Peace with Spain

    831. To Thomas Gage, 31 March 1771

    832. To Israel Williams, 1 April 1771

    833. From Lord Hillsborough, 1 April 1771

    834. To Lord Hillsborough, 2 April 1771

    By the end of March it was becoming clearer that the immediate danger of war with Spain was over, but official orders countermanding expensive preparations for the defense of the colonies had not yet arrived. Repairs to the Castle now seemed less urgent, but two regiments were still on their way from Halifax to points south, stopping at Boston. The packet service from London to New York, designed for the timely communication of such news from the metropolis, proved less reliable for news than that carried by merchant shipping.

    831. To Thomas Gage

    Boston 31 March 1771

    Sir, I have the honour of two letters from you both the 25th Instant.1 We have received yesterday London News papers by the way of Liverpool to the beginning of February. Most of the Articles will be in the Boston papers to morrow. There can be no doubt of the accommodation of the Affair of Falkland Islands and the danger of an immediate rupture with Spain is over, but whether affairs, in general, between Great Britain and Spain are not in such a situation as to make it expedient to continue & increase preparations for War on both sides it seems not so easy to determine. What influence this change of Affairs may have upon the plan for removing the two Regiments from Halifax is with you to determine.2 I know of nothing, which is in my power previous to the sailing of the Vessels from hence. As soon as they shall be gone I will be preparing the people for their landing and I hope to defeat the measures which some Incendiaries will probably take to inflame the people upon the appearance of Troops in the Town for any purpose whatsoever, and I will do all in my power for their accommodation upon their march. I think the Council will join with me. They cannot well decline it after their unanimous advice to the Proclamation which I have issued for the encouragement of your Recruiting Parties.3 Objections indeed were made by divers to the proposal but, upon calmly reasoning with them, they gave them up. I am unfortunate in not having transmitted to me the Act which passed in the last Session of Parliament for the continuance of the American Mutiny Act. That such an Act received the Royal Assent appears by the News papers but this will be no evidence if any dispute shall arise.4 The last Act which is in this Province passed in the Winter of 1768 and expired the 24th. of this month.

    I observe not only from your Letter but also from a Letter from My Lord Hillsborough to me by the Pacquet that the King approves of my appointment of the two Officers at the Castle, but you seem to suppose they are to be paid their usual salaries whereas Lord Hillsborough writes that such allowances shall be made as you and I shall think just and reasonable.5 I will take the Liberty to send you under this cover an Extract from my letter to Lord Hillsborough to which my Letter by the Pacquet is an answer. The wages I therein propose is certainly more than either of them ever received from the Province. Burbeck who was chief Gunner had I think about 35£ sterling salary per annum and was allowed wages for one of his children as if he had been an effective man and had some perquisites. Salisbury was Serjeant at the Fort at about 20£ lawful but he had a share in the suttling I suppose equal, and sometimes more than 50, to his Salary. But I could not prevail with either of them to continue upon their former salaries & perquisites or what is equivalent. I gave Burbeck encouragement I would endeavour to obtain 4/ per day & Salisbury 3/. sterling. I had before mentioned 5/. & 4/. to Lord Hillsborough and I now think it is not too much for the posts but considering the way of living to which both these persons have been accustomed the difference whilst they continue, may well enough be saved to the government. For the time past I hope you will allow the pay according to the agreement, I would say encouragement, I have mentioned and if you think it too much for the time to come I must look out for the best persons I can find to do their work cheaper. They have been assisting to one another have never been both absent at the same time and, between them, keep constant watch night and day. It’s proper you should know that Burbeck was employed part of the time by Captain Montresor and received 3/. lawful per day. If there should be additional stores procured for the Castle I know of no person for whose fidelity I would venture to be responsible sooner than Burbecks. He is, besides, sensible and very clever as I doubt not Captain Montresor will inform you. I had, under my direction, about Sixty pounds lawful money the produce of some old stores which belonged to the Castle. I thought it right that it should be applied to purchasing other stores and have agreed for that amount in shells for two six Inch mortars which had not one shell belonging to them. The other stores, except a small consumption of Powder, remain as when the Inventory was taken. There are upon the Island about three or four tons of shot of 18 pound, which were sent there by Judge Oliver, but are not in the Inventory, the Province declining to pay for them because there are not above two or three Cannon of that bore.6 I do not know how the mistake hapned but I wish it was in my power to take them off his hands and the rather because he is a Gentleman who has merited much of Government and more especially in the Trial of Preston & the Soldiers and it is more hard he should suffer. I am sure he will never obtain any thing from the Province. I am with very great regard and esteem Sir Your most humble and most obedient servant,

