1766, a
lieutenant-governor from 1758 to 1771. He was also appointed chief
justice, 1758. At the time this story opens he was holding four high
offices under the crown. Upon the departure of Governor Francis
Bernard for England in the autumn of 1769, Hutchinson became acting
governor. He was commissioned as governor, 1771. In May, 1770, he
issued his proclamation for the legislature to meet in Cambridge; but
that body insisted that the terms of the charter required the General
Court to assemble in Boston. A sharp and bitter controversy followed.
Doctor Franklin was appointed agent of the Province to look after its
welfare before Parliament. In 1773 he came into possession of a large
number of letters written by Hutchinson to Mr. Whately, one of the
under-secretaries, advising the ministry to take coercive measures
with Massachusetts. Franklin sent the letters to Thomas Cushing
speaker of the House of Representatives. Their publication aroused the
indignation of the people, which was increased by the action of
Hutchinson in connection with the arrival of the tea-ships. He became
very unpopular and sailed for England, June 3, 1774. So eager was the
king to see him that he was summoned into his royal presence before he
had time to change his clothing. He assured King George that the bill
closing the port of Boston to commerce was a wise and beneficent
measure, and would compel the people to submit to royal authority. The
conversation lasted two hours. Upon its conclusion the king expressed
his great pleasure for the information and comfort Hutchinson had
given him. He was created a baronet, and was consulted by Lord North
and the other members of the ministry. That his opinions had great
weight with the king and his ministers, and that he was largely
instrumental in bringing about the Revolutionary War, cannot be
questioned. He died at Brompton, near London, June 3, 1780.]

"Are you the officer who was in command of the troops?" he asked,
addressing Captain Preston.

"Yes, sir."

"Do you know you have no power to fire upon the people except by order
of a magistrate?"

"I was obliged to fire to save the sentry."

"That's a lie," shouted the crowd.

The surging multitude compelled the lieutenant-governor to enter the
Town House. A few moments later he appeared upon the balcony
overlooking King Street.

"I am greatly grieved," he said, "at what has happened. I pledge you
my honor that this unhappy occurrence shall