William Pinkney. to secure an honorable independence before I am overtaken by age and infirmity." The close of the work of the Commission in 1804 was very welcome, and Mr. Pinkney returned with his family to America, greatly benefited by his English experiences in all save in finances. Immediately on his return in August.he re sumed his professional pursuits, making his residence in Baltimore in order to obtain ider opportunities. His reputation was too firmly established to admit of his long hold ing a private position, and within a year he received the appointment of Attor ney-General of Maryland. This office he ac cepted, at the same time asserting that it would be "personally inconvenient and dis advantageous;" that he would hold it only till his friend, Mr. Johnson, was constitutionally capable of taking the office, and that he ac cepted only in order to reconcile the conflict ing claims of two of his friends. His tenure of the office was indeed of short duration, but he gave it up under other circumstances than he had anticipated. In 1806 the arrogant and high-handed cap ture of American ships by the British necessi tated further negotiations on matters similar to those that had fallen within the province of the Commission of which Mr. Pinkney had formerly been a member. The presence in England of an American agent well versed in these matters was imperative, and very' fit tingly Mr. Pinkney was selected to represent the United States. He was therefore ap pointed Minister Extraordinary in connec tion with the Resident Minister, Mr. Monroe, to attempt to adjust the claims and griev ances connected with these important mat ters. His pleasant reception by( old acquaint ances in England was somewhat embittered by the adverse criticisms his acceptance had excited in some quarters; but confident, as he always was, that he was doing his duty and in a measure sacrificing his best interests
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to the public service, he entered with his usual activity into the consideration of the weighty problems that finally caused the war of 1812. In 1807 he succeeded Mr. Monroe as United States Minister to the Court of St. James, and held this office till his recall in 1811. During all this time he took a firm and consistent, though conciliatory, attitude on the questions at issue. His letters to Mr. iMadison and others, and his official papers show that he had a clear understanding of the matters in dispute. His position has been subjected to considerable criticism, and he has been blamed as lacking force in his relations with Great Britain. It was his duty, however, to do all possible to avert war, and his conduct secured for him the respect of all with whom he was associated. The NonImportation Act met with his hearty ap proval, and during his residence in London he kept in intimate touch with home affairs, and creditably filled a very difficult position. During the latter years of his residence in England his health was quite poor, and the climate suited neither him nor his family. The expenses of maintaining a proper estab lishment, and of educating his children in a fitting manner were far in excess of his sal ary, and the diminution of his private means made serious pecuniary embarrassment much to be feared. He ardently desired once more to be in Maryland, among the friends and companions to whom his heart constantly turned. As he said himself, every day added something to his cares and nothing to his happiness; he was growing old among stran gers, and needed the excitement of his own particular work. The futility of his mission became thoroughly impressed upon him. At last, in 1810, the motive of inadequate means grew so powerful that he was compelled to ask for his recall. As' time went on his re quests grew more urgent, till in 1811 he was notified of his recall. In February, he had an audience with the Prince Regent at Carlton House; expressed his regret at the futility
