560 Correspondence of Governor Sharpe.

I think it extremely hard that his Lordship's good intentions
should be frustrated with regard to me in every respect, &
put in execution with regard to every other person tho'
scarcely known to him by name. M^r Hamersley repeatedly
assured me that I was destin'd to the Commissary's office or
part of it, or for the Naval officer's place of Patuxent. If the
immediate Commission be not already filled up, it remains to
be filled up, & half the Commissary's office is as much vacant
now as it was then. I may hope, that your. Excellency would
exert your powers in one case if in the other.
I should be extremely sorry that my Lord's affairs should
suffer thro' me. they have not yet suffer'd since I have had
them for 8 months in my hands nor do I think they will suffer
at all if I keep them four months longer till his Lordship's
pleasure is known. I am very clear that no man can act
legally as agent but upon my voluntary resignation (if then)
or by Deputation from me. I beg you will pardon the free-
dom of my pen on this occasion being, with great Consid-
eration, Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient
& most humble Servant
Bennet Allen

Original.

[P. Hughes to Sharpe.]

Coventry Parish Dec^r the 16^th 1768
May it please your Excellency,
There has been no attack as yet against my person, tho
threatned with another Visit from the Swampman of Worces-
ter. I attended the Court at Princess Ann & was fined forty
shill^s When this was over ; they framed a story, that I had
given one Catline five hun^d pounds to kill Allen, Dennis, &
Tho^s Hayward. Hearing one Waters had mention'd it to M^r
Gale, I desired Waters to name his Author, who said he had it
from one Long, who had it from a brother of Catlines. 1 met Cat-
line brought him to Waters, where high words arose between
them, & I left them. Waters sayd he coud not believe it at any
rate, but when it came from so infamous a fellow as Catline,
he was sure it was a lie. I saw Catline talking to Allen twice,
once before, & in a short time after I spoke to Catline I stayd
in town that day & the next. Col^l John Dennis told me, that
his brother told him, that Catline said so to him ; but I am
informed it is now layd on M^r Sam. Willson.
They expect great matters from the New Governor. The
Apprehension of the military has had great effect one Com-
pany woud bring them to Reason, but this Lex ultima is of
their own seeking, if ever enforced. I gave the summonsess
of the Provincial Court to the Sheriff, who promisd to serve
them, their friends give out, the Rioters will not obey them.