CHAPTER XVII.--1712-1720.

Queen Anne Espouses the Cause of the Company -- Prior's View of its Wants -- Treaty of Utrecht -- Joy of the Adventurers -- Petition for Act of Cession -- Not Pressed by the British Government -- Governor Knight Authorized to take Possession of Port Nelson -- "Smug Ancient Gentlemen" -- Commissioners to Ascertain Rights -- Their Meeting in Paris -- Matters Move Slowly -- Bladen and Pulteney return to England. 198