    RC (Clements Library, Thomas Gage Papers). AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:137–40); at foot of letter, “Gen Gage”; in WSH’s hand.

    832. To Israel Williams

    Boston 1 April 1771

    Dear Sir, I return you the Manuscript least it should fall into some hands which would not make a good use of it. I tried Draper soon after I wrote you but he refused to print it for fear of offending the Town and losing his customers. I did not chuse to have any communication with Fleets. I have thought since that the people were opening their eyes and that it will be best, for the present at least, for my friends to be silent & leave my enemies to look upon their past actions and make their own reflections.1 Its certain all the valuable part of the Town have shewn me as much respect personally as well as in my publick character as I could desire. Two Adams’s Phillips Hancock and two or three others who with the least reason have been the most injurious are all of any sort of consideration who stand out. I cannot expect any great mark of regard from the House whilst the Boston Members are aided by a Gentleman from your County who has so much influence.2 Perhaps there may be a considerable change another year. I shall be obliged to issue the Writs for the new Assembly to meet at Cambridge.

    The proceedings in Council against the late Secretary are highly disapproved of and censured and I have received the Kings express declaration of his approbation of his behaviour in this particular instance and in his general conduct and as a Testimony of His Majestys sense of the Merits of so faithful a Servant he has directed me to cause this declaration to be Recorded.3

    It is past doubt that the last dispute with Spain is accommodated and that Falklands Islands are to be restored and the claim to the Right to remain as it was on both sides which will at least put War at a greater distance. Happy if in the mean time intestine Wars both in Britain and the Colonies might cease. I am Dear Sir Your affectionate humble servant,

    RC (Massachusetts Historical Society, Israel Williams Papers); at foot of letter, “Colonel Williams”; endorsed, “1. April 1771.” AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:140–41); at foot of letter, “Colo Williams”; in WSH’s hand.

    833. From Lord Hillsborough

    Whitehall 1st. April 1771

    Sir, Your Dispatches of 22d. Decr. and 17th. January last both numbered 34 have been received and laid before the King.1

    I have already acquainted you with the Steps I thought fit to take & with the directions I had in command from the King respecting the two establishments you represented to be necessary at Castle William,2 & you will have the satisfaction to find that your Instructions (which I hope to be able to send you in a few Days) are very full and explicit not only with regard to those establishments, but also to the Command over that Fortress committed to you by Charter & by His Majesty’s Commission.

    With regard to the Repairs of and additional Works at the Castle which you have represented to General Gage to be necessary, I can only say that as what has been already done will, I perceive, make a very heavy Article in the Military contingent expences of North America;3 it is very much to be wished that any further demand might at present be avoided; & not only on that account, but also as it may in the execution give occasion to doubts and suspicions with respect to the Authority on one side & the other, for although I have no doubt that in every thing relating to the Castle both General Gage & your self will act with that moderation and cordiality so essential to the efficacy & success of the King’s Instructions yet the less occasion there is in a matter of some delicacy to bring that authority into question the better.

    The general Disposition which you say at present appears in the people of Massachusets Bay to promote order & submission to Government, has given the King the greatest satisfaction, & His Majesty who has nothing more at heart than to see His people happy, peaceable & prosperous, & has had so many proofs of your Zeal to promote these objects has the fullest confidence that you will neglect nothing that may tend to improve these pleasing appearances, & to avail yourself of the good Temper which you say the Assembly are likely to meet in at their next Session, to obtain every provision that may be necessary for the Welfare and security of the Colony & the advantage of it’s Inhabitants.

