130 COUNT RUMFORD. 



subject, but that be had actually filled a confidential 

 situation under the British Government, was cited as 

 rendering his appointment peculiarly objectionable. 

 Some correspondence ensued between Lord Grenville 

 and Eumford, but the appointment was not ratified. 



Stung by the refusal of King George to accept 

 him as Bavarian Minister, the thought, which had 

 often occurred to him, of returning to his native 

 country now revived. Mr. Eufus King was at that 

 time American Ambassador in London; and he, by 

 Rumford's desire, wrote to Colonel Pickering, then 

 Secretary of State for the United States, informing him 

 that intrigues in Bavaria, and the refusal of the English 

 king, had caused the Count to decide on establishing 

 himself at, or near, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mr. 

 King described the Count's intention to live in the 

 character of a German nobleman, renouncing all poli- 

 tical action, and devoting himself to literary pursuits. 

 He observed that Rumford had much experience of 

 cannon foundries, and had made important improve- 

 ments in the mounting of flying artillery. He was, 

 moreover, the possessor of an extensive military library, 

 and wished nothing more ardently than to be useful 

 to his native country. Provision had been made for 

 the institution of a military academy in the United 

 States. This they offered to place under the superin- 

 tendence of Rumford. ' I am authorised,' said Mr. 

 King, ' to offer you, in addition to the superintendence 

 of the military academy, the appointment of Inspector- 

 General of the Artillery of the United States ; and we 

 shall moreover be disposed to give to you such rank and 

 emoluments as would be likely to afford you satisfac- 

 tion, and to secure to us the advantage of your service.' 



The hour for the final decision approached, but 

 before it arrived another project had laid hold of Rum- 



