response that the Boston leaders boasted that the town would become the chief grain port of America if the act was not repealed. June 1 was widely observed as a day of fasting and prayer, bells being tolled, flags placed at half-mast, and houses draped in mourning. That was the first step in the unification of the thirteen colonies since they now had a cause for which to work together. The First Continental Congress was convened in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774 to co-ordinate a colonial response to the Port Act and the other Coercive Acts. References Further reading External links Full text of the Boston Port Act Observations on the act of Parliament commonly called the Boston port-bill : with thoughts on civil society and standing armies Boston, N.E.; London: Re-printed for Edward and Charles Dilly Great Britain Acts of Parliament 1774 1774 in the Thirteen Colonies Laws leading to the American Revolution Collective punishment