| Citation |
PM.766.001
20 Jan 1766:11,23 (2/53)
The Sons of Liberty in this place, being very justly
offended at some late conduct of Mr. Meserve, distributor of
stamps for this province, in shewing his detestable
commission to divers of the public officers of the
government, and thereby in effect forbidding them to act in
their respective offices without stamps, determined to put a
final period to all his expectations of raising his own
fortune on the ruins of his country, and to rid the people
of all apprehensions of danger from his acting in this
odious character. . . [3 more lines] Early in the morning a
large standard was erected on Liberty-Bridge, as an ensign
of loyalty. At noon the drums began to beat, and continued
till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when a very large number of
the Sons of Liberty being assembled, they proceeded under
the shadow of a banner, wearing the motto, Liberty,
Property, and no Stamps. . . [13 more lines] but he
disdaining to defile his hands with such detestable things,
Mr. Meserve threw them [i.e., his commission and
instructions] down on the drum head, declaring he did not
care what became of them. . . [5 more lines] After which the
following declaration being delivered by Mr.Meserve into
the hands of the people, was publickly read and signed by
him on the drum-head. . . [Declaration follows, and the
reaction of the people] The packet containing the Chains of
Slavery, sealed as aforesaid, was then carried thro' the
principal streets in town on the point of the naked sword,
in triumph, accompanied by the drums and banner of Liberty,
and a large concourse of people. . . [24 more lines]
|