It is time to cross the Atlantic, and advert to what was doing in _Britain_. An attempt in the house of commons, to bring on a repeal of the obnoxious act before the session closed, proved ineffectual. It was objected from every quarter, that it was not a proper time. Lord _North_’s language upon the occasion was, “However prudence or policy may hereafter induce us to repeal the late paper and glass act, I hope we shall never think of it _till we see_ AMERICA _prostrate at our feet_.” When the session was over, the ministry, with a view, it might be, of soothing the Americans into a better temper, managing their respective assemblies, and bringing them to retract their resolutions, and open the trade as before, gave out, that at the next session the American grievances should be redressed; and lord _Hillsborough_ wrote a circular letter to every colony [May 13.] mentioning “their intention to propose, in the next session of parliament, taking off the duties upon glass, paper and colours, upon consideration of such duties having been laid contrary to the true principles of commerce; and assuring each, that his majesty’s ministers, “at no time entertained a design to propose to parliament to lay any further taxes on America, for the purpose of raising a revenue.” Lord _Botetourt_ following the directions he had received, so to explain measures as might re-establish mutual confidence and affection between Great-Britain and her colonies, made the matter known to the _Virginia_ house of burgesses in a speech, and then declared, “It is my firm opinion that the plan which I have stated to you will certainly take place, and that it will never be departed from. I shall exert every power with which I am or ever may be legally invested, in order to obtain and maintain, for the continent of America, that satisfaction which I have been authorised to promise this day, by the confidential servants of our gracious sovereign, who, to my certain, knowledge, rates his honor so high, that he would rather part with his crown, than preserve it by deceit.” The house, in their address to him, expressed their hope and confidence in a manner that implied fear and distrust; but willing to make the best improvement of what his lordship said, closed with—“We esteem your lordship’s information, not only as warranted, but even sanctified by the royal word.” The conduct of ministry contained the idea of a public renunciation of all further future taxation of America for a revenue; and the house appeared to view it in that light.