WILLIS'S CURRENT NOTES
FOR THE MONTH.
ENTERING as we now are upon the publication of a third volume of the "Current Notes," the Second Volume of which we have herewith the pleasure of presenting in a complete form to the Public, our first duty as it is our pleasure is to thank our Subscribers most cordially for the very liberal support we have received from them during its progress. It is so seldom that the productions of the Customer and the Tradesman form part of the same Periodical, that it is no wonder if the Publisher of the "Current Notes" feels a little elated by seeing his humble efforts for the entertainment of the Public in such good company. But this patronage, so far from dulling his exertions in his legitimate pursuit—that of promoting the diffusion of Books in their widest extent—will only stimulate him to fresh efforts, and while he continues to place before his Customers the best Books, he trusts that they will be as liberal as hitherto in their contributions of Current Notes.
The Price Current of Literature, indeed, now occupies a position distinct from that of any other Bookseller's Catalogue ever presented to the public, for it not only furnishes a monthly list of the principal New Publications, followed by a constant succession of Standard Works in every department of Ancient and Modern Literature, selected with care and judgment, but it likewise presents a medium for Literary Inquirers to prosecute their researches and interchange their opinions. Nor is this correspondence confined to our own land. From the Colonies and America, over which it ranges in its wide[Pg iv] circulation, we continue to receive gratifying testimonials to its usefulness, as well as accessions to its columns, and have reason to believe it is duly appreciated by those whose favour it is our study to deserve and interest to secure.
The aim of the publisher has been to establish a literary organ of communication amongst his numerous Subscribers and Friends, by inviting their correspondence, and throwing open his columns to their inquiries and suggestions, and thus by propounding queries, solving difficulties, and eliciting new facts, rendering some slight service to the cause of Historical and Literary Truth. So cordially have they responded to this invitation, that the task of selection has been sometimes a difficult, though always a pleasing one. If there have been any communications from Correspondents which have not met with due regard and consideration, it must be pleaded in apology that this miscellany of curious information necessarily embraces so wide a field, that in gathering in the harvest it is not surprising if a few ears of corn escape the gleaner's hand. If it be said that occasionally too much notice has been taken of "unconsidered trifles," and that the objects regarded were too minute and insignificant to justify the patient attention bestowed upon them; the saying of Dr. Johnson may be adopted as a justification, that "the man who removes the smallest obstacle in the pathway of Literature becomes its benefactor." History is built up of fragments as the pyramid is formed of single stones; and if we have only laid bare one doubtful point, or elucidated one novel fact,—if we have but stripped off the moss clinging to some ruined archway of the past, or decyphered one mouldering inscription,—then our work has been accomplished, and our toil repaid.
The publisher wishes it to be distinctly understood that he is not the author of any representations or opinions which may appear in the Current Notes. Every statement, therefore, is open to correction or discussion, and the writers of the several paragraphs must be considered alone responsible for their assertions. Holding himself aloof from the bias of all personal interest or party feeling, the publisher can make due allowance for difference of opinion, and like heralds in the tournament, after proclaiming the titles of the respective champions, quietly retires and awaits the issue of the fray. If in the heat of this literary joust of arms, the combatants have broken spears somewhat too hotly,[Pg v] let it be remembered that he is only a spectator of the chivalrous feud—which, after all, has for its sole object the rescue of Truth, in the words of the old knightly motto, "sans tache et sans reproche."
It is a mournful task to record the death of the gifted—to follow Genius to its grave. Our Obituary of the past year chronicles the death of many who were giants in the realms of thought, and whom the world of science and learning could ill afford to lose. Wellington, of whom (as was said of Cæsar) it is difficult to decide whether he fought or wrote with the greater spirit; Eliot Warburton, the Historian and Novelist; Macgillivray, the Naturalist; Scrope, the Deerstalker; Johannot, the Artist; the gay and accomplished Count D'Orsay; Landseer, the Engraver; Mantell, the Geologist—are now numbered with the dead. Pugin, too, has passed away—he, whose whole life was but one continued aspiration after the Beautiful in Christian Art; the harp of Moore is silent, and awakens no echoes in the tomb.
