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Artifacts From Revolutionary Period
Found by Noah R. |
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1773. December 14
Dear William,
So you know, my work has been going very well. I have sold a pair
of shoes every day since I last wrote to you, and business is much
better than what it used to be. My customers were of both sides,
many were Loyalists and many Patriots. I have even been
going to
church. I am unhappy with the taxes, because we did not have a
say, and I hope the ships leave soon. There has been word
that Samuel Adams and other Patriots are devising something if
the ships do not leave.
Things are not going too well in Boston. The taxes bestowed on
the tea by the king are making some people quite infuriated. I
myself, am upset with these unfair taxes. We call it taxation
without representation, because we get taxed without a say in it.
I do not know, but I think something might happen soon if the ships do
not leave, for the days are almost up.
The Patriots are becoming angry with these tea taxes. And, the
East India Tea company
will only sell the tea to loyalist
merchants. This really makes me mad, but there is only so much we
can do about it. I only hope it does not hurt business, for my
work is needed by everyone. There have been many tea debates
which I have attended, and I have heard there have been others.
People and friends of mine who attended said that the debate is going
nowhere, and that the ships still have not withdrawn or unloaded.
Sincerely,
John
1773. December 17
Dear William,
It had to be done. The tea tax
was unfair, and something had
to happen to show the King. These taxes were put after the
Townshend Acts
were repealed. Thomas Hutchinson did not allow the ships
to leave, and we were to follow the plan. Another thing I am sure
of is that the King will not be happy when he hears.
All that day we spent in the South
Meeting House debating about the
tea. Both sides had made their point, and the debate was still
going nowhere. We had planned to destroy the tea if the ships
were to stay. Finally Samuel Adams stood up and gave his line,
our signal we were waiting for. That night after the debate
ended, a large group of Patriots including myself went aboard the
ships and dumped the tea. We had made sure to keep the ships
clean, but I know we could still get into trouble.
Some of us somehow regret what we did, but our mission to destroy the
tea was to make a statement. I fear for the consequences, and
what might happen to my job. These taxes must stop here, but stop
in a peaceful way. I await your reply.
Sincerely,
John
1773. December 22
Dear William,
This letter is to you to tell what has happened. I feel that what
we have done was right, but I do not know what others would
think. Maybe it was not worth it, for the harbor has been closed,
which means important medicine cannot get through. It could ruin
business here in Boston, and the economy. Many people I think
what we have done was not enough.
The King became very angry when he heard the news. Now our harbor
has been closed completely, and I fear what will become of my
job. My only method of receiving the supplies I need has been
cutoff. Many people here feel the same as I, and are angry with
what has happened. I do not blame anyone and all of us hope it
will end soon.
Some of us think that something will happen, and that violence is
inevitable. I hope not, but things are not well here. The
King seems to be at the end of his patience, and the people of Boston
also. I will write you back as soon as I can to tell you if
anything has happened.
Sincerely,
John
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Historical References:
American Park Network.
Colonial Williamsburg. 2001
<www.americanparknetwork.com>
Behling, Sam. Colonial
Occupations. Rootsweb.
Boston Tea Party Ship Museum. “Boston Tea Party”.
<www.bostonteaparty.com>
Fourth graders. Colonial
America. St. Luke school.
2006
<www.promotega.org.>
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Colonial Williamsburg: Shoemaker.
March 31, 2006 <www.colonialwilliamsburg.com>
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