Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/213

No. 68] more easily put on the open, cheerful countenance, that my friends advised me to wear. His Lordship came towards me and said, "I was dressing in order to go to court; but, hearing that you were at the door, who are a man of business, I determined to see you immediately." I thanked his Lordship, and said that my business at present was not much ; it was only to pay my respects to his Lordship, and to acquaint him with my appointment by the House of Representatives of Massachusetts Bay to be their agent here, in which station if I could be of any service — (I was going on to say — "to the public, I should be very happy ;" but his Lordship, whose countenance changed at my naming that province, cut me short by saying, with something between a smile and a sneer,)

L. H. I must set you right there, Mr. Franklin, you are not agent.

B.F. Why, my Lord?

L. H. You are not appointed.

B. F. I do not understand your Lordship ; I have the appointment in my pocket.

L. H. You are mistaken ; I have later and better advices. I have a letter from Governor Hutchinson ; he would not give his assent to the bill.

B. F. There was no bill, my Lord ; it was a vote of the House.

L. H. There was a bill presented to the governor for the purpose of appointing you and another, one Dr. Lee, I think he is called, to which the governor refused his assent.

B. F. I cannot understand this, my Lord ; I think there must be some mistake in it. Is your Lordship quite sure that you have such a letter? L. H. I will convince you of it directly. (Rings the bell.) Mr. Pownall will come in and satisfy you.

B. F. It is not necessary, that I should now detain your Lordship from dressing. You are going to court. I will wait on your Lordship another time. L. H. No, stay; he will come immediately. (To the servant) Tell Mr. Pownall I want him.

L. H. Have not you at hand Governor Hutchinson s letter, mentioning his refusing his assent to the bill for appointing Dr. Franklin agent? Sec. P. My Lord?