NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS
To the "Price Current of Literature."

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.

Ethnology.—The marvellous pamphlet published in New York, with reference to the Aztec Children exhibiting there, has reached G. W., with the copy to be presented to a distinguished traveller, which has been delivered to him; and he seems not inclined to disbelieve in the accuracy of any of its statements, whatever may be the opinion of G. W.'s New York Special Reporter. (See "Current Notes" for January, p. 4.)

The pamphlet purposes to give an account of the discovery of an idolatrous city called Iximaya, in Central America, with 85,000 inhabitants, situate somewhere about 16° 42' N. and 91° 35' W., whose priests seem to consider the flesh of Scotchmen to be a peculiar culinary luxury—when they can catch them. The information given to the discoverers of the ideal or real city of Iximaya, was "that a man of the same race as Senor Hammond, who was of a bright-florid complexion, with light hair and red whiskers, had been sacrificed and eaten by the Macbenachs or priests of Iximaya, the great city among the hills, about thirty moons ago, (previous to May, 1849)."

It has been asserted that Mr. Wheelwright, an American gentleman of the highest respectability, well known and much respected both in London and Liverpool as the originator of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, is (or was) well acquainted with the author of this very extraordinary pamphlet. And although it must be confessed, that if considered as a piece of mere invention, for in marvellous incident it is a formidable rival to the voyage and travels of one Lemuel Gulliver, or the life and adventures of the well known Mr. Robinson Crusoe,—yet the fact should not be forgotten, that "Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction."

G. W. anxiously looks for the opinions of the well-informed press upon this matter, which, with the exception of the Sunday Times of the 15th of February, have been silent about the "Pigmies" exhibiting in New York;—and about which, as G. W.'s "Special" observed last month—"there is NO MISTAKE."

The Bawdrick or Baldrock, (Illustrated Correction.)—Few people feel inclined to acknowledge an error, or to make a correction. See Willis's "Current Notes" for February last (p. 16), where Sir Walter Scott's remark is quoted, that "it is ill making holes in one's own stockings for the purpose of darning them again, darn we never so neatly." However, G. W. is always happy—not to feel himself in the wrong—but to correct any mistake which inadvertently he or his agents may have made. He has therefore no hesitation about printing the following communication.

"H. T. E. informs G. W. that the engraver of the sketch of the Bawdrick, which appeared in the last number of the "Current Notes" (p. 5), has omitted one important reference, and a letter of reference, (which H. T. E. believes he sent).

"In fig. 2, letter B, all is right.

"But in fig. 1, letter B is wrong; it should have been by the side, and where that B is should have been an E, which was thus described:

"E. A piece of hard wood, placed between the staple and the end of the clapper, which is made steady to the clapper by D, the busk board, &c.

"As engraved, H. T. E. fears it will be a terrible puzzler to the uninitiated in Campanology, and even Campanologists will wonder at the confusion. The upper joint should have been thus, and the lower joint square (but G. W.'s artist has reversed the thing), for it is at B that the clapper swings.

"Still it is well to have got the thing shewn to the public, and H. T. E. thanks G. W., and supposes all blunders must be set down to his correspondent's fault of indistinct writing."

Strood, Rochester, 13th Feb. 1852.

Sir,—In reference to the letter of H. T. E. page 5 of your work, I beg to send you the following extracts from the Account Book of the Churchwardens of this Parish, now in my possession:—

H. Wickham.

[pg 10]

The Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire.

Liverpool, 30th Jan. 1852.

Sir,—I have to complain that your Correspondent T. M. rushes into print so incautiously on the subject of his tobacco-pipe. From the accuracy of his quotation, he appears to have had the Society's volume before him, yet he has taken no trouble to arrive at the truth. Mr. Lamb's paper was read three months before the woodcut of the pipe in question appeared; but as the latter was of peculiar form, it was engraved, as well as one or two others that had not been exhibited. All of these were minutely referred to. Thus, in the Note respecting the Plates, p. iii. there is the following:—"No. 14 [on Plate IV.] is from 'Willis's Current Notes,' for April, 1851; the stem is of bamboo, and the top of the bowl of brass. It was found in taking down an old inn at Fulham in 1836." From a mutilated copy I send you the actual leaf for the use of T. M.; [1] and have to express my sorrow that he does not possess either more patience or more civility,

A. Hume, D.C.L.
Corresponding Secretary.

The late J. M. W. Turner, R.A.

