Ch. 3.7. Primary Source: Instructions for Gov. Osborne from the Board of Trade, 1753

After George Clinton resigned as Governor of New York in 1753 (see above), Danvers Osborne, a British military officer, was appointed. Apparently stricken by the recent loss of his wife, as well as perhaps by depression, he committed suicide just days after being sworn in as governor in October, 1753. He was succeeded by a native-New Yorker, James De Lancey, who was more favorable to the Assembly’s power and would serve as governor from 1753 to 1755, and again from 1758 to his death in 1760.

British officials in London often sent a set of “instructions” to their colonial officials, which explained that official’s duties. Here the Board of Trade hopes that Osborne can bring the Assembly into line.

Whereas it has been represented to us that great disputes and animosities have for some time past subsisted amongst the several branches of the legislature of our province of New York, that the peace and tranquility of the said province has been disturbed, order and government subverted…, and our royal prerogative and authority trampled upon in a most illegal manner; and Whereas the assembly of our said province have not only refused to comply with the powers and directions which we have thought it expedient to give by our commission and instructions to our governor, but have also assumed to themselves the disposal of public money, the nomination of all officers of the government, the direction of the militia and of such other troops as have been raised for our service, all of which by law belong to our governor only; and Whereas it likewise appears that some of our council of our said province have concurred with the assembly in these unwarrantable measures.

…Therefore…it is our express will and pleasure… [that] upon your arrival…, having called the council and assembly…, you are to signify to them in the strongest and most solemn manner our high displeasure for their neglect of and the contempt they have shown to our royal commission and instructions…, and that we do strictly charge and enjoin them for the future to pay our said commission and instructions due obedience…

And Whereas nothing can more effectually tend to reestablish good order and government…than having a permanent revenue settled by law upon a solid foundation for defraying the necessary charges of government…, it is therefore our further will and pleasure that you do in the strongest manner recommend to the assembly in our name without delay to consider of a proper law to be passed for this purpose, taking care that such law shall be indefinite and without limitation, and that provision be made therein for the salary allowed by us to our captain general and governor in chief of our said province, and likewise for competent salaries to all judges, justices, and other necessary officers and ministers of government, and for repairing the fortifications and erecting such new ones as the security of the said province may require, for making annual presents to the Indians, etc.

Questions: What key changes does the Board of Trade hope the new governor can make, and why?