ABSTRACT
This pamphlet shows the changing fortunes of Peel’s minority government. The first part, written on 7 January 1835, offered a sustained critique of Peel’s ‘Tam-worth Manifesto’, deducing ten key points from its contents which it proceeded to counter in succession. A postscript, dated 20 January 1835, written two weeks into the month-long General Election (6 January–6 February 1835), offered practical solutions to the impasse created by a Conservative government and a Reform-minded House of Commons.
The writer’s self-identification as a Conservative Whig suggests a position close to Lord Stanley’s ‘Derby Dilly’, whose followers were described in the postscript as ‘scrupulous’ and ‘conscientious’ men.
The purpose of the pamphlet was to meet Peel on his own ground, as set out in the ‘Tamworth Manifesto’, particularly regarding his conduct over the Reform Act and his opposition to aspects of church reform. The pamphlet was published by James Ridgway (fl. 1782–1838), the radical London publisher and bookseller.
