else, by an unlawful unrighteous Act, imposing a duty this tea would have destroyed them. This whole province, of some hundred thousand people, and the other provinces on the continent, are determined neither to use it, or suffer it to be landed, nor pay the duty. Force can never make them, and if the Company can ever expect to sell any tea in America, they must use all their interest to get this Tea Act repealed, otherwise they will never sell one ounce.
There is the utmost detestation of tea; even some of our country towns have collected all the tea they had by them, and burnt it in their public common, as so much chains and slavery. Get the Tea Act repealed, and you'll sell all your tea, otherwise you must keep all. The people will risk life and fortune in this affair,—the very being of America depends on it. I am sorry the Company are led into such a scrape by the ministry, to try the American's bravery, at the expence of their property. The artifice of the ministry is to dispose of your tea, and preserve the vile Tea Act; but they'll miss their aim,—the Americans will not swallow cheap tea, which has a poison in the heart of it. They see the hook thro' the bait. I am a well wisher to the Company, and also to America; but death to an American is more desirable than slavery.
I am, gentlemen, with all due respect,
Your honors most obedient, humble servant,
Anglo Americanus.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEA AT BOSTON,
As contained in the Boston news paper of the 16thDecr.
Boston, Thursday, Decr16th,1773.
It being understood that Mr. Rotch, owner of the ship Dartmouth, rather lingered in his preparations to return her to London, with the East India Company's tea on board, there was, on Monday lastP.M., a meeting of the committee of the several neighboring towns in Boston, and Mr. Rotch was sent for and enquired of, whether he continued his resolution to comply with the injunctions of the body on Monday and Tuesday preceding. Mr. Rotch answered that in the interim he had taken the advice of the best counsel, and found that in case he went on of his own motion to send that ship to sea in the condition she was then in, it must inevitably ruin him, and therefore he must beg them to consider what he had said at that meeting to be the effect of compulsion, and unadvised, and in consequence that he was not holden to abide by it, when he was now assured that he must be utterly ruined in case he did. Mr. Rotch was then asked whether he would demand a clearance for his ship in the custom house, and in case of a refusal enter a protest, and then apply in like manner for a pass, and order her out to sea? To all which he answered in the negative. The committee, doubtless informing their constituents of what had passed, a very full meeting of the body was again assembled at the Old South meeting-house, onTuesday afternoon, and Mr. Rotch being again present, was enquired of as before, and a motion was made and seconded that Mr. Rotch be enjoined forthwith to repair to the collectors and demand a clearance for his ship, and ten gentnwere appointed to accompany him, as witnesses of the demand. Mr. Rotch then proceeded with the committee to Mr. Harrison's lodgings, and made the demand. Mr. Harrison observed he could not give an answer 'till he had consulted the comptroller, but would, at office hours next morning, give a decisive answer. On the return of Mr. Rotch and the committee to the body with this report, the meeting was adjourned to Thursday morning, at ten o'clock.
Thursday.
Having met on Thursday morning at ten o'clock, they sent for Mr. Rotch, and asked him if he had been to the collector, and demanded a clearance. He said he had; but the collector said that he could not, consistent with his duty, give him a clearance 'till all the dutiable articles were out of his ship. They then demanded of him whether he had protested against the collector; he said he had not. They ordered him, upon his peril, to give immediate orders to the captain, to get his ship ready for sea to-day, enter a protest immediately against the custom house, and then proceed directly to the Governor, (who was at his seat at Milton, 7 miles off,) and demand a pass for his ship to go by the castle. They then adjourned 'till three o'clock,p.m., to wait Mr. Rotch's return.
Having met according to adjournment, there was the fullest meeting ever known. (It was reckoned that therewere 2000 men from the country.) They waited very patiently 'till 5 o'clock.
When they found Mr. Rotch did not return, they began to be very uneasy, called for a dissolution of the meeting, and finally obtained a vote for it. But the more moderate part of the meeting, fearing what would be the consequences, begged that they would reconsider their vote, and wait 'till Mr. Rotch's return, for this reason, that they ought to do everything in their power to send the tea back, according to their resolves.
They obtained a vote to remain together one hour longer. In about three-quarters of an hour Mr. Rotch returned, his answer from the Governor was, that he could not give a pass 'till the ship was cleared by the custom house. The people immediately, as with one voice, called for a dissolution, which having obtained, they repaired to Griffin's wharf, where the tea vessels lay, proceeded to fix tackles and hoist the tea upon deck, cut the chests to pieces, and threw the tea over the side. There were two ships and a brig, Capts.Hall, Bruce and Coffin, each vessel having 114 chests of tea on board. They began upon the two ships first, as they had nothing on board but the tea; then proceeded to the brig, which had hauled to the wharf but the day before, and had but a small part of her cargo out. The captain of the brig begged they would not begin with his vessel, as the tea was covered with goods belonging to different merchants in the town. They told him the tea they wanted, and the tea they would have; but if he would go into his cabin quietly, not one article of his goods should be hurt. They immediately proceeded to remove the goods, and then to dispose of the tea.