Primary sourceLetter1767–1769 (published 1773)

Hutchinson–Whately Letters

Thomas Hutchinson · 1767–1769 (published 1773)

A printed collection of Thomas Hutchinson's private letters to Thomas Whately, leaked and published in Boston, that destroyed his political standing.

These are Hutchinson's own private letters, whose leak and publication ruined his standing in Massachusetts.

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Front cover of a bound book with reddish-brown and cream marbled paper boards, dark brown leather spine and corners with gold tooling along the edges, photographed against a light background. — Copy of Letters Sent to Great-Britain by His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, 1773. Massachusetts Historical Society / Library of Congress.

About this source

What it is

This is a printed pamphlet containing private letters written by Governor Thomas Hutchinson and others to Thomas Whately between 1767 and 1769. The letters were obtained by Benjamin Franklin and sent to Boston, where they were printed in 1773. Copies survive at the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Library of Congress.

Why it matters

In the letters, Hutchinson suggested there must be some restriction of colonial liberties to keep order under British rule. When published, colonists saw this as proof he favored crown power over their rights. The affair also caused a political scandal in London involving Franklin, who admitted sending the letters, and his reputation suffered as a result.

Look closer

Why might private letters, once published, change how people view a politician?
What does Hutchinson's language suggest about his view of colonial rights?
How might Franklin's role in leaking the letters have affected trust between Britain and the colonies?

This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Thomas Hutchinson on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.