Junius Finally Discovered BY WILLIAM H. GRAVES, L.B. ΘΑ Χ BIRMINGHAM "EUREKA” UNIV. OF COPYRIGHT, 1917 BY W. H. GRAVES AMBORLIAD FROM THE PRESS OF THE DISPATCH PRINTING COMPANY BIRMINGHAM, ALA. PREFACE IN N the preparation of this discussion I have thought best to make liberal quotations from the writings of "JUNIUS," SIR PHILIP FRANCIS, and from those of the person whom I conceive to be the real author of the "JUNIUS LETTERS," whose name I will disclose in a subsequent part of this volume. I have made these quotations solely for the benefit and convenience of my readers, in order to save them the trouble and expense of collecting quite a number of books on the subject, most of which are now out of print and very difficult to procure. It has taken me quite a while to get these books into my possession, and at considerable pains and expense to me, most of them having to be imported from London, where they were written and published; but I consider that I have been amply repaid, as they have enabled me to investigate this abstruse question in all of its phases, which, otherwise, I could not have done. The reader being furnished with these quotations for ready use and inspection, will be able to compare the different styles, sentiments, political opinions, etc., of these writers, the aims and objects which they had in view, and in this manner to draw his own conclusion upon the subject. I hope that my readers will observe that almost every proposition laid down by me is sustained by facts, and by history, in which the books and pages are cited. That I rarely volunteer an opinion of my own, unless it is amply supported by historical facts, or corroborated by well-known authors and able critics. If the reader will examine the books of Mr. Taylor and H. R. Francis, frequently referred to in this discussion, wherein they contend that Sir Philip Francis was the author of the "Junius Letters," he will discover that almost every one of their propositions is founded upon their own opinions, surmises and conjectures, without any facts or history to sustain them; the reason why, is very evident: there were no facts or history in existence which tended to prove their contention. It is impossible to prove a fact which does not exist. I have also inserted the opinions of several eminent literary critics on this controversy, in order that my readers may compare them with those expressed by me. If my views shall merit and receive the approbation of those who may follow me through this discussion, I shall feel fully compensated for the pains and labor which I have bestowed upon this book, regardless of the expense of its publication. DEDICATION As a tribute to the THOMAS PAINE NATIONAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, which has achieved so much towards perpetuating the name of the patriotic author of the "Common Sense" and "The Crisis" pamphlets, which were written and published by him just before and during the dark days of the American Revolution, I dedicate this volume. The first suggestion ever made to the American Colonies to assert and fight for their emancipation from the tyrannical oppression of Great Britain appeared in these pamphlets, which outlined the principles finally incorporated in the Declaration of Independence, and which eventually resulted in the achievement by the Colonies of the inestimable blessings of Liberty. |