USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts, for two hundred years: from the year 1620 to 1820 > Part 12
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Governor Belcher was accused of contending for the pre- rogative of the crown, and of attempts to magnify his office, as the representative of the king; but no acts of oppression could be specified, nor did he push his authority as the royal agent, beyond due bounds. There were times when the leaders of the popular party applauded his conduct and sought his power; and yet on other occasions they opposed and censured him. When the subject of his salary or compensa- tion was debated, they readily voted £1000 sterling ; but declined making it permanent. The council proposed to add, for future years, so long as he should continue in office ; but the house of representatives objected, though an intimation was given by them that they should vote the same as long as he was in the chair, since he had proved himself a zealous friend of the province. The popular favor then, as at all other periods, was uncertain and fluctuating. It was the inis- fortune of Governor Belcher, not to have his worth and his services duly appreciated, till his public life had closed. On a candid review of his public as well as private conduct, it will be found to have been disinterested and patriotic. The heaviest charge against him was that he appointed several of his political friends and supporters to office ; and in a few in- stances removed others, to provide for them. A singular act, on the part of the king, took place during Mr. Belcher's adminis- tration. He ordered the removal of a Mr. Lyde, son-in-law
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of the governor, from being naval officer, and to whom no serious objections could be made. The case was without a parallel ; as the governor had always the privilege to nominate for office. Mr. Belcher did not choose to risk the displeasure of the king, by making objections in this case. Nor does it appear what could have prompted this measure in the king ; for the governor was ever considered faithful to the crown. His right to remove from office, especially from judicial office, which he claimed and exercised on first coming into the chair, was strenuously opposed by Mr. Read, an eminent lawyer and one of the council ; and by his influence the board refused to consent to such appointments.
In 1739, England declared war against Spain, and a very large fleet sailed the next year, for the West Indies. A re- quisition was made on the colonies for four regiments to assist in the expedition. Massachusetts furnished 500 men ; who, while in that warm latitude, were attacked by a mortal disease, and not more than 50 lived to return. The expenses on this occasion to the province amounted to £35,000 old tenor, being then equal to £7000 sterling. The wages and cloth- ing of the men were at the expense of the crown, but the province furnished transports and provisions. The number first required was 1000. And the General Court voted to enlist them. But when the time arrived for their sailing, the arms promised by England, had not been received ; and, though 1000 were raised and a bounty given them, yet only 500 embarked.
In the time of Governor Belcher, the dispute was revived respecting the boundary line between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. His duty was the more delicate and his conduct the more closely criticised, as he was then chief magistrate of both jurisdictions. The line had been run many years before, according to the wishes of Massachusetts ; when it was de- cided that, beginning at a point three miles north of the mouth of Merrimac River, as mentioned in the patent, the course should be up the river to its source, far to the north west, as the northern bounds ; and thence eastward to the ocean. This ·was always considered an arbitrary decision, and not warranted by the patent. It was now decided, by commissioners from the neighboring colonies, as Massachusetts declined having it settled in England, that the line should begin as before settled, and run about thirty miles on the north of the river to a point where it takes almost a direct northerly direction, and then to cross the river and proceed westerly. By this deter- mination Massachusetts lost a large tract which it had long
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claimed, but in the opinion of impartial judges with little justice ; and Governor Belcher failed not to receive much censure in the affair. But there was really no impropriety in his conduct, relating to the decision of this question.
It was in the following year, or 1741, that the line was also run and settled between the old colony of Plymouth, then a part of Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The patent to that colony, like many other of the royal grants, interfered both with Plymouth and Massachusetts, as it was sometimes interpreted. In the decision at this time had, the towns of Tiverton, Compton, Bristol, and part of Swanzey and Bar- rington which had been previously claimed by Plymouth, were allotted to Rhode Island. It was difficult to find any reasons for this judgment, from an examination of the terms of the Plymouth patent ; and it was believed that there was some influence arising from the consideration, that Rhode Island was of small extent, while the territory of Massachusetts was already very large.
Governor Belcher was recalled in 1740, in consequence of some complaints preferred aginst him by political enemies ; but the charges could not be supported ; and the more his conduct and measures were scanned, the more favorable was the public opinion with regard to him. He proved himself faithful to the king, without encroaching on the rights, or dis- regarding the interests of the province. The clergy gave him a high character both for piety and liberality. He was a member of a congregational church, but was catholic in his treatment of Episcopalians.
