Chapter IX: Part 9

By the English papers I learn you are fully apprised of the proceedings of the people of Philadelphia and Boston, and the resolves of the New Yorkers. I have, notwithstanding, sent you the latest papers. The ship with the teas bound to Charles Town, is made the property of the customs, having neglected the usual forms of office in that port. This intelligence I had by a ship from Carolina to New York, the 1st Jan^y., and may be depended on. I left New York the 2^d ultimo; the ship bound to that port was not then arrived.

I have the honor to be, sir,
Your very humble servant,
J.J. ELLIS,
18^th Regt.

_BOSTON._

CASTLE WILLIAM, 7^th Dec^r., 1773.

QUESTIONS PROPOSED BY FRANCIS ROTCH, AN OWNER, AND JAMES HALL, MASTER OF THE SHIP DARTMOUTH,

_Who has now the Tea on board, consigned to Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, Mr. Benj^n Faneuil, Messrs. Tho^s. & Elisha Hutchinson, and Mr. Joshua Winslow, with the Answers of the Consignees, except Mr. Winslow, who was absent. Referred to by the Consignees in their Letter of the 7^th Jan., 1774._

QUESTION 1^ST.

By Cap^t. Hall and F. Rotch, to the gentlemen, consignees, in writing:

We are now ready to deliver the tea, and beg to know if you, gentlemen, are ready to receive it, and will produce the requisites usual and necessary to the landing or delivering the said tea alongside the ship, either in your own persons or by your agents?

ANSWER.

Gentlemen: We understand that there was a large body of people assembled in Boston on the 29^th & 30^th November, who voted that the tea shipped by the East India Company, and consigned to us, should not be landed; that the duty should not be paid, and that the tea should be returned in the same ship that brought it out. It also appears by the printed proceedings of that assembly, that you consented it should go back in your ship. We also understand that there is continually on board your ship a number of armed men, to prevent it being landed. We therefore judge it out of our power to receive it at present, but when it shall appear to us to be practicable, we will give the necessary orders respecting it.

QUESTION 2^D.

As your reply to our first question, gent^n., appears to us not to the point, we must and do demand a categorical answer whether you will or will not immediately, either by yourselves or your order, or otherwise, qualify any other person or persons to receive the teas consigned to you now on board our ship, as we are now entirely ready, and will, if in our power, deliver the said teas immediately, if application is made?

ANSWER.

Gentlemen: It appears to us that the answer we have made to your first question is a full reply to the second.

QUESTION 3^D.

As you, gentlemen, by the tenor of your first and second reply, refuse to give us a direct answer to our questions, whether you will or will not receive the teas mentioned therein, we now demand our bill of lading given by Cap^t. Hall, in consequence of his receiving those teas on board in London River, and the amount of the freight of the said tea, say ninety-one pounds seven shillings and seven pence lawful money?

ANSWER.

Gentlemen: We shall not deliver up Captain Hall's bill of lading, nor pay the freight of the teas until we can receive them.

[Copy.] FRANCIS ROTCH.
JAMES HALL.
THO^S. & ELISHA HUTCHINSON.
RICHARD CLARKE & SONS.
BENJ^N FANEUIL, JUN^R.

[Copy.] AT CASTLE WILLIAM, IN NEW ENGLAND,

11^th Dec^r., 1773.

QUESTIONS PROPOSED BY JAMES BRUCE,

_Master of the ship Eleanor, burthen about 250 tons, now lying in the harbour of Boston, in New England, with part of her cargo, from London, consisting of one hundred and fourteen chests of tea, consigned to Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, Tho^s. & Elisha Hutchinson, Benj^n Faneuil and Joshua Winslow, of said Boston, Merchants._

QUESTION 1^ST, BY CAP^N BRUCE, TO THE CONSIGNEES AFORESAID, IN BEHALF OF HIMSELF AND OWNERS.

Gentlemen: I am now ready to deliver the tea consigned to you on board my ship, and beg to know if you, gentlemen, are ready and willing to receive it, as I can produce the requisites usual and necessary for landing or delivering the said teas alongside the ship, either by yourselves, your agents or assigns; and as my cargo of lumber is ready for shipping on discharge of the said tea, I demand an immediate and positive answer to my question.

ANSWER.

Sir: It appearing by the printed accounts of a number of people assembled, at Boston, on the 29^th and 30^th Nov^r., that they voted the teas shipped by the East India Company should not be landed, but that they should be returned to England in the same bottoms in which they came. And it further appearing that John Rowe, Esq^r., part owner of the ship of which you are commander, was present at said meeting, and did promise to use his utmost endeavors that the teas brought in your vessel should be sent back, and was also chosen one of a com^tee by the said meeting, and as you now tell us that you have received orders from certain persons, called a com^tee of safety, not to land any part of said tea, and that a number of armed men have been and still are kept aboard or near your vessel. We reply, that for the reasons mentioned, we think it at present out of our power to receive the teas, but that as soon as it shall appear practicable, we will give the necessary orders for doing it.

2^D QUESTION.

As I have no control upon, nor influence with, the people in Boston who may oppose the landing of the teas, I cannot be chargeable with their conduct. My business is with you, gentlemen, and it is to you only I can and do make application for directions how to dispose of the said teas, and you will oblige me and my owners, and I desire you would let me know whether you will or will not receive or dispose of the said tea, either on shore or otherwise?

ANSWER.

As we see nothing in your second question essentially different from your first, we must refer you to our answer already given.

3^RD QUESTION.

Will you, gentlemen, or either of you, deliver the bills of lading, which I signed for said tea at London, and pay me the freight for bringing it to Boston?

ANSWER.

Sir: We will not deliver the bills of lading, nor pay the freight of the teas, until we can receive them.

[Copy.] JAS. BRUCE.
RICH^D CLARKE & SONS.
THO^S. & ELISHA HUTCHINSON
Witness: BENJ^N FANEUIL, Jun^r.

Signed, JN^O. MUNRO, Not. Pub.

* * * * *

PROTEST.

_Cap^t. James Bruce, of the Eleanor, against the Consignees, for refusing to receive the teas at Boston, in New England, on the 11^th day of December, 1773, and in the fourteenth year of His Majesty's reign._

Personally appeared before me, John Monro, Notary Public, by royal authority, duly admitted and sworn. James Bruce, master of the ship Eleanor, burthen about two hundred and fifty tons, then lying at Griffin's wharf, with part of her cargo from London on board, amongst which were eighty whole and thirty-four half chests of tea, consigned to Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, Thomas & Elisha Hutchinson, Benjamin Faneuil, and Joshua Winslow, of said Boston, merchants. And the said James Bruce, having requested me, the said Notary Public, to attend him to Castle William, in the harbour of said Boston, we went on the said day, and then and there, the annexed questions and answers were entered. Written questions were put by the said James Bruce, and the respective answers were made in writing (also annexed) by the consignees then present, and in my presence, and in the presence of each other, inter-changeably subscribed and delivered by the said James Bruce and the said Richard Clarke & Sons, Thomas and Elisha Hutchinson, and Benjamin Faneuil, and declared by them to be their sentiments and determinations.

Wherefore, the said James Bruce, on behalf of himself, and all others concerned, did, and I, the said Notary Public at his request, and on behalf as aforesaid, do by these presents, solemnly protest against the said consignees, and such of them aforesaid, for all and all manner of damages whatsoever, already suffered, and which may, can or shall be suffered, by their neglecting and refusing to receive, demand and take possession of the tea aforesaid, agreeable to his request, made and written, and annexed to these presents.

Thus done, protested and given under my notarial seal of office, in presence of Robert Garland Cranch and John Dyer.

In testimoniam veritas,
Signed, Signed, JN^O. MONRO,
JAS. BRUCE, [Symbol: L.S.] Not. Pub., 11^th Jan^y., 1774.

LETTER FROM MR. ROTCH TO THE CONSIGNEES,

_Referred to in their Letter of the 8^th of Jan^y., 1774._

Boston, 6^th Jan^y., 1774.

Gentlemen:

Annexed you have an account of the freight of 80 whole and 34 half chests of tea, shipped by the Hon'ble East India Company, on our ship Dartmouth, James Hall, master, from London, consigned to you, with the damages we have sustained by the said tea being kept in our ship by your not giving the necessary orders or directions about it, or by your not qualifying yourselves, or otherwise, for receiving the same.

The charge of demurrage of the ship, &c., may possibly at first sight appear extravagant, but when you consider the consequences of a ship regularly established in any trade, (which, in the present case will, I expect, eventually be of near two hundred guineas damage,) by the loss of freight from London in the spring, when you consider this, with the extra loss on a perishable commodity, as hers was of oil, the extra stowage of three-quarters of that cargo, and the difference of advance of the season, I cannot but think you must be reconciled to the propriety of the charges I have made.

I enclose you a copy of Cap^t. Cooke's and our cooper's requests, to support the charges of demurrage of the sloop Triton, and the wages and expences of those coopers, and beg to know by the bearer (who will wait your answer) whether you will or will not pay the amount of this account, say, £289 19s. 6d. lawful money.

I am, very respectfully,
Your assured friend,
FRANCIS ROTCH.

To RICHARD CLARKE & SONS,
THOS. & ELISHA HUTCHINSON,
BENJAMIN FANEUIL, Junr., and
JOSHUA WINSLOW.

_Owners, Shippers, Consignees, or concerned in 80 whole and 34 half chests of Teas, shipped from London by the Hon'ble East India Company, for Boston, consigned to Richard Clarke & Sons, Thomas & Elisha Hutchinson, Benj^n Faneuil, Jun^r., and Joshua Winslow._

_To the Owners of the Dartmouth_, JAMES HALL, _Dr._

1773.

To freight of 80 whole and 34 half chests of tea from
London, £91 17 7
To demurrage of the ship from 7 to 20 Dec^r.,
13 days.
Deduct 2 days for grav^g the ship, 2 days, 11 at £12, 132 0 0
To Cap^t. James Hall, and his mate's wages, 11 days, 3 18 3
To demurrage sloop Triton, from 9 to 20 Dec^r., 12 days,
at 48s., 28 16 0

To the captain's wages, 6 days, 12 0

To the mate's and 4 hands' wages and victuals,
12 days each, 7 9 8-1/2

To Jas. Smith and 2 journeymen coopers from
Dartmouth, their wages and expences from
7^th to 20^th December, 13 days, at 6s., 11 14 0

To cash paid Samson, S. Blowers,[58] and John
Adams, Esq^r's advice, 7 4 0

To wharfage the ship and sloop, 23 days, at
6s. 8d. per week, 1 2 0

To cash paid for Protests, &c., £3 19s. 6d.
sterling, 5 6 0
--------------
£289 19 6-1/2
--------------

Boston, 31^st December, 1773.

Errors excepted.

In behalf of myself and the owners of the ship.

FRANCIS ROTCH.

PROTEST.

_Mr. Francis Rotch, Pardon Cook, and Wm. Hayden, against Consignees and Tea, at Boston, in New England, on the 10^th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1773, and in the fourteenth year of His Majesty's reign._

Personally appeared before me, John Monro, Notary Public by royal authority, duly admitted and sworn, Pardon Cook, master, and Wm. Hayden, mate of the sloop Triton, burthen about seventy-five tons, and Francis Rotch, one of the owners of the said sloop, and they, the said Pardon, Will^m. and Francis, being by the people called Quakers, solemnly affirmed, and each of them for himself, doth affirm in manner following, that is to say, the said Pardon and William affirm and say they sailed from Dartmouth, in New England, with the said vessel, on the 28^th day of last month, then loaded with spermaceti oil, and bound for said Boston, where they arrived on the 8^th inst., and made application to the said Francis to have the said cargo discharged on board the ship Dartmouth, as agreeable to their orders and directions. And the said Francis Rotch affirms that he could not in person, nor by his servants, or any other, unload and reship the said cargo of oil on board the ship aforesaid by reason of her not being cleared of a certain quantity of teas shipped at London, and consigned to Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, Thomas and Elisha Hutchinson, Benj^n Faneuil and Joshua Winslow, of said Boston, merchants, who have all and each of them, except Joshua Winslow, neglected to demand and refused to accept the said teas, by which the said ship is detained in the harbour of said Boston, and unfit to receive the said oil as intended by the said owner, master and mate; wherefore, the said Francis Rotch, and the master aforesaid, did, on behalf of themselves and all others concerned, and I, the said Notary Public, at their request, and on behalf aforesaid, do by these presents solemnly protest against the said consignees, and each of them, and against the said tea, and against all others concerned, for all and all manner of damages already suffered, and to be suffered, on account of the said oils not being shipped as aforesaid, contrary to the intention and strict meaning of the said owner and master, &c.

