at, "should this country
be so unhappy as to see a day of trial for the recovery of its rights by
a last and solemn appeal to Him who gave them, they should not be behind
the bravest of our patriotic brethren." Marblehead affirmed that the
proceedings of the brave citizens of Boston, and of other towns, in
opposition to the landing of the tea, were rational, generous and just;
that they were highly honored for their noble firmness in support of
American liberty, and that the men of the town were ready with their
lives to assist their brethren in opposing all measures tending to
enslave the country." Under date of December 3, the people of Roxbury
voted that they were in duty bound to join with Boston, and other sister
towns, to preserve inviolate the liberties handed down by their
ancestors. Next day the men of Charlestown declared themselves ready to
risk their lives and fortunes. Newburyport, Malden, Lexington,
Leicester, Fitchburg, Gloucester, and other towns, also proferred their
aid when needed.

The "Gazette," under date of Salem, December 7, has the following: "By
what we can learn from private intelligence, as well as the public
proceedings of a number of principal towns contiguous to the capital,
the people, if opposed in their proceedings with respect to the tea, are
determined upon hazarding a brush, therefore those who are willing to
bear a part in it in preserving the rights of this country, would do
well to get suitably prepared." This looked like business.

On the morning of December 14, the following handbill appeared in
Boston:

Friends! Brethren! Countrymen! The perfidious act of your
reckless enemies to render ineffectual the late resolves of
the body of the people, demands your assembling at the Old
South Meeting House, precisely at ten o'clock this day, at
which time the bells will ring."

The meeting thus called was largely attended. Samuel Phillips
Savage,[16] of Weston, was chosen moderator. Bruce, the master of the
"Eleanor," promised to ask for a clearance for London, when all his
goods were landed, except the tea, but said that, if refused, "he was
loth to stand the shot of thirty-two pounders." Rotch, accompanied by
Samuel Adams, Benjamin Kent, and eight others, applied to the collector
of the port for a clearance, and reported, on his return, that the
collector desired to consult with the comptroller, and promised an
answer on the following morning. The meeting then