[Francis Joseph Bigger, ed.] Printed pamphlet: ‘The Legislative Union. A Protest by Dr. William Drennan.’ [‘Protest against a union with Great Britain’.]

From the papers of Sylvia and Robert Lynd. A scarce item: five copies on JISC. In NLI, but not in the British Library. Bigger, a notable antiquary and republican (see Dictionary of Irish Biography), is the friend to whom Sir Roger Casement entrusted the ‘black box’ of incriminating documents, which Bigger destroyed after Casement’s execution. 12pp, 16mo. Stapled. In good condition, lightly aged, with lightly-rusted staples. Note on verso of title: ‘These noble patriotic words, by a great Ulsterman, are here again printed for his fellow countrymen, particularly for those of his own Province, to guide, direct, and strengthen them in their nationality.’ Two-page introduction by ‘FRANCIS JOSEPH BIGGER / Ardrigh Belfast / Bealtaine 1911’. Drophead title, p.3: ‘Dr. Drennan and the Union. / The Founders of Belfast and that Measure. / Noble Language and Lofty Thoughts.’ Drennan’s ‘Protest against a union with Great Britain’ (pp.5-10) is reprinted from 1810. Contemporary report printed on pp.11-12, with note: ‘At the time Dr. Drennan was penning his Protest a very important meeting was held in Dublin on the National holiday, of which the following is an account. We have no doubt that it had the Doctor’s full sympathy, if he was not present at it’.