stly considered the whole thing to be an insulting
mockery, and as congress likewise had neither been recognised by himself
nor his parliament, he resolved to give it no answer. But it was the
fate of the king, at this time, to have all his actions and words
misinterpreted. Although no man in his senses, whether Whig or Tory,
could have been so blind as not to see he was perfectly justified
in adopting this resolution, since his troops in America had been
slaughtered both at Lexington and Bunker's Hill, yet it was interpreted
into harshness and obstinacy. A loud outcry was raised against it by a
portion of the nation, including more especially the Whig portion of the
city of London. An address, containing 1171 signatures, and purporting to
emanate from "the gentlemen, merchants, and traders of London," was
got up, which reiterated the sentiments contained in the city of London
petitions, and predicting the most lasting and deadly consequences
from the quarrel between England and America. Three days after this,
however, a counter-address was presented to his majesty from another
section of the merchants and traders of London, which was followed by
others of a similar class from all parts of the United Kingdom. In fact,
the great body of the nation was still on the side of the king and the
government. Intelligence of the determined hostility of the colonists
had the effect even of converting foes into friends. In the course of
the autumn, the very liverymen of London, to the number of 1029, signed
an ultra-loyal address, which contained stronger language than the
counter petition of the merchants and traders of that great city, or
of any other address presented on the same side of the question. It
said:--"A malignant spirit of resistance to law and government has gone
forth amongst the Americans, which we firmly believe has been excited
and encouraged by selfish men, who hope to derive private emoluments
from public calamities--from the councils, the persuasions, the
influence of such men, may God protect your majesty! The interest, the
honour, the sovereignty of your kingdom of Great Britain, are now at
stake--as the guardian of those, we trust you will ever assist and
preserve them." The petitioners pledged themselves to use all their
exertions in support of the laws and government, and finally implored
his majesty's clemency towards all those of the colonists who might
return to their duty. There can be no doubt that min