Americans will insist on reparation. Perhaps they may. But would it not be better for England to offer it? Nothing would have a greater tendency to conciliate. And much of the future commerce and returning intercourse between the two countries may depend on the reconciliation. Would not the advantage of reconciliation by such means be greater than the expense?
If then a way can be proposed which may tend to efface the memory of injuries, at the same time that it takes away the occasions of fresh quarrels and mischief, will it not be worth considering, especially if it can be done not only without expense but be a means of saving?
Britain possesses Canada. Her chief advantage from that possession consists in the trade for peltry. Her expenses in governing and defending that settlement must be considerable. It might be humiliating to her to give it up on the demand of America. Perhaps America will not demand it. Some of her political rulers may consider the fear of such a neighbour as a means of keeping the thirteen States more united among themselves, and more attentive to military discipline. But in the mind of the people in general, would it not have an excellent effect if Britain should voluntarily offer to give up that province; though on these conditions; that she should in all times coming have and enjoy the right of free trade thither unincumbered with any duties whatsoever; that so much of the waste lands there shall be sold as will raise a sum sufficient to pay for the houses burnt by the British troops and their Indians, and also to indemnify the Royalists for the confiscation of their estates.
This is mere conversation matter between Mr. O. and Mr. F., as the former is not empowered to make propositions, and the latter cannot make any without the concurrence of his colleagues.[1]
Oswald, returning to England, at once communicated the result of his interview with Vergennes and Franklin to the Cabinet. The determination of the two representatives of France and America to stand by one another was evident, and the Cabinet accordingly resolved that the moment was come when it was necessary, in order to avoid yet greater difficulties, to contemplate the probability of having to acknowledge the independence of America. It was hoped however that by making the concession of this important point to France, and thereby flattering her vanity, they might be able to obtain more
- ↑ Lansdowne House MSS., and Franklin's Works, viii. 470-472.
