ABSTRACT
Steele had had an understanding with Lord Treasurer Oxford in 1711-12 and had held a minor post under the Tory Ministry; but he had blamed Oxford for his expulsion from the Commons in 1714 and had publicly criticized him more than once (The Lover, Nos. 11 and 14; Dedication of The Apology; and The Englishman, 2nd series). Steele, however, never held a grudge very long for personal or political injuries; hence during the recent impeachment proceedings against Oxford, his attitude had been at the worst one of indifference. Genuine admiration for the abilities of the great statesman can be seen in his letter resigning the Stamp Commission in 1713 and also in this tract, expressed in self-respecting independence: “I transgressed, my Lord, against you when you could make twelve Peers in a Day; I ask your Pardon when you are a private Nobleman; and as I told you when I resign’d the Stamp-Office, I wish’d you all Prosperity, consistent with the publiek Good.” Steele’s only motive in addressing Oxford now was to gain publicity for opposition arguments against the Peerage Bill. Oxford had been conspicuous in the Lords for his opposition, although what seems to have been his main argument (as was Walpole’s in the Commons), Steele only mentions, and not with any special emphasis in any of his tracts against the Bill. That argument was that the Royal peer-making prerogative would prevent the award, for public service, of peerages to Commoners.
