t been active in
introducing the tea, they should do nothing to obstruct the people in
returning it.

This was voted unsatisfactory. Resolves were then passed to the effect
that all who imported tea were enemies to the country; that its landing
and sale should be prevented, and that the tea should be returned to the
place whence it came. And the meeting also voted to send these resolves
to every seaport in the colonies and to England. The committee of
correspondence was charged to make provision for the continuation of the
watch, and "the brethren from the country" were thanked for their
"countenance and union," and desired to afford their assistance on
notice being given, and it was also declared to be "the determination of
this body to carry their votes and resolves into execution at the risk
of life and property."

Speaking of this meeting, Hutchinson says: "A more determined spirit was
conspicuous in this body than in any of the former assemblies of the
people. It was composed of the lowest as well, and probably in as great
proportion, as of the superior ranks and orders, and all had an equal
voice. No eccentric or irregular motions were suffered to take place.
All seemed to have been the plan of a few, it may be of a single
person."

And in a private letter, dated December 1, Hutchinson writes:

"While the rabble was together in one place, I was in
another, not far distant, with his majesty's council, urging
them to join with me in some measure to break up this
unlawful assembly, but to no purpose. I hope the consignees
will continue firm, and should not have the least doubt of
it if it was not for the solicitation of the friends of Mr.
Clarke. If they go the lengths they threaten, I shall be
obliged to retire to the castle, as I cannot otherwise make
any exertions in support of the king's authority."

The committee of correspondence omitted no step that prudence or caution
could suggest to carry out the determination of the town. A letter from
Philadelphia, just then received, said: "Our tea consignees have all
resigned, and you need not fear, the tea will not be landed here nor at
New York. All that we fear is that you will shrink at Boston. May God
give you virtue enough to save the liberties of your country!"

A second and a third vessel soon arrived, and the selectmen gave
peremptory orders, to prevent clandestine landing of the tea, and
directed them to be anchored