The legislature remained divided until after the French and Indian War broke out in 1754, when the demands for support of military action brought some unity. The assembly objected to increased funding of the militia in 1755 because Belcher refused to authorize the emission of additional paper currency. It later acceded to demands for increased security, but was reluctant to support militia for action outside the province's boundaries. Legislators also complained that its meetings were too frequently held at Elizabethtown, primarily because of Belcher's poor health.