A retrospect of the Boston tea-party, with a memoir of George R. T. Hewes, a survivor of the little band of patriots who drowned the tea in Boston harbour in 1773

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RETROSPECT

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY,

M E M O I R

GEORGE R. T. HEWES,

A BCRV1VOR OP THE LITTLE BAND OF PATRIOTS WHO DROWNED THE TEA IN

BOSTON HARBOUR IN l'i'16.

BY A CITIZEN OF NEW-YORK.

Ha

What furies raged when you in sea,

In shape of Indians, drowned the tea— Mc Fingal.

NEW-YORK :

S. S. EHss, Printer, 135 Water-street.

1834.

Checked

CNTERED ACCORDING TO AN ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1S34, BY

JAMES HAWKES,

im THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK.

TO THE

SURVIVING OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS

OF

THE AMERICAN WAR OF THE REVOLUTION,

AS A JUST TRIBUTE

OF RESPECT AND GRATITUDE,

THIS VOLUME

IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,

BY

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

Although the diversity of the human character, as well as
its exterior form, appear to us infinite, each individual in the
immense chain of being, has some efficiency in the purpose
of the eternal mind. The wisdom and the council of men,
whose inheritance is only obscurity aud want, might often save
the sinking fortunes of their country, and grace the triumphs
of achievement. Yet such has been the order of this world,
that public opinion has inclined to consign to oblivion those
least ambitious of power and preferment. This trait in the
disposition of man has marked the progress of society time
immemorial. Two thousand years ago it was remarked by the
historian Euthemenes, that the Grecian Republic was so occu-
pied in distributing favours to idle and powerful men, it could
not bestow a thought on useful and obscure citizens. ( The
same opprobrium rests on the American people, in the infancy
of their republic. Among them, also, a delusive influence has
engendered an opinion of eminence connected with fortune, and
a sense of debasement attending on poverty, which tend to
render us too regardless of every advantage but that of the rich
and insensible, to every indignity but that of the poor. This
pernicious apprehension, occasionally, prepares men for the
desertion of every duty, for submission to every dignity, and
for the commission of every crime that can be accomplished in
safety.

4 PREFACE.

Any effort, therefore, to improve this trait in the human
character, is enjoined by the obligations of patriotism and phi-
lanthrophy. It is hoped Americans may never forget, that
while deliberate wisdom only can sustain the mighty fabric of
our freedom, magnanimous deeds of courage incident to every
condition, were indispensable, though often the humble means,
in establishing its foundations.

In contemplating the splendid achievements of our heroes,
the breast glows with rapture, while we consign to immortal
fame the illustrious deeds which marked the progress of the
revolution ; and the soul is melted into reverence at the recol-
lection of that exalted wisdom which raised us from vassalage
to pre-eminence among the nations ; we should hold in grateful
and honourable remembrance those daring spirits who contri-
buted their full, though honourable share in that great event.

Who that loves his country, and reveres its institutions, can
ever forget Jasper, who, in the humble office of a sergeant,
when the flagstaff of his country was severed by a cannon ball,
and fell without Fort Maultre, leaped from an embrasure, amid
the fire of the foe, mounted the colours, and replaced them on
the paraphet ? Or the heroic John Camp, who dared the infamy
of imputed desertion, and even death, in attempting what the
commander-in-chief styled the indespensable, delicate, and ha-
zardous project " of seizing the traitor Arnold, and thereby
saving the lamented and unfortunate Andre ?" Or Hunter, the
distinguished boy, who, after deeds of dauntless valour, having
been captured by the tories, and ordered to instant death, while
surrounded by his brutal captors, first breathing a brief prayer
to the God of mercy, sprang through them, to the back of their

PREFACE. O

own chargers, and darted from their pursuit with a velocity that
saved him ? Or the revered Peyon, a minister of the Gospel,
who, when the king's troops committed murder at Lexington,
snatched a musket, led on a band of patriots to the attack, and
killed, wounded, or took prisoners, a party of the enemy ? Or
the heroine, who, in the strength of her resolution, forgetting
the weakness of her sex, in the disguise of a young man, enter-
ed the republican army for three years, encountered the perils of
a soldier, and was induced only by the exigency of a severe and
seemingly mortal wound, to reveal the sacrifice which delicacy
had made to the love of country ?

Actions like these, replete as they were with magnanimous
valour, were not more than commensurate with the transcendent
object of the American war of independence. Among the pro-
minent causes which led to that great event, it will be recol.
lected, was that of the claim of the British government to the
right of taxing the people of their colonies in America, without
their consent. This right was denied by the citizens of Boston,
encouraged by their friends throughout the country ; who, after all
overtures to persuade the parliament of Great Britain to relinquish
this assumed right, had proved abortive, formed the fixed resolu-
tion of resisting by physical force the collection of such taxes.
The duty on the article of tea, it seems, was intended to be re-
served as a standing claim, or exercise of the right of laying
such duties.

*^A. vessel, owned by the East India Company, cortaining a

cargo of three hundred and forty-two chests of tea, was sent to

Boston, and consigned to some individuals in that town. It

could not be landed without subjecting the consignees, an.

1*

6 PREFACE.

eventually the consumers of it, to the payment of the duty.
When the leaders of those who were opposed to this measure of
British taxation, and at that time called whigs, found it imprac-
ticable to procure the tea to be sent back, they secretly resolved
on its destruction.

To cover their design, a meeting of the people of the whole
county was convened on the day appointed, and went into a
grave consultation on the question, What should be done to
prevent its being landed and sold ? It had already been guarded
for twenty nights, by voluntary parties of the whigs, to prevent
its being clandestinely brought ashore. At a moment when one
of the most zealous of the whig orators was declaiming against
all violent measures, an end was suddenly put to the debate, by
the arrival of a party of young men, dressed, and armed, and
painted like Indians ; though it was said that many a ruffled
shirt, and laced vest, appeared under their blankets. They pro-
ceeded immediately to the vessel containing the tea, boarded it,
and in the short space of two hours, broke open and threw into
the sea the whole three hundred and forty-two chests. All was
silence and dismay, and no opposition was made, though sur-
rounded by the king's ships. The Indians returned through the
same orderly procession and solemnity as observed in the outset
of their attempt. No other disorder took place, and it was ob-
served, the stillest night ensued that Boston had enjoyed for
several months.

Governor Hutchinson being alarmed at the county meeting,
retired privately in the morning to his country seat at Milton ;
soon after he arrived at that place he received information,
either through mistake or design, that the mob was coming to

PREFACE. 7

pull down his house, and escaped in the utmost haste across the
fields. The story of the day was, that the alarm was given him
when he sat half-shaved under the hands of the barber.

For obvious reasons of policy, it was intended that the names
of this little band of patriots, who drowned the tea in Boston
harbour, should never be known to any but those of their associ-
ates who were immediately concerned; and it is not known
that their secret has ever been divulged. Their number has been
variously computed ; one historian of that event says, the number
was not less than sixty, nor more than eighty ; while others, who
suppose the number was about two hundred, might have been
deceived by the numerous and tumultuous crowd which assem-
bled on the wharf to witness the scene. Among those who were
actually engaged in this extraordinary enterprise, the subject of
the following memoir is supposed to be the only survivor. The4|
obscurity of his condition, and his humble occupation, has con-
cealed from all, except the little circle of his domestic friends
and relations, not only the knowledge of his chivalrous achieve-
ment in destroying the British tea, but even of his very exist-
ence. By an accidental concurrence of events, the author of
the following pages has recently discovered, that the wasting
influence of a hundred years had not yet subdued the spirit, nor
unnerved the arm which sixty years age had been outstretched
to arrest the progress of lawless power, and fix the inviolable
seal of physical force to the great decree, that the people of the
then British colonies, but now united independent states of
North America, would not be taxed by the British Parliament,
or any other power on earth, without their consent.

This decree was not destined in its effects merely to generate

c PREFACE.

a new party, or create a new nation of independent freemen,
but to reform the political condition of the world, and exhibit
the rights of man in a new blaze of glory.

To introduce the commencement of an era so pregnant with
the future destinies of the civil state, the powers of reason had
been exhausted, and the claims of equal justice had been urged
in vain, The principles of a government of laws, created and
administered solely by the people, and exclusively for their
benefit and happiness, had been abandoned as an inexplicable
enigma; freedom had been hunted round the globe; man's capa-
city for self-government had been exploded as a political heresy ;
revolutions had only changed persons and measures, but achieved
nothing in which the general mass of mankind had any interest.
America seemed destined to be the only spot where the principles
W of universal reformation could commence their progress ; it was
there the first blow was to be struck, which, to tyrants through
the world, should echo as the knell of their departing hour.

The single event of destroying a few thousand pounds of tea,
by throwing it into the water, was of itself of inconsiderable
importance in American history ; but in its consequences, it
was, doubtless, one in the series of events, destined to change,
and probably improve the condition, not only of our posterity,
but of mankind in all ages to come.

When the conspirators in Persia, against the Magi, were con-
sulting about a succession to the empire, it came into the mind
of one of them to propose, that he whose horse neighed first,
when they came together the next morning, should be king.
Such a thing coming into his mind, although as it related to

PREFACE. V»

him, seemed to be accidental, and doubtless depended on innu-
merable incidents, wherein the volitions of mankind, in preced-
ing ages, had been concerned ; yet, in consequence of this
accident, Darius, the son of Hystaspes, was king. And if this
had not been, probably his successor would not have been the
same, and all the circumstances of the Persian empire might
have been far otherwise ; then, perhaps, Alexander might never
have conquered that empire : and then, probably, the circum-
stances of the world, in all past ages, might have been vastly
different.

It was not, however, the wisdom of him who first suggested
the idea of resting the title of succession on so trifling
an incident as the accidental neighing of a horse, that rendered
that expedient efficient in directing the future destinies of the
Persian empire, or of the world in after ages, but to the peculiar
sagacity of Darius in so managing the humour of his horse, as
to secure to himself the title of sovereignty.

Neither could the wisdom of a reputed great statesman, in
suggesting the extraordinary project of drowning the tea, have
had any efficiency in arresting the lawless progress of British
imposition, at that portentous crisis, had it not been for those
signal adventurers, whose desperate courage, on the impulse of
the moment, so directed their physical energies as to achieve
that memorable enterprise ; yet the names of those heroes of
unrivalled fame, have been permitted to rest in oblivion, while
deeds of insect importance, compared with theirs, have consign.
ed their authors to the deathless page of biographic history.

It is easy to conceive an All-creating Power has bestowed on

10

PREFACE.

each individual qualities suited to the part he is destined to act
on the stage of human life. We may, therefore, well suppose
the subject of the following memoir will excite in the reader a
more than ordinary interest.

But aside from this consideration, it is believed that a life
rarely passes of which a judicious and faithful narrative may
afford not only amusement but profit.

It is true, that eminence of station, splendour of achievement,
and the distinctions of rank and fortune, are sought as the sure
passports to preferment ; while the whole train of social virtues,
when divested of their decorations and disguises, their pomp and
show, are permitted to glide through the crowd of life, without
notice, and without praise.

There is more uniformity in the condition of men than we
are apt to imagine. In the great mass of the world every man
may find great numbers, between whose circumstances and his
own, there is a striking similitude ; and to whom a knowledge
of the diversified incidents of their lives might be of apparent
and immediate use. In short, there is scarcely any possibility
of good or ill but what is common to human kind.

Biography, to combine instruction with amusement, should
present true pictures of life in all its forms,

Not only have the distinctions created by political preferment,
bv heroic achievement, by rank and fortune, claims on the
perpetuity of the monumental record, but so also have the djs*
tinctions created in the order of nature.

Preface.

H

If the Great Disposer of human destinies bestows on an
individual superior faculties, and a capacity to render important
services to his country, and to the world, it is due to the dignity
of man, respectfully to notice the distinctions which the laws of
nature have ordained.

Although the world has not conferred on the subject of the
following memoir its usual passports to preferment, to power,
and to fortune, yet one memorable deed has entitled him to more
substantial fame, and durable glory, than the conquest of the
world should achieve for its hero. Besides, his equanimity, his
fortitude, his cheerful submission to his adverse destinies,
might shed a lustre on artificial and venal greatness, and is
worthy of all imitation.

For fifty years Hewes has been buried in the depths of obscu-
rity, during which period he has passed his time in the humble,
and too unfashionable pursuits of honest industry; lost, as it
were, to the knowledge of the world, and to fame. But he has
been blessed by Heaven with the capacity to preserve, what
millions of the inheritors of wealth, and fame, and preferment,
have lost ; he has been enabled to preserve his physical and
intellectual powers ; a capacity for sensual and social enjoyment ;
and what is more, his integrity of character, without which
national independence, and republican liberty are but empty

To revive and perpetuate in the recollection, one among the
important events which lead to a new and glorious era in the
history of our country, and the world, is the object of the fol.
lowing memoir, in the performance of which it is intended to

12 PREFACE.

contribute our mite in discharging the obligation of respect and
gratitude, not only to the veteran and venerable Hewes, but to
all those who were associated with him, in that desperate,
memorable, and unprecedented enterprise.

A

RETROSPECT .

OF

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY,

AND

MEMOIR OF GEORGE R. T. HEWES.

A town *in the interior of the state of New- York,
about sixty miles west of the Hudson river, in the
county of Otsego, is the present residence of George
R. T. Hewes, a survivor of the little band of patriots
who sixty years ago immersed the three hundred and
forty chests of tea in Boston harbour.

The house in which he now resides, stands about
one kmile in a westerly course from the medicinal
waters, usually called Richfield Springs, from the name
of the town in which they are situated. From some
alteration intended to improve the great travelled road
from Albany to Buffalo, the spot on which Hewes
seems destined to close his life, is wholly excluded
from any open communication with the public high-
way ; and at the termination of a pent way, bounded
partly on two sides by rising grounds, covered with
a natural growth of forest trees, which, with the
surrounding cultivated fields of arable, pasturage, and

2

14 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

meadow grounds, interspersed with clumps of trees,
presents a prospect of rural scenery, highly varie-
gated and picturesque.

On my arrival at this sequestered spot, and beholding
the venerable remnant of mortality, animated with the
vigour, the cheerfulness, and the vivacity of intelligent
humanity, my recollections were by an involuntary im-
pulse hurried back to the by-gone days of the revolu-
tion. Many prominent events of that interesting pe-
riod of our history pressed upon my mind. When I
contrasted the deathlike silence of his secluded situa-
tion with the clattering of an hundred tomahawks,
cutting and dashing in splinters the chests which
contained the British tea, and contemplated for a mo-
ment on the changes which time and events had
wrought upon this venerable man, and his seclusion
from the usual facilities of social intercourse, I was
deeply impressed with a consideration of the mutability
of human affairs, and the oblivion to which great
achievements may be consigned by the forgetfulness or
the ingratitude of the world.

I have particularly referred to the place of his pre-
sent abode, that among the numerous visitors at the
Richfield Springs, above referred to, those whose in-
quisitive minds may dispose them to attest, by a per-
sonal interview, the peculiar characteristics of this
extraordinary man, may yet have an opportunity ; as

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 15

nothing appears from the peculiar condition of his
health, nothing but his great age that seems to presage
his near approaching dissolution. Calculating on the
chances which usually fall to the lot of human life, under
circumstances which have marked the progress of his,
he may yet far exceed the bounds set to the very few
centarians of which we have any knowledge.

On receiving satisfactory evidence that he was one of
the volunteers who drowned the tea in Boston harbour
in 1773, I conceived it due to his character and fame,
as well as to that interesting event, to consign to the
monumental record of history the perpetuation of the
memory of a man deserving of his country's esteem
and applause. My confidence in the propriety of such
an effort was increased on learning that his habits
and manners had been distinguished for sobriety and
industry, and especially when I found that his in-
tegrity was reputed to be unimpeachable ; as the few
incidents relating to the subject of the following me-
moir must depend for their correctness on the strength
of his memory and his veracity. Besides, it is con-
sidered that the knowledge of those men who are
concerned in transactions which are attended with un-
common circumstances, and lead to important results,
must always be interesting to the inquisitive mind.

Although the few sketches of the history of Hewes
will rest principally in his own recollection, his familiar

16 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

associates for the last fifty years of his life, have the
most entire confidence in his integrity.

Hewes, like many other persons of very advanced
age, can give no correct information respecting his,
having in his possession no record of his birth. When
this memoir was preparing for the press, from a calcula-
tion made on a supposed knowledge of some facts, he was
believed by some of his friends to be ninety-nine years
old. Though some of his remote relatives have since
expressed their belief that his age is something less,
while they assert it has considerable exceeded four
score and ten.

Great as his age is acknowledged to be, he appears
to have a clear recollection of his pedigree, and the
prominent circumstances which have marked the pro-
gress of his life from his early childhood to the present
time.

It has been prefaced, that although the wisdom and
councils of men whose inheritance is only obscurity and
want, might often save the sinking fortunes of their
country, and grace the triumphs of achievement, yet
such has been the order of this world, public opi-
nion has inclined to consign to oblivion those least
ambitious of power and preferment. It is believed that
the correctness of this remark may have been empha-
tically exemplified in the person and character of
Hewes. When it is considered that those wrhose

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. IT

illustrious deeds have assigned to them conspicuous
places in history, have not often exhibited those pro-
minent traits of character which have led to their ce-
lebrity, until some fortuitous incidents beyond their con-
trol had first thrown open to them the doors of the
temple of their fame.

Although it cannot be known how men may improve
the fortunate incidents which have opened to others the
way to renown and power, yet no one who may have
had a personal interview with Hewes, now at the age
of nearly an hundred years, and a glance at his history
and present condition of his faculties, can assert na-
ture had denied to him the prerequisite constituents
of a great man.

It appears, from his account of himself, and from
the present state of his mind, his advantages for obtain-
ing even a common education, have been very limited .
yet his memory, his physical and intellectual powers,
his vivacity and communicative faculties, are of no or-
dinary character.

On requesting him to give me some sketches of his
origin and history, he proceeded with an alacrity and
promptness not less amusing than extraordinary.

My father, said he, was born in Wrentham, in the
state of Massachusetts, about twenty-eight miles from
Boston. My grandfather having made no provision
for his support, and being unable to give him an eduea-

2*

18 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

tion, apprenticed him at Boston to learn a mechanical
trade. After commencing business for himself, he mar-
ried a woman by the name of Abigail Sever, of Rox-
bury, by whom he had six sons and five daughters.
The names of my elder brothers were Samuel, Shubael,
and Solomon ; and my younger, Daniel and Ebenezer.
My father's Christian name was George. My mother
had a great uncle whose Christian name was Twelve,
for whom she appeared to have a great veneration.
Why he was called by this singular name, I never
knew. So my parents were pleased to call me by
the name, or rather names, of George Robert Twelve.

My mother, whose veracity I could never doubt,
often remarked to me, that at my birth I weighed four-
teen pounds. This unusual natal growth, though it
might have been an indication of a vigorous consti-
tution, could not be of any great physical weight or
dimensions to which I was destined to attain, as every
one who has a knowledge of my person, now very well
knows I have never acquired the ordinary weight or
size of other men ; though I have generally enjoyed
sound health and a cheerful mind.

In my childhood, my advantages for education were
very limited, much more so than children enjoy at the
present time in my native state. My whole education
which my opportunities permitted me to acquire, con-
sisted only of a moderate knowledge of reading and

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 19

writing ; my father's circumstances being confined to
such humble means as he was enabled to acquire by
his mechanical employment, I was kept running of
errands, and exposed of course to all the mischiefs
to which children are liable in populous cities.

At a time when I was about six years old, I re-
collect my mother sent me with a basket to the navy
yard, to get some chips for fuel. I set down my
basket, after I had arrived at the place where I was
sent ; I thought to divert myself by viewing the shoals of
little fish that were to be seen swimming under the
loose plank and boards that were floating on the sur-
face. For that purpose I placed myself on two plank
that were floating near each other, setting one foot on
each, and so was viewing the multitude of little fish
which I could see between the two plank swimming
near the surface of the water.

While in that situation, the planks on which I stood
gradually separated, till my feet were so far extended
that I could not recover them, so as to maintain my posi-
tion j and I fell between them into the water, which was
at that place about seven feet deep, and sinking to the
bottom, was soon lifeless. Some ship carpenters who
had seen me come to the place with my basket, and
seeing it standing on the shore, were apprehensive from
my sudden disappearance that I might have fallen into
the water, came to the spot where they had last seen

~0 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

me, and soon discovered me lying on the bottom ;
but rather than expose themselves to inconvenience or
danger, they went for a boat hook, which they soon
procured, and with it hooked me up by my clothes ;
and finding me motionless, they proceeded to use means
for my restoration to life, and for that purpose rolled me
on a tar barrel from end to end, by means of which ope-
ration the water was so much of it discharged, that they
discovered signs of life, and immediately conveyed me
to my mother, and I found myself transferred from a
watery grave to a warm bed. By my mother's assidu-
ous care I was restored ; but my senses had been so much
benumbed, and my health so seriously injured, that it
was near a fortnight before I was considered a pro-
per subject for punishment.

My mother then took me in hand in good earnest for
having neglected the business of my errand, and by my
childish curiosity exposed myself to the catastrophe
which had befallen me. I will teach you better, said
she, than neglect your duty and expose your life in this
way. She then applied the rod to my back severely,
and I believe to some good purpose ; for it not only
left some impressions upon my flesh, but upon my
mind, whereby I was often afterwards admonished of
the importance of faithfulness in executing the com-
mands of my parents, or others who had a right to my
services.

THE BOSTON* TEA-PARTY. 21

Soon after this chastisement by his mother, he was
placed under the care of an uncle at Wrentham, who
was a farmer. While in his employment, Hewes
relates an incident which developed in him, at that in-
fant age, the correctness of his conceptions of equal
rights and equal justice, as well as his fixed resolu-
tion to preserve his integrity.

One day, said he, when' I 'was in the room with my
aunt, her son, a lad about five years old, came into the
room, and without any provocation, struck me in the
face with a stick, which so irritated me, that from the
sudden impulse of passion, I called him by a reproach-
ful name, which gave offence to my aunt; and on her
reproving me, I readily acknowledged to her that I
had spoken unadvisedly ; but, said I, he gave the first
offence by striking me without a cause. She said
no more to me on the subject at that time, but the next
day called me to an account for the offence, and after
compelling me to procure a rod of correction, as she
termed it, chastised me with it pretty severely. I then
said to her, will you not now chastise your son ? he
gave the first offence : my aunt replied, that as he was
younger than I, she should let him pass ; then, said I,
if you do not punish him as you have me, J. will
certainly do it myself. She then dismissed me, say-
ing, that if I chastised him, I would do it at my peril ;
but I declared to her. that I should do as I had said I

22 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

would. Some days afterwards, as I caught my cousin
at the barn, when I had reminded him of the offence
he had given me by striking me in the face, I applied
to him the rod of correction about as severely as my
aunt had to me, when he ran to the house, crying
aloud, and as might be expected, complained to his
mother of what I had done ; and as I came into the
house, so, said my aunt, you have been whipping your
cousin, it seems ; certainly I have, said I ; you know I told
you I should do it, and my uncle has charged me never,
on any account, to tell a lie. She then ordered me to go
into the cornhouse for some article, but following me,,
locked me in, and there kept me a prisoner until my
uncle returned home ; who, after being told by my aunt
where I was, and of the offence I had committed,
came to my prison, and on unlocking the door, inquired
the cause of my conduct, and I believed I fully sa-
tisfied him, that in chastising his 6on, I had only done
equal justice, and avoided the commission of a falsehood
by doing what I declared I would ; for he readily
diacharged me from my imprisonment, without cen-
suring me for my conduct.

It has been thought highly characteristic of the in-
dependent spirit of our present chief magistrate, that he
dared to refuse to brush the boots of a British officer,
when he was his prisoner ; so it might be of Hewes, for
daring to assert his rights, and to execute justice on

THE BOSTON TEA PARTY. 23

the child of one to whom he was an indented appren-
tice.

It appears, from the account which Hewes gives of
the chastisement inflicted on him by his mother and
aunt, with many other similar incidents of that pe-
riod, that parents and guardians were not in the habit
of punishing the delinquent child, until they had given
it time for consideration and reflection, and their own
passion, if excited, should have time to subside. It was
a habit, he observes, confirmed by the custom of that
period, among those most distinguished for the wis-
dom of their domestic discipline, never to inflict pun-
ishment upon the child for an offence, until after the
day it was committed, by means of which they believed
the object of punishment was more likely to be effected.

After remaining with his uncle until he was twelve
years old, he was taken back to Boston, and put by his
father to learn the trade of a shoemaker, which, he ob-
served, was never an occupation of his choice, being
inclined to more active pursuits than that occupation
required.

The injudicious conduct of parents, in choosing for
children an occupation without consulting their natural
faculties and inclination, it is believed will be found
strikingly exemplified in the history and character of
Hewes.

After finding that my depressed condition would

24 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

probably render it impracticable for me to acquire
that education requisite for civil employments, I had
resolved to engage in the military service of my coun-
try, should an opportunity present, not being conscious
of my deficiency in courage or physical strength.

When, therefore, the British government was about
organizing an army to resist the claims of the French
in North America, I proposed to enter into the service
against the French, and enlisted myself as a soldier for
that object. But in those days it seems military capa-
city of every grade was estimated by stature. I could
not pass muster, because I was not tall enough. But
I was determined not to be defeated by this strange,
and to me incompetent objection to my capacity.

I raised the soles and heels of my shoes, and stuffed
the inside of my stockings, to add a little to my stature
and offered my Self for re-examination ; but the artifice
was detected, and my military ardour was suppressed.

The muster master, after again taking the measure
of my stature, says to me, set down my boy, and let me
look at your shoes ; and smiling, says to me, your
heels are too high for convenience ; now just pull off
your stocking ; accorningly I did, and thrusting his
hand into it, he pulled out a handful of rags from the
heel, and throwing them on the floor, he and Captain
Cox, who was present, laughed most heartily, and ob-
served that they were sorry that I had not been a little

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 25

taller, as they believed I had the true sptrit of a
soldier.

The artifice practiced by Hewes to avoid his disquali-
fication to become a soldier, exhibited in him an inclina-
tion strikingly similar to that noticed in an anecdote
of the juvenile temper of Sir Walter Scott, who in his
boyhood, as is related of him by one of his biographers,
had a strong inclination to become a soldier, which he
was prevented from indulging by an illness, though his
parents were disposed to gratify it. His malady had
the effect of contracting his righc leg, so that he could
hardly walk erect, even with the toes of that foot upon
the ground. A member of his family having represent-
ed to him that this would be an insuperable obstacle to
his entering the army, it is said he left the room in an
agony of mortified feeling, and was found some time
afterwards suspended by his wrists from his bed room
window, somewhat after the manner of the unfortunate
knight of the rueful countenance, when beguiled by
the treacherous Maritomesses at the inn. On being
asked the cause of this strange proceeding, he saiojhe
wished to prove to them, that however unfitted by his
limbs for the profession of a soldier, he was at least
strong enough in his arms. He had actually remained
in that uneasy and trying posture for upwards of an
hour.

However, this regulation requiring a definite stature

26 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

as a requisite qualification for a soldier may have been
heretofore approved by those who controled the mili-
tary department, either in Great Britain or any other
country ; it has from necessity, and with great propriety
too, been disregarded by the American people in the
organization of the militia.

