. . . and when weighing Anchor the next Day [February 11] the Lt Govr forbid his2 sailing without a Clearance from the Customs ー the Capt of the Man of war3 was then sought for by [Isaac] Sears & 20 men, but being found by Buchannan said he had orders for the Ships Departure & to morrow Sunday 12th is fixd for it wind permittingー
Upon the whole [Cadwallader] Colden wanted to get the blame cast upon the Council ー They were caught except me ー By the 2d Order they recovered themselves a little ー Then Colden negotiated with the Capt without us, fearing to deal with us and dreading the Populace ー I alone am clear, for Colden should have ordered Enquiries, ー tho' the Board made it no Part of their advice. It was therefore his design to do nothing, & yet cast the Blame upon his Council.
1. Sabine, ed., Memoirs of William Smith, 210.
2. Captain Watson, of the ship James.
3. Captain James Montagu, of H.M.S. Kingsfisher.