al clause
in the second restraining bill, to include in it the counties of
Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, which was carried without
a division. Burke, as agent for the colony of New York, presented a
remonstrance from the general assembly of that province, but though
Lord North admitted that the people of that colony had hitherto been
peaceably inclined, he opposed the bringing up of the paper, upon the
ground that parliament could not hear anything which called in question
its right to legislate for the colonies, and it was refused. In both
houses attempts were made to procure a repeal of the act for settling
the government of Canada, but without effect. The remainder of the
session was occupied in considering the annual motion of Alderman
Sawbridge for shortening the duration of parliaments; in appointing a
committee on the motion of Mr. Gilbert, to consider the poor laws;
in voting the purchase of Buckingham-house for the queen, in lieu of
Somerset-house, which was converted into public offices; and in settling
financial measures. His majesty prorogued parliament on the 26th of May,
after expressing his satisfaction at the course which had been pursued,
and auguring the happiest results from the measures which had been
adopted.

PETITION OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

At this period, the livery of London attempted to turn the royal
counsels respecting America, by an address containing a remonstrance, in
which the citizens of London declared their abhorrence of the measures
which had been pursued for the oppression of their fellow-subjects in
the colonies, and which they affirmed were carried into execution by the
same fatal corruption which had enabled his majesty's ministers to wound
the peace and violate the constitution of this country. The petitioners
prayed his majesty, therefore, to dismiss his advisers on the instant,
as the first step towards a redress of grievances which alarmed and
afflicted his people. This petition was presented by Mr. Wilkes, as lord
mayor; a circumstance which doubtless embittered his majesty's
feelings in reply. This reply was explicit and emphatic. His majesty
remarked:--"It is with the utmost astonishment that I find any of
my subjects capable of encouraging the rebellious disposition which
unhappily exists in some of my colonies in North America. Having entire
confidence in my parliament, the great council of the nation, I will
steadily pursue those measures which they h