By this standard of preferment, neither Alexander or
Napoleon would probably have passed muster, as their
stature is reputed to have hardly exceeded that of the
rejected Hewes, thoughtheir soldierly pre-eminence has
been well attested by the record of both ancient and
modern times.

To a man who is conscious of the competancy of his
capacity and whose daring spirit impels him to patriotic
efforts in the service of his country, nothing would seem
to be more depressingly humiliating than to be exclu-
ded from an opportunity of developing his faculties for
a cause which no human wisdom or power could
control.

But Hewes said he cheerfully submitted to the course
of life to which his destinies directed.

He built him a shop and pursued the private avoca-
cation of his trade for a considerable length of time,
until on the application of his brother he was induced
to go with him on two fishing voyages to the banks of
New Foundland, which occupied his time for two
years.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 27

After the conclusion of the French war, as it was
called in America, until the differences of the American
colonies with Great Britain commenced, he continued
at Boston, except the two years absence with his brother.

During that period, said Hewes, when I was at the
age of twenty-six, I married the daughter of Benjamin
Sumner, of Boston. At the time of our intermarriage,
the age of my wife was seventeen. We lived together
very happily seventy years. She died at the age of
eighty-seven.

At the time when the British troops were first station-
ed at Boston, we had several children, the exact num-
ber I do not recollect. By our industry and mutual
efforts we were improving our condition.

An account of the massacre of the citizens of Boston,
in the year 1770, on the 5th of March, by some of the
British troops, has been committed to the record of our
history, as one of those interesting events which lead
to the revolutionary contest that resulted in our inde-
pendence. When the various histories of that event
were published, no one living at that time could have
expected that any one of the actors in that tragical
scene, and then, considerably advanced in life, would
have lived to revive in our recollection facts relating to
it, by the rehersal of them from his own personal know-
ledge. But while the public mind has no other source
from which it ean derive its knowledge of that, and

28 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

many other interesting events relating to our revolu-
tionary contest, Hewes, with a precision of recollection,
perhaps unprecedented in the history of longevity,
rehearses many facts relating to them, from his own
personal knowledge.

We have been informed by the historians of the re-
volution, that a series of provocations had excited strong
prejudices, and inflamed the passion of the British
soldiery against our citizens, previous to the commence-
ment of open hostilities ; and prepared their minds to
burst out into acts of violence on the application of a
single spark of additional excitement, and which finally
resulted in the unfortunate massacre of a number of our
citizens.

On my inquiring of Hewes what knowledge he had
of that event, he replied, that he knew nothing from
history, as he had never read any thing relating to it
from any publication whatever, and can therefore only
give the information which I derived from the event of
the day upon which the catastrophe happened. On
that day, one of the British officers applied to a barber,
to be shaved and dressed ; the master of the shop, whose
name was Pemont, told his apprentice boy he might
serve him, and receive the pay to himself, while Pemont
left the shop. The boy accordingly served him, but
the officer, for some reason unknown to me, went away
from the shop without paying him for his service.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 29

After the officer had been gone some time, the boy went
to the house where he was, with his account, to demand
payment of his bill, but the sentinel, who was before
the door, would not give him admittance, nor permit
him to see the officer ; and as some angry words were
interchanged between the sentinel and the boy, a con-
siderable number of the people from the vicinity, soon
gathered at the place where they were, which was in
King street, and I was soon on the ground among them.
The violent agitation of the citizens, not only on account
of the abuse offered to the boy, but other causes of ex-
citement, then fresh in the recollection, was such that the
sentinel began to be apprehensive of danger, and
knocked at the door of the house, where the officers
were, and told the servant who came to the door, that
he was afraid of his life, and would quit his post unless
he was protected. The officers in the house then sent a
messenger to the guard-house, to require Captain Pres-
ton to come with a sufficient number of his soldiers to
defend them from the threatened violence of the people.
On receiving the message, he came immediately with a
small guard of grenadiers, and paraded them before the
custom-house, where the British officers were shut up.
Captain Preston then ordered the people to disperse,
but they said they would not, they were in the king's
highway, and had as good a right to be there as he
had. The captain of the guard then said to them, if

30 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

you do not disperse, I will fire upon you, and then gave
orders to his men to make ready, and immediately after
gave them orders to fire. Three of our citizens fell
dead on the spot, and two, who were wounded, died the
next day ; and nine others were also wounded. The
persons wno were killed I well recollect, said Hewes ;
they were, Gray, a rope maker, Marverick, a young
man, Colwell, who was the mate of Captain Colton ;
Attuck, a mulatto, and Carr, who was an Irishman
Captain Preston then immediately fled with his grena-
diers back to the guard-house. The people who were
assembled on that occasion, then immediately chose a
committee to report to the governor the result of Captain
Preston's conduct, and to demand of him satisfaction.
The governor told the committee, that if the people
would be quiet that night he would give them satisfac-
tion, so far as was in his power ; the next morning
Captain Preston, and those of his guard who were
concerned in the massacre, were, accordingly, by order
of the governor, given up, and taken into custody the
next morning, and committed to prison.

It is not recollected that the offence given to the
barber's boy is mentioned by the historians of the revo-
lution ; yet there can be no doubt of its correctness .
The account of this single one of the exciting causes
of the massacre, related by Hewes, at this time, was in

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 31

answer to the question of his personal knowledge of
that event.

A knowledge of the spirit of those times will easily
lead us to conceive, that the manner of the British
officers application to the barber, was a little too strongly-
tinctured with the dictatorial hauteur, to conciliate the
views of equality, which at that period were supremely-
predominant in the minds of those of the whig party,
even in his humble occupation ; and that the disrespect-
ful notice of his loyal customer, in consigning him to
the attention of his apprentice boy, and abruptly leaving
his shop,' was intended to be treated by the officer with
contempt, by so underating the services of his appren-
tice, as to deem any reward for them beneath his atten-
tion. The boy too, may be supposed to have imbibed
so much of the spirit which distinguished that period
of our history, that he was willing to improve any oc-
casion to contribute his share to the public excitement ;
to add an additional spark to the fire of political dissen-
tion which was enkindling.

When Hewes arrived at the spot where the massacre
happened, it appears his attention was principally en-
gaged by the clamours of those who were disposed to
aid the boy in avenging the insult offered to him by the
British offieer, and probably heard nothing, at that
time, of any other of the many exciting causes which
lead to that disastrous event, though it appeared from

32 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

his general conversation, his knowledge of them was
extensive and accurate.

But to pursue the destiny of Captain Preston, and
the guard who fired on the citizens ; in about a fortnight
after, said Hewes, they were brought to trial and indict-
ed for the crime of murder.

The soldiers were tried first, and acquitted, on the
ground, that in firing upon the citizens of Boston, they
only acted in proper obedience to the captain's orders.
When Preston, their captain, was tried, I was called as
one of the witnesses, on the part of the government, and
testified, that I believed it was the same man, Captain
Preston, that ordered his soldiers to make ready, who
also ordered them to firs. Mr. John Adams, former
president of the United States, was advocate for the
prisoners, and denied the fact, that Captain Preston
gave orders to his men to fire ; and on his cross exami-
nation of me, asked whether my position was such,
that I could see the captain's lips in motion when the
order to fire was given ; to which I answered, that I
could not. Although the evidence of Preston's having
given orders to the soldiers to fire, was thought by the
jury sufficient to acquit them, it was not thought to be of
weight enough to convict him of a capital offence ; he
also was acquited.

This account given to me by Hewes, although ob-
viously from his own recollection and personal know-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 33

ledge, it accords with the most correct historians of that
event. At my request he confined his rehearsal to the
most prominent details relating to it. The source from
which the recollection is revived, at this time, gives it
novelty, and renders it interesting.

Some time after the massacre of our citizens, and
before the destruction of the tea, Hewes relates an
ancedote of a hair's breath escape. One day, said he,
as I was returning from dinner, I met a man by the
name of John Malcom, who was a custom-house officer,
and a small boy, pushing his sled along, before him ;
and just as I was passing the boy, he said to Malcom,
what, sir, did you throw my chips into the snow for,
yesterday? Upon which Malcom angrily replied, do
you speak to me, you rascal ; and, as he raised a cane
he had in his hand, aiming it at the head of the boy, I
spoke to Malcom, and said to him, you -are not about
to strike that boy with your cudgel, }rou may kill him ;
upon my saying that, he was suddenly diverted from

the boy, and turning upon me, says, you d d rascal,

do you presume too, to speak to me ? I replied to him,
I am no rascal, sir, be it known to you ; whereupon he
struck me across the head with his cane, and knocked
me down, and by the blow cut a hole in my hat two
inches in length. At this moment, one Captain Godfry
came up, and raising mc up, asked who had struck me ;
Malcom, replied the by standers, while he, for fear of

34 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

the displeasure of the populace, ran to his house, and
shut himself up. The people, many of whom were
soon collected around me, advised me to go immediately
to Doctor Warren, and get him to dress my wound,
which I did without delay ; and the doctor, after dress-
ed it, observed to me, it can be considered no misfortune
that I had a thick skull, for had not yours been very
strong, said he, it would have been broke ; you have
come within a hair's breath of loosing your life. He
then advised me to go to Mr. Gluincy, a magistrate, and
get a warrant, for the purpose of arresting Malcom,
which I did, and carried it immediately to a constable,
by the name of Justine Hale, and delivered it to him, to
serve, but when he came to the house where Malcom
was locked up, it was surrounded by such a multitude
he could not serve it. The people, however, soon broke
open the door, and took Malcom into their custody.
They then took him to the place where the massacre
was committed, and their flogged him with thirty-nine
stripes. After which, they besmeared him "thoroughly
with tar and feathers ; they then whipped him through
the town, till they arrived at the gallows, on the neck,
where they gave him thirty-nine stripes more, and then,
after putting one end of a rope about his neck, and
throwing the other end over the gallows, told him to
remember that he had come within one of being hanged.
They then took him back to the house from whenee

THE BOSTON TEAPARTY. 35

they had taken him, and discharged him from their
custody.

The severity of the flogging they had given him,
together with the cold coat of tar with which they
had invested him, had such a benumbing effect upon
his health, that it required considerable effort to re-
store his usual circulation. During the process of
his chastisement, the deleterious effect of the frost,
it being a cold season, generated a morbid affection
upon the prominent parts of his face, especially upon
his chin, which caused a separation and peeling off of
some fragments of loose skin and flesh, which, with a
portion of the tar and feathers, which adhered to
him, he preserved in a box, and soon after carried with
him to England, as the testimonials of his sufferings in
the cause of his country. On his arrival in England
soon after this catastrophe Malcom obtained an annual
pension of fifty pounds, but lived only two years after
to enjoy it.

On relating this adventure, the very excitement which
the affront must have wrought upon him, evidently
began to rekindle, and he remarked with emphasis, I
shall carry to my grave the scar which the wound
Malcom gave me left on my head ; and passing my
finger over the spot to which he directed it, there was
obviously such a scar, as must have been occasioned
by the wound he had described.

36 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

Although the excitment which had been occasioned
by the wanton massacre of our citizens, had in some
measure abated, it was never extinguished until open
hostilities commenced, and we had declared our inde-
pendence. The citizens of Boston continued inflexible
in their demand, that every British soldier should be
withdrawn from the town, and within four days after
the massacre, the whole army decamped. But the
measures of the British parliament, which led the Ame-
rican colonies to a separation from that government,
were not abandoned. And to carry into execution their
favourite project of taxing their 'American colonies, they
employed a number of ships to transport a large quantity
of tea into the colonies, of which the American people
were apprised, and while resolute measures were
taking in all the capital towns,, to resist the project of
British taxation, the ships arrived, which the people
of Boston had long expected.

The particular object of sending this cargo of tea to
Boston at that time, and the catastrophe which befell it,
have been referred to in the preface. It has also been
recorded, among the most important and interesting
events in the history of the American revolution; but
the rehersal of it at this time, by a witness, and an actor
in that tragicomical scene, excites in the recollection
of it a novel and extraordinary interest.

On my inquiring of Hewes if he knew who first

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY, 37

proposed the project of destroying the tea, to prevent its
being landed, he replied that he did not ; neither did he
know who or what number were to volunteer their ser-
vices for that purpose. But from the significant allu-
sion of some persons in whom I had confidence, together
with the knowledge I had of the spirit of those times, I
had no doubt but that a sufficient number of associates
would accompany me in that enterprise.

The tea destroyed was contained in three ships, lay-
ing near each other, at what was called at that time
Griffin's wharf, and were surrounded by armed ships
of war ; the commanders of which had publicly de-
clared, that if the rebels, as they were pleased to style
the Bostonians, should not withdraw their opposition to
the landing of the tea before a certain day, the 17th
day of December, 1773, they should on that day force
it on shore, under the cover of their cannon's mouth.
On the day preceding the seventeenth, there was a
meeting of the citizens of the county of Suffolk, con-
vened at one of the churches in Boston, for the purpose
of consulting on what measures might be considered
expedient to prevent the landing of the tea, or secure
the people from the collection of the duty. At that
meeting a committee was appointed to wait on Governor
Hutchinson, and request him to inform them whether
he would take any measures to satisfy the people on
the object of the meeting. To the first application of

4

38 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

this committee, the governor told them he would give
them a definite answer by five o'clock in the afternoon.
At the hour appointed, the committee again repaired to
the governor's house, and on inquiry found he had
gone to his country seat at Milton, a distance of about
six miles. When the committee returned and informed
the meeting of the absence of the governor, there was
a confused murmur among the members, and the
meeting was immediately dissolved, many of them
crying out, Let every man do his duty, and be true
to his country : and there was a general huzza for
Griffin's wharf. It was now evening, and I immedi-
ately dressed myself in the costume of an Indian, equip-
ped with a small hatchet, which I and my associates
denominated the tomahawk, with which, and a club,
after having painted my face and hands with coal dust
in the shop of a blacksmith, I repaired to GrimVs
wharf, where the ships lay that contained the tea.
When I first appeared in the street, after being thus dis-
guised, I fell in with many who were dressed, equipped
and painted as I was, and who fell in with me, and
marched in order to the place of our destination. When
we arrived at the wharf, there were three of our num-
ber who assumed an authority to direct our operations,
to which we readily submitted. They divided us into
three parties, for the purpose of boarding the three ships
which contained the tea at the same time. The name

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 39

of him who commanded the division to which I was
assigned, was Leonard Pitt. The names of the other
commanders I never knew. We were immediately-
ordered by the respective commanders to board all the
ships at the same time, which we promptly obeyed.
The commander of the division to which I belonged, as
soon as we were on board the ship, appointed me
boatswain, and ordered me to go to the captain and
demand of him the keys to the hatches and a dozen
candles. I made the demand accordingly, and the
captain promptly replied, and delivered the articles";
but requested me at the same time to do no damage to
the ship or rigging. We then were ordered by our com-
mander to open the hatches, and take out all the chests
of tea and throw them overboard, and we immediately
proceeded to execute his orders ; first cutting and split-
ting the chests with our tomahawks, so as thoroughly
to expose them to the effects of the water. In about
three hours from the time we went on board, we had
thus broken and thrown overboard every tea chest to
be found in the ship ; while those in the other ships
were disposing of the tea in the same way, at the same
time. We were surrounded by British armed ships,
but no attempt was made to resist us. We then quietly
retired to our several places of residence, without having
any conversation with each other, or taking any mea-
sures to discover who were our associates ; nor do I

'<p

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

recollect of our having had the knowledge of the
name of a single individual concerned in that affair,
except that of Leonard Pitt, the commander of my
division, who I have mentioned. There appeared to
be an understanding that each individual should volun-
teer his services, keep his own secret, and risk the
consequences for himself. No disorder took place
during that transaction, and it was observed at that
time, that the stillest night ensued that Boston had
enjoyed for many months.

* During the time we were throwing the tea overboard,
there were several attempts made by some of the citizens
of Boston and its vicinity, to carry off small quantities
of it for their family use. To effect that object, they
would watch their opportunity to snatch up a handful
from the deck, where it became plentifully scattered, and
put it into their pockets. One Captain O' Conner, whom
I well knew, came on board for that purpose, and when
he supposed he was not noticed, filled his pockets, and
also the lining of his coat. But I had detected him, and
gave information to the captain of what he was doing.
We were ordered to take him into custody, and just as
he was stepping from the vessel, I seized him by the
skirt of his coat, and in attempting to pull him back, I
tore it off; but springing forward, by a rapid effort, he
made his escape. He had however to run a gauntlet

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 41

through the crowd upon the wharf ; each one, as he
passed, giving him a kick or a stroke.

The next day we nailed the skirt of his coat, which I
had pulled off, to the whipping post in Charlestown,
the place of his residence, with a label upon it, com-
memorative of the occasion which had thus subjected
the proprietor to the popular indignation.

Another attempt was made to save a little tea from
the ruins of the cargo, by a tall aged man, who wore a
large cocked hat and white wig, which was
fashionable at that time. He had slightly slipped a
little into his pocket, but being detected, they seized him,
and taking his hat and wig from his head, threw them,
together with the tea, of which they had emptied his
pockets, into the water. In consideration of his advanced
age, he was permitted to escape, with now and then a
slight kick.

The next morning, after we had cleared the ships
of the tea, it was discovered that very considerable
quantities of it was floating upon the surface of the
water ; and to prevent the possibility of any of its being
saved for use,k a number of small boats were manned by
sailors and citizens, who rowed them into those parts
of the harbour wherever the tea was visible, and by
beating it with oars and paddles, so thoroughly drenched
it, as to render its entire destruction inevitable.

It may be recollected, at that time there was a very
4*

42 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

prevailing opinion, that the American colonies would
never be exonerated from the tax on tea, until an habitual
disuse of it could, by force of public opinion, be estab-
lished. And so inveterate was becoming the habit of
the use of that article, it was thought impossible to
abolish it, without exposing to contempt and ridicule,
and identifying with the enemies of our country, those
who by their example would continue to encourage the
use of it. The account therefore which Hewes gives
us of the severity of the whigs towards the tea drinkers,
is in perfect accordance with the spirit of the times in
seventeen hundred and seventy-three.

In confirmation of the correctness of this view of po-
pular opinion at that crisis, Hewes relates many humo-
rous anecdotes.

Among others, he relates one of a Mrs. Philips, a tory,
who would import tea and sell to the tories. To witness
the public indignation towards her, he says a great
number of young men in Boston, collected one Saturday
evening, and employed some menials to besmear her
house with substances very offensive to the smell. She
discovered what they were doing, and called out to them
from her window, You rascals you may plaster, but I will
sell tea as much as I please ; but the condition in which
her house was discovered the next morning, gave such
publicity to her name and character, that her gains

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 43

afterwards in the sale of that article, were acquired at
the expense of her peace, and the public odium.

There was also a man by the name of Theophalus
Lilly, who imported and sold tea ; and as a token of
contempt and derision, some one nailed a sign upon
a post in front of his house, with a hand painted
upon it, with a finger pointing to his house, and a notice
in writing under it, " That is an importer of tea."

One day when a German boy by the name of Snider,
stood reading it, one Richardson, the king's tide waiter,
came up, and insulted him for taking so much notice of
the sign: when a crowd soon collected around the
sign, and took such a part in defence of the boy, as
convinced Richardson his situation was not very
eligible in that place, and he went in haste to his
house and shut himself up. But the crowd followed
him, surrounded the house, and insultingly raised a
shout ; when Richardson immediately fired from the
window and killed the German boy, who was among
the crowd. Whereupon the multitude broke into the
house, and seizing him, took him before a magistrate,
who, after an examination, bound him over for trial, in
a bond with two sureties. But before the session of the
eourt where the trial was to be held, Richardson and
his two sureties, who were tories, fled to Nova Scotia.
It seems from these incidents and some others related
by Hewes, that nothing could be more vindictive than

44 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

the spirit which marked the conduct of the loyalists at
that particular crisis. He says that one Captain Wilson,
who belonged to the 29th regiment of British Grana-
diers, inveigled a number of negroes to poison their
masters, and induced them to make an effort to draw
into the plot others of their eolour and condition, by
promising to protect them from punishment, in case
they were detected. But a gentleman to whom some
one of them betrayed the secret, procured a warrant,
and had Wilson arrested, and brought before one Dinny,
a magistrate, who, after examining the facts, ordered him
to give bonds with sureties for his appearance and trial ;
but after complying with the order of the magistrate,
he and his sureties, who were tories, made their escape
to Halifax.

He relates also an instance of the savage dispostion
of the British loyalists, evinced in the tragical fate of
a Mr. Mollineux, who politely invited a number of Bri-
tish officers to spend an evening at his house, some
of whom, after partaking freely of his liberality, took
occasion in his momentary absence, to infuse his wine
with a fatal poison ; which, on returning into his room,
he unsuspectingly swallowed, by means of which their
murderous intentions were realized before the next
morning, in the termination of his life.

Mr. Mollineux was a decided and efficient whig,
and was strongly opposed to the British policy of tax-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTV. 45

ing her colonies.* Well may Americans deprecate
just causes of civil dissentions, if such is the vindictive
spirit, such some of the horrible evils which it may-
engender.

- We have taken a cursory retrospect of the trago-
comical scene of destroying the British tea ; but with
respect to the expediency, or the wisdom of that mea-
sure, a question may be raised in the minds of those who
have not been very conversant with the political history
of that event.

Although they may understand the principle which
led to the dissolution of our obligation of subjection to
the British government, to wit, that the right of levying
taxes belongs exclusively to those who have to pay
them; yet they may not have satisfactory views of the
necessity of destroying the tea, or any other article of
commerce, in the sale of which by the British merchants,
a tax, or duty, was to be paid by every American citizen
who should purchase it. To the minds of those who
reflect on this subject, two ways of avoiding this neces-
sity may be suggested. Why might not the colony of
Massachusetts have passed a law, prohibiting her citi-
zens, under a suitable penalty, from purchasing or

* Mollineux, together with Mr. Wm. Dinnie,'Doct. Warren, Doctor Church,
Major Barber, Mr. Gabriel Johonnot, Mr. Proctor and Mr. Ezekel Cheerer,
had been appointed by the people of Boston, a committee to ^demand of those
persons who had received a commission as consignees of the tea, to resign it.

46 THE BOSTON TEAPARTY.

using tea, or such other article ? In answer to this it
may be said, that so strong had become the habit of
using* that article, it would have been perhaps impossi-
ble to prevent the secret evasions of the law. To aid
and encourage such evasions there were numbers of
tories scattered through the country, who acquiesced in
the assumed right of the British government to collect
such tax j and therefore such a law could not be adequate
to its object.

Besides, such a law might have been considered incom-
patible with correct views of civil liberty; an infringement
of the natural rights of man to use any of the productions
of the earth, to which they were either by nature or by
habit inclined.

But if such a law might be considered inefficient in
its operation, and of doubtful authority to control our
natural rights, why might not the wisdom and the virtue
of the people have been considered a sufficient guarantee
against the use of the tea, and the consequent impo-
sition of the tax ? It is well known that at that time there
was a great majority of the people who were strongly
opposed to the claim which the British government
would maintain, of the right to tax the American colo-
nies, without their being represented in parliament,
and appeared unwilling to acquiesce in the decision of
popular opinion on that subject. Why then might not
that flagrant trespass upon the right of private property,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 47

and immense waste of a valuable article, of commerce,
have been avoided ? Why might not the tea have been
landed, in a safe confidence in the wisdom and patriotism
of the people, that none but the tories would purchase it ;
and that the great mass of the people, by a little self-
denial, would aid in establishing a principle which they
professed to believe was essential in the support of
rational liberty, and the unalienable rights of man ? The
answer to this question is very obvious, and explains the
mystery of civil government, that the whole physical
force of society is so easily restrained and controlled by
the laws and regulations made only by a few individuals.

Mankind have discovered that the strength, the
virtue, and the wisdom of the human disposition is not
sufficient to overcome the power of habit and passion,
and that some individual sacrifices are indispensable to
the peace, the safety, and the welfare of community ;
that so strong are the propensities of our nature they
cannot be subdued, without removing effectually the
means of indulging them.

The people of the colony of Massachusetts had, there-
fore, believed there was no other means of avoiding the
payment of a tax which they thought was unjust and
oppressive, but by preventing the landing of the tea,
which could not be effected by any other practicable
means than the destroying it. It had been guarded by
companies of volunteers, for twenty nights successively

48 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

to prevent its being landed, as appears both by the accouut
of Hewes, and the historians of that event ; and that the
commanders of the British armed ships, which sur-
rounded those that contained the tea, had proclaimed
their determination to defend the landing of it under the
fire of their cannon, if any opposition should be made
to it after a certain day which they had designated.

It will be recollected that at that time the American
colonies had not declared themselves independent of the
British government. We therefore had no legally
organized authority to declare Avar against her ; and our
acts of opposition to British power could be considered
only as acts of rebellion. The forcibly invading places
in their possession, and destroying their property,
was such an act of hostility, as by the laws of nations,
could be justified only in a state of actual war. It must
therefore have been intended by the colony of Massa-
chusetts, as an act declaratory of her disposition to en-
gender a state of hostilities, and might be considered as
an implied declaration of war ; while at the same time
those who perpetrated the act, thereby made themselves
liable to the penalties of the law of the British Parlia-
ment ; however, therefore, the colony of Massachusetts
might have intended to have indemnified them against
any evils from these penalties, it was not in her power
to make the security of that indemnity absolute. Hence
the expediency of their acting in disguise, to avoid

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 49

detection. Whatever of wisdom or good policy there
might be ascribed to him who first suggested the extra-
ordinary project of drowning the tea in Boston harbour,
inasmuch as from the expediency of keeping it a pro-
found secret, no individual has been designated as ex-
clusively its author; those distinguished adventurers,
whose desperate courage in the impulse of the moment,
so directed their physical energies at that portentous
crisis as to achieve the enterprise, had a right to claim
all the glory of that event ; and in which all might
have been equal sharers ; and all except Hewes, it is
hoped, are receiving their just reward. His biography
only will probably be preserved.

That we may be enabled properly to estimate the
nature and extent of his natural energies, and duly
appreciate his conduct in that transaction, we should
take into view the circumstances under which he
acted.

He had none of those incitements to action which
impel'' the hero to great and glorious deeds in the field of
battle ; the honours and renown entailed to the con-
queror ; the liberal, and often profuse remuneration to
be awarded for his services, be the result of them what-
ever it may ; the emotions enkindled by the trumpet's
clangour, and the animating din of martial music ; "the
pomp and circumstance of glorious war." By these
exhilirating and potent excitements, a man of moderate
5

50 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

capacity and prowess might, and often has, been im-
pelled to glorious deeds.

Hevves had none of these incitements to inspire his
courage, or enkindle the zeal of enthusiasm.

He volunteered his services to board a British ship,
which was armed with deadly weapons, and manned
with an adequate force to wield them efficiently, and
that for the purpose of taking from them by force their
property, the possession of which they had an undoubt-
ed right to defend ; while he and his associates had no
other weapon of offence than a tomahawk and a club ;
and for the services which he thus volunteered, he was
encouraged by no proffered remuneration ; the expedi-
ency of profound secrecy would not permit him to
demand any. The military force, not only in possession
of the ship which he boarded, but in many other British
ships which surrounded it, might have destroyed his
life, and that of his associates, without hardly a possi-
bility of escape. Neither could he have calculated, with
any certainty, on any other fate.