Mr. Shirley came into office, as Governor of Massachusetts, in 1741. He was born and educated in England ; but had resided some time in Boston, where he was engaged in the profession of the law. In that occupation he gave evidence of talents ; and afterwards displayed good judgment and de- cision both in political and military affairs. When he was appointed Governor, the province was oppressed with 'a heavy debt, and the embarrassments produced by the paper money policy were felt by all classes of people. He had also the same difficulty to encounter, in supporting the preroga- tives of the crown, which had often given his predecessors much trouble. In these circumstances, it required great talents, firmness and moderation to avoid censure. It was his policy, or his measures tended, to set the parties then in the province in warm opposition to each other, and thus to pre- vent angry disputes between himself and the General Court. If this were his purpose, he probably was sometimes justly
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chargab e with temporizing ; but he was uniform in his oppo- sition to the paper money system, which was producing both public and private evil, and always conducted as a faithful servant of the king, and giving as little offence as his duty to him would allow.
A few years after Shirley was placed at the head of the province, in 1744 war commenced between England , and France. The war immediately preceding this was termin- ated by the treaty of Utrecht in 1713 ; and however it might have been observed in Europe, it was often violated by the French in North America. One cause of this, perhaps, was the controversy as to the true bounds between the French and English settlements. The French laid claim to Acadie, which not only comprised Nova Scotia but included the terri- tory westward as far as Penobscot and even Kennebec. And it was the policy of the French government to check the growing settlements of the English in New England, by in- stigating the Indians to attack them.
This declaration of war was not indeed placing the people of Massachusetts in an entirely novel situation ; for during the previous half century those two European powers had frequently been engaged in hostility with each other ; and their colonies in North America were drawn into the contest. But the British and provincial troops had not acted together. Massachusetts had promptly provided for her own defence, when attacked by the French and Indians, without waiting for assistance or direction from England. Not only did they bear the expense of settling and enlarging the colony, but they paid the cost of all measures of defence against the in- vaders for many years ; and yet when requisitions were made on the province, it furnished men and provisions in the expedi- tions against Canada and Nova Scotia, at a former period They were always ready to join the parent government against the common enemy of both ; though they claimed the right of free action in the case, and generally provided for the pay- ment of the men thus employed.
At the commencement of the war, in 1744, the French discovered a determination to take possession of Nova Scotia ; one place was soon attacked and captured ; and Port Royal, or Annapolis, was the principal fortress which could check them. It was then protected by troops from Massachusetts, who had bravely defended it against repeated attacks. This exposure led to a plan, suggested or early encouraged by Governor Shirley, for the destruction of Louisbourg in the Island of Cape Breton, which was then a shelter and a place of preparation and rendezvous for the French fleet.
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This was an enterprise of no ordinary daring ; but it was vigorously and successfully prosecuted, to the great glory of the victors, and especially to Massachusetts, whose troops bore an honorable and an essential part in the expedition. It was fitted out from Boston towards the close of March, 1745 ; and consisted of 3200 men from Massachusetts, 500 from Connecticut and 300 from New Hampshire. The naval pro- vincial force consisted of ten vessels, the two largest of which had twenty guns each. The troops were commanded by General Pepperrell of Massachusetts,* and they arrived at Cape Breton the last of April. The naval force was joined by a British fleet under command of Admiral Warren, near the place of destination. After proper and efficient prepara- tions, the strong port of Louisbourg, defended by 2000 men, 650 of whom were regular troops, was taken on the 17th of June. The French lost 300 men ; and of the English and provincial troops 100 were slain, and 30 died by sickness. The results of this victory were highly important, as a prin- cipal resting place for the French fleet in that quarter was wrested from the enemy. The plans and instructions of Governor Shirley to General Pepperell indicated correct and comprehensive views. General Pepperell conducted with great energy and bravery, and the troops behaved with the steady courage of veterans. The parent government felt and ac- knowledged the great merit of the expedition, and soon after voted to reimburse the expenses which the province had in- curred. But, unfortunately, it engendered a jealousy in Eng- land of the growing power of Massachusetts, which dictated measures to prevent its political advancement.
This bold enterprise was planned in the winter of 1744-5, when it was expected the French would make an attack on Annapolis, and endeavor to gain possession of all Acadie. In this expectation, Massachusetts had previously sent 200 men to retain that important place ; and they bravely defended it against a large French force, by which it was attacked. The governor was obstinately opposed in this project for several months, by the house of representatives, who thought it would not only be of great expense to the province, but must prove unsuccessful, from the strong fortress which was kept at Louisbourg. It was treated as a most desperate enterprise. The house finally voted for the measure by only one majority, after long discussion ; and the merchants, and those concerned
* General Waldo of Massachusetts, and General Wolcott of Connecticut were next in command. Rhode Island and Connecticut had some vessels in the expedition, but were late in arriving.
