Thomas Hutchinson

Hutchinson, Thomas (1711–80), American colonial governor of Massachusetts, 1770–74. A political enemy of Samuel Adams, he opposed American independence, and enforced the Stamp Act (1765) although considering the act unwise. In 1773 he insisted that duty be paid on tea cargoes in Boston, which led to the Boston Tea Party. In 1774 he went to England, where he served George III as an adviser.