Octavo (24.2 cm x 15.7 cm), pp. 31. Original plain pink wrappers, pamphlet stitched binding. Contemporary ink signature of 'Hon. J.A. Irving' [Jacob Aemilius Irving, 1797-1856] to upper cover. Irving came to Upper Canada in 1834 and settled in the Niagara peninsula. In 1843 he was appointed the first warden for the district of Simcoe by the Governor-General, and was called to the Legislative Council of Canada. In the Council he was a supporter of Baldwin and Lafontaine. Lower cover detached but present. Wraps a little soiled and chipped, otherwise fine. TPL 2957. Blake disagreed with the Reform government's introduction of a bill to reimburse for losses incurred during the rebellion in Lower Canada in 1837-38. On Feb. 15 and 16, 1839, as Solicitor-General, "he delivered a major speech on the bill, analyzing the Upper Canadian political situation in pre-rebellion days, and taking as his theme the difference between self-serving loyalty to the person of a governor and his misguided policies and a higher loyalty to the maintenance of a free constitution." The incendiary speech resulted in several duelling challenges, one issued by John A. Macdonald. See DCB X, p. 57. [S1189]