The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American RevolutionStark, James Henry
History
The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American Revolution
Stark, James Henry
American loyalists -- Massachusetts; Massachusetts -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783
Since the departure of Bernard there had been no session of the
legislature. In March one took place that was the cause of a new dispute
between the Lieutenant Governor and the legislature, which was destined
to be long and important. It was as to how far the chief magistrate
could be bound by royal instruction. Hutchinson says the Assembly was
prorogued to meet at Boston March 14th, 1770, but before the time
arrived there came a further signification of the King's pleasure that
it should be held at Cambridge, unless the Lieutenant Governor had more
weighty reasons for holding it at Boston, than those which were
mentioned by the Secretary of State against it.[120] On the 15th of
March therefore the legislature met in the "Philosophy Room" in Harvard
College, in Cambridge.
[120] Hutchinson His. Vol. III., p. 280.
Remonstrances were passed by the Council and the House against the
removal to which Hutchinson replied "That the King by his prerogative
could remove the legislature from the 'Town House in Boston' did not in
his mind admit of a doubt and therefore he disregarded the
remonstrance." Soon after the Massacre, Hutchinson begged the Earl of
Hillsborough, the Colonial Secretary, to allow him to resign. He said,
"I must humbly pray that a person of superior powers of body and mind
may be appointed to the administration of the government of this
Province. I shall faithfully endeavor to support such person according
to the best of my abilities, and I think it not improbable that I may be
capable of doing his Majesty greater service in the Province, even in a
private station than at present."[121] Instead of accepting his
resignation he was appointed Governor in March, 1771, and his wife's
brother-in-law, Andrew Oliver, being at the same time commissioned
Lieutenant Governor, and Thomas Flucker Secretary.
[121] M. A. Hist. Vol. XXVI., Mar. 27 to Hillsboro.
At his inauguration while the Assembly and the Congregational ministers
were silent, there were many congratulations, among them Harvard
College. The students singing in Holden Chapel the anthem, "Thus saith
the Lord from henceforth, behold! all nations shall call ye blessed; for
thy rulers shall be of thine own kindred, your nobles shall be of
yourself, and thy governors shall proceed from the midst of thee."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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