Political unrest in Governor Robert Hunter's New York, 1710-1719

Abstract

Robert Hunter is remembered as one of the better colonial governors of New York. Students of that colony's history knew that he was sent to the province a generation after the end of Leisler's Rebellion from which new political alliances were emerging. However, most historians have not probed his administration in depth. This study has such an object in mind. Its purpose has been to examine the nature of Hunter's rule in New York. In the course of this examination, the following questions have come to mind: Who were Hunter's allies? How and why did they become his supporters? Who were his enemies? What caused them to oppose Hunter? What helped Hunter to stay in power? Did Hunter actually score a triumph by managing the settlement of 1715? The answers to these questions bore heavily on the nature of Hunter's rule in the colony. However, this governor had to interact with people and forces such as the Palatines which raised other questions. Just as he had difficulties in ruling the colony and controlling the Assembly, Hunter also had difficulties with the German Palatine settlers he brought with him to New York. Hunter failed in the attempt to produce naval stores and it was only natural to ask why such a supposedly gifted man should fail. Was the failure due to his own shortcomings? What was the nature of his relations with the Palatines? In addition to problems with the Palatines, Hunter also had difficulties with the Indians. During his governorship in New York, he found that his relationship with the Indians was vitally important. How important were the Iroquois to Hunter in relation to the other Indians of New York? Why was he effective in keeping the Indians loyal to the English? Why did the French fail in their efforts to lure the Indians to their cause? How did the Indians perceive the English and French as they came in contact with them? These questions also contributed to determining Hunter's overall effectivity as a Governor. Finally, conditions in New York were far from peaceful. Much tumult, political factionalism, some racial disturbance, increasing trade and religious unrest had their effect on the colonists. How well did Hunter react to these problems? What measures did he take to resolve them? All these questions required some investigation to determine if Hunter was effective as a governor through his own ability or through plain luck. It seems fair to say that both had an effect on his administration.