Upon one occurrence of the past year, however, the publisher has particularly to congratulate his Subscribers; namely the Free Trade movement which has broken up the monopoly of the Booksellers' Association, increased the sale of books, and imparted new vigour and activity to the cause of literature. Cheapness in the price of books becomes an important auxiliary in the diffusion of knowledge. It is not merely a trade, but a social question, on account of the power it possesses of advancing intellectual improvement. The thirst for knowledge must be considerably influenced by the means we have at hand to supply and satisfy its craving. Long before Lord Campbell pronounced his judgment, the publisher was impressed with the truth of these views, and had steadily adhered to them as the basis of his business. The recent Postal Regulations have also tended to facilitate the purchase of books. By their means he has been enabled not only to forward the Price Current to his Subscribers at a trifling cost, but to execute and transmit orders from a thin pamphlet to a ponderous volume. Facilities of a like nature now exist for sending books to the Colonies; and instead of being obliged to forward as heretofore, even the smallest book as a package at a high charge for conveyance, any moderate-sized volume, if left open at the ends, will reach its destination in the letter-bags, at a very trifling cost.
The publisher thinks it not inappropriate to reprint in this place the following Notice to Correspondents.
G. Willis begs to express his acknowledgments for the numerous interesting communications which have been forwarded to him, and will feel obliged by the receipt of any original articles on subjects, either of a literary or an antiquarian nature. Woodcuts, illustrative of subjects requiring them, will be executed at his expense.
All communications intended for insertion in the "Current Notes" must be accompanied by the Writer's real name and address, which are merely required as a guarantee of his good faith, and not for publication, except at his desire.
While cordially reiterating the sentiments expressed in the first of the preceding paragraphs, the publisher can assure his Subscribers that the work, intended as a boon to themselves, has proved an equal source of gratification to him; and so, with mutual good wishes, trusts they may long continue, in the words of Milton, "with plain and lightsome brevity to relate well and orderly things worth the noting."
G. Willis gratefully acknowledges the various interesting documents and letters he has received. He is anxious that it should be perfectly understood that he is not the author of any statement, representation, or opinion, that may appear in his "Current Notes," which are merely selections from communications made to him in the course of his business, and which appear to him to merit attention. Every statement therefore is open to correction or discussion, and the writers of the several paragraphs should be considered as alone responsible for their assertions. Although many notes have hitherto appeared anonymously, or with initial letters, yet wherever a serious contradiction is involved, G. Willis trusts that his Correspondents will feel the necessity of allowing him to make use of their names when properly required.
My dear Sir,
Do not you think a very interesting work might be written, to be entitled an Historical Account of the celebrated Villas in the neighbourhood of London. I mean rather the Villas that have been—than those that now exist.
Look at Horace Walpole's Song on Strawberry Hill. How many places are there mentioned which have historical recollections connected with them, which it would be worth preserving.
There must be always great interest about the localities in the neighbourhood of the metropolis. In that song alone are mentioned
Perhaps I overrate the interest with which such a book would be read. I certainly do not, if it would equal that, with which I myself read the account of places in the neighbourhood of Paris, remarkable in history, but the traces of which—many of which at least—are fast fading away; such as
| Maisons, | Sceaux, |
| Meudon, | Chantilli, |
| &c. | &c. |
Hampton Court, the ancient Palace at Richmond, Kew, &c. &c. might enter into the work.
The County Histories would form a substratum for the work—but every thing would depend upon the liveliness and accuracy of the details.
Sir,—As it appears from the public Prints that the late eminent artist, J. M. W. Turner, never sat for his Portrait;—and the only likenesses of him were taken by stealth, I send you a rude sketch which I took of him in the same way, about the year 1805 or 6. He was then on a visit at Mr. Fawkes's, of Farnley, where a number of grouse shooters had assembled,—and Turner had adopted the garb of a sportsman. His appearance, as well as his exploits on the moors, were the subject of much mirth.
One day we accompanied him on an excursion, for the purpose of taking a sketch of the magnificent scenery of Gordale, in Craven, from which he afterwards produced a finished painting.
My rude sketch of his person was considered a characteristic resemblance at the time; and though it has the air of a caricature, yet was not meant as such when it was drawn.
If you think it would interest the readers of your "Current Notes," you will perhaps give it as an illustration. If not, I will thank you to return it to me.
Mr. Geo. Willis,—Your Correspondent, under the head of "Antiquarian Sacrilege," (Current Notes for December, p. 91,) seems not to be aware that almost all Church Brasses, with very few exceptions, were torn from their places by the sectarian soldiers in Cromwell's time, who affected to consider such things idolatrous. They were for the most part sold for old brass, and some authority (I forget who at this moment), tells us that, in consequence of the number at one time brought into the market, the price of brass was decreased in proportion. There were very few Antiquaries in those days, consequently a very small number of these desecrated Brasses have been preserved, and for those we possess we are indebted to such men as Ashmole, Lilly, and others of that class, who, though sufficiently fantastic and visionary in their pursuits, were still men of some learning and taste.
