November 15, 1768

Debate Over America in Parliament

Members of the House of Commons warmly debate American affairs. Lord North argues against a general inquiry into the American colonies, hoping to confine Parliamentary concerns to matters in Boston. He says that a general inquiry would not be "a measure of conciliation, it will be the means of fresh disputes." William Beckford argues for the general inquiry, telling North that "You know very little of the state of America, but from one side." Barlow Trecothick supports Beckford, stating that "I look upon America as deluded."