FANNING IN OPPOSITION 'I‘O PATTERSON. 43

“ Were it even possible for me, at so few days’ notice, to quit “the island, even with the total ruin of my family, I should be I'obligcd to accumulate ruin on ruin by being obliged to stay a whole season in England to wait for evidence from home, and tin place of expediting, it must delay my hearing. But if I cannot go from hence prepared to answer my aceusers, after my arrival my fate may be soon decided; and if I have not been guilty of dwhat will deprive me of my liberty, I may return in the course «of the summer to cultivate my farm.

“ His Majesty is full ofjustice. He is the father ofliis people, f‘fand therefore cannot wish the ruin of a subject, much less of an void and faithful servant. Then I doubtless shall have justice. ,I Wish no more. Alford me only an opportunity of clearing my reliaracter, and I shall instantly resign. I have long and anx- iiously wished to do it, and most: certainly shall the moment I «can with honor.

“ I cannot even guess at the nature of my present accusations; but be they what they may, I wish to meet them; and I shall do 680, my lord, with a confidence and certain knowledge that they :are as unfounded as the last. I know I have done no wrong, :and therefore court inquiry; but I also know my enemies, and :must go prepared among them. A conscious rectitudc of heart gforms, my lord, arms of adamant,—a shield» which admits no fear.

“ I an), my lord, &c., “ WALTER PATTERSON.”

But Patterson had a large number of' friends in the island who backed him in his opposition to Fanning; and the council, consisting of men of his own selection, and the assembly being ready to act according to his dictation, he was in hopes that representations proceeding from these «sources would secure his resto 'ation to a position to which he was now clinging with tenacity. During the winter the government of the island remained in this anomalous condition; but early in April following, Governor Fanning issued a proclamation notifying his appointment, and calling