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

[535] cradled in the purple. ‘I have no views to become

Chap. XXVI.} 1782. March.

a minister,’ Burke said; ‘nor have I any right to such views. I am a man who have no pretensions to it from fortune;’ and he was more than content with the rich office of paymaster for himself, and lucrative places for his kin.

Franklin in Paris had watched the process of the house of commons in condemning the war, and knew England so well as to be sure that Lord Shelburne must be a member of the new administration. Already on the twenty-second, he seized the opportunity of a traveller returning to England to open a correspondence with his friend of many years, assuring him of the continuance of his own ancient respect for his talents and virtues, and congratulating him on the returning good disposition of his country in favor of America. ‘I hope,’ continued he, ‘it will tend to produce a general peace, which I am sure your lordship, with all good men, desires; which I wish to see before I die; and to which I shall with infinite pleasure contribute everything in my power.’ In this manner began the negotiation which was to bring a breathing time to the world.

Franklin had rightly divined the future, and his overture arrived most opportunely. Shelburne, as the elder secretary of state, having his choice, elected the home department, which then included America; so that he had by right the direction of all measures relating to the United States. On the fourth of April,

April 4.

he instructed Sir Guy Carleton to proceed to New York with all possible expedition; and he would not suffer Arnold to return to the land which he had