But he was by no means satisfied, for the murderous wrong that had been done rankled in his breast.

He wrote to Vergennes: "Captain Asgill has been released, and is at perfect liberty to return to the arms of an affectionate parent, whose pathetic address to your Excellency could not fail of interesting every feeling heart in her behalf.

I have no right to assume any particular merit from the lenient manner in which this disagreeable affair has terminated." There is a perfect honesty about this which is very wholesome.

He had been freely charged with cruelty, and had regarded the accusation with indifference.

Now, when it was easy for him to have taken the glory of mercy by simply keeping silent, he took pains to avow that the leniency was not due to him.