Thus done, protested, and given under my notarial seal of office, in presence of Robert Garland Cranch and John Dyar.

In testimoniam veritas,
Jn^o. Monro,
Not. Pub., 11 Jan., 1774.

FRANCIS ROTCH.
PARDON COOK.
WM. HAYDEN. [Symbol: L.S.]

* * * * *

PROTEST.

_Cap^t. James Bruce, of the Eleanor, against the Committee at Boston, and others, who Prevented the Landing the Teas._

At Boston, in New England, on the 11^th day of Decem^r., in the year of Our Lord 1773, and in the 14^th year of his Majesty's reign, personally appeared before me, John Monro, Notary Public by royal authority, duly admitted and sworn, James Bruce, master of the ship Eleanor, burthen about 250 tons, and he being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposed and doth depose and say, that on the 1^st day of this instant Decem^r., he arrived with the said ship at Boston aforesaid, then loaded with sundry goods or merchandize from London, amongst which were 84 whole and 34 half chests of tea, consigned to Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, Tho^s. and Elisha Hutchinson, Benjamin Faneuil and Joshua Winslow of Boston, merchants, that on the 2^d inst., the deponent was ordered to attend at 11 o'clock in the forenoon of the next day, on a committee of the people of the said town, and he having attended accordingly, was then and there commanded by Mr. Samuel Adams and Jonathan Williams, Esq^r., in presence of, and assembled with, John Rowe, John Hancock, Wm. Phillips and John Pitts, Esq^rs., and a great number of others, in Faneuil Hall, not to land any of the said tea at his peril, but to proceed to Griffin's wharf, in said Boston, and there discharge the rest of his cargo. And that the said deponent was obliged to comply with the said orders, and was and is nightly watched by 25 armed men on board the said ship, appointed, as he supposes and verily believes, to prevent the said teas from being landed.

Wherefore, the said James Bruce, on behalf of himself and all others concerned in the said ship or cargo, did, and I, the said notary public, at his request, and on behalf as aforesaid, do by these presents solemnly protest against the said committee and each of them above mentioned, and against all others voluntarily acting, watching, and proceeding by their directions, and all persons whatsoever opposing and forbidding the landing the tea aforesaid for all, and all manner of damage and damages suffered and to be suffered, by means of the commands, watchings, opposition and prohibition aforesaid. Thus done, protested, and given under my notarial seal, in the presence of Rob^t. Garland Cranch and John Dyar.

In testimoniam veritas,
Jn^o. Monro,
Not. Pub., 11 Jan., 1774.

JAMES BRUCE. [Symbol: L.S.]

* * * * *

PROTEST OF Cap^t. JAMES BRUCE,[59]

_Of the Eleanor, against the Destroyers of the Tea._

At Boston, in New England, on the 17^th day of December, in the year of our Lord, 1773, and in the 14^th year of his Majesty's reign, personally appeared before me, John Monro, Notary Public by royal authority, duly admitted and sworn, James Bruce, master, Ja^s. Bruce, jun^r., mate, and John Tinney, boatswain, of the ship Eleanor, burthen about 250 tons, and the said James Bruce, jun^r., and John Tinney, being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, severally deposed, and each of them doth depose and say, that on the evening of the 16th inst., they, these deponents, were on board the said ship, then lying at Griffin's wharf, at said Boston, and part of her cargo from London on board, amongst which were 80 whole chests and 34 half chests of tea, consigned to Messrs. Rich^d. Clarke & Sons, Tho^s. and Elisha Hutchinson, Benj^n Faneuil, and Joshua Winslow, of said Boston, merchants. That about the hours of 6 or 7 o'clock in the same evening, about one thousand unknown people came down the said wharf, and a number of them came on board the said ship, some being dressed like Indians, and they having violently broke open the hatches, hoisted up the said chests of tea upon deck, and then and there stove and threw the said chests with their contents overboard into the water, where the whole was lost and destroyed. Wherefore, the said James Bruce, master of the said ship, on behalf of himself and owners of the said ship, and all others concerned, did, and I, the said notary public, at his request, and on behalf as aforesaid, do by these presents solemnly protest against the said unknown persons or people, and against all others whatsoever and however concerned, for all and all manner of damage or damages already suffered, and which hereafter may, can, or shall be suffered by the violence and proceedings of the said unknown people, and the destruction of the tea as aforesaid.

Thus done, protested, and given under my notarial seal of office, in presence of Robert Garland Cranch and John Dyar.

In testimoniam veritas,
(Signed,)
JN^O. MONRO,
Not. Pub., 11 Jan., 1774.

JAMES BRUCE.
JAMES BRUCE, Jun^r.,
JOHN [Symbol: his x mark.] TINNEY. [Symbol: L.S.]

Cap^t. Hezekiah Coffin,[60] Master Jethro Coffin, mate, and Mr. Wm. Hewkey, mariner, of the brig Beaver, and Mr. Francis Rotch, part owner, James Hall, master, and Alex^r. Hodgdon, mate of the Dartmouth, made the like protest, which are among the American papers.

* * * * *

LETTER FROM THE AGENTS AT NEW YORK, TO CAP^T. LOCKYER,

_Referred to in their Letter of the 27^th Dec^r., 1773._

New York, Dec^r 27, 1773.

Sir:

It is our intention that this letter should meet you below, at the Hook, that you may be apprised of the danger of bringing your ship into this port.

All the tea shipped by the Hon'ble East India Company to Boston has been destroyed on board the vessels that brought it. The ship Polly, Cap^t. Ayres, arrived lately at Philadelphia with the tea destined for that port, and was compelled to return with it without being suffered to come into the harbour, and there are advices in town that Charles Town has made the same determination with respect to the tea arrived at South Carolina, and you may be assured the inhabitants of this city have adopted the same sentiments, and are fully determined to carry them into execution.

