The Letters of Junius

Junius was the name, or signature, of a writer who published, at intervals between the years 1769 and 1772, a series of political papers, forty-four in number, on the leading questions and men of the day, among them George III.

The authorship was a mystery at the time, and remains a puzzle still. All the world felt the letters to be the work of no common man, and they are still considered models of letter-writing.

The most remarkable thing about them is the evidence of familiarity with high people and official life.

"A traitor in the camp!" was the cry of leading statesmen of the period, and every person of talent or eminence fell more or less under the suspicion of being "Junius."

He said in one of his letters, "I am the sole depositary of my secret, and it shall die with me."

Lord Chatham (Mr. Pitt) was, among others, accused of being the writer of these letters; but Lord Macaulay was of the firm opinion that the author was Sir Philip Francis. On this subject he says,--

"Was he the author of the 'Letters of Junius'? Our own firm belief is, that he was. The external evidence is, we think, such as would support a verdict in a civil, nay, in a criminal proceeding. The handwriting of Junius is the very peculiar handwriting of Francis, slightly disguised. As to the position, pursuits, and connections of junius, the following are the most important facts which can be considered as clearly proved: first, that he was acquainted with the technical forms of the Secretary of State's office; secondly, that he was intimately acquainted with the business of the war-office; thirdly, that he, during the year 1770, attended debates in the House of Lords, and took notes of speeches, particularly of the speeches of Lord Chatham; fourthly, that he bitterly resented the appointment of Mr. Chamier to the place of Deputy Secretary of War; fifthly, that he was bound by some strong tie to the first Lord Holland. Now, Francis passed some years in the Secretary of State's office. He was subsequently chief clerk of the war-office. He repeatedly mentioned that he had himself, in 1770, heard speeches of Lord Chatham; and some of those speeches were actually printed from his notes. He resigned his clerkship at the war-office from resentment at the appointment of Mr. Chamier. It was by Lord Holland that he was first introduced into the public service. Now, here are five marks, all of which ought to be found in Junius. They are all five found in Francis. We do not believe that more than two of them can be found in any other person whatever. If this argument does not settle the question, there is an end of all reasoning on circumstantial evidence."