The copperplate used by Paul Revere to create this image is in the collection of the Massachusetts Archives. An effective piece of propaganda, it emphasizes the church steeples in peaceful Boston as British soldiers march in "insolent parade."
- Massachusetts Archives
Landing of the British Troops
On September 28, 1768 eight British warships sailed into Boston Harbor, joining six that were already
anchored. The following evening the ships launched skyrockets, illuminating the fleet as crew members
sang "Yankee Doodle," intended as a taunt to provincial Bostonians.
Around noon the next day several units debarked at Long Wharf including the 14th and 29th Regiments. In addition to the line of redcoats, each company of the 29th had an ''Afro-Caribbean" drummer dressed in a yellow coat with red lapels and trim. Parading past the Town House, the 29th Regiment set up camp on Boston Common.