We therefore think it is a duty we owe to the said Company, as we can neither receive the tea or pay the duty, to apprize you of your danger, and to give you our opinion, that for the safety of your cargo, your vessel, and your persons, it will be most prudent for you to return, as soon as you can be supplied with such necessaries as you may have occasion for on the voyage. Certain we are that you would fully concur with us in the propriety of this advice were you as well acquainted with the people's sentiments as we are, which you will learn from the enclosed papers. We shall be glad to hear from you in answer hereto, and to render you any services we can in your critical situation.

We are, your most obd^t serv^ts,

HENRY WHITE,
ABRAHAM LOTT & CO.
PIGOU & BOOTH.

To Cap^t. Benj^n Lockyer, of the ship Nancy.

* * * * *

LETTER FROM CAP^T. LOCKYER TO THE AGENTS, TENDERING THE CARGO.

_With their Reply, referred to in their Letter of the 22^d.
April, 1774._

New York, April 20^th, 1774.

Gentlemen:

Having considered the circumstances mentioned in your
letters, which I received on my arrival, I have left the
ship and cargo at Sandy Hook, for their safety. Have now
waited on you with a tender of the cargo of tea shipped by
the Hon'ble East India Company, and consigned to you. I am
therefore ready to deliver the said cargo according to the
bill of lading.

I am, &c.,
BENJAMIN LOCKYER.

Messrs. White, Lott & Booth.

* * * * *

New York, April 20, 1774.

Sir:

We have received your letter of this date, tendering to us
the cargo of tea shipped on board the Nancy, under your
command, by the Hon'ble East India Company, to our address,
in reply to which we have only to observe that we some time
ago acquainted the Hon'ble Court of Directors how violently
opposed the inhabitants in general were to the landing or
vending the tea in this Colony, while subject to the
American duty, and that any attempts in us, either to effect
one or the other would not only be fruitless, but expose so
considerable a property to inevitable destruction. Under
these circumstances it would be highly imprudent in us to
take any steps to receive your cargo, and therefore we
cannot take charge of the same, or any part thereof, under
our case. We are, sir,

Your most obed^t serv^ts,

HENRY WHITE.
ABR^M LOTT & CO.
PIGOU & BOOTH.

Cap^t. Benj^n Lockyer.

_PHILADELPHIA._

AN ACCOUNT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE INHABITANTS OF PHILADELPHIA,

_On the Measure of the Company's Exporting Tea to that Place._

[Taken from a Philadelphia news paper.]

Monday Dec^r 27, 1773.

Upon the first advice of this measure a general dissatisfaction was expressed, that at a time when we were struggling with this oppressive Act, and an agreement subsisting not to import tea while subject to the duty, our fellow subjects in England should form a measure so directly tending to enforce the Act, and again embroil us with our parent state. When it was also considered that the proposed mode of disposing of the tea tended to a monopoly, ever odious in a free country, a universal disapprobation shewed itself through the city. A public meeting of the inhabitants was held at the State House, on the 18^th October, at which great numbers attended, and the sense of the following resolves (which are entered in page 296, the people of Boston having formed the same resolutions).

In consequence of these resolutions, a committee waited upon the gentlemen in this city who had been appointed consignees of the expected cargo. They represented to them the detestation and abhorrence in which this measure was held by their fellow citizens, the danger and difficulties which must attend the execution of so odious a task, and expressed the united desire of the city that they would renounce the commission, and engage not to intermeddle with the ship or cargo in any shape whatever. Some of the commissioners resigned in a manner that gave general satisfaction, others in such equivocal terms as desired further explanation. However, in a few days the resignation was complete. In this situation things remained for a few days.

In the mean time the general spirit and indignation rose to such a height that it was thought proper to call another general meeting of the principal citizens to consider and resolve upon such further steps as might give weight and secure success to the unanimous opposition now formed. Accordingly a meeting was held for the above purpose, at which a great number of respectable inhabitants attended, and it appeared to be the unanimous opinion that the entry of the ship at the custom house, or the landing any part of her cargo would be attended with great danger and difficulty, and would directly tend to destroy that peace and good order which ought to be preserved. An addition of twelve other gentlemen was then made to the former committee, and the general meeting adjourned 'till the arrival of the tea-ship. Information being given of that, the price of tea was soon advanced, though this was owing to a general scarcity of that article, yet all the possessors of tea, in order to give strength to the opposition, readily agreed to reduce the price and sell what remained in their hands at a reasonable rate.

Nothing now remained but to keep up a proper correspondence and connection with the other Colonies, and to take all prudent and proper precautions on the arrival of the tea-ship.

It is not easy to describe the anxiety and suspense of the city in this interval; sundry reports of her arrival were received, which were premature, but on Saturday evening last an express came up from Chester to inform the town that the tea-ship, commanded by Cap^t. Ayres, with her detested cargo, was arrived there, having followed another ship up the river so far. The committee met early the next morning, and being apprized of the arrival of Mr. Gilbert Barkley, the other consignee, who came passenger in the ship, they immediately went in a body to request his renunciation of the commission. Mr. Barkley politely attended the committee at the first request, and being made acquainted with the sentiments of the city, and the danger to which the public liberties of America were exposed by this measure, he, after expressing the particular hardship of his situation, also resigned the commission in a manner that affected every one present.

The committee then appointed three of their members to go to Chester, and two others to Gloucester Point, in order to have the earliest opportunity of meeting Cap^t. Ayres, and representing to him the sense of the public respecting his voyage and cargo. The gentlemen who had set out for Chester receiving intelligence that the vessel had weighed anchor about 12 o'clock, and proceeded to town, returned. About 2 o'clock she appeared in sight of Gloucester Point, where a number of the inhabitants from the town had assembled, with the gentlemen from the committee, and as she passed along she was hailed, and the captain requested not to proceed further, but to come on shore. This the captain complied with, and was handed thro' a lane made by the people to the gentlemen appointed to confer with him. They represented to him the general sentiment, together with the danger and difficulties that would attend his refusal to comply with the wishes of the inhabitants, and finally desired him to proceed with them to town, where he would be more fully informed of the temper and resolution of the people. He was accordingly accompanied to town by a number of persons, where he was soon convinced of the truth and propriety of the representations that had been made to him, and agreed that, upon the desire of the inhabitants being publicly expressed, he would conduct himself accordingly. Some small rudeness being offered to the cap^t. afterwards in the street by some boys, several gentlemen interposed and suppressed it, before he received the least injury. Upon an hour's notice this morning, a public meeting was called, and the State House not being sufficient to hold the numbers assembled, they adjourned into the square. This meeting is allowed by all to be the most respectable, both in number and rank of those who attended, it that has been known in this city. After a short introduction, the following resolutions were not only agreed to, but the public approbation testified in the warmest manner:

Resolved 1^st. That the tea on board the ship Polly, Cap^t. Ayres, shall not be landed.

