most of almost everything he had to give, particularly of the Governments in the West Indies, and that in a moment when it was of the utmost consequence to choose men of the highest eminence and character for those important trusts. This was notorious from the character of those he appointed, some of whom had no previous connection with him, and others a very low one; but there are not wanting such proofs of what passed as leave it out of all manner of doubt. The chief plans which he left in the office turn upon confiscations; and a total change in the mode of governing the Colonies, which it would have been folly to have attempted in the quietest times. His conversation to the officers going out, went entirely upon forfeitures and every species of severity.
"The last public act of his life was a perfect epitome of all the rest, which was his opposition to the Irish propositions after his conduct in Ireland and his failure in the management of American affairs; not to mention a variety of other disadvantageous circumstances under which he stood in the House of Lords. It was a proof of no small effrontery and presumption to commence prophet afresh, and revive principles of high Government which had cost us so much and so lately too. He likewise showed no small address in refraining from speaking, while there was anybody present who was likely to answer him with any degree of point. He judged perfectly well the state of parties and the character of Ministry, and by means of indirect support which he received from different sides from different motives, and having had no reply made him, he contrived to make an impression which gave him a degree of momentary éclat; and would if he had lived have probably procured the object he had immediately in view, of obtaining some distinction for a son-in-law, who consented to take back his daughter under very base and dishonourable circumstances, and of forwarding lines of secret intrigue, which no man studied more, and giving vent to his general principles of policy and government. Upon the whole, his life deserves to be recorded as exhibiting more striking examples of the
