1781,
William Pitt, the second son of the late Lord Chatham, delivered his
first speech in the Commons, in favour of the bill introduced by Mr.
Burke, on the subject of reform.
Lord North brought forward the budget on the 7th of March, containing
the various items needful for the service of the year. The amount so
calculated was _twenty-one millions of money_!--twelve of which were to
be raised by loans, the terms being very high. From this bold imposition
upon the public purse and credit, the ministry were much lowered in
public opinion.
During this year, the brave General Washington struck that decisive blow
which afterwards gave liberty to his countrymen. He kept General Clinton
at New York, in constant alarm; and then suddenly appeared before York
Town in full force, and obtained a grand victory over Lord Cornwallis,
who was there with his army. The American war consequently became more
unpopular than ever, and shortly after the meeting of parliament, in
March,
1782,
a resolution was moved, and _passed without a division_, declaring that
the House of Commons would consider as enemies to his majesty and the
country all who should advise the prosecution of offensive war in North
America!
Shortly after, Lord North resigned, and the Marquis of Rockingham was
placed at the head of the new administration. Amongst the promotions at
this time, was _Mr. Dunning!_ who, at _her majesty's request_, was
created Baron Ashburton, and also Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
A treaty of peace was now entered into with General Washington, and Sir
Guy Carleton was deputed to conduct the happy affair.
In the beginning of July, the unexpected death of the Marquis of
Rockingham threw the whole cabinet into extreme disorder; and another
resignation of ministers took place, on which occasion Mr. Pitt was
constituted "Chancellor of the Exchequer," _although only twenty-three
years of age_! Lord Shelburne accepted the office of premier, at the
request of the king, which gave great offence to Mr. Fox and the Duke of
Portland, who resigned. The country was little benefitted by this
change, as the money required for the service of the year was more than
twenty-four millions, of which thirteen had to be raised by loans.
In November, the provisional articles of peace were signed at Paris
between the Commissioners of England and those of the United States.