[P. 25.] Pro: of N. Hamp At a Gen' Assembly especially Convened (upon Expectation of the arrival of Gov Belcher) April 23 1730. His Hon' the Lieut Gov' made a Speech to the House of Representatives who being sent for attended at the Board, the substance of which was a recommend of making suitable provision for the Gov's reception and entertainment.. It was deliver'd the speaker & not return'd. A message to the Board wth the following vote. In the House of Represents April 23a 1730. It is the advice of the House, That the Expences of his Honor the Lieut Gov' and the two gentlemen of the Council that intend to wait on his Excellency after his arrival at Boston that their Expences be paid out of the Publick Treasury and also that the Expences of the General Assem and Council that shall wait upon his Excellency at his arrival into this Province as far as at the line be paid out of the Publick Treasury and that Theo. Atkinson, Esq', and Mr. Epha Dennet be of the Committe from this House to Provide for the Entertainment of his Excellency at his arrival here, and to do it after they hear of his arrival at Boston and that the Treasurer supply them with momy. Jam Jeffry Cler Assm. In Coun Eod die R. Waldron Cler Con. Read and Concurred. ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR JONATHAN BELCHER. Journal of the House from 25 August, 1730, NOTE BY THE EDITOR. The Records which relate to the Administration of Governor JONATHAN BELCHER are contained in the "Journal of the Council and Assembly," in the Secretary's office, from August 25th, 1730, to March 18, 1741; also in the "Journal of the House" from August 25th, 1730, to February 25th, 1740. It will be noted that after the first year of Gov. Belcher's administration, the records of the Council and Assembly are comparatively scanty and imperfect, while on the other hand the records of the House of Representatives are full and complete. The reason of this seems to be that so long as the controversy was pending respecting the Boundary Lines between the Provinces of NewHampshire and Massachusetts, the House was obliged to take the lead in all active measures in relation to that end. The Governor and Council, though professedly desirous of settling the boundaries, yet did not often concur in the measures proposed by the House: consequently the latter body was obliged to act in many cases independently, and at last gained their object, only by appeal to his Majesty in Council. In presenting therefore the Records of this period, 1730-1741, the Editor has thought best first to print the "Journal of the House" entire, with the Governor's Speeches and the Answers thereto; and to annex the "Journal of the Council and Assembly," containing all matters not included in the Journal of the House. By adopting this method, we avoid repeating in print the matter which is common to both Journals. The Editor would also note that in the bound MS. volume containing the "Journal of the House, 1724-1743," there is a duplicate record of the proceedings of the House during a portion of Gov. Belcher's administration: the first extends from p. 175 to p. 304: the second from p. 305 to p. 528. The latter is a copy mostly in the hand writing of the late John Farmer, Esq., who was employed to collect, arrange and copy the original records and files in the Secretary's office. In commencing a copy of the Journal of the House, in Gov. Belcher's time, 1737, Mr. Farmer says, in a note, "A portion of the following Records is contained in the last 129 pages [i. e. of the MS. vol.], but it will be perceived that many things are omitted in the preceding pages from 25 Aug. 1730, particularly the Messages and Speeches of Gov: Belcher, and the Answers of the House to them, which will be found in the following new transcript-faithfully copied from a Record of large folio size, of 110 pages in sheets unbound.' The Editor has followed the transcript made by Mr. Farmer. [P. 307.] Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundi, Magnæ Britanniæ, Franciæ, et Heberniæ de Quarto. A Journal of the House of Representatives of his Majestie's Province of New Hampshire in New England, began and held at Portsmouth, in the Province aforesaid, August the 25th Anno Dom. 1730. Tuesday August the 25th 1730. The House met according to Prorogation by Proclamation of the Honble John Wentworth, Esq. Livt Governor and Commander in chief in and over said Province. The persons that represented the several Towns in Gen" Assembly are as follows, viz. For Stretham Portsmouth Dover Andrew Wiggin, Esq. Speaker Capt. George Walker Hampton Exeter New Castle Rye Kingstown Newington Londonderry Mr. John Goff. His Excellency, JONATHAN BELCHER,(') Esq. came into the Province the same day, and in the Council Chamber opened & [P. 308.] Proclaimed his Comiss" as Gov' & Comander in Chief in and over his Majties said Province of New Hampshire, and then adjourned the Assembly to the 26th currt. Wednesday August 26th A. D. 1730. His Excelly came to the Council Chamber. A Messa from his Excelly pr the Clerk of the Council (2) viz. That his Excell' required the attendance of Mr. Speaker (1) Gov. Jonathan Belcher was the son of the Hon. Andrew Belcher, one of his Majesty's council in the province of Massachusetts; born January, 1681, and inherited a large paternal estate. He was educated at Harvard College, where he was graduated in 1699. Not long after, he visited Europe, where he spent six years, and was treated with distinguished notice. He was twice at the Court of Hanover, Germ., before the Protestant succession took place in the family of Brunswick, and received from the princess Sophia a gold medal. He was graceful in his person, elegant in his manners, and aspiring in his disposition. On the death of Governor Burnet, he succeeded to the Government of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire in 1730. In that eminent station he was indulged the exercise of that power to which he had aspired. "The council never enjoyed less freedom than in his time. He proposed matters for their sanction, rather than advice, rarely failing of a majority to approve of his sentiments." The records which follow will show that Gov. Belcher was not only arbitrary in many of his proceedings, but partial to Massachusetts, and unfriendly to New Hampshire interests: while his professions were fair, his intentions and acts were often one-sided and unjust. The opposition he met with from a part of the council and from a majority of the Representatives in the House was, for the most part, well founded. His conduct in relation to the settlement of the boundary lines between the Provinces, was the chief cause of the troubles that rendered his administration unhappy, and that led to his removal from office. His private correspondence with Secretary Waldron-specimens of which are given in this volume -must be regarded as discreditable to him. After his dismission from office he resided for some time in Milton, Ms., but visited England and so far gained the royal favor that in 1747 he was appointed Governor of New-Jersey. There he spent the remainder of his life in tranquillity and honor. He died at Elizabethtown, N. J., Aug. 31, 1757, aged 76 years. His remains were brought to Cambridge, Ms. and entombed. [See Allen's Biog. Dic. & Holmes' Ann. vol. II. p. 78.] (2) ED. & the House in the Conncil Chamber. Mr. Speaker and the House went up accordingly. His Excellency made a speech. Mr. Speaker obtained a coppy thereof. The clerk of the council also gave Mr. Speaker a copy of his Excellencies 32 & 77th Instruction (refer'd to in the Speech) Then Mr. Speaker & the House returned Both the said Instructions read in the House. Post Meridiem. His Excellencys Speech read as follows, viz. Gentlemen of the Council and House of Represents: I am in the first place to give thanks to Almighty God for my safe return to my Native Country, after a long absence & escapeing the common hazards of the Seas. And in the next place, it is with a great deal of satisfaction that I now meet you in general assembly (I doubt not) to concert those ways and means which may most of all advance his Majesty's service & honour, and the weal and prosperity of yor country. It is the present happyness of every Englishman to live under the reign of the best of Kings, who makes the laws the rule of his Goverment; and the protection of the libertys of his People, his delight: These things ravish from all his subjects the affection so justly due to a tender father, and which he esteems the greatest support of his power. Altho it is our lot to be placed at such a distance from the immediate benign influences of his Majesty's care, yet his great mind and perspicuous wisdom is continually extended and employ'd for the [P. 309] happyness of his remotest Dominions, and when I have said this I am sure I need not fill my mouth wth arguments to pursuade you to all the duty, loyalty, obedience and gratitude due to so gracious a sovereign. I have it in command from the King my Mast to communicate to you His 32d Instruction to me, whereby he expects you [to] settle a Sallary on me and my successors, or at least on me during the whole time of my Government: an authentic copy of this Instruction, shall be delivered you by the Clerk of ye Council, and as you have already distinguish'd yo'selves by your loyalty and obedience to the King on this head, It leaves me no room to doubt of your wisdom and care stil to secure a stronger interest in the King's favour, by a chearful complyance wth what in his royal wisdom he thinks so just and reasonable. I am also commanded by his Majesty not only to take care that there be a strict execution of all the Laws now in force in this Province agst vice and immorality, but that I commend to your consideration the enacting what others may be necessary, for promoting and encouraging Virtue, & true religion; and as nothing can be a firmer basis for ye happyness of a people, I hope this will always lye near our hearts. Gent. I need not tell you this Province is in a fine situation for trade, where nature has done her part in commodious rivers and a good soil. It should then be your care to reap the benefits of these Blessings from God Almighty, by your greatest industry & prudence in your hus |