CHAPTER XXXV — PEACE
215."The Sudden Change of Sentiments" (1781-1782)
BY KING GEORGE THIRD
Throughout the war there was a vigorous opposition in Parliament which protested against the justice and expediency of the contest; and after France and Spain both declared war on England, in 1778 and 1779, this opposition strengthened. The defeat of Cornwallis was practically the end of hostilities; and the wrath of the king is shown in this correspondence. — For George III, see No. 130 above. — Bibliography of the treaties of 1782 and 1783 : Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, VII, 165-174; Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, I, ch. xxi,V, 228-276; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 141.
Windsor, June 13th, 1781.
25 min. pt. 7 a.m.
IT is difficult to express which appears more strongly, the manly fortitude of the great majority last night in rejecting the hacknied question of a Committee for considering the American war, or the impudence of the minority in again bringing it forward ; for whoever the most ardently wishes for peace must feel that every repetition of this question in Parliament only makes the rebels and the Bourbon family more desirous of continuing the war, from the hopes of tiring out this country. We have it not at this hour in our power to make peace ; it is by steadiness and exertions that we are to get into a situation to effect it ; and with the assistance of Divine Providence I am confident we shall soon find our enemies forced to look for that blessing. Among our many misfortunes I feel one satisfaction — that we have but one line to follow ; therefore, at least, diffidence and perplexity cannot attend us ; and we have the greatest objects to make us zealous in our pursuit, for we are contending for our whole consequence, whether we are to rank among the great Powers of Europe, or be reduced to one of the least considerable. He that is not stimulated by this consideration does not deserve to be a member of this community. . . .
[Dec. 15, 1781.] The account of the very great majority on the first motion on the Army Estimates last night gives me much pleasure, and
619