2^d. That Cap^t. Ayres shall neither enter nor report his vessel at the Custom House.

3^d. That Cap^t. Ayres shall carry back the tea immediately.

4^th. That Cap^t. Ayres shall immediately send a pilot on board his vessel, with orders to take charge of her, and proceed with her to Reedy Island, next high water.

5^th. That he shall be allowed to stay in town 'till to-morrow, to provide necessaries for his voyage.

6^th. That he shall then be obliged to leave the town and proceed to his vessel, and make the best of his way out of our river and bay.

7^th. That Cap^t. Heysham, Cap^t. R. White, Mr. Benjamin Loxley and Mr. A. Donaldson be a committee to see these resolutions carried into execution.

The captain was then asked if he would conform himself to these resolutions. He answered that he would.

The assembly were then informed of the spirit and resolution of New York, Charles Town, South Carolina, and the conduct of the people in Boston, whereupon it was unanimously resolved:

8^th. That this assembly highly approve of the conduct and spirit of the people of New York, Charles Town and Boston, and return their hearty thanks to the people at Boston for their resolution in destroying the tea rather than suffer it to be landed.

The whole business was conducted with a decorum and order worthy the importance of the cause. Cap^t. Ayres being present at this meeting, solemnly and publicly engaged that he would literally comply with the sense of the city, as expressed in the above resolutions.

A proper supply of necessaries and fresh provisions being then procured in about 2 hours, the tea-ship weighed anchor from Gloucester Point, where she lay within sight of the town, and proceeded with her whole cargo on her return to the East India Com^y.

The public think the conduct of those gentlemen whose goods are returned on board the tea-ship, ought not to pass unnoticed, as they have upon this occasion generously sacrificed their private interest to the public good.

Thus this important affair, in which there has been so glorious an exertion of public virtue and spirit, has been brought to a public issue, by which the force of law, so obstinately persisted in, to the prejudice of the national commerce, for the sake of the principle on which it is founded, (a right of taxing the Americans without their consent,) has been effectually broken, and the foundation of American liberty more deeply laid than ever.

N.B.--It was computed by two different persons, unknown to each other, that there were 8000 persons assembled, besides many hundreds who were on their way, but did not reach the meeting in time, owing to the shortness of the notice. Cap^t. Ayres and Mr. Barkley, late one of the consignees, left Arch wharf on board a pilot boat (having been 46 hours in town,) to follow the ship to Reedy Island. They were attended to the wharf by a concourse of people, who wished them a good voyage.

FINIS.

ADDITIONS.

JOHN SPURR (_see p. 164_).

John Spurr was, after the Revolution, a prominent citizen of Charlton, Mass., and often represented the town in the State Legislature. He married the daughter of Rev. Elijah Dunbar, and left two sons; Elijah Dunbar Spurr, and Samuel Danforth Spurr. The widow of the latter, who is now living, is the mother of the first wife of Senator George F. Hoar.

THOMAS MELVILL.

_Melvill's Tea Relic, as seen on page 131._

The publisher, in collecting illustrations for Tea Leaves, found one or more New England Societies claiming possession of some of this tea. Therefore it was necessary to look up the original Melvill stock of Bohea.

We show an illustration of it (full size), copied from a photograph (made by special request,) from a relative living in Illinois (since deceased), from whom we learn it has been handed down to the present generation, and has never been owned out of the family, and is now in possession of Mrs. Thomas Melvill's son, Galena, Illinois, to whom we are indebted for its use on this occasion.

A.O.C.

INDEX.

Page

Samuel Adams, 21

Annapolis Tea-Ship Burned, 85

Biographical Notices of the Tea Party, and List of its Members, 92-171

Biographical Sketches;
Ancrum, Wm. 208
Appleton, Nathaniel 30
Blowers, S.S. 352
Brattle, Wm. 311
Bruce, Capt. 356
Bull, Wm. 339
Cheever, Ezekiel 46
Church, Dr. Benjamin 26
Clarke, R. 210
Coffin, Capt. 358
Cooper, Sir Grey 212
Cooper, William 43
Copley, John S. 329
Crafts, Thomas 25
Curtis, Obadiah 49
Danforth, Samuel 315
Edes, Benjamin 25
Erving, John 226
Faneuil, Benj. 294
Hall, Capt. James 245
Hatch, Nathaniel 285
Hewes, Daniel 49
Hodgdon, Alex. 79
Hutchinson, Thos. & Elisha 324
Johonnot, Gabriel 27
Kelly, Wm. 269
Knox, Thomas, Jr., 49
Lloyd, Henry 227
Lott, Abraham 226
Lovering, Joseph 49
Morris, John 342
Pownall, John 339
Quincy, Josiah 61
Rotch, Francis 41
Rowe, John 63
Royal, Isaac 311
Savage, Samuel Phillips 57
Scollay, John 37
Tileston, Thomas 50
Wallace, Hugh and Alex 233
Walpole, Thomas 204
Watson, Brook 203
Wendell, Oliver 43
Wharton, Thomas 273
White, Henry 306
Williams, Jonathan 43
Williams, Thomas 230
Winslow, Joshua 223

Ballads of the Tea Party, 172-176

Boston, Opposition to the Tea Act, 19-23, 260-66, 278, 303
Tea-Party, 64-82, 89-94, 95-171
Destruction of the Tea, 58-94, 336-357
Proceedings of the Town, 279-303, 320-36
Proceedings of the Council, 309-20

Clarke R. & Sons, Attack on Warehouse of 28, 266, 284
Residence mobbed, 34
Letter to chairman East India Company, 279-91

