ion of the times, he wore a powdered wig. His whole manner was dignified, so as to abash impertinence; yet he was kind and strictly just in all the minor duties of acquaintance and society."*

Logan's whole life in America was a laborious one, his cares being such that few would have borne up under them. In one of his letters he says: "These duties make my life so uncomfortable that it is not worth the living." And again: "I know not what any of the comforts of life are." But he faithfully executed his great trust to the last, which proved a rich blessing to the Province; and it will redound to the glory and honor of the State in all times to come, that a man of so much learning, talent, and fidelity was found to execute the duties which the government imposed, and give wholesome bias to its rule.

GEORGE THOMAS, Deputy Governor, August, 1738, to 1747.- George Thomas, a planter of Antigua, one of the West India Islands, was appointed Governor in the summer of 1737; but owing to the claim of Lord Baltimore to jurisdiction over the Lower Counties, he was detained in London in defending the Proprietary rights, and did not assume the duties of his office until the following year. He first met the Assembly in August, 1738. The first serious business which claimed his attention was the question of jurisdiction over the disputed territory between Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was mutually agreed that each Governor should claim allegiance from its own subjects, wherever settled, until the boundary line was run. This agreement was approved by the King, and made an order in Council.

Andrew Hamilton, the venerable speaker of the Assembly, who for several years had served the Province with great ability and acceptance, towards the close of August took his final leave of that body, delivering a valedictory address conceived in a vein of eminently just reflection and sage advice. "It is not," he says, "to the fertility of our soil, and the

* Hazard, vol. v. 321.

commodiousness of our rivers, that we ought chiefly to attribute the great progress this Province has made within so small a compass of years, in improvements, wealth, trade and navigation; and the extraordinary increase of people who have been drawn here from almost every country in Europe,

a progress which more ancient settlements on the main of America cannot, at the present, boast of. No. It is principally, and almost wholly, owing to the excellency of our constitution, under which we enjoy a greater share both of civil and religious liberty than any of our neighbors.

We have no officers but what are necessary; none but what earn their salaries; and those generally are either elected by the people, or appointed by their representatives. Other Provinces swarm with unnecessary officers, nominated by the Governors, who often make it a main part of their care to support those officers, notwithstanding their oppressions, at all events. I hope it will ever be the wisdom of our Assemblies to create no great offices or officers, nor indeed any officer at all, but what is really necessary for the service of the country, and to be sure to let the people, or their representatives, have at least a share in their nomination or appointment. This will always be a good security against the mischievous influence of men holding places at the pleasure of the Governor. . . . . . Nor are we less happy in the enjoy ment of a perfect freedom as to religion. By many years experience, we find that an equality among religious societies, without distinguishing any one sect with greater privileges than another, is the most effectual method to discourage hypocrisy, promote the practice of the moral virtues, and prevent the plagues and mischiefs that always attend religious squabbling."

On the 23d of October, 1739, war, which for two years had been impending, was formally declared between Spain and Great Britain. Governor Thomas had previously made some efforts to organize the militia; but without much success. He now endeavored to use his official authority in effecting his purpose. The Assembly had always been averse to voting

money for carrying on military operations, though it had appropriated funds for the use of the Crown, to be devoted to the civil service. Thomas was dissatisfied with this course, and endeavored to convince the Assembly that such a position was absurd, and that his opinion should be respected. He seems to have had as imperfect a judgment of the Quaker faith and practice as had Governor Evans, already noticed, and to have believed that these men could be driven to adopt his views. In this he found himself deceived. Fruitless and vexatious messages passed between them. Finally a communication was received from the home government, directing the Governor to call for volunteers. Eight companies were rapidly organized and sent to the capes of Virginia. It was found that many servants had been enlisted. Of this the Assembly complained, and in its bill making appropriations for the use of the King, provided for the payment of masters for the losses thus sustained. The Governor objecting to this provision, refused to sign the bill. At the next election the conduct of the Assembly in this matter was approved, and an order was issued by the Trustees of the Loan Office for the payment of the masters.

In 1740, much religious excitement prevailed in the Colony produced by the preaching of Whitefield. Many of all denominations followed him, the feeling amounting to almost a frenzy. By his exertions a large brick edifice was erected in Fourth Street, Philadelphia, to be open to any preacher of any denomination who should desire to address the citizens.

In August, 1741, Thomas Penn departed for Europe. The Assembly presented him with a kind and affectionate address on the occasion, to which he made answer expressing his satisfaction, and commending to its care the interests of the Province.

The contentions between the Governor and the Assembly increased at every meeting, until the style of communication between them became in a marked degree disreputable. The Governor refused to sign the bills of the Assembly, and the

Assembly, in turn, refused to vote him his salary. To the Governor's complaint that his salary was unpaid, answer was made by the Assembly that they were accustomed to have all their business progress in due order, and that public acts took precedence of appropriations for their own pay.

Headstrong by nature, and determined to triumph over the Assembly, he decided to appeal to the people. The Quaker element in the Assembly was strong. This he hoped, by the aid of the city and the German population, to break down. The elections were held; but the Quakers were everywhere triumphant. In the city riots were incited, a band of marines, in the interest of the Governor's party, taking possession of the polls; but they were finally driven away.

Satisfied that he could not subdue the Assembly to his will, he decided to adopt a conciliatory policy, and to the bills presented he promptly affixed his signature. The Assembly, willing to reciprocate, voted the Governor fifteen hundred pounds for arrearages of his salary. This reconciliation was lasting, the relations of the two parties during the remaining years of the Governor's administration being marked by mutual good-will.

In March, 1744, war was declared between France and Great Britain. The Delaware had been a resort for the privateers of the enemy in time of war. To protect the Province against the encroachments of these, batteries were planted along the shore at eligible points for defence, the expense being met by money raised by a lottery. Governor Thomas called for volunteers by proclamation, appointed necessary officers, and fixed days for drill. The Governor was seconded in his efforts by Franklin, who issued a pamphlet entitled Plain Truth, demonstrating the helpless condition of the Colony, and the necessity for union and discipline. Ten thousand men were rapidly enlisted, and armed at their own expense. Franklin was elected Colonel of the Philadelphia regiment, but declined in favor of Alderman Lawrence.

On the 5th of May, 1747, the Governor communicated to

the Assembly the death of the eldest of the Proprietors, John Penn, and at the same time his own determination, on account of declining health, to resign. This announcement was received with manifestations of regret, a feeling of sincere respect and esteem being cherished towards him. Gordon, in his History of Pennsylvania, presents the following estimate of his character: "Governor Thomas was active, industrious, and capable; attached to the Province, but more devoted to the Proprietaries and the king. In his zeal for His Majesty he overlooked the principles and character of the people he was called to govern. He believed himself sufficiently strong in polemical controversy to shake the opinions for which their ancestors had broken the tender charities of kindred and country, and which they themselves cherished with enthusiasm. Failing in this, he endeavored to intimidate men who, though declining to exhibit military courage, were no respecters of persons, and had never displayed political cowardice. When experience had taught him properly to appreciate the Quaker character, and to determine how far and in what manner their loyalty could be shown unchecked by their consciences, he drew from them without difficulty whatever he could in propriety demand. His moderation and considerate forbearance towards the Quakers during the latter years of his administration were rewarded by the esteem of the people and the confidence of the legislature."

10