Episode 029: The Liberty Riot
The American Board of Customs arrives in Boston in 1767 ready to enforce the new Townshend duties. With the backing of the British Navy, the Board tries to show who is boss by seizing a ship belonging to the wealthiest merchant in Boston and a leader of the tax protests, John Hancock. The seizure of Hancock's ship Liberty results in a riot and the beatings of several customs officials. The Board learns that they are not the boss and must flee to Castle William, an island in Boston Harbor, to avoid further attacks. Tough enforcement of customs laws comes to a halt. For more text, pictures, maps, and sources, please visit my site at AmRevPodcast.Blogspot.com.
