Summary
The Marblehead Addressers were Massachusetts residents who publicly supported Thomas Hutchinson and Thomas Gage during the crisis caused by the Intolerable Acts in 1774. In May, 23 citizens of Marblehead thanked Hutchinson for his service, while another 100 people welcomed Gage to Boston. Patriots who opposed the Intolerable Acts responded by publishing the names of the “Addressers” to expose them.
Essential Facts
- Origin:
- The Intolerable Acts were passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party (1773). They were intended to punish Boston and Massachusetts for ongoing resistance to British policies.
- The Addressers were mostly citizens of Marblehead, Massachusetts, who supported the British government.
- The Addresses:
- Twenty-three Marblehead citizens signed an address thanking Governor Thomas Hutchinson for his service to Massachusetts.
- Another 100 people subscribed to an address welcoming General Thomas Gage to Boston.
- Patriot Response:
- Patriots published the names of the Addresers.
- The situation in Massachusetts escalated in September 1774 during the Powder Alarm.
Significance
The Marblehead Addressers are important to American History because their actions intensified the growing divide in Massachusetts between Loyalists and Patriots, following the passage of the Intolerable Acts. The Addressers who publicly thanked Governor Thomas Hutchinson or welcomed General Thomas Gage risked being identified and ridiculed by Patriots who opposed the acts. The Patriots also targeted “Protesters” and “Mandamus Councillors.” By publicly naming these people, Patriots worked to isolate and intimidate Loyalists who supported the British government.
Timeline
- 1774, May
- Twenty-three citizens of Marblehead, Massachusetts, signed an address thanking Governor Thomas Hutchinson for his service to the colony. Hutchinson was recalled by the Crown and replaced with General Thomas Gage, who was tasked with enforcing the Intolerable Acts.
- Another 100 “Addressers” subscribed to an address welcoming Gage to Boston.
- Patriots published the names of the “Addressers” to expose them.
AP US History
The Marblehead Addressers are part of the following AP US History sections:
