London: Burns and Lambert: 1854. First Edition. Pamphlet. 8vo. Title page slightly darkened with a small closed tear and a couple of ink spots to the margin. Otherwise a clean copy. Recent paper wrappers. In 1853, Mr Chambers was given leave by parliament to introduce a bill to the Commons. The premise of the bill ('A bill to facilitate personal liberty in certain cases') gave wide access to a panel of commissioners to enter Roman Catholic convents with the aim of securing the freedom of those held there against their will. Catholics viewed this as a scurrilous anti-Catholic attack, and denied that any nuns were prisoners. They viewed the legislation as a reaction to the recent restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales. The list of signatories to the rear begins with the Lords, whose names are led by Charles H Clifford & Francis Stonor.