408 APPENDIX A 



tending to soften the language employed, and to avoid severe 

 or sarcastic allusion to the past policy of the British ministry. 

 Dealing with the original " Hints," he would have it stated 

 that after a copy had been taken, they were " imparted for 

 negotiation," without mentioning any name, " and the answer 

 was that the propositions* appeared to demand too much. 

 Otherwise," Lord Clarendon continues, " I stand as the 

 principal transactor, when the truth is, I was not the minister 

 or invested with full powers. Indeed I don't see the absolute 

 necessity of inserting my name in p. civ., unless it is thought 

 to authenticate a narration which has truth for its foundation. 

 However I acquiesce in what is most desired by my worthy 

 friend, ever remaining cordially yrs, C. 



I have had an opportunity of explaining to the King the 

 foundation of my high esteem for Mr. Barclay ; it seemed to 

 give mutual satisfaction."] 



[Two days later he wrote again :] 



i6th. April 1783. 



Ld. Clarendon gratefully acknowledges the attention paid 

 to his few remarks on the inclosed, & seeing, since he wrote 

 last, a very violent spirit rising against the minister, who 

 presided when the negotiation alluded to was in activity, 

 must desire that Ld. Clarendon's name may not be in print. 

 The articles in the publication may be referred to in speeches 

 and he called upon to explain the transaction. The acquitting 

 himself might be condemning others ; w'h is not his disposition 

 neither can the eclaircissement be now of use, but may be 

 detrimental, and add oyl to fire, w'h he is persuaded is contrary 

 to his valuable friend's temper & design. 



Not to blow coals, almost extinguished, perhaps it wd. be 

 most prudent & most becoming benign dispositions to postpone 

 the publication till Parlt. is prorogued, especially as a fresh 

 commercial negotiation is on the anvil. They are certainly 

 not similar & the comparison may increase invectives & odium. 



Ld. Clarendon concurs in opinion on Dr. Fothergil's conduct 

 & writing & reveres his memor}'. 



[The minister alluded to in this letter is of course Lord North, 

 who at this time joined with Fox in the famous Coalition ministry.] 



