Chap. XXX.} 1767. July. |
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had made a grant of money1 for the use of the
army, without specifications.
This, by the advice of the Attorney General and Solicitor General,2 Shelburne received as a sufficient compliance,3 and the Assembly went on as though nothing had happened.
The health of Chatham was all the while growing worse; and his life began to be despaired of. His letters were kept from him.4 Of the transactions that were going forward, he was scarce even a spectator, and seemed to be unconcerned in the event.5
About nine o'clock in the evening of the twentieth, the leaders of the two branches of the Oligarchy met at Newcastle House.
When Rockingham had explained the purpose of the meeting, Bedford, on behalf of Temple and Grenville,6 declared their readiness to support a comprehensive administration, provided it adopted the capital measure of asserting and establishing the sovereignty of Great Britain over its Colonies.
At this, Rockingham flew into a violent passion, and7 complained of their calling on him and his friends for a declaration on American affairs; whatever answer he might give, they would throw a construction on his conduct to his disadvantage before the public.8
Bedford insisted with firmness on the declaration.
1 Moore to Shelburne, 18 June, 1767.
2 Shelburne to Chatham, in Chat. Corr. IV. 325.
3 Shelburne to Moore, 18 July, 1767. Compare Vote of New-York Assembly of 6 June, 1767. Message of Moore of 18 Nov. 1767. Board of Trade to the King, 7 May, 1768.
4 Lady Chatham to Grafton, North End, 31 July, 1767.
5 De Guerchy to Choiseul, 10 June, 16 June, 8 July, 1767. T. Whately to Lord Temple, 30 July, 1767.
6 Grenville to Rigby, 16 July, 1767; Temple to Rigby, 16 July, 1767. Joint letter of Temple and Grenville, 17 July, 1767.
7 Bedford's Journal, 20 July, 1767; Durand to Choiseul, 28 July, 1767.
8 Rockingham to Dowdeswell in Cavendish Debates, i. 584. Rockingham to Hardwicke, in Albemarle, II. 50. This letter has the wrong date, of July 2 for July 20.
Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1859.
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