G. W. has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of five communications respecting the Sketch of the late Mr. Turner, which appeared with J. T. A.'s letter in the January number of "Current Notes," (p. 1.) Four of his correspondents are pleased with the Sketch, and one who signs himself, D. R. states that he knew Mr. Turner well, and considers it to be, "no caricature, but on the contrary, an excellent likeness."

However, the following epistle, expresses a different opinion.

Yarm^o. Feb, 2, 1852.

Sir,—How very vexing it is that the "rude sketch" favoured by your obliging correspondent, (J. T. A.) was not placed in the hands of some R. A. (before engraved), who was acquainted and well knew that celebrated painter, and from that ("rude sketch") and the knowledge he (R. A.) had of the late Turner, would have favoured us with a more characteristic portrait. Was he not more than four feet in stature? This represented ("Current Notes," January, 1852, p. 1), reminds us of a wooden punchinello more than any thing that ever breathed, and not at all credible to the "Current Notes." All such Notes are highly interesting if properly done.

In haste. Yours faithfully,
W.

The Marquis of Worcester, (Author of the "Century of Inventions").—R. C. particularly thanked for his communication.

Ancient Signet explained.

Southwick, near Oundle,
Jan. 30th, 1852.

Sir,—Your excellent little work, "Current Notes," is worthy of all praise and support; as affording to the Numismatist, the Paleologist, and the Archeologist, &c. the means not only of giving a written account of their various studies, but also of exhibiting facsimiles of the objects of their research. At the same time that I thank you for the insertion of my last (p. 3, Jan. 1852), allow me to present you with one of, I think, much greater interest to the Chronologist and Historian, taken from "Gesenii Monumenta Phœnicia, Pars 3, Tab. 11, fig. XL. bis,"

The letters at the top of the signet are Ch sr b l; and the reading is, "The great king." At the bottom of the signet they are, A ch m n; and the reading is, "Achemen," and with the Greek termination Achæmenes. On the right side they are a n b, Hebrew א ן ב, taken as numerical characters, i.e. 1000, 700, 2; making the date 1702. On the left, the figure like the Greek δ, is the sign of Taurus, to denote the month when the sun entered into Taurus. The dove and leaf seem to refer to "the dove and olive leaf," Gen. viii. 11.

Let me now refer your readers to Drummond's Origines, v. 1, p. 310:

"The Greeks fancied Achæmenes to have been the name of the progenitor of Cyrus; but Achæmenes is nothing else than a corruption of one of those pompous and impious titles, which were assumed by the kings of Iran, and of which the inscriptions explained by M. de Sacy afford many examples. Achæmenes, as I have shown elsewhere, signifies Rex cœli in ancient Persian."

So much for guess-work, which cannot be too much reprobated. I do not pretend to any skill in chronology, but the calculation appears to be so simple, that I will attempt it, taking the dates of our authorized version of the Bible.

Therefore, from the beginning of the reign of Achæmenes to the same of Cyrus is 110 years.

From this remarkable signet we obtain the historical truth, that Achæmenes began his reign in the month Taurus, 1702, after THE Deluge. I have found the Deluge taken as an epoch in various Cuneiform and Egyptian, &c. documents, that have not been explained to the public. Yours truly,

T. R. Brown.

T. R. B.'s translation received, but must stand over for the present.

[pg 11]

Robert Hoblyn, quere Richard?

No. 59, Grey Street, Newcastle, Tyne,
January 28th, 1852.

Sir,—In your "Current Notes" for this month (p. 7), a correspondent, A. K., enquires about "Robert Hoblyn" and his Works. Presuming he has made a mistake in the name, and that he means "Richard" instead of "Robert," I send herewith a list of some of "Richard's" Works,

I remain, yours,

Mr. Willis. Thomas Gray.

Richard D. Hoblyn, A.M., Oxon, author of "Medical Terms," "Scientific Terms," "Manuals of Natural Philosophy of Chemistry, and of the Steam Engine," "First Books in Science," &c. &c.

