The herald., 1837-05-02


Revolutionary "Reminiscences.
OS THROWING TAE TEA OVERHEARD IN BoaroN HAIR
BoR.-J0hn Wyeth, one of the individuals concerned
IN the transaction, gives the following account OF IT,
labored as lourneyman blacksmith with West
ern d Gridey, black smiths by trade, and Bapsts by
profession Western, at the time, was neutral, but
afterwards became aTory. Our numbers were be-
tween 28 and 30 Or my associates tonly remcm-
Der the names of rockingham, Mead, Martin, and
Grant. We were met together one evening, talking
over the tyranny Of the British government, such
the heavy duties, shutting up the port of Boston, the
numbering of Mr. Gray's family sending people to
England for trial, and sundIy other acts OF oppres
sion.
Our Indignation was increased by having heard Of
the arrival Of tea-shps al the time. We agreed that
if the tea was landed, the people could stand the
emptaIlon and would certainly buy II. We came 10
a sudden determination, 10 make sure work OF II, by
throwing il all overheard We FIRST talked of firing
the ships, but we feared, the fire would communicate
to the town. We then proposed sinking them, but
wedropped this project, through fear that we should
alarm the town, before we could get through with II.
We had observed that very few persons remained on
board the ships and we finally concluded that we
could take possession of them, and discharge the tea
into the harbor, without danger or opposition.
The greaest objection 10 plan was, that II would
take such length Of time 10 carry It through and
render us more liable to detection. We agreed one
and all that would 90 on, at the risk OF oar lives
We proceeded to contrve the mode Of accomplishing
our business One of the ships laid AT Hancock's
with their warps made fast to the same wharf Abr-
gade of British soldiers was encampei on the com
mon, less than mile from the wharf. We agreed
in order much mlght, to wear ragged clothes
and dshgure ourselves as much possible.
We concluded to meet at an old building at the head
of the wharf and to fall in after another as by
accident, so as not TO excite suspicion After having
pledged our honor that we would not reveal our Sc
cret, separated.
Al the appointed time we all met according to a.
greement. We were dressed to resemble Indians as
much as possible. We had smearcd our faces with
grease, and SCOT or lampba We should not have
known each other except by voices, and sure
ly rcsembled devils from the bouomless pit rather
than men. We placed one sentry the head of the
wharf in the middle, and one the brow Of each
ship, as we took possession. We then proceeded
rapidly TO business. We boarded the ship which was
moored by the wharf, and the leader OF our company
in stern and rcsolute ordered the captain and
crew to open the hatchways and hand us the hosting
tackle and ropes.
1.-The captain asked us what we intended to do? The
leader told him that going to unlsad the ships
of the tea, and ordered him and the crew below as
sunng him, that if they obcyed, no harm wasin,end
ed them. They instantly obeyed, without murmurs
threats. Some Of number jumped into the
hold and passed the chests 10 the tackle. As they
were hosted deck, others knocked them open with
axes and others raised them 10 the railing and dis
charging their contents overheard. All that were not
needed for dlschargng the tea from this ship went
board the others, and wrapt them into the wharf
where the same ceremonies were repeated at the
first ship.
We stirred briskly in the business, from the mo-
merit we left our dressing room. We were merry in
under tone at the idea of maxim. SO large cup OF
tea for the fishes, but still the case would
admit. No more words were used, than what were
absolutely necessary.
Our most intimate acquaintances among the spec
tators, had not the least knowledge Of u.s. l never
abored harder in my life ; and were so expedl-
uous, that though il was late in the evening" when
we began we had discharged the whole three cargocs
before morning dawn.
While we were unloading, the people collected in
great numbers about the wharf, t. see what go
ing on. They crowded about us, so TO be much in
way. We paid no attention to the m nor did they
say any thing to US. They evidently wished us sue
cess for none of them gaveany information against
u.s. Our sentres, not armed, and could not stop
any who insisted on passing. Ii we had been able il
would not have been good policy for in that case
they might have complained of us TO the civil auhsr
tiles. believe our object in statIonng the sentries,
was 10 communicate information, in case we were
likely to be detected by the civil military power.
They wcreparlcuarly charged to give us nstce in
case any known Tory came down TO the wharf But
our main dependence was on the general good will
Of the people.
l, may be supposed that there was much talk about
this business the next morning. The tsrias civil
military, and spies made great fuss, and called the
business divers hard names Procamaiions and re-
wards, TO procure detection were all TO no purpose
We pretended TO be jealous to find out the perpe-
traitors, as the rest. We often talked with the tories
about il. We all close and loyal that the
whole affair remained in Egyptian darkness. We
used sometimes afterwards 10 meet and talk the affair
over never failing 10 end by drinkng-"The hearty
boys Of Amenca forever !-EInfS Quarterly r.
rietr.