26 SEPTEMBER 1774, BOSTON: All two hundred local carpenters working on the construction of barracks for the redcoat regiments in the city walk off the job at the behest of the town selectmen. General Gage has a conference with John Hancock in desperation to get them to return.

With Boston struggling under the blockade enforced by the Boston Port Act, local craftsmen had been glad of the work provided by the British army. But the unhappiness of other Massachusetts towns led local officials to tell the townsfolk to stop.