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Townshend (CHARLES an English statesman)

CHARLES, an English statesman; grandson of the 2d Viscount; born in 1725; entered the House SIR CHARLES VERE FERRERS TOWNSHEND of Commons in 1747; and became a commissioner of trade and plantations in 1749. He was a lord of the admiralty in 1754, member of the privy-council in 1756, secretary of war in 1761-1763; TOXICOLOGY chancellor of the exchequer in 1766. He supported Granville's stamp act (1765), and introduced the celebrated resolutions for taxing the American colonies (June 2, 1767). From so often changing his political opinions he was known as the "weathercock," but he had a great reputation for oratory and wit. He died in Oxfordshire, Sept. 4, 1767.