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Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing) 8 0 Browse Search
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Browsing named entities in Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing). You can also browse the collection for M. De Vergennes or search for M. De Vergennes in all documents.

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Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), Laurens, John 1753- (search)
a battery, and was the first to enter it and receive the sword of the commander. For months his indefatigable activity caused the confinement of the British in Charleston; and finally, at the very close of the struggle, he too carelessly exposed himself in a trifling skirmish near the Combahee, S. C., and was slain, Aug. 27, 1782. In the autumn of 1780, when the finances of the United States were exhausted, he was sent to France to solicit a loan. While earnestly pressing his suit with Vergennes, the French minister, one day, that gentleman said that the King had every disposition to favor the United States. This patronizing expression kindled the indignation of the young diplomatist, and he replied, with emphasis, Favor, sir! The respect which I owe to my country will not admit the term. Say that the obligation is mutual, and I will acknowledge it. But, as the last argument I shall offer to your excellency, the sword which I now wear in defence of France as well as my own coun
Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), Louis Xvi., King of France (search)
by the guillotine, with accompaniments of vulgar cruelty, in Paris, Jan. 21, 1793. His death was seriously mourned. He was weak, but not wicked. His friends dared not make any public demonstrations of grief, or even of attachment, at the time. A small commemorative medal of brass was struck, and secretly circulated. These were cherished by the loyalists with great affection. Upon this medal—over a funeral urn from which a crown and sceptre had fallen—were the significant words, Sol regni abiit ( The sun of the kingdom has departed ). King Louis was closely identified with the Americans in their struggle for independence, consenting, through the influence of his chief minister, Louis Xvi. Memorial medal. Vergennes, to give material aid, and make a treaty of friendship and alliance with them. Personally, he despised republicans, and could never hear with patience Dr. Franklin spoken of in words of praise, while his Queen was a great admirer of the philosopher and states
Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), North, Frederick 1733-1792 (search)
know not, said North, but it is just and humane to give them the option. If one consents, a link of the great chain is broken. If not, it will convince men of the justice and humanity at home, and that in America they mean to throw off all dependence. This yielding of Parliament to the colonies could not be tolerated by the ultra ministerial party, and a wild storm of opposition ensued; but Lord North, with the assistance of the King, finally subdued it, and the Commons consented. When Vergennes, the French minister for foreign affairs, heard of these proceedings, he said, Now, more than ever, is the time for us to keep our eyes wide open, for the French Court had resolved to promote the quarrel until the colonists should become independent, and so weaken the British Empire by dismemberment. In 1783 Lord North returned to office, after a brief absence, as joint secretary Lord North. of state in the famous coalition ministry, and at the close of that brief-lived administrati
Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), Peace Congresses. (search)
Peace Congresses. In 1782 Prince Kaunitz agreed with Vergennes that, in a proposed peace congress at Vienna, the United States government should be represented, so that direct negotiations between it and Great Britain might proceed simultaneously with those of the European powers. The proposition was pronounced by the able Queen of France to be a masterpiece of political wisdom. But England refused to negotiate for peace with France until that lower should give up its connection with the American rebels. This proposition was embodied by Kaunitz in the preliminary articles which he prepared for the peace congress. He cast the blame of its ill-success on the unreasonable pretensions of the British ministry. On Jan. 19, 1861, a series of resolutions were adopted by the Virginia legislature recommending a national peace convention or congress to be held in the city of Washington on Feb. 4, for the purpose of effecting a general and permanent pacification; commending the Critt