London, February 4, 1774

While Gage agrees that Franklin’s handling of Hutchinson’s letters is an invasion of privacy, prying into personal mail is common in England. Gage is appalled at the Wetterburn’s attacks on Franklin. When news of the tea scandal reaches London, English citizens call for reprisal. Gage plans to meet with the king’s ministries to speak his mind.

Gage meets with the king, who questions him about the tea incident and Hutchinson. The king believes he is loyal and an “adequate” governor but too timid to quell the growing rebellion. Gage requests four regiments in Boston. The king wants to starve the colonies as a precursor to military action.

April 2, 1774

Two months after his audience with the king, Gage is frustrated at his exclusion from George III’s inner circle. As he and Margaret walk through the gardens of his brother’s estate, they argue about whether home is England or America. A message arrives from Lord North ordering Gage back to the colonies as Hutchinson’s replacement.

Braintree, May 11, 1774

With John Adams increasingly busy in Boston, his wife Abigail rents out their smaller second home to a father and his sons, who work the farm.