Boston Committee of Correspondence

"At a time when degenerate Britons are with brutal rage, and the great injustice, using every means in their power to wrest from their American Brethren every thing that ought to be held dear and invaluable by any people ..." [Boston: n.p., 1777]



Printed circular letter, 3 pages, 4to (9 3/4 x 7 1/2 in.; 250 x 190 mm), signed by the Boston Committee of Correspondence Chairman, Jonathan Williams ("Jon^{a Williams"), integral address leaf addressed in a clerical hand to the town of Gorham, marginal ink spots on first page, address leaf browned and soiled. Red cloth folding case, red morocco spine lettered gilt.}

Shipton & Mooney 43227 (recording only one copy at the American Antiquarian Society)

Patriot attempts to prevent price-gouging. As hostilities progressed, basic staples grew scarce in the city of Boston. Merchants within the city as well as merchants and farmers from without, took advantage of the situation by overcharging for their merchandise. On 19 February the General Assembly passed an "Act to Prevent Monopoly and Oppression" which established prices for mainstays such as fish, eggs, vegetables,  sugar, salt, soap, candles, firewood, and leather shoes. The present circular rationalized the Act and was intended to stir patriot sympathies. The Act was not entirely successful, as Abigail Adams reported to husband on 31 July 1777.  A Boston merchant hoarding coffee refused to sell it for less than six shillings a pound, which incited a mob of angry housewives to stage their own "Coffee Party." They descended upon his warehouse, confiscated his stock, and drove away, much to the amazement of stunned onlookers.