Although the object of destroying the tea was in de-
fence of our civil rights, and of the unalienable rights
of man, and was justified by a great majority of the
people of the then British colonies in America, yet no
remuneration, no indemnity was provided for those who
should make this desperate attempt to accomplish this
object.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY

51

The venerable Hewes, when he proffered his services
in aid of that signal event, had his life been sacrificed
in the effort, knew well that his wife and orphan chil-
dren must have been left to the cold charities of the
world ; or had he escaped, as he fortunately did, he was
exposed to detection by the treachery of a pretended
friend, or of his fellow-assailants, the result of which,
to him, might have been equally disastrous and fatal.

Whatever incitement might have induced others to
engage in that desperate enterprise, it cannot be believed
that Hewes had any other interest in that event, but what
was common to his country.

Whether the parliament of Great Britain had a right
to tax the people of their colonies in America, was a
national question, which belonged to the people of the
respective colonies, in their corporate capacities, respec-
tively to settle. If they could not thus settle it amicably
by compromise, or otherwise, to settle it by the power of
their respective sovereignties.

The right claimed by Great Britain of taxing her
colonies in America without their consent, or without
their being represented in parliament, by being denied
by the American people, was made a question, the deci-
sion of which was not only to effect the rights of the
people of England and America, but those of all other
nations in similar circumstances throughout the world.
It was calling in question a right which had been exei-

52 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

cised, not only by England, but by other independent
nations over their distant colonies, and acquiesced in for
ages.

The colony of Massachusetts had come to a fixed
resolution to permit Great Britain no longer to exercise
this assumed right of taxing their people. The project
of destroying the tea was not from any indisposition to
admit it as an article of commerce. By indulging in
the use of it, the habit had become so strong, that it was
sought for with eagerness, not only as a pleasent beve-
rage, but by many was considered as one of those neces-
saries with which they were very unwilling to dispense.
That class of the people, therefore, rather than be de-
prived of the use of it, would very willingly have sub-
jected themselves to the additional expense of the duty
to be imposed upon it. Their abstinence from the use
of it, to which they so generally and willingly subjected
themselves, evinced a strong tendency of public opinion
to oppose the principle of taxing the people of their
colony, avowed by the British parliament, and to con-
sider it purely as a national concern.

It was indeed so, though perhaps at that time it might
have been more appropriately called a colonial con-
cern, as we had at that time no confederative power to
command the co-operative aid of the other states; and
the exigency of that crisis was such, that the colony had
not time to give to individuals its authority to destroy

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 53

the tea, or to take any measures to prevent the landing of
it. Those, therefore, who volunteered their services at
that time to destroy it, could have had no guarantee for
their indemnity but the spirit of the times, and the favour
of popular opinion, which could do no more than to
wield in their defence the whole power of the colony
of Massachusetts, while at the same time it must have
been in conflict with the power of Great Britain. Under
these appalling circumstances, therefore, it is very ob-
vious that Hewes and his associates must have acted
wholly upon their own responsibility, in a matter which
related to the general welfare of their country, and to
the rights of mankind.

•In a war of rebellion, waged against a government,
perhaps at that time the most powerful in the world,
and which assumed to itself the right of commanding
the whole physical force, every effort was made, not
only to coerce the American colonists into subjection,
but to expose the cause in which they were engaged, to
the contempt and ridicule of the world ; while the Ame-
ricans were equally engaged in setting at defiance the
boasted power of Great Britain, to disannul their autho-
rity, resist their claims, and ridicule their pretensions.
This object was evinced in the diversified scenes which
distinguished the tragi-comic character of the American
war of independence. Among the subjects which in-
spired the wisdom of our sages and the spirit of our
5*

54 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

poets, no single event engaged more of the public
attention at that time, than the violent seizure and de-
struction of the British tea in Boston harbour, which
was noticed by a celebrated epic* of those times, under
the assumed title of McFingal, in the following ludi-
crous strain :

" What furies rag'd when you in sea,
In shape of Indians, drown'd the tea ;
When your gay sparks, fatigu'd to watch it,
Assum'd the moccasin and hatchet ;
With wampum'd blankets hid their laces,
And like their sweethearts, prim'd their faces ;
When not a red-coat dare oppose,
And scarce a tory show'd his nose ;
While Hutchinson, for sure retreat,
Manoeuvred to his country seat,
And thence affrighted in the suds,
Stole off bareheaded through the woods."t

The violent seizure of an article of valuable com-
merce, belonging to the subjects of a powerful govern-
ment, which it was well known would disavow the act,
and be disposed to avenge the wrong, might well have
excited, in the poet and his countrymen, apprehensions
of the disastrous results that might be expected. But
the tragic complexion of the opening scene which this
enterprize presented, was soon changed, and succeeded
by one so comic in its character, and yet so strikingly
marked with something of the marvellous, that the spirit

* Hon. John Trumbull. f See page 6, 7.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 55

of the furies might well be supposed to have been
invoked on that occasion. When a few citizens of Bos-
ton, in the grotesque visage and costume of the sons of
the forest, were seen to wield with triumphant success
the tomahawk and club against the appalling aspect of
the cannon's mouth, and regardless of the terrific effect
with which their opposers had threatened to use them ;
when a few undisciplined volunteers were seen to
spread confusion and dismay into the martial array of
armed ships, and to awe into silence the pompous dis-
play of regular troops, skilled in the arts and discipline
of war; and by the majesty of their courage, to drive
the tories skulking to their hiding places, and Hutchin-
son, the chief magistrate, scampering into the country
for a safe retreat, the dreary forebodings for the fate of
Hewes and his associates are suddenly relieved, and we
are at once impelled to the exclamation of the Roman
poet, on another occasion, " quam teneatis risum."*

Two paradoxical traits in the human character were
in this event exhibited in their most striking character :
the rash courage, inspired by the ardour of enthusiasm,
and the pusillanimous despondency, from groundless
apprehensions of popular danger, generated by a con-
sciousness of guilt, or the want of proper motives to
excite to action the physical energies.

* Who conld help Laughing 1

56 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

The boasted courage of the British lion stood appalled
before the majesty of a Boston mob !

Those who consecrated the waters of the Atlantic by
the novel oblation to Neptune, may well be supposed to
have been nurtured in the cradle of liberty.

During the history of this event, the American ladies
exhibited a spirit of patriotism and self-devotedness,
highly honorable to their sex.

The celebrated heroine has been noticed, who, in the
disguise of a soldier, served her country for three years,
during the war of the revolution, and whose chivalric
mind could only be subdued by a seemingly fatal
wound, which compelled her to expose the weakness
of her sex. Nor less magnanimous was that patriotism
which inspired the women of our country to resist the
dominion of an inveterate habit, by abandoning the use
of an article wThich they had considered not only an
indispensable constituent of their living, but a highly
palatable and agreeable stimulant.

Although among the male part of the citizens many
had acquired a propensity to indulge in the use of that
article as a delicious beverage, their various habits and
appetites had accustomed them to resort to other substi-
tutes ; abstinence from the use of it could, therefore, im-
pose upon them no evil, or require of them such a
sacrifice as a test of their fortitude or patriotism.

But not so with the fair daughters of America ; to

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 57

them, the abstinence required was an evil ; to their mag-
nanimity the appeal was to be made.

Such is the power of their influence over men, that
it cannot be resisted, without extinguishing the endear-
ments and violating the obligations which bind together
society, and bless the condition of man. Had the
women of our country, in 1773, formed a resolution that
they would not forego the use of a delicious and exhili-
rating luxury, even for the great purpose of aiding their
fathers, their husbands and brothers, in resisting the
unjust claims of a foreign power ; had they with united
voices said to their countrymen, if you want the liberty
of using the natural productions of the earth without
being taxed therefor, by the usurpation and despotism of
a foreign power, declare yourselves independent, and
compel that power to respect and acknowledge you as
such ; not by the humiliating means of denying to your
wives and daughters the indulgence of a lawful appe-
tite, but by that courage, by the chivalric enterprise,
worthy of our venerable ancestors. Had their views
been thus with united voices expressed, the tea, instead
of being immersed in the Atlantic ocean, would proba-
bly have been landed and consumed, and the tax there-
on paid by the American people ; and then might the
acquisition of our independence have been protracted
even to the present time. But the women of America
were neither unmindful of their influence, or regardless

58 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

of their duty. However uncongenial to the cravings
of habit or appetite, the evil or inconvenience of self-
denial was not to be put in competition with the exigen-
cies of their country's independence and glory. They
were not to incur the imputation of the degenerate
daughters of illustrious sires. They caught the spirit,
which in other times and countries, had crowned the
female character with imperishable laurels.

When the Romans were once pressed with a foreign
enemy, the ladies voluntarily contributed all their rings
and jewels, to assist the government under exigencies,
which, at the very zenith of Roman glory, acquired for
them a title to distinguished honours ; and this for aiding
their country's cause, by parting only with their super-
fluous toys.

But by a noble act of self-denial, in controlling an
appetite created by the laws of nature and society, the
indulgence of which had, by the force of habit, become
necessary ; and this not merely to aid their country in
the acquisition of a victory over the common enemy, but
for a purpose vastly more important — that of effecting a
reformation in the great principles of international law,
intended to improve, not only the condition of their own
country, but of the world, in all ages to come. By this
noble act of the American women, in discarding the use
of tea, they displayed a character worthy of all praise ;

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 59

a character worthy of that illustrious personage* of their
sex, whose enlarged and liberal policy, whose noble and
philanthropic views, contributed so efficiently to the
origin of our history, and to the discovery of that place,
so splendidly conspicuous, which our country exhibits
on the map of the world.

Immediately after the tea was destroyed, continued
Hewes, Boston was invested by British troops, both by
sea and land, for several months. When Governor
Gage, who was appointed to supersede Governor
Hutchinson, proposed to us, that if we would deliver up
our arms, we should be permitted to depart in safety.
After complying with his request, a committee was ap-
pointed to inform him, that, having complied with the
terms upon which he had in his proclamation proposed
to liberate us, it was requested of him that he would in-
form the people at what precise time they might be
permitted to depart in safety. The governor replied to
the committee, that he would give us an answer in three
days. But before that time had expired, he sent a
strong guard, took the arms, put them into the council
chamber, and thus having disarmed us, prohibited any
of the males, who were fit to bear arms, from leaving
the town.

Soon after this took place, the provisions on which
the British were relying for their support, were taken

* Isabella, Queen of Spain.

60 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

by our privateers. The governor then made procla-
mation, that the people of Boston might be permitted to
go out for the purpose of fishing, provided they would
strictly comply with certain regulations which he had
established, for the purpose, as will be seen, of relieving
himself and his troops from the extreme exigencies of
the condition to which they were subjected, as a just
retribution for his treachery, rather than from any dis-
position to favour the people of Boston. The provisions
contained in his regulations were, that we must not go
out before the sun rose, and must come into the town
again before the sun had set. And if we could not get
into town before the sun had set, we were to come under
the inspection of the ship Somerset, a seventy-four, and
not come in till morning : and in the morning when we
come up to town, go and report ourselves to the main
guard, and have a sentinel put over us, until the sun
had risen the next morning ; and then not to sell any
fish to the inhabitants, until the British soldiers were
first all supplied, and then not depart again without
leave from the sergeant of the guard.

I subjected myself to those regulations for nine weeks.
I was indeed one among the great number of those who
were under the necessity of submitting to them. But
at the end of that time I made my escape in my
fishing boat, together with two other men, who were
with me in the same boat. In thus making my escape,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 61

I was much gratified to realize the apprehensions of
Admiral Graves, who, when I proposed to subject my-
self to his fishing regulations, observed to me, that he
knew from my countenance, I intended to run away :
and told me that as sure as I did, if ever he retook me,
he would hang me up at the yard arm, in twenty-four
hours. But he has not been gratified with a sight of
me since I made my escape.

I went on shore at a safe place, and repaired strait-
way to my family at Wrentham, whither I had sent
them, as a safe residence during my imprisonment in
Boston.

Hewes relates an incident that occurred before his
escape from Boston, that illustrated the nature and dif-
ferent degrees of patriotism, by which men may be
actuated, who are professedly engaged in. the same po-
litical cause.

As I was walking one day in the street, says he, I
met one of the British soldiers, who accosted me in a
very familiar manner, and asked me why the rebels did
not make an effort to take from the loyalists the fort,
of which they had the possession ; you can take it, says
he, if you wish to do it, without any difficulty. Just as
he was speaking to me, there came along a British
officer, and reproved him very rashly, for conversing

so familiar with a d d rebel in the street ; and with

equal rashness also, accosted me for my presumption, in
6

62 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

speaking to one of his majesty's loyal subjects ; and to
punish me for my insolence, as he would term it, made
a violent onset upon me with brick-bats and stones,
which he kept flying- about my head, until I made my
escape by turning a short corner, into another street,
and secured my retreat, by shutting myself up in my
shop. But, apprehensive that the place of my conceal-
ment would soon be discovered, I found it expedient to
abandon it, and committed myself to the safe keeping of
my uncle, who resided in Boston at that time.

It appears that the soldier who thus accosted Hewes,
was quite willing to fall into the hands of those who
were called the enemies of his country, while his supe-
rior officer was greatly excited at every appearance of
neutrality in the conduct of the soldier.

Were the emoluments of those who are clothed with
authority, either in the civil or military state, reduced
to the standard of compensation for the ordinary servi-
ces of life, the extraordinary zeal of pretended patriotism
would probably be greatly abated, if not entirely ex-
tinguished.

The few months that I remained at Wrentham, con-
tinued Hewes, I was continually reflecting upon the
unwarrantable sufferings inflicted on the citizens of
Boston, by the usurpation and tyranny of Great Britain,
and my mind was excited with an unextinguishable de-
sire to aid in chastising them.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 63

I had fully resolved to take a privateering cruise, and
when I informed my wife of my fixed resolution, and
requested her to have my clothes in readiness in a short
time, by a day appointed, although she was greatly
afflicted at the prospect of our separation, and my ab-
sence from a numerous family of children, who needed
a father's parental care, she without a murmur reluc-
tantly complied with my request. On the day which I
had appointed to take my departure, I came into the
room where my wife was, and inquired if all was
ready? She pointed in silence to my knapsack. I
observed, that I would put it on and walk with it a few
rods, to see if it was rightly fitted to carry with ease.
I went out, to return no more until the end of my
cruise. The manly fortitude which becomes the soldier,
could not overcome the tender sympathies of my nature.
I had not courage to encounter the trial of taking a for-
mal leave. When I had arrived at a solitary place on
my way, I sat down for a few moments, and sought to
allay the keenness of my grief by giving vent to a pro-
fusion of tears.

The scene of his parting with his family at this time,
might well furnish for the pencilled canvas or the poet's
song, a subject of intense interest. That a man, whose
devotedness and tenderness of affection to his family was
never questioned, should voluntarily absent himself, and
embark his peace, his safety, hazard life and every thing

64 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

in the service of his country, is a comment upon his
character which a Roman patriot might well envy, in
the best days of Roman glory ; in those days when her
personal self-devotion could yield every thing to coun-
try, and, as it were, identify his own individual existence
with hers.

It was in reply to a doubt I suggested to him, as to
the correctness of his conduct in absenting himself from
his family, so dependent, and so dear to him, for the
uncertain result of an object, however patriotic and
praiseworthy, and without a sure prospect of even a com-
pensation for his services on his safe return, that he
emphatically reiterated what he had before remarked,
that the unwarrantable sufferings inflicted on the citizens
of Boston by the usurpation and tyranny of Great Bri-
tain, had excited in his mind an unextinguishable desire
to aid in chastising them and securing our indepen-
dence.

When we compare the selfish rapacity with which,
at the present day, the insect pretenders to patriotism
would riot in the spoils won by the valour of those
whose conduct was distinguished by such instances of
self-devotion, which signalized that period of our history,
the very blood almost freezes at the appalling aspect of
our national degeneracy.

I then pursued my route to Providence, in Rhode
Island, continued Hewes, and on my arrival there, inv

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 65

mediately stipulated with Captain Thomas Stacy to go
with him on a cruise of seven weeks. When that term
had expired, and we had seen no enemy during the
time, we were discouraged, and threatened to mutiny,
unless he would return, as we had served out the time
for which we had stipulated. The captain then pro-
mised us, that if we would continue with him one week
longer, provided we did not see any thing during that
time, he would return; to which we assented. The
next Sunday after, we espied a large ship, which we
took to be a British frigate. We were ordered to down
sails and go to fishing, thereby to deceive them ; and
when she came by us, she took us to be only a fisher-
man.

After she had passed us, our captain said to us, my
boys, if you will stand by me, we will take that ship.
We immediately gave chase, and overtook her about an
hour after dark. The captain hailed us, and asked us
where we were from : our captain answered, from St.
Johns, Newfoundland. I am a King's tender, and be-
long to his majesty, King George. Our captain then
hailed him, and he said he was from Quebec, bound to
London. Our captain then said to him, come aboard,
and bring your papers, that we may see whether you
are a d d Yankee or not. He came aboard accord-
ingly, and brought his papers. Our captain then took
him by the hand, and said to him, you are welcome
6*

66 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

aboard the sloop Diamond, belonging to the United
States. You are my prisoner. Finding his mistake,
and that resistance would be useless, he surrendered
without a struggle.

Our captain then sent her in to Rhode Island, with
George Babcock as prize master. She was a fine prize,
loaded with fir and sweet oil, and was commanded by
Captain Daggett.

In about a week after, we came alongside of another
ship, and asked her where she was from. She answered,
from St. Johns, Newfoundland ; we ordered her to
strike, and she immediately surrendered, having nothing
to defend herself with. She was commanded by CapL
Welch. We sent her in also, with a prize master, to
Rhode Island.

After that, on the same cruise, we took a brig laden
with West India rum and sugar.

While on this cruise off the banks of Newfound-
land, one day a rope upon which three of us were
standing, broke, and let us fall into the sea. Just as we
fell, the vessel rose, and knocked us all under her bot-
tom. When she had slipped over us, we rose at the
stern of her, and saw ropes thrown over for us to take
hold of; I caught hold one of them, but the vessel was
under such quick way, the rope slipped through my
fingers, so that not more than an inch or two of it was
within my grasp ; but I caught hold of it with my left

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 67

hand, and told them on board to haul away. In this
situation an Irishman had caught hold of my coat, and
was hauling me under the water. I endeavoured to
kick him off, but it was fortunate for him that I could
not, as they succeeded in hauling us both in. The
other one floated on a hen-coop until he was taken in.
After we were on board, Captain Stacy said to me,
Hewes, you will yet be hanged ; I hope not sir, said I.
Yes you will, he humorously replied, or you would
have been drowned now.

But to whatever untimely exit I might have been, or
now am destined, having twice so narrowly escaped a
watery grave, I cannot but indulge a strong confidence
that I was not born to be drowned. The effort by
which I was enabled to raise myself to the deck, must
have been the effect of an involuntary or spasmodic
grasp of the hand, as I was so full of water, when I was
brought on board, that I could not stand.

This cruise, intended for seven weeks, continued
three months ; when we returned to Providence.

I then returned to my family ; and having made
comfortable provision for them in my farther absence, I
again shipped aboard at Boston, and sailed on a cruise
with Captain Samuel Smedly, of New-London, Connec-
ticut.

After being out nine days, we met with a heavy gale
of wind, which kept us to the pump eight days and

68 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

nights, to keep us from sinking. On this cruise, one
night we came up with a French ship. On hailing her,
the ca'ptain answered in French, so that our captain
could not understand him ; but we had a French gen-
tleman on board, who interpreted for us ; we found she
was from St. Domingo, bound to France. Our French
passenger invited her captain to take supper with us,
and while on board our vessel, asked him if he saw any
British vessel. He told us he had parted with two
large ships, with letters of marque, deep loaded. After
the French captain had gone aboard of his own ship,
our captain ordered the boatswain to call all hands
upon deck, and then told us, that from information re-
ceived from the captain of the French vessel, if we
would vary our course a little, we should come across
the British ships, by the time the sun wras an hour high
in the morning ; and asked us if we were willing to
give chase to them; we answered, we were all ready
to go and risk our lives with him ; — we set up all the
next night, and prepared for battle ; we made bandages,
scraped lint, so that we might be prepared to dress
wounds, as we expected to have a hard time of it. The
next morning, when the sun was about two hours high,
we espied them. The captain of the British ship hailed
us, and asked where we were from, and where bound.
We replied from Boston, and are on a cruise.

Then, says he, haul down them colours, or I will sink

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 69

you. Our captain replied, there is time enough for that
yet; two can play at this game, you must know.
They then gave us a broadside, and overshot us. We
gave three cheers, and kept up the tune of Yankee doo-
dle. They then gave us the second broadside, and un-
dershot us. Our captain then ordered our helmsman
to bear away ahead, till he could give them a broadside.
We soon gave them one, which killed nine of their
crew, cut their rudder wheel to pieces, so that their ship
was rendered unmanageable. We hove the foretopsail
back, and came up to the windward of them, and gave
them another broadside, and brought down the foretop-
mast, and foretopgallant mast. Our captain then or-
dered our hands to put on their boarding-caps immedi-
ately, which we did, and running along side of them,
jumped aboard, and they gave up the ship to our mercy,
and appeared to be horribly panic struck. She had a
valuable cargo of warlike stores and provisions.

We then made sail after the other ship, and in about
two hours came up with her, and without opposition
took her also. She was a letter of marque, and her
cargo the same as the other. One of the ships mounted
eighteen, the other sixteen guns. Our vessel mounted
eighteen six*es only. We sent them to Boston, with a
prize master, and then sailed to South Carolina, to
repair our ship. While we were in Charleston, the
governor of South Carolina informed us, that the British

70 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

had two vessels off the bar, that had taken thirty-four
of our vessels ; and proposed to us to go out on a five
days cruise in pursuit of them. Our captain put it to
vote, and it was found we were unanimously agreed to
make the cruise. A number of gentlemen from Charles-
ton proposed to accompany us on the cruise, to which we
readily assented. We sailed about one o'clock in the af-
ternoon of the day that the pilot carried us over the bar.

After we got out, the captain ordered one man to the
foretopmast head to look out, and another also at the
head of the maintopmast. In less than an hour after,
the man at the foretopmast espied a sail. Our captain
asked him what she was. He could net tell for the dis-
tance. The man at the maintopmast cried out at the
same time, another sail ; and we soon came so near to
them, that we discovered them to be two sloops ; and the
men at mast head said they were the two sloops that
had been cruising, and told captain Smedly he would
have his belly full of them.

House all your guns, boys, said our captain to his
men ; shut all your port-holes fast, and hide yourselves,
all except just enough to work the ship. The sloops were
about a mile ahead of us. They were the Vengeance,
and the Wilful Murderer. The sloop Wilful Murderer
came up along side, and hailed — ahoy! the ship
ahoy ! from whence came you? From South Carolina,
says our captain. Where are you bound ? they inquired.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 71

Alongside you, you rascals ; out guns, boys ! haul
down your colours, or I will sink you instantly, says our
captain ; round too, and come under my stern.

She surrendered to us, without firing a gun. The
Vengeance, in the mean time, put about and run away
from us. But in an hour, we were along side of her,
and took her also, without a gun being fired. We re-
turned with both our prizes to Charleston, an hour be-
fore the sun was down, and came to an anchor at Fort
Sullivan.

As soon as information of our successful return was
received, we were saluted from Fort Sullivan and Fort
Johnson, and colours were hoisted from every gentle-
man's house, who was not a tory. A committee was
chosen by the citizens of Charleston to sell our prizes.
They were sold for so much, that each share of the
hands amounted to two hundred and fifty dollars. But
some pretext was always offered for withholding my
share from me ; so that I have never received one cent
of it.

The governor filled out a cartel, and sent the prison-
ers we had taken to New- York, and had them ex-
changed for an equal number of equal rank ; and after
we had effected the exchange, we returned to Boston.

On our passage from South Carolina to Boston, we
came across a large topsail schooner, with a crew of gen*
tlemen and ladies, (tories,) making their escape to St.

72 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

Augustine. We permitted them to pass, on giving up
all their money, which was found to be a very consider-
able sum.

On our return to Boston, we found our two letters of
marque, which we had taken and ordered for that place,
safely arrived. Soon after, there was a hot press for
men to go and recapture Penobscot, which had been
taken by the British. I volunteered to go with a Mr.
Saltonstall, who was to be the commander of the expedi-
tion, which for some cause, however, failed ; and I then
got a furlough to go home to my family, which still resi-
ded at Wrentham. Soon after, I went to Boston, and
requested of Captain Smedly my discharge from the ship.
But he seemed to think he could not with propriety
give it. I then requested him to pay me my wages.
He told me he was about fitting out an expedition to
the West Indies, and could not, without great incon-
venience, spare the money then ; but said he would call
on his way to Providence, where he was going in a
short time, and would then pay me ; but I never saw
him afterwards. Neither have I, at any time since, re-
ceived a farthing, either of my share of prize money or
wages.

The shop, also, which I had built in Boston I lost.
After the British troops were stationed in that town,
they appropriated it for the purpose of a wash and lumber
house, and eventually pulled it down and burnt it up.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 73

After I had concluded my services as a sailor, I was
called upon to serve with the militia from time to time,
until the close of the war. The general destination of
the troops with which I served, was to guard the coasts,
and prevent the incursions of the enemy, in the most
exposed parts between Boston and New- York, extend-
ing also our points of defence as far up the Hudson as
West Point.

In one expedition, which was undertaken some con-
siderable time after the capture of Burgoyne, at Still-
water, I was out four months and a half, under the
command of Captain Thomas George, to guard the
coast in Rhode-Island, during which we had an engage-
ment with the British troops at a place called Cobble-
hill, in which we beat them with a considerable slaugh-
ter of their men. But soon after, on their receiving a
reinforcement, we were obliged to retreat from the
Island. While on that expedition, we had orders to
go at a certain time on a secret expedition to destroy
a British fort.

After we got into the boat which was to carry our
men, our orders were not to speak a word loud, until
we arrived at the place of our destination. But some
of our men becoming impatient, from the fatigue of
rowing, occasionally inquired of some one how far
they had still to row ; they were overheard by some of
the British, aboard of one of their frigates, which lay in
7

74 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

the river ; and when the moon rose over the hill, they
espied us, fired upon us, and killed one of our men. It
then became indispensable for us to retreat back to our
station.

At another time when I was stationed with a detach-
ment of the militia at West Point, to guard that post,
under the command of General McDougal, a number of
us were ordered to go out one night under the com-
mand of Captain Barney, to surprise and capture a
number of cow-boys, who were supposed to be collected
together at a certain place in the woods not far distant.
We succeeded in the enterprise, took twenty-five of
them, and brought them in the same night.

The various incidents related by Hewes, respecting
his services as a soldier during the revolutionary war,
are not intended by him to claim for himself any pe-
culiar distinction, but what he should in common with
others of his rank ; but have been related, only in con-
firmation of his assertion respecting the general devo-
tedness of his service to the case of his country. When
he was not engaged in his cruising expeditions as a
sailor, he asserts that he was called upon almost in-
cessantly to do military duty, and that he never was
disposed to withhold his actual personal services, until
he found that the extreme exigencies of his family re-
quired some other provision than he could obtain for
his services as a soldier. But he was never relieved

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 75

from the burden of expense in support of the war. For
no sooner was he induced by the pressure of his cir-
cumstances to make an effort to withdraw his services
from the army, than a regulation was made, requiring
all those who were able to do military duty, to either
serve when called upon, or to form themselves into
classes of nine men, and each class to hire an able
bodied man, on such terms as they could, and pay him
for his services, while they were to receive their pay of
the state. In compliance with this regulation, he gained
a class which hired a man, who demanded of us specie*
while we received nothing of the government but paper
money, of very little value, and continually depre-
ciating. By this means I was excused from any other
service during the war, which, however, did not con-
tinue long after.

