In the context of Sacred Cod, explore the Second Cod of the History.
A second Cod appeared sometime between 1748 (when the State House was rebuilt) and 1773 (when Thomas Crafts, Jr. billed the Province of Massachusetts Bay, "To painting Codfish, 15 shillings").
But within a few years, the Committee wrote, the second Coddisappeared from the State House and was doubtless destroyed, for the closest historical research fails to shed any light upon the time, manner or cause of its disappearance, or to disclose any reference to it whatever. Mayhap some burly British trooper, quartered in the improvised barracks of the old State House [during the siege of Boston], took umbrage at the spick and span elegance of the newly painted emblem of colonial independence and thrift. Such a one may have torn down the cherished symbol from the wall whence it had offered aid and comfort to the rebel patriots, with its assurance of the material wealth accessible to the embryonic State, and, in spirit of vandalism so prevalent at that age, used it to replenish his evening camp fire.[C]: 17-18 
The Committee found "good reason to believe that this missing fish ... was carved by one John Welch, a Boston patriot".
Thomas Crafts, Jr. Cod siege of Boston Province of Massachusetts Bay Massachusetts