HISTORY OF VERMONT. 213 



lency never lost an opportunity of representing 

 every circumstance that could be advanced in 

 your favor, to the king's ministers, in the hope 

 of accomplishing a reconciliation. His excel- 

 lency will continue by such representations, to 

 do aU in his power, to serve you, but what ef- 

 fect it ma} have, at this late period, is very un- 

 certain. While his excellency sincerely regrets 

 the happy moment, which it is much to be fear- 

 ed, cannot be recalled, of restoring to you the 

 blessings of the British government, and views 

 \vith concern the fatal consequences approjich- 

 ing, which he has so long, and so frequently 

 predicted, from your procrastination, he derives 

 some satisfaction from a consciousness of not 

 having omitted a circumstance, which could 

 tend to your persuasion, and adoption of his de- 

 sired purpose. In the present uncertain state of 

 affairs, uninformed as his excellency is, of what 

 is doing, or perhaps done, in a general accom- 

 modation, he does not think fit, until the result 

 £}hall be known, to give any opinion, which may 

 influence you, perhaps to the prejudice of your 

 interests, or that might interfere with the views 

 of government. If the report now prevailing, 

 has any foundation, a very short time will de- 

 termine the fate of Vermont. Should any thing, 

 lavorable present, you may still depend on his. 

 excellency's utmost endeavors, for your sal- 

 vation."- 



Thus terminated a correspondence, which 

 9Ccasioned many and various conjectures, at the 

 time when it was carried on. On the part of 

 the British, it consisted of constant attempts and, 

 eniJeavQrs to persuade tiie leading mea q^ 



