25th 1764. I supposed by you, first application to me, that I was only to act in my profession

lawyer, and not as a merchant or factor, to settle accounts and vendue goods. However, it seems you expect both of me, without having ever taken care, to this moment, to furnish me with the proper papers to act in either quality. My request, is that you would make a new power to some able merchant here, for I utterly decline being any further concerned, than till you have notice of this opportunity to make and send out such new powers. I

have no inclination to merchandize." This last idea is expressed in letters to two other correspondents. In letters to two of these clients, who had at his request transferred the agency of their affairs to a merchant, whom he had recommended; he says to one in June, 1765-" My discharge from the burden of your affairs is the more acceptable, as my engagements to the public, and the difficulties on the trade of this country, and my private concerns, render it inconvenient for me to enter into more affairs than I have on hand."-To another-" I am glad of your resolution not to send me any other of your affairs, more especially as the times are rendered so difficult here, that it is a very invidious employ to collect debts for gentlemen on your side of the water, and my own private affairs and engagements in the public service, will not admit of my engaging any further in the concerns of others."

He writes to Mr. Arthur Jones-September 13th, 1766.

"With regard to the late measures you re

fer to in the former administration, if I have been instrumental of any benefit to the interest of Great Britain and her Colonies, which I ever consider as the same, I shall think it the great happiness of my life, and can only wish for further opportunity of promoting that interest to the utmost of my poor ability."

Oliver Delancy, Esq. of New York, wished to engage him to act for the widow of Sir Peter Warren, for various claims. In reply, after giving some account of the debtors, he goes on to say-" October 6th, 1766-I should choose to act only in my profession, in which way, you and Lady Warren may at all times command and depend on my best services. I should not incline to undertake as a factor for any person, having within these two or three years had more trouble and gained more ill will by two or three procurations, I was prevailed on to accept, than by all the transactions of my life. I should think it best for you to substitute Mr. Hancock, as there is no better man for your purpose if he will accept. He will of course apply to me as Counsel, especially if you desire it, and Lady Warren will by that means be availed of all his and my power to serve her. If you think it worth while to transmit a copy of this, let my most respectful compliments attend it, with the highest assurances of the regard I have for the memory of Sir Peter Warren,* for

* Sir Peter Warren, was a British Admiral, and knight of the Bath. He performed many gallant services, and was much known and esteemed in the northern colonies. He commanded the naval force in the New England ex

the services he rendered this country."-Mr. Delancy writes him in return, that it was at Mr. Hancock's suggestion he had been applied to, that the power of Attorney is made out, and in behalf of Lady W. urges the request that he would underdertake the agency. He writes in answer, October 13th, 1766. "Sir, next to surety-ship, it has been the care of my life to avoid trusts, yet I am engaged in many more public and private, than I have capacity to discharge, as I could wish. It would give me equal pleasure to comply with your and Lady Warren's desire, but I clearly foresee so many difficulties that will attend the settlement of her affairs here, that I can by no means think of accepting the power you mention, at the same time you think fit to substitute any person, I shall ever be ready and proud to assist him in my profession, if desired, but I must repeat that I cannot accept of any power to me alone, or jointly with any

if

other."

In a letter to Mr. Rybot of July 27th, 1767— "In answer to yours of the 7th of January-I have waited on Mr. and he tells me it will much distress him to be sued for the note of 300l. sterling; in short it is impossible for him to pay it at present. He also informs me, that you have given no express orders to sue the note, and being of opinion it is not for your interest to press him at present, I have not commenced any action against him. I am convinc

pedition against Louisbourg, in 1745. He died in 1752, in the 49th year of his age.