December 17th, 1774, "that I look to my countrymen with the feelings of one who verily believes they must yet seal their faith and constancy to their liberties with blood. This is a distressing witness indeed! But hath not this ever been the lot of humanity? Hath not blood and treasure in all ages been the price of civil liberty? Can the Americans hope a reversal of the laws of our nature, and that the best of blessings will be obtained and secured without the sharpest trials?"[1] This ardent and pure-minded patriot, at the early age of thirty-one, April 26th, 1775, was removed from the scene of his labors, when the vessel on which he was returning home was in sight of his beloved country. Only a few hours after his death, the ship entered the harbor of Gloucester, Cape Ann, and Quincy's mortal remains were all that was left to his family and his native land.
Parliament met at the end of November, and the king took occasion to speak strongly of the rebellious conduct of Massachusetts and other colonies, and announced his determination to sustain the supreme authority of Parliament over all his dominions. An address proposed in the Commons, in answer to the king's speech, produced a warm debate; but it was carried by a large majority. A similar address was carried in the House of Lords, after a spirited discussion.
Parliament met, after the recess, on the 20th of January, 1775. On the same day, Lord Chatham moved, in the House of Lords, "That an humble address be presented to his majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his majesty, that, in order to open the way towards our happy settlement of the dangerous troubles in America, by beginning to allay ferments and soften animosities there; and, above all, for preventing, in the meantime, any sudden and fatal catastrophe at Boston, now suffering under daily irritation of an army before their eyes, posted in their town; it may graciously please his majesty, that immediate orders may be dispatched to General Gage for removing his majesty's forces from the town of Boston, as soon as the rigor of the season, and other circumstances indispensable to the safety and accommodation of the said troops, may render the same practicable." In advocating this motion, Chatham exhibited all his ancient fire and eloquence, and showed how truly patriotic were the sentiments which ever actuated his course in regard to America. We give some extracts from his noble speech, which, even at this day, may be read with profit. "My lords, these papers from America, now laid by the administration for the first time before your lordships, have been, to my knowledge, five or six weeks in the pocket of the minister; and, notwithstanding the fate of this kingdom hangs upon the event of this great controversy, we are but this moment called to a consideration of this important subject. My lords, I do not wish to look into one of these papers; I know their contents well enough already; I know
- ↑ See "Memoir of the Life of Josiah Quincy Jr.," pp. 233. 281.
