George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 5, 13th edition.

In Massachusetts, Bernard was eager to carry into effect a ‘new arrangement of New England,’ believing that ‘the proper time for this business was now come’

The two republics of Connecticut and Rhode Island were to be dissolved; the government of New-York extended as far as Connecticut river; and Massachusetts was to embrace the country from the Connecticut river to the Piscataqua. Another colony, with Falmouth—now Portland—as its capital, might extend to the Penobscot, and yet another to the St. John's. ‘Massachusetts,’ he continued, ‘would then afford a fine opportunity for trying the experiment of the most perfect form of government for a mature American province.’ A modification of its charter, a certain civil list, an order of nobility for life, and places of profit with sure emoluments, would place the king's authority ‘upon a rock.’¹

If the new arrangement were to be conducted by the king in parliament, the consent of the colonies would not be necessary, and the business might soon be brought to a conclusion. Nor did Bernard forget to remind Lord Halifax, that once Massachusetts had for a season established a stamp act.²

In Connecticut, the aged Johnson, then enjoying ‘sweet retirement’ in the lovely village of Stratford, familiar with the royalists of New-York, and the acknowledged organ of the Episcopalians of the north,