John Adams2008

King George III:
The circumstances of this audience are so extraordinary, the language you have now held is so extremely proper and the feelings you have discovered so justly adapted to the occasion, that I not only receive with pleasure the assurance of the friendly disposition of the United States, but that I am very glad that the choice has fallen on you to be their Minister. [pause] I will be very frank with you: I was the *last* to consent to separation. But the separation having been made and having become inevitable, I have always said, as I say now, that I would be the first to meet the friendship of the United States as an independent power.

John Adams:
[emotionally touched] Thank you, your Majesty. [a brief exchange of smiles ensues]