TRADESMEN'S
PROTEST
AGAINST THE
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
MERCHANTS

Relative to the New IMPORTATION of TEA.
Addressed to the TRADESMEN and INHABITANTS of the Town and Province in
general, but to the TRADESMEN of BOSTON in particular.

AVOID THE TRAP. Remember the iniquitous Non-Importation Scheme.

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BOSTON, Nov. 3, 1773.

WHEREAS we have repeatedly
been imposed upon by the Mer-
chants of the Town of BOSTON, and
thereby incurred heavy Taxes upon us,
and we stand unjustly charged with the
blame : And as it is now proposed
by said Merchants to prevent the Im-
portation of Tea from the India Com-
pany, whereby that Article may be sold
for less than half the Price they can af-
ford it ; who now call for our Atten-
dance for that Purpose at Liberty-Tree.
You are hereby advised and warned by
no means to be taken in by the deceit-
ful Bait of those who falsely stile them-
selves Friends of Liberty.

THE
PROTEST.

We the TRADESMEN of the
Town of BOSTON therefore PRO-
TEST against said Meeting in the
following Manner, Viz.

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I. THAT the present proposed Meet-
ing is illegal and underhanded ; and as
it is our humble Opinion that it is sub-
versive of that CONSTITUTIONAL LI-
BERTY we are contending for, and
that such Proceedings will tend to cre-
ate Disorder and Tumult in the Town,
it is earnestly wished every well-disposed
Member of the Community would use
his Endeavours to prevent them in fu-
ture.

II. That the Method of notifying
said Meeting is mean and despicable, and
smells of Darkness and Deceit, as the No-
tification for warning the same was not
signed, and was posted in the Night.

III. WE are resolved, by Divine As-
sistance, to walk uprightly, and to eat,
drink, and wear whatever we can ho-
nestly procure by our Labour ; and to
Buy and Sell when and where we please ;
herein hoping for the Protection of good
Government : Then let the Bellowing
PATRIOT throw out his thundering
Bulls, they will only serve to sooth our
Sleep.

Printed by E. Russell, next the Cornfield, Union-street.