Details
BOSWELL, James (1740-1795). Autograph letter signed, Edinburgh, 6 January 1784, 2 pages, 4to, on a bifolium, integral blank with recipient's docket (light browning, blank leaf partially detatched).
'In my opinion an attempt is being made to overturn our Constitution by creating a greater power than the King, I mean the establishment of East India Commissioners independent of His Majesty.' Boswell writes to an unnamed recipient, perhaps Major-General Robert Skene, to offer his support in opposition to Charles Fox's East India bill. The bill, which sought to change the administration of India, was passed by the House of Commons on 27 November 1783, but was defeated in the House of Lords on 15 December, when George III intervened. In 1783 Boswell had written A letter to the people of Scotland, demonstrating his support for the King and William Pitt the Younger in opposing Fox's bill. In the present letter he again offers unconditional support, 'I should with cordial satisfaction engage myself to you in the County of Fife without a moment's hesitation ... I am more desireous to give you my vote, than you can be to have it'.
'In my opinion an attempt is being made to overturn our Constitution by creating a greater power than the King, I mean the establishment of East India Commissioners independent of His Majesty.' Boswell writes to an unnamed recipient, perhaps Major-General Robert Skene, to offer his support in opposition to Charles Fox's East India bill. The bill, which sought to change the administration of India, was passed by the House of Commons on 27 November 1783, but was defeated in the House of Lords on 15 December, when George III intervened. In 1783 Boswell had written A letter to the people of Scotland, demonstrating his support for the King and William Pitt the Younger in opposing Fox's bill. In the present letter he again offers unconditional support, 'I should with cordial satisfaction engage myself to you in the County of Fife without a moment's hesitation ... I am more desireous to give you my vote, than you can be to have it'.
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