British secret agent.

Relative of Governor John Wentworth of New Hampshire. Well-educated, well- traveled, ambitious. New Hampshire’s agent in London (early 1770s). Loyalist; joined British secret service during Revolutionary War. Recruited Edward Bancroft to spy for Britain. Attempted to forestall alliance between France and the United States and persuade Franklin and Silas Deane to consider reconciliation with Britain (1777-78); these efforts were a dismal failure, and police scrutiny subsequently forced Wentworth to remain in London. Served briefly in Parliament (1780). Retired to Surinam plantation (1790).