George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 7, 4th edition.

[188] themselves. Franklin appeared as the great agent

Chap. XVII.} 1774. Dec.

of the continent; and it was believed that his secret instructions authorized him to modify the conditions proposed for conciliation. Lord Howe undertook to ascertain the extent of his powers.

The name was dear to Americans. The elder Lord Howe had fallen on their soil, as their companion in arms, and Massachusetts raised to him a monument in Westminster Abbey. His brother, William Howe, who had served with Americans in America, was selected as the new colonial commander-in-chief; and his oldest surviving brother, now Lord Howe, also honored in America as a gallant and upright naval officer, was to be commissioned as a pacificator.

‘No man,’ said Lord Howe to Franklin at their first interview on Christmas-day evening, ‘can do more towards reconciling our differences than you. That you have been very ill-treated by the ministry, I hope will not be considered by you. I have a particular regard for New England, which has shown an endearing respect for my family. If you will indulge me with your ideas, I may be a means of bringing on a good understanding.’ At the unexpected prospect of restoring harmony, tears of joy wet Franklin's cheeks. He had remained in London at the peril of his liberty, perhaps of his life, to promote reconciliation, and the only moment for securing it was now come. With firmness, candor, and strict fidelity to congress, he explained the measures by which alone tranquillity could be restored; and they included the repeal of the regulating act for Massachusetts.

Lord Howe reported the result of the interview