Robert Hoblyn.

4, Birchin Lane,
February 7th, 1852.

Sir,—In answer to a letter in your "Price Current" for January 25th, (p. 7), addressed to you, and signed "A. K." I beg to inform your correspondent that "Robert Hoblyn," published the following works:—

"Bibliotheca Hoblyniana," 8vo. London, 1767.

"The First Book of the Georgics of Virgil, Lat. and Eng. with Translation in blank verse, and notes, 8vo. London, 1825."

It is worthy to notice that "M. A." is affixed to his name in the last named work.

I am not aware that he published any other works; but a perusal of the Catalogue of Printed Books in the British Museum would satisfactorily decide this point.

Perhaps your correspondent means "Richard Hoblyn," whose publications are very numerous.

Your obedient servant,
S. I. Tucker.

Lavers, the Bookseller.

Overseal, Ashby de la Zouch.

Sir,—I should be very much obliged to any of your correspondents who will give me information respecting Mr. Lavers, a bookseller in London, who flourished about the third quarter of the last century; especially any thing relating to his wife and descendants.

Very faithfully yours,
J. M. Gresley.

13th Feb. a.d. 1852.

Tradesmen's Tokens.—Can any of your readers inform me if there are any Tradesmen's Tokens of Scotland, issued during the 17th century; and if not, can any cause be assigned for it. I have a very large collection of tokens of the 17th century, of England, Wales, and Ireland, but not one of Scotland, which is very singular, as the towns of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Sterling, Perth, &c. must have had as great need of a small currency, as many small villages in England, of which there are many specimens.

By far the most numerous of the English tokens belong to the Southern and Midland districts: of the city of Oxford alone I have 62 varieties. The Northern Counties are much fewer in number: of Cumberland I have only tokens of two towns, Carlisle and Cockermouth; of Northumberland, the town of Newcastle only; of Westmoreland, Appleby, Kendal, and Kirby Steven.

The ordinary value is the halfpenny for the Southern Counties, having usually the Arms of some Company of the City of London, and the initials of the issuer, his wife and family name, with the name, trade and business at full length. The great bulk of these tokens are of a monotonous character, with a few curious exceptions.

One of square shape, issued by Thomas Dedicot, in Bewdley, has the legend, "Square Dealing." A copper token of Worcester, has a brass plug in the centre. A facetious Boniface of Leeds gives us the double-entendre, "Beware the Beare," with his sign of the Bear. To make the catch better, it should be known that in Yorkshire, Beer and Bear, are pronounced alike. The device and motto of the Baron Bradwardine is consequently older than the time of the author of Waverley. Roger Dickinson, of Robin Hood's Bay, affects a heart-shaped token, on which are represented the popular heroes, Robin Hood and Little John: Little John is represented half the size of Robin Hood, instead of being considerably taller, not knowing he was so nick-named from his gigantic stature. There are other tokens of octagon and diamond shape.

The Welsh tokens are generally of very good execution: the halfpenny of Edward Lloyd, of Kidwelly, is very neat; a few of Carnarvon are small, and issued at one penny, of a similar character to those of Ireland, which I have next to mention.

The Irish tokens are of a different character to those of England and Wales, being generally small, issued at one penny, and the issuer styling himself Marchant. The penny token of John Whittle, of Kilkenny, 1656, has the Arms of the Commonwealth on it; the only instance that I know of: the King's Arms are plentiful enough.

Besides the list of towns given by Lindsay in his "View of the Coinage of Ireland, 1839," I can add from my collection, Ballinasloe, Downpatrick, Loughrea, Mount-Mellick, Navan and Roscommon, besides many varieties of the towns Mr. Lindsay has published.

The circulation of these tokens was forbidden under severe penalties in 1673, but in Ireland they were continued partially to near the close of the 18th century, when another general issue of tokens throughout Great Britain was allowed by Government, owing to the great scarcity of small money. The tokens of this period are of an entirely different size and character to those of the preceding century. Wm. Boyne.

Leeds, Feb. 1852.

[pg 12]

Lithography.—Some years ago, letters and papers of William Combe, the well known author of "Dr. Syntax," came into my possession, and with them a paper, of which the following is a copy:—

"I have been told of one
Who being ask'd for bread,
In its stead
Returned a stone.

