In 1781, Britain attempted to bribe Russia to gain its assistance. Distressed and realizing that they were close to losing the war, James Harris asked if a piece of British territory could convince Russia to join the fight on the side of England. Offering the island of Minorca, Harris did not request soldiers in exchange; this time Britain simply asked that Russia convince France to exit the war and force the American rebels to fight alone. Perhaps revealing her secret desire to have the Americans gain their independence, Catherine used Harris' proposal to embarrass Britain. She declined Harris' offer and published Britain's attempts at bribery to the French and Spanish.