Some, if not the whole of the lots alluded to by your Correspondent, came into the possession of the late John Meyrick, Esq., through an ancestor of his wife, whose name was "Rush," and the only sacrilege committed by the late Mr. Meyrick seems to have been the preservation of these things from destruction.
I have frequently heard the late Sir S. R. Meyrick mention these Brasses, and regret they were not in his possession.
Mr. Geo. Willis,—I have never met with the fact in print, that some few of the first editions of Tristram Shandy have the autograph of the author at the head of the first chapter in some or one of the volumes, a facsimile of which, in the 7th volume of the copy in my possession, I send you.
Whether this was done for the gratification of Sterne's particular friends, or for what other purpose, I am ignorant; perhaps some of your correspondents can throw some light upon the subject.
I was rejoiced at the first glance at F. C. B.'s communication (p. 88 "Current Notes" for November), but doubts very soon arose, whether some oversight had not occurred in taking the portrait of Robert Bertie, for that enquired after, which is Montague Bertie. On turning to Granger I found this to be the case, for the portrait which F. C. B. has, is there given as Robert, so that I fear the right one remains yet non est inventus, for I do not consider "A Dealer," as speaking from any distinct recollection of such a portrait, which must be an 8vo. one, whereas Faithorne's is in 4to.
Oak House.
Sir,—I find, on referring to a biographical sketch added to an autograph of the late Thos. Hood, at the time of his death, that that event took place, as surmised by your correspondent C. ("Current Notes," p. 90), on 3rd May, 1845.
Mr. Willis.
Mrs. Fenwick observing in Willis's "Current Notes" that some one enquires when Hood died, she writes to say, he expired on the 3rd May, 1845. The above information Mr. Willis may depend upon being correct, as it is from the late Mr. Hood's daughter, who is married to the Rev. S. Broderip, Rector of Cossington, Somersetshire.
Three Rock Houses, Tenby, Jan. 15, 1852.
"Can you tell me who contributed to Blackwood's Magazine, May, 1838, the pleasant paper, 'Father Tom and the Pope; or a Night at the Vatican?' The impression prevails here that it was written by Maginn."
It was understood at the time to be a Mr. Ferguson, a writer in some Dublin paper,—a Wexford man.
Sir,—Your correspondent, A. K., ("Current Notes" for December, p. 90), will find in Fraser's Magazine, No. 121, Vol. 21, a list of the portraits published in that periodical.
Mr. Willis.
Dear Sir,—For the information of your two correspondents, "A Subscriber," and "R. O. W." ("Current Notes" for December, p. 95), I beg to repeat my assertion that there was an edition of "The Holy Court," by N. Caussin, published in Corke. In fact, (if I mistake not), there were two editions, one in 1765, without plates; and one in 1767, with very excellent plates. I can procure an imperfect copy of the former for either of your correspondents for one shilling; and a fine copy of the latter for thirty to thirty-five shillings, full calf, with plates.
The work was printed in Broad-lane—(perhaps so called quasi "lucus a non lucendo," as the lane is certainly rather narrow)—and was very well got up. The date and place of printing are thus given in the first edition: Corke: "Printed anno Domini 1765."
Mr. Willis.
Sir,—I have examined Parkhurst's Hebrew Lexicon with reference to O. S.—your correspondent's query, (see "Current Notes" for November, p. 85), concerning Shem, Ham, and Japhet, and cannot discover the names to have any such primary meaning as was there ascribed to them; though perhaps by a little straining, and a few far-fetched ideas, such an interpretation might be given—but it is so wholly unworthy of any one to torture his imagination to suppose that the original signification of words should have been framed to suit a climate, that nothing more need be said.
Mr. Willis.
Sir,—In Kitto's Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature, vol. 2. p. 379, there is a coin illustrated thus: "5. supposed ancient Jewish coin, representing drums." Kitto gives his authorities at the end of the article on Musical Instruments.
Allow me to give the figure of the coin, and its interpretation:
Read from left to right, the letters, or rather words, are: S F T R Ch N: in Turkish it reads, The Boundary of the Turks; and the two drum sticks ! are the pillars of Hercules, or the Calpe columna, and the Abyla columna.—N.B. The S (for sh) is a Cuneiform letter.
Mr. Willis.
The Devonshire Collection.—In reply to the inquiry of Mr. Willis's correspondent, "A Young Numismatist," ("Current Notes" for December, p. 95), he is informed that the Duke of Devonshire's Collection of Coins was sold by auction a few years ago, and produced a very inconsiderable sum, to the surprise of everybody. This was accounted for by the manner in which the Coins were catalogued. It was well known as "The Devonshire Collection."
