You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast. Hello and thank you for joining the American Revolution.

Today episode 186 the Carlisle Peace Commission.

A couple of weeks ago I covered the British as they sent General William Howe back to London

following a big party in Philadelphia.

A couple of weeks after Hal departed, another ship, the Trident, arrived in

Philadelphia from London on June 6, 1778. It carried a group of peace commissioners. The three commissioners, led by the Earl of

Carlisle, arrived with substantial bargaining power from London, hoping to at long last bring this rebellion to an end.

Over the winter of 1777-78, following news of the capture of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, political leaders in London

feared that perhaps they really underestimated the military capacity of the Americans.

Perhaps a political compromise could resolve this matter. Many British

leaders believe that speed was of the essence. London was already

receiving word that France was seriously considering entry into the war through a military alliance with the United States.

Britain's bargaining power would be much greater before that happened.

Parliament, however, went on recess in December, shortly after word of the defeat at

Saratoga arrived in London and would not meet again for six weeks. Members debated taking a

shorter recess to deal with events that were quickly developing into war with

France. The members however voted to retain their extended recess and put off any

decisions until the following year.

When Parliament returned on January 20, 1778, the North Ministry was ready to get to work.

The Ministry got Parliament to support the Taxation of the Colonies Act of 1778. in that act Parliament repealed the T tax

It also disclaimed the declaratory act which had maintained Parliament's right to tax the colonies.

Going forward, Parliament would only levy tariffs related to the regulation of trade

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