and not return till the candles shew more light, unless sent for, and that in a very direct manner. I mean this to guard against general letters which Dempster or any one else may be desired to write you. You may depend upon hearing from me by a particular messenger, if I see anything likely to ripen in which I can take part, and if it continues as it has been, that I shall leave the ground as broad and open for you on every account as possible. It is hazardous writing, but I thought it fit at all hazards to convey to you my sentiments in general as to the crisis. I have desired Calcraft to forward it by express to Dover, and if possible to send it from Calais by a particular Messenger to Paris. He will write to you the common reports, though I don't believe in anything for certain, except that Lord Rockingham is set down to be at the head of the Treasury on the Duke's Plan."
This letter did not reach the itinerant Colonel till October. He then at once refused the offers made him on the ground "that he had not the honour of knowing many of His Majesty's new servants, and that at the distance he then was he would not be supposed to be well informed of the measures they might choose to adopt."[1] To Shelburne he wrote, "You know best, my Lord, whether I have acted sensibly as a politician, but I know I have acted as a gentleman, and your friend."[2] Shelburne replied, "As we are to meet so soon I defer saying more till then. Don't imagine it's for want of matter, for I have a great deal to say both in applause of your conduct and in return for your kindness to me. You'll hear every thing that has passed on the road."[3]
Much blame has been cast on Shelburne for thus refusing to throw in his fortunes with Rockingham. A dispassionate consideration of the circumstances of the time will hardly justify the blame. Shelburne was not only opposed to the Stamp Act itself, but guided by the opinion of Camden, was inclined to deny the constitu-
