s became known in the colonies, the people of Rhode Island
seized upon forty pieces of cannon belonging to the crown, which had
been mounted on batteries for the defence of the harbour, and carried
them off, while those of New Hampshire surprised a small fort, called
"William and Mary," and carried off the ordnance, gunpowder, and other
military stores. Mills, moreover, were erected for making gunpowder, and
manufactories for making arms. Every thing, in fact, indicated that a
fierce and bitter struggle was about to commence between America and
the mother country. The train was laid, and the application of the match
only was wanting to effect a fearful conflagration.

{GEORGE III. 1773-1775}

GENERAL ELECTION.

In the month of September, although parliament had more than a year
to complete its septennial term, it was dissolved by proclamation,
and writs issued for a new one. This step was taken, it would appear,
chiefly that the sense of the nation might be known more fully
concerning the affairs of America. This was found to be decidedly hostile
to the late proceedings of the Americans. Loyalty, indeed, had increased
at home in proportion as it had decreased in the colonies. All classes
united in the opinion that the king, parliament, and country had been
grossly insulted by the Americans, and that they deserved chastisement.
Hence the general election, which took place in October, resulted
greatly in favour of ministers. Some few places, it is true, proposed
tests to the candidates, including pledges to stop hostilities with
America, but the great majority were in favour of coercive measures if
the Americans did not lay down their arms of rebellion. In this election
Wilkes and Glynn were elected for Middlesex, so that this popular idol
once more found a seat in parliament. He took his seat more proudly than
ever, for he was this year also elected lord mayor of London: a high
dignity for a man whose chief merits were those of agitation.

MEETING OF THE NEW PARLIAMENT.

The new parliament met on the 29th of November when the king signified
his pleasure that the commons should elect a speaker to be presented on
the next day for his approbation. Sir Fletcher Norton was unanimously
re-elected, and on the following day his majesty opened the session with
a speech in the usual form. The leading topic in this speech was the
rebellious spirit displayed in America. His Majesty remarked: "It gives
me much concer