consignees, containing their long-delayed proposals, was read. They
expressed sorrow that they could not return satisfactory answers to the
two messages of the town, as it was utterly out of their power to send
the teas back, but said they were willing to store them until they could
communicate with their constituents, and receive their further orders
respecting them. This letter irritated the meeting, and it declined to
take action upon it.
Before taking final leave of these obstinate gentlemen, I make a few
citations from the recently published volume of "The Diary and Letters
of Thomas Hutchinson." Writing to his son at the castle on November 30,
Hutchinson says: "The gentlemen (consignees), except your uncle Clarke,
all went to the castle yesterday. I hope they will not comply with such
a monstrous demand." Hancock and Adams, he says, were two of the guard
of the tea ship.
Thomas Hutchinson, Jr., to his brother Elisha:
"CASTLE WILLIAM, December 14, 1773.
... I imagine you are anxious to know what the poor banished
commissioners are doing at the castle. Our retreat here was
sudden, but our enemies do not say we came too soon. How
long we shall be imprisoned 'tis impossible to say.... I
hear there is a meeting of the _mobility_ to day, but don't
know the result. I hardly think they will attempt sending
the tea back, but am more sure it will not go many leagues.
The commissioners are all with us, and we are as comfortable
as we can be in a very cold place, driven from our families
and business, with the months of January and February just
at hand.
P.S.--Our situation is rendered more agreeable by the polite
reception we met with from Col. Leslie, and the other
gentlemen of the army."
And on January 9, 1774, he writes:
"The Bostonians say we shall not return to town without
making concessions. I suppose we shall quit the castle
sometime this week, as we are all provided with retreats in
the country. I have had a disagreeable six weeks of it, but
am in hopes the issue will be well."
And again, on January 21, dated Milton:
"I wrote you some time ago I was in hopes our harassment was
drawing to a close, and that we should leave the castle last
week. Mr. Faneuil and myself coming off caused a supposition
that we intended for Boston, which was the cause of
Saturday's notification which I sent you.[15] Mr. Faneuil is
since returned to the castle, and I am really more confined
than if I was there, as I keep pretty close to my home. Mr.
Jonathan Clarke sails in a few days for England, of which I
am very glad, as it may prevent misapprehension of our
conduct on that side of the water.
A proclamation from the governor was brought in to the meeting by
Sheriff Greenleaf, which he begged leave of the moderator to read.
Objection was made, but at the suggestion of Samuel Adams the meeting
consented to hear it. The governor charged that the meeting of the
previous day "openly violated, defied and set at naught the good and
wholesome laws of the Province, and as great numbers were again
assembled for like purposes, I warn," he said, "exhort and require you,
and each of you, thus unlawfully assembled, forthwith to disperse, and
to surcease all further unlawful proceedings at your peril." The reading
was received with general and continued hisses, and a vote that the
meeting would not disperse. Mr. Copley, the son-in-law of Mr. Clarke,
inquired whether the meeting would hear the Messrs. Clarke, and whether
they would be safe while coming to and returning from the meeting, and
whether two hours would be allowed him in which to consult with them.
The request of Copley, who was sincerely desirous of effecting a
peaceful solution of the difficulty, was granted, and the meeting then
adjourned until two o'clock.
The proceedings of this afternoon briefly stated were, the promise of
Rotch, the owner, and Hall, the captain of the "Dartmouth," and the
owners of the two other vessels expected with teas, that that article
should not be landed, but should go back in the same ships, and the
apology of Mr. Copley for the time he had taken, he having been obliged
to go to the castle, where the consignees decided that it would be
inexpedient for them to attend the meeting, but added to their former
proposal that the tea should be submitted to the inspection of a
committee, and also saying that as they had not been active in
introducing the tea, they should do nothing to obstruct the people in
returning it.
This was voted unsatisfactory. Resolves were then passed to the effect
that all who imported tea were enemies to the country; that its landing
and sale should be prevented, and that the tea should be returned to the
place whence it came. And the meeting also voted to send these resolves
to every seaport in the colonies and to England. The committee of
correspondence was charged to make provision for the continuation of the
watch, and "the brethren from the country" were thanked for their
"countenance and union," and desired to afford their assistance on
notice being given, and it was also declared to be "the determination of
this body to carry their votes and resolves into execution at the risk
of life and property."
