Henry Cruger and Edmund Burke: Colleagues and Rivals at the Bristol Election of 1774

Abstract

T THE British general election of October I774, fought on eve of outbreak of War of Independence, has been described as one in which the British electors passed judgement on Government which had expelled Wilkes and legislated against Boston. The administration of Lord North was defending itself from attack by groups representing all shades of opposition opinion. On government side, circumstances were more favorable than outspoken opposition criticisms in press and pamphlet might have suggested, because ministry, coalesced into new Conservative bloc, was able to take advantage of faction and inconsistency in opposition.' During election campaign, all sections of opposition joined in criticism of government's American policy, although differing widely in remedies they propounded.2 Thus, while Rockingham Whigs saw in George III's attempt to revitalize political power of throne a grave constitutional threat, and looked back to palmy days of Whig oligarchy which they vainly hoped to restore, adherents of Wilkes on other hand sought a remedy, as well for American crisis as for domestic problems, in a substantial measure of parliamentary reform. Situated somewhere between these extremes were supporters of other principal opposition group, led by Chatham. Although election was not held to test public opinion on any specific issue, shadow of American crisis hung over Britain. While ministry was probably trying to avert criticism of its policy which it anticipated would follow meeting of Continental Congress, it was nevertheless a favorable opportunity for a con-