Discovery of the Tomb of St. Berichert, or, Berechtune.—Mr. Windele the local historian of Cork, has circulated among his friends a Lithographic drawing of this very interesting monument, which he found at Tullilease, a small hamlet on the border of the Counties of Cork and Limerick, within a mile of Dromcolleher. The tomb is a much more highly ornate specimen of an ancient cross than any of those engraved in Dr. Petrie's work on the Round Towers of Ireland. At Tullilease there are the ruins of an old Romanesque church, which was dedicated to St. Berichert or Berihert, a Saxon, whose name is now Anglicised into Benjamin, and whose death is recorded at A.D. 839, in the Four Masters. The Legend on the stone is in Latin, (but very sorry Latin), and in the Irish character. It reads, "QUICUNQUE (for æ) HUNC TITULUM LEGERIT ORAT (for orate or oret) PRO BERECHTUNE." On the upper part of the stone, in one corner, are the letters pp̅ or pps̅.
Sir,—All our historians assert that Richard, Duke of Glo'ster paved his way to the crown by bastardizing, imprisoning, and assassinating his two nephews, Edward Prince of Wales and Richard Duke of York. How then are we to account for the provision made in the Wardrobe Roll for the Coronation of Richard III., July 3rd, 1483, (published in the Antiquarian Repertory, Vol. I. p. 29, 1807;) "The deliveree of divers Stuff delivered for the use of Lorde Edwarde, son of late Kyng Edward the Fourthe, and of his Henxemen?" Then follows a particular account of the materials for the "apparaill and array" of "Prince Edward" and his "Henxemen." Was he really present at his uncle's coronation? There is no mention of the Duke of York. The Declaration of Tyrrell and Dighton, published in the ensuing reign by Henry VII., says, the young princes were murdered in July, 1483. If the words did not expressly state "Edwarde, son of late Kyng Edwarde the Fourthe," I should have concluded that it meant Richard III.'s own son Edward, by Lady Ann Nivelle, at that time about nine years of age.
About the time you receive this, you will probably hear of an American testimonial to that amiable woman, Mrs. Cowden Clarke, to be presented to her by the American Minister, Mr. Abbot Lawrence, in the name of the subscribers, at the head of whom stands America's greatest and best statesman, Daniel Webster.
This testimonial is in the shape of a magnificent Rosewood Library Chair, richly carved, and covered with the finest French Satin Brocade. It is at this moment on the Atlantic, in the "Atlantic," and insured by the Atlantic Insurance Company, for three hundred dollars.
As the fame of Shakspere is world-wide, subscriptions of five dollars each came in from all parts of the American Union—from the most northerly of all, Maine,—to Mexico. From Wisconsin, in the far-far-FAR West, to the shores of the Pacific, at San Francisco—they are thousands of miles apart from each other.
Why have you left it to us poor Yankees "to take the wind out of your sails," in presenting a testimonial to the authoress of the Concordance to Shakspere?[Pg 4] Mr. Payne Collier, and such like dear fellows, who know so many eminent wealthy literati, ought, now that we have set you the example, to get up a subscription, and present Mrs. Clarke with some better Shaksperean testimonial than a Chair! What say you to a 'First' Best Bed? But if the hangings of it beat our satin brocade cover, why I'll hang myself in despair—no I won't, but I'll eat it—bed—feathers and all. The Chair was to have been covered with the richest silk Genoa velvet, of a regal scarlet or crimson, but the lady of our Secretary of State, Mrs. Daniel Webster, would have it, that velvet covers were quite old-fashioned; and as ladies best know what will suit ladies, she was asked the favour to select the cover, and I guess you will admire it.
Now for the freedom of America. Collins gave the Chair free passage. Edwards, Sandford and Co. conveyed the case to the ship, and will convey it from Liverpool to London, free. They are Express men, and thus do we "go a-head."
G. W.'s Correspondent adds:—
"I receive your 'Notes' regularly. The story about Katy Hayes in your November Number, p. 88, is somewhat embellished by 'your New York Special Reporter.' I regret to tell you that she, poor girl, has quite put her foot in it here, and I am afraid will return poorer than when she came. She or her agent or agents, pursued a silly course by, it is said, keeping almost open house to her countrymen at the Astor house, a very expensive hotel, where she ran up an enormous bill, and being unable to pay, the sheriff's officers carried off the receipts at some of her concerts—particularly that which she gave for that humbug hypocrite Father Mathew. There has been a great deal about it in our papers. Doctor Joy returned to England some time ago in disgust. Mathew absolutely had the temerity to make it appear that he could work miracles, publicly, in the face of a large Catholic congregation, by restoring the sick and lame to health!"
