"A Continual Riding to all the Enemies of America" - Twenty-Four "Patriotic" Toasts Used in 1774 Essex County

Earlier this week, the Nerds shared their research findings on the political and military mood in Essex County (MA) in 1774. The event was held at Meredith Farm in Topsfield, MA, and sponsored by Essex Heritage.

One intriguing aspect discussed with guests after the presentation was the evolution of “patriotic” drinking toasts in 1774. As a starting point, historian Timothy Symington, in his book “Huzza! Toasting a New Nation, 1760-1815”, points out that toasts were a common social practice, often reflecting the prevailing social and political mood of the time.

Symington's research reveals a significant shift in toasting traditions. Pre-1776 American toasts, he notes, typically began with a pledge of loyalty to the King, Queen, and royal family, followed by toasts to Parliament and military leaders. The sessions usually concluded with anti-Catholic sentiments and a wish for prosperity. However, by 1770, toasts with a more rebellious or patriotic tone emerged, particularly in New England.

The Ale-House Door, a painting by Henry Singleton. c. 1790

However, by 1770, toasts seen as “rebellious” or “seditious” by royal officials and embraced by Massachusetts colonists started to creep into American toasts, particularly in New England. 

One example is a September 27, 1774 toast John Adams recorded a Dr. Cox made: “May the fair dove of Liberty in this Deluge of Despotism, find rest to the sole of her foot in America.” Another, which appeared in the January 19, 1774 edition of the Essex Journal And Merrimack Packet called for “A cobweb pair of breeches, a Hedge Hog saddle, a hard trotting horse and a continual riding to all the enemies of America.”

Curiously, Massachusetts colonists appeared to tread cautiously while in the presence of General Thomas Gage. When Gage arrived in Boston in late May 1775 to assume control of Massachusetts Bay Colony, several balls and celebrations were held in his honor. On May 25, 1774, the Essex Journal And Merrimack Packet reported, “Many loyal toasts were drank, and the harmony and decorum observed.” On June 1st, the same newspaper reported a second celebration took place, where “many loyal toasts were drank, the guns in the several batteries were fired on the occasion.”

Conspicuously absent in either account were any reports of “patriotic” or seditious toasts.

Of course, “patriotic” toasts became increasingly commonplace as Massachusetts moved closer to war. On September 21, 1774, a Newburyport newspaper reported a military company from the town’s Independent Marine Society spent the day drilling and visiting various taverns. According to the article, “after spending a few very agreeable hours with a number of gentlemen (whom Mr. 'Feel had invited) in conversation, repast, and drinking a number of loyal and patriotic toasts, the society again rally, march to the town-house, and after firing three vollies lodged their arms. All was conducted with the greatest order and good humour.” 

 Approximately a month later, the Newburyport Company of Artillery assembled to drill. Once finished, “they then marched to General Wolf’s tavern where an elegant supper was provided at the expense of the company, and a few agreeable hours were spent with drinking forty-five loyal and patriotic toasts.”

So, with all this said, do we know what some patriotic toasts, particularly in Essex County? In our best Mona Lisa Vito voice, we can happily say, “we do!”

In addition to the Massachusetts two toasts described above, we have a collection of twenty-four toasts from Newburyport’s Independent Marine Society. The Essex County military company gathered on mid-October 1774 to drill and practice various “firing modes.” Once finished, they retired to a nearby tavern for a social gathering.

According to a local newspaper account, the men gave a series of toasts that started with professing loyalty to the King and Queen and rejecting Catholicism. Almost immediately, the remainder of the toasts delved into what some would interpret as seditious statements. The toasts included praise of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, a call for the “reformation [of] all tories” and “more of a military spirit.”

Here are images of the toasts, which can be found in the October 26, 1774 edition of the Essex Journal And Merrimack Packet:

On June 15th and 16th, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site Salem Maritime National Historic Site in Salem, Massachusetts, will host “By His Excellency's Command,” a living history event commemorating the 250th anniversary of General Thomas Gage's arrival in Salem. Salem Maritime has invited some of New England’s finest living history practitioners to portray Salem's soldiers, officers, legislators, and loyalist and patriot citizens.

Be sure to visit this amazing event and try out some of the above toasts on the loyalist and "patriot" residents of 1774 Salem!