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| Boston Massacre Told by a Wigmaker by Madison |
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1770. February 28
Dearest Mother,
There’s been much talk indeed in Boston. But fortunately, no actions
have been taken by either side. I sense the tension in the air when
both a Patriot and a Loyalist start their staring fights; the Patriots
are angry about the British being here, while the Loyalists think the
idea is perfectly fine. The taxes are more a problem. Why would King
George III want us to suffer? Isn’t he supposed to watch over us?
As you know, I have taken
up Frances’ wig shop. She has been full of much joy with her new babe,
Nicholas. I sometimes wish that I, too, were able to experience the
joys of a gurgling baby. But again, I know of the hardships it takes to
raise a child, plus the ever growing fear of your child dying.
Tomorrow, it will have been exactly a fortnight since I have taken the
shop. With many customers, I am exhausted from the work presented to me
this day. I gave a few shaves, carved a ‘blockhead’ for a custom fit,
and have grown accustomed to using goat or yak hair for the
wigs.
I also just got back from a visit at a nearby, yet popular, tavern on
Levereth Lane with my good friend, Elizabeth. We heard from all over
the tavern about plans to mob or taunt an unsuspecting British sentry
at the Custom’s House. Apparently, they want to see if the British will
shoot at them. They’re also furious about the King putting taxes on
simple things like tea. We are not sure when, but I can say that
nothing good could possibly come from this. As well as that, there was
the usual grunting and complaining about the soldier’s being here. I
agree it only makes matters worse, but is there a way to choose or
agree without losing customers?
Well, I will say that the Sheperd’s pie at that tavern is, in fact,
much better than anything I could ever hope to cook. But I think it
would make you happy to hear that I have recently become close to a man
named Edward. He is a sweet and intelligent man. A skilled gunsmith; he
has taught me much about the guns he makes and the guns the soldiers
carry around. He makes a living and is only 2 years older than me.
I must be going though, I should finish cleaning shop before I fall
asleep at this dreadfully uncomfortable desk.
Hannah Wolf
1770. March 6
My beloved Mother,
It seems my worries have come to truth. Yesterday an unforgettable act
happened that could very well mean Boston’s fate.
The day started off nicely today; sunlight pouring into my shop.
I finally had time to work on the man’s wig. All I needed to do now was
set the curls by wrapping the hair around clay rods. Once it was
powdered and had pomade to help harden the curls, I set it on the shelf
to make sure it wasn’t ruined. Another surprise was that Rachel came to
visit today! She had already finished her job at the milliner's for now
so she decided to visit me.
After my shop was closed, Rachel and I went to Elizabeth’s house. We
agreed to taste her homemade apple tansey and were conversing
comfortably when people started to dash past the frosted windows
screaming and gathering. The townspeople were spreading rumors, and
fast. I heard the British were ‘slashing and cutting down the
innocent.’
Curiosity got the best of us, so we followed the ever growing crowd to
the Custom’s House. The snow was at least a foot deep, crunching
beneath our boots. It seemed like there were hundreds of people forcing
past us, oblivious to our very presence. They were here, by the looks
of it, to simply give the soldiers trouble. Calling the soldiers
‘Lobsterbacks’ and ‘Redcoats’; about 8 soldiers were gathered at the
door. The colonists insulted them, were heard saying ‘fire, fire’ and
were seen tossing snowballs, ice and sticks at them. From what I heard,
Captain Thomas Preston was there; unable to control his men.
The crowds began moving forward and backed the British into a corner.
Next thing I saw, a man threw a club at one of the soldiers, forcing
him down. Once he was upright, he fired into the mob with his
companions. I was completely frozen with fear, like I was glued to the
spot. People were yelling out in fear, moaning in pain, and many more
running out of their homes with pails of water.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. What would happen next? The question was
eating away at my insides making me fear more than I should. Was our
King going against us, or was it truly an accident?
Your youngest, Hannah Wolf
1770. May 10
Mother,
I’m quite sorry for my horrid delay, but I had much work to attend to.
For one, the Boston Massacre, as it is now called, has made the tension
even thicker, like cream in the air. Paul Revere drew an engraving to
portray the event, but I’ve overheard from certain customers that it is
a most insulting image; does that mean Mr. Revere is lying to us, too?
I was visiting the market today when I noticed hundreds of thousands of
people gathered around Faneuil Hall and up the street. There were 5
large caskets being carried as well. When I saw those caskets an
overwhelming sorrow took over and I wanted to cry, but I just couldn’t.
Visiting Mary today, I found out she was with the many people for that
morose event. She said it started near the area I had been shopping so
it was no wonder I had seen them. Mary stated the victims were buried
at the South Granary. I, myself, did not attend the walk for I had many
things to do.
Other than that, life has been kind to me. I have recently taken on my
first apprentice, Joanna. She is struggling to see if she agrees with
the King or not. I refuse to bias her opinion seeing as it is not my
decision to make. Joanna’s a fast learner and seems interested in
working in the shop with me.
For dinner, I took Joanna to the tavern on Levereth Lane with Mary.
Joanna and I ordered the “famous” Sheperd’s pie, while Mary decided on
chowder. As we ate, we undoubtedly thought it was obviously neither the
fault of the townspeople, nor the British. It was probably the fault of
that Quartering Act passed by our King in 1765. From there, I assume it
was just leading up to this massacre.
Being escorted to an herbal lady is an interesting experience. I was
forced to leave the tavern early with Joanna making sure I didn’t
faint. I had gotten a fever and even vomited! She said I shouldn’t have
any Sheperd’s pie for a little while. All she did was give a few herbal
remedies to me, hence her title as an “Herbal” woman.
Alas, I must retreat for the night because it has long been dark. But
no, the Sheperd’s pie isn’t actually famous, a joke really.
I hope to see you soon, Hannah Wolf
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Historical References:
Archiving Early America. Google. 27 April 2006.
<http://www.earlyamerica.com>
Boston Massacre Historical Society. Complete Research Resource on the
Boston Massacre. Google. 25 April 2006.
<http://www.bostonmassacre.net>
Brown, Frances and Hope Pettegrew. Cobblestone. Peterborough:
Cobblestone Publishing Company, 1980.
Colonial Williamsburg. 31 March 2006. <http://www.history.org/>
Hakim, Joy. A History of US:
From Colonies to Country. New York City:
Oxford University Press, Inc, 2003.
Wigmaker. 4 April 2006. <http://www.do.esd.k12.ca.us./cadwallader/
Room%2020/Colonial_Trades/wig/wig.html>
The Wigmaker. 3 April 2006. <http://www.eesd.org/matsumoto/
TM30/history /trades/ wm/wm.html>
Your Teacher Takes You to Colonial Virginia. 3 April 2006.
<www.ohlone.palo-alto.ca.us / williamsburg/wigs_and_dresses.htm>
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