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in the fishery on the eastern coasts of Nova Scotia, had petition- ed in favor of it. The intelligence of the conquest was the occasion of great rejoicings ; and those who had opposed, joined in applauding both the projectors and the actors in the wonderful achievement .* But instead of terminating the diffi- culties and dangers which beset the province, the defeat of the French, on this occasion, provoked them to greater preparations and efforts against the English, especially the colonies in New England, which they threatened to invade and conquer. They not only resolved to regain Cape Breton and Acadie, but to attack and annoy, as they might be able, all the English set- tlements on the Atlantic. At the same time, the British gov- ernment proposed to make an attack on Canada, and to drive the French from that country, whence they were ever menacing and making sallies against the New England colonies. It was determined to send out a formidable naval force, with other troops, which were to be aided by men from the provinces. Massachusetts, as in all similar projects, at this period, was called upon for the largest number ; and these were seasonably raised, through the zealous efforts of Governor Shirley, though it was a great burden to the people, who had long been subject to requisitions, both of men and money. But with all these plans and preparations, very little was accomplished, by either contending power. The threatened attacks of the French were prevented, by unfavorable weather, as well as from various opinions as to the specific enterprises to be undertaken ; and yet the fear of a hostile visit to New England gave the people great anxiety, and created much expense. The British admin- istration was charged by Massachusetts, with disregard of the welfare of the colonies, and want of proper energy, on this occasion. It failed to fulfil its plans of attacking Canada ; and when the French fleet sailed, it made no preparations to pursue it. When it was found that the expected expeditions, both of France and England, had failed, it was concluded by the north- ern provinces to make an attack on the French at Crown Point. On this occasion, 1500 men marched from Massachu- setts as far as Albany; but it was late in the season, and nothing important was effected. At the same time, on intelli- gence of a projected invasion of Acadie, by the Canadians and Indians, the governor sent 600 men, for the protection of Annapolis, which it was deemed very important to keep from the common enemy, both of England and the provinces. But,
* In 1745, there were unusual complaints of the prevalence of intemper- ance ; and it was represented as a great bane to the settlements.
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though Annapolis was preserved, the Canadians remained in Nova Scotia ; and it was deemed necessary to send more men to that territory. These sailed in the winter, and suffered much by severe cold and storms. One transport was wrecked, and those who landed were in a condition of great exposure; the French surprised them, slew upwards of one hundred, and cap- tured the remainder of the party. The Massachusetts troops in Nova Scotia were disbanded in September, 1747; and peace soon followed between England and France ; but the expense of these military enterprises added greatly to the debts of the province. Soon after the peace of 1748-9, Governor Shirley was appointed a commissioner on the part of England, to proceed to Paris, and assist in settling the boundary lines between the French and English colonies in America. When he received this appointment, he was in England, whither he had repaired on business, both of a public and personal nature. As a commissioner, he conducted with perfect integrity, and much ability. He returned to America in 1753, to resume the office of governor of Massachusetts. Spencer Phipps was lieutenant governor during this period.
During the year 1747, a riot occurred in Boston, on account of the impressment of several of the citizens, all or most of them respectable mechanics, by the commander of a British squadron, then in the harbor. It continued with little suspen- sion for several days ; and displayed that trait of character in the people, an indignant impatience of arbitrary power, which was afterwards manifested in more disastrous results. The act of impressment, though not a singular occurrence, was not justi- fied or even excused, except in cases of great emergency. No such excuse could then be given ; and the pretext was, that some of the crew had deserted. The great body of the people were much excited. They seized some of the British officers, who were found on shore; and when the governor interfered, for the preservation of the peace, he was also treated with dis- respect and rudeness. So riotous were the people, that they attacked the house of the governor, and threatened personal violence. They were, however, persuaded to disperse ; and yet the following night, believing himself in danger, he retired to. the castle. The more judicious and sober part of the town, as much opposed, however, to the unjustifiable conduct of the naval commander, as the other citizens, used their influence to preserve the public peace ; and tranquillity was restored. For four or five days, it was not safe for the naval officers to appear in the streets ; and all who advocated them, were rebuked and threatened.
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Soon after Governor Shirley went to England, in 1749, there was a plan for establishing bishops in the American provinces. The intelligence gave great aların, particularly to the inhabi- tants of Massachusetts, and of the other New England colonies, who were strongly attached to the congregational system, and much opposed to the episcopal form of church government. There was no proof, however, that Gevernor Shirley originated or urged the plan ; and his general charactor for honesty and frankness forbid the supposition. He had a controversy with the general court, as several of his predecessors had, respecting his salary ; but he was not unfriendly to the clergy of the prov- ince. It was natural, that the descendants of the puritans and nonconformists of 1630, and of 1663, should be averse from episcopal domination ; and that those who were of the church of England should be suspected of plans to extend their power. A similar proposition had been made more than thirty years before ; and the society for propagating the gospel in New England, composed of Episcopalians, by locating their mission- aries where congregational ministers resided, seem to have judged that none but those of their communion were duly authorized to preach the christian religion. There is abundant proof, from the records of past times, that the dominant party have generally been intolerant and exclusive.
