Townshend Acts
The ship was originally owned by John Hancock. In 1768, British officials alleged that Bostonians locked a customs official in the "Liberty"s cabin while the cargo of Madeira wine was unloaded in an effort to evade the Townshend Acts. In retaliation, the British government confiscated "Liberty", and she was towed away by HMS "Halifax". Charges against Hancock were eventually dropped, but "Liberty" remained confiscated.