The British government punishes Boston for the Tea Party by declaring that only British warships and transports will be allowed in and out of the city until the ruined tea is paid for. Essentially, the aim of this Port Act is to starve the city into submission. The resulting outrage unites the 13 colonies in solidarity with Boston and sways many moderates and Tories toward the Whigs’ side. England sends General Gage to replace Governor Hutchinson, and British troops fill the city in their brightly colored uniforms, “scarlet as a tide of blood” (155). As the financial and political impact of the British sanctions takes effect, businesses close and Whig families leave the city. As a result, the Boston Observer shrinks, but Mr. Lorne refuses to stop printing the paper. In another daring act of defiance, militias begin training across New England. Rab joins in these training drills in Lexington although he is troubled that he has only an old hunting gun while the British troops are armed with muskets.

One day in June, Rab touches a musket, and a British soldier strikes him in the head with the flat of his sword. An affable British medical officer treats Rab’s injury and asks Johnny to deliver a letter to one of his relatives.