World History

4.

Autobiography of the Duke of Grafton,

p. 318.

"On this gentleman’s [Mr. Oswald’s] return [May 14th] it was Mr. Fox’s wish to have placed the whole negotiation with any of the powers at war into the hands of Mr. Grenville; but the Cabinet decided that, as the Doctor desired Mr. Oswald’s return, to whom he had spoken with openness and freedom, it would be impolitic not to comply with a request of this nature. Besides, it was not yet fully known in what light our offers to treat might be received by the French ministry. The line of our proposals was independence for America, and the restitution of matters to the state in which they stood on the Treaty of Paris; and these were to be considered as the basis of the negotiation."