“...impowered Charles Paxton Esqr. to be Surveyor...power to enter into any Ship Bottom Boat or other Vessel and also into any Shop House Warehouse Hostery or other Place whatsoever to make diligent search for any goods...whereof the Customs or other Duties have not been duly paid and the same to seize to our use.”
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Charles Paxton, Loyalist Tax Collector
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Charles Paxton was born in Boston in 1708, the son of Wentworth and Faith (Gillman) Paxton. A customs officer by the age of 25, Paxton became a surveyor of customs in 1760 and a commissioner of customs in 1767. He was known for strictly enforcing the writs of assistance despite their unpopularity. When Gov. Thomas Hutchinson’s house was sacked in August 1765, Paxton is said to have used a barrel of punch to bribe the mob to stop the attack. He seized one of John Hancock’s vessels for smuggling wine, was hanged in effigy on the Liberty Tree, and fled to England in 1776. He died in England in 1788.
View the portrait painted in 1734 by Edward Truman up close here.
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Thursday, 24 August | 6:00 PM
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll; City Councilor Brian Worrell; Former Senator Linda Dorcena Forry; and Former Representative Byron Rushing; moderated by Dr. Robert Bellinger.
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Wednesday, 6 September | 6:00 PM
Matthew Dennis, University of Oregon.
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Registration and Events
Interested in Past Programs?
If you missed a program or would like to revisit the material presented, please visit www.masshist.org/video.
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Our galleries and library are open Monday and Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM, and Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM (the galleries and library open at 12:00 PM the third Tuesday of the month). Please note that the last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing.
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An advance appointment is strongly encouraged for all researchers. Please visit our Appointment Request Form to select your preferred visit dates.
Set up an appointment via Zoom or live chat with a member of our reference staff.
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The MHS Fund and Membership
Our Members make it possible for us to offer an array of complimentary services including admission to our exhibition galleries and library, online access to our collections and digital editions, and onsite and remote reference services for all. Membership begins with a fully tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more to the MHS Fund. All Members enjoy a full year of social, cultural, and educational experiences, including invitations to our annual Holiday Party, FREE program registration, and Member Week perks. Learn more and join today!
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