and sentiments 417

Reasons for giving a summary and extracts of these
addresses of the first General Congress 418

General elections in England hastened; adverse to the Colonies 419

The King's speech at the opening of the new Parliament,
the 30th of November, and answers of both Houses 419

Opposition in both Houses; protest in the Lords 420

The proceedings of the first American Congress reach
England before the adjournment of Parliament for the
Christmas holidays, and produce an impression favourable
to the Colonies; hopes of a change of the
Ministerial policy in regard to the Colonies 420

CHAPTER XXI.

(1775.)

THE RE-ASSEMBLING OF PARLIAMENT THE 20TH OF JANUARY;
LETTERS FROM COLONIAL GOVERNORS, REVENUE AND MILITARY OFFICERS,
AGAINST THE COLONISTS OPPOSED TO THE MINISTERIAL POLICY AND
THE PARLIAMENTARY ACTS; THE MINISTRY, SUPPORTED BY PARLIAMENT,
DETERMINE UPON CONTINUING AND STRENGTHENING THE COERCIVE POLICY
AGAINST THE COLONIES. 422-432

The Earl of Chatham's amendment and speech in the Lords,
against the coercive policy of the Ministry and in behalf
of Colonial rights, supported by other Lords and
numerous politicians 423

Lord Suffolk in favour of coercion; Lord Camden against it,
and in favour of the rights of the Colonies; Lord Chatham
and others denounced by the King (in a note) 424

The amendment negatived by a majority of 68 to 18; but the
King's own brother, the Duke of Cumberland, was one of the
minority; yet the King boasted of the "handsome majority" in
support of his coercive policy 425

The Earl of Chatham's bill "to settle the troubles in
America," not allowed a first reading in the Lords 425

Petitions from various towns in England, Scotland, and
Ireland against the American policy of the ministry 425

Petition to the Commons from Dr. Franklin, Mr. Bollan,
and Mr. Lee, Colonial agents, praying to be heard at
the bar of the House in support of the petition of the
American Continental Congress, rejected by a
majority of 218 to 68 426

Dr. Franklin's dismissal from office