When Montague captain of a ship of His Majestys Navy complained that New York was a place where pirates make illegal laws and smugglers obey legitimate one's he meant?

Montague's complaint highlighted the lawlessness and corruption in New York during that era, where pirate activities were often overlooked or even tacitly accepted by local authorities. He suggested that while official laws existed, they were frequently ignored or manipulated by smugglers and pirates who operated with impunity. This critique pointed to a broader issue of governance and the erosion of legitimate authority in the colony, where illicit activities thrived. Ultimately, Montague's statement reflects the tension between colonial interests and the enforcement of British naval law.