Mr. _Rotch_ is ordered to make a protest, and procure a pass for his vessel. He waits upon the governor at Milton, who offers to give him a letter to the admiral for protection, which he declines, fearing in that case the rage of the people, and being in no concern about his ship, as that is not the object of resentment, but the tea. He intimates to the governor, that some of the leaders of the people wish the ship to go down and be stopped at the castle, “for then they will be rid of the affair, and may say they have done all in their power.” While Mr. Rotch is absent, the speakers in the meeting keep the people together by engaging their attention till he returns, which is before six o’clock, when he informs the body, that upon applying to the governor for a pass, he received for answer, “I cannot give you a pass consistent with the laws and my duty to my king, unless the vessel is properly qualified from the custom-house.”—Upon this there is a great deal of disputing, when a person disguised like an Indian, gives the war-whoop in the front gallery, where there are few if any besides himself. Upon this signal it is moved and voted that the meeting be immediately dissolved.—The people crowd out and run in numbers to Griffin’s wharf. At the same instant a number of persons, chiefly masters of vessels and ship-builders from the north end of the town, about seventeen, though judged to be many more as they run along, cross Fort Hill, dressed as Indians, and repair to the tea ships; and in about two hours hoist out of them and break open 342 chests of tea, and discharge their contents into the salt water. They are not in the least molested. The multitude of spectators upon and about the wharf, serve as a covering party. The whole business is conducted with very little tumult, and no damage done to the vessels or any other property; when finished, the people return quietly to their own towns and habitations. Prior to the destruction of the tea, captain _Loring_ in a brig, being the fourth and last vessel on the East-India Company’s account, was cast ashore at Cape-Cod; and what tea was saved has been conveyed to the castle.