Ethnology.—"G.W.'s New York Special Reporter," whose embellished style has been questioned in the preceding paragraph, states, that he has forwarded a pamphlet, for which he will be duly thanked when it is received, "giving an account of a pretended journey to the city of Eximaya, in Central America, by an Englishman and two Spaniards, who are all 'gone dead.'" Observing that, "It is a good Arabian Night's hoax. You will see," he remarks, "the pamphlet is dated 1850, but the children have only been exhibited here this week. There is no mistake about them, they are evidently children of a distinct and unknown race, come from whence they will. The recession of their foreheads is extraordinary. Their heads are wonderfully small, and in exact proportion to their bodies and limbs. They are not dwarfs but pigmies; about twelve years of age, lively and playful. They are not at Barnum's Museum, but at the rooms of the Society Library, and are exciting very great attention."
This Sale, which has so long attracted the attention of American Bibliopoles, commenced on Tuesday, Nov. 4th. It was the means of drawing together agents for the most prominent Libraries in the United States. Among others, the following Colleges and Institutions were represented:—Smithsonian Institution, Harvard College, Yale College, General Theological Seminary of New York, College of New Jersey, Brown University, Rochester University, Andover Theological Seminary, New York State Library, New York Society Library, and the Historical Society of New York.
The sale being the largest that ever took place in America, of any private library, the books brought fair prices. A volume of Tracts, containing the American Whig, &c. sold for 22 dollars 75 cents, to Bancroft, the historian. Byzantinæ Historiæ Scriptores, a unique set, containing a beautiful MS. translation of the third volume of Nicephorus Gregoras, sold for 475 dollars, to Prof. Ticknor, of Boston. Biblia Sacra Polyglotta, being the celebrated Complutensian Polyglott, 130 dollars, to the Rochester University. The Paris Polyglott, 100 dollars, to Geo. Livermore, Esq. Boston. Vetus Testamentum Græcum, 40 dollars, Harvard College. Muratori, 37 vols. folio, 207 dollars, to the Theological Seminary, New York. Cranmer's Bible, 26 dollars, to Rochester University. Tyndale's Translation of the Pentateuch, 41 dollars, to John Wiley. Duchesne's Historical Collections, 24 dollars 50 cents, to Brown University, &c. &c.
The Christian Advocate and Journal has a circulation of from 25 to 29,000 copies. The Missionary Advocate circulates 20,000 copies, and the Sunday School Advocate no less than 65,000 copies, with a yearly sale of Sunday School Books amounting to upwards of £1000, or 5000 dollars.
General Morris, who is associated with Mr. N. P. Willis as Editor, and publisher of the "Home Journal," in New York, was, as all the world knows—or at least, as the United States ought to know, for it is something to be proud of to be possessed of a real living poet in these days—was the author of the words of a charming ballad, entitled, "Woodman, spare that Tree," which was sung effectively by an illustrious scion of the house of Russell. The parentage of this lyric having been claimed by a respectable Boston paper, (The Sunday News), on behalf of a deceased literary gentleman named Woodward, who is said, in an unguarded moment, to have pawned his reputation upon the Woodman, to the gallant General, for a glass of grog; the General indignantly repudiates the whole statement; repeating that, "a slander well hoed grows like the devil;" and labours to establish the fact, that the American General Morris is not to be by posterity identified with the English Captain of the same name—as a song writer.
Sir,—You are publishing, in your "Current Notes," some nice little cuts of interesting relics of antiquity, for which all who delight in such things must feel thankful to you.
May I ask you to put into your cutter's hands the rough sketch which I send with this; and will you allow it to be introduced to the notice of your readers, as an illustration of the Bawdrick, or Baldrock, which is the leather gear, with its appurtenances of the upper part of the clapper in old black-letter bells, and about which your readers may have seen a discussion, with extracts from old Churchwarden's accounts, in another valuable periodical of like character to your own, but in which at present no illustrations of any kind are admitted. You will oblige one of your subscribers.
Mr. Willis.
A. Crown Staple.
B. Bawdrick or Baldrock of old Churchwarden's books, viz. stout white leather straps, shewing how fitted with intervening piece of hard wood and pin.
C. Clapper, with stirrup top.
D. "Busk Board" which at the lower end is tied round the stem of the clapper, and by the pin above keeps the wood and leather all steady together, and the clapper works or swings on the crown staple, having leather on the upper side, and hard wood under.
Turnbuckle and Latch.—The figure you have engraved on p. 91 of your December "Notes," as a Turnbuckle, is the common casement latch of the 17th century; which may be found attached to the iron frame of casement windows in many old farm houses.
