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

[242] payment of an indemnity to the India company, pro-

Chap. XXII.} 1775. Feb.

vided the Massachusetts acts should be repealed. ‘Without the entire repeal,’ said he, ‘the language of the proposal is, try on your fetters first, and then if you don't like them, we will consider.’ On the eighteenth of February, Franklin, by appointment, once more saw Lord Howe. ‘Consent,’ said he, ‘to accompany me, and co-operate with me in the great work of reconciliation:’ and he coupled his request with a promise of ample appointments and subsequent rewards. ‘Accepting favors,’ said the American, ‘would destroy the influence you propose to use; but let me see the propositions, and if I approve of them, I will hold myself ready to accompany you at an hour's warning.’ His opinions, which he had purposely reduced to writing and signed with his own hand, were communicated to Lord Howe, and through him to Lord North, as his last words; and they were these: ‘The Massachusetts must suffer all the hazards and mischiefs of war, rather than admit the alteration of their charter and laws by parliament. They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.’

The minister was disheartened; he stood almost alone, helpless for the want of a vigorous will, dreading the conflict with America, yet feebly and vainly resisting the impetuosity of his colleagues. Franklin was informed on the twentieth, that his principles and those of parliament were as yet too wide from each other for discussion; and on the same day, Lord North, armed with the king's consent in writing, proposed in the house of commons a plan of conciliation.