Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/414

 CAULFIELD. 409 Armagh where Lord Charlemont was governor, and an extensive land-owner, but also Fermanagh, Derry, and Tyrone. The genty of the province were greatly alarmed and called on government for military aid; and proclama- tions were issued, and military execution threatened. But Lord Charlemont, at the request of the government, re- paired to the disturbed quarters, and by the influence of his character, and conciliatory persuasions, aided by the mo- derate gentry of those counties, in a short time, was the principal means of restoring tranquillity without the loss of a single life. On his lordship's return to the metropolis, he received the warmest acknowledgments from the Duke of Northumberland for his eminent services in this affair, and was informed by his grace, that his majesty was so highly sensible of those services, as to desire him as his lieutenant, to acquaint his lordship, that an earldom awaited his acceptance. To this honour, his lordship, after a few days' consideration, bowed assent; but on the express stipulation that the advancement of his rank was in no way to influence his parliamentary conduct. The duke assured his lordship that nothing of the sort was ever in contem- plation; and ppon this condition, the earldom was accepted. His grace only added a wish to be permitted, as an old friend, to testify his pure personal respect for him, in any mode he should be pleased to point out, But Lord Char- lemont merely requested the appointient of a member of the linen board, as his estates lay in the linen counties. The appointment had no emolument attached, and it was cheerfully promised him on the first vacancy. His lordship proved his sincerity in the condition, on which he accepted the earldom ; for while his patent was passing through the offices, he voted against the address of thanks for the treaty of peace then recently concluded, and afterwards entered his protest against it in the lords journals. But from this moment, there was an end of court favour and distinetion to him, nor was he ever nomi- nated to the seat at the linen board; and although the then Lord Chancellor, Bowes, decidedly objected to an