Speaking of this meeting, Hutchinson says: "A more determined spirit was
conspicuous in this body than in any of the former assemblies of the
people. It was composed of the lowest as well, and probably in as great
proportion, as of the superior ranks and orders, and all had an equal
voice. No eccentric or irregular motions were suffered to take place.
All seemed to have been the plan of a few, it may be of a single
person."
And in a private letter, dated December 1, Hutchinson writes:
"While the rabble was together in one place, I was in
another, not far distant, with his majesty's council, urging
them to join with me in some measure to break up this
unlawful assembly, but to no purpose. I hope the consignees
will continue firm, and should not have the least doubt of
it if it was not for the solicitation of the friends of Mr.
Clarke. If they go the lengths they threaten, I shall be
obliged to retire to the castle, as I cannot otherwise make
any exertions in support of the king's authority."
The committee of correspondence omitted no step that prudence or caution
could suggest to carry out the determination of the town. A letter from
Philadelphia, just then received, said: "Our tea consignees have all
resigned, and you need not fear, the tea will not be landed here nor at
New York. All that we fear is that you will shrink at Boston. May God
give you virtue enough to save the liberties of your country!"
A second and a third vessel soon arrived, and the selectmen gave
peremptory orders, to prevent clandestine landing of the tea, and
directed them to be anchored by the side of the "Dartmouth," at
Griffin's Wharf. One guard answered for the three vessels. As the time
drew near for the landing or return of the tea, the excitement of the
community increased. "Where the present disorder will end," wrote
Hutchinson, "I cannot make a probable conjecture; the town is as furious
as in the time of the stamp act." "The flame is kindled," so wrote the
wife of John Adams, "and like lightning, it catches from soul to
soul.... My heart beats at every whistle I hear, and I dare not express
half my fears."
Twenty days after her arrival in the port, a vessel was liable to
seizure for the non-payment of duties on articles imported in her, nor
on landing a portion of her cargo, could she be legally cleared. On
official advice from the governor to Colonel Leslie, commander of the
castle, and Admiral Montagu, the latter ordered the ships of war,
"Active" and "King Fisher," to guard the passages to the sea, and permit
no unauthorized vessels to pass. "The patriots," said Hutchinson, "now
found themselves in a web of inextricable difficulties." "But where
there is a will there is a way," and the patriots had more resources
than the governor dreamed of.
Rotch, the owner of the "Dartmouth," was summoned before the committee
(December 11), and was asked by Samuel Adams, the chairman, why he had
not kept his pledge, to send his vessel and tea back to London. He
replied that it was out of his power to do so. He was advised to apply
for a clearance and a pass. "The ship must go," said Adams, "the people
of Boston and the neighboring towns absolutely require and expect it."
The journals of the day are filled with items concerning the tea
question. Little else was now thought of. They contained the resolves of
the Massachusetts towns, encouraging Boston to stand firm, and assuring
her of their support, and accounts from Philadelphia and New York of the
determination to nullify the tea act, and of the declination of the
consignees in the latter place.
The "Gazette," of December 13, editorially says: "The minds of the
public are greatly irritated at the delay of Mr. Rotch, to take the
necessary steps towards complying with their peremptory requisition." On
this day an important session of the committee of the five towns already
named took place at Faneuil Hall. "No business transacted matter of
record," is the brief but suggestive entry as to its doings.
Dorchester, in legal town meeting, declared that, "should this country
be so unhappy as to see a day of trial for the recovery of its rights by
a last and solemn appeal to Him who gave them, they should not be behind
the bravest of our patriotic brethren." Marblehead affirmed that the
proceedings of the brave citizens of Boston, and of other towns, in
opposition to the landing of the tea, were rational, generous and just;
that they were highly honored for their noble firmness in support of
American liberty, and that the men of the town were ready with their
lives to assist their brethren in opposing all measures tending to
enslave the country." Under date of December 3, the people of Roxbury
voted that they were in duty bound to join with Boston, and other sister
towns, to preserve inviolate the liberties handed down by their
ancestors. Next day the men of Charlestown declared themselves ready to
risk their lives and fortunes. Newburyport, Malden, Lexington,
Leicester, Fitchburg, Gloucester, and other towns, also proferred their
aid when needed.
