(American Revolution) | Parliament debates letting go

(American Revolution)

A complete and accurate account of the very important debate in the House of Commons, on Tuesday, July 9, 1782. London: J. Stockdale, 1782

8vo (224 x 129 mm). Repairs to title and final leaf, contemporary underlining and marginal markings in ink, some foxing and soiling. Later half brown calf and marbled boards, spine gilt-lettered. Slipcase and folding chemise.  

First edition — "the following debate is universally allowed to be the most important one that ever happened in the House of Commons" (dedication)

Following the defeat at Yorktown in October of 1781, the British recognized that the war was, in effect, lost. The political process of accepting this began with the fall of Lord North's government, and the active pursuit by the Earl of Shelburne's government of resolution. 

Charles James Fox, the dedicatee of this tract, was one of the most radical members of the House of Commons, a vocal opponent of King George III, and an outspoken supporter of American independence. He also served as Britain's first Foreign Secretary in the ministry of the Marquess of Rockingham, and argued for unconditional recognition of American independence. The present title was assembled by a Fox supporter, and includes speeches by William Pitt, Edmund Burke, William Grenville, each of which contains references to American independence. 

PROVENANCE

James S. Copley (bookplate)

REFERENCE

Adams 82-45a; ESTC T89066; Howes C651; Revolutionary Hundred 71; Sabin 15052