98 Industrial Experiments in Colonial America. 



But this time he pleaded in vain and the under-bred collector of 

 customs continued to hold the place. 



Armstrong was no more successful in preventing the destruc- 

 tion of timber than Bridger had been, and he continually wrote 

 home in the old complaining strain of his predecessor/ It is 

 scarcely surprising to learn that he was as unpopular as Bridger. 

 Accusations soon began to be sent to the Board of Trade, — ac- 

 cusations of neglect, of disaffection to the government, of op- 

 pression of honest traders by extorting heavy sums for clear- 

 ance, of illegal trading on his own account, and even of perjury. 

 The memorialists, who were traders to New England, insisted 

 that they could prove their charges beyond the shadow of 

 doubt.- It was now Armstrong's turn to be dismissed and re- 

 called to England to answer the accusations which had been 

 brought against him.^ Again Governor Shute, Wentworth 

 and the Council took the part of the surveyor, and he so far suc- 

 ceeded in clearing his reputation that in 1725 he was allowed to 

 return to America and resume his office and his complaints of 

 the physical hardships of his position and the "barbarous treat- 

 ment His Majesty's officers meet in America that do their 

 duty."'* In 1728, David Dunbar was made surveyor in Bur- 

 niston's place, but Armstrong continued to act as deputy.^ 

 Armstrong wrote to the Lords of Trade describing the diffi- 

 culties of the office, and suggesting that any supernumerary 

 carpenters and laborers, who could be spared, also a "chirur- 

 geon for accidents," would greatly contribute to reduce the 



^Robt. Armstrong to Board of Trade, B. T. New Eng., VV: 102. 

 Robt. Armstrong to Mr. Burniston, B. T. New Eng., X: 29. Robt. 

 Armstrong to Board of Trade, B. T. New Eng., X: 47 and 93. 



■^Memorials from three traders, B. T. New Eng., X: 92 and 95. 

 Certificates and further accusations relating to Armstrong's illegal 

 procedure, B. T. New Sng., X: 96, 98, 99. 



■In 1723. Memorandum that Armstrong has sailed for England, 

 etc., B. T. New Eng., Y: 20. 



*Mr. Burniston writes to the Board, about Armstrong's character 

 B. T. New Eng., Y: 22. Armstrong vindicates himself from charges, 

 Jan. 1725, B. T. New Eng., Y: 31. 



^Orderin Council, June, 1728, B. T. Plants. Gen., L: 100. 



