but George 3rd desiring to hold the scales with fairness between the Claimant and the community reasoned thus, without hesitation, and being a better accomptant than the deceased patrician, he observed, that the sum in question bore but a small proportion to the interest of the moiety detained since February, 1765, if it was taken only at three per cent., and much less still, if that of the whole reward was computed from August, 1762, which subsequently the House of Commons in committee, after hearing evidence, allowed he became fully entitled to at that period:[1] and the King believed
- ↑ This decision of the Committee virtually rescinded the vote of the Commissioners; who, on no apparent ground but the computations which he had been refused to name a check on, and was denied to inspect, decided that the Watch had not kept time within the Act on the trial to Jamaica. But whatever might be the sentiment of the House on the injustice he had experienced, it was followed by no practical result in his behalf: the reason—the why and wherefore of an incongruity so anomalous in a country and under a constitution by the theory of which the rights of all are respected alike, was never accessible. This was impressed on the Writer by the case of a Nobleman, nearly of the same date, being 1760, which is a remarkable set off to that of John Harrison.—The Duke of Athol possessed the royalty of the Isle of Man, with the rights, privileges, and immunities annexed thereto. These it became expedient that Government should purchase, for the better
cost him considerably more to have put his kingdom into a proper state of defence; and he had not one idea in common with those who condemned (behind his back) the meanness of such political tactics.
