Note 384 — Chapter XXIV

General Conway said: "The noble lord who has the direction of the affairs of this country tells you that the Americans aim at Independence. I defy the noble lord, or any other member of this House, to adduce one solid proof of this charge. He says: 'The era of 1763 is the time they wish to recur to, because such a concession on our part would be, in effect, giving up their dependence on this country.' I would ask the noble lord, Did the people of America set up this claim previous to the year 1763? No; they were then peaceful and dutiful subjects. They are still dutiful and obedient. (Here was a murmur of disapprobation.) I repeat my words; I think them so inclined; I am sure they would be so, if they were permitted: The acts they have committed arise from no want of either. They have been forced into them. Taxes have been attempted to be levied on them; their Charters have been violated, nay, taken away; administration has attempted to coerce them by the most cruel and oppressive laws."