| CHAPTER IV. |
1777—17778.
PROGRESS OF THE WAR DURING 1777 – 8.
Effect of the victory of Saratoga—Meeting of Parliament—Seed of confederation and union—Measures adopted—Circular letter of Congress—Winter-quarters at Valley Forge—Intense suffering of the army—Sad details—Causes of the want of supplies for the army—Distresses among the officers—Washington strongly advocates the half-pay system—Washington's trials—Invidious comparisons—Attempt to ruin his reputation—Conway's Cabal—Persons connected with it—Anonymous letters, etc—Washington's letter to Laurens—Party in Congress—Board of War—Gates's and Mifflin's asseverations—Conway's confession—Magnanimity of Washington's conduct—Course of the French ministry—Diplomatic experiences—Effect of the victory of Saratoga upon the views of the French court—Lord North's conciliatory bills—France determines to act with decision—Treaty with France—Notice of it to the English court—Beaumarchais's connection with American affairs—Conciliatory plans sent to America—Terms offered—Rejoicings at the treaty with France—Address by Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States—Royal Commissioners—Attempts at negotiation—Reply of Congress—Botta's remarks on the course pursued by the Americans—British foraging expeditions—Lafayette at Barren Hill.Appendix to Chapter IV.—I. Articles of Confederation. IL The Battle of the Kegs.
The victory of Saratoga made it certain, that the Americans had entered upon the contest with England, with a determination to achieve their independence. Reverses, many and severe, had not discouraged them; there was no appearance, whatever, of a disposition to yield; there was every evidence, that the people were resolved at all hazards, to maintain their rights and liberties. And. now, when, by a fortunate concurrence of favoring circumstances, they had obtained a great victory, they were better than ever prepared to persist in the attitude they had assumed, and also to enter upon alliances with foreign powers, suitable to the dignity and importance of a brave and a free people.
Parliament met as usual in November of this year. The customary addresses in answer to the royal speech were moved, but they were not carried without opposition. In the House of Lords, the celebrated Earl of Chatham, then sinking under the infirmities of age and disease, proposed an amendment, by introducing a clause recommending to his majesty an immediate cessation of hostilities, and the commencement of a treaty of conciliation, "to restore peace and liberty to America, strength and happiness to England, security and permanent prosperity to both countries." In his speech, he animadverted with much severity on the employment of the savages as auxiliaries in the war, although it is true that their aid had not been disdained under his own administration. This amendment, like every other proposal of concession and conciliation, was lost; and the ministerial measures received large majorities in their favor, so confident
