Royal Governor -General Thomas Gage
With a brief look at the 1768 portrait of General Thomas Gage, it would be seen that this general has his troops in order and ready for battle. With more fact-finding on the painting, it is shown that General Gage was in a high position of power and always tried to keep peace by using his authority. Thomas Gage was Commander in Chief of the British forces in the new world[1] but in 1774 he was appointed to Royal Governor of Massachusetts.[2] General Gage was entrusted with lots of power, a single stroke of his pen could of started regiments.[3] Having a loyalist governor in charge of Massachusetts was a factor into the outbreaks of rebellions. People were acting out and causing commotions like the ‘The Boston Tea Party’ and all types of other uprisings over taxes. But General Gage was always the one to keep things in order and retain disposition in the state. General Thomas Gage’s portrait painted by John Singleton Copley in 1768 showcases a precise description of power and strength with the General wearing his vibrant red coat, his eyes fixated on the viewer the whole time but at the same time, keeping the attention to him and his troops in the background.[4]