A latch is not a turnbuckle, and no ironmonger's apprentice would confound the two. A latch is a bar moving up and down in a limited space—or, if backwards and forwards, as in some locks—it is called the latch-bolt. A turnbuckle, as its name implies, turns round, and is only limited by the notch, &c. by which it holds. They are chiefly of two kinds: one is a spindle, with a knob or ring at one end, and a tongue or buckle at the other; another is a handle with a tongue attached, moving together freely round, upon a pin or rivets. This latter kind has taken the place of the casement latch represented in your "Current Notes" in present use.
One who has been an Ironmonger's Apprentice.
A small subscription, which was raised for the purpose of sustaining the failing walls of Buttevant Abbey, in the County of Cork, is about to be followed by Mr. Thomas Tobin, of Ballincollig, taking measures to uphold the Castle of Buttevant.
The same good spirit animates Mr. Odell, the proprietor of Ardmore, in the County of Waterford, who has determined to preserve the west gable of the Old Church, which is covered over with figures that, according to Ryland's History of Waterford, "with a good imagination, and some knowledge of the ancient Scriptures, may be made to exhibit an epitome of the history of the Old Testament."
Sir,—If your refer to your "Current Notes" for April last, you will find engraved, at p. 27, a tobacco pipe, found when the Golden Lion Inn at Fulham was pulled down in April, 1836. Now, Sir, it appears to me that this drawing of mine has been copied, without acknowledgment, from your Notes, in the Transactions of the Historical Society of Lancashire and Cheshire, Session iii. 1850-51, to illustrate a paper by Andrew James Lamb, Esq. Plate IV. No. 14. If not, I humbly conceive that Mr. Lamb, or the Rev. Dr. Hume, the Secretary, on behalf of the Society, is bound to state where the original pipe which figures in their Transactions exists, and how and when Mr. Lamb obtained his drawing or knowledge of it. This alone can disprove the charge which I make against the Historical Society of Lancashire and Cheshire, of copying without acknowledgment, my sketch from Willis's Notes.
Archæological Publications.—In addition to those enumerated in G. W.'s "Current Notes" for December (p. 93), the first Number of "Reliquiæ Antiquæ Eboracenses, or Remains of Antiquities relating to York," has appeared.
In answer to W. B.'s communications, G. W. conceives that the best mode of making a local work of this nature known, would be by a circular letter addressed to the resident Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry of Yorkshire, soliciting their countenance and support.
The information desired respecting the publications of the Archæological Societies named, may be obtained by W. B. addressing himself to their respective Secretaries, viz.
Mr. Willis is informed with reference to a paragraph which appeared in his "Current Notes" for December, p. 93, that the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, whose issues have been suspended since 1846, will forthwith resume publishing.
The Slogans of the North of England have been published by Mr. G. B. Richardson, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The British Museum.—A recent resolution of the Trustees of this National Establishment has been considered, in certain Antiquarian circles, to present "a fair specimen of double-dealing."
Sir,—I trust I shall not trespass upon the limits of your courtesy, if I beg your assistance with regard to the accompanying list of names, about whom I am anxious to gain any information as to dates of birth, death, or any subject of interest connected with the individuals.
As I live in the country and have not the facility of access to a library for reference, I avail myself of the medium of your instructive and valuable publication, and beg to subscribe myself, with all good wishes,
| Symonds' Inn. | 24th April, 1787. Edward Montagu. |
| No date. Marquis de Spinola. | |
| St. Petersburg. | 24th Jan. 1805. C. A. Pozzo di Borgo. |
| No date. Geo. R. Collier, Commodore. | |
| London. | 13th March, 1820. W. Plumer. |
| 20th May, 1829. Jno. Bruce. | |
| No date. P. P. Jacob. |
The following is the commencement of a leading article on the Penny Postage, contained in the "Times," of Saturday, 9th August, 1851:—
"A traveller sauntering through the Lake districts of England some years ago, arrived at a small public-house just as the postman stopped to deliver a letter. A young girl came out to receive it. She took it in her hand, turned it over and over, and asked the charge. It was a large sum—no less than a shilling. Sighing heavily, she observed that it came from her brother, but that she was too poor to take it in, and she returned it to the postman accordingly. The traveller was a man of kindness as well as of observation; he offered to pay the postage himself, and in spite of more reluctance on the girl's part than he could well understand, he did pay it, and gave her the letter. No sooner, however, was the postman's back turned, than she confessed that the proceeding had been concerted between her brother and herself, that the letter was empty, that certain signs on the direction conveyed all she wanted to know, and that as they could neither of them afford to pay postage, they had devised this method of franking the intelligence desired. The traveller pursued his journey, and as he plodded over the Cumberland fells, he mused upon the badness of a system which drove people to such straits for means of correspondence, and defeated its own object all the time. With most men such musings would have ended before the close of the hour, but this man's name was Rowland Hill, and it was from this incident and these reflections that the whole scheme of Penny Postage was derived."
