Thomas Gage, the last royal governor of Massachusetts, born in England, died there in April, 1787. He was an active officer during the seven years1 war, was appointed governor of Montreal in 1760, and succeeded Gen. Amherst in 1763 in the chief command of the British forces in America. Being appointed to supersede Hutchinson as governor of Massachusetts, he arrived in Boston in May, 1774, while the people of that colony were preparing to resist the port act. Though personally esteemed, he inspired the public with neither confidence nor fear. He was instructed to seize and punish Samuel Adams, Hancock, and Warren, but durst not even attempt their arrest. As precautionary measures he seized the powder in the public magazine in Charlestown (Sept. 1), and began to fortify Boston. He planned the expedition to Concord which resulted in the battle of Lexington (April 19, (1775), and on June 12 established martial law throughout Massachusetts, and proscribed Samuel Adams and John Hancock by name, offering pardon to all other rebels who would return to their allegiance.

After the battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775) Gage was superseded by Gen. Howe, and sailed for England on the following Oct. 10.