of election, knocking down a great number of the people, both Magistrates, Constables and others, worthy and reputable inhabitants, who opposed them ; and, by violence having cleared the ground, several of the people were carried off, as dead !
This was repeatedly done, upon the return of the electors ; till, at last, many of the inhabitants, being enraged, took measures to force them into their ships, and near fifty of them into prison ; but they were soon discharged : for it afterwards appeared, that they had been privately employed, in this work, by some party leaders ; it being then in time of war, when consequently party spirit, which is so nearly allied to it, and, in the extreme, ends in the same, was encouraged to make greater efforts, to distract the public proceedings, and under this Governor's administration, by more ways than one, to divert the established form of the constitution, from its peaceable order and course, into that of its opposite nature ; in which an increasing party here, since that time, though generally under the most specious and plausible pretences, have ever appeared to take delight : for change is grateful to the human race ; and, probably, no government of mankind is, at all times, entirely free from factious spirits ; and a large number will always be found, especially where much liberty abounds, which is only proper for the wise and good, whose interest, as well as pleasure, it will ever be to favour revolutional consequences.
During Governor Thomas's administration, the Indian affairs, seem mostly to have been well managed, and harmony continued with that people ; which has always been a matter of great importance, as well as expence to this province. But, as before observed, his ardour, in pressing some things of a military nature, appears to have introduced unprofitable altercation between him and the Assembly, during part of his administration ; which naturally tends to disappointment and dislike, between parties of such opposite and fixed principles, and so very different views of advancing the public utility, as those of Governor Thomas, and the Assemblies of Pennsylvania were, at that time ; but afterwards, for divers years before his resignation, which was in the summer of the year 1747, a much better understanding existed between them.
In consequence of Governor Thomas's resignation, the administration, as usual, devolved on the Council, Anthony Palmer being President, till November, 1748 ; when James Hamilton, of Pennsylvania, arrived Governor from England ; a gentleman of considerable fortune in the province, and well esteemed by the people : he was the son of Andrew
