BOSTON TEA PARTY: COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE.


CUSHING, THOMAS. Letter Signed ("Thomas Cushing"), 1 p, 4to, Boston, September 29, 1773, to Richard Derby, Jr, regarding a meeting of the Committee of Correspondence on the 20th of October, docketed on the verso, leaf with minor toning, creasing and spotting, pressed and bordered professionally.THE BOSTON COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE PREPARES FOR CONFLICT. Colonial Committees of Correspondence were first set up in the years after the French and Indian War to disseminate information among the residents of the colonies. In the early years, they were disbanded as soon as their initial goals were reached, but in the lead up to the Revolutionary War, they became, in effect, shadow colonial governments. Boston set up the first long-standing commission in 1772, and other colonies soon followed.In 1773, the Boston Committee grew increasingly agitated at the heavy taxation and other injustices imposed by the British government. The November 22, 1773 meeting of the Committee of Correspondence famously called on Bostonians to "use their joint influence to prevent the Landing and sale of the Teas expected from the East India Company" (according to the minutes of that meeting). The meeting called for in this document, however, which takes place just one month earlier, conveys an even darker intention, calling as it does for the colonies to consider how they will cooperate in the event of a war. In part: "I am desired to notifie you that the Committee of Correspondence, of which you are a member, are to meet at the Representatives Chambers on Wednesday the 20th of October; next at Ten o Clock AM, to Consider of some matters of Importance, and more especially to Consider whether it will be expedient for the Committee to write to the Committees of Correspondence in the other Governments to Consult & agree upon one form of Conduct with respect to any requisitions for aid that may be made upon the Colonies in Case of a War...." After declaring that the recipient's attendance is "earnestly requested," the letter ads a Post Script: "It is thought best not to mention abroad the particular occasion of this meeting."