The most that the public can know, is that the governor claims the right of nomination; that two out of the inconsiderable number of four men can too often be managed without much difficulty; that if some of the members of a particular council should happen to be of an
uncomplying character, it is frequently not impossible to get rid of their opposition by regulating the times of meeting in such a manner as to render their attendance inconvenient; and that from whatever cause it may proceed, a great number of very improper appointments are from time to time made.
On these terms they lived; and their character, influenced accordingly, was watchful, suspicious, and timid yet obstinate,
uncomplying, and skilful in evading the dangers to which they were exposed.