ABSTRACT

On20February1775,LordNorthlaidhisfinalproposalforpeacefully resolvingtheimperialcrisisinNorthAmericabeforetheHouseof Commons.AsNorthhimselfadmitted,hisConciliatoryProposition, whichpromisedtorestorecivilgovernmenttoanycolonythatcame forwardwitharegularsubsidyforthecommondefenceoftheBritish Empire,wasnotlikelytomeetwithapprovalfromtheradicalpatriots inAmerica.Nonetheless,theking'sfirstministerclaimedthatthemere factthattheofferhadbeenextendedwouldnot'failofdoingGoodin England'.AccordingtotheaccountthatappearedintheLondonEvening Post,Northinsisted,first,thathisproposalwoulddemonstratetothe world'thewisdomandclemency'and'thehumanityandjustice,of [the]BritishGovernment's'actionsagainsttherebelliouscolonists;second,thatitwouldreassureEngland's'tradersandmanufacturers'of Parliament'smoderateintentions;andfinally-andmostimportantlythatitwouldconvince'theofficersandsoldierswesendouttoAmerica' thatthey'nolongerfightforaphantom,andavain,emptypointof honour,butforasubstantialbenefittotheircountry,whichistorelieve herinhergreatestexigencies'.1