During this year, the brave General Washington struck that decisive blow which afterwards gave liberty to his countrymen. He kept General Clinton at New York, in constant alarm; and then suddenly appeared before York Town in full force, and obtained a grand victory over Lord Cornwallis, who was there with his army. The American war consequently became more unpopular than ever, and shortly after the meeting of parliament, in March, 1782, a resolution was moved, and _passed without a division_, declaring that the House of Commons would consider as enemies to his majesty and the country all who should advise the prosecution of offensive war in North America! Shortly after, Lord North resigned, and the Marquis of Rockingham was placed at the head of the new administration. Amongst the promotions at this time, was _Mr. Dunning!_ who, at _her majesty's request_, was created Baron Ashburton, and also Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. A treaty of peace was now entered into with General Washington, and Sir Guy Carleton was deputed to conduct the happy affair. In the beginning of July, the unexpected death of the Marquis of Rockingham threw the whole cabinet into extreme disorder; and another resignation of ministers took place, on which occasion Mr. Pitt was constituted "Chancellor of the Exchequer," _although only twenty-three years of age_! Lord Shelburne accepted the office of premier, at the request of the king, which gave great offence to Mr. Fox and the Duke of Portland, who resigned. The country was little benefitted by this change, as the money required for the service of the year was more than twenty-four millions, of which thirteen had to be raised by loans. In November, the provisional articles of peace were signed at Paris between the Commissioners of England and those of the United States. The Shelburne party were obliged to retire in 1783, having, by their arbitrary measures, drawn upon themselves general displeasure throughout the country. Much surprise was created at the unexpected coalition of Lord North and Mr. Fox, which was the natural result of the pressing case of the prince, to whom the queen had confidentially entrusted his father's breach of the law, in the solemnization of his marriage with herself. The queen, in fact, used the prince's influence to prevail upon Mr. Fox to join Lord North, as he was well informed upon all the circumstances of the king's first marriage. Although the political sentiments of these gentlemen were opposed, it was represented as a safe line of conduct, to ensure the tranquillity of the kingdom. Thus, again, was every portion of truth sacrificed to the WILL of the _queen_.