Signed, Thos. Flucker, Secy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL THEREON,
At a Council held at the Council Chamber, in Boston, upon Friday, Novr 19, 1773.
Present:
His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, Esqr., Governor.
| Isaac Royal,[49] | } | James Bowdoin, | } | James Pitts, | ||
| John Erving, | Esqrs. | James Russell, | Esqrs. | |||
| Wm. Brattle,[50] | James Otis, | Saml Dexter, Esqrs. |
His Excellency represented to the Council the tumults and disorders prevailing in the town of Boston, and required their advice upon measures proper for preserving the peace, and for supporting the authority of Government. Whilst the Council were debating on the subject, a petition from Richd Clarke, Benjn Faneuil, and Messrs. Thos. and Elisha Hutchinson, to the Governor and Council was presented, setting forth that the Hon'ble East India Comy, in London, have ship'd a considerable quantity of tea for the port of Boston, which they are made to understand, will be consigned to their address, for sale, and that some of them have, in consequence of this, been cruelly insulted in their persons and property. They therefore beg leave to resign themselves, and the property committed to their care, to the Governor and Council, as the guardians and protectors of the people, and pray that measures may be directed to, for the landing and securing the teas, until they can be at liberty, openly and safely, to dispose of the same, or until they can receive directions from their constituents. After long debate, it was proposed and agreed that his Excellency be desired to appoint a future day for the Council to sit, and he appointed the 23d inst., and the Council adjourned the further consideration to that time accordingly.
November 23d, 1773. Present in Council: His Excellency Thos. Hutchinson, Esqr., Governor.
| Isaac Royal, John Erving, | } | Esqrs. | James Bowdoin, James Russell, James Otis, | } | Esqrs. | James Pitts, John Winthrop, Esqrs. |