I should be glad to know if there is any doubt as to the truth of this statement, as I fancied it had been contradicted. Could any of your Correspondents oblige me by giving me information on the subject, I should feel obliged.
Sir,—I send you a query for "Current Notes."
Can any of your communicants favor me with the origin of this expression? It was employed to describe the late Revolution in Paris, by the "Examiner," and I have seen it as a quotation in a work of old date.
Dental Surgery.—In the observations on the progress of Geography and Ethnology, by Mr. John Russell Bartlett, read at the Meeting of the New York Historical Society in November and December, 1846, it is mentioned that in the exploration of a tumuli carried on by Dr. M. W. Dickeson, in the South-western States, chiefly in Mississippi, although in some instances extending to Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, he found that Dentistry had been extensively practised by this ancient people, as plugging the teeth and inserting artificial ones, were common. In one instance five artificial teeth were found inserted in one subject.
Capping a Story.—Rogers, the poet, was fond of telling the story of a gentleman who lost a shilling in Covent Garden Market, just at the corner of the Great Piazza, and on his return from India some five-and-twenty years afterwards, on passing the spot where he supposed the loss had taken place, remembered the circumstance, and looking about him on the pavement, picked up his shilling. Here Rogers, in his own inimitable way of telling a story, would pause, and then add—"In halfpence, wrapped up in paper."
"I knew the man," said a witty friend to the poet, "but you have forgotten the most singular point of the story about the recovery of this lost shilling just at the door of Willis the bookseller's place of business."
"I thought it sufficiently odd," replied the poetical banker, "our friend having found his shilling after so long a period, and only wish that my lost notes may turn up again in the same unexpected and amusing manner—that notes turn up to me from Willis."
"Then you must have heard the whole story, and the very remarkable fact to which I refer? That in the paper which contained the four-and-twenty halfpence he found another filled with farthings, the exact amount of which when calculated, proved to be that of compound interest upon the shilling for five-and-twenty years one month and thirteen days."
Mr. Rogers has never since told the story.
Sir,—Through the medium of your publication, can you tell me anything about "Robt. Hoblyn;" and what works he has published? I believe they were of a classical nature; and he was living in 1825.
Jan. 2, 1852.
A Travelling Name.—I have heard or read somewhere of a story about one of the authors of the "Rejected Addresses"—indeed, I now remember that he told it to me himself—how that he once travelled in a stage coach with a very agreeable old lady, who was well acquainted with London society, and with whom he conversed for a considerable time about various mutual friends and circumstances that could only be known to them, or to their immediate circle, with so much familiarity, that the old lady's curiosity being roused, she ventured to inquire his name. "James Smith, madam," was the reply. "Oh, that's your travelling name, is it? But it won't do for me."
Smith.—Has not some one written, or is not some one going to write, a history of the Smiths? It really might be made a very amusing book, and some one—I forget who—actually told me that "the far-famed Ruffian of the Adelphi," (O. S.) was collecting materials for or from such a book. I subscribe my real name—identify, if you can, Mr. Willis.
Pilgrim's Badge?—A Correspondent has kindly transmitted to G. W. a rubbing from which the annexed woodcut has been made, of a small brass ornament, found at Launde Abbey, in Leicestershire, which abbey or priory was founded by Rd. Basset, in the reign of Henry III. dissolved by Henry VIII., and Cromwell, Earl of Essex, had a grant of it. In the Chapel (all that remains of the Priory) is a monument to his son Gregory, Lord Cromwell, of the date of 1551. The ornament is supposed to be a Pilgrim's Badge, brought from Rome, and probably was buried with him.
1st January, 1852.
Ancient Key.—I. D. is thanked for the drawing of an Ancient Key found in October last, in the parish of Stoke Holy Cross, near Warwick; but as no particular interest attaches to this key in an antiquarian point of view, it is not worth engraving.
The Liberty Stone in Castle Street, Liverpool.—T. B. B. (Burnley, 1st December) thanked, but the space at G. W.'s command does not permit of his inserting the extract forwarded to him from the Liverpool Albion.
A "Young Print and Portrait Collector" would be obliged by any explanation respecting a portrait of Oliver Cromwell, of an allegorical nature, surrounded by various emblems and devices, which evidently bear upon the events of his life. He is represented standing between two columns, in armour, with a wreath of laurel in place of a helmet. This print has neither name or date of any kind upon it.
