ttrel escaped out of the house, and would neither
apologize nor give the required assurances till the sergeant-at-arms was
called in. He then said that he meant his reflections as public matter,
and that they were not to be referred to private abuse or enmity, and
there the matter ended.

[Illustration: 121.jpg DEATH OF CHATHAM]

LORD CHATHAM'S LAST APPEARANCE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

About this time, some of the leaders of the opposition became convinced
that the only possibility of detaching America from France and avoiding
both wars was by acknowledging the independence of the American
colonies. These sentiments were communicated to Chatham, and he was
solicited by those who entertained them to honour a motion about to be
made by the Duke of Richmond on this subject with his support. In reply,
Chatham confessed his concern that he was under so wide a difference
with his noble friends respecting the sovereignty and allegiance of
America; but notwithstanding his increased infirmities, he expressed his
determination to be in the house on the 7th of April, which was the day
mentioned as that on which the subject was to be brought forward.
On that day Chatham appeared in the house for the last time. He came
wrapped up in flannel, supported by two friends, and looking like a
dying man; and as he entered, the peers rose up and continued standing
while he passed to his seat. The Duke of Richmond made his motion,
which was for an address to the king, beseeching him to acknowledge
the independence of America, by withdrawing all his forces from that
country; and to dismiss his ministers. Lord Weymouth, one of the
secretaries of state, opposed the motion, and Chatham followed on the
same side against his own party. He was supported by his crutches and
his two friends, and when he had gained his feet, he took one of his
crutches from under his arm, and raising it cast his eyes toward heaven,
and said:--"I thank God that I have been enabled to come here this
day, to perform my duty and to speak on a subject which has so deeply
impressed my mind. I am old and infirm; I have one foot--more than one
foot in the grave; I am risen from my bed to stand up in the cause of my
country, perhaps never again to speak in this house." This was delivered
in a feeble tone, but as he grew warm, his voice rose and became as
harmonious as ever. In the course of his speech, he entered into a full
detail of the American war, dilating on all the