But here we manage better.
The Stone we ask
To do its task,
And it returns us every letter.

Wm. Combe, January 23, 1817."

"This is the first impression of Ackermann's Lithographic press."

Combe was so intimately connected with Ackermann's establishment, that there can be no doubt of the fact that the paper I have, was truly the very first impression in Lithography in England. The poetic scrap was no doubt Combe's own, and the facsimile shews that it was in Combe's writing.

Robt. Cole.

52, Upper Norton Street.

Sterne's Autograph.—As mentioned by A. C. K. in "Current Notes" for January, p. 2, as occurring on the title page [2] of his "Tristram Shandy," is not I believe often met with, but I doubt much its having been written for the gratification of particular friends, to whom copies of the work were presented.

I have two (the title pages only) in my possession.

Robert Cole.

52, Upper Norton Street.

Middle Ages.—Mediæval.

These terms are now so frequently used in reference to periods and works of art, that it would be useful to your readers if some competent person would define precisely what period is comprehended in the term mediæval. In a recent Exhibition many works of a comparatively late date were classed as mediæval. Mr. James, speaking of Charlemagne, says—"the precise birth-place of the greatest man of the middle ages is unknown." Here he refers to the year 742. Some of the correspondents will, perhaps, through your "Notes Current," define the limits of this term. S. E.

Archæological Publications.

Sir,—With regard to the inquiry made in your "Current Notes" for December, p. 93, with respect to Archæological publications, I wish to direct your Correspondent to a publication issued by the Architectural Societies for Northampton, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Bedfordshire, consisting of the Reports and Papers read before those Societies in the year 1850. The second part, comprising the Transactions for the Year 1851, is now in the press, and will shortly be published. These two parts will form one handsome octavo volume, printed more especially for the use of the Members of the above Societies, but a few copies are reserved for general sale, for which Mr. Masters is the agent; Thinking that your Correspondent might be glad to hear of the existence of this volume, I thought it as well to trouble you with this note.

I remain, yours faithfully,
T. Pyndar Lowe.

Saltfletby, Louth, Jan. 29.

Blackwood's Magazine.—With reference to the January Number of "Current Notes," p. 2, and the reply to an inquiry (from J. P., Philadelphia, 18th November) respecting the Author of "Father Tom and the Pope, or a Night at the Vatican,"—a paper which appeared in Blackwood some years ago, W. C. J. A. has had the goodness to inform G. W. that the reply given by F. M. is not quite correct.

"The writer of that paper was Mr. Samuel Ferguson, then and still a Member of the Irish Bar, going the North-East Circuit, and a native of Belfast. Mr. Ferguson is also the author of some spirited stanzas, published in the same Magazine, entitled, 'The Forging of the Anchor,' and is very favourably known as the author of some interesting papers in 'Blackwood,' and in the Antiquarian department of the 'Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,' of which learned body he has been for several years a member."

"Mr. F." adds W. C. J. A. "has, I believe, but I am not quite sure, written in the 'Dublin University Magazine.'"

The Shadoof.—I beg to inform W. G. with reference to his observations in your "Current Notes" for December last, that the Shadoof as engraved by you at p. 96 is in common use all over the State of New York in places where wells are obliged to be sunk, the machine being far less costly than a pump, and such as anybody can construct.

We have abundance of rivers and streams, so many indeed, that I have never seen a windmill in America.

Your N. Y. ES-pecial Reporter.

Thomas Hood.—How lamentable is it to observe, from the research of A. K. in Willis's "Current Notes" for December (p. 90), and for which I sincerely thank his Correspondent, that so eminent a man as Thomas Hood should so recently have departed from among us without record of his death.

His Song of the Shirt alone, written with so humane a purpose, surely demanded some notice. Are you aware that the Song of the Shirt suggested the American Sewing Machine, exhibited in the World's Fair, for the purpose of relieving poor females from the nightly drudgery of "stitch—stitch—stitch?" W. S.

[pg 13]

American Testimonial to Mrs. Cowden Clarke.

Mr. Willis,—Some of your correspondents appear mighty fond of Old Oaken Chairs, and I rather think if they were to visit the good old City of Aberdeen, and go into the "Auld Kirk," they will see an Oak Chair somewhat older than the engraved specimens in your "Current Notes," and on a scroll over it, they will see written

"The Chaire of Veritie."

