effect,) he looked blank, and seemed disconcerted a little, which makes me think some friend of his was to have been vested with my place; but this is surmise only. We parted very good friends.

That day I received another note from Mr. Cooper, directing me to be at the Duke of Grafton's next morning, whose porter had orders to let me in. I went accordingly, and was immediately admitted. But his Grace being then engaged in some unexpected business, with much condescension and politeness made that apology for his not discoursing with me then, but wished me to be at the treasury at twelve the next Tuesday. I went accordingly, when Mr. Cooper told me something had called the Duke into the country, and the board was put off, which was not known till it was too late to send me word; but was glad I was come, as he might then fix another day for me to go again with him into the country. The day fixed was Thursday. I returned yesterday; should have stayed till Monday, but for writing by these vessels. He assures me the Duke has it at heart to do something handsome for me. Sir John Pringle, who is anxious for my stay, says Mr. Cooper is the honestest man of a courtier that he ever knew, and he is persuaded they are in earnest to keep me.

The piece I wrote against smuggling, in the Chronicle of November last, and one in April, on the Laboring Poor, which you will find in the Gentleman's Magazine for that month, have been lately shown by Mr. Cooper to the chancellor of the exchequer, and to the Duke, who have expressed themselves much pleased with them. I am to be again at the treasury on Tuesday next, by appointment of Mr. Cooper. Thus particular I have been, that you may judge of this affair.

For my own thoughts, I must tell you, that, though I did not think fit to decline any favor so great a man expressed an inclination to do me, because at court, if one shows an unwillingness to be obliged, it is often construed as a mark of mental hostility, and one makes an enemy; yet, so great is my inclination to be at home and at rest, that I shall not be sorry, if this business falls through, and I am suffered to retire with my old post; nor indeed very sorry, if they take that from me too on account of my zeal for America, in which some of my friends have hinted to me that I have been too open. I shall soon be able, I hope, by the next packet, to give you farther light. In the mean time, as no one but Sir John knows of the treaty, I talk daily of going in the August packet at farthest. And when the late Georgia appointment of me to be their agent is mentioned, as what may detain me, me, I say, I have yet received no letters from that Assembly, acquainting me what their business may be; that I shall probably hear from them before that packet sails; that, if it is extraordinary and of such a nature as to make my stay another winter necessary, I may possibly stay, because there would not be time for them to choose another; but, if it is common business, I shall leave it with Mr. Jackson and proceed.

I do not, by the way, know how that appointment came about, having no acquaintance that I can recollect in that country. It has been mentioned in the papers some time, but I have only just now received a letter from Governor Wright, informing me that he had that day given his assent to it, and expressing his desire to correspond with me on all occasions, saying the Committee, as soon as they could get their papers

ready, would write to me and acquaint me with their business.*

We have lost Lord Clare from the Board of Trade. He took me home from court the Sunday before his removal, that I might dine with him as he said alone, and talk over American affairs. He seemed as attentive to them, as if he was to continue ever so long. He gave me a great deal of flummery; saying, that, though at my Examination I answered some of his questions a little pertly, yet he liked me, from that day, for the spirit I showed in defence of my country; and at parting, after we had drunk a bottle and a half of claret each, he hugged and kissed me, protesting he never in his life met with a man he was so much in love with. This I write for your amusement. You see by the nature of this whole letter, that it is to yourself only. It may serve to prepare your mind for any event that shall happen.

Dr. Franklin was appointed Agent for Georgia by an ordinance of the Assembly, dated April 11th, 1768. Noble Wimberly Jones was Speaker of the Assembly.

The ordinance states, that "Benjamin Franklin is hereby declared, nominated, and appointed agent to represent, solicit, and transact the affairs of this province in Great Britain; that he is fully authorized and empowered to follow and pursue all such instructions, as he shall from time to time receive from the General Assembly, or from the committee hereinafter appointed to correspond with him; that there shall be allowed and paid for his agency the sum of one hundred pounds sterling money of Great Britain, over and above his reasonable charges and disbursements on his application to the several offices and boards in negotiating the affairs of the province; and that he shall continue agent for one whole year, to commence on the first day of June next."

The members of the committee appointed to correspond with him were, James Habersham, Noble Jones, James Edward Powell, Lewis Johnson, Clement Martin, Alexander Wylly, John Mullryne, John Smith, Noble Wimberly Jones, John Milledge, John Simpson, Archibald Bulloch, William Ewen, and Joseph Gibbons, or any seven of them, provided two of the seven were of the Council.

The appointment was annually renewed while he remained in England, and the salary was enlarged to two hundred pounds a year.

If Mr. Grenville comes into power again, in any department respecting America, I must refuse to accept of any thing that may seem to put me in his power, because I apprehend a breach between the two countries; and that refusal might give offence. So that, you see, a turn of a die may make a great difference in our affairs. We may be either promoted, or discarded; one or the other seems likely soon to be the case, but it is hard to divine which. I am myself grown so old as to feel much less than formerly the spur of ambition; and, if it were not for the flattering expectation, that by being fixed here I might more effectually serve my country, I should certainly determine for retirement, without a moment's hesitation. I am, as ever, your affectionate father,

B. FRANKLIN.

TO JOSEPH GALLOWAY.

Removal of Lord Clare. - Lord Hillsborough restored to Office. -Transactions in America occasion much Reflection.Wilkes's Outlawry.

DEAR SIR,

London, 2 July, 1768.

Since my last, nothing material has occurred here relating to American affairs, except the removal of Lord Clare from the head of the Board of Trade to the treasury of Ireland, and the return of Lord Hillsborough to the Board of Trade as first commissioner, retaining the title and powers of secretary of state for the colonies. This change was very sudden and unexpected. My Lord Clare took me home from court to dine with him but two days before, saying he should be without other company, and wanted to talk with

me on sundry American businesses. We had accordingly a good deal of conversation on our affairs, in which he seemed to interest himself with all the attention, that could be supposed in a minister, who expected to continue in the management of them. This was on Sunday, and on the Tuesday following he was removed. Whether my Lord Hillsborough's administration will be more stable, than others have been for a long time, is quite uncertain; but, as his inclinations are rather favorable towards us (so far as he thinks consistent with what he supposes the unquestionable rights of Britain), I cannot but wish it may continue, especially as these perpetual mutations prevent the progress of all business.

But another change is now talked of, that gives me great uneasiness. Several of the Bedford party being now got in, it has been for some time apprehended, that they would sooner or later draw their friend Mr. Grenville in after them. It is now said, he is to be secretary of state, in the room of Lord Shelburne. If this should take place, or if in any other shape he comes again into power, I fear his sentiments of the Americans, and theirs of him, will occasion such clashings as may be attended with fatal consequences. The last accounts from your part of the world, of the combinations relating to commerce with this country, and resolutions concerning the duties here laid upon it, occasion much serious reflection; and it is thought the points in dispute between the two countries will not fail to come under the consideration of Parliament early in next session. Our friends wonder, that I persist in my intention of returning this summer, alleging that I might be of much more service to my country here, than I can be there, and wishing me by all means to stay the ensuing