on to meet their whole duty. They
endeavored to restrain the rash among the Sons of Liberty within the
safe precincts of the law; yet, repelling all thought of submission to
arbitrary power, they strove to lift up the general mind to the high
plane of action which a true patriotism demanded, and prepare it, if
need were, for the majestic work of revolution.

The executive, during an interval thus exciting and important, was in a
transition-state, from Francis Bernard to Thomas Hutchinson. It was
semi-officially announced in the journals, when the Governor sailed for
England, that the Administration had no intention of superseding his
commission; and it was intimated that the Lieutenant-Governor would
administer the functions of the office until the return of the chief
magistrate to his post. These officials, for nine years, had been warm
personal friends and intimate political associates. Indeed, so close had
been their private and public relations, that Bernard ascribed the
origin of his administrative difficulties to his adoption of the
quarrels of Hutchinson. For a long time, the Governor had been seeking
and expecting something better in the political line than his present
office, as a substantial recognition of his zeal; and he had urged, and
was now urging, the selection of the Lieutenant-Governor for his
successor in office. He represented that Hutchinson was well versed in
the local affairs,--knew the motives of the Governor,--warmly approved
the policy of the Ministry,--had been, on critical occasions, a trusted
confidential adviser,--and, in fact, had become so thoroughly identified
with public affairs, that, of the two officials, he (Hutchinson) was the
most hated by the faction, which the Governor seemed to consider a
special recommendation. He favored this appointment as a measure that
would be equivalent to an indorsement of his own administration, and
therefore a compliment to himself and a blow at the faction. "It would
be," he said, "a peculiarly happy stroke; for while it would discourage
the Sons of Liberty, it would afford another great instance of rewarding
faithful servants to the Crown."

Thomas Hutchinson, descended from one of the most respected families of
New England, and the son of an honored merchant of Boston, was now
fifty-seven years of age. He was a pupil at the Old North Grammar
School, and was graduated at Harvard College, when he entered upon a
mercantile life. He was not successful