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SIR EDMUND ANDROS, GOVERNOR OF ALL NEW ENGLAND

In the latter part of the reign of Charles II, a scheme was originated, for uniting the several provinces and portions of New England, and placing them under one government. Through various machinations, well known in history, this plan was consumated in the reign of James II; and, in December, 1686, Sir Edmund Andros became governor of all New England. He ruled with an iron hand. Out of his large council, any seven constituted a council-board, and no larger number need be notified to attend any meeting. The governor and council, any five of whom were a quorum, were empowered, without the intervention of an assembly, to make laws, impose taxes, appropriate money and grant lands, virtually, as they chose; and they were not slow to avail themselves of their privileges.

Mason's fortunes seemed in the ascendency. The Lords of Trade and Plantations reported in his favor; the king approved, and ordered the verdict and judgment to be ratified and affirmed. Then Mason returned to New Hampshire, to have his executions levied according to law. Here, however, a new disappointment awaited him, in the opposition of Andros and his council; and the courts refused to issue executions on the judgments that had been recovered by him. Whatever the motives of Andros may have been, the people were gratified, and their confidence was strengthened in the belief previously entertained, that Mason's title was defective. Thus encouraged, they persevered in resisting his claims. In 1688, Mason suddenly died, leaving "two [grand]sons, John and Robert, the heirs of his claim and controversy."

Among the other oppressive measures, Governor Andros forbade the people to assemble in town meetings, except once a year, for the choice of town officers, lest they consult for the redress of their wrongs; and none were permitted to leave the country without his consent, lest complaints be carried to the king. The proceedings of Hampton and the other New Hampshire towns during this administration, will probably never be fully known--the records are silent.

Tyranny is its own executioner;--relief came at last in the accession of William and Mary to the throne of England, and the seizure and imprisonment of Andros, in 1689.

END OF CHAPTER 5

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