The first mention of tarring and feathering in American print concerns Mr. John Malcolm, officer of customs at Boston, who received the treatment in 1774 (see Allan C posts, above.)
The spread of the practice throughout the lands occupied by England seems to be the result of its use in the British Navy, but whether this descended from its use by King Richard, or was a re-invention, ??

Hutchinson, in his Diary record of a conversation with King George III (1774)-
King George: "I see they threatened to pitch and feather you."
Hutchinson: "Tarr and feather, may it please your majesty."
Quote in the OED.

The practice may have led to the expression, 'tarred with the same brush.'