History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER XXIV.
REVOLUTION—PRELIMINARY EVENTS.
Irritating Move- From tliis time oiiwarcl Gveiits wliicli forced
mentsbythe tlie Outbreak of the Revolution rapidly cul-
ment. miiiated. To some of the measures submitted
to the people and their action there-
on, reference has previously been made. It remains, there-
fore, but to relate such other facts as will lead at least to a
partial understanding of the few local votes which bear
upon the political situation. For years there was constant
friction between the Province and the home government.
During the incumbency of Gov. Hutchinson, the breach
became wider and wider. The colony in its determination
to uphold its rights and privileges fearlessly resisted the
oppressive acts of the British Parliament, while the latter,
insisting upon its paramount authority over the settlements
in North America, drew closer and tighter the bonds of
government. The command of the King in 17?0, removing
the sessions of the General Court from Boston to Cambridge,
in order to "separate the country representatives
from the Boston faction," was the source of constant irrita-
tion. Many petitions from the Legislature, demanding as
a right the privilege of holding its sessions in Boston, were
refused by the Governor, and very little legislation except
such as was absolutely necessary to carry on the government,
or strengthen the people in their determination to
resist parliamentary aggression, was accomplished.
Mr. Hawiey offers Another grievance manifested itsclf wlieii
Resolutions of Pro- the King established and paid the salary
of the Governor. A series of resolutions,
offered by Major Hawiey, stigmatizing this act as an "in-