In explanation of the plan of this work, it may be stated, that such an
occasion as that upon which the outline events happened seemed to us
most proper for the object in view. A Fourth of July festival in the old
rendezvous of the Boston Tea-party is surely well calculated to excite
patriotic feeling; and when to those who participated in the festival
are added a number of the veterans of the War of Independence, filled
with glorious recollections, the effect is to turn the mind to the
admiration and veneration of the men and deeds of the "trying time."

No event excites more interest among Americans than the destruction of
the tea in Boston harbour. Then and there, the unconquerable resolution
of freemen was first made apparent to the obstinate oppressors of our
infant country. Yet, until of late years, the history of the affair was
very imperfectly known, and the names of the men who participated in it
scarcely mentioned. In these pages will be found a faithful account of
this glorious exploit, and, in connection with the other narratives, it
is hoped it will kindle in the breasts of young readers an enthusiasm
for liberty and a love of heroic excellence.




CONTENTS.


INTRODUCTION

THE LEBANON CLUB