Since the close of the revolutionary war, Hewes has
been buried, as it were, in utter obscurity, engaged in
laborious pursuits, either in some agricultural or me-
chanical employment, by which he thought he could
best provide for his family.

From the time he was seven years old, he has hardly
had leisure allowed him from his manual occupation to
procure even the first rudiments of a common school
education. In every thing, therefore, which relates to
intellectual capacity and improvement, he is a simple
child of nature ; and if he has erer indulged a secret

76 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY4

ambition for any distinction, for which his talents might
have entitled him, the inevitable destinies of his condi-
tion have closed against him every avenue to any cele-
brity, to which by the usages of the world he could
expect to be admitted.

Had not a mistaken policy, or perhaps a groundless
apprehension of danger, or some other cause, concealed
from the knowledge of the world, the destroyers of the
British tea at Boston, in seventeen hundred and seventy-
three, Hewes and the other of the tragi-comic actors
in that event, would not have wanted biographers until
this time.

The injunction of secrecy heretofore imposed on the
guests of the Boston Tea Party, is no longer a matter
of expediency or policy. And it well becomes a grate-
ful people to evince the magnanimity of their philan-
thropy and their patriotism, by an effort to arrest from
the oblivion to which imperious circumstances have so
long consigned one of their number, the perpetuity of
whose memory has been so liberally aided by the laws
of nature, in the endowment of his preservative faculties.

I had learned from some of his family, that since he
has resided in this part of the country, he had made
one visit to the place of his nativity, and knowing that
very great changes had taken place, during his long ab-
sence, I was solicitous to learn from him, the compara-
tive views which the former and present condition of

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 77

Boston had presented to his mind ; and on my request-
ing him to give me some account of the most prominent
incidents attending his visit at that place, he proceeded
to give in substance the following relation.

It is now, said he, about fifty-nine years since 1
resided in Boston with my family ; neither had I visited
the place myself, except a day or two on business, and
more than forty years ago ; when some time, according
to my best recollection, in the year 1821, I formed a
resolution to visit, probably for the last time, the place
of my nativity. I was induced to this conclusion from
various circumstances. I had at that time some relatives
residing in Boston, with whom an interview would be
highly gratifying. Among those whom I recollect,
were Robert Hewes, my cousin; Brook Hewes, my
nephew, the son of my brother Shubael; my brother's
daughter, the wife of Mr. Honeyman ; Captain Samuel
Hewes, my brother's son, and Captain Samuel Sumner,
my wife's brother.

I had also some inducements to go at that time, from
considerations of a pecuniary nature. I had been in-
formed that my brother Daniel, who had resided in
Boston, was dead, and had by his will left me a small
legacy, and also some legacies to my sons, who resided
in this section of the country, all of which amounted to
a considerable sum.

I was greatly animated, too, in this undertaking, by
7*

78 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

a strong desire once more to review those objects which
had imparted to my mind its first impressions, and
created to the world its most indissoluble attachments ;
and I had fondly anticipated, by an interview with some
of the associates of my boyhood and youth, to revive in
my recollection many of the sportive scenes and interest-
ing incidents in which Ave had mutually participated.

With these objects in view, I commenced my journey
from Richfield, the place of my present residence,
accompanied by my son Robert, in the 87th year of my
age. We travelled in a one horse wagon, and after a
journey of five days, arrived at Boston. After visiting
my relations, I began to inquire and look for some of
my former acquaintance, who had been the intimate
associates of my youthful days. But, alas ! I looked
in vain. They were gone. Neither were those who
once knew them as I did, to be found. The place
where I drew my first breath and formed my most
endearing attachments, had to me become a land of
strangers. Not only had my former companions and
friends disappeared, but the places of their habitations
were occupied by those who could give no account of
them. The house in which I was born was not to be
found, and the spot where it stood could not be ascer-
tained by any visible object. ,

The whole scenery about me seemed like the work
of enchantment. Beacon hill was levelled, and a pond

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 79

on which had stood three mills, was filled up with its
contents ; over which two spacious streets had been laid
and many elegant fabrics erected. The whole street,
from Boston Neck to the Long Wharf, had been built
up. It was to me almost as a new town, a strange city;
I could hardly realize that I was in the place of my
nativity. While standing one day in the market, and
viewing the busy throng around me, the attention of an
aged man appeared to be attracted by my presence ; and
after looking steadfastly in my face a few moments,
passed slowly, and stopping suddenly, stood motionless,
as if in a reverie, but he soon returned, and by his in-
quisitive survey of my person led me to believe that he
was determined to acquire some knowledge of me. Sir,
said I to him, I believe you intend to know who I am.
I have been thinking, replied he, that I have known
something of you heretofore. Was you not a citizen of
Boston at the time the British tea was destroyed in Bos-
ton harbour ? I replied that I was, and was one of
those who aided in throwing it into the water. He then
inquired who commanded the division to which I be-
longed in that affair ; I told him one Leonard Pitt. So
he did mine, said he ; and I had believed there was a
man by the name of Hewes aboard the same ship with
me, and I think you must be that man. We retired
from the crowd and took a social glass together, and
after a short conversation, in which we called to each

80 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

other's recollection some of the interesting and amusing
incidents of that eventful period, when we were fellow
citizens and sufferers in the cause of American liberty,
we parted, never to meet again. He could give me no
account of my former companions. I found he as well
as myself had outlived the associates of his youthful

This accidental acquaintance is the first, and will
probably be the last, I shall ever have with any of those
who were concerned with me in the affair of drowning
the British tea.

At another time, as I was walking in the street, a man
who had not the appearance of very advanced age,
accosted me, by asking me if my name was not Hewes,
and said he thought he had some recollection of me ;
but having had no previous knowledge of him, I was
not disposed to encourage an interview, and Ave soon
parted ; neither do I even recollect his name. Those
of our countrymen who have lived to an advanced age,
and visited the place of their nativity after a long absence,
and witnessed the sensible mutability of human affairs
and the changes to which the progress of time is conti-
nually subjecting all terrestrial objects, will easily con-
ceive the painful excitement with which Hewes must
have been affected.

Not only had the thousand objects which wake into
life the tender emotions of filial and fraternal sympathy,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 81

disappeared, but the political condition of the country
had undergone an entire change.

About sixty years before, when Hewes was compel-
led by the threatening aspect of the war to remove his
family from Boston, the American revolution, which
terminated in our independence, had just commenced
its progress, and that town had become the first intend-
ed victim of British vengeance against her colonies ;
while the spirit of opposition and of liberty had awoke
into life and animation the physical and intellectual
energies of the American people ; and the confused
murmur of the multitude of citizens, sailors and sol-
diers who were crowding the streets, like the terrific
sound that precedes the earthquake, warned them of
that devastating and bloody conflict, which was to conti-
nue for eight long years. Hewes had lived to see
those years pass away, and half a century after them.
While he surveyed the docks where lay the British
ships loaded with the poisonous herb, which had been
dashed from the lips of his countrymen in the dead
silence of the night, amidst the clattering of an hundred
tomahawks ; where he had seen floating in terrific ma-
jesty the ships of a powerful enemy, armed with the
munitions of war, and threatening death and devasta-
tion ; he now beheld only those which were bearing in
their bosoms the fruits of a peaceful commerce with all
nations, the treasures of every clime. Well might his

82 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

manly spirit exult in the proud recollection that he had
contributed his full share in achieving this auspicious
and triumphant change in the destinies of his country.

But man is a social being, and the happiness to be
derived from the exuberance of his enjoyments is always
imperfect without the participation of his fellow men;
and in no individual could this trait be more conspicu-
ous than in Hewes. His cheerful and communicative
mind needed some kindred spirit to partake with him
the luxury of those exhilirating reflections which the
recollections of the past and the contemplation of the
present might offer. But if he looked around for the
partners of his heroism, and inquired, where are they?
Echo only could answer, " where are they ?" He stood
alone among the monuments of the fame which he had
well purchased by his courage, by his labours, and
above all, by his patient endurance of deprivation, and
almost a solitary sojourner in the world.

Well might he have sought from the solitude of his
obscurity and the endearments of his aged partner,
whom he had left in his distant retreat, the only conso-
lation and the only reward he was destined to antici-
pate.

After a residence of about three days only, he took, as
he believed, his final departure from the place of his
nativity, and returned to the vicinity of his present resi-
dence, where he has remained until the present time.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 83

Whatever may be thought of the policy of destroying
the British tea in Boston harbour, or of the expediency
of concealing the names of those who had a personal
agency in that enterprize, it was an event which gave
to the American character a renown for magnanimity,
for fortitude, and for heroism, unprecedented among the
nations of the earth.

For this renown, great and glorious as it may be in
its final results upon the political destinies of mankind,
the American people were indebted to the agency of a
few individuals, and to no one of those, perhaps, more
than to the subject of this memoir.

In proportion to the importance that not only the con-
dition of the then American colonies, but of the world
gave to that event, may that of those individuals be con-
sidered, without whose efforts it might not have hap-
pened, and the interest which an American must feel in
the knowledge of their history and peculiar characte-
ristics. Although it happens that those who have very
imperfect claims to the consideration and esteem of the
world, may sometimes by the mere force of their courage
and physical powers, become the efficient instruments in
accomplishing great and glorious deeds ; yet when such
individuals are endowed with faculties and dispositions
adequate to high and exalted destinies, it is due to the
dignity of man, as has before been observed, respect-
fully to appreciate and commemorate the distinctions
which nature has ordained.

84 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

It is easy to conceive that the Power which controls
the destinies of men, has conferred on each individual
qualities suited to the part assigned to him on the stage
of human life ; and we may well suppose that the same
Power will be exerted in preparing and preserving such
faculties for the purposes they are intended.

Every constituent of the physical nature (both as to
its symmetry and physical strength) of Hewes, are evi-
dently indicative of a capacity suited to daring and des-
perate enterprize, and the novel incident of his very
infancy, in his controversy with his aunt, exhibited in
him. at that early age, his correct views of the impor-
ance of equal right and equal justice, and his unbend-
ing resolution and courage to correct what he considered
the erroneous views of his aunt.* His disposition to
restrain the lawless abuse of power was evinced, also, in
his manly interference to save the helpless boy, in the
streets of Boston, from the assault of a British officer,
and the prompt and severe chastisement upon the
assailant, was a signal evidence of the respect with which
he was held in public estimation on that occasion. The
extraordinary restoration of his life, after drowning in
Boston harbour, when but six years old; his signal
escape from a watery grave on the Banks of Newfound-
land, and his narrow escape from the fatal effects of a

* See pp 21, 22.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 85

dangerous wound, inflicted by the insolence of a British
officer, which have been noticed, are remarkable evi-
dence, not only of the adaptation of his physical and
intellectual energies to the desperate and hazardous
enterprize of boarding the British tea ships, but of a
capacity for preserving his faculties for the accomplish-
ment of that event.

It is said that we are never to expect disinterested
patriotism will be witnessed in our world, but that
under its assumed garb some latent motive may be
detected, exhibiting self-interest as the main-spring
of human actions.

Let it be granted when, however, self-love prompts to
actions which public good requires, it may well be
conceded, that in the language of the poet,

" Self-love and social are the same."

But when we witness men embarking in desperate
and hazardous enterprises, without discovering any
of those incentives which usually govern the conduct
of men, we may reasonably conclude they are endowed
with some moral, intellectual, or physical powers, which
do not fall to the lot of ordinary men.

It cannot be expected in this short sketch, that a detail

can be given of the many evidences which Hewes has

exhibited through the course of his life, of his having

possessed such powers. A view of his person and

8

86 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

present condition most clearly evince that his character-
istics have heen, as they now are, of no ordinary
quality.

In his person, Hewes is rather under the common
stature, being about five feet and one inch, yet so per-
fectly erect is his attitude, as he stands or moves, the
deficiency of his stature when he passes you would
hardly be noticed ; and he walks with so much agility
and firmness, that, did not his shrivelled face betray his
great age, he might be taken for a man in all the vigour
of youth.

The hair upon his head is of a light brown colour, a
very small proportion of it having as yet become gray ;
not more than is usual to men of the age of fifty, and as
he combs it back, it presents a high and prominent
forehead ; which together with the exact symmetry and
form of his head, exhibits a bold and manly visage. His
whole person is of a light and slender texture, his eyes
are of a dark blue, and are an index to an intelligent
and vigorous mind ; and when he becomes excited in
conversation, they sparkle with aglow of lustre, which
strikingly betokens that the fire of youthful vigour in
his breast is not yet extinguished. This often happens,
when conversing on the subject of British usurpation
and tyranny, which is with him a favorite topic.

Considering his great deficiency of opportunities to

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

37

improve his style, either from the precepts or intercourse
of the learned, his language is remarkable for its gram-
matical simplicity and correctness. In giving his
relations of past events, he never attempts to divert
the attention by the rehearsal of vain or trifling in-
cidents ; in communicating his ideas, he can seldom be
detected in any redundancy or deficiency of expression.

He assumes to himself no title to peculiar favour for
any of his public services, not even for the aid he
afforded in the signal event of the destruction of the tea ;
but seems to think no sacrifice too great, which an
American might have made in the establishment of our
independence.

In the events of the revolution he appears to have
taken a deep interest ; although he had neither the
advantages of friends or education to encourage in him
any ambition of power or preferment.

On my inquiring of him if he knew what gentlemen
in Boston were most officious to encourage Great
Britain in waging war upon her American colonies,
he promptly replied that he knew some of them. I
knew five men, said he, who wrote letters to the king
for that purpose : they were Mr. Hutchinson, the gov-
ernor of Massachusetts ; Andrew Oliver, secretary to
the crown ; Silvester Gardner, a physician ; Charles
Paxion, gentlemen, and Captain Benjamin Halloway.

88

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

I had, says he, attested copies of these letters when I
removed from Massachusetts into this part of the country,
but by lending them to some gentlemen to peruse, I
have lost them.

I have mentioned this not only as one of the extra-
ordinary instances of his powers of recollection, but of
the active interest he took in examining documents
which were important to the historian of the revolution.
These letters contained, as may be supposed, the reasons
which were urged to justify Great Britain in an offen-
sive war upon her American colonies ; and a knowledge
of them might be considered indispensible to those in
whom were confided the political concerns of that
eventful crisis.

But when we find an obscure and illiterate man as
Hewes was, industriously seeking and preserving the
knowledge of these documents which related to the
general welfare, it gives him claims to our atten.
tion to which those of his condition seldom have any
title.

But aside from the deep interest he took in our revo-
lutionary struggle, or faithful and important services he
may have performed in the cause of his country, every
intelligent man must feel a peculiar interest of learning
something of the habits and manners of one of our own
countrymen, who has lived to a very advanced age,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 89

while in possession of a great share, both of his intellec-
tual and physical powers.

One would suppose that Hewes had believed in the
precepts of Lycurgus, the Spartan ; and that in the
formation ofhis habits and manners, he had consulted
his own health and happiness. It may be recollected
that the Spartans were taught to believe that happiness
consisted much more in action than contemplation.
That the most active pursuits contributed more to the
preservation of the health, and therefore to all the enjoy-
ments of life, than those of any sedentary occupation.

No man perhaps ever lived in this country or any
other, who has more constantly and perseveringly prac-
tised habits of active and laborious industry than Hewes.
It has been often with difficulty, I could persuade
him to remain in my room long enough to make of him
the inquiries which were necessary to enable me to
record the few incidents of his life, to be found in this
little volume. He asserts, that from his childhood he
has been accustomed to rise very early and expose
himself to the morning air ; that his father compelled
him to do this from his infancy, and that he has found
the habit contributed so much to his enjoyments, that
he never had any disposition to relinquish it. So
inveterate have his active habits become, that it would
probably be impossible to persuade him either to

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90 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

relinquish them, or in any degree to practice more
moderation in the use of them ; and should he be in-
duced to indulge even but moderately in habits of entire
indolence, it would probably be the means of soon ter-
minating his enjoyments, if not his life. He does not
at present attempt those athletic exercises, which require
the muscular strength of men in the usual vigour of
manhood, but is generally occupied with some object
that requires him to be standing on his feet, or walking.
The average distance which he walks every day, when
not prevented by the weather, is probably from two
to three miles. On the fourth of July, 1833, being
respectfully invited to dine with some gentlemen, who
were to meet on that day, to commemorate the jubilee of
our independence, some friend of his who was going
to the place where he was invited to attend, brought him
from the place of his residence, on the way, as far as
my lodgings, where Hewes got out of the carriage, and
thanking him, requested that he might be excused from
riding any further, as he prefered walking the remain-
der of the way, a distance of about two miles and a half,
which he walked of choice, and after he had dined,
returned on foot to the place of his residence, making
his travel on that occasion, about five miles and a half.
Among the several toasts given during the festival of
that day, he was respectfully noticed by the following ;

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 91

" George R. T. Hewes, our venerable guest — the last
survivor of the band of patriots, who drowned the Bri-
tish tea in Boston harbour, sixty years ago ; the noise
of whose tomahawk, was to tyrants throughout the
world, as the knell of their departing hour ; may the
gratitude of his country be commensurate with the glory
of that memorable event ;" which was echoed with en-
thusiastic applause. As the guests were about rising
from the table, Hewes rose up, and thanked them for
the civility and respect they had shown him, on that
day, and other similar occasions ; peradventure, said he,
this may be the last time I shall ever meet with you ;
but be that as it may, when I am called to leave the
shores of time, may we meet hereafter where the wick-
ed will cease from troubling, and the true sons of liberty
may be forever at rest. After which he immediately
retired, obviously impressed with the apprehension,
that this would be his last meeting on such an occasion.
It was indeed, to me, a most rare and interesting in-
cident, that an individual, who had sixty years ago,
struck the first blow in the opposition to usurpation and
tyranny, living not only to witness the triumphant suc-
cess of that opposition, against the most powerful na-
tion in the world, but to attend the fifty-seventh anni-
versary of the independence, which, by that event, the
American people had achieved.

92 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

The success which had attended his labours, his de-
privations, and his sufferings, in the cause of his coun-
try, could not afford him more cause for exultation,
than the victory, which by his virtues, his fortitude, and
the correctness of his habits, he had acquired over the
infirmities to which poor human nature is generally
subjected. His long life of vigorous health, may be as-
cribed not more to his laborious exercises, than to his
uniform temperance. Although his appetite for food,
and even for stimulating liquors, has been encouraged
by a sound and vigorous constitution, he never has in-
dulged any more in the use of either, than was neces-
sary to support the natural energies required in the per-
formance of his duty.

But there is one trait in his character which has
greatly contributed to his health and happiness, though
perhaps not to the improvement of his condition ; that
is, an uniform cheerful submission to his destinies.
This is a duty oftener inculcated by the precepts, than
by the practice of wise men and philosophers.

If poverty is a misfortune, it is very certain Hewes
has always been a very unfortunate man. Although
the course of his life has been distinguished by habits
of industry, integrity, temperance and economy, yet he
has never been able to provide for the exigencies of the
future ; but has sometimes wanted the common comforts,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 93

and even the necessaries of life. It might be shown,
that his condition has been such, as to render his desti-
tute circumstances to him an inevitable event, for which
his character was in no wise impeachable. But it be-
longs to the biographer to delineate the condition and
characters of men as they are ; and not to seek for rea-
sons, why they might, or might not have been other-
wise. It cannot be pretended, that substantial merit can
either be created or diminished by the prossession, or
want of wealth.

But so many and depressing are the evils of poverty,
that they may well be deplored by the wise as well as
the simple ; and he who can preserve his integrity, and
with a cheerful mind encounter the embarrassments
and sufferings, which it inflicts, must possess more for-
titude, than ordinarily falls to the lot of humanity. But
such is the present condition and character of Hewes.
Pressed down, as it were, by the iron hand of poverty,
smarting as yet under the loss of his dearest earthly
companion, the wife of his youth, and the consoling
companion of his life, he is sprightly, talkative and
cheerful ; sensible and interesting in conversation ;
without any of that moroseness, and gloomy reserve,
the usual concomitants of every advanced age ; or any
of the melancholy dejections, and dreary forbodings of

94 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

the near approach of his final catastrophe, which must
soon terminate his closing scene.

He often expresses his gratitude to a kind providence,
for the many favours with which he has been indulged.
Speaks most affectionately of his late wife, and of her
many endearing qualities ; and exults in the consoling
belief, that his separation from her, will be of but short
duration.

It is difficult to witness his equanimity, his fortitude,
his cheerful submission to his present depressed condi-
tion, without ascribing to him a capacity and disposi-
tion which kings might envy, and which the wise and
great have sought in vain, or without being impressed
with a deplorable sense of the thoughtless ingratitude of
the world.

Hewes, is at present, a solitary boarder in the house of
a stranger, and has been for sometime past supported
by the charity of his friends, in the immediate vicinity
of his residence.

For some years previous to his being placed in his
present situation, he and his wife had lived in a small
house which his son Robert had built for him, in the
vicinity of Richfield Springs, where this same son had
for some years contributed what was necessary to their
support. After the death of his wife, which happened
about three years ago, his son Robert took him into his

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 95

own house, and supported him; but soon after, having
met with some misfortunes, was obliged to sell his
house, and removed with his family a distance so great
it was not thought expedient for his father to accompany

him.

He then, for a short time, became a sojourner among
his friends, who received and entertained him with the
usual civilities, which an aged and respected stranger
might expect, from the cold charities of the world.
Although he had no children in this part of the coun-
try, whose circumstances would admit of any additional
expense for his support, he was very unwilling to be-
come a public expense. From this embarrassing con-
dition, he sought to relieve himself by appealing to the
charity of a son-in-law, by the name of Morrison, who
lived at a place called German Flatts, about nine miles
from Richfield Springs. Morrison and his wife had
several children, and were, as they now are, very poor.
He remained, however, with them about a year, and
while there, was visited with severe sickness ; during
which he had hardly any comforts, or consolations af-
forded him, other than the sympathies of a kind daugh-
ter ; Morrison not being able by his manuel services,
to provide for his family but a mere subsistence. After
he had in some measure recovered his health, he re-

96 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

turned to Richfield, and took up a short residence with
a son who resides near the Springs.

Soon after his arrival at his son's house, by some
casualty, he fell down a stairway on some iron ware, by
means of which he received a severe wound in both of
his legs, which his physician pronounced incurable;
observing that the flesh was so lacerated, his great age
would not admit of its healing. But in this he was
mistaken ; for although shockingly mangled, his flesh
was healed with as much facility, as that of a man's in
the vigour of youth. While suffering under the pain
of this wound, it was thought incompatible with the cir-
cumstances, of his son's family, which consists of eight
children, to make suitable provision for his comfortable
support, and he was removed to the place of his present
residence.

I have only sketched some of the events which mark-
ed his course, and rendered the destinies inevitable,
which have probably opened to him his closing scene.

During his residence with his children, in those days
which must be numbered among his last, he has labour-
ed incessantly to alleviate, and if possible, to exonerate
them from the burden of expenses to which his support
might subject them ; and at the present time appears
disposed to exhaust the last efforts of his decaying na-
ture to render himself useful to the worthy family, to

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 97

whose generous attention he is at last indebted for those
enjoyments which the consoling sympathies of children
are not permitted to afford, and which seem to have been
destined by nature to smooth the pillow of the expiring
parent.

The people in the immediate vicinity of his residence
have given satisfactory assurances to the worthy gentle-
man who has taken Hewes into his house and made
comfortable provision for his sustenance, that he shall
be amply indemnified for any reasonable expense to
which he may be subjected on that account.

In doing this, they have nobly assumed upon them-
selves what would long ago have been done by the
American republic, had that publicity been given to his
character and condition which his public services and
private virtues have so well merited.

It is said that judicious efforts of ordinary capacity
might usually be expected to provide an independent
competency ; yet the present destitute condition of Hewes
can by no means be urged as an argument to depre-
ciate his merit, or in any way derogate from the value
of his character.

Although in this age of reason and knowledge, it
may be said that men of genius, and even the less
learned, must expect to be the framers of their own for-
tunes ; yet it must be acknowledged that a deplorable
9

98 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

detail might be given of genius in misfortune, of the
benefactors of mankind in adversity, both in our own
and other countries.

An improvident spirit and disdain of reflection, are
more common attributes of great intellectual and physi-
cal powers, than of ordinary talents. But while those
of the former character may, by their improvidence, en-
tail on themselves disaster and indigence, yet their
efforts often prove the indispensable means of advancing
the welfare and glory of their country. In confirma-
tion of this truth, instances enough might be enumera-
ted of men in our own country, who, with the advanta-
ges of birth, of talents, of education and preferment,
have been seen to be struggling with embarrassments,
through life and ending it with insolvency, while they
have been ranked among our most distinguished politi-
cal benefactors, and who have imposed on posterity ob-
ligations of perpetual gratitude.

To intelligent minds, not under the entire dominion
of popular opinion or of prejudice, it may be thought
supererogation, to show from arguments drawn from
precedent or any other source, that poverty or obscurity
of condition, is not incompatible with merit, with capa-
city, or real greatness.

But they should be reminded that the American peo-
ple are not exempt from the influence of an opinion, that

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

99

has marked the history of the civil state ; an opinion of
eminence connected with fortune, and a sense of debase-
ment attending on poverty ; and who would, as were
the Grecians two thousand years ago, rather be found
distributing favours to idle and powerful men, than be-
stow a thought on useful and obscure citizens. There
is, therefore, an obligation enjoined on Americans by
patriotism and philanthropy, to improve, if possible, this
trait in the human character.

It is very obvious that many of our citizens whose
biography has been recorded, and who have well de-
served the public approbation and applause, have
acquired their eminence by means of fortuitous inci-
dents, without their agency and beyond their control.

Had not the American revolution distinguished the
period in which Washington lived, that great man
might have died with no other reputation than that of a
respectable citizen and a civil magistrate of Virginia.
Neither would that event have probably developed his
transcendent worth, had not the discriminating mind of
the elder John Adams directed the public voice to his
official appointment.

Had not fortuitous circumstances given to Alexander
Hamilton (who was a poor orphan) a benefactor, he
probably would never have been distinguished as a hero
and statesman, or even known to the American people.

100 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

When the conspirators in Persia against the Magi
were consulting about a succession to the empire, it
came into the mind of one of them, that he whose horse
neighed first when they came together the next morn-
ing, should be king. Had it not been for the accidental
neighing of the horse of Darius, he would not probably
have been king ; and had it not been for that accident,
Alexander would not have conquered that empire, and
the circumstances of the world in all past ages might
have been different.

The great Socrates, celebrated through the world for
his wisdom and virtue, was bred to the trade of a sculp-
tor, and might have continued to pursue that trade
through life, had not Criton by accident discovered
something of his fine genius, took him out of his
father's shop, and opened to him the doors of his fame,
by giving him an opportunity to develope his faculties
in the acquisition of knowledge.