The "Gazette," under date of Salem, December 7, has the following: "By
what we can learn from private intelligence, as well as the public
proceedings of a number of principal towns contiguous to the capital,
the people, if opposed in their proceedings with respect to the tea, are
determined upon hazarding a brush, therefore those who are willing to
bear a part in it in preserving the rights of this country, would do
well to get suitably prepared." This looked like business.
On the morning of December 14, the following handbill appeared in
Boston:
Friends! Brethren! Countrymen! The perfidious act of your
reckless enemies to render ineffectual the late resolves of
the body of the people, demands your assembling at the Old
South Meeting House, precisely at ten o'clock this day, at
which time the bells will ring."
The meeting thus called was largely attended. Samuel Phillips
Savage,[16] of Weston, was chosen moderator. Bruce, the master of the
"Eleanor," promised to ask for a clearance for London, when all his
goods were landed, except the tea, but said that, if refused, "he was
loth to stand the shot of thirty-two pounders." Rotch, accompanied by
Samuel Adams, Benjamin Kent, and eight others, applied to the collector
of the port for a clearance, and reported, on his return, that the
collector desired to consult with the comptroller, and promised an
answer on the following morning. The meeting then adjourned until
Thursday.
[Illustration: Signature, Sam Phillips Savage]
Next day Rotch, with the Committee, proceeded to the Custom House.
Harrison, the Collector, and Comptroller Hallowell, were both present.
The owner said that he was required and compelled at his peril by the
meeting to make the demand for the clearance of his vessel for London,
with the tea on board, and one of the committee stated that they were
present only as witnesses. The Collector unequivocally and finally
refused to grant his ship a clearance until it should be discharged of
the teas. The result was reported to the meeting on the following
morning.
* * * * *
The eventful Thursday, December 16, 1773, a day ever memorable in the
annals of the town, witnessed the largest gathering yet seen at the Old
South Meeting House. Nearly seven thousand persons constituted the
assembly. Business was laid aside, and notwithstanding the rain, at
least two thousand people flocked in from the country for twenty miles
around. This time there was no need of handbills--there were none. No
effort was required to bring together the multitude that quietly but
anxiously awaited the outcome of the meeting. The gravity of the
situation was universally felt. Immediate action was necessary, as the
twenty days allowed for clearance terminated that night. Then the
revenue officials could take possession, and under cover of the naval
force land the tea, and opposition to this would have caused bloody
work. The patriots would gladly have avoided the issue, but it was
forced upon them, and they could not recede with honor.
The committee having reported the failure of its application for a
clearance, Rotch was directed to enter a protest at the Custom House,
and to apply to the governor for a pass to proceed on this day with his
vessel on his voyage for London. He replied that it was impracticable to
comply with this requirement. He was then reminded of his promise, and
on being asked if he would now direct the "Dartmouth" to sail, replied
that he would not. The meeting, after directing him to use all possible
dispatch in making his protest and procuring his pass, adjourned until
three o'clock.
At the afternoon meeting, information was given that several towns had
agreed not to use tea. A vote was taken to the effect that its use was
improper and pernicious, and that it would be well for all the towns to
appoint committees of inspection "to prevent this accursed tea" from
coming among them. "Shall we abide by our former resolution with respect
to the not suffering the tea to be landed?" was now the question. Samuel
Adams, Dr. Thomas Young and Josiah Quincy, Jr.,[17] an ardent young
patriot devotedly attached to the liberties of his country, were the
principal speakers. Only a fragment of the speech of Quincy remains.
