The Documentary history of the state of New-York; arranged under direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, secretary of State. By E. B. O'Callaghan ...

1050 MEMOIR OF THE
longer and demanded a revenue for five years, which caused the
rupture between himself and Chief Justice De Lancey and the
conservative party, who were warmly in favor of the annual
mode of support. A long and severe contest followed in which
the nearly general voice of the province was with the conservatives, while curiously enough the supporters of the Governor
were Mr. Smith, Mr. Alexander and their friends, who were the
original proposers of the annual mode in 1737.1
In the midst of this contest of the people against the prerogative, with his feelings, opinions and political sentiments altogether on the popular side, the Lt. Governor found himself
unexpectedly called to the supreme command. The thirty-ninth
of the new "instructions," which Sir Danvers Osborn had
brought out, and which his office compelled him to obey, enjoined
in the strongest tams upon the Commander-in-chief to insist
upon "a permanent revenue solid, indefinite, and without limitation."? 2
The difficully of his position now, was only equalled by its
delicacy. His individual and party views, and the popular
sentiment, favored one course of action, while his commission,
his " instructions," and the oaths of office pointed out another.
In spite of all the danger which his popularity and consistency
ran, he did his duty and boldly communicated the obnoxious
"instructions," as he was bound to do, with his first speech to
the Assembly, and told them they must act accordingly. 3 And
in all his future speeches he continually urged them to obedience.
At the same time he received all their resolutions, representations
and addresses against the measure, and forwarded those they
wished to the home government, and when it was proper, wrote
to the ministry pressing upon them to agree to the views and
wishes of the Province. But he would not assent to the annual
bills they passed and sent to him, in consequence of which he
received no salary as Commander-in-chief till 1756, in the spring
of which year the ministry gave up the point and agreed to
annual support bills for the future, and directed Sir Charles
Hardy, the then Governor, to communicate the change of the
1 Assembly Journals; I., 728, 732. 2 Assembly Journals; II., 351.
3 See as before Assembly Journals; II. 351.