“Punch, Wine, Pipes and Tobacco…”

John Adams attended a Sons of Liberty Meeting in 1766 where all members of the Loyal Nine were present along with Patriot Henry Wells. Adams offers us a rare glimpse into these gatherings: “Jany. 15, 1766 – I spent the evening with the Sons of Liberty at their own appointment, in Hanover Square, near the ‘Tree of Liberty.’ It is a counting-room in Chase and Speakman’s distillery. A very small room it is. There were present Jon Avery a distiller, of liberal education, John Smith the brazier, Thomas Crafts the painter, Benjamin Edes the printer, Stephen Cleverly brazier, Thomas Chase distiller, Joseph Field master of a vessel, Henry Bass, Geo. Trott jeweler, and Henry Wells. I was very cordially and respectfully treated by all present. We had punch, wine, pipes and tobacco, biscuit and cheese, etc. they chose a committee to make preparation for a grand rejoicing upon the arrival of the news of the repeal of the stamp act.”

I was very cordially and respectfully treated by all present. We had punch, wine, pipes and tobacco, biscuit and cheese, etc… ~John Adams

The Sons of Liberty were influential in organizing and carrying out the Boston Tea Party. Six of the Loyal Nine are documented to have been involved in the Boston Tea Party in one capacity or another. John Avery, Thomas Chase, Stephen Cleverly, and Thomas Crafts were present at the first planning meeting of the Boston Tea Party held in a small counting room above Chase and Speakman’s distillery. Henry Bass, Thomas Chase, Thomas Crafts, and Benjamin Edes were present on the night of December 16, 1773, and actively participated in the boarding of the ships and destruction of the British East India Company Tea. New research may eventually reveal Joseph Field, John Smith, and George Trott were involved in the Boston Tea Party. Not all of the participants of the Boston Tea Party are known; many carried the secret of their participation to their graves. It is estimated hundreds took part in the destruction of the tea.