A PROPER ANSWER TO THE BY-STANDER

London: Printed for T. Cooper at the Globe in Paternoster Row, 1742. First Edition. Soft Cover. Near Fine binding. An anonymous pamphlet, attributed to William Pulteney, Earl of Bath, a political opponent of Robert Walpole. A Proper Answer to a By-Stander articulates the case that Walpole's standing army, put forward in A Letter from a By-Stander, was not only unnecessary but would result in "infallible ruin." Much of Robert Walpole's decline from political power can be attributed to his failure to prevent the War of Jenkin's Ear, and the subsequent wartime expenditures. This rather blatant attack against Walpole, and his supposed misapplication of public funds, was published in the same year as Walpole's resignation from the House of Commons after a failed vote of no confidence. Though he would continue to a far lesser degree behind the scenes, this pamphlet is a fine example of the political fight which cost the "First Prime Minister" his career. A First Edition copy, with no marks of any kind. Collates complete; [2], 78 pp. Blue paper wrappers. Near Fine. (ESTC T2954. DNB XX, 654-658). Near Fine binding.