The growing tension had manifested itself in several incidents both political and social. March 1775 – Animosity between the citizens of Massachusetts and the British forces occupying Boston had steadily escalated since the troops landed in 1768.
Although the practice could be sent as a warning by the application of tar & feathers on the victims clothes the fervor of the mob often resulted in painful application to the “tax collector” or other “Tory sympathizers” skin. Tar was in ready supply in the port cities and pillows of the day were feather pillows. The are few accounts of this practice in actual use until the American revolutionaries and port mobs revived it. Tar & feathering accounts go as far back as Richard the Lionhearted and the 3rd Crusade where it is reported that the king ordered any robber traveling with the crusade “shall first be shaved, then boiling pitch shall be poured upon his head, and a cushion of feathers shook over it.” Of course, Yankee Doodle was soon adopted by the American revolutionary soldiers with words more to the liking of the American patriot many of which are still sung by American school children today. Billerica’s Thomas Ditson had a verse attributed to him: The origins of the tune Yankee Doodle are lost to history now, but by the middle of the 18th century the melody was being sung to words ridiculing American colonial soldiers particularly during the French & Indian Wars.
Perhaps this transaction may deter the Country fellows from the like practices in future. This matter was done with the knowledge of the Officers of the regiment, altho they did not appear in it, and it gave great Offence to the people of the town, and was much disapproved of by General Gage.Īrms of all kinds are so much sought after by the Country people, that they use every means of procuring them and have been successful amongst the Soldiers, several of whom have been induced to dispose of Arms, or such parts of Arms, as they could come at. The men of that Regiment immediately secured him, and having provided the proper materials, they stripped, and then tarred & feathered him, and setting him upon a Truck, in that manner paraded him, in the afternoon, through most parts of the town, to The neck. Lieutenant Frederick Mackenzie, 23rd (Royal Welch Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot:Ĩth A Country fellow was detected this day in buying arms from a soldier of the 47th Regt. An Authentic Account by a British OfficerĪn Authentic Account by a British Officer.The True Yankee Doodle Account of Thomas Ditson
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