Chap XXXV.} 1768. July. |
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For Virginia, it was most properly resolved that
the office of its Governor should no longer remain a sinecure, as it had been for three quarters of a century; and Amherst,1 who would not go out to reside there, was in consequence displaced, and ultimately indemnified.
In selecting a new Governor, the choice fell on Lord Botetourt; and it was a wise one, not merely because he had great affability and a pleasing address, and was attentive to business, but because he was ingenuous and frank, sure to write fearlessly and truly respecting Virginia, and sure never to ask the Secretary to conceal his reports.
He was to be conducted to his Government in a seventy-four, and to take with him a splendid coach of state.
He was to call a new Legislature, to closet its members, as well as those of the Council;2 and, to humor them in almost any thing except the explicit denial of the authority of Parliament.3 It would have been ill for American Independence, if a man like him had been sent to Massachusetts.
But ‘with Massachusetts,’ said Camden,4 ‘it will not be very difficult to deal, if that is the only disobedient Province.’
For Boston his voice did not entreat mercy.5 The cry was, it must be made to
1 Hillsborough to Amberst, 27 July, 1768; Junius, II. 216. Frances to Choiseul, 5 August, 1768.
2 See Narrative of Facts, Hillsborough to Bernard, 30 July, 1758, Frances to Choiseul, 5 August, 1768.
3 Instructions to Lord Botetourt, dated 21 August, 1768.
4 See Camden to Grafton, 4 Sept. 1768, in Grafton's Autobiography.
5 Grafton's Memoirs intimate no dissent on his part or on Camden's. They both joined in driving Shelburne out of the Ministry. The letter writers from London affirmed their adhesion. Compare Israel Mauduit to Hutchinson, 11 April, 1767, and 15 Dec. 1767, and 19 Feb. 1769, with the extract of a letter in the Boston Chronicle of Oct. 31–Nov. 7, 1768, p. 427, which must be an extract of a letter from Israel Mauduit to Hutchinson, written after this Cabinet meeting of the 27 of July, as appears from Same to Same, 10 Feb. 1769.
‘All these are friends to the Duke of Bedford: they all agree in one sentiment about America, and the Duke of Grafton professes now to be of the same opinion.’ ‘Lord Camden will go as far as any one in carrying it [the Act declaratory of the power to tax] into execution.’ Letter of 1768. ‘The Duke of Grafton is certainly determined to support the King's government.’ Id.
Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1859.
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