""Thomas Irving's public life begins on 9 Septemebr 1767, the date of the warrant that appointed him Inspector General of Imports and Exports and Register of Shipping of North America. This office had been established to tighten Bristish control over the thirteen Colonies by reproducing in Boston the Customs establishment in London. Page 133.For the last two decades of the 18C almost every officially compiled account of the trade of Great Britain and its empire bore the signature of Thomas Irving. A careful, astute, efficient administrator, Irving was one of many Scots employed in the British civil service. Page 131Thomas Irving challenged and thwarted the likes of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Book Review.Page 138: Thomas Irving played an important role in the pre-Revolutionary crisis in the Thirteen Colonies. A closer look at his actions shows him to have been one of the leaders in the drive by the Boston Customs to discredit and destroy the non-inportation movement. His feelings towards Bostonians must have been affected by the fact they twice inflicted bodily harm. In April 1768 and again the following June, the mob set upon him. A crowd of 200 people stoned and nearly sank the boat in which he and other had departed from Long Wharf. The second time, again on Long Wharf, the mob attacked him, beat him, and dragged him through the streets. "Thomas is an ancestor who bears striking resemblance to me.Anyway, let bygones be bygones, we're all friends now!
Adrian Irving ● 1940d