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from the country; and the whole number that followed them to the grave, was supposed to exceed ten thousand!

History does not (perhaps) record an instance, where the moral and patriotic character of a city was ever more conspicuous than Boston exhibited on this occasion.

It was supposed by many, that the above recited horrid event, did more to effect an alienation of the affections of the people of New England from the British government, than any other whatever.

become a member of her illustrious senate, and, af ter a peace of thirty years, a strenuous advocate for declaration of war against his native country!

And, “tho' last not least" among the citizens, was a young barrister whose brilliant talents would place him in the front ranks of patriotism, and cause him to become an ardent asserter of independence-an ambassador to England, France and Holland-the father of a navy, (destined to be the rival of the mistress of the sea), and finally the first magistra'e of a great nation. In the council chamber, were many in the height of prosperity and honor, who, in a few years, fell from their elevated stations; and a governor, who, then basking in the sunshine of royal favor, was speedily consigned to infamy and ruin, and, it is said, died of a broken heart.

Such are the wonderful vicissitudes to which the

I believe it is Voltaire who says, that the publish ing of history does not depend on its truth. The only question the publishers ask, is—“Will it sell?” which brings to my recollection some circumstances relative to Gordon's history of the American revolution.

When I bring to my recollection, Mr. Russel, that solemn and impressive scene, when the high sheriff was delivering the governor's message from the balcony to the assembled thousands, I am irresistibly drawn to a contemplation of what must have been the wonder and astonishment of any one of that vast crowd of citizens, if an angel had descend-life of man is subjected. ed from heaven and unfolded to him the events of futurity:-That, in less than seven short years, we should throw off our allegiance to a beloved king, and our connection with our mother country, to which we then looked with solicitude and affection, and fondly called it our home! That to establish our independence, would produce an eight years' war, in which all Europe would be directly or indirectly engaged! That seven young men, among that populace, would array themselves against their native country, and, finally, become admirals and generals in the English service! That one of them, then only an apprentice to a Cornhill shop keeper, should become distinguished, not only as a British officer, but as a general and a count in the German empire! A philosopher of a new school, which for usefulness would be paramount to all others, and at his death, establish a professorship in the university in our neighborhood.

In the year 1784, I became acquainted with an English gentleman, whose prejudices against our country were as violent, as they had been previous to his emigration in favor of it. One day when he was inveighing most bitterly against our conduct and institutions, be mentioned, with great asperity, the tarring and feathering of John Malcom, (a British custom-house officer), before the revolution, whose only crime, he said, was chastising an impudent boy. I told him, that if Mr. Malcom had not have drawn bis sword on the boy, no notice would have been taken of his conduct. I did not however That among them were two youths, a physician attempt to justify the deed, as it was condemned and a bookseller, who would become generals in by good men of both parties; yet I insisted, that the service of their native country; and one of the character of the town or country ought not to be them, by his heroic exertions in defending a post, implicated, as it was done in the night, by a very few would call forth the astonishment of the oldest veterans and lose his life in the attempt! That among them were forty young men, members of a military company, most of whom would become officers of duct of colonel Nesbit, of the 47th British regiment, artillery, and would distinguish themselves, (par. who caused an imocent countryman to be tarred ticularly on one occasion), where they would exhi- and feathered, and carted public y through the streets bit so much science and adroitness, as to command at noon day, with a guard of grenadiers, and the the admiration of their English and German foes! band of the regiment playing "Yankee doodle," and More wonderful yet—that among the principal offi- himself at the head of the party, in defiance of those cers of the 29th British regiment, then arrayed laws he was sent to protect and enforce. My Eng. against the inhabitants, was one who would becomlish friend seemed to think I was mistaken in the an highly respected American citizen! would holderson of col. Nesbit, and thought it impossible that important offices under the American goverment; a colonel of one of his majesty's regiments, could be

disorderly persons in disguise, who, if they had been discovered, would have been amenable to, and punished by the laws. I then related to him the con

guilty of such an outrageous act. A few days after work and re-wrote his history: the latter is thought this conversation, we met at Doctor Gordon's, (the to have been much less perfect than the original author of the history of the American Revolution), copy. The writer last alluded to says―] who then lived at Roxbury. I introduced the sub.

