SHORT REFLECTIONS UPON THE PRESENT STATE OF AFFAIRS IN ENGLAND: MORE ESPECIALLY WITH RELATION TO THE TAXES AND CONTRIBUTIONS NOW NECESSARY FOR CARRYING ON THE PRESENT WAR
London, England: Printed for Jonathan Robinson, at the Golden Lion, in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1691. First Edition. Removed Pamphlet. Removed from a book of pamphlets. Leather remnants on spine. Quarto, 7 1/2" x 5 3/4." pp. [2], 34. Edges neatly trimmed, closely cropped to top and bottom edges, catchword of pp. 33 and bottom letters of "FINIS" pp. 34 affected. Possible period ink inscription "6" on title page top right corner. Pages lightly tanned throughout, last leaf browned but readable. Excellent, clean copy. (ESTC R28866). Near Fine. Item #83808
This pamphlet mounts an eloquent defense of the decision to increase taxes in order to finance England's involvement in the Nine Years' War (1688-1697). On the heels of the Glorious Revolution (1688), England became embroiled in a European-wide war against France. England was part of a coalition with the Holy Roman Empire, the Dutch Republic, Spain, Savoy, and Portugal, but the combined monies and forces of these countries could not defeat France outright. Fighting broke out in continental Europe and its surrounding seas, but also in the Americas and India, ultimately draining the European nations' coffers. In England, taxes were raised, not without some grumbling, to support the cause. Eventually, the sustained financial toll of the War pushed each nation to negotiate peace, even though no side emerged the victor. The Treaty of Ryswick was signed in 1697.
As demonstrated by this pamphlet, England's worsening economic situation could be felt as early as 1691. Yet, this pamphleteer defends the hike in taxes, citing among multiple reasons that English citizens have a duty to protect the Commonwealth: "We are unhappily plunged into a War; but this, as a less evil, was to be chosen before other mischiefs our Enemies designed us. Upon the good success of this War depends our prosperity for many years; if we miscarry and France prevail, we are in a fair prospect of being undone" (7).
Price: $400.00