Clinton sent a formal "memorial" to the Duke of Bedford praying that gentleman's removal from the office of Lieutenant Governor, and the appointment of another in his place. This was followed, on the 8t of April, by a letter to the Board of Trade requesting his " suspension" from the Lieut. Governorship,® and on the 18% of July Dr. Colden was recommended as President of the council,*® so that he might be ready to succeed Mr. Clinton, if the " suspension" took place. At the same time an intrigue was set on foot, as

'1 Sce their various fetters in London Document XXVIII., Secretary of State's office, Albany. f : L 2 Ibid., 215, 219. 3 Ibid., 238. 4 Ibid.) 210. 5 Ibid: XXX., 354. 6 Tbid. 261.

HON. JAMES DE LANCEY. 1049

appears from a letter of Mr. Charles, the colony's agent in London, to the speaker of the Assembly,' to get Mr. Robt. Hunter Morris appointed Lieutenant Governor of New York; Gov. Clinton and his friends being determined, if it were possible, to oust Lt. Gov. De Lancey from his office by any means in their power.

But all these efforts were utterly futile. Mr. Clinton was not only compelled, in the end, to deliver up to Mr. De Lancey his commission, but to undergo the further mortification of witnessing the manifestations of popular pleasure which the announcement of the fact produced.?_ Two days afterwards, on the 12 October, 1753, occurred the tragical death of Sir Danvers Osborne, who committed suicide in a fit of insanity, and the command of the province immediately devolved upon Mr. De Lancey. His accession was hailed with general delight, for his long service as Chief Justice, having traveled the circuits upwards of twenty years, had made the people of the Province thoroughly acquainted with him; and the approval of his elevation, which they now manifested, showed how highly they esteemed his character and capacity.