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GEORGE VAUGHAN, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR

A controversy, which was carried on with considerable warmth, soon arose between the governor and the lieutenant-governor, about the power of the latter, when the former was in his other province. Vaughan claimed the right, in such a case, of administering the government himself, on the ground that, when the governor was in Massachusetts, he was absent from New Hampshire, and his authority here must be suspended till his return. But Governor Shute contended that, his commission having been published in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, he was commander-in-chief over both provinces, while he had his residence in either. Each was tenacious of his own opinion and determined to maintain his pretensions. After the governor's return to Boston, he sent an order to Vaughan, probably to test his obedience, requiring him to appoint a fast. This order the latter did not obey. Governor Shute also ordered him "to prorogue the assembly; instead of which he dissolved it without the advice of council." Mr. Penhallow, one of the members of the council, very friendly to the governor, opposed the pretensions of the lieutenant-governor, with such vigor, at a meeting of the council, in September, 1717, the displeasure of the latter showed itself in a very indiscreet and angry speech, which was concluded in these words: "I suspend you, Samuel Penhallow, from sitting, voting and assisting at the council-board till his Majesty's pleasure shall be known."

As soon as Gov. Shute was informed of these proceedings, he hastened to Portsmouth, summoned the council, re-instated Penhallow, and suspended Vaughan. An account of the whole matter was sent to England and laid before the king, who soon after removed the lieutenant-governor from office.

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