In response to the Boston Tea Party of 1773, Britain decided to lay down the law, and passed four acts against the colonists of Massachusetts. The first act was the Boston Port Act, which closed the ports of Boston until the East India Company had been repaid and the king was satisfied with the repayment. The second was the Massachusetts Government Act, which ended self government in Massachusetts and all government officials had to be appointed by the king. The ruler of Massachusetts was now General Thomas Gates. The third was the Administration of Justice Act, which allowed the trials of accused officials to be moved to Great Britain. The fourth was the Quartering Act, which allowed governors to house soldiers if other buildings were not available.