[SHEBBEARE, John (1709-1788)]. A Letter to the People of England, on the present situation and conduct of national affairs. Letter I. London: Printed for J. Scott, 1755. Octavo. (7 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches). (Blindstamp to title and G1, library number stamp at the foot of the verso of the title and at foot of p.48, title and last leaf soiled, small repair to outer lower corner). 20th-century half calf over marbled paper-covered boards (rubbed, marks from old library label on upper cover).

First edition of the first in a series by Tory political satirist and pamphleteer, John Shebbeare.

This first Letter blames Braddock's failure on Quaker influence persuading the Ministry to send the expedition from Virginia rather than from Pennsylvania (Howes).The first five letters were published between 1755 and 1757, and together they constituted a bold attack on the government, and its handling of home and international affairs. Near the end of 1757, after Pitt's dismissal, Shebbeare published his Sixth Letter and finally went too far: in the following year he was tried for libel, fined, pilloried and imprisoned, and his final Seventh letter (London: 1758) was seized and suppressed. .

Howes S369; Sabin 80052.