I am learning about important figures in American history at school from the late 1700s, and the person talked about was my favorite!
Lots of great men and women but one name stood out – James Otis. I loved his story, and you will to!
Back in the mid-1700s, many US merchants were trading illegally to get around some trade laws.
There was a lot of tension between the colonists and the British. The British introduced the writs of assistance – which allowed the British to search someone’s house with a warrant.
James Otis and others were enraged because it violated people’s rights.
Otis wanted to become Chief of Justice, but someone else was appointed and he resigned. He decided to go help Boston merchants instead.
He gave a 5 hour long speech against the Writs of Assistance.
5 hours!
Sadly he lost the case. But he did become well known among colonists.
In 1764, he represented the colonies in a “no taxation without representation” case.
With his speeches and work, he became popular but also annoyed the British.
In 1769, at his peak, a British official pulled him out of a speech and beat him on the head with a cane. That made him mentally ill, and he is said to have roamed the Boston streets, aimlessly drifting.
The saddest part was that we was quickly forgotten by the colonists.
He dedicated his life to fighting for the folks of the colonies and then he gets struck in the head, ends up homeless and then he was struck by lightning. And he died.
What?!?
I am so mad!
But we are learning about him – so he is not totally forgotten.
I hope to visit his memorial when we visit Boston.
Shoutout to Mr. Matuska – my history teacher.

And shoutout to Disha and Mr. John B for writing to me about previous episodes.

Have you heard of James Otis? What do you think of his story. Let me know.

Email me: [email protected] with your questions and comments.

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