Great Britain -- Kings and rulers -- Succession -- Early works to 1800

Recounts the scandal of the rumor that James Frances Edward Stuart (son of James II and Mary of Modena) was a pretender prince smuggled into the royal chambers after Mary gave birth to a stillborn child.

[“Council inquiry to the Oraculum by the potentates of the earth, to determine whether the God-given Prince of Wales was a changeling, or if he was the legitimate son?”] Whitehall; Translated from the English to French, and from the French into High German; printed in the year 1688. Regarding the conflict over the legitimacy of the son of James II, James Francis Edward Stuart (1688-1766). When he was born, a rumor was spread (by supporters of the Williamites, or supporters of William III) that James F.E. Stuart was a changeling smuggled into the birth chamber after the true heir was stillborn. Although this rumor was most likely untrue, it persisted throughout his life.

[“Response by Father Peterson, Confessor to the King of England, responding to the June 10, 1688 letter from Father la Chaise, Confessor to the King of France. Regarding the details of the discovery and birth of the young Prince of Wales, as well as other political issüs. Printed…in the year 1688, the same year the betrayal was discovered.”] Ongoing correspondence between Father Peterson of England and Father de la Chaise of France, 1688.

Depositions by the Council Chamber at Whitehall regarding the legitimate birth of James Francis Edward Stuart ("Jacobite Pretender") on June 10, 1688. Son of James II (deposed 1688); raised in France and recognized by King Louis XIV as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Letter 1: Dated December 8, 1688. Declaration by William III of Orange, later King William II of England, Scotland and Ireland, justifying an invasion of England to preserve the Protestant religion. Letter 2: Dated December 10, 1688. Proclamation by King James II of England; calls for the quick establishment of a Parliament.