This catalogue might be lengthened almost indefi-
nitely, with the names of those who have acquired dis-
tinguished fame, the self-moving agency of whose phy-
sical or intellectual powers might never have opened to
them the gates of the temple of their fame. Although
these and thousands of others may have been possessed
of the choicest attributes of intellectual nature, of facul-
ties best suited to protect the rights and improve the

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 101

condition of their country, such might and has been the
order of the world, that those often of very inferior ca-
pacities are destined to share in its distinctions and pre-
ferments.

This has been proved from the history of the most
distant times, by the oracles of our religion. "The
race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,"
said the divine preacher," neither yet bread to the wise,
nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour
to men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all."

That this is the present state of man, is continually
verified before our eyes.

We witness those who are fitted for distinguished
places by their qualifications, both natural and acquired,
who are yet indebted to extraneous incidents for their
advancement. Among those, too, to whom nature has
been equally liberal in the distribution of her gifts, cir-
cumstances equally contingent enable some to acquire
those necessary artificial prerequisites to preferment
which do not fall to the lot of others.

The injudicious exercise of parental authority and
control is often fatal to the propitious destinies of men,

This might have been and probably was one of the
operative causes which rendered the indigence and ob-
scurity of the condition of Hewes inevitable.

He was obviously formed by nature for pursuits
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102 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

which required active enterprize. Nothing could have
been more uncongenial to his genius, his physical
nature, or the tendency of his disposition, than a mecha-
nical trade which required sedentary habits. This
appears from a general view of his pursuits through
life. At the very commencement of the occupation
which his father had prescribed for him, we find him
engaging in a fishing voyage, on the application of his
brother, which occupied his time for two years. His
solicitude for a military employment was manifest from
the artifice he practised, in raising the heels of his
shoes to make his stature comport with the standard of
the muster roll, and his afterwards engaging in the pro-
fession of a sailor and a soldier, although strongly
attached to his domestic circle and enjoyments.

His present habits and inclination clearly evince that
neither his physical or intellectual powers, were formed
for a sedentary or inactive life.

It might be an improvement in the policy of our re-
public, if some regulation, sanctioned at least by popu-
lar opinion, were admitted, similar to what has hereto-
fore prevailed in other times and countries, that triers
or examiners should be appointed, to examine the genius
of each boy, that he might have such lot assigned to
him as is best suited to his natural talents. It is be-
lieved, that the sagacity of the learned Jesuits in disco-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 103

vering the talent of a young student, by thus examining
his genius, upon every part of learning, on entering
their college, has contributed much to the figure which
their order has made in the world.

The Spartans carried this spirit of improvement much
farther. Among them it was not lawful for the father
himself to bring up his children after his own fancy.
As soon as they were seven years old, they were all
enlisted in several companies and disciplined by the
public ; the old men were the spectators of their per-
formances ; who often raised quarrels among them, and
set them at strife with one another, that by those early
discoveries, they might see how their several talents
lay ; and without any regard to their quality, disposed
of them accordingly for the service of the common-
wealth. By this means, Sparta soon became the mis-
tress of Greece, and famous through the world for her
civil and military discipline.

Although such a regulation might be thought incom-
patible with the genius of American liberty, the consider-
ation of it may suggest to fathers or guardians, the im-
portance of consulting the talents of the son, rather than
their own fancy or ambition, in selecting for him an oc-
cupation, which may affect his future welfare, and happi-
ness, according as it may be adapted to his genius and
taste.

104 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

But if any interference in the education of children,
would be thought intolerable usurpation, yet it cannot be
thought improper to instruct the inspectors of Our
schools, to examine the genius of children as well as
their progress in science, and advise parents at least not
to require that of children, which nature has denied to
them. For to whatever course the delusive fancy or
vain ambition of parents may direct, in the disposal of
their children, they cannot expect any particular knowl-
edge can be produced, in a mind, where the seed of it
has never been planted.

It is related by Plato, that Socrates, who was the son
of a midwife, used to say, that his mother, though she
was very skilful in her profession, could not deliver a
woman unless she was first with child, so neither could
he himself raise knowledge out of a mind where nature
had not planted it. If these remarks should be consi-
dered extraneous, they are imperiously urged on the
mind, by comparing the conditionand faculties of Hewes
with many others, who, with opportunities to acquire
knowledge, and power to render it useful, are pursuing
objects which nature has placed beyond their capacity ;
who are looking to artificial aids, for what nothing but
innate powers can produce ; while Hewes seems to
have been led, as it were, by an ignis fatuis, in a laby.
rinth of perplexities, through a protracted life, which may

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 105

have been, by means of an injudicious direction to his
course, in the outset ; and which may always be expect-
ed, where the parent, in controling the destinies of the
son, disregards his genius, or the tendency of his
disposition.

Although talents and ambition will sometimes raise a
man to preferment and to fortune, amidst the most ap-
palling and adverse circumstances ; yet such instances
are generally found among those who are thrown upon
the world, in a state of orphanage, when necessity, the
most powerful inventive of expedients, will be likely to
develope and apply the faculties, best suited to the exi-
gencies of their condition.

It has been observed, that the distinctions created in
the order of nature, have claims on the perpetuity of the
monumental record. Such distinctions, however, as
cannot be conferred by the caprice of fortune, or the
usual passports of preferment ; but such as are created
by those superior endowments which nature only can
confer. Accident may give rise to riches, to artificial
greatness, which a mere freak of fortune may prostrate
in the dust.

Men sometimes raise themselves to pre-eminence, by
the knowledge of other men's weakness, rather than
from any consciousness of their own wisdom ; and be-
hind the blaze of chivalric fame, the want of patriotism,

106 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

of virtue and humanity, are often concealed. A correct
view of the human character well inspired the language
of the Poet,

" Who wickedly is wise or madly brave,
Is but the man a fool the more a knave,
Who noble ends by noble means obtains,
Or failing, smiles in exile or in chains,
Like good Aurelius, let him reign or bleed,
Like Socrates ; that man is great indeed."

This greatness has given to Hewes a superiority which
may well claim for him a place in the monumental
record. The strength of his memory, which enables
him to relate with precision many interesting incidents
from his very boyhood, through his life, now protracted
to nearly an hundred years. The strict observance of
those habits which the laws of nature require, to pre-
serve the vigour of his physical powers, and enable him
to triumph over the devastations of time, to which, du-
ring his life, whole generations have been consigned ;
his virtue, which has enabled him to preserve the integ-
rity of his character, amidst the adversities of his de-
pressed condition, and the corruptions of the world ; his
fortitude to meet his adverse destinies with cheerful
submission, clearly exhibits to our viewr the character of
that man, who is emphatically pronounced by the Poet,
" great indeed."

Not that greatness, with the tinsel splendors of which,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 107

the devotees of mammon, would surround his throne, or
that which the hero's blood-stained laurels would con-
fer ; not that with which the insane breath of party-
zeal would crown its idol ; but that which neither the
devices, or the power of the world can create, or can
destroy. I am well aware, there are great numbers
among us, who in reviewing the histories of men, are
best pleased in contemplating the human conduct in its
excesses, to which it may be impelled by ambition or by
passion ; who would estimate the greatness of a man,
by the extent of his conquests ; by his acquisitions, ra-
ther than by his wisdom, or his virtue in the use of
them. Who dwell with enthusiastic delight on the lives
of such men as the Alexanders, the Cassars, and the Na-
poleons ; of those who have waded through seas of
blood, to the acquisition of their thrones and their fame;
who, in adjudging the characters and condition of men,
indulge a delusive opinion of eminence connected with
fortune, and debasement attending on poverty, which
renders them regardless of every advantage but that of
the rich, and insensible to every evil and every indig-
nity but that of the poor ; and who might therefore
think the life and adventures of Rothchild, the Jew, who
by his wealth might control the power of the British
empire, more worthy of their attention, than that of such
men as Pawlin, Williams, and Van wort the captors of

108 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY,

the unfortunate Andre, against the majesty of whose
virtue, the power of gold could not prevail.

There is a prevailing passion also, to regard the lives
or the characters of those only as deserving the public
notice, who are ambitious of personal distinction, and
whose names are first made the topic of popular con-
versation, and find a conspicuous place in the party dis-
cussions of the day.

It is difficult to determine whether this propensity to
acquire fame, is more dominant than the disposition to
distinguish those who are ambitious of it.

So very sensible are those who aspire to popular
fame, of the propensity in the human disposition to give
distinction to those who seek it, that many are very un-
scrupulous of the means, by which they wonld acquire
celebrity.

We too often witness those who having no opportu-
nity to acquire honourable fame by honourable means
and substantial merit, stoop to the most humiliating
indignity, to obtain some sort of fame by which to ac-
quire popular favour.

Among the means to which this kind of ambition
often resorts for success, are noisy zeal, and vain pre-
tensions to patriotism, whereby, many who indulge it,
would give to themselves that consequence, which can
be generated only by popular discourses, by party dis-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 109

cussions and cause deliberations. And wealth too, is
often sought, not more for the means of injoyment it
affords, than for its passport to power and preferment.
Among the idolaters of popularity thus acquired, it may
be expected, many will be found, who would not bestow
their attention on so unimportant an object, as an ob-
scure and useful citizen. On the life and adventures of
so unassuming a character as the humble subject of
this memoir, one who has lived in poverty and obscurity,
and will probably die in that condition.

The villanous ambition of the traitor Arnold,
although it incurred on him the contempt and repro-
bation of his country men, was more liberally rewarded
with the golden honors of the worshippers of mammon,
than were the detectors of his treachery, Pawlin, Wil-
liams and Vanwart, who saved the American army, and
thereby contributed so gloriously to the independence
of their country. While the former was remunerated
for his treachery to his country and his loyalty to
her enemy with a princely stipend, the latter for their
integrity and their patriotism, with only a provision for
their simple subsistence; but they were only men
who lived in poverty and obscurity like Hewes.

These remarks are not intended as a reflection upon

our national character, but illustrative of the tendency of

the human disposition. Neither are they intended to

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110 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

imply that integrity and virtue, and talents are of course
entitled to the rewards of wealth and power ; but, that
individuals may be, and often are entitled to appropri-
ate preferments which are not always conferred.

By far the greater part of our citizens can make no
calculation on popular distinctions, but must expect to
glide through the crowd of life without particular no-
tice and without praise.

Although it is very obvious, that in the great drama
of human action, the safety and welfare of indivi-
duals and of communities, may require, that important
parts should sometimes be assigned, to those in ob-
scure stations, who are destined to move only in the
common ranks of society.

The safety of the whole country, may, and often has
depended on the integrity, the patriotism, or the valour of
one placed in the humble office of a sentinel. No one
perhaps could duly appreciate the debt of gratitude
which might be due from our country, to the captors of
the unfortunate Andre. Many instances might be in-
numerated of the unusual fortitude and unprecedented
volour of our countrymen, acting in the most private
and undistinguished stations, the results of whose efforts
may have been rendered essential means in the fortu-
nate issue of our revolutionary contest. Although,
Hewes has no pretensions to any o: those literary

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. Ill

acquirements, which in the present condition of our
country and the world, may well be considered prere-
quisites for civil office, or professional pursuits ; none to
eminence of station, to distinction of rank, or fortune ;
none to the tinsel splendors, the decorations and dis-
guises which are sought by many, as the sure passports
to preferment ; although he has had none of that fashion-
able ambition, to distinguish himself by the senseless
noise of party zeal, or to make his name the topic of
popular discourse; or even to be mentioned in the
secluded and patriotic councils of a caucus ; none of
that very common ambition, which by the arts of
intrigue, and the cunning of interested hypocracy, might
have raised him from the lowest pit of his adverse con-
dition to popular celebrity and distinction ; but has
been contented himself, and permitted by the world to
rest in the depths of obscurity, and pass in the crowd of
life without notice and without praise ; yet, notwithstan-
ding he has claims on the respect and attention of
community, which a wise and intelligent people cannot
disregard.

Plutarch, in his account of the life of Socrates, re-
marks, that " to be a public man it is not necessary to be
in office, to wear a robe of judge or magistrate, and to
sit in the highest tribunals for the administration of jus-
tice. But whoever knows how to give wise councils

112 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

to those who consult him, to animate the citizens to
virtue, and to inspire them with sentiments of probity,
equity, generosity and love of their country ; this, says
Plutarch, is the true magistrate and ruler, in whatever
place or condtion he be."

The influence of moral precepts, it appears, were in
view of that judicious historian, essential in the support
of civil government. And that such instructions might
be given, either by precept or example, with more
efficiency by men in private stations than those in power.

Although for the want of literary acquirements,
Hewes could not communicate the councils of wisdom,
by those refined precepts which distinguish the lessons
and the school of Socrates, yet the influence of his ex-
ample, might give to the morals and manners of the
people, a character which could better secure the perpe-
tuity of our privileges, than has ever yet been attained
by the legal administration of power.

During eighty years, which is about the time Hewes
arrived to the maturity of manhood, he has exhibited
to those around him, an example of laborious industry,
rigid temperence of stability, and of unimpeachable in-
tegrity in his intercourse with the world, worthy of all
imitation. And the general prevalency of its influence,
might demonstrate the principle, that public virtue alone
can give permanency to republican liberty. \

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. H«*

It is not known to those who have had the most cor-
rect and intimate knowledge of his life, that he has
ever been reputed to have been guilty of a single vice.
As his abstemiousness from vicious habits could not
be owing to his want of temptation, to these his neces-
sities almost perpetually exposed him ; not for the want
of opportunities to practice vice ov crimes ; these are
never wanting to those who seek them : neither could it
be for want of courage to practice them, or capacity to
avoid exposure. Of these he possessed a more than
ordinary share ; but from the impressions of early in-
struction, together with his own views of wright and
wrong, operating upon the peculiar texture of his mind.
It is very fortunate, that in our republic we have so
many men of talents, integrity and patriotism, in obscure
stations, who like Plutrarch's magistrate, without being
actually in office, can be public men, and who are ca-
pable of ruling and directing the destinies of their coun
try in whatever place or condition they may be.

Besides the lessons of instruction taught by the ex-
ample of his virtne, his unrewarded services for his
country, give him an incontrovertible claim to her con-
sideration and regard.

During the greater part of the war of eight years,
his time was devoted to the public service, for which he
has received no other remuneration than that which
10*

H4 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

furnished him with the, means of purchasing a single
suit of clothes ; and yet in the extremity of his condi-
tion, so tardy has been the progress of his country's
justice, that he has been able only by a long and ex-
pensive process, to obtain from the government the mise-
rable pittance of a soldier's pension ; although he did
not even ask for this, until he had weathered the current
of time and adversity for about eighty years. While
during the time he has been soliciting justice for past
services, millions have been spent in devising ways and
means to dispose of surplus revenue. Although Hewes,
with his tomahawk, struck the first blow in the founda-
tion to the capitol of our national legislature, its present
occupants, it seems, are solacing themselves with the
consoling requiem, the general chorus to long speeches,

We shall get our eight dollars a day,

Let Hewes and his courtiers fare as they may.

It was said by the biographer of the celebrated Cur-
ran, that he was too patriotic not to have a large family
of children. If this may be considered evidence of
patriotism, Hewes may come in for an ample share,
having been the father of fifteen children, and according
to his last accounts, about fifty grand-children, two of
whom having been produced by his daughter at one
birth, and that when she was more than fifty years old.
Thus it appears, that while Hewes was fighting our bat-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 115

ties in the first American war, he was faithfully engaged
in providing recruits for the second; acting, too, in obe-
dience to the divine command, to multiply and replenish
the earth.

But those who would have great deeds and splendid
achievements, alone entitle one to a place in the biogra-
phic page, cannot deny to the venerable subject of this
memoir that dignity. The event with which the name
and the renown of Hewes is inseparably connected, has
already been exhibited to the world in history as con-
spicuously, as are the constellations in the heavens ; not
that event which was designated only by the destruc-
tion of a few hundred chests of tea ; that required only
an effort of physical power, and might be effected by
the momentary impulse of an infuriated populace; but
an event, which in its consequence was to call in ques-
tion and put at defiance the power of the British parlia-
ment.

Great Britain had proclaimed to the world, that what
her Parliament should do, no power on earth could
undo. But the crisis had arrived, when this vain
assumption of power, should be exploded as a political
heresy. The spirit of liberty, awaking from the slum-
ber of ages, had invoked the moral courage of the Ame-
rican people, to rouse from the lethargy of oppression,
shake off her fetters, and by a glorious display of man's

116 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

capacity for self-government, solve the hitherto inexpli-
cable enigma of parliamentary omnipotency.

A blow was to be struck, which to tyrants throughout
the world should be to them as the knell of their depart-
ing hour ; which should announce to mankind the com-
mencement of a new era in the civil state ; the introduc-
tion of a new age, in which a reformation in the political
condition of the world should commence its progress,
and the rights of man be exhibited in a new blaze of
glory.

But notwithstanding the importance of the crisis,
while the then colony of Massachusetts was fully con-
vinced, that on the energy and promptitude of her meas-
ures, might depend the destinies of her country, she had
no legal power to accomplish that which her moral
courage might justify and require. Popular opinion
was her only efficient weapon.

Although the urgency of her political condition, re-
quired that a law of the British Parliament should be
abrogated, and private property invaded, yet the peculiar
exigencies of her situation, her policy, and her safety
required, that this should be accomplished by means of
an invisible agency, that thereby the danger of the en-
terprise might be transferred from the colony to the few
individuals, who might be found hardy enough to en-
counter the responsibility. Such individuals were found ,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 117

and by their agency was it accomplished : the event of
which, in view of the world, gave to the American char-
acter a renown for magnanimity, for fortitude, and
heroic achievement, unprecedented in the annals of
nations.

For this renown, great and glorious as it was, and as
it may be in its final results, the American people are
indebted to those distinguished adventurers, whose des-
perate courage in the impulse of the moment, impelled
them to that memorable achievement, and to no one
more than to Hewes. If the importance and the glory .
of that event has assigned for its memorial the monu-
mental record, so it should the name and character of
one who not only devoted his services and hazarded his
personal safety in the accomplishment of it. But who by
his example has taught us the course which will enable
us to overleap the bounds usually assigned to mortal
existence, an example which might shed a lusture on
venal and artificial greatness.

There is in the disposition of man, a propensity to
forget the events of the past and to engage the entire at-
tention on objects of the passing moment.

While we readily acknowledge, that in the events of
the present, age, posterity are to learn their destiny, we
are not willing to appreciate our own according to the

118 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

improvement we may make of the knowledge to be
derived from the past.

From the dissentions and commotions, engendered by
the passions and the prejudices of party, and from the
dreary forebodings of the ruins which the political aspect
threatens, a wise people should seek for lessons of in-
struction in a retrospect of the past

A recollection of the events which raised us from a
state of collonial vassalage to independence and pre-
eminence among the nations of the earth, may well in-
spire us with just views of the importance of our privili-
ges and the dignity of our condition. While a retrospect
of the exalted virtues and resistless courage of the
veteran heroes, by whose instrumentality they were
achieved, may, by the power of their example, stimulate
us to those efforts, by which alone, they can be pre-
served.

REMARKS

ON LONGEVITY, SUGGESTED BY A VIEW OF THE

PRESENT CONDITION OF HEWES.

During the time this memoir has been preparing for
the press, some individuals, whose opinions are worthy
of great regard, have indulged in apprehensions that the
life of Hewes might not be sufficiently prolific in inci-
dent to engage the attention from the public, to which
his natural talents or his merit might entitle him. With
due respect to the views of such patrons, it has already
been remarked, that one events. lone,were it the single
one of his whole life, which could give celebrity to his
fame, might well consign it to immortality.

But the protracted duration of his life and faculties,
orive him claims to peculiar distinction, which deserve
some further consideration.

The natural limit of human life is estimated from 80
to 9Q years. Very few servive that period, while a very
great majority do not live to approach near it. A calcu-
lation has been made, supposed to be nearly correct,
of all new born infants, one out of four dies the first year;

120 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

that two fifths only attain their sixth year ; and before
the twenty second year, one half of the generation is
consigned to the grave.

That the usual destiny of human life, when protracted
to fourscore years, is pain, debility or sorrow, we have
had the united testimony of history, both sacred and pro-
fane for two thousand years. In general, the mean
duration of human life is between thirty or forty years ;
that is, one from thirty or forty individuals die every
year. This proportion too, varies sometimes in a singu-
lar manner, according to sex, localities and climates.
Perhaps there is no phenomina in nature more inexpli-
cable, than the order by which death cuts off its victims.
It is believed, that the unhealthy nature of certain occu-
pations, the violence of the passions, and generally the
corruptions of manners, probably prove equally fatal to
life, as the original weakness of the human frame. Yet
uncertain and irregular as are the limits of human life,
no extraneous incidents, however fatal their usual ope-
ration, on the tenure of life, are permitted to effect the
destiny which sometimes signalizes the age of certain
individuals. Although the habits and manners, and
occupations of some in every section of the globe are
more conducive to the vigour of health, and the preser-
vation of the human constitution, than those of others ;
and in some climates, the human frame may be more

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 121

exposed to decay and death ; yet in the disposition of
intelligent nature, the Great Disposer of events has ob-
viously made discriminations between individuals of the
same general constituents. Some examples, though
very rare, are to be found of extreme longevity, in every
climate of the habitable globe, and such examples are
common to all countries without distinction.

England, which is highly extolled for the salubrity
of i^ climate, has furnished but three or four examples
of men, arriving at the age of from 150 to 169, while
Hungary, which, generally speaking, is not a very
healthy country, has seen the" celebrated Peter Cyartan,
prolong his life to the 185th year, and John Rovin, at
the age of 172, had a wife of 164, and a younger son of
117. It is in the Bannat of Temeswar a very marshy
district, and subject to the putrid fever, that these exam-
ples of longevity and many others, have been observed.
It is said that Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark
and Switzerland, are the countries which furnish the
most numerous and the most authentic examples of
men and women, having had their lives extended be-
yond the period of 100 years. In these countries, we
may reckon one centenarian for every three or four
thousand individuals.*

According to the author of a very curious little work,

* Malte Brun's Physical Geography, B. 22, p. 195.
11

122 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

called the apology for fasting, 152 Hermits taken in all
ages, and under every climate, produce a sum total of
1 1,589 years of life ; and consequently an average of 76
years and about three months for each. From these
sketches of the history of longevity, or from the knowl-
edge of it, which can be obtained from the history of
our own times and country, the examples of those who
have lived to a very protracted age, are found to be very
rare ; and among those very few whose years have ex-
ceeded eighty or ninety, a very small proportion have,
retained their faculties in that vigour which would en-
able them to participate in the common enjoyments or
perform the necessary duties of life. Neither has it
been discovered, that any particular climate, any pecu-
liar locality, or extraneous incidents, have had any
special agency in protracting the lives of those who
have been distinguished for longevity.

Although it may have been proved from the lessons
of physical science, and the philosophy of the vital prin-
ciple, that some certain climates or peculiar seasons,
may be more likely to consider to the health and the
preservation of the human constitution than others, yet
it is very obvious from the examples which have been
mentioned, and other instances of unusual longevity,
which have happened in every age, throughout the most
unhealthy sections of the habitable world, that the means

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 123

of protracting life, and preserving the constitution in its
vigour, are, if I may use the expression, personal in
their nature and effects, depending on its peculiar or-
ganization, and the adaption of such habits and manners
of living, as are best suited to protect its operations.

By a peculiar organization; we are not to understand
one differing from others, in any of those constituents,
which have been found to be common, and believed to
be essential ; those to give to the human constitution its
greatest perfectability, we may conclude, are equal and
uniform in all, that is, in their number and form ; but#
from circumstances easier conceived than explained,
differing in degrees of vigour and capacity for du-
ration.

Yet we see those who exhibit the most obvious
equality in the vigour and durability of their constitu-
tions, have very unequal limits affixed to their dura-
tion ; and that those whose hold on life, appears most
feeble and uncertain, are, in some instances, enabled to
protract their existence, beyond those whose capacity
for duration, seem obviously to encourage more confi-
dent anticipations of long life.

From these considerations of the human condition we
are forced to the conclusion, that although much may
be owing to the peculiar constituents of individuals, yet
not less is due to the wise adaption of such habits and

124 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

modes of living, as are best suited to protract the exist-
ence of those who are destined to longevity.

Although man is doomed eventually to yield all the
vigour, the perfectability, and wisdom of his nature, a
final sacrifice to the devastation of time, yet it is obvious,
the same Supreme Power, which has enstamped mor-
tality on human existence, has conferred on man the
means of protracting its period. As the most finished
and correct chronometer or time piece will become
equally useless, as one of the most imperfect organiza-
tion, in unskillful and careless hands, so the most per-
fect human frame, equally with the enfeebled and imper-
fect constitution, may be expected not to reach the
period assigned to it, by its original faculties, but be-
come subject to premature decay and dissolution, if the
elements of life, which nature has provided for its pre-
servation, are not judiciously applied to their appro-
priate uses.

Those who are not inclined to censure customs and
habits, which lead to the premature decay of our nature,
and the moral and temporal evils which may accompany
them, are sometimes disposed to ascribe every event to
inevitable fatality, or the result of mere accident ; and
to evince the correctness of their views, point us to the
various habits and manners of those who attain to an
unusual age.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 125

It is true, that some men of irregular and intemperate
lives, live to an extraordinary age. The texture of
their constitutions will admit of it. The adoption of
such habits as the constitution will bear, is indispensable
to the preserving and protracting of life. But because
the constitutions of some individuals enable them to
struggle through the effects of intemperate habits, it
does not justify the experiment, nor prove that a different
course of living would not be more conducive to their
health and happiness.

The testimony of universal observation and experi-
ence, confirm the correctness of the opinion, that sober,
abstemuous and industrious habits, with a mind unruffled
with the violence and tumult of passion, conduce most
to the preservation of health, and the protracting of
human life.

If we have sufficient evidence to justify the hypo-
thesis of a celebrated and enlightened physician,* that a
certain stock of vital force, is imparted to the embryo,
at its first formation, as a provision for carrying it
through its destined career of existence, the very aged
have peculiar claims to a distinction, so ardently and
universally desired, and so rarely conferred on man, by
the Great Disposer of events.

* Dr. P. M. Roget.

11*

126 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

Or if those rare instances of longevity may be said to
owe the extraordinary preservation of their existence, to
the practice of such habits and modes of living, as are
most congenial to the peculiar organization of their con-
stitutions, and the preservation of its vigour, and exten-
sion of its duration, then they are equally entitled to
our admiration and respect.

Among some of the most celebrated nations of anti-
quity, the very aged, more than any other particular
class, were treated with general respect and reverence.
This peculiar trait in the national character, was once
upon a certain occasion, strikingly exemplified by the
Lacedemonians, in a theatre at Athens ; when " it hap-
pened that during a public representation of some play
exhibited in honour of the commonwealth, an old gen-
tleman came too late for a place, suitable to his age and
quality, some of the young gentlemen who observed
his difficulty and confusion, made signs that they would
accommodate him if he came where they sat. The
good man bustled through the crowd accordingly ; but
when he came to the seats to which he was invited, the
jest was to set close and expose him, as he stood out of
countenance to the whole audience. The frolic went
round all the Athenian benches. But on those occa-
sions, there were also particular places assigned for for-
eigners. When the good man skulked towards the

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 127

boxes appointed for the Lacedemonians, that honest peo-
ple, more virtuous than polite, rose up all to a man, and
with the greatest respect received him among them.
The Athenians being suddenly touched with a sense of
the Spartan virtue, and their own degeneracy, gave a
thunder of applause ; and the old man cried out, the
Athenians understand what is good, but the Lacedemo-
nians practice it."

