Skirmishes between patriot colonists and British soldiers-as well as colonists loyal to the British Crown-became increasingly common. Repeal of the Townshend Actsīy 1769, more than 2,000 British troops had arrived in Boston to restore order-a large number considering only about 16,000 people lived in Boston at the time. In response to protests and boycotts, the British sent troops to occupy Boston and quell the unrest. New York followed suit in April, with an even more restrictive non-importation agreement.
With the exception of necessities, such as fishing hooks and wire, New England merchants agreed not to import British goods for one year.
