This observance of the letter was, however, less rigid where French colonial and maritime interests were at stake.

Dextrous feelers were put forth seawards, and it was only when these were repulsed that the French negotiators encased themselves in their preliminaries.
The task of reducing those articles to a definitive treaty devolved, on the British side, on the Marquis Cornwallis, a gouty, world-weary old soldier, chiefly remembered for the surrender which ended the American War.

Nevertheless, he had everywhere won respect for his personal probity in the administration of Indian affairs, and there must also have been some convincing qualities in a personality which drew from Napoleon at St.Helena the remark: "I do not believe that Cornwallis was a man of first-rate abilities: but he had talent, great probity, sincerity, and never broke his word....

He was a man of honour--a true Englishman." Against Lord Cornwallis, and his far abler secretary, Mr.Merry, were pitted Joseph Bonaparte and his secretaries.

The abilities of the eldest of the Bonapartes have been much underrated.