“You could charm them into your way of thinking, madam, at all events. I believe seriously, however, much might be gained for society by such a course. Against such resources as the Bank of England controls, this war does seem a hopeless task,” concluded Barclugh. At table the Reverend Mr. White invoked the divine blessing upon the assembled guests and prayed that “the havocs of war would cease by the intercession of the divine wisdom; that the mother country would be brought to a just realization of the needs of the Colonies; and that the Colonies would find their true welfare in the safety and protection of the British Constitution and laws,”--these were the sentiments of the Chaplain of Congress expressed in private. Mrs. FitzMaurice watched Colonel Hamilton’s face to ascertain how these sentiments of her reverend brother affected one so close to the Commander-in-Chief, but seeing that the Colonel was very enthusiastic in paying his gallantries to the bevy of young ladies around him, she became convinced that the British Constitution had Hamilton’s good will. The hostess turned to Colonel Hamilton, however, and remarked: “Now, Colonel, we know that you get to see the young ladies very seldom from your camp, but, come, do let us hear of the Commander-in-Chief, and what the news is about him.” “Indeed, madam, I beg your forbearance,” replied Hamilton, “General Washington is quite well, but he feels very much discouraged. He complains bitterly about the principal men of the Colonies being detained at home by private and Colonial affairs, so that the responsible positions of Congress have fallen into the hands of incapable and indifferent men. Everything drifts aimlessly along, while many of our able men retire from Congress in order to prosecute schemes for private gain instead of devoting their energies to the welfare of the nation.” Robert FitzMaurice took a lively interest in the last few remarks and spiritedly replied: “Yes, I presume we ought to ruin ourselves for the benefit of an irresponsible government. Even though we gain our independence, the government will be dominated by the rabid Whigs in whom we can have no confidence. There will be no stability of government under such demagogues as Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson. There will be no sound financial system, nor anything for society to respect but the rag-tag and bob-tail descended from everywhere and kin to nobody.” As he concluded the last sally, everybody joined in a general laugh.