East India Company, 11, 189

Franklin, Benjamin 185

Green Dragon Tavern, 66

Hutchinson, Thomas 20

Lamb, John 19

Letters and Documents, 189, 370

Letter from Mr. Wm. Palmer, enclosing Extracts of several Letters from
Boston, &c., to show the state of the Tea Trade in America, and
estimates of the advantages that will attend the Company's carrying on
that trade to that place, 189

Memorial of Mr. Gilbert Barkley, recommending a Plan for carrying on
the Tea Trade to America, and offering himself, and Mr. John Inglis,
Merchant, of Philadelphia, as agents, 199

Letter from Mr. Brook Watson, to Daniel Wier, Esq., recommending Mr.
John Butler, of Nova Scotia, and Messrs. Faneuil and Winslow, of
Boston, as agents, 202

A Proposal of the Hon. Mr. Walpole's, for sending Tea to Philadelphia,
203

Plan of Mr. Palmer, for Exportation of Tea to America, 205

Letter from Messrs. Greenwood & Higginson, recommending Messrs. Andrew
Lord, and William and George Ancrum, of South Carolina, as Agents, and
offering their ship, the "London," Capt. Curling, to carry Tea to that
place, 208

Letter from Mr. Fred'k Pigou, Jun., Esq., recommending Pigou & Booth,
of New York, and James & Drinker, of Philadelphia, as Agents, and
offering vessels for those places, 208

Letter from Mr. Jonathan Clarke, offering Richard Clarke & Sons, of
Boston, as Agents, 209

Letter from Grey Cooper, Esq., recommending Mr. Barkley as an Agent,
211

Letter from Messrs. Roberts & Co., recommending Messrs. Willing,
Morris & Co., of Philadelphia, as Agents, 212

Letter from Mr. Benjamin Harrison, offering himself as an Agent for
Virginia, 213

Letter from Mr. George Browne, recommending Mr. Jonathan Brown, of
Philadelphia, as an Agent, 214

Letter from Mr. Wm. Palmer, offering to advance the amount of 200
chests of Tea, on terms therein mentioned, 215

Letter to several American Merchants to meet the Committee, 215

Letter from Mr. Gilbert Barkley, offering some further thoughts upon
the Exportation, 216

Letter from Samuel Wharton, Esq., offering an Apology for not
attending the Committee, 217

Some Thoughts upon the Company's sending out Teas to America, 218

Letter from Messrs. Watson & Rashleigh, reciting terms on which the
Tea Agency may be conducted, and offering Security for their
recommendation, 222

Letter from Mr. Jonathan Clarke, on the same, 224

Letter from Mr. Kelly, on the same, and recommending several persons
of the different Colonies, as Agents, 225

Letter from Mr. Harrison, that Mr. Kelly will give his Proposals, 227

Letter from Mr. John Blackburn, with an offer of Terms, 228

Letter to Samuel Wharton, Esq., to meet the Committee, 229

Request of Mr. Walter Mansell, for the Agency to South Carolina, 229

Letter from Messrs. Roberts & Co., offering Terms and Security for
Willing, Morris & Co., 231

Letter from Messrs. Pigou & Booth, offering Terms and Security for
Messrs. James & Drinker, 231

Letter from Mr. John Nutt, recommending Mr. Roger Smith, of South
Carolina, as an Agent, 233

Letter from Messrs. Bourdieu & Chollet, recommending several persons
as Agents, 233

Letter from Messrs. Gale, Fearon & Co., recommending Mr. Daniel
Stephenson, of Maryland, as an Agent, 234

Letter from Messrs. Davidson & Newman, declining any propositions on
the present state of the Tea affair, 235

Letter to several American Merchants to meet the Committee, 235

Letter from Mr. Palmer, upon the Rate of Exchange from Boston, 236

Letter from Messrs. Bourdieu & Chollet, declining to offer any further
proposals, 236

Letter to sundry American Merchants to meet the Committee, 237

Letter to sundry American Merchants, advising the quantities of Tea
ordered to be shipped for the several Colonies, and requesting the
firm of the houses they have recommended, 238

Letter from Messrs. Watson & Rashleigh, advising the firm of their
recommendation, 238

Securities offered for Mr. Barkley and Mr. Mansell, 239

Letter from Mr. Pigou, with the firm of his recommendation, 239

Letters from Mr. Wharton, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Kelly, 240

Mr. Palmer's Opinion in what mode to ship Tea to America, 241

Letter from Mr. Clarke, with the firm of his house, and offering the
"William" for freight, 243

Letters to Geo. Hayley, Esq., Thos. Lane, Esq., and Alexander
Champion, Esq., to know if they have any constant traders to Boston or
South Carolina, ready to sail, 244

Letter to Mr. Palmer, to point out what sorts of Tea are proper to be
sent to Boston and South Carolina, 244

Mr. Palmer's Assortment of Teas for America, 245

Weight of Tea Exported to America, 245

Letters from several Persons concerning Vessels for Carrying the Tea
to America, 245

Petition to the Lords of the Treasury, for Licence to Export Teas to
America, 246

Licence from the Lords of the Treasury to Export Teas to America, 247

Letters from Sundry Gentlemen relating to Vessels to carry Tea to
America, 251

Letter from Mr. Settle to Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Kelly, to come and
Execute the Bond, 255

Letters from Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Kelly, in reply, 255

Sundry Freight Bills, for Tea Shipped, 256

_So far concerns the outset of the Tea._

Note from Lord Dartmouth to the Chairman, to attend at Whitehall, on
the subject of some Advices from America, respecting the Teas, 258

Letters to American Merchants to communicate what Advices they may
have received, 258

Letters from American Merchants, in reply, 259

Letter from Mr. Jonathan Clarke to Mr. Wheler, advising his arrival at
Boston, 260

Letter to Abram Dupuis, to communicate advice, referred in Mr.
Clarke's Letter, 279

Messrs. Clarke & Son's Letter to Mr. Dupuis, 279

Mr. Faneuil's Letter to Mr. Watson, mentioned in Messrs. Clarke's, 292

Proceedings of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, on the 5th and
6th November, referred to in Messrs. Clarke's and Faneuil's Letters,
295

Note from the Secretary to Mr. Brook Watson, advising the Tea is
ordered to Halifax, and desiring the names of the Consignees, 304

