King George III

December 21, 1781. George III calls Lord North to his cabinet.

King George III: Ah, here is my faithful conspirator. Have you arranged for a pleasant but holy

Christ Mass? Can we not put aside all thoughts of the colonies while we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ?

Lord North: Your Majesty, while we have managed to adjourn Parliament before vespers yesterday, I’m afraid I have had a sleepless night thinking of all the matters still unresolved.

King George: My friend, matters will remain unresolved to the very end of time. Must you put your life in abeyance for every thought that troubles you?

Lord North: It is no small matter. I believe, Sire, that the time has come to grant independence for America.

King George: There you have done it. You’ve spoiled my holiday mood. Our friend Stormont believes as I do that you are not serious in this opinion but merely mouthing what you think the general mood might be.

Lord North: I truly beg your pardon but I am not posturing. I am speaking with complete sincerity. Lord Stormont, our esteemed secretary of state for northern affairs, may be hoping to side with what Your Majesty has always felt.

King George: Yes and so should you. The Colonies belong to Great Britain. That is a fact. They represent a considerable income for the Crown. What might be my motivation to give up such a bounty?

Lord North: The fact is that the Colonies are no longer a handful of impoverished towns.

They have grown in size and wealth and now demand the respect they feel they deserve.

King George: The Crown’s Navy is the most powerful in the world. We will teach them the meaning of the word “respect.”

Lord North: We still have time to take the high ground and show them that King George is magnanimous as he is wise. Besides, with the French now attacking our ships and the American armies getting stronger and more experienced every day, I foresee a time when we will be forced to give up our claim America.

King George: I forbid you to speak openly of this matter. You may, however sound out Lord Stormont and Lord Hillsborough secretary of state for southern affairs.

Lord North met with Lord Stormont and Lord Hillsborough as suggested by the king. He expressed his own frustrations with the endless war and the fear that raising money for its continuation seemed in jeopardy. He also cautioned the two gentlemen not to make mention of this conversation in Parliament. North did not mention the independence of America for fear of starting a storm of controversy.