—That great effects might be obtained by something being done spontaneously from England.

Upon this and other considerations, his majesty has been induced to give a striking proof of his royal magnanimity and disinterested wish for the restoration of peace, by commanding his majesty’s ministers to direct Mr. Grenville that the Independence of America should be proposed by him in the first instance, instead of making it the condition of a general peace.

I have given a confidential information to you of these particulars, that you may take such measures as shall appear to you most adviseable for making a direct communication of the substance of the same—either immediately to congress or through the medium of General Washington, or in other manner which you may think most likely to impress the well disposed parts of America with the fairness and liberality of his majesty’s proceedings in such great and spontaneous concessions.

The advantages which we may expect from this such concession are—that America once apprized of the king’s disposition to acknowledge the independence of the thirteen states, and of the disinclination in the French court to terminate the war must see that it is from this moment to be carried on with a view of negotiating points in which she can have no concern, whether they regard France, or Spain and Holland, at the desire of France; but some of which on the contrary may be in future manifestly injurious to the interests of America herself—That if the negotiation is broke off, it will undoubtedly be for the sake of those powers, and not America, whose object is accomplished the instant she accepts of an independence, which is not merely held out to her in the way of negotiation by the executive power, but a distinct unconditional offer arising out of the resolutions of parliament, and therefore wanted by the sense of the nation at large.

These facts being made notorious, it is scarce conceivable, that America, composed as it is, will continue efforts under French direction, and protract the distresses and calamities which it is well known that war has subjected her to. It is to be presumed that from that moment she will look with jealousy upon the French troops in that country, who may from allies become dangerous enemies.

If however any particular state or states, men or description of men, should continue, against the general inclinations of the continent, devoted to France, this communication will surely direct their views, expose their motives, and deprive them of their influence in all matters of general concern or exertion. You will however take particular care in your manner of conducting yourselves, not only that there should not be the smallest room for suspicions of our good faith and sincerity; but that we have no views in it of causing dissension among the colonies, or even of separating America from France upon terms inconsistent with her own honor. You must therefore convince them that the great object of this country is, not merely peace, but reconciliation with America on the noblest terms and by the noblest means.