The Port Bill received at Boston

Page v1:331

Friday, May 13, 1774.

On this day there was a numerous and respectable meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of this town, legally warned and assembled at Fanueil Hall, to consider an edict lately passed by the British Parliament, for shutting up the harbour, and otherwise punishing the inhabitants; ^[*] and to determine upon proper measures to be taken by the town thereon.

After making choice of Mr. Samuel Adams, Moderator of the meeting, the edict was distinctly read by the Clerk; and the nature and tendency, as well as the design of it, being explained in the observations of several gentlemen upon it, the town came into the following vote, nem. con:

Voted, That it is the opinion of this town, that if the other, Colonies come, into a joint resolution to stop all importation from Great Britain, and exportations to Great Britain, and every part of the West Indies, till the Act for blocking up this harbour be repealed, the same will prove the salvation of North America and her liberties. On the other hand, if they continue their exports and imports, there is high reason to fear that fraud, power, and the most odious oppression, will rise triumphant over right, justice, social happiness, and freedom.

And, Ordered, That this vote be forthwith transmitted by the Moderator to all our sister Colonies, in the name and behalf of this town. ^†

Then it was moved for consideration what measures were proper for the town to take on the present emergency; whereupon several judicious, spirited and manly proposals were made, which being debated with a candour, moderation, and firmness of mind becoming a people resolved to preserve their liberty, it was voted, that the Moderator, with John Rowe; Esq., Mr. Thomas Boylston, William Phillips, Esq., Dr. Joseph Warren, John Adams, Esq., Josiah Quincy, Esq., Thomas Cushing, Esq., Mr. Henderson Inches, Mr. William Mollineaux, and Mr. Nathaniel Appleton, be a Committee to take the several proposals that have been, and others that may be made, into consideration, and report to the town as soon as may be.

After which the town made choice of Mr. Oliver Wendell, Isaac Smith, Esq., Mr. William Dennie, Mr. William Powell, and Mr. John Pitts, to repair immediately to the towns of Salem and Marblehead, to communicate the sentiments of this metropolis to the gentlemen there, consult with them, and make report at the adjournment.

Then the meeting was adjourned to Wednesday next, the 18th instant, at ten of the clock in the forenoon.

Notes

Page nts

Note from page v1:331: 1.* The Port Bill was received at Boston by Captain Jenkins, who arrived there on Tuesday, the 10th of May, 1774. On Friday, the 13th, about noon, General Gage arrived in the Lively frigate, and landed at the Castle.

Note from page v1:331: 2.† On Saturday, the 14th, Mr. Paul Revere was despatched by the Committee of Correspondence with important letters to the Southern Colonies.

The Port Bill received at Boston (Note), General Gage arrived at Boston (Note), Town Meeting in Boston -- Advise the stoppage of all Imports from, and all Exports to, Great Britain and the West Indies, till the Port Bill is repealed, This vote ordered to be sent to all the Colonies Committee appointed to consider what measures are proper for the Town to adopt, in the present emergency, Committee appointed to consult with Salem and Marblehead, Paul Revere despatched with Letters to the Southern Colonies (Note), Election of Committee of Fifty at New-York, to correspond with the Colonies, on all matters of moment General Gage landed in Boston. Sworn into office as Governour, and invited to a publick entertainment at Faneuil Hall (Note). [1774-05-13] Massachusetts, Boston Town Meeting. [S4-V1-p0331] [Document Details][Complete Volume]