The Burning of Falmouth (Now Portland, Maine): By Capt. Mowatt in 1775 (Classic Reprint)

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Excerpt from The Burning of Falmouth : By Capt. Mowatt in 1775

Having given my authorities, I will proceed with my sketch, which I think will explain why the town was burned.

The people of the county of Cumberland, and especially those Of Falmouth, began early to express indignation at the acts of Parliament bearing on the colonies. Soon after the passage Of the odious stamp act of 1765, a vessel arrived at Falmouth from Halifax with the hated stamps, and they were deposited in the custom-house. The people immediately assem bled and marched to the custom-house, demanded and received the stamps, then fixed them to the top of a pole, carried them in procession through the streets, to a fire prepared for the purpose, and burned them.

In 1774 in a town meeting the citizens resolved that we will not buynor sell any India tea whatever, after this third day of Feb. Until the act that lays a duty on it is repealed. There were then 2500 lbs. Of tea in the hands of the dealers in town. Another resolve, passed at this meeting, acknowledges their obligation to the people of Boston, for their early notice of approaching danger, and for their intrepid behavior on the late tea-ships' arrival, and trust they will still be our watch-tower, and they may depend on our utmost endeavors to support them at all times, in defence of their rights and liberties. Also, we rejoice that though surrounded by ?eets and armies, you yet remain firm and resolute. At the close of the proceedings the town voted that a committee be chosen to meet committees of other towns to consult on the alarming state of public affairs.

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