Not only were the aged generally held in veneration
among that renowned people, but so important did they
consider the connexion between useful knowledge, and
the lessons of experience, that the instruction of their
youth was universally committed to their superinten-
dence.

Intelligent men, who reflect on the human condition,
will always consider, that a very protracted life gives to
the aged, claims to attention and respect ; not only be-
cause the knowledge of men and things derived from
experience, may be supposed to afford important lessons
of instruction, but because they are distinguished with
capacities for extending their mortal career to that
period of life to which mankind so universally aspire,
and so seldom attain. A view of the grandeur of wealth
and power, may excite the admiration ; and the incidents
which often attend their acquisition, may fascinate the

128 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

mind with the splendour of achievement, while we may
be forced to the exclamation of the Poet,

" See by what wretched steps their glory grows,
From dirt and sea-weed as proud Venice rose."

But the consideration which the man of very protracted
age inspires, can never be attended with such degrading
views of the human character. It can never be said of
the aged, that he owes his protracted existence to vicious
or despicable means, however their character may
sometimes be contaminated with vicious habits and
manners. The very vices, the errors, and the crimes,
which usually mark the course of lawless ambition, and
give to the biography of the venal great, its fascinations,
and its highest interest, instead of prolonging the period
of human life, may tend rather to abreviate that pro-
tracted duration, which justly excites universal venera-
tion and respect.

No incident in the characters or conduct of men,
however it may justly perpetuate their fame, can secure
to them the signal distinction with which great age
marks the destiny of the few.

When we consider the extreme feebleness of the hu-
man frame, at the moment of its birth, the slow progress
of its growth, the multiplicity of its wants, the delicacy
of the nurture they require-; the various and compli-
cated nature of the diseases, and innumerable ills which

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 129

are inevitable attendants in the journey of human life,
our wonder and admiration is more excited, that the life
of an individual is even rarely preserved, through the
period of eighty, ninety, or a hundred years, amidst the
desolating ruins of human existence, than that twenty
years should consign to the grave, half the generations
of mankind.

The work alluded to in a preceding page, giving an
account of the ages of the hermits, who had lived in
every climate and period of the world, evinces the great
interest that has heretofore been excited by those rare
instances of longevity, which had signalized the history
of man's physical nature. If the blessings of long life
are commensurate with the ardency of human desire to
attain it, a physical biography of the lives of the very
aged might present important and useful views of the
great inequality in the period of human life, and tend to
improve the physical and intellectual nature of man.
A biographic history of the distinctions which the laws
of nature have ordained, and the unusual incidents and
extraordinary achievements in the lives of individuals,
might be found to have equal claims to public attention.

No satisfactory account has yet been given to the
world, of the moral or physical causes which upon any
reasonable hypothesis may be supposed to have created
the great difference in the period of human life, which

130 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

distinguish its history. The extreme limit of human
life, and the means of attaining it, have been a subject
of general interest, both in ancient and modern times,
and the physiologist and political economist are alike
attracted by the inquiry. The results of all observa-
tions transmitted to us, on the duration of human life,
in given circumstances, do not essentially differ ; which
may have led to the opinion of some, that in the patri-
archial ages the year might have been understood in a
very different sense from what it now is ; and the life
of man therefore at that time,* be less disproportioned
to the duration, which is usually assigned to it in the
present age.

If such an investigation would not develope such
sources of wisdom, or so improve the human capacity,
as to enable us in any degree to protract the period of
human existence, it might, by enlarging the bounds of
science, enhance the happiness of man, and thereby
shed on the dignity of his nature a new and distin-
guished lustre.

But few, if any, who have arrived to the age of the
subject of this memoir, have probably exhibited those

* The general sense in which the terra, year, is to be understood, is that dura-
tion of time assigned to the revolution of a planet, which in the primeval ages,
might have been designated by some planet, the revolution of which might
require a much shorter period than that by which we measure our year.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 131

peculiar qualities which have given to him a self pre-
serving capacity, which distinguish him not only from
the great mass of mankind, but from those, who, with
him have passed the common boundary of life. From
the general description of his person, which has already
been given, it will be recollected that he is not at pre-
sent distinguishable by the stooping attitude, grey hairs,
gloomy reserve, melancholy dejection, and general de-
crepitude, which are the usual concomitants of age,
when protracted to the period of eighty. And what is
farther remarkable, the mobility and pliancy of his
joints, especially those of his fingers, which are most
visible, are not in the least stiffened by the usual shrink-
ing of the muscles of the aged ; neither does he exhibit
any of that tremor, or palsied affection, which the de-
bility and disorganization of the nervous system usually
produces in very protracted periods of life.

In contemplating on the self preserving power of this
venerable man, our admiration is farther excited, from
the consideration, that he has had to encounter more
than the ordinary ills of life. From a retrospective glance
at the incidents which have marked his course, it will
be recollected, that at the age of six years, his life was so
far extinguished by drowning in Boston harbour, that
it required a great effort to re-animate him. That soon
after he had arrived at the age of manhood, he was

132 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

saved from a watery grave in the Atlantic, off the banks
of Newfoundland, by his extraordinary agility, and the
prompt application of his muscular strength, by means
of which, he not only saved himself, but a fellow seaman,
who clung to his heels while he was hauled by a rope,
from the briney billows, into the vessel from which he
had fallen. That some time about the commencement
of our revolutionary war, he was hardly saved from the
fatal effects of a seemingly mortal wound, inflicted on
his head by a British custom-house officer in the streets
of Boston. And that even after he had passed his 90th
year, he was by an unfortunate casualty subjected to a
severe wound, which so shockingly mangled the fleshy
part of both his legs, that the cure of it was considered
by his physician, as incompatible with that morbid and
debilitated state of his system which was supposed to be
an inevitable appendage of his great age. Neither
could the speedy restoration of his health, from the
effects of this wound be accounted for, but from the con-
sideration that the general constituents of his nature,
still retained the soundness and vigour of youth. It ap-
pears too, that he has not been exempt from his share of
the ordinary diseases, which usually subject the human
frame to decay and dissolution, in every period and con-
dition of life ; while he has had to encounter the evils,
which must be the inevitable concomitants of an affec-

THE BOSTON TEAPARTY. 133

tionate and benevolent parent, whose means are inade-
quate to the wants of a numerous family of dependent
children.

If the archives of the world, since the primeval ages,
have produced any individuals whose physical and in-
tellectual powers are as distinguishable for the preser-
vative qualities of their nature, as are those of this
extraordinary man, their number must be acknowledged
to be very small.

It is therefore believed by the author of this memoir,
that no apology should be expected, for presenting to
public view, the life of a man which has not been marked
with those incidents, that may be thought by many, to
give biographic history its fascinations or its interest.
Those who are most pleased with writings, which com-
prise only amusing fictions, or a perpetual succession of
events, which surprise by their variety, without inspi-
ring the virtue of patriotism, or ennobling the heart,
will not be likely to seek for amusement' or instruction,
in the memoir of a useful and obscure citizen. Neither
are we to expect them to preserve the character of our
republic, from the ruins which have attended the destiny
of others.

That trait in the national character, which would give
to no other distinctions, claims on public attention, but
such as ar<* generated by the ambition of power and an
12

134 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

idolatrous homage, to those who may happen to possess
it, has marked the progress of fallen republics. If
Americans do not improve that national characteristic, it
may mark the decline and' ruin of ours. -

Events from which great consequences follow, such
as may effect the condition of the world should not be
forgotten. New scenes are, however, constantly obli-
terating the recollections of the past, and incidents the
most interesting to the destinies of the future, are too
often consigned to oblivion. But we should remember
that posterity will have to learn their destiny in the
events of the present age, and to estimate the American
character by reviewing the commencement of its pro-
gress. Hence, has proceeded the disposition of mankind
to canonize the fame of their ancestors, or those of the
preceding age, by emblems the most unfading.

In every age, and in every clime, monuments have
been raised as durable incentives to imitate the illustri-
ous deeds, which have marked certain spots by the hap-
pening of some great events, from which important
results have been produced. And where can one be
found more eventful in its consequences, to the present
generation of the American people, and to their poste-
rity, than that which was consecrated to the genius of
liberty on the sixteenth day of December, 1773, by the
noble daring of the band of heroes, that struck the blow.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 135

whose sound echoed from citizen to citizen, and from
colony to colony, until the proclamation of our independ-
ence greeted every American ear, and announced the
commencement of a jubilee to freemen throughout
the world.

But although the event, which should consign to im-
mortal fame that memorable spot, may have been an
efficient link in the great chairuof causes, to which may
be referred all the succeeding glories of our republic ;
though our philosophers and poets point to it as one
great contingency, on which may have depended the
present condition of our free institutions, the propitious
results of which from them may be transmitted through
all succeeding ages, yet no monument has been erected
to attract the admiring gaze of the passing traveller
and perpetuate its memorable achievement.

But there is yet at least one living emblem of the
glory of that event, whose enduring nature seems to vie
with the perpetuity of the sculptured marble : whose
monumental record, it is hoped, may be one among the
humble means destined to keep alive that spirit which
was nurtured in the cradle of our liberties, and glowed
in the breasts of our illustrious ancestors.

SKETCHES FROM HISTORY,

OR
VIEW OF THE TIMES IN 1773.

The revolutionary incidents which led to the des-
truction of the British tea in Boston Harbour, which
have been mentioned in the preceeding pages, are prin-
cipally from the relation of Hewes, one of the actors
in that event.

A view of the times in seventeen hundred and seven-
ty three, strikingly evince how circumstances, trivial in
themselves, are in the order of human affairs, rendered
ihdispensible links in the great chain of events, which
connect the various fortunes, and control the destinies of
nations.

Of those men who had lived a long time under the
same government, and prospered by a mutual and friend-
ly commercial intercourse, as had the British and
American people, it could not be expected that they, or
the citizens of any other countries, under similar cir-
cumstances, would fall to killing each other ; that they
would commence the work of lawless depredation and
murder, without some powerful pretext. A quarrel

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 137

must precede, strong prejudices must first be excited,
the angry and malignant passions must be first put
in motion, to prepare men for the inhuman business of
butchering each other, and of public robery.

Such passions and prejudices were engendered in
a seres of dissentions between the British and Amer-
icans, relative to their respective political rights, pre'
vious to the revolution.

It will be recollected, that the British parliament a
long time previous to the commencement of open hos-
tilities between Great Britain and her American colo-
nies, had claimed the right of taxing the latter, without
their consent. Their determination to exercise such
right, was announcd in positive and unequivocal terms,
on the repeal of the famous stamp act, so obnoxious and
repugnant to the views of the people of the then Amer-
ican colonies.

On the repeal of that law, it was resolved, " that par-
liament had, hath, and of right ought to have full power
and authority, to bind the colonies and people of Amer-
ica, subject to the crown of Great Britian, in all cases
whatsoever."

Against this claim the Americans unhesitatingly
declared, opposition ought to be made.

After this resolution of parliament, in the month of
November, 1766, a large transport ship, having on
12*

138 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

board a detachment of H. M. royal train of artilery
bound for Quebec, after making many attempts to get
up the river, in vain, was obliged to put into Bos-
ton. The governor made provisions for them in pur-
suance of an act of parliament. On the 30th of Janu-
ary, 1767, the house of representatives begged to be
informed, whether this had been done at the expense
of the government ; and on learning that it was, re-
monstrated in the strongest terms against the proceding,
as an open violation of constitutional and charter
rights. The governor referred the matter to the coun-
cil, who advised him to submit it to the consideration of
the house of representatives. They resolved that such
provisions should be made for the British troops, as
had been before usually made for his majesty's regular
troops when occasionally in the province. The provi-
sion made by the governor, was by virtue of an act of
Parliament called the mutiny act. The Bostonians
were not willing that their violent and tumultuous pro-
ceedings occasioned by the usurpation of their rights,
should at the will of the governor, be considered as acts
of mutiny. They would not consent that their chief-
magistrate should interpose, under any pretence, an au-
thority, which virtually violated their constitutional and
chartered rights.

This visit of British troops at Boston, although occa-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 139

sioned by incidental circumstances, was an additional
source of public agitation and excitement.

In July, 1767, the parliament of Great Britain, im-
posed duties on tea, glass and colours, imported from
England into America ; and by their act at the same
session, suppressed the duties on tea that should be
shipped from England for America, and impose a duty
of three pence per pound upon their introduction into
the American ports. In the preamble to these acts it
was declared, that the produce of these duties should be
applied to defray the expenses of the government in
America. It was also enacted at the same time, that
the British ministry might from this fund, grant stipends
and salaries to the governors, and to the judges in the
colonies, and determine the amount of the same ; and as
if purposely to irritate the minds of the Bostonians, by
placing before their eyes the picture of the tax-gatherers
to be employed in the collection of these duties, another
act was passed, creating a permanent administration of
the customs in America. And to crown the whole, as
says the historian of those times, Boston was selected
. for the seat of this new establishment.

These measures of the British government, and her
attempts to carry them into effect, greatly, increased the
agitation of the public mind, more especially o£the citi-

140 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

zens of Boston, where it had already been wrought up
to an extraordinary degree of excitement.

A town meeting was called, the first object of which
was to take into consideration the expediency of adopt-
ing measures to promote economy, industry, and manu-
factures, thereby to prevent the unnecessary importation
of European commodities.

At this meeting a form was presented by a committee
appointed for that purpose, in which the signers agree
to encourage the use and consumption of all articles
manufactured in any of the British American colonies,
and not to purchase after the 31st of the then next De-
cember, any of certain in numerated articles imported
from abroad, and strictly to adhere to their late regula-
tions respecting funerals, and not to use any gloves but
what are manufactured here, nor procure any garments
upon such occasions, but what should be absolutely ne-
nessary.* Copies of their proceedings were directed to
every town in the province, and all other principal towns
in America, where they were generally approved and
adopted.

These measures of the Boston town meeting, greatly
encouraged the opposition to British taxation. It was
with difficulty, that persons disorderly inclined could be
restrained from deeds of violence.

Snow's Hist. Boston.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 141

An occurrence took place the 10th of June of this
year, which exemplifies the spirit of those times. To-
wards the evening of that day, the officers of the customs
made a seizure of a sloop, belonging to, and lying at
the wharf of John Hancock. The vessel was improved
for the purpose of storing some barrels of oil, for which
there was not room in the owner's store. One of the
officers immediately made a signal to his majesty's ship
Romney, Capt. Corner, then lying in the stream, upon
which her boats were manned and armed, and made to
wards the wharf. The officers were advised by several
gentlemen, not to move the sloop, as there would be no
attempt by the owner to rescue her out of their hands.
But regardless of their advice, her fast was cut away
and she carried under the guns of the Romney. .This
provoked the people who were collected on the shore,
the collector, (Harrison,) the comptroller, and collector's
son, were roughly used and pelted with stones. The
noise brought together a mixed multitude, who followed
up to the comptroller's house, and broke some of his
windows, but withdrew by the advice of some gentle-
men who imterposed. They then went in search of the
man-of-war boats, being joined by a party of sailors and
vagrants, who were suspicious of an intention to impress
them on board the ship. In their way they met the in-
spector, Irvine ; him they attacked, broke his sword'

142 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

and tore his clothes, but by some assistance he escaped.
No boat being ashore, between 8 and 9 o'clock, they
went to one of the docks, and dragged out a large plea-
sure boat belonging to the collector. This they drew
along the street with loud huzzaing all the way into the
common, where they set fire to it and burnt it to ashes,
also broke several windows in the houses of the col-
lector and inspector-general, (Williams,) which were
nigh the common.

On the first of August, 211 Boston merchants and
traders agreed, that for one year from the last day of
the present year, they would not send for or import,
either on their own account or on commission, or pur-
chase of any that may import any kind of merchandize
from Great Britain, except coal, salt, and some articles
necessary for the fisheries j nor import any tea, glass,
paper or colours, until the acts imposing duties on those
articles were repealed.

In the same month another difficulty occurred between
some of the town people, and the crew of the Romney,
in which the former gained their point, and compelled
the man-of-war's men to quit the wharf, which they did
in great fury ; and soon after a large company celebra-
ted the anniversary of the first opposition to the stamp
act at the tree of liberty.

The spirit of opposition to the measures and the au-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 143

thority of the British government, furnished Gen. Gage,
who was commander of the military forces in North-
America, with a sufficient pretence for sending a por-
tion of regular troops into Boston. On the 30th of
September, 1768, six of his majesty's ships of war,
armed schooners, transports, &c. came up the harbour,
and anchored round the town, their cannon loaded, and
springs on their cables, as for a regular siege.

The next day a detachment of troops, and train of
artillery with two pieces of cannon landed on the long
wharf, then formed and marched with insolent parade,
drums beating, fifes playing, and colours flying, up
Kings-street, each soldier having received sixteen round
of shot.

This was the first landing of British troops on our
shores, for the purpose of intimidating, or coercing the
Americans into submission to the system of taxation
which they claimed a right to impose.

The council objected to provide quarters for the troops,
contending that they were forbidden by law to quarter
them in the town, while the barracks at the castle were
not filled. They were, however, lodged in town, some
in the town house, some in Faneuil hall, and some in
stores at Griffin's wharf, and the town was thus afflicted
with all the appearance and inconvenience of a garri-
soned place.

144 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

It was about this time that the luxury of tea was first
proscribed in Boston, when two hundred families in
that town agreed to abstain entirely from the use of it
by a certain day, the 6th of October then next follow-
ing; other towns followed the example, and entered
into similar agreements. The students of Harvard
College were highly applauded, for resolving, with a
spirit becoming Americans, to use no more of that per-
nicious herb; and a gentleman in that town, finding it
in very little demand, shipped off a considerable quantity
of the despised article.

Amusements, that would have been at other times inno-
cent and congenial, were now foregone : especially if they
were to be partaken with those who were held to be the
instruments of despotism. Of this a striking example
was exhibited the winter after the British troops arrived.
Some of the crown officers, who thought the public
gloom disloyal, circulated a proposal for a regular series
of dancing assemblies with the insiduous design of en-
gaging the higher classes in fashionable festivity, to
falsify the assertions of the prevailing distresss, and also
to undermine the sterne reserve, that was maintained
toward the army, and thereby allay the indignation
against the system they were sent to enforce, but out of
the contracted limits of their own circle, they could not
obtain the presence of any ladies. Elegant manners,

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 145

gay uniforms, animating bands of music, the natural
impulse of youth, all were resisted ; the women of Bos-
ton refused to join in ostentatious gaiety while their
country was in mourning.* This artifice of the British
officers, designed to weaken the energies of the oppo-
sition, to what they intended eventually to effect by
force, was too well understood by the ladies of Boston
to have the desired success. They exhibited in this
instance of self-denial, the same spirit which had indu-
ced them to dash from their lips the poisonous herb,
when the use of it was in any way to compete with the
rights of their country, the same spirit which ever after
lighted the path, and gave an impulse to our armies in
their victory, and independence.

The town of Boston at this crisis, was in a situation
nearly similar to that of actual war, and no occasion
was neglected either by the British or Bostonians, to
engender a state of open hostilities.

It will be recollected, that in a preceding page, it has
been related by Hewes, that a boy by the name of Snider
was killed by one Richardson, who it appears had ac-
quired the appellation of informer. This event was a
fruitful source of excitement against the British govern-
ment, and as such was improved by the Bostonians.

This innocent lad was announced as the first whose

* Snow's Hist. Boston, p. 43.

13

146 THE BOSTON TEAPARTY,

life had been a victim to the cruelty and rage of the
oppressor.

All the friends of liberty were invited to attend his
funeral. Young as he was, it was said he died in his
country's cause, by the hand of one directed by others,
who could not bear to seethe enemies of America, made
the ridicule of boys. The little corpse was set down
under the tree of liberty, from which the procession be-
gan. The coffin bore inscriptions appropriate to the
times; on the foot 'latet anguis in herba ;' on each
side, « Haeret lateri lethalis arundo ;' and on the head,
' innocentia nusquam tuta.' Four or five hundred
school boys, in couples, preceded the corpse ; six of the
lads, play fellows, supported the pall, the relatives fol-
lowed, and after them a train of 1300 inhabitants on
foot, and thirty chariots and chaises, closed the proces-
sion. A more imposing spectacle, or one better adapted
to produce a lasting impression on the hearts of the be-
holders, can hardly be conceived.

The morning papers, which told of this transaction,
gave also several accounts of quarrels between the sol-
diers and some of the citizens. Such was the state of
the public mind, that the officers were apprehensive of
difficulties, and were particularly active to get all their
men into their barracks before night.

As a measure of precaution, there was a sentinel sta-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 147

tioned in an ally, (then called Boyleston ally,) and this
circumstance was one that led to the quarrel, which ter-
minated in the Boston massacre, related by Hewes.*
Three or four young men who were disposed to go
through the ally about nine o'clock, observed the sen-
tinel brandishing his sword against the walls, and stri-
king fire for his own amusement. They were challen-
ged, but persisted in their attempt, one of them received
a slight wound upon his head. The bustle of this ren-
contre drew together great numbers, who were passing
the ally, and a considerable number collected in Dock-
square, attempted to force their way to the barracks.
As the party dispersed from Docksquare, they ran in
different directions ; a part of them ran to the custom
house, before which stood the sentinel, who being terri-
fied, ran to the steps of the house and alarmed the in-
mates, by three or four powerful knocks at the door.
Captain Preston was sent for to defend the officers, and
disperse the citizens, who were there collected in great
numbers. When Captain Preston came with his guard,
the Boston massacre, as it has been called, was the
result. The author of this little volume has not been
able to discover among the historians of those times,
any uniform accounts of the various incidents, relating

* See page 28, 29, &c.

148 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

to the events, which led to the American revolution.
And it is here worthy of remark, that different histo-
rians of the same events, are seldom found, to discover
all the circumstances which relate to them.

The historian must necessarily derive the materials
for his work from various sources, and often from per-
sons, the correctness of whose relations, will depend
perhaps on the different degrees of their integrity, and
of their strength of memory. He therefore must he
very fortunate in his investigations, who does not fail of
learning many things, relating to the subject of his
inquiries.

Besides, he who happens to he the second historian
of the same events, either through a false ambition, to
avoid the imputation of plagiarism, or to gain currency
for his work ; by the novelty of its materials, may, in
his ambition to give it popularity, deteriorate from the
correctness of its history. And even among those
whose knowledge of past events, may be equal, some
may differ in their views, respecting what might be con-
sidered the most judicious selection of materials, while
others, through the influence of prejudice, or interest, or
passion, are liable to give to their narration of events, a
false colouring.

In times of great political excitement in populous
cities, various reports respecting its origin and progress

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 149

are found to prevail, according to the diversity of cir-
cumstances, which may come to the knowledge of dif-
ferent individuals, or to the various prejudices, by which
the conduct of those who mingle in such scenes may be
governed. The different exciting causes of agitation,
and the numbers which are often convened, in different
groups and localities, render it often difficult, perhaps
impossible, in a high state of excitement, for any indi-
vidual to acquire a correct knowledge of all the facts
relating to such scenes. Of the correctness of this view
of popular excitements, those who have witnessed them
in our large cities, at the present time, can bear testi-
mony. In sketching the biography of an individual,
who has been an actor in scenes of violent excitement,
we must expect to confine our narration to the account
of his personal knowledge. From these views of in-
formation, to be derived from the past, and from the un-
impeachable integrity of Hewes, his account of the
incidents, relating to the part assigned to him, in the
scenes of the revolution, has claims to our entire con-
fidence.

It was fortunate for the American people, that the

principal causes which led to the violent excitement in

Boston, previous to their revolutionary struggle, were

by them at that time, so well understood. Neither has

13*

150 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

the time yet past, when they may make a wise use of
the lessons of instruction which they furnish.

There ever has been, and it is to be apprehended, ever
will be certain periods in the course of human events,
when the affairs of civil government excite an extraor-
dinary interest in the public mind.

Such was the condition of the British American co-
lonies during the term of five or six years, next prece-
ding the commencement of the war of the revolution in
America.

The assumption of power, by the British Parliament,
was considered by the great mass of the American peo-
ple, as opposed to every just view of political right.

It was not on account of the intolerable burden of any
tea which the British government had imposed, but
against the justice of the claim, they would maintain, to
the right of taxing the American colonies in all cases
whatever, that the opposition of the Americans was
directed.

Although the people of some of the colonies had con-
sented to accept of the British parliament, charters of
incorporation, as the basis of the constitution and laws,
by which they had administered the affairs of their civil
government, and others had permitted their chief magi-
strate to derive his power and prerogatives from the
same source, they did not consider that this by any con-

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 151

struction, could be an implied abandonment of their own
natural right, to make and establish their own forms of
government, independent of any foreign aid, or, the in-
terposition of any other power. Neither did they be-
lieve, that because their ancestors in the first or second
degree of affinity, had been subjects of the British gov-
ernment, this circumstance would give to that govern-
ment the right to tax the descendants of such ancestors
in all cases whatever, and to the end of time.

It was therefore believed there was at that time just
cause of excitement on the part of the Americans, and
every indication of the intention of the British Parlia-
ment to coerce obedience to their measures, discover-
able by the citizens of Boston, was sure to be met with
the most resolute opposition ; in the progress of which,
acts of lawless violence were continually occurring,
which it was difficult, if not impossible to restrain.

While the inhabitants of Boston and the British colo-
nies were thus exquisitively sensible to whatever they
deemed hostile to their rights, resenting with equal in-
dignation the most trivial as the most serious attack ; a
resolution was taken in England, which if executed,
would have given the victory to the government, and
reduced the Americans to the condition to which they
had such an extreme repugnance.

Their obstinacy in refusing to pay the duty on tea,

152 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

rendered the smuggling of it an object, and was fre-
quently practiced, and their resolutions against using it,
although observed by many with little fidelity, had
greatly diminished the importation into the colonies of
this commodity. Meanwhile an immense quantity of it
was accumulated in the warehouses of the East India
Company in England. This company petitioned the
king to surpress the duty of three pence per pound upon
its introduction into America, and to continue the six
pence upon its exportation from the ports of England ;
such a measure would have given the government an
advantage of three pence per pound, and relieved the
Americans from a law they abhorred. But the gov-
ernment would not consent, as they were more solici-
tous about the right than the measure.

The company, however, received permission to trans-
port tea, free of all duty, from Great Britain to America,
and to introduce it there on paying a duty of three
pence.

Hence it was no longer the small vessels of private
merchants, who went to vend tea for their own account
in the ports of the colonies, but, on the contrary, ships
of an enormous burthen, that transported immense quan-
tities of this commodity, which, by the aid of the public
authority, might, as they supposed, easily be landed,
and amassed in suitable magazines. Accordingly the

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 153

company sent to its agents at Boston, New- York, and
Philadelphia, six hundred chests of tea, and a propor-
tionate number to Charleston, and other maritime cities
of the American continent. The colonies were now
arrived at the decisive moment when they must cast the
dye, and determine their course in regard to parliamen-
tary taxes.