Security offered for Messrs. Butler & Cochran, consignees at Halifax,
305

The Agents at New York's Petition to the Governor, referred to in
their letter 1st December, 305

Petition of the Agents at Boston, and the Proceedings of the Governor
and Council thereon, 309

Proceedings of the Town of Boston on the 29th and 30th November, 320

Letter signed "Anglo Americanus," addressed to Geo. Dudley, Esq.,
enclosing newspapers, 331

Letter signed "Anglo Americanus," addressed to Geo. Dudley, Esq.,
advising the Tea's being destroyed, 332

Note from Mr. Pownall, to communicate Advices, and enclosing Letter
from Lieut.-Gov. Bull, of Charles Town; also, Lieut.-Gov. Bull's
Letter, 339

Letter from Mr. Jo. Morris, to Corbyn Morris, Esq., advising of the
Tea's being seized at South Carolina, 342

Letter from Capt. Ellis, advising of the Tea's being seized at South
Carolina, 343

Questions proposed to the Boston Consignees, respecting landing the
Teas, 344

Protest of Capt. Bruce against said Consignees, for refusing to
receive the Teas, 346

Letter from Mr. Rotch, to said Consignees, with an account of Charges
and a Protest, 350

Protests of the several Captains against the Destroyers of the Tea,
353

Letters from the Agents at New York, &c., to Capt. Lockyer, and one
from him to them, 359

Proceedings of the Inhabitants of Philadelphia, on the measure of
Exporting Tea to that place, 361

Liberty Tree, 24

Long Room (Whig) Club, 66

New York. Opposition to the Tea Act, 16-19, 269-271
Arrival of Tea, 84-5
Petition of the Consignees to the Governor, 305
Letter from the Agents to Capt. Lockyer, 358-60

North-End Caucus, 23, 67

Philadelphia lends Opposition to Tea Act, 17
Tea sent back, 84
Proposed Tea Depot in America, 203
Opposition to the Tea Act, 272-277
Resolves and Proceedings of October 18, 361-65

St. Andrew's Masonic Lodge of Boston, 66

Sons of Liberty, 18, 24, 26

South Carolina, Proceedings at 84-65, 339-43

Spurr, John, 164

Tea Act, 12
Introduced into New England, 14
Consignees, 23, 36, 51-53
Guard on Boston tea-ship, 45-50
State of Tea Trade in America, 191-98
Shipments to America, 256-7

Warren, Gen. Joseph, 178

Additions, 367

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Tea Leaves, on cover,

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor, Frontispiece.

Diagram Showing the Route from the Old South Church to Griffin's
Wharf, 75

Melvill's Tea Relic, 131

Edward Proctor's Proclamation, 148

Lord North Forcing the Tea down the Throat of America, 155

Location of Tea Wharf, 173

Plan of Boston, 1775, and the Burning of Charlestown, 264

PORTRAITS.

Adams, Samuel 299

Bradlee, Nathaniel 97

Franklin, Benjamin 185

Gage, Gov. Thomas 313

Hancock, John 288

Hutchinson, Gov. Thomas 308

Hewes, George Robert Twelves 117

Kennison, David 122

Lovering, Thomas 182

Melvill, Thomas 133

Melvill, Thomas, Hat on 180

North, Lord 249

Pitts, Lendall 142

Purkitt, Henry 151

Revere, Paul 157

Rotch, Francis 40

Rowe, John 62

Savage, Samuel Phillips 338

Sprague, Samuel 164

Warren, Joseph 48

AUTOGRAPHS.

Adams, Samuel 299

Bradlee, Nathaniel 97

Bradlee, David 97

Bass, Henry 96

Church, Benjamin 26

Cheever, Ezekiel 46

Chase, Thomas 102

Clarke, Benjamin 103

Crane, John 108

Franklin, Benjamin 185

Faneuil, Benjamin, Jr., 294

Frothingham, Nathaniel 111

Green, Nathaniel 114

Grant, Moses 113

Gore, Samuel 113

Hodgdon, Alexander 79

Hancock, John 288

Hutchinson, Thomas 308

Inches, Henderson 27

Kennison, David 122

Lovering, Joseph 182

Lincoln, Amos 125

Lee, Joseph 124

Molineux, William 137

Melvill, Thomas 135

Newell, Eliphelet 138

Purkitt, Henry 150

Prentice, Henry 146

Pitts, Lendall 145

Peck, Samuel 140

Palmer, Joseph P. 139

Proctor, Edward 149

Russell, John 159

Revere, Paul 154

Rowe, John 63

Rotch, Francis 41

Swan, James 168

Sprague, Samuel 164

Sloper, Samuel 162

Shed, Joseph 161

Sessions, Robert 160

Savage, Samuel Phillips 57

Urann, Thomas 169

Winslow, Joshua 223

Williams, Jonathan 43

Warren, Joseph 30

Wyeth, Joseph 171

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Dr. Holmes, the annalist, says, that tea began to be used in New England in 1720. Small quantities, must, however, have been made many years before, as small copper tea-kettles were in use in Plymouth, in 1702. The first cast-iron tea-kettles were made in Plympton, (now Carver,) Mass., between 1760 and 1765. When ladies went to visiting parties, each one carried her tea-cup, saucer, and spoon. The cups were of the best china, very small, containing about as much as a common wine-glass.

[2] Hist. of Mass., iii. 422.

[3] This body, which originally consisted of sixty-one members, with Dr. Thomas Young for its president, was organized by Dr. Joseph Warren, who, with one other person, drew up its regulations. Its usual place of meeting was at William Campbell's house, near the North Battery, though its sessions were sometimes held at the Green Dragon tavern. Here the committees of public service were formed, and measures of defence, and resolves for the destruction of the tea, discussed. It was here, when the best mode of expelling the regulars from Boston was under consideration, that John Hancock exclaimed, "Burn Boston, and make John Hancock a beggar, if the public good requires it."

[4] Thomas Crafts was, in 1789, a painter and japanner, opposite the site of the great tree (corner of Boylston and Washington Streets). He became a member of the Masonic Lodge of St. Andrew in 1762.