    Upon this Occasion I cannot forbear to mention the accounts I have received through various Channels of the Disorders which prevail in the new Settlements in the Eastern Country; & which calls so loudly for the Interposition of Government.4

    I ever thought that the encouraging settlement in a Colony so remote from the seat of Government & under very peculiar circumstances was imprudent & unadviseable without a previous consideration by His Majesty & His privy Council here of a State of the Country & of the means by which the advantages of such Settlement could be best promoted without prejudice to the Interests of this Kingdom & more especially in that important one the preservation of the Timber with which that District abounds.

    You will I dare say have been already informed that in consequence of a joint report of the Boards of Admiralty & Trade to the King, the Lords of the Treasury have appointed persons to survey that Country & to report for the consideration of Parliament the State of it in respect to this object, & whether there are any or what parts, that it may be proper should be reserved for a supply of Naval Stores to this Kingdom.5 It will be impossible therefore untill this report is made to suggest any Plan for the particular Government of so extensive a District, which will not be liable to very great difficulty & uncertainty, & therefore all that can be done in the mean time is to avoid encouraging any further Settlements whatever; & to endeavour by the appointment of Justices of the Peace and other civil Magistrates to restrain those violences and disorders so strongly complained of in the Petitions which have I understand been presented by the well disposed Inhabitants of the new Townships. I am &c,

    Hillsborough

    SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/760, ff. 129–31); docketed, “Govr. Hutchinson (No. 6.).” SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/765, ff. 202–05); docketed, “Govr. Hutchinson. (No. 6).” SC (Houghton Library, Sparks 43, 1:129); docketed, “Lord Hillsborough to Governor Hutchinson”; excerpt of paragraphs four, five, and six only.

    834. To Lord Hillsborough

    Boston 2d. April 1771

    (No 1)

    My Lord, I have the honour of your Lordships seperate letter of the 7th. December and of receiving by the same conveyance His Majesty’s Commission for the Government of the Province which together with the Lieutenant Governour’s and Secretary’s Commissions have been published in the usual manner & form.1 This distinguishing mark of Royal favour increases my Obligations to diligence and fidelity in His Majesty’s Service and I cannot but hope to be instrumental in restoring the affairs of the Province from the great derangment they have been under for several years past and that in some degree I shall be able to answer His Majesty’s just expectations from me. I hope soon to receive my Instructions and in the mean time shall observe the Instructions given to Sir Francis Bernard, those excepted which relate to the Salary.

    I have avoided asking or receiving any Grants from the Government since April last and shall continue so to do.

    I have received every mark of Civility and Respect from every Order of Men, a few only excepted whose neglect rather does me honour, and in particular there has been a more respectable appearance of the Body of the Merchants of the Town than was ever known in the like occasion.

    I have also the honour of your Lordship’s Letters No 1. 2 & 3 and a circular letter of the 11th. of December. The two first principally relate to the Lieutenant Governour. I shall carry your Lordship’s Order into execution the first opportunity in the most prudent and effectual manner and I see no Inconvenience nor Impropriety in causing No 2 to be entred upon the Council Journals.2

    Your Lordship’s having signified in No 3 that my refusing the Grants to the Agents was consistent with my Duty to the King I shall persevere unless some more notable inconvenience than at present I see any danger of should make my assent necessary.

    As I must meet a new Assembly next month I shall defer till then what relates to the Eastern Country in hopes of better Success.

    In Obedience to His Majestys Commands signified in your Lordship’s circular Letter I have issued a Proclamation requiring all civil Officers to be aiding and assisting to the Recruiting Parties in raising Men to complete the Battalions and I am glad I can acquaint your Lordship that the Council were unanimous in advising to this Proclamation.3

    I may not omit my acknowledgments to your Lordship for the allowance to the two Officers at the Castle which I will settle with General Gage in the most frugal manner.

