DOCUMENTS BEABING ON TREATY OF 1783. 51 



were it in my power to communicate all that our friends in Europe 

 think of our inactivity, I am persuaded you would urge your State 

 to exertion in much stronger terms than I dare venture to use. 



When Congress call upon a State for supplies, they are usually 

 answered by pleas of disability, urged too by the State good faith 

 and a firm persuasion that they speak their real situation. A recur- 

 rence to facts that have passed under their own observation will con- 

 vince them that they are deceived. . . . 



It is true we are present in such a situation as to have no appre- 

 hensions for the final establishment of our independence; but surely 

 it is a matter of some moment to us whether we shall obtain it, or at 

 least be freed from the ravages of the enemy and the burden of the 

 war in the course of six months at the expense of eight millions of 

 dollars, or whether we shall wait for it till a general and perhaps a 

 distant peace, and be subject in the mean while to infinitely more 

 expense and all the distress that attends a country which is the seat 

 of war. . 



No. 14. 1782, February 22 March 4' Debate in British Parliament. 



Debate in the Commons on General Conway's Motion for putting an 

 end to the American War : February 22. 



[Motion] " That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, 

 earnestly imploring his Majesty, that, taking into his royal considera- 

 tion the many and great calamities which have attended the present 

 unfortunate war, and the heavy burthens thereby brought on 

 32 his loyal and affectionate people, he will be pleased graciously 

 to listen to the humble prayer and advice of his faithful Com- 

 mons, that the war on the continent of North America may no longer 

 be pursued for the impracticable purpose of reducing the inhabitants 

 of that country to obedience by force ; and expressing their hope, that 

 the earnest desire and diligent exertion to restore the public tran- 

 quillity, of Avhich we have received his Majesty's gracious assurances, 

 may, by a happy reconciliation with the revolted colonies, be for- 

 warded and made effectual, to which great end his Majesty's faith- 

 ful Commons will be ready most cheerfully to give their utmost 

 assistance." 



******* 



At two in the morning, the House divided: 



Yeas 193 



Noes 194 



Majority against general Conway's motion, 1. 



Debate in the Commons on the Resolution moved by General Conway 

 against the further Prosecution of Offensive War with America: 

 February 27. 



General Conway rose to renew his attempt to bring the House to 

 agree with him, that, in the present posture of our affairs, it would be 

 inexpedient and improper any longer to prosecute the American 

 war. . 