The disputes and the embarrassments, of which the paper money system, for a long time, had been the occasion, and for a relief from which various projects had been presented in vain, were brought to a close, by receiving the sum granted to Mas- sachusetts, as a reimbursement of expenses in the expedition to Cape Breton, and that projected to Canada the year after. In 1747, it was ordered by parliament to reimburse those expenses of the province; and in 1749, the amount appropriated was paid, through the agent, Mr. Bollan. The claim amounted to nearly £262,000, in bills of the new emission, but the sterling value was £184,000, the exchange being £142,10 for £100. Such was the relative value in 1744, when the new emission was made; but, before the reimbursement was ordered, it was £250, for £100, and for the old bills it was as great as £1000 for £100. The sum allowed by the parliament was generally considered to be liberal, but it did not give the ability to redeem all the paper issued by the province, and then in circulation, To meet the balance, a tax was ordered to be raised of £75,000, payable in paper, at the rate of exchange above stated. Various projects had been offered before to put an end to the mischiefs of the paper money system, but they had failed ; because of different views, as to the best mode of effect-
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ing it; because speculators were interested in having suclı a currency ; and because the people, through a strange misappre- hension, supposed the abolishment of the system would be injurious to them.
One great cause of the opposition to the plan of stopping the emission of paper money, and introducing specie currency, was to be found in a jealousy of the king's prerogative .* The parent government was desirous of checking the paper curren- cy, not from arbitrary views, but from a wise regard to the prosperity of the province. And the governors had instruc- tions to give their negative to all bills for their increase or con- tinuance. The representatives considered this an improper interference with the internal affairs of the province ; finding immediate relief from the policy, to the common people, as was alleged, they insisted on extending and supporting the system. This was an unfounded jealousy ; and soon after the discontinuance of paper money, the people became satisfied both of the justice and expediency of the measure.+
It is in the strong religious character of the first and early inhabitants of Massachusetts, that one finds the chief cause of the efforts they made to promote industry and sobriety through the community. Sometimes, perhaps, their legislation was an improper interference with individual rights. Such might have been a sumptuary law, which was passed in the early days of the colony. There could not be the same objection to a society, formed in 1749, for the promotion of industry.} As much is effected by example and combined effort, such an association
It was not that the prerogative of the crown was in all cases denied. In professions, at least, it was admitted. But the general court undertook sometimes to limit it, or to judge of its propriety. As in the case of the paper money, they contended it was a matter of internal policy, of the ex- pediency of which they were to decide; and therefore objected to the royal instructions for prohibiting its issuing and circulation. When the act of the general assembly was passed, after long debate, according to the instructions of the king, and the will of parliament, there was an exception in the event of invasion, and for the current expenses of the year.
t During the paper money system, especially when attempts were made to abolish it, and introduce a specie currency, the parties in the province were known rather as debtors and creditors, than as whigs and tories. And the debtors were far more numerous than the creditors, which furnishes the reason that the bills were kept so long in circulation, and were at last given up with so much reluctance.
# The repeated wars, for several years, had not only diminished, or re- tarded the natural increase of the population of the province, but served to introduce a habit of idleness, with those who had been engaged in similar affairs ; and this was the immediate occasion of the formation of such a society.
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was probably attended by beneficial results to the state .* The clergy gave their efficient aid for this laudable purpose.+ The act passed the same year, to prevent vexatious law suits, was more directly the policy of the civil rulers; and yet it might have been as useful as the encouragement of industry. The principles and the institutions of the pious founders of the colony were revered by their children, for many generations; and their good influence has continued, in a great measure, through a period of two hundred years.
The treaty, concluded in 1748-9, though it suspended all hostilities, on the part of the French, against the British se ttle- ments in America, did not wholly restrain the Indians. Written treaties do not always control their conduct. A remembrance of real or pretended injuries of former times, often excited a spirit of revenge, which spent itself wherever there were objects of its hatred. The eastern frontiers were supposed to be still in danger, and nearly five hundred troops were kept in service, until assurances should be given of a friendly disposition in the Norridgewock and Penobscot tribes. In course of the sum- mer of 1749, these tribes sent delegates to Boston, to propose terms of peace ; which, in October following, were settled at Falmouth. The St. Francois tribe was also represented at this meeting ; for it generally acted in concert with the other two. The treaty, made with them in 1726, by Lieutenant Governor Dummer, was the basis of the present convention. By the instrument, which was signed, they promised to live in peace with the English in that quarter, reserving the lands not sold and conveyed already, and the privilege of hunting and fishing where they might choose. They also agreed, that trade
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