"If doctor Gordon was compelled to leave out of

ject again, when Doctor Gordon spoke of Nesbit's his book some atrocious truths from dread of the conduct in the strongest terms of reprobation; and, on being asked whether he had noticed the event in his history, he produced the manuscript, and read to me a detail of that transaction, which, with the observations and reflections connected with it, would make three or four pages of his work.

In 1790 I embarked for England, where I was in troduced to a relation of Doctor Gordon, of whom

pains and penalties of the British laws and customs, he, on the other side, voluntarily left out some mat ters to the discredit of America, which things he read to me from his manuscript, at his residence in Roxbury. I refer here particularly to the subject of negro slavery. He was also persuaded to soften his harsh picture of the illustrious Exempt."

There are very few of the present generation, who have any idea of the humiliations to which their ancestors were subjected, while under a colonial government, from the contumely and inso

quired how the Doctor had succeeded in his history? He smiled and said, "It was not Doctor Gordon's history!" On my requesting an explanation, he told me, that on the Doctor's arrival in England, he placed his manuscript in the hands of an intelli-lence of upstart officers, who, in their own country, gent friend, on whom he could depend, who, (after had been as servile as the spaniel, but on their ar perusing it with care), declared that it was not rival here, aped the port and authority of the lion. suited to the meridian of England, consequently Not only humiliations, but other severe sufferings would never sell. The style was not agreeable-it and privations were endured by them, with pati. was too favourable to the Americans-above all, it ence and fortitude, and with a moral rectitude, was full of libels against some of the most respecta.which would have done honor to Greece or Rome, ble characters in the British army and navy-and in their most virtuous days.

that if he possessed a fortune equal to the duke of After the battle of Lexington, the egress of a Bedford's, he would not be able to pay the damages part of the inhabitants of Boston was prohibited that might be recovered against him, as the truth by a breach of faith on the part of Gen. Gage, and would not be allowed to be produced in evidence. those who were permitted to depart, were obliged The doctor had returned to his native country, and to obtain passports, as mentioned in my last com expected to enjoy "otium cum dignitate." Over- munication.

If any of our historical or antiquarian societies, could obtain Gordon's original manuscript, it would be an invaluable document,

whelmed with mortification, and almost with de- It was not until the fifth of June that my fa spair, he asked the advice of his friend; who recom-ther became determined to leave the town. On mended him to place the manuscript in the hands that day he directed me to make out a schedule of of a professional gentleman, that it might be new the family, agreeably to the rules instituted by modelled, and made agreeable to English readers; general Gage, and demand a pass of major Cain, of this was assented to by the doctor, and the history the army, who was empowered to perform that ser. which bears his name was compiled and written from vice. Such was the crowd of citizens, eagerly presshis manuscript, by another hand! ing to obtain passports, that it was not until several hours of exertion that I was enabled to reach the door of the major's apartment, and when it was opened, I was so forcibly urged on by the crowd be hind, that, on entering the chamber, I lost my balance, which caused me to rush violently into the room, and though he must have perceived that the act was involuntary, yet he had the brutality to exclaim (in broad Scotch) "hoot, hoot mon! are you going to murder me?" I was obliged to bear this insolence in silence, though my countenance must have exhibited marks of indignation, and I walked to a window which looked into the court yard, where my feelings were still more excited by a view of my fellow citizens, who, with countenances almost bordering on despair, were waiting a favor

On hearing the foregoing narration, I had the curiosity to look into Gordon's history to learn what the "professional gentleman” had said of col. Nesbit and his exploits, when, to my surprise, I found he had devoted only a few lines to that subject, vol. 1, page 307, American edition. The whole of this statement evinces that all histories published in England, in which that country is concerned, cannot contain the whole truth.

