The Massachusetts Spy, Or, Thomas's Boston Journal

Among the multiplied curses loaded upon the unhappy heads of the distressed inhabitants of the town of Boston. A heart wounded with the private distresses of an individual and far from being callous to the impression of pity must be permitted to address the public with the following little anecdote which may serve to confirm us in what we are to expect from the tender mercies of our oppressors.

Mr. Fairweather an honest poor man of this town having a large family of children, depending upon him for their support--to still their clamour for bread, ventured his little bark to bring up a load of sand, for the supply of the town, which was his usual employment; upon his return with his loading was seized and taken into the possession of one of his Majesty's ships of war in the harbour, and notwithstanding all the tears and prayers of the poor distressed man, the inflexible barbarians, after insulting his tears, emptied the sand into the river, and tauntingly carried off his boat for the benefit of his most gracious Majesty!