"On the 5th of September, 1776, Congress resolved, 'that General Sullivan be requested to inform Lord Howe, that this Congress, _being the representatives of the free and independent States of America_, cannot with propriety send any of its members to confer with his Lordship in their _private_ characters, but that ever desirous of establishing peace on reasonable terms, they will send a committee of their body to know whether he has any authority to treat with persons _authorised by them_ for that purpose in behalf of _America_, and what that authority is; and to hear such propositions as he shall think fit to make respecting the same; that the President write to General Washington and acquaint him, that it is the opinion of Congress, no proposals for making peace between Great Britain and the United States of America _ought to be received or attended to_, unless the same be made in writing, and addressed to the representatives of the said States in Congress, or _persons authorised by them_, and if application be made to him by any of the commanders of the British forces on that subject, that he inform them, that these United States, who entered into the war only for the defence of their lives and liberties, will cheerfully agree to peace on reasonable terms, _whenever such_ shall be proposed to them in MANNER AFORESAID.' "These resolutions were passed at a time when the United States had formed no alliances, and when a formidable and hostile army had just arrived to invade their country. If such, therefore, were their sentiments, and such their resolutions at so early, so dangerous, and doubtful a period, there certainly is reason to presume, that the fortitude which influenced them has not been abated by the present aspect of their affairs. "On the 22d of November, 1777, Congress resolved, 'that all proposals of a treaty between the King of Great Britain or any of his Commissioners and the United States, _inconsistent with the independence_ of the said States, or with such treaties or alliances as may be formed under their authority, _will be rejected by Congress_.' "We cannot consider the present proposals to treat with us in a character _below independence to be consistent with it_. "Among other objections _unanimously_ made by Congress, on the 22d of April, 1778, to certain bills of the British Parliament, then about to be passed into laws to enable the King of Great Britain to appoint Commissioners to treat, &c. is the following, viz. 'Because the said bill purports, that the Commissioners therein mentioned may treat with _private individuals_, a measure highly derogatory to _national honor_.' "Mr Oswald's commission contains a similar clause, and, consequently, is liable to the same objection.