[Another writer agrees generally in the fact, as to certain alterations in Gordon's history-but states that the author, indignant at the purgation, went to

able moment to obtain admission. The first reflec-scowling eyes, he said with great asperity, "Your tion which presented itself to my mind was, what father, young man, is a damn’d rebel, and cannot be acmust be the indignation of our king, if he knew commodated with a pass." Not at all intimidated by how his faithful, loyal, and affectionate subjects, his brutality, I asserted with much vehemence, that were abused, insulted, and driven into acts of reluct- my father was no rebel, that he adored the illustriant resistance. Which brought to my recollection ous house of Hanover, and had fought for good king a part of Warren's oration, on the preceding 5th George the 2d, in forty-five. Whether it was, that of March, in which he observes, that "The royal he himself had been a real rebel in Scotland, in 1745, ear, far distant from this western world, has been as- or whether my mentioning that number reminded assulted by the tongue of slander, and villains, trai-him of Wilkes' North Briton No. 45, a paper pubsorous alike to king and country, have prevailed up lished in London, and peculiarly obnoxious to the on a gracious prince to clothe his countenance with Scotch-or whether he thought my expression of wrath." Even then a reconciliation was fondly hop- the house of Hanover, was intended as an insinuaed for by many of the most strenuous assertors of tion against his own loyalty, (which it really was), the rights of the colonies, although blood had been-whatever may have been the cause of his irritashed at Lexington; and even after the battle of tion-the moment I had finished speaking he rose Bunker's Hill, the congress presented an humble from his chair, and with a countenance foaming with petition to the king, and an affectionate address to rage, he ordered me out of the room with abusive lantheir fellow subjects in England, in which, (with guage. The centinel at the door had an English much feeling), they say, "We have not yet learnt countenance, and, with apparent sympathy, very cito rejoice at a victory obtained over Englishmen,” and villy opened it for my departure, which I made humbly entreated that their grievances might be without turning my back on my adversary. redressed. Ardent hopes were entertained that On inquiry it was afterwards ascertained, that these conciliatory and loyal measures, would in- what constituted the crime of my father and caused duce the king to change his ministers, and take to him to be denominated a rebel, was his having been his councils & Chatham, a Cambden, and a Rocking. a member of the Whig club! ham. Most fortunately, however, for the eventual The Whig club, in consequence of the perturbed prosperity and happiness of America, they pursued state of the times, had not assembled or met for their mad schemes of burning our towns, hiring more than a year. The gentlemen that had comthe savages of the wilderness and foreign merce- posed it, were James Otis, Dr. Warren, Dr. Church, naries, to spread death and desolation through the Dr. Young, Richard Derby, of Salem, Benjamin Kent, land, which finally weaned us from our fond at- Nathaniel Barber, William Mackay, col. Bigelow, of tachments to an ungrateful and cruel mother, and, Worcester, and about half a dozen more. Through on the glorious 4th of July, 1776, we passed the the instrumentality of my father, I was sometimes Rubicon!!-Never! never! never! to return again admitted to hear their deliberations. There was under her subjection, but to establish a government always at each meeting, a speech or dissertation by of our own, founded on the principles of justice one of the members, on the principles of civil liberand equal laws, the influence of whose example, we ty, and the British constitution. They professed hope, will eventually emancipate the world from loyalty to the king, but were in violent opposition to tyranny and despotism. America! recollect the the encroachments of the parliament, and their disawful and solemn responsibility which reposes on cussions tended to a consideration of what would be your conduct.

"Contemplate well; and if perchance thy home
"Salute thee with a father's honored name,
"Go call thy sons-instruct them what a DEBT
"They owe their ancestors, and make them swear
"To pay it, by transmitting down intire

"Those sacred rights, to which themselves were born."

the duty of Americans if those encroachments were continued. For this purpose they corresponded with some society in London, the name of which I have forgotton, (probably the Revolution society). Among the names of their correspondents I recollec: Wilkes, Saville, Barre and Sawbridge. A few years

But to return to the object of my communication-previous to the revolution, they sent the London after waiting nearly an hour the major accosted me society two green turtle, one of which weighed 45 with, "Well, young man, what ilo you want?" I hand- and the other 92 pounds. Those who are acquainted him a schedule of my father's family, including ed with the history of those times, will easily underthat of his sister's (the widow of a clergyman). He stand to what those numbers alluded. On their ar examined a small book which contained what the to- rival in London, a grand dinner was prepared, at ries called the "black list," when slowly raising his which col. Barre presided, and among other distin

guished guests I recollect hearing the names of earl nies. Let the king ask of us our aid, and we will grant Temple, lord Cambden, and the lord mayor; and more than he will demand; but we will not be 'drove,' among the toasts, "The Whig club of Boston," and we will not be taxed by the parliament.' "The ninety-two patriots of Massachusetts Bay," were drank with three times three cheers.

