Page:The Life of George Washington, Volume 1.djvu/330

 300 INTRODUCTION. chap. vuT. them the king's instructions to him to insist 1728. on an established salary, and his intention firmly to adhere to them. The assembly were not less firm in their determination to resist this demand ; and that they might not be exposed to no additional and unnecessary obloquy, they determined not to mingle any difference con- cerning the quantum of the salary, with the great question of its continuing dependent on their will. As soon therefore, as the compli- ments usual on the first arrival of a governor had passed, they voted one thousand seven hundred pounds towards his support, and to defray the charges of his journey. By this vote it was intended to give him, as a present salary, a sum equal to one thousand pounds sterling per annum. The governor declared his inability to assent to this bill, it being inconssitent with his instructions. After a week's deliberation, the assembly granted three hundred pounds for the charge of his journey, which he accepted, and in a distinct vote, the further sum of one thousand four hundred pounds towards his support. The latter vote was accompanied with a joint message from both houses, wherein they asserted their un- doubted right as Englishmen, and their privi- lege by the charter, to raise and apply monies for the support of government ; and their readiness to give the governor an ample and honourable support; but they apprehended it