[Newport] June. 3. [1775]
This afternoon a great Commotion happened in this Town, the occasion of which was this. Several Cargoes of Flour had been seized by the Men o' War. Also one Mr. [George] Rome had been employed by the Men o' War to buy up several of the Cargoes. A day or two ago Capt. Wightman of this To[wn] arrived from Philada with Flour,2 of which he had imprudently sold about 80 Bbs. to Mr. Rome.
The Patience of the p[eo]ple was exhausted. A Body arose and demanded the Flour. Rome at first promised to deliver it up, but Capt. [James] Wallace soon landed about 100 Marines and Sailors armed and stationed them about Romes House & Stores to protect him. Upon which the p[eo]ple beat to Arms, and about 90 Resolute Men appeared under Arms. There was the utmost Danger of Hostilities & a bloody Scene. However all was at length settled ー the Flour delivered up and instantly removed and Lodged in the Grainery ー the Marines retired on board. ー And so the Tumult subsided.
1. Stiles, II, 89, 90, LC.
2. Captain V. Wightman, in the sloop Betsey, cleared the port of Philadelphia May 29, 1775, Pennsylvania Packet, May 29, 1775.
