"The shameful accusation," they said, "was only to cover that wretched
conduct, and, if possible, to hide or excuse the disgrace and failure
that had attended all their measures. Was any other part of their policy
more commendable or more successful? Did the cruel and sanguinary laws
of the preceding session answer any of the purposes for which they were
proposed? Had they in any degree fulfilled the triumphant predictions,
had they kept in countenance the overbearing vaunts of the Minister?
They have now sunk into the same nothingness with the terrors of that
armed force which was to have looked all America into submission. The
Americans have faced the one, and they despise the injustice and
iniquity of the other....

"The question of rebellion was also agitated; and it was asserted that
the taking up of arms in the defence of just rights did not, according
to the spirit of the British Constitution, come within that
comprehension. It was also asserted with great confidence, that
notwithstanding the mischiefs which the Americans had suffered, and the
great losses they had sustained, they would still readily lay down their
arms, and return with the greatest good-will and emulation to their
duty, if candid and unequivocal measures were taken for reinstating them
in their former rights; but that this must be done speedily, before the
evils had taken too wide an extent, and the animosity and irritation
arising from them had gone beyond a certain pitch.

"The boasted lenity of Parliament was much lauded. It was asked whether
the Boston Port Bill, by which, without trial or condemnation, a number
of people were stripped of their commercial property, and even deprived
of the benefit of their real estates, was an instance of it? Was it to
be found in the Fishery Bill, by which large countries were cut off from
the use of the elements, and deprived of the provision which nature had
allotted for their sustenance? Or was taking away the Charter and all
the rights of the people without trial or forfeiture the measure of
lenity from which such applause was now sought? Was the indemnity held
out to military power lenity? Was it lenity to free soldiers from a
trial in the country where the murders with which they should stand
charged, when acting in support of civil and revenue officers, were
committed, and forcing their accusers to come to England at the pleasure
of a governor?" ...

"The debate in the House of Lords was rendere