Tea-There have been some doubts concerning

Had the government of Great Britain been as conciliatory to Americans, as the honest good hearted About the time of the burning the British govern- Montague was to the collier, we should probably ment schooner Gaspee, at Newport, a few years pre- now be subjects of George IVth!-"The ways of vious to the revolution, admiral Montague, who then heaven are dark and intricate."-We should still be commanded the ships of war at Boston, took several servile dependants. We should not have a beautiof his officers and proceeded to Newport, to make ful star-spangled banner, peeping into every port personal inquiry into the affair. On his return to in the world, in pursuit of enterprize and wealth.-Boston, not far from Dedham, a charcoal cart ob. We should not now have merchants whose capital structed the passage of the coach, when the coach. in trade is equal to that of a province, and making man, feeling much consequence from his exalted magnificent presents in support of literature and station, in driving a British admiral, and knowing science that would do honor to princes. Let Amethat his master was to dine that day with Mr. B. call. ricans be thankful for these mercies, and a thousand ed, in an insolent manner, to the collier to turn out others and study to appreciate them. and make way for admiral Montague!-who, (not at all intimidated by the splendid equipage, imposing manner, and rich livery of the knight of the whip,) the destruction of the tea on the 16th of Decemreplied that he was in the king's high way, and that ber, 1773. The number of the ships, and the place he should not 'turn out' for any one but the king where they were situated is not quite certain.-One himself, and thanked fortune that he had the law to gentleman, now living, over 70 years of age, thinks support him. The admiral finding an altercation they were at Hubbard's wharf, as it was then called, had taken place, on discovering the cause, told his about half way between Griffin's (now Liverpool) coachman to get down and give the fellow a thrash- and Foster's wharf, and that the number of ships ing, but the coachman did not seem disposed to was four or five. Another gentleman, who is 75 obey his commander. One of the officers in the years of age, and who was one of the guard detachcoach, a large athletic man, alighted, reproached the ed from the new grenadier company, says that he coachman with being a coward, and was proceeding spent the night, but one, before the destruction of to take vengeance of the coal driver, who, perceiv- the tea, in company with gen. Knox, then a private ing so potent an adversary advancing, drew from his in that company, on board of one of the tea ships; cart a stake, to use as a weapon of defence, and plac- that this ship lay on the south side of Russell's ing himself between his oxen, in an attitude of de- wharf; and that there were two more on the north fence, he exclaimed-Well, I vow, if I must, darn side of the same wharf, and he thinks one or two at me! but I'll tarnish your laced jacket if you don't Griffin's wharf. A gentleman now living, who came keep off.'-By this time the admiral and the other from England in one of the tea ships, thinks there officers had left the coach, and finding that no lau- were but two, but he is uncertain where they lay. rels were to be obtained in such a contest, he made A song, written soon after the time, tells of "Three a conciliatory proposition, and condescended to ask that as a favor, which he had ordered his coachman to obtain by force.-'Ah! now said the collier, you but whether at Russell's or Griffin's wharf, or one behave like a gentleman, as you appear, and if you or more at each, is not certain. The number of had been as civil at first, I vow I would have driven chests destroyed was, according to the news-papers over the stone wall to oblige you-But I won't be of the time, 342. There was a body meeting on drove; I vow I won't-The coal driver made way, this 16th of December, 1773. This matter of the and the admiral passed on. When he tea was the occasion of the meeting. The meeting arrived at Mr. B's he related the occurrence with began at Fanueil Hall, but that place not being much good humour, and appeared much gratified large enough it was adjourned to the Old South, with the spirit and independence of the man. Mr. and even that place could not contain all who came. B. assured the admiral, that the collier had exhi-Jonathan Williams was moderator. Among the bited a true character of the American people, and spectators, was John Rowe, who lived in Pond that the story he had then related was an epitome street where Mr. Prescott now lives; among other of the dispute between Great Britain and her colo-l things, he said, "Who knows how tea will mingle

ill-fated ships at Griffin's wharf." The whole evidence seems to result in this, there were three ships

