B. F. The King's, my Lord.
L. H. No such matter. He is one of the corporation by the province charter. No agent can be appointed but by an act, nor any act pass without his assent. Besides, this proceeding is directly contrary to express instructions.
B. F. I did not know there had been such instructions. I am not concerned in any offence against them, and
L. H. Yes, your offering such a paper to be entered is an offence against them. (Folding it up again without having read a word of it.) No such appointment shall be entered. When I came into the administration of American affairs, I found them in great disorder. By my firmness they are now something mended ; and, while I have the honor to hold the seals, I shall continue the same conduct, the same firmness. I think my duty to the master I serve, and to the government of this nation, requires it of me. If that conduct is not approved, they may take my office from me when they please. I shall make them a bow, and thank them ; I shall resign with pleasure. That gentleman knows it, (pointing to Mr. Pownall,) but, while I continue in it, I shall resolutely persevere in the same firmness. (Spoken with great warmth, and turning pale in his discourse, as if he was angry at something or somebody besides the agent, and of more consequence to himself.)
B. F. (Reaching out his hand for the paper, which his Lordship returned to him.) I beg your Lordship's pardon for taking up so much of your time. It is, I believe, of no great importance whether the appointment is acknowledged or not, for I have not the least conception that an agent can at present be of any use to any of the colonies. I shall therefore give your Lordship no further trouble. ( Withdrew.)
Benjamin Franklin, Works (edited by Jared Sparks, Boston, 1838), VII, 508-512.
