Source 4

Transcript

(a)

Just before the Dissolution of the Meeting, a number of brave and resolute Men, dressed in the Indian Manner, approached near the Door of the Assembly, gave the War-Whoop, which rang through the House, and was answered by some in the Galleries, but Silence being commanded, and a peaceable Deportment was again enjoined, till the Dissolution: The Indians as, they were then called, repaired to the Wharf where the ships lay that had the Tea on board, and were followed by Hundreds of People, to see the Event of the Transactions of those who made  grotesque an Appearance…….[newspaper damaged]……on Board Capt. Hall’s ship, where they hoisted out the cheats of Tea, and when upon Deck stove [broke] the Chests and emptied the Tea overboard; having cleared this ship, they proceeded to Capt. Bruce’s, and then to Capt. Coffin’s Brig [two masted square-rigged ship]- they applied themselves so dexterously [skilfully] to the Destruction of this Commodity that in the Space of three Hours they broke up 342 Chests, which was the whole number in those Vessells and discharged their Contents into the Dock; when the Tide rose it floated the broken Chests and the Tea insomuch that the Surface of the Water was filled therewith a considerable Way from the South Part of the Town to Dorchester-Neck, and lodged on the Shores. There was the greatest care taken to prevent

(b)

the Tea from being purloined by the Populace: One or two being detected in endeavouring to pocket a small quantity were stripped of their Acquisitions, and very roughly handled- It is a worthy Remark, that although a considerable Quantity of Goods were still remaining on board the Vessels, no injury was sustained: Such Attention to private Property was observed that a small Padlock belonging to the Captain of one of the Ships being broke, another was procured and sent to him.- The town was very quiet during the whole Evening and the Night following: Those Persons who were from the Country, returned with a merry Heart, and the next Day, Joy appeared in almost every Countenance, some on Occasion of the Destruction of the Tea, others on Account of the Quietness with which it was effected.- One of the Monday’s Papers says, that the Masters and Owners are well pleased that their Ships are thus cleared.