ment of the Mother Country, and as You are so well Ac-
quainted with the Affairs of this Country, I need not say to
you how fatal the Example may be, and how likely other
Assemblys are to follow the Example if it cannot be stopped
here, till the King's ministers are Informed of the situation, &
have time to Apply a proper Remedy to the Evil that is of so
dangerous a Nature, in this so extensive a Country, Inhabited
by People from such a variety of Nations, & of such a variety
of Religions, and so far removed from the Center of Govern-
ment, in the Mother Country. I propose to set out in about a
week from hence and to Come directly to Annapolis, to
Endeavor, in Conjunction with you, to accommodate those
Affairs but I hope that will occasion no Delay —
As you have asked my opinion about passing the Bill, if
presented with such a Restriction, I am Clearly of opinion
that as things are situated at present in America, I should be
very Cautious of passing any Bill, where there is a direct
Infringement of the King's Prerogative, which I think this is ;
and I am still more of opinion, that it would be right at
present, as you are of opinion that such a step would have a
good Effect; besides it will in some Degree prevent the Dis-
ease from spreading.
I Have here laid before you the progression of the Steps I
am to take, even as to their coming to the last Extremity; as
I am sure you will see the necessity of Relieving the mother
Country from every reasonable share of the Expence of the
War in this Country, of which at present the Provinces bear
none of that great Body of Regular Troops that are sent for
their protection; and that you will bring your People to do as
much for their own protection, and the Common Cause, as
you possibly can, and therefore are not at Liberty to discover
what steps I am to take in case they cannot be brought to do
their Duty. —
I am, with great Regard,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
Loudoun.
[Sharpe to Calvert.]
9th Novr 1757 & transmitted by Capt Tipple.
Sir
As I was not informed of this Vessel's being about to sail
untill this Morning & am obliged to send my Letters on board
this Evening or to morrow very early I can only tell you in
general that altho the Assembly has been now sitting six
|
Letter Bk. I.
p. 314
|
