Chapter XXI
(1775.)
The re-assembling of Parliament the 20th of January; letters from Colonial
Governors, revenue and military officers, against the Colonists opposed to the
Ministerial Policy and the Parliamentary Acts; the Ministry, supported by
Parliament, determine upon continuing and strengthening the coercive policy
against the Colonies. 422-432
The Earl of Chatham’s amendment and speech in the Lords, against the coercive policy of the
Ministry and in behalf of Colonial rights, supported by other Lords and numerous politicians 423
Lord Suffolk in favour of coercion; Lord Camden against it, and in favour of the rights of the
Colonies; Lord Chatham and others denounced by the King (in a note) 424
The amendment negatived by a majority of 68 to 18; but the King’s own brother, the Duke of
Cumberland, was one of the minority; yet the King boasted of the “handsome majority” in support
of his coercive policy 425
The Earl of Chatham’s bill “to settle the troubles in America,” not allowed a first reading in the
Lords 425
Petitions from various towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland against the American policy of
the ministry 425
Petition to the Commons from Dr. Franklin, Mr. Bollan, and Mr. Lee, Colonial agents, praying to
be heard at the bar of the House in support of the petition of the American Continental Congress,
rejected by a majority of 218 to 68 426
Dr. Franklin’s dismissal from office; his success in office; his sentiments on the rejection of
the petitions of the Colonies and punishment of their agents (in a note) 426
Lord North’s resolution for an address (given entire) to the King, endorsing the coercive policy,
and denouncing complaints and opposition to it in America as “rebellion” 426
Remarks on the gross inaccuracies and injustice and empty promises of this address 428
Debates in the Commons on Lord North’s address to the King 429
Mr. Fox’s amendment to Lord North’s address rejected by a majority of 304 to 105 430
Second great debate on Lord North’s warlike resolution for an address to the King, and Lord John
Cavendish’s amendment to it; speakers on both sides 430
Lord North’s address, made the joint address of both Houses of Parliament, presented to the King,
with His Majesty’s reply 431
Remarks on the King’s reply, and the proceedings of Parliament in respect to the Colonies 431
The Ministry and Parliament virtually declare war against the Colonies 432