The Trial of the Cause on the Action Brought by Hans Wintrop Mortimer.
Perhaps the Most Notorious English Example of a Rigged Election [Trial]. Sykes, Francis [1730-1804], Defendant. The Trial of the Cause on the Action Brought by Hans Wintrop Mortimer, Esq; Member for the Borough of Shaftesbury, Against Francis Sykes, Esq; For Bribery Committed at Shaftesbury, Previous to the General Election, In October, 1774. Tried by a Special Jury, On Saturday the 27th of July, 1776. At the Assize Held at Dorchester for the County of Dorset, Before The Honourable Sir James Eyre, One of the Barons of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer. [London?]: [S.n.], 1776. 19, [1] pp. Main text in parallel columns. Quarto (10" x 8"). Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent marbled boards wit cloth spine, imitation calf lettering piece to front board. Moderate toning to interior, faint dampstaining throughout, mostly along fore and bottom edges. $350. * Only edition. The Shaftesbury Election of 1774 was perhaps the most notorious English example of a rigged election. After learning that Sykes won the election after distributing thousands of pounds of bribes to the voters, Mortimer disputed the outcome. Mortimer brought actions against Sykes for twenty-six acts of bribery, won his case, was awarded ?11,000. in damages and given his seat in the House of Commons. OCLC locates 8 copies in North America, 3 in law libraries (Harvard, Library of Congress, Yale). English Short-Title Catalogue N13883.
Price: $350.00
Book number 73276