Browsing: Papers of John Adams, Volume 10

1. The most notable exchange in the House of Commons on 7 Nov. was probably that between Charles James Fox and Lord George Germain (see Thomas Digges' letter of 14 Nov., and note 4, above). In his letter of 29 Nov., however, Lee indicated that he was referring to a statement by Col. Samuel Hartley, actually Winchcombe Henry Hartley, that came immediately after the Fox-Germain exchange, to the effect “that we ought to treat on any terms with America, could it be effected without concluding at the same time a peace with France” (Morning Post and Daily Advertiser, 8 Nov.).

For the resolves adopted by the Westminster Committee of Association on 2 Nov., see the London Courant of the 3d. In its resolutions, the committee denied assertions that {p. 348} the association movement had been responsible for the Gordon Riots and would foment future unrest; called for an immediate end to the American war; praised Sir George Saville for his efforts on behalf of parliamentary reform; and sought the reintroduction of Edmund Burke's “economical reform bill.”