Not only had the Sons of Liberty accosted Gilbert on that same road the previous year in an attempt to prevent him from accepting the post of sheriff for Bristol County, but they had also had committed the ultimate act of sedition on October 21, 1774. The Sons had erected a 112-foot high "Liberty Pole" on Taunton Green that day, opposite his majesty King George's courthouse, raised an American flag proclaiming "Liberty and Union," and pledged "to resist, even unto blood" attempts to restore the laws of England. This was the first open and organized demonstration of rebellion against the British Crown in the colonies.
