You won't find this piece of history in your "modern" school book!
The story and actual "resolves" to be voted on by the colonial patriots of Farmington, Connecticut on May 19, 1774 in response to the tyranny imposed upon the colonial patriots of their sister colony, the Massachusetts Bay Colony and in particular the Town of Boston.
Farmington, Connecticut, May 19, 1774.
Early in the morning was found the following handbill (broadside), posted up in various parts of the town, viz:
"To pass through the fire at six o'clock this evening, in honour to the immortal goddess of Liberty, the late infamous Act (Boston Port Bill - blockade of Boston Harbor) of the British Parliament for farther distressing the American Colonies; the place of execution will be the public parade, where the Sons of Liberty are desired to attend."
Accordingly, a very numerous and respectable body were assembled, of near one thousand people, when a huge pole (a "Liberty Pole"- if a town did not have a "Liberty Tree" to meet under, they would erect a "Liberty Pole), just forty-five feet high was erected, and consecrated to the shrine of Liberty; after which the Act of Parliament for blocking up the Boston harbour (see below for Act) was read aloud; sentenced to the flames, and executed by the hands of the common hangman; then the following RESOLVES were passed, nem. con.:
1st. That it is the greatest dignity, interest, and happiness of every American to be united with our parent State, while our liberties are duly secured, maintained, and supported by our rightful Sovereign, whose person we greatly revere; whose Government while duly administered, we are ready with our lives and properties to support.
2nd. That the present Ministry, being instigated by the Devil, and led on by their wicked and corrupt hearts, have a design to take away our liberties and properties, and to enslave us forever.
3rd. That the late Act which their malice hath caused to be passed in Parliament, for blocking up the port of Boston, is unjust, illegal, and oppressive; and that we, and every American, are sharers in the insults offered to the town of Boston.
4th. That those pimps and parasites who dared to advise their master to such detestable measures, be held in utter abhorrence by us and every American, and their names loaded with the curses of all succeeding generations.
5th. That we scorn the chains of slavery; we despise every attempt to rivet them upon us; we are the sons of freedom, and resolved, that till time shall be no more, that God-like virtue shall blazon our hemisphere.
-End
Here is some background on the "Boston Port Bill"
MONDAY, March 14, 1774,
The House of Commons (British Parliament) convened with Lord North presiding as "speaker/ moderator" (voice of King George III).
"And his Majesty's said most gracious Message was again read by Mr. Speaker, (all the members of the House being uncovered.) Upon which,
Lord North rose. He said it (King George III's message) contained two propositions: the one to enable his Majesty to put an end to the present disturbances in America, the other to secure the just dependence of the Colonies on the Crown of Great Britain. "His Lordship observed, that the present disorders originated in Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay; and hoped that the method he should propose to the House would be adopted...
... He said, that it was impossible for our commerce to be safe, whilst it continued in the harbour of Boston, and it was highly necessary that some port or other should be found for the landing of our merchandise where our laws would give full protection; he therefore hoped that the removal of the custom-house officers from the town of Boston, would be thought a necessary step; and that the consequence of that would produce one other proposition, which would be, the preventing any shipping from endeavouring to land their wares and merchandise there, by blocking up the use of that harbour; be said he should move for leave to bring in a Bill for those two purposes.
WEDNESDAY, March 30, 1774,
The question was put, "whether this Bill shall Pass?" It was resolved in the Affirmative, Nemine Dissentiente.
Thank you for visiting my little blog on our wonderful history and what is the driving force(s) behind my artwork...
May God continue to hold Providence over our great nation,
Tony Moreschi