Index Expurgatorius Anglicanus / Or, a descriptive catalogue of the principal books printed or published in England, which have been suppressed, or burnt by the common hangman, or censured, or for which the authors, printers, or publishers have been prosecuted

by W. H. Hart

A copy of this book is in the Editor's possession. It is in small quarto, and contains twenty-nine pages, but is without printer's name. Although printed anonymously, it is known to be the production of Charles Blount, and was reprinted in the year 1695, with other of his writings in a little volume entitled "The Miscellaneous Works of Charles Blount, Esq." The Editor of this collection was Charles Gildon, who ushers it into the world by a preface in defence of self-murder, Blount, having, as it appears destroyed himself. This unhappy man was son of Sir Henry Blount.

236.

A Letter from a person of quality to his friend in the Country, giving an account of the debates and resolutions in the House of Lords, in April and May, 1675, concerning a Bill entitled "A Bill to prevent the dangers which may arise from persons disaffected to the government." By John Locke.

It was ordered by the Privy Council to be burnt. "Our author" say the Editors of the Biographia Britannica "drew up this letter at the desire of the Earl of Shaftesbury, and under his Lordship's inspection, only committing to writing what the Earl did in a manner dictate to him; and this indeed is evident with regard to that part which contains remarks upon the characters and conduct of several of the nobility, since these could be known only to his Lordship." It is printed at length in Cobbett's Parliamentary History, Vol. 4, Appendix, No. V.

237.

The Grand question Concerning the Judicature of the House of Peers stated and argued. And the case of Thomas Skinner, Merchant, Complaining of the East India Company, with the Proceedings thereupon, which gave occasion to that question, faithfully related. By a true well wisher to the Peace and good government of the Kingdom, and to the Dignity and Authority of Parliaments. London. 1669.

On October 22nd, 1669, Richard Chiswell, Bookseller, was sent for by the House of Commons to give an account of the printing and publishing of this book, and upon examination he confessed that he caused the book to be printed, and that he had no formal licence for it, but it was sent to him by a Privy Councillor, the Lord Hollis, with direction and order to print it, and that he had no hire or reward in money, but only the benefit of the copy for doing it. It was then ordered that the Attorney General should draw up an indictment in the King's Bench against Chiswell for his offence in causing the book to be printed and published without licence. The House being afterwards informed that the said book was printed by one John Darby, a printer, it was ordered that Darby should be summoned to attend the House to give an account of his printing the book.[198] A copy of the book is preserved in the British Museum Library.

238.

Speech of the Lord Cavendish. 1679.

On April 25th, 1679, the House of Commons ordered that enquiry should be made as to the authors and publishers of this "false and scandalous pamphlet."[199]