Band of “Mohawk Indians” Dump 342 Chests of Darjeeling off Griffin’s Wharf
On December 16, 1773, The Sons of Liberty dressed as Mohawk Indians, boarded three merchant ships carrying Darjeeling tea and dumped 343 chests into Boston Harbour. It is reported that nothing was stolen or looted and there was no damage to the ships or crew. This protest is a result of 13 years of ever increasing British oppression through taxation. Hardliners in the British government used this event as a reason to clamp down on the Bay colony.
The destruction of private property and deliberate flouting of royal authority has chafed King George and Parliament. Therefore, acknowledging the ramifications associated with the Boston Tea Party, King George and Parliament have acted decisively by closing the city port. Four British regiments were deployed to Boston; additionally, the much reviled, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Justice of Massachusetts, Thomas Hutchinson will be replaced by General Thomas Gage. General Gage is expected to parlay even sterner penalties on the Colonists as directed by the British government.
The Captains’ of the Dartmouth, Eleanor, and Beaver upon arrival in England, were summoned to testify before the Privy Counsel. The Captains being unable to identify the …show more content…
Franklin was received and treated abominably. Franklin being an affable and generous man offered to pay offered to pay for the loss of the Darjeeling Tea on the condition that Boston Harbour be re-opened. Franklin’s offer was rejected. Scottish Barrister Alexander Wedderburn, berated Franklin for his part in publications which were damaging to Governor Thomas Hutchinson. Franklin maintained a stoic stance during the interrogation and reprimand. It is reported that Franklin uttered, “I shall make your King a little man for this,” to Wedderburn at the end of the day (Best,