Letter from Thomas Cushing to Roger Sherman, 21 January 1772
Description:
By the early 1770s, Boston's patriot leaders have had many opportunities to rally townspeople against perceived injustices (usually acts of Parliament or other objectionable activities undertaken by the British government or soldiery). Men like Samuel Adams understand that an informed citizenry is the best weapon against unfavorable government policy. Political ignorance is simply another form of slavery. How do patriots impart political knowledge to such a vast audience? Ministers, newspaper publishers, and even the Massachusetts General Assembly work to educate the public, but in 1771, patriot leaders in Boston experiment with a new form of instruction. They initiate an annual town lecture, which will be held each year on 5 March, the anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Some colonial leaders are skeptical, and question whether the general public can be educated in the ways of politics through such popular means. From Miscellaneous Bound Manuscripts
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