from
History of Providence County, Rhode Island
Edited by Richard M. Bayles.
In two volumes, illustrated. Vol. I.
New York: W. W. Preston & Co., 1891.
pp. 171 - 191. (part 6)
"The burning of the schooner 'Gaspee' was one of the events of national
importance, which have ever stood in bold relief among the historic remains
of that eventful and interesting period. In attempting to put a stop to
the illicit trade, which had long been carried on in the different ports
of this country, armed vessels had been placed in Narragansett bay, as well
as in other waters adjacent to the ocean. The vigilance of the customs
officers in this work had resulted in serious riots. Vessels suspected of
being engaged in illicit trade had been seized by the customs officers and
confiscated with their cargoes. The scene of the marine operations was
mostly in the lower part of the bay. In 1764 the schooner 'St. John' was
stationed in the bay for the purpose mentioned. In 1769 the sloop
'Liberty' was commissioned in these waters for the same purpose.
The acts of the British commanders of these vessels were exacting,
oppressive, and very obnoxious to the people who fell under their
tyrannical surveillance. Their acts called forth decided outbursts of
indignation, which arose sometimes to actual demonstrations of violence,
and indeed were ominous as to the possibilities of what continued acts of
the kind might bring about. In the early part of 1772, his majesty's
schooner, the 'Gaspee', carrying eight guns, and commanded by Lieutenant
Dudingston, was stationed in Narragansett bay, on a similar mission. He
stopped all vessels, even including small market boats, without showing his
authority for doing so; and even sent the property which he thus illegally
seized to Boston for trial. Complaints became so numerous from those who
had suffered from his acts, in which he even went beyond and in violation
of his powers as limited by certain acts of parliament, that Governor
Sessions obtained from Chief Justice Hopkins the opinion, 'that no
commander of any vessel has a right to use any authority in the colony,
without previously applying to the Governor, and showing his authority for
so doing; and also being sworn to a due exercise of his office.' Protests
were made to the commander, and this correspondence was submitted to his
superior officers, but, even while he seems to have been in doubt as to the
legality of his acts, he still pursued his course."
continued in part 7.