The Edenton Tea Party~
In 1774, fifty women in Edenton, North Carolina, signed and published a statement declaring their intention to boycott all British goods. It was the first women’s public collective political action in American history.
“As we cannot be indifferent on any occasion that appears nearly to affect the peace and happiness of our country, and as it has been thought necessary, for the public good, to enter into several particular resolves by a meeting of Members deputed from the whole Province it is a duty which we owe, not only to our near and dear connections who have concurred in them, but to ourselves who are essentially interested in their welfare, to do everything as far as lies in our power to testify our sincere adherence to the same; and we do therefore accordingly subscribe this paper, as a witness of our fixed intention and solemn determination to do so. “
“We cannot ignore events that affect our country. The leaders of our country have decided to protest the actions of our government. We believe we have a duty to speak out. We owe it to the men who lead us, our husbands and fathers, and we owe it to ourselves. We sign this paper to show that we will do anything necessary to support their protests against the government.”
The names of the women from Edenton appear below their statement. In their statement, the women expressed support for the actions and resolutions made by North Carolina's First Provincial Congress which met in New Bern from August 25-27,1774. These political statements and resolutions expressed support for the belief that the American colonists should not be taxed by the British Parliament without their consent and without having their own elected representatives in Parliament. The action of the women from Edenton was a bold and unique demonstration of patriotism. The Virginia Gazette was the local newspaper published in Williamsburg, Virginia.
