George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 4, 15th edition.

[70] was sent over with orders, that Chiegnecto

chap. III.} 1750.

should be taken, fortified, and if possible, colonized by protestants.¹ Yet a marked difference of opinion existed between the Lords of Trade and their superior. Bedford was honorably inclined to a pacific adjustment with France; but Halifax was led by his pride and his ambition to disregard all risks of war; and becoming impatient at his subordinate position, he already ‘heartily hated’² his patron, and coveted a seat in the cabinet with exclusive authority in the department, with all the impetuous ardor of inexperienced ambition.

Newcastle was sure to seize the occasion to side with Halifax. ‘Act with vigor,’ said he to his brother, ‘and support our right to the extended boundary of Nova Scotia. If you do, you may run a risk of a war with France; that risk is to be run.’³ But ‘the great object’ that filled his thoughts and disturbed his rest, was the dismissal of Bedford. Even the more cautious Pelham began to complain of the secretary's ‘boyishness’ and inattention to business;⁴ the king's mistress, who had thought Bedford too important a person to be trifled with, was soothed into a willingness to have him discarded. ‘His office is a sinecure,’ said the king, who missed the pedantry of forms; ‘he receives his pay easily;’ and to Newcastle he added, ‘you, your brother and Hardwicke are the only ministers.’⁵ It seemed as if Halifax would at once obtain the seals of the Southern Department with