258 Correspondence of Governor Sharpe.

Collection, they are justly apprehensive of the consequences
to particular Persons, sh^d the contents, by being made Publick,
find their way back to their proper Colonys. The Discussion
of the Papers is appointed for the beginning of next week,
and, If the Administration have yet Determined what to do
with them (which I much doubt) it is more I am sure, than
any body knows with certainty. The question will probably
be branched out into three different Considerations, the
Legality of the Law, the Expediency of it, & the causes and
consequences of the opposition given to it. M^r Pitt has upon
different occasions Expressed himself very Explicitely against
the first, but I much fear has all the great Lawyers and Lead-
ing men of the Kingdom against him, and the manner of
Delivering himself upon the occasion is apprehended to have
added but little to his Credit either with his friends in the City
or elsewhere. As to the Expediency, the Bedford party, and
other Constituent members of the late Administration, with
their new Allies (Earl Temple Lord Lyttleton &c) will prob-
ably urge the Enforcing the Law: but I hope the present
Administration, with many of the ablest members, will enter-
tain very different Sentiments, and will Incline to repeal the
Law, tho they sh^d Assert the Principle: but, how long affairs
may continue in the present hands seems a little uncertain as
well as into what hands they may come next. As to Censures,
tho both Partys seem concerned only to Level them at each
other, they will all probably fall upon the Colonys, and, the
Crown be called upon to Reward or Punish their own Officers
as they shall be thought to have deserved. I sh^d have
acquainted you that the Petition of the Deputys from the
Congress was Tendred to the Commons last Monday, but
rejected as Inadmissible no such Assembly being Recognized
here. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect and
regard. S^r Your Excellencys
Most Obed^t & Ever Faithfull
Serj^ts Inn, Hble Servant,
31^st Jan^ry 1766. Hugh Hamersley

As I was prepared to Seal this Lre
his Lord^p put the Enclosed into my
hands which he recommends to your care.

Letter Bk. IV

[Sharpe to Baltimore.]

Copy of a Letter to Lord Baltimore Dated Annapolis 10^th
Feb^y 1766.
My Ld.
The Behaviour of M^r Calvert towards me on all Occasions,
our personal Acquaintance & Correspondence for so many