ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a pamphlet which is both an indictment of Lord North's conduct of the American War and a hymn of praise to the reforms passed by the short-lived second administration of the Marquess of Rockingham between March and July 1782. The author of the pamphlet accuses North's ministry of being ignorant of the strength of America and he praises the wise and resolute conduct of the Americans. He rehearses many of the mistakes made in the military and naval campaigns during the American War, but shows no sign of wishing to see firmer action taken against the Americans. He concentrates instead on the failures at sea, in India and in the West Indies against France and Spain. He is also highly critical of the decision to go to war with the Dutch Republic in 1780. He condemns the North administration for increasing public expenditure, crown patronage, waste, high taxes and the National Debt.
