The matter was sent forward to Bladen and Pulteney. "It were heartily to be wished," the Company observed, "that in imitation of our industrious neighbours the French, some means can be determined upon to extend the trade in furs southwards." In response, Bladen imparted a brilliant idea. He suggested that St. Augustine might be "reduced at a small cost," and advantage taken thereby of the war then in progress with Spain. Matters went on in Paris as badly as could be. The English commissioners lost all patience. Nothing was in the air but John Law and his Mississippi scheme. The three distinguished Englishmen, Bladen, Pulteney and Lake, were dined and feted: but were at length disgusted with the whole business.[52] The "smug ancient gentlemen," as Bolingbroke had irreverently dubbed the Honourable Adventurers, were not to be satisfied in regard to the delimitation of boundaries and at this time. But perhaps even they had less interest in Hudson's Bay at heart than new interests which had dramatically arisen much nearer home. Governor Lake was sent for suddenly from London, and Bladen and Pulteney were not long in following him. FOOTNOTES: [47] THE LORDS OF TRADE TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH. _To the Right Honourable the Earl of Dartmouth._ MY LORD,--In obedience to Her Majesty's commands, signified to us, we have considered the enclosed petition from the Hudson's Bay Company to Her Majesty, and are humbly of opinion that the said Company have a good right and just title to the whole Bay and Streights of Hudson. Since the receipt of which petition, the said Company have delivered us a memorial, relating to the settlement of boundaries between them and the French of Canada, a copy whereof is enclosed, and upon which we take leave to offer, that as it will be for the advantage of the said Company that their boundaries be settled, it will also be necessary that the boundaries between Her Majesty's colonies on the continent of America and the said French of Canada be likewise agreed and settled; wherefore we humbly offer these matters may be recommended to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiaries at Utrecht. We are, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, and most humble servants, WINCHELSEA, PH. MEADOWS, CHAS. TURNER, GEO. BAILLIE, ARTH. MOORE, FRA. GWYN. Whitehall, February 19th, 1711-12. [48] THE COMPANY'S PETITION TO QUEEN ANNE FOR ACT OF CESSION. _To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty_:-- The humble petition of the Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay, sheweth: