Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/562

 with the favorable disposition of Great Britain towards the American colonies." Washington immediately forwarded the papers to Congress.

The terms now offered by the British ministry would, at the beginning of the struggle, have been received with great satisfaction. But the position of affairs was very different, in 1778, from what it was three or four years before. Independence had been resolved upon, and independence the Americans were determined to have, at any sacrifice. Washington urged with great force, that nothing less than independence, would possibly answer; no terms short of this, would be of any avail; "a peace on other terms, would be a peace of war." Congress held the same views, and, on the 22d of April, unanimously resolved, that the offers of the British ministry could not be accepted. At the same time, they ordered the bills to be published in connection with their proceedings, and circulated throughout the country. It deserves to be noted here, that this action of Congress was taken ten days before it was known that the French had entered into a treaty with the United States.

The news of this auspicious event reached Congress, on the 2d of May. The treaties were immediately ratified, and great rejoicing spread throughout the whole country. On the 6th inst., in pursuance of the orders issued by the commander-in-chief, the whole army in camp at Valley Forge, participated in the general joy and satisfaction, and appropriate religious exercises were observed with great unanimity. The whole ceremony was conducted with excellent order, and was closed with an entertainment, music, patriotic toasts, etc. A few days later, Congress prepared an "Address to the Inhabitants of the United States." It is a document of considerable interest, written in an animated but rather turgid style, and was calculated to have a powerful effect. Congress also recommended, that it be read in all the churches, by the ministers of various denominations. The reader will, we are sure, be interested in a paragraph or two from this Address. "The haughty prince who spurned us from his feet with contumely and disdain, and the Parliament which proscribed us, now descend to offer terms of accommodation. Whilst in the full career of victory, they pulled off the mask, and avowed their intend ed despotism. But having lavished in vain the blood and treasure of their subjects in pursuit of this execrable purpose, they now endeavor to ensnare us with the insidious offers of reconciliation They intend to lull you with fallacious hopes of peace, until they can assemble new armies to prosecute their nefarious designs. If this is not the case, why do they strain every nerve to levy men