George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[83] the wishes of the King, complained of Shelburne and

Chap. XXIX.} 1767. June.

intimated, that ‘he could not be allowed to continue in his office.’ Chatham summoned spirit to vindicate his friend, and to advise the dismission of Townshend. He was with great difficulty led to believe that a junction was necessary with either the Bedfords or the Rockinghams; but, of the two, Grafton thought him inclined to prefer the former. The interview lasted two full hours, and the Ministers parted with the most cordial professions of good will and mutual attachment.

Grafton was left with the position of Prime Minister; but it was the King, who from this time controlled the Cabinet and managed affairs. His influence was adverse to the cause of European Liberty, which, nevertheless, continued to grow in strength. ‘Men are opening their eyes,’ said Voltaire,¹ ‘from one end of Europe to the other. Fanaticism, which feels its humiliation and implores the arm of authority, makes the involuntary confession of its defeat. Let us bless this happy revolution which has taken place in the minds of men of probity within fifteen or twenty years. It has exceeded my hopes.’

That a greater change hung over America could not escape the penetration of Jonathan Trumbull, the Deputy Governor of Connecticut. He was a perfect model of the virtues of a rural magistrate, never weary of business, profoundly religious, grave in his manners,