[Calvert to Sharpe.]

London March 17^th 1761.

Sir
In a former to you I mentioned "Is it not the time of choice

of an opponent from the Lo: House as a continuance of proof
that what they aledge is not real, but in view of taking the
Loaves & Fishes?" this when I propounded, I thought not
important, only reference to a Rule by the administrators of
the late Lord ; I agree with you the step is impolitick, & tho'
it may be, is seldom to be practiced : this proposition has been
admonished from the Province here ag^t further admittance
i. e. only themselves. However as the Law of reason is the
Rule of Goverm^t & the consideration thereof is reciprocal
Benefit past, present or to come, & tho' what is now offered
may lead to temptation, yet, I mean with honour as may
deliver from Evil ; therefore shall proceed Viz^t
It must seem astonishing to any Man who knows that the
Goverment of Maryland preferable to any in America, has
within itself all the Materials & Powers proper for attaining
the several Ends of Goverment, to find at the same time that
scarce any one End of Goverment is answered ; but if a Man
having within his Power all the springs, wheeles & Materials
for a well regulated watch, will not adapt each to its proper
place & Office, can he expect to find from it, the advantageous
Effects of a regular movement? I would not be thought to
insinuate any Blame to you Sir the Governor for this state &
condition of things; I know your intentions towards his Lord-
ship & the Province in General to be such as every Governor
ought to have, nor are you fettered by Instructions, the design
of your Instructions being only as General Rules of Conduct.
Whether 'tis from over Scrupulosity and exactness may induce
you to consider as particular & invariable Rules in all cases &
emergencies. I dont pretend to know that this is the case,
nor can I say whence it arises; but to Me it seems extreamly
easy, with the several advantages this Goverment has, to pre-
vent for the future that Turbulent & Malevolent Spirit in the
Lower House of Assembly ; with that silly affectation of popu-
larity & those prejudices even in his Lordships Courts of

Calvert
Papers.