Chap LII.} 1774. March |
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[509]
enlightened each other.
They are united in senti-
ments, and their opposition to unconstitutional measures of Government is become systematical.
Colony begins to communicate freely with Colony.
There is a common affection among them; and shortly the whole Continent will be as united in sentiment and in their measures of opposition to tyranny, as the inhabitants of this Province.
Their old good will and affection for the parent country are not totally lost; if she returns to her former moderation and good humor, their affection will revive.
They wish for nothing more than a permanent union with her upon the condition of equal liberty.
This is all they have been contending for; and nothing short of this will or ought to satisfy them.’
Such was the ultimatum of America, sent by one illustrious son of Boston for the guidance of another.
But the Ministry would not be warned.
The sense of the English people was manifestly with them;1 they were persuaded that there was no middle way, that procrastination and irresolution had produced numberless evils, but never yet cured one;2 that the American Continent would not interpose to shield Boston from the necessity of submission.3
On the seventh of March Dartmouth and North presented to the two Houses a message from the King.
‘Nothing,’ said Lord North, ‘can be done to reestablish peace without additional powers from Parliament.’—‘The question now brought to issue,’
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