ABSTRACT
The Benning Wentworths’ influence in England gave them control over royal appointments in New Hampshire and allowed them to dominate the mast trade. The Wentworth family maintained its political power from 1741 until the outbreak of revolution; between 1752 and the early 1770’s it reigned unchallenged. Before 1752 frequent disputes marked Governor Wentworth’s relationship with the House of Representatives. The trade in masts ensured John Thomlinson’s continued political co-operation with the Wentworths. The Wentworths exercised control in part through the Masonian proprietorship. Most royal governors in colonial America possessed the same official powers as did Wentworth, yet found themselves unable to control the behavior of provincial judicial and legislative officials. As surveyor general charged with the enforcement of the white pine policy, Wentworth made certain that nothing disturbed the lumber trade. Wentworth’s associates were better educated and more qualified for judicial posts than all but a few men in the province.
