[Rarebooks] FS RARE 1780 Pamphlet-Protestant Association

[r.azzi at comcast.net]

FOR SALE: A rare pamphlet in defense of the Protestant Association, in 1780. The Title page reads as follows:

“Observations / on / Lord L------H’s speech / to the / Grand Jury of Surrey, / in / two letters addressed to his Lordship, / wherein Lord George Gordon, / and the Protestant Association are / vindicated and the false aspersions thrown / out against them fully consuted. / by a consistent Protestant./

Edinburgh/Printed in the year M,DCC,LXXX.”


An entry in ESTC shows one copy of a pamphlet with a similar title at the Swem Library in Williamsburg, Virginia. However, it is the third edition, and has only 16 pages. A further search shows one copy, in Glasgow.

I am assuming that this copy is a first edition, as no subsequent editions or printings are noted. This copy is 36 pages total, sewn into plain paper covers that appear contemporary with the original. Of the 36 pages, 20 are Letter I and 16 are Letter II, both signed by “A Consistent Protestant.” The Second Letter is addressed to “To the Right Hon. LORD L----H.”

The L---H is probably Alexander Wedderburn, Lord Loughborough, who was then Attorney General, and who advised the King to read the Riot Act. It is possible that Loughborough then went before the Surrey Grand Jury in his official capacity.

The overall size is 6.25”x4.” There is paper darkening to page one where it has been in contact with the front paper cover, as well to the last two pages, also presumably from contact with the rear cover. The interior contents are fine. There are no marks, names, etc. anywhere.

Price $600.—

Robert Azzi
Exeter NH 03833
1.603.264.6564