chap. V.} 1763. Feb. |
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the appointed time had come, the Earl of Bute, with
the full concurrence of the king, making the change which had long been expected,1 assigned to Charles Townshend the office of first lord of trade, with the administration of the colonies.
Assuming larger powers than had ever been exercised by any of his predecessors except Halifax,2 called also to a seat in the cabinet, and enjoying direct access to the king on the affairs of his department, he, on the twenty-third of February, became secretary of state for the colonies in all but the name.3
In the council, in which Townshend took a place, there was Bute, its chief, having the entire confidence of his sovereign; the proud restorer of peace, fully impressed with the necessity of bringing the colonies into order,4 and ready to give his support to the highest system of authority of Great Britain over America.
Being at the head of the Treasury, he was, in a special manner, responsible for every measure connected with the finances; and though he was himself a feeble man of business, yet his defects were in a measure supplied by Jenkinson, his able, indefatigable and confidential private secretary.—There was
1 Jasper Mauduit, Massachusetts, agent to Mr. Secretary Oliver, 12 March, 1763: ‘I am now to mention a change which has long been expected, and has at length taken place. Lord Sandys is removed from the board of trade, and Mr. Charles Townshend is put at the head of it.’
2 ‘It appears, upon Mr. Townsbend's entry upon his office, the board of trade did notify their appointment to all the American governments, as well of the old established as the new acquired colonies; and did transmit to them, at the same time, copies of the order in council, of the 11th March, 1752; and the explanatory letters of the secretary of state, as the rule at their future correspondence.’ Paper by the Earl of Hillsborough, in the Lansdowne House manuscripts.
3 Rigby to Bedford, 23 February, 1763, in the Bedford Correspondence, III. 210.
4 Knox, agent of Georgia. In Extra-official State Papers, II. 29.
Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1860.
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