But his ancient fame as the opponent and victim of the court five years before, was revived.

After his rejection in the city, he found himself strong enough to stand for the county of Middlesex.

Here he was returned at the head of the poll after an excited election.

Wilkes had been tried in 1764, and found guilty by the King's Bench of republishing Number Forty-five of the _North Briton_, and of printing and publishing the _Essay on Woman_.
He had not appeared to receive sentence, and had been outlawed in consequence.

After his election for Middlesex, he obtained a reversal of his outlawry on a point of technical form.