    I intend to meet the Assembly to morrow at Cambridge. I flatter myself the Party against Government will not be able again to carry a vote against doing Business. If they should I shall put an end to the Session without any further dispute with them upon the Subject. The Salaries of the Judges is the principal matter I have to expect from them.4 I have the honour to be with very great respect My Lord Your Lordship’s most humble & most obedient Servant,

    RC (National Archives UK, CO 5/760, ff. 134–35); at foot of letter, “Rt. Honble. the Earl of Hillsborough”; docketed, “Boston 2d. April 1771 Governor Hutchinson (No. 1) Rx 25 May D——6.” DupRC (National Archives UK, CO 5/894, ff. 135–36); at head of letter, “Duplicate”; docketed, “Massachusets. Duplicate of a Letter from Govr. Hutchinson to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated April 2. 1771, relative to the receipt of his Commission;—his intended meeting of the Assembly;—& recruiting Parties.” AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:141–42); at foot of letter, “Ld. Hillsborough”; in WSH’s hand. SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/768, ff. 186–89); docketed, “Govr. Hutchinson, Boston. 2d April 1771. (No. 1) Rx 25. May.”

    835. To John Pownall

    Boston 3d April 1771

    Dear Sir, I am very glad I can acquaint you that the Commissions have been received with remarkable respect notwithstanding the Efforts of the heads of the late Faction to prevent it. The lower class of the People in this Town still remain under the same influence and will continue so until the Town is under another form of Government. Yesterday after a Prayer calculated for the occasion by the Senior Minister who has been a great Incendiary an Oration was pronounced in one of the Meeting houses to a crouded Audience to commemorate and bewail the Massacre, as they still affect to call it, of the 5th March. I am informed the Orator in the most express terms has declared that the Parliament has no power of Legislation over the Colonies. The Town have voted him thanks and desired him to print his harangue.1 I will send you one as soon as they are out. If it prove according to my information it must shew to Parliament the necessity of such an alteration in the constitution of the Town as some time ago you gave me a hint of and will be sufficient to render an Act for that purpose unexceptionable.2 I am expecting my Instructions and the Appendages to the Commission which I hope Sir F Bernard has been so kind as to take care of. I have been lothe to say any thing to My Ld. Hillsborough which should occasion the least trouble but it has been some inconvenience to me to be without any Salary for more than 20 months the only Grant I have received from the Province just enabling me to pay the fees of my Commission.3 The next Ships I imagine will save me from further inconvenience.

    I had a good deal of trouble before I could find the Mutiny Acts which passed the last Session of Parliament.4 I could wish to receive all Acts which concern the Colonies as soon as a Session of Parliament is over.

    This Vessel tarrying till the 6th. I can now tell you that the House after a few puerile messages and motions are going on with business.5 The late News Papers I will cover and if you think Addresses are worth My Lord Hillsboroughs perusal you will communicate them.6 I am with great Regard & Esteem Sir Your Obedient humble Servant,

    AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:143–44); at foot of letter, “J Pownall Esqr”; in WSH’s hand.

    836. To William Fitzwilliam1

    Boston 6 Apr. 1771

    Sir, I am not insensible that such an Alliance as you have proposed would be doing the greatest honour to me & my Family. I am at the same time very sensible that it cannot be approved of by the Noble Family to which you belong. In my station, restrained from Respect to My Lord Fitz William, I should think it my duty to do all in my power to discourage one of his Sons from so unequal a match with any person in the Province and I should most certainly be highly criminal if I should countenance & encourage a match with my own daughter.

    I hope Sir you will think this sufficient reason for my not acceding to your proposal and sincerely wish you happy in a person more suitable to your birth & rank & who may be approved of by your Honorable Parents. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant,

    AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 25:475). TH drafted this letter on the RC of William Fitzwilliam to TH, 6 April 1771 (calendar only).

    837. To Israel Williams

    Boston 6. April 1771

    Dear Sir, I gave a Letter a few days ago to one Mr Hall of Roxbury, about removing to Hadley, which he promised to convey to you. Soon after I received at the same time two of your favours the 8th & 28th March.1

    You are undoubtedly right in your settlement of Hannans Estate & Mr Ingersol must have been misunderstood for he certainly knows the Law; and the case of Amherst is the same for a Bastard can take in no case and the Aunts cannot come in as Representatives of these parents because, by the Statute no Representation among Collaterals can extend further than to the Children of brothers & sisters.2

    I fancy you are mistaken about my Opposers. I dont find them so cunning, They have only spent their strength and are a little more quiet. Perhaps I dont know who they were in many Instances for I have made very little inquiry. I will say more to you upon the military Affairs hereafter.3

    I thank you for your kind congratulations in yours of the 28th. I am sure I have weight in my favour even in this Town though not numbers.

