There was a lively brush between the noble secretary and Franklin, when the former first propounded this troublesome view. It was in January, 1771, that Franklin called upon his lordship—
"to pay my respects ... and to acquaint him with my appointment by the House of Representatives of Massachusetts Bay to be their agent here." But his lordship interrupted:—
"I must set you right there, Mr. Franklin; you are not agent.
"Why, my lord?
"You are not appointed.
"I do not understand your lordship; I have the appointment in my pocket.
"You are mistaken; I have later and better advices. I have a letter from Governor Hutchinson; he would not give his assent to the bill.
"There was no bill, my lord; it was a vote of the House.
"There was a bill presented to the governor for the purpose of appointing you and another, one Dr. Lee I think he is called, to which the governor refused his assent.
"I cannot understand this, my lord; I think there must be some mistake in it. Is your lordship quite sure that you have such a letter?