Page:Memoirs of a Trait in the Character of George III.djvu/77

Rh abstract sciences, as our Mechanician termed them, might be regarded as so many mutes, metaphorically furnished with the bowstring, to strangle and distort any opinions unfavourable to their principals. The power of the Commissioners, as such, being superior to that of the crown, their proceedings being cognizable only by Parliament, the individuals, alluded to, could indulge their private animosity under a public pretext, as Lord Morton had done before them; yet it can scarcely be supposed they would take their zest of revenge with so little regard to decency, that in aiming a knock-down blow at the aged Claimant, they were indifferent if it drew blood into the cheeks of his extraordinary friend and adviser. So it is, however, their own minutes testify this reckless audacity; and a copy of them should have been furnished to the British Museum, and other public repositories for the benefit of those writers, or readers, who study the mixed constitution of these kingdoms; for the affair is so insulated it could have happened in no other country on earth: certainly not at the period in question.

At a meeting, &c., November 28th, 1772,—

A memorial from Mr. John Harrison, of this day's date, was read, setting forth that he has made another Watch, with some improvements, which had by the King's permission undergone a trial of ten weeks at His Majesty's Observatory at Richmond; at the same time enclosing a copy