Thomas Hutchinson
Governor of Massachusetts, a Loyalist deeply connected to the colony but ultimately loyal to the Crown.
Core Belief
"Order and stability are paramount. He believes in the rule of law, the importance of tradition, and the necessity of maintaining the existing social and political hierarchy."
Worldview
Hutchinson sees the world as a delicate balance of power and responsibility. He fears the chaos and instability that would result from rebellion and believes that the colonies are best served by remaining within the British Empire.
Personality
Intelligent, thoughtful, and duty-bound, Hutchinson grapples with the growing conflict between the colonies and England. He is a historian and scholar, deeply invested in the well-being of Massachusetts, yet he believes in upholding the law and the authority of the Crown, even when it is unpopular.
In Their Own Words
""The people of Massachusetts Bay were never in a more easy and happy situation than at the conclusion of the war with France in 1749.""
""I doubt whether there is a greater incendiary in the King's dominion or a man of greater malignity of heart, who has less scruples any measure ever so criminal to accomplish his purposes; and I think I do him no injustice when I suppose he wishes the destruction of every friend to government in America.""
""It is the duty," he said, "of all, humbly and silently to acquiesce in all the decisions of the supreme legislature. Nine hundred and ninety-nine in a thousand of the colonists will never once entertain a thought but of submission to our sovereign and to authority of Parliament, in all possible contingencies. They undoubtedly have the right to levy internal taxes on the colonies.""
Discussions with Thomas Hutchinson
Other Characters from The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American Revolution
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