Another print is one marked published 1816, by J. T. Smith, called "St. Luke's day," a "poor painter removing;" is this intended as a caricature upon some artist of the time?
Jan. 6th, 1852.
D. E., 47, Blessington Street, Dublin, thanked for his suggestions. The R. I. A.—T. C. D. and the Dublin Society, however, cannot in the slightest degree influence the conduct of G. W.'s "Current Notes."
If these learned bodies regard their own situation, they will not object to "any slang, coarseness, or Americanisms." They should rather reflect how much America has and probably will teach young Ireland—BUT NOT through their agency, as publishers.
The Holy Grahl, Δ. as confessedly "made up of quotations," is an article not suited to G. W.'s "Current Notes."
Regulations under which permission will be given to Literary Inquirers to make searches among the Public Records, without payment of fees, contained in a letter addressed by the Right Honourable Sir John Romilly, Master of the Rolls to Sir Francis Palgrave, K.H., the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records: dated at the Rolls House, 4th December, 1851:—
1st. That the individuals seeking to avail themselves of the permission shall address a letter to the Deputy Keeper, stating generally their objects of research, so as to show that the applications are really and bonâ fide for literary purposes, and that the applicant shall also attend the Deputy Keeper personally thereon, and give such further explanation as may be required; and that thereupon the Deputy Keeper shall, if he be satisfied with the statement and explanation, authorise the Assistant Keepers to allow the applicant to inspect such Indexes of Records, and also such Original Records, and to make such copies or extracts in pencil required by the applicant as the Deputy Keeper may think advisable.
This mode of proceeding, which is equally required for the security of the Records, and for the protection of the business searchers, will in fact be beneficial to Literary Inquirers; for the more fully they explain their objects, the better will the Deputy Keeper and the other officers be able to direct them to the documents which may be useful to them.
2ndly. That all the applications before mentioned be entered in a book, and be reported to the Master of the Rolls.
3rdly. That a book be kept at each branch office, in which the Assistant Keeper shall enter a note or particular of the Rolls, Records, Books, or Documents, called for, inspected, or used by the applicant, nearly in the same manner, mutatis mutandis, as is practised with respect to Manuscripts in the British Museum.
But this book is to be considered as confidential, and not to be shown to the public without express permission of the Master of the Rolls or Deputy Keeper.
4thly. That, in case of any impropriety or abuse of the privilege, the Assistant Keepers do forthwith report the same to the Deputy Keeper, in order that he may bring the same before the Master of the Rolls.
It will be necessary also to explain to the Literary Inquirers that the time of the various officers and other persons employed in the Public Record Office is so wholly engrossed by the performance of their present duties, that it will not be possible for the officers to assist any Literary Inquirers beyond the production of the documents, and giving a general explanation, if needed, of their character and nature. No applicant ought to present himself who is not sufficiently acquainted with the hand-writing, abbreviations, and language of ancient documents, so as to be able to read and decipher their contents.
The Literary Inquirer will have free access to the documents, but, this being done, he will have to conduct the inquiry from these documents in such manner as his own knowledge and capacity may best enable him to do.
G. W. is informed that the reading Public are indebted to John Bruce, Esq., the Treasurer of the Society of Antiquaries, for this important concession on the part of the Master of the Rolls; and it has been suggested that a suitable testimonial should be presented to Mr. Bruce by those historical inquirers who are likely to derive such valuable aid from his exertions.
Literary Auctions.—That there is no lack of enthusiasm among amateurs for the possession of rare and curious works, is evidenced by the prices which some books of this class brought at a sale just concluded by Messrs. Sotheby and Wilkinson, being the first sale of importance this season. Among them may be noticed the following:
Orloge (l') de Sapience, folio, nouvellement imprimée à Paris, 1493. A very splendid specimen of printing on vellum, from the celebrated Press of Verard, ruled with red lines, bound in red morocco extra, gilt edges, by Bauzonnet, with a well made pigskin case to contain it.
Of this singular Ascetical Romance, M. Van Praet states that six copies are known as being printed on vellum: of these three are in the National Library at Paris, all of which are more or less adorned with miniatures, two of them, like the present, having the summary of the chapters (left blank for the insertion of the miniatures) written in a contemporary hand on the margins. The Harleian copy, afterwards in the collections of Count Macarthy and Mr. Hibbert, was adorned with thirteen miniatures: the present beautiful volume has SIXTEEN, the additional ones being at the commencement of the chapters, in which the same subjects are treated in a different manner. The whole of the fine miniatures are in the best style of French art. This lot sold for £45.