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[213]

It was on every one's lips, that the die was thrown,

Chap. XXXVII.} 1768. Oct.
that they must wait for the event; but the parties who waited, were each in a different frame of mind. A troublesome anxiety took possession of Bernard, who began to fear his recall, and intercede to be spared.1 ‘These red coats make a formidable appearance,’ said Hutchinson, with an exulting countenance, and an air of complacency, buoyant with the prospect of rising one step higher. The soldiers liked the country they were come to, and, sure that none would betray them, soon deserted in numbers.2 The Commissioners were more haughty than before, and gratified their malignity by arresting Hancock and Malcom on charges, confidently made but never established.3 All were anxious to know the decision of the King and the New Parliament, respecting the great question between Government by consent and Government by authority.

But the determination of the King was evident from the first. ‘Chatham, even if he is crazed, is the person who most merits to be observed,’ wrote Choiseul;4 but the British Ministry had less discernment. Yielding to the ‘daily’5 importunities of the King, Grafton prepared to dismiss Shelburne.6 The assent of Camden was desired. ‘You are my pole star,’ Camden7 was accustomed to say to Chatham; ‘I have sworn an oath, I will go, I will go where you ’

1 Hutchinson to T. Whately, Boston, 17 Oct. 1768.

2 Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis, 17 Oct. 1768.

3 Gage to Hillsborough, No. 19 and No. 28, 5 March, 1769.

4 Choiseul to the French Embassy at London, 21 August, 1768.

5 Grafton's Autobiography.

6 Compare Frances to Choiseul, 7 Oct. 1768.

7 Camden to Chatham, 20 March, 1768. Chatham's Correspondence, III. 325.

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