From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
December 1.—Notwithstanding the flattering accounts of the British affairs published in some of the late New York papers, the wise men of the British Parliament draw a most melancholy picture of the calamitous circumstances of this and of their own country. Lord John Cavendish, in a late debate, said, “He would spend his fortune and hazard his life against the unnatural enemies of his country; and he would do as much to bring ministry, the cause of all the nation’s calamities, to their deserts;” declaring, with all the enthusiasm of resolution, “that his resentment should be found firm and lasting.” He further observes, “that nothing less than the most exemplary punishment ought to be inflicted upon them, and their respective estates confiscated, and applied towards the expenses of the war.” Sir George Saville, Colonel Barre, Mr. Baker, Mr. Burke, with others, were tremendously severe upon administration, the latter declaring that he “would oppose the granting any money, or going to any measures, till the present administration were dealt with as they ought to be.” Lord North replying with sarcastic wit and contemptuous pleasantry, Lord George Cavendish advised him “to be sober and serious that day, and to throw his wit and humor aside, for that they would serve no longer.”1
1 New Jersey Gazette, December 8.