From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol I. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
Lord North continues firm. – The Duke of Richmond’s opinion.
January 8. –A letter from London of a late date, says, Lord North behaves with the greatest firmness and composure, and is resolutely determined to carry his point with the colonies, and smiles with contempt upon any tales of congresses and combinations in America. The Duke of Richmond has positively declared his opinion, that the colonies have proceeded to such unjustifiable lengths, their pretensions cannot any longer be supported; and that the constitutional authority of Parliament over them must be maintained; and that this is the language of most people of England. 1
1 Gaines’ New York Gazette, Jan. 9.