Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-05-28
George III. acknowledging American Inde-
pendsnce

At an early hour on the 5th Of December,
1882 in conformity with previous arrange
ments, / was conducted by the Earl Of Ferrers
To the very entrance Of the House Of Lords.
AT the door he whispered, Get as near the
throne as you can-fear nothing did 50,
and found myself exactly in front Of it, elbow
to elbow with the celebrated Admiral Lord
Howe. The Lords were promiscuously stand
ing as L entered 1t was a dark and foggy
day, and the windows being elevated and con-
structed in the antiquated style, with lesden
bars to contain the diamond-cut panes Of
glass, augmented the gloom. The walls were
hung with dark tapestry, representing the de-
feat Of the Spanish Armada. L had the plea
sure Of recognizing in the crowd Of spectators
Coptey, and West the painter, with some
American ladies. / also noticed some de-
jected American royalists in the group.
After waiting nearly two hours, the ap-
proach Of the King was announced by a tre-
mendous roar Of artillery; He entered by a
small door on the left Of the throne, and i'm
mediately seated himself upon the chair of
state, in a graceful attitude, with his right
| foot resting upon a stool. He was clothed in
royal robes. Apparently agitsted, be drew
| from his pocket the scroll containing has
/ speech The Commons were summoned, and
after the hustle Of their entrance had sub
| sided, he proceeded to read his speech.
was near the King, and watched with ir-
| every motion Of bis countenance. II was to
me a moment of thrilling and dignifed exul-
| tltiCn. After some general and usual re-
| m arks, he continued:
Il lost no time in giving the necessary or
| ders to prohibit the further prosecution Of Of
| America Adopting, as my inclination will
| always lead me to do, with decision and effect,
| whatever collect to be the sense of my Par
| lament and my people, have pointed all
my views and measures, in Europe, as in
| North America, to an entire and cordial re-
Cancellation with the colonies Finding il In
dispensable to the attainment Of this object, L
did not hesitate to go to the full length Of the
power vested in me, and offer 10 declare
| them"-There he paused in evident agitation,
| either embarrassed in reading bis speech by
| the darkness of the room, or affected by a
| very natural emotion in q moment he re-
sumed -" and offer to declare them free and
| independent States. In thus admitting their
| separation from the crown of these kingdoms,
l have sacrificed every consideration Of my
own to the wishes and opinions Of ny people.
| l make it my humble and ardent prayer to
| Almighty God that Great Britain may not
| feel the evils which ight result from so great
| a dismemberment of the empire, and that
| America may be free from the calamities
| which have formerly proved in the mother
| country, how essential monarchy is to the en-
Il
language, interests, and affection may, and L
hope will, yet prove a bond Of permanent
| union between the two countries.
| 1t is remarked, that George Ill is celebra-
ted for reading his speeches In distinct, free,
| and impressive manner. On this occasion, be
was evidently embarrassed he hesitated.
choked, and executed the painful duties of
the occasion with an i'll grace that does not
belong to him. 1 cannot adequately portray
nv sensations in the progress of this address !;
every artery beat high, and swelled with my
/ proud American blood. II was impossible lot
to revert to the opposite shores Of the Atlantic,
and to review, in my minds eye, the misery
and woe s l., had myself witnessed .nS IN several ss
| olation resulting from the stubbornness Of this
| very king, now so PROSTATE, but who had
| turned a deaf ear to our humble and impor-
| tunate petitions for relief. Yet 1 believe that
| George III. acted under what he felt to be the
| high and solemn claims Of constitutional duty.
| MsmOIrs of Eikanah Watson.