ered there while I have anything to do with the business of that
board. The House of Representatives has no right to appoint an
agent. We shall take no notice of any agents but such as are
appointed by acts of Assembly, to which the governor gives his
assent. We have had confusion enough already. Here is one agent
appointed by the Council, another by the House of
Representatives.[27] Which of these is agent for the province? Who
are we to hear in provincial affairs? An agent appointed by act of
Assembly we can understand. No other will be attended to for the
future, I can assure you.

"I cannot conceive, my lord, why the consent of the governor should
be thought necessary to the appointment of an agent for the people.
It seems to me that--

"(_With a mixed look of anger and contempt._) I shall not enter
into a dispute with _you_, Sir, upon this subject.

"I beg your lordship's pardon; I do not mean to dispute with your
lordship. I would only say that it appears to me that every body of
men who cannot appear in person, where business relating to them
may be transacted, should have a right to appear by an agent. The
concurrence of the governor does not seem to be necessary. It is
the business of the people that is to be done; he is not one of
them; he is himself an agent.

"(_Hastily._) Whose agent is he?

"The king's, my lord.

"No such matter. He is one of the corporation by the province
charter. No agent can be appointed but by an act, nor any act pass
without his assent. Besides, this proceeding is directly contrary
to express instructions.

"I did not know there had been such instructions. I am not
concerned in any offense against them, and--

[Note 27: The agent for the Council, Mr. Bollan, acted in entire
accord with Dr. Franklin; there was no inconsistency between the two
offices, which were altogether distinct, neither any clashing between
the incumbents, as might be inferred from Lord Hillsborough's
language.]

"Yes, your offering such a paper to be entered is an offense
against them. No such appointment shall be entered. When I came
into the administration of American affairs I found them in great
disorder. By _my firmness_ they are now something mended; and while
I have the honor to hold the seals I shall continue the same
con