Includes bibliographical references (p. 251-257) and index.; The maritime origins of a mutinous town -- The seaport's first revolt -- The rising of the mobs -- The South End gang and the Stamp Act -- The sailors' Liberty Tree -- Tar, feathers, and terror -- A dockside riot and the massacre -- The Maritime Workers' tea party -- The fighting spirit of a besieged Boston -- Epilogue : "public liberty" : an enduring dream.;