Gentlemen
On the other side is Copy of my last. I sent you also a few Lines by Cn Clark via New York enclosing Copy of the Resolutions moved for by Mr [Edmund] Burke last Wensday but with the usual Success. The Ministry carrying it against him by a great Majority. How they could put a negative upon Resolutions which are in themselves incontestible, how they could say that the Colonies did not raise subsidies at the requesition of a Secretary of State, and had not the thanks of Parliament, when it appears on their Journals, is astonishing. These Resolutions are couched in the Spirit of the Constitution of this Country, & far superior to the conciliatory Bill of Lord Chatham, which abounds with numerous difficulties. When the Colonies refuse to raise Subsidies, at the requisition of a Secretary of State, then & then only can they be complained of. I hope the next Congress will determine with Wisdom, & make sure Errors they have perceived in their last determinations, will be rectified in this, but above all to conciliate the affections of the people at home I think essentially necessary for the good of the whole.
I go on selling Wheat at 6/9. I have sold more than half the Cargo, though have delivered but few. Several Cargoes of heavy Wheat dropping in prevents my selling this Wheat which is lighter so fast as I could wish. The Weather is somewhat mended which makes this Article & flour rather dull at present. I am always with great truth Gentlemen [&c.]
P S. The New England fishery Bill was read a third time in the [House of] Lords & an amendment made by some of the Ministerial Lords. It was sent back to the Commons where one of the Amendments has been received the other rejected even by the Ministry themselves Many think the Bill constitutional.