plete. In
this situation things remained for a few days.

In the mean time the general spirit and indignation rose to such a
height that it was thought proper to call another general meeting of the
principal citizens to consider and resolve upon such further steps as
might give weight and secure success to the unanimous opposition now
formed. Accordingly a meeting was held for the above purpose, at which a
great number of respectable inhabitants attended, and it appeared to be
the unanimous opinion that the entry of the ship at the custom house, or
the landing any part of her cargo would be attended with great danger
and difficulty, and would directly tend to destroy that peace and good
order which ought to be preserved. An addition of twelve other gentlemen
was then made to the former committee, and the general meeting adjourned
'till the arrival of the tea-ship. Information being given of that, the
price of tea was soon advanced, though this was owing to a general
scarcity of that article, yet all the possessors of tea, in order to
give strength to the opposition, readily agreed to reduce the price and
sell what remained in their hands at a reasonable rate.

Nothing now remained but to keep up a proper correspondence and
connection with the other Colonies, and to take all prudent and proper
precautions on the arrival of the tea-ship.

It is not easy to describe the anxiety and suspense of the city in this
interval; sundry reports of her arrival were received, which were
premature, but on Saturday evening last an express came up from Chester
to inform the town that the tea-ship, commanded by Cap^t. Ayres, with
her detested cargo, was arrived there, having followed another ship up
the river so far. The committee met early the next morning, and being
apprized of the arrival of Mr. Gilbert Barkley, the other consignee, who
came passenger in the ship, they immediately went in a body to request
his renunciation of the commission. Mr. Barkley politely attended the
committee at the first request, and being made acquainted with the
sentiments of the city, and the danger to which the public liberties of
America were exposed by this measure, he, after expressing the
particular hardship of his situation, also resigned the commission in a
manner that affected every one present.

The committee then appointed three of their members to go to Chester,
and two others to Gloucester Point, in order to have the earliest
opportunity of