By the Quebec act, the total revenue of the province is consigned, in the first instance, to a warrant from the lord of the treasury, for the purpose of pensioning judges during pleasure, and the support of a civil list totally unlimited. The first lord of the treasury, without controul of parliament, is therefore in actual possession of the revenues of one American province, under the authority of an act of parliament, with no other obligation expressed, than in general to defray the expences of the administration of justice, and to support civil government. The residue, as in the tea act, is to be reserved for the disposal of parliamentary despotism committed into the hands of the crown and its minister; for the crown of Great-Britain is constituted as absolute in the province, under an act of parliament, as any despot that ever existed in the world. Hence is inferred what ministers would do through all America, did they possess the power.[108] Your present governor, general Gage, has been appointed as the most proper person to see to the execution of the laws which have been passed respecting both the colony and its capital; when he has settled matters, and established order and due submission to the power of parliament, Mr. Hutchinson is to return and resume the chair. The last, since his arrival, has been graciously received; his influence with ministry will continue, till events convince them that they have been greatly mistaken in relying upon his judgment on American subjects. A commission during pleasure has passed the great seal, granting to general Gage full power and authority, where he shall see cause, to pardon and remit all treasons, murders, felonies, crimes, and misdemeanors whatsoever, and all fines or penalties whatsoever incurred in the Massachusetts. LETTER IX. _Roxbury, Sept. 28, 1774._ The appointment of general Gage to the government was not thought of by Mr. Hutchinson. He expected to have been entrusted with the execution of the ministerial plan; and was rather disconcerted when he found it to be otherwise. Before he left the colony, he was presented with a few addresses; one by a number of gentlemen, conceived in very respectful terms, but against which many others entered a protest. Had he applied himself vigorously and steadily to the healing of the breach between the colonies and the parent state, instead of calling upon ministry to force submission, he would have been a blessing, and had the love of all; but now it will be well if he does not prove a curse to both countries, and make himself odious to the latest posterity.