The last Tea Party of all was at Greenwich NJ on December 22, 1774. After the "Indians" had destroyed the tea, the county-wide committee met the next day. It piously resolved: "first that we entirely disapprove of the destroying of the tea, it being entirely contrary to our resolves; second, that we will not conceal nor protect from justice any of the perpetrators of the above act."

Quite a few tongues must have been in quite a few cheeks when the vote was taken on that resolution.There on the committee sat at least two of the tea burners: Silas Newcomb and Joel Fiftian.(also a tea burner, Ephraim Newcomb)

Two legal efforts were launched to punish the tea burners. One was a suit brought by the East India Company's Philadelphia agents, against alleged members of the group, including the two Newcomb boys.Twelve hundred pounds' damages were demanded. But a public subscription raised funds for the defense, eminent counsel were engaged, and trial was stalled off until the Revolution ended the royal judicial authority in Cumberland County.The other legal move was a grand jury investigation.This was ordered by Chief Justice Frederick Smyth.

Judge Smith gave very Large Charge to the Grand Jury concerning the times, and the burning of the tea the fall before.But the Jury came in without doing anything, and Court broke up.

Judge Smith sent a Jury out a second time, but the Sheriff had packed this jury with Patriots. So again no action was taken.

Taken from Smugglers' Woods, Jaunts and Journeys in Colonial and Revolutionary New Jersey by Arthur D. Pierce

Silas was the son of Capt. Joseph b. 1683. Ephraim was Silas' son. Joseph was the son of Lt. Andrew & Anna Bayes. He was important in S. Jersey history, because he was in charge of keeping the British was coming south of Phila. & looting south Jersey. His Nephew, Ethan, served with him and was considered a hero. Ethan was the son of Joseph & Meriba Bateman.

from Sandie, UZBV13A@prodigy.com (MRS SANDRA E BATTIATA)