The BOSTONIAN’S Paying the EXCISE-MAN, or TARRING & FEATHERING. The 1774 print depicts the tarring and feathering of a British customs official in Boston as he spews out the tea poured into his mouth. The Boston Tea Party is shown in the background.

The BOSTONIAN’S Paying the EXCISE-MAN, or TARRING & FEATHERING. The 1774 print depicts the tarring and feathering of a British customs official in Boston as he spews out the tea poured into his mouth. The Boston Tea Party is shown in the background.

The BOSTONIAN’S Paying the EXCISE-MAN, or TARRING & FEATHERING. The 1774 print depicts the tarring and feathering of a British customs official in Boston as he spews out the tea poured into his mouth. The Boston Tea Party is shown in the background.

“The Boston Evening Post” addresses the taxation of tea in America, April 25, 1774. Printed by Thomas and John Fleet.

“The Boston Evening Post” addresses the taxation of tea in America, April 25, 1774. Printed by Thomas and John Fleet.

“The Boston Evening Post” addresses the taxation of tea in America, April 25, 1774. Printed by Thomas and John Fleet.

Library of Congress

“The destruction of Tea at Boston Harbor,” a Currier & Ives hand-colored lithograph published 1846.

Library of Congress

“The destruction of Tea at Boston Harbor,” a Currier & Ives hand-colored lithograph published 1846.