Taxes alone were not the issue. Suppressing democratic participation in Massachusetts' government fueled angry protests.
"The Further from Boston the better . . . "
- Lt. Governor Thomas Hutchinson on Convening the Legislature in Cambridge
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The original 1691 Province Charter is on display in the Commonwealth Museum's Treasures Gallery.
- Massachusetts Archives
Veto of James Otis. . .
Two years before the arrival of troops Governor Francis Bernard informs the House of Representatives that he is vetoing the choice of James Otis as Speaker. He notes in darker ink, I "disapprove of the choice you have made." May 28th, 1766
- Massachusetts ARCHIVES
Move to Cambridge . . .
House members protest the Governor's decision to convene the legislature in Cambridge. "It deprives the General Assembly of the house provided for their accommodation ... obliges us to be Dependent upon the owners of private Property for the place of holding the Assembly ... and deprives the General Assembly .. . of the ... records of the Province .. .{it} thereby greatly obstructs and retards the public Business."
- Massachusetts Archives
Losing Control
Colonists suspected that Governor Bernard had financial incentives to support customs seizures. (He received a commission on them.) As the crisis deepened he privately recommended restrictions on self-government for Massachusetts. He proposed direct appointment of the Council (the legislature's upper house) and removal of local judges who did not enforce the law. He also suspended the House of Representative several times and convened it in Cambridge to avoid the influence of Boston radicals.
The restored council chamber at the Old State House in Boston. Frustrated by the Council, Governor Bernard privately urged that members be appointed by the crown. .
- Bestbudbrian
The Town House (Old State House) was the seat of British government in Massachusetts.
- Greg Kullberg
The Town House (Old State House) was the seat of British government in Massachusetts.
- Library of Congress
No Respect
Governor Bernards portrait hung in Massachusetts Hall at Harvard College. Vandals broke in and symbolically cut the heart out of the image to protest the "heartlessness" of British policy.
Massachusetts Hall, Harvard College
- Daderot