HILL, Sir Richard. Hard Measure, or A real statement of facts, in a letter to the burgesses, and freemen burgesses, of the town of Shrewsbury. With a few expostulations and remarks Addressed to the new candidate the Honourable William Hill. Occasioned by the very peculiar and unwarrantable manner, in which he has repeatedly introduced the name of Sir Richard Hill, into his late printed Addresses. Et Tu Brute!!! The second edition with alterations and large additions. Printed for J. Stockdale, and to be had of all the booksellers in Shrewsbury. [1795?]
4, 49, [1]p. 8vo. Disbound.
¶ESTC T3600, BL, Oxford, Senate House, and UCLA only. The advertisement is dated Dec. 15th, 1795. In 1796 the election for the Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury was fought by two members of the same family, John Hill of Hawkstone, the sitting MP, and William Hill of Attingham. Although John gained 44 more votes than William, his brother was declared the winner. The fierce family rivalry led to enormous sums being expended to secure victory; it is claimed that each spent £40,000 on alcohol alone! A further £60,000 seems to have been spent on meals for prospective supporters. Shropshire Records and Research Library still holds the original election accounts for William Hill, detailing who was entertained in which inn (The Golden Cross and Sun taverns are both listed), and how much was spent on securing their vote. William remained the MP for Shrewsbury until 1812, when his brother allegedly bribed him not to stand again, as past campaigns had plundered the family fortune.
Stock #51078
£110
46, Great Russell Street - (opp. British Museum) - Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3PA