[5] Benjamin Edes, journalist, born in Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 14, 1732; died in Boston, December 11, 1803. In 1755, he began, with John Gill, the publication of the "Boston Gazette and Country Journal," a newspaper of deserved popularity, unsurpassed in its patriotic zeal for liberty,--the chosen mouth-piece of the Whigs. To its columns, Otis, the Adamses, Quincy and Warren, were constant contributors. Their printing-office, on the corner of Queen (now Court) Street and Dassett's Alley (now Franklin Avenue), was the place of meeting of a party of the "Mohawks," on the afternoon of December 16, 1773. During the siege of Boston, the "Gazette" was issued at Watertown. It was discontinued September 17, 1798. At the opening of the war, Mr. Edes possessed a handsome property, which was wholly lost by the depreciation of the currency. Edes was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1760, and a prominent "Son of Liberty."

[6] Dr. Benjamin Church, physician, orator and poet, grandson of the famous Indian fighter of the name; born in Newport, R.I., August 24, 1734; was lost at sea in May, 1776. He graduated at Harvard College in 1754; studied medicine in London, and after his return to Boston, became eminent as a surgeon. For several years previous to the Revolution, he was a conspicuous and leading Whig. He was a representative, a member of the Provincial Congress of 1774, and physician-general to the patriot army. Pecuniary embarrassment is supposed to have led to his defection from the cause of his country. In September, 1775, an intercepted letter of his, in characters, to Major Cain, in Boston, was deciphered; and October 3, 1775, he was convicted by a court martial, of which Washington was president, of "holding a criminal correspondence with the enemy." Confined in jail at Norwich, Conn., he was released in May, 1776, on account of failing health; sailed for the West Indies, and was never afterwards heard from.

[7] Gabriel Johonnot, born in Boston, 1748; died in Hamden, Me., October 9, 1820. Zacharie, his father, a Huguenot, was a distiller and merchant. His dwelling-house and store was on Orange Street, and his distillery on Harvard Street, directly opposite. At the bottom of the street was his wharf, wooden distillery, storehouses, etc. The mansion house and store were burned in the great fire, 20th April, 1787. Gabriel was a member of St. John's Lodge, Boston, 1780, and a charter member of Hancock Lodge, Castine, Me., 1794. He was chairman of a committee appointed by the company of Cadets, of Boston, August 15, 1774, to proceed to Salem, and return to Governor Gage, the standard presented to them; and was Lieutenant-Colonel of the 14th Regiment of the Massachusetts line, known as the Marblehead regiment, commanded by Colonel Glover. He removed to Castine, Me., soon after the Revolutionary war; took a prominent part in town affairs, and at one time represented the town of Penobscot in the Massachusetts Legislature.

[8] Nathaniel Appleton, Commissioner of Loans for the State of Massachusetts, a resident of Atkinson (now Congress) Street, son of Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Appleton, of Cambridge; died in June, 1789, aged 66.

[9] The Scollays were an old Scotch family. A John Scollay, the first mention of whom is found here, in 1692 leased the Winnisimmet ferry for one year. John, whose name is conspicuous in the early Revolutionary records of Boston, was a merchant, and was chairman of the Board of Selectmen, from 1774 to 1790. His portrait, by Copley, represents a portly, florid man, with a powdered wig, seated, his hand resting on a ledger. Thomas Melvill married one of Scollay's daughters. Col. William Scollay, apothecary and druggist, son of John, resided at first on or near the spot where the Museum stands, and his garden extended back to Court Square. He was associated with Charles Bulfinch and others, in the improvement of Franklin Place, now Franklin Street, where they erected the first block of buildings in Boston. Col. William was commander of the Independent Company of Cadets.

[10] Francis Rotch, a Quaker merchant, part owner of the "Dartmouth" and the "Beaver," was born in Nantucket, Mass., 30th September, 1750, and died in New Bedford, in May, 1822. Joseph, his father, the founder of a family of eminent merchants, was born in Salisbury, England, in 1704, and died in New Bedford, 24th November, 1784. In early life he settled in Nantucket, and rose from poverty to affluence by his industry, energy and enterprise, gaining, at the same time, universal esteem for his integrity. These characteristics he transmitted to his sons, William, Joseph and Francis,--especially to William, whose commercial transactions were of the most extensive character. All were largely concerned in the whale fisheries of Nantucket, of which they may almost be said to have been the founders. Francis was in England for a short time in 1773, but had returned home before his tea ships arrived. This affair was a very troublesome one for a young man of twenty-three to manage, as there was a tremendous pressure brought to bear upon him by Samuel Adams, and other influential patriots, to return the teas to England. He yielded temporarily to this pressure, promising the meeting of November 30th, that the tea should go back; but, probably after consultation with his counsel, Sampson Salter Blowers and John Adams, decided to withdraw his promise. Rotch pleaded that a compliance would ruin him, and as he could not obtain a pass for his ships, they would either have been sunk by the British batteries, or captured and confiscated under the revenue laws. He succeeded eventually in escaping loss in the affair, as the East India Company paid him the freight due on the cargoes of teas. His ship, the "Bedford," is said to have been the first to display the American flag on the Thames, after the war. The family settled in New Bedford, in 1768. He married his cousin, Nancy Rotch, who, at the time of her death, 24th April, 1867, was nine-two years of age. The accompanying portrait is copied from a silhouette, by Miers, profile painter, 111 Strand, London, apparently about 1795. It is very delicately painted, on a hard plaster surface. The features are well marked, and the lace ruffle at the bosom, and the queue, are exceedingly well done. It is now in the possession of Mr. George H. Allan, who received it from his uncle, A.A. Rotch.

[11] Jonathan Williams, a distinguished merchant and patriot, captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, in 1751; died March 27, 1788. Jonathan, his father, was a member of the Artillery Company in 1711.

[12] Judge Oliver Wendell, son of Hon. Jacob Wendell, was born in Boston 5th March, 1733; died, 15th January, 1818. Harvard College, 1753. His daughter, Sarah, married Rev. Abiel Holmes, the father of the poet, Oliver Wendell Holmes.

[13] William Cooper, son of Rev. William, and brother of Rev. Samuel, of the Brattle Street Church, and forty-nine years town clerk of Boston; died November 28, 1809; aged 89. The brothers were both active patriots of the Revolution.