THE SPEECHES OF JOHN WILKES, One of the Knights of the Shire for the With notes by the Editor. VOL.1. LONDON: 1777. Librarian Botheren 9250 ADVERTISEMENT. I Have collected the Speeches of Mr. Wilkes in the present House of Commons from newspapers and oral tradition for two reasons. The firft is, they contain, in my opinion, many bold truths, especially respecting America, which are of importance, and in this convenient form they will be found more useful. The other reafon is, if that gentleman fhould ever fwerve from the great line of public duty, and declared attachment to the people, which he has often pledged himself to purfue through life, the most general infamy may overtake him, and punish his apoftacy. The Protests of the Lords on the fame fubject with some of the Speeches I thought would be acceptable to the political reader. Some Notes are added, chiefly by way of illuftration, for which I am answerable. THE EDITOR. London, July 9, 1777. VOL. I. B VOTES |