For, as has been observed in a preceding page, if the
tea was permitted to be landed, it would be sold and the
duty consequently must have been paid. It was there-
fore resolved to exert every effort to prevent the landing.

Even in England individuals were not wanting, who
fanned this fire ; some from a desire to baffle the gov-
ernment, others from motives of private interest, says
the historian of that event, and jealousy at the opportu-
nity offered the East India Company, to make immense
profits to their prejudice.

These opposers of the measure in England wrote
therefore to America, encouraging a strenuous resist-
ance. They represented to the colonists that this would
prove their last trial, and that if they should triumph
now, their liberty was secured forever; but if they
should yield, they must bow their necks to the yoke of
slavery. The materials were so prepared and disposed
that they could easily kindle.

At Philadelphia, those to whom the teas of the com-

154 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

pany were intended to be consigned, were induced by
persuasion, or constrained by menaces, to promise, on
no terms, to accept the proffered consignment.

At New- York, Captain Sears and McDougal, daring
and enterprising men, effected a concert of will, between
the smugglers, the merchants, and the sons of liberty.

Pamphlets suited to the conjuncture, were daily dis-
tributed, and nothing was left unattempted by popular
leaders, to obtain their purpose.

The factors of the company were obliged to resign
their agency, and return to England. In Boston the
general voice declared the time was come to face the
storm. Why do we wait ? they exclaimed ; soon or
late we must engage in connect with England. Hun-
dreds of years may roll away before the ministers can
have perpetrated as many violations of our rights, as
they have committed within a few years. The oppo-
sition is formed ; it is general ; it remains for us to
seize the occasion. The more we delay the more
strength is acquired by the ministers. Now is the time
to prove our courage, or be disgraced with our brethren
of the other colonies, who have their eyes fixed upon
us, and will be prompt in their succour if we show our-
selves faithful and firm.

This was the voice of the Bostonians in 1771. The
factors who were to be the consignees of the tea, were

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 155

urged to renounce their agency, but they refused, and
took refuge in the fortress. A guard was placed on
Griffin's wharf, near where the tea ships were moored.
It was agreed that a strict watch should be kept ; that
if any insult should be offered, the bell should be im-
mediately rung; and some persons always ready to
bear intelligence of what might happen, to the neigh-
bouring towns, and to call in the assistance of the
country people.

On the 28th of November, 1773, the ship Dartmouth,
with 112 chests arrived; and the next morning after,
the following notice was widely circulated.

Friends, Brethren, Countrymen! That worst of
plagues, the detested tea, has arrived in this harbour.
The hour of destruction, a manly opposition to the ma-
chinations of tyranny, stares you in the face. Every
friend to his country, to himself, and to posterity, is now
called upon to meet at Faneuil Hall, at nine o'clock,
this day, (at which time the bells will ring,) to make a
united and successful resistance to this last, worst, and
most destructive measure of administration.

This notification brought together a vast concourse of
the people of Boston and the neighbouring towns, at the
time and place appointed. When it was resolved that
the tea should be returned to the place from whence it
came at all events, and no duty paid thereon. The

156 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

arrival of other cargoes of tea soon after, increased the
agitation of the public mind, already wrought up to a
degree of desperation, and ready to break out into acts
of violence, on every trivial occasion of offence. Things
thus appeared to be hastening to a disastrous issue.
The people from the country arrived in great numbers,
the inhabitants of the town assembled. This assembly
which was on the 16th of December, 1773, was the
most numerous ever known, there being more than
2000 from the country present. Finding no measures
were likely to be taken, either by the governor, or the
commanders, or owners of the ships, to return their
cargoes or prevent the landing of them, at 5 o'clock a
vote was called for the dissolution of the meeting and
obtained. But some of the more moderate and judicious
members, fearing what might be the consequences,
asked for a reconsideration of the vote, offering no other
reason, than that they ought to do every thing in their
power to send the tea back, according to their previous
resolves. This, says the historian of that event, touched
the pride of the assembly, and they agreed to remain
together one hour.

In this conjuncture, Josiah Quiney, a man of great
influence in the colony, of a vigorous and cultivated
genius, and strenuously opposed to ministerial enter-
prises, wishing to apprise his fellow-citizens of the im-

TfiE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 157

portance of the crisis, and direct their attention to pro-
bable results which might follow, after demanding
silence said, l This ardour and this impetuosity, which
are manifested within these walls, are not those that are
requisite to conduct us to the object we have in view ;
these may cool, may abate, may vanish like a flittering
shade. Quite other spirits, quite other efforts are es-
sential to our salvation. Greatly will he deceive him-
self, who shall think, that with cries, with exclamations,
with popular resolutions, we can hope to triumph in
this conflict, and vanquish our inveterate foes. Their
malignity is implacable, their thirst of vengeance insa-
tiable. They have their allies, their accomplices, even
in the midst of us, — even in the bosom of this innocent
country ; and who is ignorant of the power of those
who have conspired our ruin % Who knows not their
artifices ? Imagine not therefore, that you can bring
this controversy to a happy conclusion without the most
strenuous, the most arduous, the most terrible conflict ;
consider attentively the difficulty of the enterprise, and
the uncertainty of the issue. Reflict and ponder, even
ponder well, before you embrace the measures, which
are to involve this country in the most perilous enter-
prise the world has witnessed.'

The question was then immediately put, whether the
landing of the tea should be opposed ? and carried in
14

158 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

the affirmative unanimously. Rotch, to whom the cargo
of tea had been consigned, was then requested to de-
mand of the governor a permit to pass the castle. The
latter answered haughtily, that for the honor of the laws,
and from duty towards the king, he could not grant the
permit, until the vessel was regularly cleared. A vio-
lent commotion immediately ensued ; and it is related
by one historian of that scene, that a person disguised
after the manner of the Indians, who was in the gallery,
shouted at this juncture, the cry of war ; and that the
meeting dissolved in the twinkling of an eye, and the
multitude rushed in a mass to Griffin's wharf.

This address of Mr. Quincy on the subject of destroy-
ing the tea, was the last which was intended to inspire
the courage of the citizens to embark in that mighty
enterprise. He was the whig orator, who, it has been
said by some historians, was exclaiming against all
violent measures relating to the landing of the tea, when
the meeting dissolved in great confusion, and the
Indians in disguise, were seen making their way to
Griffin's wharf, to board the British tea ships.

It might have been said by the personal friends of
Mr. Quincy, who were opposed to the destruction of
the tea, that his remarks were intended to check the
disposition to that measure of which he doubtless had
seen indications in the public mind. But if his speech

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 159

on this occasion, savored a little of equivocation, the pe-
culiar crisis of the times, and a proper regard for his
own safety, might well justify them. He doubtless
contemplated the result which was expected to follow,
and believed in the expediency and necessity of conceal-
ing from the knowledge of the world, those, who either
encouraged or were to execute that project.

The execution of it, however, which immediately
followed, took place not only in the presence of several
ships of war, as has been related, hut almost under the
guns of the castle, where there was a large body of
troops at the command of the commissioners ; and well
might the historian remark, we are left to conjuncture,
even until the present time, for the reasons why no op-
position was made to this bold adventure.

They who dared to engage in it, had the honour of
a part in the act, which brought the king and parlia-
ment to a decision, that America must be subdued by
force of arms.

This event, and the establishment of the American
republic, which was the final result, has taught not only
the people of the United States, but the world, that op-
pressed man possesses the power of becoming free ; that
a bold and hardy race like that which achieved our in-
depence, may by a long sense of abuses and usurpations,
be roused from the lethargy of oppression, shake off

160 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

their fetters, fly to arms, vanquish their oppressors, and
raise to liberty and to glory. But we have yet to learn
whether the wisdom and the efforts of the American
people, to perpetuate the blessings of liberty, will or
will not be exhausted in vain. Although we have
learned from the events of the past, that we have had
courage to purchase liberty, we have yet to learn,
wrhether we have the wisdom and virtue, without which
its duration cannot be perpetuated.

By a glance at the event, the recollection of which
this humble memoir is intended to revive in the mind,
it will be seen that there is the same connexion between
cause and effect in the political as in the natural and
moral world. That a single event inconsiderable in
itself, as it may appear in the progress of things, may
occasion a succession of important events, which may
change the condition of a whole nation, through al
future times.

One ill-concerted project, one rash and injudicious
act of usurped power, may inflict evils on community,
which an act of wisdom cannot remove.

The claim of the British Parliament, to unlimited
power, was engendered in the councils of lawless am-
bition. Such a power maybe conferred by freemen on
one or any number of those over whom it is to be exer-
cised ; but as no individual has a right to claim such

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 161

power, so neither has one independent nation a Tight to
usurp the exercise of it over any other possessing the
same right to its independence.

Great Britain had by a series of precedents, and
usages, merged all the ingredients of what was entitled
her civil constitution, in the legislative power of Parlia-
ment; to which one of her most eminent jurists has
been pleased to ascribe the quality of omnipotence.

By an effort to exercise this power over the American
colonies, she incurred the displeasure, and awoke into
active opposition, the moral and physical energies of
the American people. On the 16th day of December,
1773, a limitation was set to the progress of her usur-
pation.

By the ill-concerted project of taxing the American
colonies, and the rash and injudicious attempts to exe-
cute it, Great Britain lost a dominion, which in the ex-
ercise of a just and constitutional power, she might
have extended to the western ocean, and hailed as her
loyal subjects, the countless millions which are to peo-
ple one quarter of the globe.

But the time had arrived, when in the course of
events, another trial of man's capacity for self-govern-
ment was to commence.

Half a century has already rolled away, since we
14*

162 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

have been progressing on the tide of successful experi-
ment.

To prepare the way for the American people to finally
triumph over the destinies which have heretofore decided
the fate of republics, the actors on the political stage, in
the turbulent scenes of 1773, did all that could be done
for their country and for posterity, under the appalling
circumstances which attended their condition at that
time, it is astonishing that they could do so much. It
belongs to the present generation, to so improve, if pos-
sible, what those who have gone before us have done,
as to render the duration of our privileges perpetual.

Nothing can better secure to Americans, success in
the experiment of self-government, which they are ma-
king, than to often take a retrospect of the past. A
prospect of the scenes which are opening before us in
America, is. in the prophetic language of one of our
illustrious sires, 'like contemplating the heavens through
the telescopes of Herschell : objects stupenduous in their
magnitudes and motions, strike us from all quarters and
fill us with amazement.' When we recollect that the
wisdom or the folly, the virtue or the vice, the liberty
or servitude, of those millions now beheld by us, only
as Columbus saw these times in vision,* are certainly to
be influenced, perhaps finally decided, by the manners.

* Barlow's vision of Columbus.

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 163

examples, principles, and political institutions of the pre-
sent generation, that mind must be hardened into stone,
that is not melted into reverence and awe. With such
affecting scenes before his eyes, is there, can there be
an American youth, indolent and incurious ; unmindful
of the past and regardless of the future ; surrendered up
to dissipation and frivolity ; vain of imitating the loosest
manner of countries which can never be made much
better, or much worse ? A profligate American youth
must be profligate indeed, and richly merits the scorn
of all mankind.

The laws which govern human actions and passions,
have hitherto decided the progress and fate of repub-
lics. But although the natural tendency of the human
disposition, has ever been the same, Americans may
hope, by the wisdom of their national policy and edu-
cation, so to improve their moral and political state, as
to encourage anticipations of more permanency to free
institutions, than has hitherto marked their course.

This object cannot be effected, by any efforts to im-
prove the superstructure of our government, without a
scrupulous regard to the principles on which it is
based, and which are the bulwark of its defence.

If the first and fundamental principles of our repub-
lic, are impaired and disregarded, the superstructure
will dwindle, and eventually crumble into ruins.

164 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

It is characteristic of the human disposition, to dis-
regard the lessons of experience, and to direct the con-
duct by the impulses of the present moment. This
trait in the character of man, might well have inspired
the poetical effusion : —

" Not one looks backward, onward still he goes,
Yet ne'er looks forward further than his nose."

In the progress of great political revolutions, when
the established order of things is to be subverted, and
aNnew one erected on its ruins, the extreme exigencies
of those whose efforts are to effect these great objects,
impel them to invoke the aid of such as are most dis-
tinguished for their physical and intellectual energies,
for their virtues and their wisdom.

Without inviduous comparisons, it will be conceded,
that no assemblage of individuals of equal number,
either in our own or any other country, has ever been
found to contain a greater number, of those who were
preeminently distinguished for such qualities, or whose
capacities were so appropriately adapted to the trans-
cendent work of aohieveing our Independence, as
those illustrious personages, to whom it was assigned.

If we would duly estimate our political condition,
and preserve its privileges, we should often review the
characters of those, by whose efforts it was acquired,
that we may be thereby inspired by the influence of

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 165

their example, with incentives to imitate their deeds of
glory. To evince the importance of this duty, and
aid the American people, in the performance of it,
events seem to have been so ordered, that an unusual
number of the venerable veterans and sages from the
front ranks of our revolutionary conflict, have been per-
mitted to outride not only the storm of war, but the more
fatal devastations of time, as the living monuments of
their well earned fame, and to teach by their example,
what moral, intellectual and physical endowments, had
proved efficient, in wresting from the hand of oppres-
sion and of power, the fortunes of their country.

The last of those immortal patriots* whose names
sealed the resolution of our Independence, and pro-
claimed it to the world, has but recently disappeared
from the drama of human life ; and the last survivor
of those, who with the tomahawk and club, vetoed the
unconstitutional and usurped power of the British
Parliament, sixty years ago, yet lives, and exhibits to
our view a bold and manly visage, of which an imper-
fect sketch is portrayed in the frontispiece of this little
volume^ which may well inspire our veneration and
respect, for the vigor, the integrity and the intelligence
of the mind to which it is an appropriate index. When
he shall be called to yield the extraordinary vigor of

* Charles Carroll, of Baltimore.

166 THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY.

his nature, as he soon must, and mingle his with the
consecrated ashes of the martyrs and sages of the
revolution, it is hoped the same spirit of liberty which
inspired them, may Phoenix like arise, and find in this
section of the globe an interminable existence.

The same principles which dissolved the American
colonies, from their allegience to the British govern-
ment, will, so long as we continue to revere and regard
them, preserve and defend our republics, but no longer.

We did not believe that freemen should be subjected
to a power undeligated by them, — unlimited and un-
defined by any civil constitution. It must indeed be
an herculean task, to overcome the influence of this
principle, on the conduct of American freemen. How
far that influence may be enfeebled, by the corruption
of manners, which a long and uninterrupted state of
prosperity tends to produce ; or from falling on times,
with which, as the poet says, principles may change,
must depend on the events of the future.

It is true, that the same sun that warms the earth,
and decks the field with flowers, thaws out the serpent
in his fen, and concocts his poison. So in the sunshine
of great national prosperity, the greatest political evils
may be engendered.

Amidst the conflicts of contending factions, of pas^
6ion, of vice and error, the principles which conducted

THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY. 167

us to an exalted place among the nations of the earth,
may yet be assailed.

Should that time arrive, when, in the agitations of
the public mind, we may be threatened with the same
disasters which have heretofore befallen the republics
which have gone before us, our civil constitution may
still save us, provided we are influenced by the exam-
ple, and animated by the spirit of the heroes who pur-
chased it, and of the sages by whose wisdom and vir-
tue it was formed and adopted. That spirit and that
wisdom only can preserve it. That spirit which is
designated by the degrading and odious name of par-
ty cannot save us; it is that which creates dissen-
tions, and entails misery and ruin on republics ; it is
that which we have been told by our greatest political
benefactor, that has in other times and countries, per-
petrated the most horrid enormities, and is itself a
frightful despotism. If we expect to be saved by our
civil constitution, and secure for liberty an immortal
existence, we must be inspired with that spirit which in
the best days of Roman glory, could yield every thing
to country, and identify with her, its own individual
interest. We must be governed in our political con-
duct, by that spirit which is appropriately designated
by no other, than the hallowed name of American ;
that spirit which inspired the desperate courage, and
exalted the patriotism of the Boston tea party.

INDEX

Page.
Men whose inheritance is only obscurity and want,

often destined to save the sinking fortunes of

their country 3

Those least ambitious of power and preferment con-
signed to oblivion by popular opinion - 3

In the distribution of public favours, the idle and
powerful are generally preferred to the useful
and obscure .... 3

Magnanimous deeds of courage incident to every
condition, were indispensable means of estab-
lishing our civil privileges - - 4

Instances of those distinguished by such deeds,
during the revolution ... 5

A reference to the causes which led to the war of
the revolution - - - 5

15

170 INDEX.

Page.

The refusal of the Americans to pay the duty on
tea, one of the most immediate and prominent of
those causes - - - - 6

The historical account of the destruction of the tea
in Boston harbour

Account continued - - - -7

The destruction of the British tea in Boston har-
bour, the commencement of a reformation, which
might improve the condition of mankind in all
ages to come - - - - 8

The projector of an important enterprise has not
an exclusive claim to the merit, or the renown
to be derived from its propitious results 8

He whose efforts accomplish the enterprise is
entitled to his share in the renown - - 9

Illustrated by a lesson from history - - 9

The project of drowning the tea in Boston harbour
would have been inefficient without the desperate
courage of those who executed it - - 9

INDEX. 171

Page.

Individuals may be supposed to be endowed with

qualities suited to the part they are destined to

act on the stage of human life - - 9, 10

*
The distinctions of rank and fortune are sought as

the sure passports to preferment - - 10

Between the circumstances of great members, there
is a striking similitude - - - - 10

A knowledge of the diversified incidents of human
life in all its forms, contribute to amusement and
instruction - - - - - 10

Distinctions created in the order of nature have
claims on the perpetuity of the monumental re-
cord, as well as those created by the usual pass-
ports to preferment ....

The usual passports to preferment not conferred on
the subject of the following memoir - - 11

One memorable deed conferred on him more sub-
stantial fame and durable glory, than should the
conquest of the world - - - - 1 1

In the unfashionable pursuits of honest industry,

172 INDEX.

Page.

a great part of the life of Hewes has been bu-
ried in the depths of obscurity - - - 1 1

He has been blessed with a capacity to preserve
what millions of the inheritors of wealth and fame
and preferment have lost, he has preserved his
physical and intellectual powers, his capacity for
sensual and social enjoyment, and his integrity
of character - - - - - 11

The present place of the residence of Hewes - 13

The seclusion of its locality from social intercourse 14

Reflections on the striking contrast between his
circumstances at the present time and in 1773 14

The present condition of his physical powers pro-
mise a considerable protraction of his life - 15

His integrity unimpeachable - - - 15

The few incidents of his life recorded in the prece-
ding memoir, depend for their correctness, on
the strength of his memory, and his veracity * 15

An account of his age - - - - 16

INDEX. 173

ft.

Page.

That men, whose inheritance is obscurity and want,
may be capable of saving the sinking fortunes
of their country, exemplified in the person and
character of Hewes - - * - 16

Fortuitous circumstances beyond the control of in-
dividuals, first throw open to them the doors of
the temple of their fame - - - 17

A glance at the history of Hewes, and a view of
his present condition, indicate in him the prere-
quisite constituents of a great man - - 17

His education very limited - - - 17

His account of his ancestors - - - 18

His relation of some circumstances of his birth and
name, from the account of his mother - - 18

Exposed in his infancy to the mischiefs to which
children are liable in populous cities - - 19

An account of his being drowned and restored to
life, at the age of six years - - - 19

His account of his mother chastising him for expo-
15*

174 INDEX.

Page.

sing himself by his childish curiosity to that
catastrophe - - - - - 20

His remarks on the good effect that chastisement
had on his future conduct - - - 2.0

Soon after bound an apprentice to his uncle at
Wrentham, who was a farmer - - -20

His relation of a chastisement inflicted by his aunt
upon him while at Wrentham, and his effort to
administer equal justice on that occasion, by pun-
ishing her son - 20-2

His account of the acquittal to him by his uncle
from all blame in the controversy with his aunt 22

His characteristic independence of spirit exhibited
on that occasion - - - - %%

A custom of that period, related by Hewes, of post-
poning the punishment of children for their
offences, until the day after their commission - 23

Taken from his uncle at Wrentham and put an
apprentice to learn the trade of a shoemaker - 23

INDEX. X 175

Page.

Not an occupation of his choice, or suited to his
taste and faculties - - - - 23

The injudicious conduct of parents in choosing
occupations for children, unsuited to their taste
and inclination, exemplified in the history and
character of Hewes - - - - 23

He enlists as a soldier in the war of the British
government, waged to resist the claims of the
French in North America, hut could not pass
muster because he was not tall enough - 24

The artifice he practiced to remedy that incapacity 24

On a re-examination by the muster master, it being
found he had raised the heels of his shoes, and
stuffed rags into the bottom of his stockings, he
was again rejected - - - - 24

The artifice practiced by Hewes to avoid his dis-
qualification to become a soldier, exhibited in
him a temper and inclination strikingly similar
to that noticed in the juvenile temper of Sir Wal-
ter Scott - - - - - 25

Gives an account of his marriage, and residence in

176 INDEX.

Page.

Boston from the conclusion of the French war
until the differences of the American colonies
with Great Britain commenced - - 27

His account of the massaere of the citizens of Bos-
ton by the British soldiers, under the command
of Capt. Preston - - - - 28

He was among those who were fired upon by the
British soldiers - - - - 29

His account of the trial of Capt. Preston and the
soldiers for the murder of the citizens - - 31

His account of being knocked down in the street
at Boston by a custom-house officer, by the name
of Malcom - - - - - 33

The Boston whigs inflict summary punishment on
Malcom with whipping, tar and feathers, and
half hanging - - - - - 34

Hewes narrowly escapes from the fatal effects of
the wound inflicted by Malcom, and yet shows
the scar it occasioned - - - - 25

The account which Hewes gives of the destruc-
tion of the British tea - - - - 36

* v INDEX. 177

Page.

A meeting of the citizens of the county of Suffolk
to consult on measures to prevent the landing of

the tea - - - - - - 37

A committee appointed at the meeting to inquire of
the governor if he would take measures to pre-
vent the collection of the tax upon it - 38

Governor Hutchinson gives the committee an eva-
sive answer, and retires to his country seat, six
miles from Boston - - - - 38

The meeting*dissolved immediately on the report
of the committee - - - - 38

Hewes' account of the manner he disguised himself
in the costume and visage of an Indian - 38

The manner of discharging the cargo of tea from
the vessel described - - - - 39

Attempts made by the tories to save for themselves
a little tea from the decks of the vessels - 40

Anecdote of one Capt. O' Conner, who was detected
in the act of taking the tea - • - 40

178 INDEX. '

Page.

Anecdote of an aged man who was seized in the
act of taking tea, and lost his hat and wig - 41

Attempts made to establish an habitual disuse of
tea by force of public opinion - - -42

Such attempts opposed by the tories - - 42

Theophilus Lilly, publicly insulted for selling tea 43

A German boy killed by one Richardson, the
kings tide waiter for encouraging the insults to
Lilly - . - - t- .

Richardson seized, taken before a magistrate by
the name of Dinny, who ordered him to give
bonds, with sureties for his appearance and trial 44

Richardson and his sureties, who were tories,
escape to Halifax - - - - 44

Remarks on the wisdom of the policy and expedi-
ency of destroying the British tea - - 45

The act of destroying the tea expected to engender
a state of hostilities with the British government,
and might be considered as an implied declara-

INDEX. 179

Page.

tionof a war or rebellion, on the part of the colony
of Massachusetts » -

Those who are known to have aided in executing
that project are entitled to their full share in the
glory of that event - - - - 49

The volunteer heroes of the Boston tea party had
none of the usual incitements to action which
impel the hero to great and glorious deeds in the
field of battle - - - - - 49

They were signally exposed to the fire of the armed
British ships, as well as to the treachery of their
fellow assailants - - - - 51

Hewes and his associates, in destroying the tea
must have acted wholly upon their own respon-
sibility, in a matter which related to the general
interest of their country and the rights of mankind 53

The violent seizure and destruction of the British
tea in Boston harbour, in 1773, commanded the
attention of our sages,' and inspired the spirit of
our poets, more than any single event at that
time - 54

180 INDEX.

Page.

The notice of it by a celebrated poet of those times 54

Remarks on the tragi-comical exhibition of the
Boston tea project - - - - 54

The boasted courage of the British lion stood ap-
palled before the majesty of the Boston mob 56

The magnanimous patriotism of the American wo-
men in abandoning the use of tea, for the pur-
pose of establishing their country's independence 56

Remarks on their influence in society - 57

A comparison between the patriotism of the Ameri-
can and Roman ladies - - - 58

Hewes' account of the condition of Boston, imme-
diately after the tea was destroyed - 59

Of Governor Gage's treachery in disarming the
citizens - - - - 59

The males who were fit to bear arms were prohi-
bited from leaving the town, except under certain
regulations, established for the purpose of reliev-
ing his troops, not to favour the people of Boston 60

INDEX. 181

Page.

Hewes subjected himself to the governor's regula-
tions for nine weeks 60

Made his escape in a fishing boat with two other
men, and repairs to his family at Wrentham 60

Admiral Graves suspicions that Hewes intended
to make his escape - - - 61

Threatened to hang him at the yard arm if he did 61

Treachery of a British soldier - - 61

Informs Hewes that the Americans could take the
fort from the British without difficulty - 61

A British officer reproves the soldier for speaking
to Hewes - - - - 61

Makes an assault upon Hewes with brick bats and
stones for presuming to speak to his soldier 62

Hewes makes his escape and shuts himself up in
his shop - - - - - 62

Common patriotism illustrated in the conduct of
the British soldier 62

16

182 INDEX.

Page.

Hewes resolved on avenging himself on the Bri-
tish, for their usurpation and tyranny - 62

With that object resolves on a privateering cruise 63

Informs his wife of his resolution and requests her
to have his clothes in readiness by a certain
time which he designated - - 63

His wife reluctantly complies without a murmur 63

Hewes describes the affecting scene of parting with
his wife and family 63

The scene of parting with his family an interesting
subject for the penciled canvass or poet's song 63

His conduct on this occasion compared to that of
the Roman patriot in the best days of Roman
glory .... 64

A comparative view of the patriotism of 1775, and
that of the present time - - - 64

Hewes stipulates to go from Providence on a cruise
of seven weeks with a Capt. Stacy - 65

After the seven weeks had expired, and we had

INDEX. 183

Page.

espied nothing, the crew threatened to mutinize,
unless the Captain would return - 68

Soon after espied a British vessel, loaded with
sweet oil and fur - - - 66

Took her by first decoying the Captain on board
our vessel, and sent her into Rhode Island 66

In about a week after took another prize, and sent
her into Rhode Island, with a prize master 66

On the same cruise we took a brig laden with rum
and sugar .... 66

While on this cruise off the banks of Newfoundland
Hewes rerates a narrow escape from drowning,
by falling from a broken rope into the sea 66

Was hauled up by a rope, with an Irishman, who
caught hold of his coat - - - 67

Returns from this cruise intended for seven weeks,
after being out three months . - - 67

Embarked soon after on another cruise from Bos-
ton, with Capt. Smedley of New- London 68

184 INDEX.

Page,

After being out nine days met with a heavy gale
which kept the crew at the pumps eight days
and nights to keep them from sinking - - 68

Met with a French ship, the captain of which in-
formed them of two large British ships deep
loaded - - - - - - 68

Varied their course, and came up with them the
next morning and captured her after killing nine
of her men .... 59

An humorous account of the capture of this ship 69

Gave chace to the other ship, which, during our
engagement with the first had run away, and
took her also .... 59

Sent them to Boston with a prize master, and sailed
to South Carolina to repair their ship - - 69

Hewes' account of the capture of two sloops and a
schooner, with a crew of gentlemen and ladies
who were tories, escaping from Boston - - 70

He leaves the cruising business, but never got his
premium on prizes, or his wages - - 74

INDEX. 185

Page.

