"ERSKINE DESTROYED HIS CREDIBILITY IN CROSS-EXAMINATION": ERSKINE'S STIRRING DEFENSE OF THOMAS WALKER ON CHARGES OF TREASON, 1794

[ERSKINE, Thomas] GURNEY, Joseph, reporter. The Whole Proceedings of the Trial of Indictment against Thomas Walker [and five others] for a Conspiracy to Overthrow the Constitution and Government, and to Aid and Assist the French, (being the King's Enemies). Philadelphia: Samuel Harrison Smith, 1794. Octavo, period-style full marbled calf, red morocco spine label; pp. 104, xix. $950.

First American edition of one of Thomas Erskine's most famous cross examinations, in which he demolished the principal witness for the Crown, saving his client from the charge of treason. Attractively bound.

"The published speeches of Thomas, Lord Erskine are among the finest specimens we have of English forensic oratory" (Marke, 1081). "It was his defense of the reformers and radicals inspired by the events in France which sealed his reputation for posterity… In April 1794 he defended Thomas Walker, of the Manchester Constitutional Society, who was tried at the Lancaster assizes with several others for a conspiracy to overthrow the government and aid the French in case of an invasion. The crown had a weak case, depending on the evidence of one witness; Erskine destroyed his credibility in cross-examination, suggested the prosecution was 'cruel and oppressive,' and produced unimpeachable evidence that the witness had perjured himself, upon which the crown gave up the case" (ODNB). The trial is well reported by Joseph Gurney, and transcribes Erskine's lengthy jury address verbatim. First published in Manchester, 1794. Harvard Law Catalogue II, 1218. Evans 27076.

Minor paper reinforcements to corners of title page. Fine condition.