John Lind

John Lind (1737–1781) was an English barrister, political activist, and pamphleteer who opposed the American Revolution.

Lind was educated at Balliol College of Oxford, receiving an MA in 1761. While there he began a long association and friendship with Jeremy Bentham He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and in November 1773 was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Early life John Lind was born on 13 August 1737, the only son of the Rev. Charles Lind, D.D. His father was vicar of West Mersea 1738–48, rector of Wivenhoe 1750–1771, and rector of Paglesham 1752–71, all livings in Essex. He married a Miss Porter of Winchester, and died 6 March 1771, leaving his livings sequestrated and two daughters.

Lind matriculated on 22 May 1753 at Balliol College, Oxford, graduating with a BA degree 1757 and MA in 1761. About 1758, he took deacon's orders in the Church of England, and a few years later accompanied John Murray on his embassy to Constantinople in the capacity of chaplain, but as "too agreeable to his Excellency's mistress" was dismissed from his post. He was also almost certainly the author of the much translated The Polish partition : illustrated; in seven dramatick dialogues, or, conversation pieces, between remarkable personages, published from the mouths and actions of the interlocutors. By Gotlieb Pansmouzer, the Baron's nephew, which is often mistakenly attributed to Theophilus Lindsey. Lind's other works were: to comment on the Declaration of Independence. Bentham's supposed involvement with the content has been seen as evidence of his early commitment against natural rights. Three Letters to Dr. Price, containing Remarks on his Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty, by a Member of Lincoln's Inn, 1776. Abusive attack on Richard Price. Defence of Lord Pigot (anon.), 1777. On behalf of George Pigot, 1st Baron Pigot. A Letter to the Rt. Hon. Willoughby Bertie, by descent Earl of Abingdon, in which his candid and liberal treatment of the new Earl of Mansfield is fully vindicated (anon.), 1778. A satirical reply to Lord Abingdon's attack on Lord Mansfield.

For his works in justification of the American War of Independence, a pension payment is said to have been conferred on each of Lind's sisters.

Two papers on ancient monuments and fortifications in Scotland were communicated to Archæologia through Lind. His defence of Bentham's Fragment on Government appeared in the Morning Chronicle, 26 July 1776, and was reproduced in Bentham's Works, i. 258–9. A reply from Sir James Wright on Lord Bute's action and opinions is said by Horace Walpole to have been written by Lind.

Family Lind's pension was continued to his widow and paid regularly until 1794, when delays arose. These were solved by Bentham, who entered into correspondence with the czar of Russia on the subject. Lind had brought to England an illegitimate daughter, and at his death, she and his two sisters were left destitute. Croft solicited a subscription for them and for the widow, who refused to accept it. Elizabeth, another of his sisters, married Captain William Borthwick, of the artillery, and died 2 May 1764, aged 29.