The Coming of the American Revolution: 1764 to 1776

"New-York, December 6, 1773. Whereas our nation ..."

Article on page 2 of The Massachusetts Gazette; and the Boston Post-Boy and Advertiser, Number 851, 6 - 13 December 1773
Online display of newspaper images and transcription

"Philadelphia, December 1. The following Hand Bill was a few days ago distributed ..."

Article on page 2 of The Massachusetts Gazette; and the Boston Post-Boy and Advertiser, Number 851, 6 - 13 December 1773
Online display of newspaper images and transcription

In the waning weeks of 1773, colonial newspapers are filled with talk of the despised East India tea and of Parliament's treachery. The papers also communicate threats. Anyone thinking he might profit from the tea or help in its landing should think again. In New York and in Philadelphia groups are poised to exact vengeance.

To examine all four pages of this newspaper (that features both articles), please see the online display of the The Massachusetts Gazette and Boston Post-Boy and Advertiser, 6-13 December 1773.

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Lessons

Questions to Consider

1. How do the New York avengers identify themselves? How do the Philadelphia avengers identify themselves?

2. Who are the objects of the New York threats? Why? Who are the objects of the Philadelphia threats? Why?

3. Look at the date of the New York threat and the date of the Boston Gazette carrying it. Can you draw any conclusions about the events in Boston forthcoming on 16 December?

4. Why are the merchants in Philadelphia opposed to the landing of the East India tea?