710000

Robert Morris
B. M'Clennaghan 10000

A. Bunner & Co. 6000
Tench Francis 5500
James Wilson
William Bingham 5000

Richard Peters 5000
Samuel Meredith 5000
James Mease
Thomas Barclay
Samuel Morris, jr. 5000
Robert L. Hooper 5000
Hugh Shield
Philip Moore

Abraham Bickley 12000
Robert Bass
Owen Biddle

with salt water"-and this suggestion was receiv-) it together, a number of patriotic gentlemen gave ed with great applause. Governor Hutchinson was their bonds to the amount of about two hundred at this time at the house on Milton hill where Bar- and sixty thousand pounds, in gold and silver, for ney Smith, esqr. lives. A committee was sent from procuring them. The provisions were provided— the meeting, to request him to order the ships to the army was kept together, and our independence depart. While they were gone, speeches were was finally achieved. The amount of the bonds was made, for the purpose of keeping the people toge- never called for, but it is well to keep in rememberther. The committee returned about sun set with ance the names of those who in the times that tried his answer, that he could not interfere. At this men's souls, stepped forward and pledged their all moment the Indian yell was heard from the street towards the support of those who were contending Mr. Samuel Adams cried out, that it was a trick for our liberty. The following is a list of some of of their enemies to disturb their meeting, and re- their names, with the sums respectively subscribed quested the people to keep their places-but the by them. people rushed out, and accompanied the Indians to the ships. The number of persons disguised as Indians is variously stated-none put it lower than 60, none higher than 80. It is said by per sons who were present, that nothing was destroyed but tea-and this was not done with noise and tumult, little or nothing being said either by the agents or the multitude,—who looked on. The impression was that of solemnity, rather than of riot and confusion. The destruction was effected by the disguised persons, and some young men who volunteered; one of the latter collected the tea which fell into the shoes of himself and companions, and put it into a phial and sealed it up;-which phial is Henry Hill John Morgan now in his possession,-containing the same tea.-Thomas Willing The contrivers of this measure, and those who carried Samuel Powell it into effect, will never be known; some few persons have been mentioned as being among the disguised; but there are many and obvious reasons why secrecy then, and concealment since, were necessary. None of those persons who were confidently said to have been of the party, (except some who were then minors or very young men), have ever admit-Thomas Leiper ted that they were so. The person who appeared Kean & Nichols to know more than any one, I ever spoke with, refused to mention names. Mr. Samuel Adams is thought to have been in the counselling of this exploit, and many other men who were leaders in the political affairs of the times;-and the ball of council is said to have been in the back room of Edes and Gill's printing office, at the corner of the ally leading to Battle street church from court street. There are very few alive now, who helped to empty the chests of tea, and these few will probably be as prudent as those who have gone before them. Daily Adv.

Matthew Irwin
Thomas Irwin
John Benzet

John Nixon

2000

2000

John Gibson

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5000

Charles Petit

2000

John Mitchell

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Robert Knox

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John Bullock

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Benje Rush 2000

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Nathaniel Falkner 2000
James Caldwell 2000
Gerardus Clarkson 2000

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Robert Bridges
John Dunlap
Michael Hillegas 4000

William Coates

Emanuel Eyre
James Bodden
John Mease
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Charles Thompson 3000 John Shee
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Cadwalader Morris 2500
Matthew Clarkson 2500
Thomas M'Kean
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John S einmetz
Benj. Randolph

ARMS OF THE UNITED STATES. Although the study of heraldry may not be very amusing to our readers, yet as the eagle with extended wings, grasping the arms of war and the olive of peace, is constantly presented to our eyes, in At a critical period of the revolutionary war, some way or other, it may not be uninteresting to when there was great danger of the dissolution of give a history and an explanation of the arms of our the American army, for want of provisions to keep country.

FROM THE PITTSBURG STATESMAN.

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