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The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Exeter, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
British House of Commons debates on February 21, 27, and March 4 regarding the American war, including General Conway's motion for peace, a narrow vote to continue the war offensively, and the King's gracious response to an address.
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Gen. General Conway entered upon the announced enquiry into the mode of conducting the American war.
After a short introduction, the General said, it was his intention to take a retrospect in detail of the American war. That it had been unfortunate, we all feel. That it is impracticable, we cannot but foresee. It has been unparalleled for its barbarity. It has been unparalleled for its disasters. Let us not, I beseech you, add cruelty to desperation; but before it is too late, let us retreat from that gulph into which we are now blindly rushing. The General made a very pointed and animated speech, and concluded with reading his proposed motion, which was to the following purport: "That the House do resolve on an humble address to the Throne, to implore his Majesty to be graciously pleased no longer to continue a war found impracticable, for bringing America to obedience by force; and to represent to his Majesty the zeal of his faithful Commons to support, to the utmost of their power, his Majesty's benign wishes for the welfare of his people, in the attainment of peace."
Mr. Secretary Ellis replied to General Conway in a lengthy speech, and the question being called for, the House divided;
Ayes 193
Noes 194
Majority for carrying on the American war offensively.
[Debates ran very high in the House of Commons on the 27th of February, respecting the necessity of an immediate Peace or Truce with America, which were supported with great warmness, and finally carried by a majority of 19.]
Monday, March 4.
A little after the Speaker acquainted the House, that in consequence of the address carried up on Friday last to his Majesty, his Majesty had returned them the following most gracious answer:
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
There are no objects, nearer to my heart than the real happiness and prosperity of my people.
You may be assured, that in pursuance of your advice, I shall take such measures as shall appear to me to be most conducive to the restoration of harmony between Great-Britain and the revolted Colonies, so essential to the prosperity of both; and that my efforts shall be directed in the most effectual manner against my European enemies, till such a peace can be obtained, as shall conduce with the interests and permanent welfare of my kingdom."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
House Of Commons
Event Date
February 21 To March 4
Key Persons
Outcome
ayes 193, noes 194, majority for carrying on the american war offensively on february 21; debates carried by majority of 19 on february 27; king's response on march 4 promising measures for harmony with revolted colonies and efforts against european enemies.
Event Details
General Conway's speech criticizing the American war as unfortunate, impracticable, barbarous, and disastrous, proposing motion for address to King to end war by force and seek peace; Secretary Ellis replied; House divided narrowly to continue war. High debates on February 27 for peace or truce with America. On March 4, Speaker read King's answer to address, affirming pursuit of harmony with America and focus on European enemies.