The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON. Dec. 8.

On Tuesday December 6th Instant, one of the most interesting Points of Civil LIBERTY was determined, in a Cause in Westminster-Hall, before the truly Patriotic and Right Honorable Lord Chief Justice PRATT, and a special Jury of Gentlemen of the County of Middlesex; wherein JOHN WILKES Esq: was Plaintiff, and Robert Wood Esq: Member for Brackley, and late Under Secretary of State was Defendant. (for seizing Mr. Wilkes's Papers, as the supposed Author of the North-Briton No. 45.) when; after an Hearing of near fifteen Hours, many learned Arguments, on both Sides, and a most masterly pathetic and eloquent Charge given by his Lordship, (the Jury withdrawing for half an Hour) a Verdict was given for the Plaintiff, with One Thousand Pounds Damages, with full Costs of Suit.

By this important decision, every Englishman has the satisfaction of seeing, that his house is his castle, and is not liable to be searched, nor his papers pried into by the malignant curiosity of King's Messengers, and an utter end put to that unconstitutional practice :

and it may be truly said, that no question was ever agitated in a Court of Judicature of more extensive consequence to Society.

It was thought, there was the greatest Concourse of People in Westminster-Hall ever known, who Shewed the profoundest Attention to the Discussion of a Cause, that in the highest Degree affected the most sacred and invaluable Rights and Liberties of Englishmen ;

and immediately after the Verdict was pronounced, there were the loudest Acclamations that possibly can be imagined.

There are nine more Causes depending against the Secretaries of State, and the Messengers, &c. who were concerned in arresting Mr. Wilkes's Person, taking Possession of his House, and seizing his Papers.

Saturday at Noon the North Briton, No. 45, was publickly burnt by the Common Hangman at the Royal Exchange. The Sheriffs attended, with their City Constables, &c. in order to prevent any disorders happening. Notwithstanding which the mob was very unruly, and broke the glass of Mr. Sheriff Harley's chariot, besides: committing other Outrages.