corresponded with ministers of state and persons of
influence, in order to make plans for a policy deemed
grievous by the colonists; it ought not to be thought
unreasonable or improper for the colonists to corre-
spond with their agents as well as each other, that
their grievances might be explained to his majesty,
that in his justice he might afford them relief; and
as heretofore the Province had felt the displeasure of
their sovereign from misrepresentations, there was
room to apprehend that in this instance he had been
misinformed by such persons as had in meditation
further measures destructive to the colonies, and
which they were apprehensive would be defeated by
means of Committees of Correspondence, sitting and
acting in the recess of the respective Assemblies."

The "misinformation" conveyed to the king
by persons who favored "measures destructive
to the colonies" was a matter which troubled
the patriots not a little, leading in the summer
of 1773 to a series of proceedings on their part
full of adroitness, but quite irreconcilable, one
is forced to admit, with fair dealing. The con-
viction had long prevailed that the policy of
the ministry toward America was suggested by
persons residing in the colonies, who studied on
the spot the course of events and the temper of
the people, and by secret correspondence gave
advice which led to obnoxious acts. Franklin
at length obtained possession in England of

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