Ebenezer Mudgett and the Pine Tree Riot: A Novella Based on the True Story of New Hampshire Colonists Who Defied British Rule in the Spring of 1772, Foreshadowing ... Boston Tea Party.

by Connie Evans

What does it take for law-abiding men to risk their lives and their families’ livelihoods in favor of rising against the long arm of a powerful King and government?

The odious Pine Tree Law had pushed Ebenezer Mudgett, a forty-six-year-old liquor merchant and his friends, normally circumspect and honorable colonists, to the breaking point. On April 14, 1772, Ebenezer and a small group of resolute settlers helped to ignite the fuse that would lead to a bloody revolution and, ultimately, the independence of millions of people. Beginning in the village of Weare, New Hampshire, this little-known event was one of the catalysts for the Boston Tea Party and the shot heard ’round the world.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2017

Reviews

[Kathryn Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all -- if you like historical fiction, especially about the colonial period, you will enjoy this. The event of the title takes place in Weare, NH and the novel is full of local color, as the title character journeys to Salem, MA for a supply run. I found the characterizations very believable and really enjoyed the depth of her research.

[Ellen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love history, especially stories about the Revolutionary War. Being new to New Hampshire, I was excited to read this book about a local event, The Pine Tree Riot of 1772 which happened in the town adjacent to ours. The author did a wonderful job bringing the 18th century to life with her dialogue and descriptions of the life on the then-frontier. I suspect few people outside of Weare, NH are acquainted with this little known rebellion against the Crown, when men in Weare protested the king's edict that all pine trees with a diameter of 24" or greater belonged to England, regardless of whose property the trees were found. It is very likely that the rebellion in New Hampshire helped set the stage of the renowned Boston Tea Party the following year. I would recommend this fascinating book to anyone interested in the history of the Revolution or NH!

[Vicki Rinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting piece of history--yes. And, even more interesting now that I live in the community where this historic even took place. Clearly the author has spent a lot of time researching the time and event, and that part of the book felt authentic. But in spite of this, the book failed to keep my interest and I generally found it tedious. A dramatic event that read more like a history textbook.