ugh hitherto, for
some political reasons, kept a secret from the public.

The English Parliament adjourned in December for six weeks. During
that time, their ministers strained every nerve to raise men for their
armies, intending to continue the war with vigor. Subscriptions were
set on foot to aid Government in the expense, and they flattered
themselves with being able to enlist ten thousand volunteers; but
whether they found this impracticable, or were discouraged by later
accounts from America, or had some intimations of our treaties here,
their vaunts and threats are suddenly abated, and on the 17th Lord
North made a long discourse, acknowledging the errors of their former
conduct in the war with America, and proposing to obtain peace, by the
means of two bills, of which we enclose copies.

We make no remarks on these bills. The judgment of the Congress can be
at no loss in determining on the conduct necessary to be held with
regard to them. And we are confident, that they will not answer the
purpose of _dividing_ in order to _subjugate_, for which they are
evidently intended. Our States have now a solid support for their
liberty and independence in their alliance with France, which will be
certainly followed by that of Spain, and the whole House of Bourbon,
and probably by that of Holland, and the other powers of Europe, who
are interested in the freedom of commerce, and in keeping down the
power of Britain. Our people are happy in the enjoyment of their new
constitutions of Government, and will be so in their extended trade
and navigation, unfettered by English arts and Custom-house officers.
They will now never relish the Egyptian bondage, from which they have
so happily escaped. A long peace will probably be the consequence of
their separation from England, as they have no cause of quarrel with
other nations; an immediate war with France and Spain, if they join
again with England, and a share in all her future wars, her debts, and
her crimes. We are, therefore, persuaded that their commissioners will
be soon dismissed, if at all received; for the sooner the decided part
taken by Congress is known in Europe, the more extended and stable
will be their credit, and their conventions with other powers more
easy to make, and more advantageous.

Americans are every where in France treated with respect and every
appearance of affection. We think it would be well to advise our
people in all parts of America, to imitat