George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[68] France. His judgment on events, though biassed by

Chap. XXIX.} 1767. April.

national hatred, was more impartial and clear than that of any British Minister who succeeded Shelburne; and his conclusions were essentially just.

The English Ministry were misled by those in whom they trusted. The civil and military officers of the crown in America were nearly all men of British birth, who had obtained their places for the sake of profit; and had no higher object than to augment and assure their gains. For this reason they wished to become independent of colonial Legislatures' for their support, and to strengthen the delegated executive power. The Commander-in-Chief was of a kindly nature, but without sagacity, or any one element of a statesman; reasoning about the debates of free legislative Assemblies as he would about the questioning of military orders; entering complaints against Georgia,¹ South Carolina, and other Colonies, and holding up New-York as preeminent in opposition. The letters of Moore, who had been appointed Governor of New-York by the Rockingham Ministry, advocated an independent civil list and more troops. The same views were maintained by William Franklin of New Jersey, and by the able, but selfish Tryon, who, under a smooth exterior, concealed the heart of a savage. The Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina was a man of sense; but his moderation was soon to draw upon him a rebuke. Sir James Wright, in Georgia, and Carlton, in Quebec, were strenuous supporters of power. The attention of the British Government and of Parliament was drawn chiefly