“Let me establish a bank in Philadelphia, and I shall lay the foundations of a rich man’s party that will bring the Colonists to the institutions of the mother country more effectually than armies or navies ever can. “If the armies will conquer and hold the valley of the Hudson, and if the military will conquer and hold the southern provinces, the power of money will take Philadelphia with no loss of life. Then the Americans will tire of the war and be glad to surrender to the fair offers of His Majesty’s Commissioners.” Lord Carlisle rubbed his hands with an excited air of satisfaction and said enthusiastically: “Mr. Barclugh, you have outlined the whole matter. Nothing more is necessary. Eden and I are mere figureheads here, waiting for a decisive blow, so that we can ply our vocation. “The army must act now on your initiative and the results are sure to be forthcoming,” continued Carlisle. “Gentlemen,” proposed Lord Carlisle, as he arose with his glass partly filled with Madeira, “success to Mr. Barclugh and his enterprise.” They all drank their Madeira, standing, in honor of Barclugh. The financier arose after the compliment paid to him and said modestly: “Gentlemen, I thank you for your expression of regard.” Then, raising his glass he continued: “My best wishes for a speedy conclusion of war between Great Britain and her Colonies on constitutional grounds.” The sentiment was received heartily by the others, and with glasses raised high all drank deeply as only Englishmen can drink,--with no “heel-taps.” The conference being over, General Clinton took Barclugh by the arm and escorted him to another room for his arrangements to return to Philadelphia. The other three remained in the council chamber, to see that King George, the aristocracy and British sordidness, were well remembered with innumerable glasses of Madeira. Lord Carlisle and William Eden were ordinary representatives of English hangers-on to royalty’s apron strings. Both were fat and lymphatic. No enterprise thrilled their souls. They were more than pleased to accept the established order of their condition so long as the government was good,--to them and theirs. They were as pliable as putty in the hands of the controlling influence of the monarchy. They wanted a fat living out of government with little service in return. William Eden had his hobby, especially when a chance to tell it over his Madeira offered. Filling his glass, and turning to Carlisle, he stupidly rehearsed his theories: “My Lord, you know I have very decided policy in regard to subduing the King’s enemies. (By Jove, that’s good Madeira.) “To make it the interest of Congress to close with us (the King’s Commissioners) will be of the first consequence. (How’s that, Andre?)