    You ask me a Question upon the degrees within which it is lawful to marry. As for the Divine Law, I am not sure there is any which extended farther than the Jewish polity, but for Human Laws pray let me ask you another Question. Have you burnt all your Province Law books in the County of Hampshire? In page 59 you find that no Man may marry his fathers brothers wife which he certainly will do whenever a Woman marries her husbands brothers son.4

    There were no indecencies at publishing my Commission and there was a very general appearance of the people.5

    If half a dozen men were out of the Genl. Court or half a dozen more, which I could name were in it, there would be less indecencies there. I think sometimes that one man from your neighbourhood can never say the Lords Prayer for if I had really trespassed against him, as I dont know that ever I did, he knows that the restitution made to his place was owing to me and he ought to have forgiven upon meer moral as well as christain principles.6

    They have foolishly thrown away three or four days in the House and seem now to be afraid I shall put an end to their sitting and, I suppose, are going to business which they will probably spend as much time about as they can.7 I hope in some towns they will send better men another year. There are a great many very honest men there now who have not fortitude enough to act their own real judgment. I am Dear Sir Your Affectionate & humble Servant,

    AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:144–45); at foot of letter, “Colo Williams”; in WSH’s hand.

    838. From Sir Francis Bernard

    Hampstead, Ap. 6. 1771

    No 58.

    Dear Sir, I have now several Letters of yours by me unanswered and very little time to save the going out of the next Ship. As your Letters are not regularly numbered I shall distinguish them where necessary by the Dates.

    In the first Place I have not seen Lord H for some time, partly owing to the extraordinary Business which has engaged the Ministry, & partly from the Intervention of the Easter Holidays; & therefore I cannot make answer to such things as I have proposed to communicate to him. I shall endeavour to see him the middle of next Week.

    Jan. 8. Mr. Boutineau’s Plan is like to fail at the first setting out, the making a Provision for Mr Sewall.1 I have heretofore in my Letters in the strongest Manner enforced the necessity of providing for the Crown Lawyers in your Province. Since I came to England I have again urged the Expediency of it; but dont find it attended to. If I have an Opportunity to communicate what you write upon this Subject, I will give my testimony of the Propriety of it.

    Jan. 23. No 54. I intend to communicate the greater part of this Letter to Ld H: at present I can only say that as there is not the least Probability of anything being done with your Government this Session, it is to no purpose to dispute about the best Method of proceeding. But as your Hints which contain somethings new, may be of use in the next Session, I shall not fail giving my Opinion upon them if I have an Opportunity.2

    Feb. 3. I have allready told you that I will communicate what you write about Green & Russel to Mr Cooper.3 I have not had an Opportunity to do it as yet, nor have been very urgent about it; as there is not the least Appearance of what they and you apprehend being ordered.

    Jan 30. No 55. I received this Letter yesterday sennight: I went the next morning and put your Letter to Lord North and yours to me into the hands of Mr Robinson, My Lords Sec’ry, as well as Secry of the Treasury. He assured me that he would immediately lay it before My Lord. And I have the Pleasure to tell you that I am informed this day that every thing is done as you desire. Mr Mather is appointed first Clerk with a Salary of 100 pds to that Office & 30 to the other.4

    Feb. 7. No 47. Yesterday I saw Mr Palmer on the subject of your Coach; and we agreed that you ought to have a secondhand one light & with a moveable Box. And we are both to look out & communicate with one another.5

    I have nothing to add upon Politics: the House is adjourned to next tuesday; when it is supposed they will take up the Business of Privilege with Vigour. The City Faction is got upon such bad ground that it is impossible for them to support themselves. This is the Opinion Ld M, with who I spent 2 & 3 hours a few days ago. My Lord Mayor has kept his Easter in the Tower.6 I am &c,

    SC (Houghton Library, Sparks 4, 8:166–67); at foot of letter, “Govr Hutchinson.”