Counselling moderation, and in a spirit of prophecy, he said:
"It is not, Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapors within
these walls that must stand us in stead. The exertions of
this day will call forth the events which will make a very
different spirit necessary for our salvation. Whoever
supposes that shouts and hosannas will terminate the trials
of the day, entertains a childish fancy. We must be grossly
ignorant of the importance and value of the prize for which
we contend; we must be equally ignorant of the power of
those who have combined against us; we must be blind to that
malice, inveteracy and insatiable revenge which actuates our
enemies, public and private, abroad and in our bosom, to
hope that we shall end this controversy without the
sharpest, the sharpest conflicts; to flatter ourselves that
popular resolves, popular harangues, popular acclamations,
and popular vapor will vanquish our foes. Let us consider
the issue. Let us look to the end. Let us weigh and
consider before we advance to those measures which must
bring on the most trying and terrific struggle this country
ever saw."
But the time for weighing and considering the business in hand had
passed. Time pressed and decisive action alone remained. "Now that the
hand is at the plough," it was said, "there must be no looking back."
At half-past four it was unanimously voted that the tea should not be
landed. An effort was now made to dissolve the meeting, but it was
continued at the request of some of those present from the country, who
wished to hear the result of Rotch's application to the governor.
It was an unusual time of the year to be at a country seat, but Governor
Hutchinson was found at his Milton residence by Rotch, who renewed his
request for a pass. Questioned by the governor as to the intentions of
the people, Rotch replied that they only intended to force the tea back
to England, but that there might be some who desired that the vessel
might go down the harbor and be brought to by a shot from the castle,
that it might be said that the people had done everything in their power
to send the tea back. "Catching at this straw, with the instinct of a
drowning man," Hutchinson offered Rotch a letter to Admiral Montagu,
commending ship and goods to his protection, if Rotch would agree to
have his ship haul out into the stream, but he replied that none were
willing to assist him in doing this, and that the attempt would subject
him to the ill will of the people. Hutchinson then sternly repeated his
refusal of a pass,[18] as it would have been "a direct countenancing and
encouraging the violation of the acts of trade." Thus closed the last
opportunity for concession.
[Illustration: Signature, John Rowe
"Who knows how tea will mingle with salt water?"--JOHN ROWE. _Old South
Church, Boston, Dec. 16, 1773._]
It is only fair to say that the performance of what he honestly believed
to be his duty was as vital a consideration with Thomas Hutchinson, the
royal governor, as opposition to measures which he believed to be
hostile to the liberties of his country was to Samuel Adams, the popular
leader. We can at this day well afford to mete out this tardy justice to
a man whose motives and conduct have been so bitterly and unscrupulously
vilified and maligned as have been those of Thomas Hutchinson.
[Illustration: Signature, John Rowe]
When Rotch returned and told the result of his application, it was
nearly six o'clock. Darkness had set in, and the Old South, dimly
lighted with candles, was still filled with an anxious and impatient
multitude. "Who knows," said John Rowe,[19] "how tea will mingle with
salt water?" The people hurrahed vehemently, and the cry arose, "A mob!
a mob!" A call to order restored quiet. Dr. Young then addressed the
meeting, saying that Rotch was a good man, who had done all in his power
to gratify the people, and charged them to do no hurt to his person or
property.
To the final question then put to him, whether he would send his vessel
back with the tea in her, under the present circumstances, he replied,
that he could not, as he "apprehended that a compliance would prove his
ruin." He also admitted that if called upon by the proper persons, he
should attempt to land the tea for his own security.
Adams then arose and uttered the fateful words, "This meeting can do
nothing more to save the country." This was doubtless the preconcerted
signal for action, and it was answered by the men who sounded the
war-whoop at the church door. The cry was re-echoed from the gallery,
where a voice cried out, "Boston harbor a tea-pot to-night; hurrah for
Griffin's wharf!" and the "Mohawks" passed on to cut the Gordian knot
with their hatchets.
Silence was again commanded, when the people, after "manifesting a most
exemplary patience and caution in the methods they had pursued to
preserve the property of the East India Company, and to return it safe
and untouched to its owners," perceiving that at every step they had
been thwarted by the consignees and their coadjutors, then dissolved the
meeting, giving three cheers as they dispersed.
