Heed the Call

A letter written by William Wolcott, East Windsor, March 22, 1775

Gentlemen, These are to inform you that the donations of the inhabitants of the town of East Windsor, in grain, are for the support of the poor of Boston, now suffering under the operation of the severe oppressive Port Bill. The quantity, and on whom, and upon what conditions the same is shipped, you will learn by a copy of the master’s receipt, which is sent you inclosed. We rejoice at the patience and fortitude of the Town and Province, under the extreme sufferings of such cruel and oppressive acts, and hope and most ardently pray, that Heaven will support you till in his righteous providence he shall see fit to appear for your deliverance and cloathe our enemies with shame, and in the meantime put it and keep it in the hearts of the inhabitants of this Town. And all the Towns of the continent, willingly and cheerfully to bear so small a part of the burthens unjustly brought upon you by these Acts, so threatening to us all, as to support the poor of your Town in so just a cause and so glorious a struggle for liberty. You will accept what this town has done, though far less than what some other Towns have, as a testimony of their sympathy with and concern for you, and an encouragement to expect further help, which the Committee of this Town will be ever ready industriously to promote.

By Order of the Committee, William Wolcott

The Port Bill referred to in the letter is the Boston Port Act which closed the harbor in retribution for the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party event in 1773. East Windsor sent grain and other goods to support the people of Boston. This was done in solidarity with others across the 13 colonies and worked to solidify their unification. This moved us one step closer to declaring our independence and igniting a revolution.

Stay tuned for more! And if you’d like to read these excerpts and learn more about East Windsor’s involvement, check out East Windsor Through the Years by Michael C. DeVito. You can find it at the Warehouse Point Library, Broad Brook Library, or purchase it here at the museum any cold Saturday morning. -J.