DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

a a Tried in the Court of King’s Bench, he was found guilty not only of republishing No. 45, but also for printing and publishing a blasphemous ‘Essay on Woman,’ the Court wilfully ignoring the fact that he had carefully concealed it in his desk, and that there was no evidence whatever of his being the author. Unable to appear in Court at the trial from his enforced absence on the Continent, he was outlawed- Thus, to all appearance, the King had triumphed. Wilkes remained abroad for four years ; although he had kindled public enthusiasm on his behalf, he thought it more prudent to keep aloof from Ministerial persecution. After two surreptitious visits to London, in 1768 he ventured to show him- self publicly in town, and, still under the ban of two condemnations, presented himself at the General Election in that year as a candidate for the City. Flattering as was his reception, it failed to ensure his return. He then resolved on a step which was to lead to the culminating point of his career, and raise him to that position in English history which he probably never dreamt of occupying, and which has to be accorded him from the momentous results of the struggle it produced. Backed by popular favour, Wilkes presented him- self as a candidate for the County of Middlesex. Every avenue and turnpike leading to the place of