In December
1773, the inhabitants of Lexington gathered to consider the state
of public affairs. Most pressing was the imposition of a tax on tea
sold to the colonists by the East India Company, and a special act
of Parliament that exempted the East India Company from paying duties
on that tea. This matter was referred to the Committee of Correspondence,
which concluded that this action was a form of oppression.
The
Committee adopted a number of resolves in support of the citizens
of Boston. One was a resolve to boycott East India Tea, with anyone
found in violation treated as an enemy of their country.
Another,
to display Lexington’s gratitude for the struggles and measures taken
by their brethren, was to concur with the citizens of Boston in every
rational measure that may be necessary for the preservation or recovery
of their rights and liberties To emphasize this support they included
the phrase:
“we
trust in God that, should the state of our affairs require it, we
shall be ready to sacrifice our estates and everything dear in life,
yea, and life itself, in support of the common cause”.
This
oath has been taken by every member of the Lexington Minute Men since
the Company was first mustered in December of 1773.
It is
an excerpt from Resolves declared at town meeting in response to the
Revenue Act allowing the East India Company to export Teas into the
Colonies subject to duties.
Source:
The Old South Association
Lexington Town Meetings from 1765-1775.
