A committee having been appointed to consider the matter of the governor’s support being provided for by the king, reported and observed [July 10.] “That the king’s providing for the support of the governor is a most dangerous innovation. It is a measure, whereby not only the right of the general assembly of this province is rescinded, but the highest indignity is thrown upon it. It is an infraction of the charter in a material point, whereby a most important trust is wrested out of the hands of the general assembly.” And the house, the same day, declared by a message to the governor, “That the making provision for his excellency’s support, independent of the grants and acts of the general assembly, and his excellency’s receiving the same, is an infraction upon the rights of the inhabitants granted by the royal charter.” The payment of the governors by the crown, is not relished by the colonies, as it makes them entirely dependent upon that, and wholly independent of the people and provincial assemblies; and as it destroys the mutual check which each branch of the legislature ought to have upon the others, and that balance of power which is essential to all free governments. It will be a new source of complaint. On the other hand, the affair which has happened in _Rhode-Island_ government will prove a fresh provocation to ministry, and tend to fix them in their plans respecting the colonies. Lieutenant _Duddington_, the commander of the late armed schooner the _Gaspee_, had been remarkably assiduous in supporting the laws against smuggling, and in searching after contraband goods, by which he had given great offence. He had also brought upon himself the resentment of many, by firing at the _Providence_ packets (employed in transporting goods and passengers from thence to _Newport_, and _vice versa_) in order to oblige the masters to take down their colours, and by chacing them even into the docks when it had been refused. The _Providence_ packet coming up as usual with colours flying and company on board, probably a party of pleasure, as is frequent in the summer season, and refusing to take them down, the lieutenant fired a shot, which being disregarded, he chaced. [June 9.] It was near upon, or quite high water. The packet stood in with the land as close as consisted with safety, designing that the _Gaspee_ should be run a-ground in the chace. The design succeeded. The Gaspee was soon fast, and could not stir, the tide having done flowing. The packet proceeded to town. The situation of the Gaspee, and resentment against the commander, excited the thought of attacking and destroying her. Mr. _John Brown_, a considerable merchant of _Providence_, was the principal in the business. Captain _Whipple_ was immediately employed to beat up for volunteers, and a number offered and engaged to go upon any service for which they were wanted. Several whale boats were procured and filled with armed men. Mr. Brown accompanied them in the expedition.