Diary Entry From Quincy J. Petridge (Colonist)

December 20, 1773

Journal,

As a Patriot I am strictly against taxation without representation, and I can truthfully state that I would give my life if it would allow my children to live in an independent America. Dating back to when we first settled here, the British have imposed extremely unreasonable and unjust taxes on the colonies. What do we receive when we attempt to make a stand and defend our unalienable rights? Naturally, we are granted with nothing other than, cold-hearted murder. When the Boston Massacre took place and the news spread colonist became enraged, although I admire the bravery of The Sons of Liberty I almost gaze upon them with disdain for the situation they have placed us under. Before the streets were filled with protesters looking out for the best interests of the colonies, but now our roads are roamed by redcoats to punish us for what we have done.

             On December 16, 1773 a group of disguised colonists dumped over three hundred chests of tea into the sea to express the colonial opinion of the Tea Act. I had no direct involvement myself for my family’s sake; however I am one of the merchants who called for boycott. The Tea Act is an unreasonable action, meant only to crush our liberty! We will not be won over by low prices! However, I fear we have only plunged ourselves deeper into British domain.                            

The British have closed the harbor; therefore we cannot receive food or other goods imported by ship. Parliament calls this the Coercive Acts; nonetheless these acts are truly intolerable. Not are we being prevented from receiving imported goods, but we have also lost our right to assembly and we are forced to quarter British troops in our home. Fortunately, our fellow colonists are good- hearted and send us shipments of food and clothing. Despite the support from the colonists, the harbor remains closed and the Bostonians’ may have no choice to pay for the tea we dumped into our harbor.