could supply Britain with a very inconsiderable quantity of naval stores;
but by encouraging the planters in preparing them, the expence of its
vast importations from the Baltic might have been in some measure saved
to the nation.

[Sidenote] A difference with the civil officers.

Though Governor Morton was possessed of a considerable share of wisdom,
and was connected with several respectable families in the colony, yet so
inconsistent were his instructions from England, with the prevailing
views and interests of the people, that he was unable, without great
trouble, to execute the duties of his trust. He was a man of a sober and
religious temper of mind, and had married Mr. Blake's sister, lately
arrived from England, by which alliance it was hoped the hands of
government would be strengthened, and a check given to the more
licentious and irregular party of the people. His council was composed of
John Boone, Maurice Mathews, John Godfrey, Andrew Percival, Arthur
Middleton, and James Moore, _&c._; some of whom differed widely from him
in opinion with respect to public measures, and claimed greater
indulgences for the people than he had authority to grant. Hence two
parties arose in the colony: one in support of the prerogative and
authority of the proprietors, the other in defence of the liberties of
the people. The former contended, that the laws and regulations received
from England respecting government ought to be strictly and implicitly
observed: the latter kept in view their local circumstances, and
maintained, that the freemen of the colony were under obligations to
observe them only so far as they were consistent with the interest of
individuals and the prosperity of the settlement. In this situation of
affairs, no governor could long support his power among a number of bold
adventurers, who improved every hour for advancing their interest, and