I should very readily have recommended your Son to the Care of my Friend Priestly, if he had continued to superintend the Academy at Warrington: But he has left that Charge some time since, and is now Pastor of a Congregation at Leeds in Yorkshire.

I am much obliged to you for introducing me to the Acquaintance of Mr. Erving, who appears a very intelligent sensible Man.

The Governing of Colonies by Instructions has long been a favourite Point with Ministers here. About 30 Years since, in a Bill brought into Parliament, relating to America, they inserted a Clause to make the King’s Instructions Laws in the Colonies; which being oppos’d by the then Agents, was thrown out. And I well remember a Conversation with Lord Granville, soon after my Arrival here, in which he express’d himself on that Subject in the following Terms; “Your American Assemblies slight the King’s Instructions, pretending that they are not Laws. The Instructions sent over to your Governors are not like the Pocket Instructions given to Ambassadors, to be observed at their discretion as Circumstances may require. They are drawn up by grave Men, learned in the Laws and Constitutions of the Realm; they are brought into Council, thoroughly weigh’d, well-consider’d, and amended if necessary by the Wisdom of that Body; and when receiv’d by the Governors, are the Law of the Land; for the King is the Legislator of the Colonies.” I remember this the better, because it being new Doctrine to me, I put it down as soon as I return’d to my Lodging. To be sure, if a Governor thinks himself oblig’d to obey all Instructions, whether consistent or inconsistent with the Constitution, Laws, and Rights of the Country he governs, there is an End of the Constitution, and those Rights are abolish’d. But I wonder that any honest Gentleman can think there is Honour in being a Governor on such Terms. And I think the Practice cannot possibly continue, especially if oppos’d with Spirit by our Assemblies. At present no Attention is paid by the American Minister to any Agent here, whose Appointment is not ratified by the Governor’s Assent: And if this is persisted in, you can have none to serve you in publick Character that do not render themselves agreable to that Minister; those otherwise appointed can only promote your Interests by Conversation as private Gentlemen, or by Writing. Virginia had, as you observe, two Agents, one for the Council, the other for the Assembly; but I think the latter only was consider’d as Agent for the Province. He was appointed by an Act, which expired in the Time of Lord Botetourt, and was not revived. The other I apprehend continues; but I am not well acquainted with the Nature of his Appointment. I only understand that he does not concern himself much with the general Affairs of the Colony.

It gives me great Pleasure that my Book afforded any to my Friends. I esteem those Letters of yours among its brightest Ornaments, and have the Satisfaction to find that they add greatly to the Reputation of American Philosophy.

In Ireland among the Patriots I din’d often with Dr. Lucas. They are all Friends of America, in which I said every thing I could think of to confirm them. Lucas constantly gave Mr. Bowdoin and the Boston Patriots for his Toast.

There is in the Governor’s Collection of Papers relative to the History of the Massachusetts Bay, published 1769, a Copy of an Answer made by Randolph to several Heads of Enquiry, which I take to be the same with those I sent you. I shall be very glad to have an Account of the present Number of Rateables when you can obtain it for me. With sincere and great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant