Selwyn, the diplomat of the trio, set the plans to working. He interviewed Mr. Prince, the Governor of the Bank of England, who consented to influence the King.
CHAPTER V
“Your Majesty, I am informed that the French monarch has decided to recognize the independence of the Americans and put all the resources of France against Great Britain.”
“Whence comes your information, Mr. Prince?” asked George III, as he sat in his private study of St. James’s, October, 1777.
“Your Majesty, the secret service of the Bank of England has kept Roderick Barclugh in the French Court. He is on terms of intimacy with Louis XVI. He associates with Benjamin Franklin and the Colonial party; he keeps us informed as to every phase of their affairs.”
George III rubbed his hands in each other and looked impatient but gracious, yet his eyes had an anxious gleam as he nervously asked:
“Is the recognition of the independence of the Colonies possible and has it come at last? What shall we do about it then, Mr. Prince?”
“There is but one way to reconcile the Americans, since Burgoyne’s surrender, your Majesty,” replied the Bank Governor. “We must convince the leaders of the army and the men of substance in the Colonies, that a long-drawn-out war will ruin the country—that the return of peace will establish commerce and prosperity; and that allegiance to your Majesty’s person and crown will give the protection that a young commonwealth needs.”