The entire obscurity of his condition since the war
of the revolution - - - - 76

An account of his visit at Boston after an absence
of fifty years . - - - -77

The physical and intellectual nature of Hewes,
calculated for daring enterprise - - 84

A description of the person of Hewes - - 86

Imitates the Spartans in his habits and manners 89

An account of his celebrating the 4th of July, 1833 89

His fortitude in adverse circumstances - - 93

A view of his present condition and the circum-
stances which led to it - - - - 94

Remarks on the causes of the diversity of the hu-
man condition - - - - 97,98

Illustrated by examples in our own country - 98

Remarks on the mode of education among the
Spartans - - - - - 103

16*

186 INDEX.

Page-

Remarks on various practices to acquire distinction 105

Remarks on the distinctions which claim attention
from the world - - - - 1 1 1

Plutarch's definition of a magistrate - - 1 1 1

Hewes claims none of the usual passports to power
and distinction - - - - - 1 1 1

An opinion that moral precepts are essential in
support of civil government - - - 112

Remarks on the causes of his integrity - - 113

Our republic not always grateful for past services 1 1 4

The renown of Hewes inseparably connected by
the same event - - - - 115

A propensity in the human disposition to forget the
events of the past - - - - 117

The duty of a wise people to seek instruction from
the past ..... us

Remarks on longevity, suggested by a view of the
present condition of Hewes - - -119

INDEX. 187

Pago

The most celebrated nations have respected and
reverenced the aged more than any particular
class in society .... 127

Remarks on the views which the Spartans had of
the aged ... - - 127

Remarks on the uses of a physical biography of
the very aged ----- 129

The self-preserving capacity of He wes, distinguish
him from most instances of longevity - - 131

Remarks on that class of readers, who are not ex-
pected to seek for amusement or instruction in
the memoir of a useful and obscure citizen - 123

A disposition in mankind to cannonize the fame of
their ancestors by unfading emblems - -134

The spot in Boston harbour consecrated to the
genius of liberty on the 16th of December, 1773,
deserves a monument - - - - 134

Sketches from history, or view of the times in 1773 136

The first armed ship that visited Boston, and dis-
satisfaction with which it was received - - 138

183 INDEX.

Page,

Town meeting called in Boston, to concert measures
of resistance to British taxation - - 140

Use of tea first prescribed in Boston - - 144

Artifice of the British officers to divert the minds
of the Bostonians from a view of threatened evils 144

Detected and defeated by the ladies - - 144

Account of the funeral of a boy, killed by a custom-
house officer - - - - - 145

Account of Boston massacre - - - 147

The arrival of the first tea ship in Boston harbour 155

Boston town meeting, and speech of Josiah Quincy
on that occasion - - - - 156

At the close of his speech, the meeting suddenly
dissolved in confusion, about six o'clock in the
afternoon, 16th day of December, 1773 - - 157

Diversity of opinion respecting the views of Mr.
Quincy, explained - - - - 158

The destruction of the tea bronght the king and

INDEX. 189

Page.

parliament to the decision that America must be
subdued by arms - - - - 159

Remarks on the lesson which the American Revo-
lution taught the world - - - 159

A single event inconsiderable in itself may change
the condition of a whole nation through all future
times ...--- 160

The effect of the British project of taxing the Ameri-
cans on our future destinies - - - 161

A view of the future prospects of America - 162

A regard to the principles upon which our govern-
ment can alone give it permanency - - 163

The capacities and the characters of those who
achieved our independence, pre-eminently quali-
fied them for that mighty enterprise - - 163

The one who with his associates convinced Great
Britain that America could be subdued only by
force of arms, yet lives, and this memoir should
perpetuate his memory - - - 165

190 INDEX.

Page,

The spirit of the horoes and sages who purchased
our independence, would enable us to perpetuate
its duration - - - - - 167

APPENDIX.

That the reader might duly appreciate the importance of the
event, which the preceding memoir is intended to revive in the
recollection, it was proper to notice the causes which led to it,
and to the separation of the American colonies, from the British
Government. Among which the most prominent was that of
their usurping rights not delegated by the people, nor defined by
any civil constitution.

Our own civil constitution, formed and adopted by the repre-
sentatives of the people, has been referred to, also, as the great
palladium of our liberties.

There being considerable excitement in the public mind at
this time, occasioned by a diversity of opinion, respecting the
object and extent of the power, delegated by that instrument to
the different departments of our government, I have thought it
might give to this work in view of its patrons, an additional
value, tsy comprising in it, the constitution of the United States.
The propriety of appending this instrument will be further
appreciated, by the consideration, that this instrument or form
of our gevtrnment, was the result, not only of the event which
this memoir would commemorate, but of all the saerinces and
sufferings, to which the people of the United States were sub-
jected, in their revolutionary contest.

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
WITH THE AMENDMENTS THERETO.

WE, the people of the United States, in order to form a more
perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare,

192 CONSTITUTION OF

and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our pos-
terity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United
States of America,

ARTICLE I.

SECTION I.

1. ALL legislative powers herein granted, shall be vested in a
congress of the United States, which shall consist of a senate
and house of representatives.

SECTION II.

1. The house of representatives shall be composed of mem-
bers, chosen every second year, by the people of the several
states ; and the electors of each state shall have the qualifica-
tions requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the
state legislature.

2. No person shall be a representative who shall not have
attained to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a
citizen of the United States, who shall not, when elected, be an
inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen.

3. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned
among the several states which may be included within this
union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be de-
termined by adding to the whole number of free persons, includ-
ing those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding
Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other persons. The actual
enumeration shall be made within three years after tha first
meeting of the congress of the United States, and witlm every
subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by
law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed one
for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have af least one
representatives ; and until such enumeration shall bJ made, the
state of New-Hampshire shall be entitled to choose ihree — Mas.
sachusetts eight — Rhode Island and Providence Plintations one
— Connecticut five — New.York six — New. Jersey four — Pennsyl-
vania eight — Delaware one — Maryland six — Virginia ten —
North Carolina five — South Carolina five — and Georgia three.

4. When vacancies happen in the representation from any
state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of elec-
tion to fill such vacancies.

5. The house of representatives shall choose their speaker
and other officers, and shall have the sole power of impeach,
ment.

THE UNITED STATES. 193

SECTION III.

1. The senate of the United States shall be composed of two
senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for
six years ; and each senator shall have one vote.

2. Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence
of the first election, they shall be divided, as equally as may be,
into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class
shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the
second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the
third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one third
may be chosen every second vear ; and if vacancies happen by
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of
any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appoint,
ments, until the next meeting of the legislature, which shall then
fill such vacancies.

3. No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained
the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the
United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant
of that state for which he shall be chosen.

4. The vice-president of the United States, shall be president
of the senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally di-
vided.

5. The senate shall choose their other officers, and also a
president pro tempore, in the absence of the vice-president, or
when he shall exercise the office of president of the United States.

6. The senate shall have the sole power i > try all impeach-
ments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or
affirmation. When the president of the Unite . I States is tried,
the chief justice shall preside ; and no person shall be convicted
without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present.

7. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further
than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and
enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit, under the United
States ; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and
subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, accord-
ing to law.

SECTION IV.

1. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for
senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by
the legislature thereof; but the congress may, at anytime, by
law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of
choosing senators.

3. The congress shall assemble at least once in every year,
and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December,
unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

17

194 CONSTITUTION OF

SECTION V.

1, Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns,
and qualifications of its own members ; and a majority of each
shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number
may adjourn from clay to day, and may be authorized to compel
the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under
such penalties as each house may provide.

2, Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings,
punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the con-
currence of two thirds expel a member,

3, Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and
from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as
may in their judgment require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays
of the members of either house on any question, shall, at the
desire of one fifth of those present, be entered on the journal,

4, Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, with-
out the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days,
nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall
be sitting.

SECTION VI.

1. The senators and representatives shall receive a compensa-
tion for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of
the treasury of the United States. They shall, in all cases, ex-
cept treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from
arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective
houses, and in going to and returning from the same ; and for
any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be question-
ed in any other place.

2. No senator or representative shall, during the time for
which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the
authority of the United States, which shall have been created,
or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during
such time ; and no person holding any office under the United
States, shall be a member of either house during his continuance
in office.

SECTION VII.

1. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of
representatives ; but the senate may propose or concur with
amendments as on other bills.

2. Every bill which shall have passed the house of representa-
tives and the senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented
to the president of the United States ; if he approve, he shall
sign it ; but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to that
house in winch it shall have originated who shall enter the ob-

THE UNITED STATES. 195

jections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it.
If, after such reconsideration, two thirds of that house shall
agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec-
tions to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsid-
ered, and if approved by two thirds of that house, it shall become
a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be
determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons
voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the journal
of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by
the president within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall
have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like
manner as if he had signed it, unless the congress by their ad-
journment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law.
3. Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence
of the senate and house of representatives may be necessary
(except on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to the
president of the United States ; and before the same shall take
effect, shall be approved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds
of the senate and house of representatives according to the rules
and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill.

SECTION VIII.

The congress shall have power —

1. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises ; to
pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general
welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises
shall be uniform throughout the United States :

2. To borrow money on the credit of the United States :

3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among
the several states-, and with the Indian tribes :

4. To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uni-
form laws on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the United
States :

5. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign
coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures :

6. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the secu-
rities and current coin of the United States :

7. To establish post-offices and post-roads :

8. To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by
securing for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclu-
sive right of their respective writings and discoveries :

9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court : To
define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high
seas, and offences against the law of nations :

19G CONSTITUTION OF

10. To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and
make rules concerning captures on land or water.

11. To raise and support armies; but no appropriation of
money to that use, shall be for a longer term than two years :

12. To provide and maintain a navy :

13. To make rules for the government and regulation of the
land and naval forces :

14. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws
of the union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions:

15. To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the
militia, and for governing such part of them, as may be employ-
ed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states
respectively, the apppointment of the officers, and the authority
of training the militia according to the discipline presented by
congress :

16. To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever,
over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by
cession of particular states, and the acceptance of congress,
become the seat of government of the United States, and to
exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent
of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards and other
needful buildings: — And

17. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper, for
carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other
powers vested by this constitution, in the government of the
United States, or in any department or office thereof.

SECTION IX.

1. The migration or importation of such persons as any of
the states now existing may think proper to admit, shall not be
prohibited by the congress prior to the year eighteen hundred
and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation
not exceeding ten dollars for each person.

2. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be
suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the
public safety may require it.

3. No bill of attainder, or ex post facto law shall be passed.

4. No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in
proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed
to be taken.

5. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any
state. No preference shall be given by any regulation of com-
merce or revenue to the parts of one state over those of another ;

THE UNITED STATES.

197

nor shall vessels bound to or from one state, be obliged to enter,
clear, or pay duties in another.

6. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in conse-
quence of appropriations made by law : and a regular statement
and account of the receipts and expenditures of ail public money,
shall be published from time to time.

7. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ;
and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them,
shall, without the consent of the congress, accept of any present,
emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever, from any king,
prince or foreign state.

section x.

1. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confedera-
tion : grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit
bills of credit ; make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender
in payment of debts ; pass any bill of attaindor, ex post facto
law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts ; or grant any
title of nobility.

2 No state shall, without the consent of the congress, lay
any imposts cr duties on imports or exports, except what may
be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws; and
the net produce of all duties and imports laid by any state on
imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the
United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision
and control of the congress. No state shall without the consent
of congress lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of
war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with
another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in a war, un-
less actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not
admit of delay.

ARTICLE II.

SECTION I.

1. The executive power shall be vested in a president of the
United States of America. He shall hold his office during the
term of four years, and, together with the vice-president, chosen
for the same term, be elected as follows :

2. Each state shall appoint in such manner as the legislature
thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole
number of senators and representatives to which the state may
be entitled in the congress ; but no senator or representative, or
person holding an office of trust or profit under the United
States, shall be appointed an elector.

17*

198 CONSTITUTION OF

3. The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote
by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an
inhabitant of the same state with themselves. And they shall
make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of
votes for each ; which list they shall sign and certify, and
transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United
States, directed to the president of the senate. The president
of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of
representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then
be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes
shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole
number of the electors appointed ; and if theie be more than
one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes,
then the house of representatives shall immediately choose by
ballot, one of them for president ; and if no person have a ma-
jority, then from the five highest on the list, the said house shall,
in like manner, choose the president. But in choosing the presi-
dent, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation of each
state having one vote. A quorum for this purpose shall consist
of a member or members from two thirds of the states, and a
majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. In
every case, after the choice of the president, the person having
the greatest number of votes of the electors, shall be the vice-
president. But if there should remain two or more who have
pqual votes, the senate shall choose for them, by ballot, the vice-
president.

4. The congress may determine the time of choosing the
electors, and the day on which they shall give their votes ; which
day shall be the same throughout the United States.

5. No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the
United States at the time of the adoption of this constitution,
shall be eligible to the office of president ; neither shall any per-
son be eligible to that office, who shall not have attained to tho

ige of thirl y-five years, and been fourteen years a resident with-
T the United States.

6. In case of the removal of the president from office, or of
his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and

ies of said office, the same shall devolve on the vice-president,

1 the congress may, by law, provide for the case of removal,

th, resignation, or inability, both of the president and vice-

:dent, declaring what officer shall then act as president, and

: officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed,

or d. president shall be elected.

Che president shall, at stated times, receive for his services
p nsation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished

THE UNITED STATES.

199

during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he
shall not receive within that period any other emolument from
the United States, cr any of them. ■

8. Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall
take the following oath or affirmation.

9. " I do solemnly swear Tor affirm] that I will faithfully exe-
cute the office of president of the United States, and will, to
the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the constitu-
tion of the United States."

SECTION II.

1. The president shall be the commander in chief of the army
and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several
states, when called into the actual service of the United States ;
he may require the opinion in writing, cf the principal officers
in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating
to the duties of the respective officers ; and he shall have power
to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United
States except in cases of impeachment.

2. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent
of the senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the sen-
ators present, concur : and he shall nominate, and by and with
the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint ambassadors,
other public ministers, and consuls, judges of the supreme court,
and other officers of the United States, whose appointments are
not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established
by law. But the congress may, by law, vei t the appointment of
such inferior officers as they think proper, in the president alone,
in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.

3. The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that
may happen during the recess of the senate, by granting com-
missions which shall expire at the end of the next session.

SECTION III.

1. He shall, from time to time, give to the congress, informa-
tion of the state of the union, and recommend to their consider-
ation, such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ;
he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, or
either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with
respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such
time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors and
other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be faith-
fully executed ; and shall commission all the officers of the
United States.

200 , CONSTITUTION OF

SECTION IV.

1. The president, vice-president, and all civil officers of the
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for,
and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and
misdemeanors.

ARTICLE III.

SECTION I.

I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in
one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress
may, from time to time, ordain and establish. The judges, both
of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during
good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services,
a compensation which shall not be diminished during their con-
tinuance in office.

SECTION II.

1. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and
equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United
States and the treaties made, or which shall be made, under
their authority; to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public
ministers and consuls ; to all cases of admiralty and maritime
jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United States shall
be a party ; to controversies between two or more states, between
a state and citizens of another state, between citizens of different
states, between citizens of the same state claiming lands under
grants of different states, and between a state and the citizens
thereof, and foreign states, citizens, or subjects.

2. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers
and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the su-
preme court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other
cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellee
jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and
under such regulations as congress shall make.

3. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment,
shall be by jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where
the said crimes shall have been committed ; but when not com-
mitted within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places
as the congress may by law have directed.

SECTION III.

1. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in
levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving
them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason,

THE UNITED STATES. 201

unless on the testimony of two witnesses^ the same overt act,
or on the confession in open court.

2. The congress shall have power to declare the punishment
of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of
blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attained.

ARTICLE IV.

SECTION I.

1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state, to the
public acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other
state. And tbe congress may, by general laws prescribe the
manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings, shall be
proved, and the effect thereof.

SECTION II.

1. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges
and immunities of citizens in the several states.

2. A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or
other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another
state, shall, on demand of the executive authority of the state
from which he fled, be delivered up to be removed to the state
having jurisdiction of the crime.

5. No person held to service or labor in one state, under the
laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of
any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service
or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom
such service or labor may be due.

SECTION III.

1. New states mcy be admitted by tlie congress into this
union ; but no new state shall be formed or created within the
jurisdiction of any other state ; nor any state be formed by the
junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the
consent of the legislature of the states concerned as well as of
the congress.

2. The congress shall have power to dispose of and make all
needful rules and regulations, respecting the territory or other
property belonging to the United States ; and nothing in this
constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of
the United States, or of any particular state.

SECTION IV.

1. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this
union, a republican form of government, and shall protect each

202 CONSTITUTION OF

of them against invasion ; and on application of the legislature,
or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be convened)
against domestic violence.

ARTICLE V.

1. The congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall
deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitu-
tion, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of
the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amend-
ments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and
purposes, as part of this constitution, when ratified by the
legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conven-
tions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of
ratification may be proposed by the congress ; provided, that no
amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand
eight hundred and eight, shall in any manner effect the first and
fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and that
no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal
suffrage in the senate.

ARTICLE VI.

1. All debts contracted and engagements entered into before
the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the
United States under this constitution, asunder the confederation.

2. This constitution, and the laws of the United States which
shall be made in pursuance thereof ; and all treaties made, or
which shall be made under the authority of the United States,
shall be the supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every
state shall be bound thereby ; any thing in the constitution or
laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.

3. The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the
members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and
judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several
states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this con-
stitution ; but no religious test shall ever be required as a quali-
fication to any office or public trust under the United States.

ARTICLE VII.

1. The ratification of the convention of nine states, shall be
sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the
states so ratifying the same.

Done in convention, by the unanimous consent of the states
present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our

THE UNITED STATES.

203

Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of
the independence of the United States of America, the twelfth.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, President

and deputy from Virginia.

New -Hampshire.
John Langdon,
Nicholas Gilman.

Massachusetts.
Nathaniel Gorham,
Rufus King.

Connecticut.
William Samuel Johnson,
Roger Sherman.

New-York.
Alexander Hamilton.

New-Jersey.
William Livingston,
David Brearley,
William Patterson,
Jonathan Dayton.

Pennsylvania.
B e nj amin Fran I: '
Thomas Mifflin,
Robert Morris,
George Clymer,
Thomas Fitzsimons,
Jared Ingersoll,
James Wilson,
Governeur Morris.

Delaware.
George Reed,
Gunning Bedford, jun.
John Dickinson,
Richard Bassett,
Jacob Broom.

Maryland.
James M'Henry,
Daniel of St. Tho. Jenifer,
Daniel Carroll,

'ma.
John Blair,
James Madison, jun.

North-Carolina.
William Blount,
Richard Dobbs Spaight,
Hugh Williamson.

South-Carolina.
John Rut!

Charles C. Pinkney,
Charles Pinkney,
Pierce Butler.

Georgia.
"William Few,
Abraham Baldwin.

Attest : WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary,

IN CONVENTION.

Monday, September 17th, 1787.

Resolved, That the preceding1 constitution be laid before the
United States in congress assembled, and that it is the opinion of
this convention, that it should afterwards be submitted to a con-
vention of delegates chosen in each state by the people thereof,
under the recommendation of its legislature, for their assent and
ratification ; and that each convention assenting to, and ratifying
the same, should give notice thereof to the United States in con-
gress assembbd.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this convention, that as soon
as the conventions of nine states shall have ratified this constitu-
tion, the United States in congress assembled, should fix a day on
which electors should be appointed by the states which shall have
ratified the same, and a day on which the electors should assemble
to vote for the president, and the time and place for commencing
proceedings under this constitution. That after such publication,
the electors should be appointed, and the senators and represen-
tatives elected. That the electors should meet on the day fixed
for the elections of the president, and should transmit their votes,
certified, signed, sealed and directed, as the constitution requires,
to the secretary of the United States, in congress assembled; that
the senators and representatives should convene at the time and
place assigned ; that the senators should appoint a president of
the senate, for the sole purpose of receiving, opening, and count-
ing the votes for president; and that after he shall be chosen, the
congress, together with the president, should, without delay, pro-
ceed to execute this constitution.

By the unanimous order of the convention,

GEORGE WASHINGTON, President.

William Jackson, Secretary.

IN CONVENTION.

September, 17th, 1787.

Sir:

1. We have now the honor to submit to the consideration of
the United States in congress assembled, that constitution which
has appeared to us the most advisable.

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 205

2. The friends of our country have long seen and desired, that
the power of making war, peace and treaties ; that of levying
money and regulating commerce, and the correspondent execu-
tive and judicial authorities, should be fully and effectually vested
in the general government of the Union ; but the impropriety of
delegating such extensive trusts 1o one body of men, is evident ;
hence results the necessity of a different organization.

3. It is obviously impracticable in the federal government of
these states, to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to
each, and yet provide for the safety of all. Individuals entering
into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.
The magnitude of the sacrifice must depend as well on situation
and circumstance, as on the o ject to be obtained. It is at all
times difficult to draw with precision the line between those rights
which must be surrendered and those which maybe reserved;
and on the present occasion, this difficulty was increased by a
difference among the several states as to their situation, extent,
habits, and particular interests.

4. In all our deliberations on this subject, we kept steadily in
our view, that which appears to us the greatest interest of every
true American, the consolidation of our union, in which is in-
volved our prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our national exist-
ence. This important consideration, seriously and deeply im-
pressed on our minds, led each state in the convention to be less
rigid on points of inferior magnitude, than might have been other-
wise expected; and thus the constitution which v/e nmv present,
is the result of a spirit of amity and that of mutual Hi ference and
concession, which the peculiarity of our political situation ren-
dered indispensible.

5. That it will meet the full and entire approbation of every
state, is not, perhaps, to be expected ; but each Will doubtless con-
sider, that had her interest alone been consulted, the consequen-
ces might have been particularly disagreeable or injurious to
others ; that it is liable to as few exceptions as could reasonably
have been expected, we hope and believe; that it may promote
the 1? sting welfare of that country so dear to us all, and secure
her freedom and happiness, is our most ardent wish. With great
respect, we have the honor to be, sir, your excellency's most obe-
dient and humble servants.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, President.
By the unanimous order of the convention.
His excellency the Presi-
dent of Congress.

18

THE UNITED STATES,

in congress assembled".

Friday, Sept. 28th, 1787.
Present — New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New-
York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia; and from Maryland,
Mr. Ross.

Congress having received the report of the convention lately
assembled in Philadelphia :

Resolved, unanimously, That the said report, with the resolu.
tions and letter accompanying the same, be transmitted to the
several legislatures, in order to submit to a convention of dele-
gates, chosen in each state by the people thereof, in conformity
to the resolves of the convention, made and provided in that case.
Charles Thompson, Secretary.

AMENDMENTS.

ARTICLE I.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
leligion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging
the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the peo-
ple peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a
redress of grievances.

ARTICLE II.

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a
free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not
be infringed.

ARTICLE III.

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house,
without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of war, but in a
manner to be prescribed by law.

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 207

ARTICLE IV.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures,
shall not be violated ; and no warrants shall issue, but upon prob-
able cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly
describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to
be seized.

ARTICLE V.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise
infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand
jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the
militia, when in actual service, in time of war or public danger ;
nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice
put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor sIvgII be compelled, in any
criminal case, to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of
life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall
private property be taken for public use, without just compen-
sation.

ARTICLE VI.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right
to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state and
district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which dis-
trict shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be
informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be con-
fronted with the witnesses against him ; to have compulsory
process for obtaining witnesses in his favor ; and to have the as-
sistance of counsel for his defence.

ARTICLE VII.

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall
exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved ;
and no fact, tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in
any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the
common law.

ARTICLE VIII.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines impo.
sed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

ARTICLE IX.

The enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall

208 CONSTITUTION OF

not bo construed to deny or disparage others retained by the
people.

ARTICLE X.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the consti-
tution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states
respectively, or to the people.

ARTICLE XI.

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed
to extend any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted
against one of the United States by citizens of another state, or
by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.

ARTICLE XII.

1 The electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by
ballot for president and vice president, one of whom, at least,
shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they
shall name in their ballots the person voted for as president, and
indistinct ballots the person voted for as vice president; and
they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as president,
and of ail persons voted for as vice-president, or the number of
votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and trans-
mit, sealed, to the seat of the government of the United States,
directed to the president of the senate ; the president of the sen-
ate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representa-
tives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be
counted; the person having the greatest number of votes for
president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of
electors appointed ; and if no person have such majority, then
from three on the list of those voted for as president, the house
of representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the presi-
dent. But in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by
states, the representation from each state having one vote : a
quorum for this purposo shall consist of a member or members
from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall
be necessary to a choice. And if the house of representatives
shall not choose a president whenever the right of choice shall
devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next follow-
ing, then the vice-president shall act as president, as in the case
of the death or other constitutional disability of the president.

2. The person having the greatest number ef votes as vice-
president, shall be the vice-president, if such number be a major-
ity of the whole number of electers appointed ; and if no person

THE UNITED STATES. 20^

h.vc a majority, then from the two highest numbers on he hst,
the senate shall choose the vice-president: a quorum for the pur-
pose S consist of two thirds of the whole number of senators,

aTd a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a

Ch30:CButno person constitutionally inelligihle *******
esident shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the UmteJ

presiden
States.

ARTICLE XIII.

If any citizen of the United States, shall accept claim, re
ceive or retain, any title of nobility or honor, or shall without
the conc'nt of congress, accept and retain any present, pension,
office ^or emolumen? whatever, from any Emperor, gjgjtag;
or foreign power, suoh person shall cease to be a citizen or the
Unite! States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of
trust or profit under them, or either of them.

NOTE.

O-The ten first amendments were proposed, by the twohowi
Congress, to the several states, at the first session of tne first

C°SeSebventh amendment was proposed by the two houses of
congress, to the several states, at the first session of the third

e°ThTtwelfth amendment was proposed, by the two houses of
congress to the several states, at the first session of the eighth

'^thirteenth amendment was proposed by the two houses
of congress, to the several states, at the second session of the

nth congress.

ERRATA.

Page. Line.

11 2 from bottom, led for lead.

19 10 from top, sought for taught.

27 27 from bottom, read led for lead.

75 10 from top, read joined for gained.

76 10 from top read others for other.
109 first line, read caucus for cause.
113 4 from top, read his for as his.

119 4 from bottom, for survive read survived.

150 12 from bottom, for tea read tax.

151 7 from top, for would read could.

93 9 from top, for profession read possession.

146 10 from top, latet anguis in herba ; a snake lies hid in the grass.
146 11 from top, Haeret lateri lethais arundo ; the deadlv arrow sticks la
the side.
12 from top, Innocentia nusquam tuta ; innocence is never safe.

146

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