Meanwhile a number of persons, variously estimated at from twenty to
eighty, (their number increasing as they advanced,) some of them
disguised as Indians, and armed with hatchets or axes, hurried to
Griffin's (now Liverpool) wharf, boarded the ships, and, warning their
crews and the customs officers to keep out of the way, in less than
three hours time had broken and emptied into the dock three hundred and
forty-two chests of tea, valued at £18,000. The deed was not that of a
lawless mob, but the deliberate and well-considered act of intelligent,
as well as determined, men. So careful were they not to destroy or
injure private property, that they even replaced a padlock they had
broken. There was no noise nor confusion. They worked so quietly and
systematically that those on shore could distinctly hear the strokes of
the hatchets. As soon as the people learned what was going forward, they
made their way to the scene of operations, covering the wharves in the
vicinity, whence they looked on in silence during the performance. The
night was clear, the moon shone brilliantly, no one was harmed, and the
town was never more quiet. Next day, the Dorchester shore was lined with
tea, carried thither by the wind and tide. The serious spirit in which
this deed was regarded by the leaders, is illustrated by the act of one
who, after assisting his apprentice to disguise himself, dropped upon
his knees and prayed fervently for his safety, and the success of the
enterprise.
Among the spectators of the scene were Dr. John Prince, of Salem; John
Andrews, and Dr. Hugh Williamson, who afterwards underwent an
examination respecting the affair before the British House of Commons.
Where is now the wide Atlantic Avenue, the old footpath under Fort Hill,
known as Flounder Lane, and afterwards as Broad Street, wound around the
margin of the water. Sea Street was its continuation to Wheeler's Point
(the foot of Summer Street). Opposite where Hutchinson (now Pearl)
Street entered Flounder Lane, was Griffin's Wharf. The laying out of
Broad Street and Atlantic Avenue, and the consequent widening and
filling in, have resulted in obliterating Griffin's Wharf, although in
Liverpool wharf it has a legitimate successor. The old dock logs were
found near the centre of the avenue. The coal office of the Messrs.
Chapin now occupies the site rendered memorable by the exploit of the
Boston tea party.
* * * * *
The destruction of the tea is said to have been planned in the "Long
Room," over Edes & Gills' printing-office, on the easterly corner of
Franklin Avenue and Court Street, where the "Daily Advertiser" building
recently stood. In their back office some of the party it is said were
disguised.
Among the members of the "Long Room Club," as those who usually met here
were styled, were Samuel Adams, Hancock, Warren, Otis, Church, Samuel
Dexter, Dr. Samuel Cooper, and his brother, William Cooper, Thomas
Dawes, Samuel Phillips Savage, Royal Tyler, Paul Revere, Thomas Fleet,
John Winthrop, William Molineux, and Thomas Melvill.
A similar claim is also made for the "Green Dragon" tavern, then known
as the "Freemasons' Arms," which stood near the northerly corner of
Union and Hanover Streets, where the Masonic Lodge of St. Andrew held
its meetings. The honor belongs equally to both. In both, the
consultations of the popular leaders were undoubtedly held and their
plans laid. Prominent members of this Lodge, who were also active "Sons
of Liberty," and members of the tea party were, Paul Revere, Edward
Proctor, Thomas Chase, Adam Collson, Samuel Peck and Thomas Urann. Its
later members, also identified with the tea party, were Samuel Gore,
Daniel Ingersoll, Henry Purkitt, Amos Lincoln, James Swan, Robert Davis,
Abraham Hunt, Eliphalet Newell and Nathaniel Willis. Other prominent
Free Masons active in the tea affair were Dr. Warren and John Rowe. The
tradition of the Lodge is, that the preliminaries of the affair were
arranged here, and that the execution of them was committed mainly to
the North End Caucus, with the co-operation of the more daring of the
"Sons of Liberty." The committee of safety also met here. The record
book of the lodge, under date of November 30, 1773, says:
"Lodge met and adjourned. N.B.--The consignees of the tea
took the brethren's time."
And on the eventful 16th of December:
"The Lodge met and closed on account of the few members in
attendance. Adjourned until to-morrow evening."