But what do you say to the New Rosewood Shaksperian Chair, sent from New York as a complimentary testimonial to an amiable lady living at Bayswater, the inscription on which exquisite piece of work is as follows:

TO

MRS. MARY COWDEN CLARKE

THIS CHAIR IS PRESENTED

BY A FEW LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF AMERICA

AS A TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE, FOR THE UNEQUALLED

INDUSTRY

WHICH GAVE THE READERS OF ENGLISH

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

HER CONCORDANCE TO SHAKSPERE.

G. W. begs to add, that it is unnecessary for him to engrave the beautiful drawing forwarded to him of this Chair, as he perceives an engraving has already appeared in the Lady's Newspaper for the 24th January, and he has returned the drawing as requested.

Katy-Did.—G. W.'s New York Special Reporter writes him as follows, in reference to the paragraph, p. 90 of "Current Notes" for December last.

Sir,—Please inform "An Entomologist" that it will afford your Special Reporter much pleasure to send him a live specimen of the Katy-Did next fall. We have no Autumn in America! It is then they begin to sing, or rather to say: at present they are, to use the words of Davie Gellatley, "A' dead an' gane—a' dead an' gane." I first heard them one evening in August among the elms on the battery, and so loud was the noise, I fancied it was made by porters landing bars of iron on the adjoining quays.

The jingle of the song your Entomological correspondent enquires after was something like this; but I will send him a copy when I can procure one.

The moral of the song is, that a lady will always have the last word, be she insect or woman.

Mr. Willis.

Scraps from the United States

The space at G. W.'s command will only permit him to notice generally, and most gratefully to acknowledge, the number, variety, and interest of C. F. D.'s communications, and sincerely to thank him for the kind manner in which they have been forwarded.

1. The existence of Hebrew relics among the Pottawatomie Indians is extremely curious. That procured by Dr. Lykins is described as consisting of

"Four small rolls or strips of parchment, closely packed in the small compartments of a little box or locket, of about an inch cubical content. On these parchments are written, in a style of unsurpassed excellence, and far more beautiful than print, portions of the Pentateuch, to be worn as frontlets, and intended as stimulants to the memory and moral sense."

2. A notice of Professor Stuart's death has been recorded in G. W.'s Literary and Scientific Obituary.

"He published at least twenty-four volumes, and in addition to them many single sermons and newspaper essays, and contributed more than two thousand octavo pages to American periodicals. His commentaries are those on the Hebrews, Romans, Revelation, Daniel, Ecclesiastes, and the Proverbs. He printed his first Hebrew Grammar without points, and set up about half the paradigms of verbs with his own hands.—This grammar went through three editions, each one being more full than the preceding."

3. The intelligence of the Spanish Press is highly amusing.

4. The charge made against the Editor of the Oxford Edition of Milton requires proof or explanation.

"Mr. Whittier states in the National Era, that the carefully prepared Oxford edition of Milton's Works, contains a poem by Elizabeth Lloyd, of Philadelphia, purporting to have been written by the poet in his old age and blindness, and which is so well executed, as to have deceived the English editor of his works. This poem is now going the rounds of the American press, as the production of Milton."

5. The appearance of the fifth and sixth volumes of Lord Mahon's History of England has thus brought forth the indignation of the editor of the Boston (U. S.) "Transcript."

"They commence at the year 1763, and close with the year 1779, and comprise, of course, as the principal theme, the American Revolution—the rise and progress of the War of Independence. 'One point in the American War,' says the Spectator, 'Lord Mahon brings out quietly and impressively—the personal falsehood of Franklin, and often the brutality of the Americans at large.' Here will be a chance for our American reviewers and critics. 'The personal falsehood of Franklin!' It will take the affidavit of more than one Lord to make that credible."

6. The old American bookseller, whose career was so graphically described by Dr. Francis at the celebration of the hundred and forty-sixth anniversary of Franklin's birth-day, by the New York Typographical Society, was the father of the present Editor of the Literary World, an American periodical, extremely well conducted, and of considerable circulation.

[pg 14] "There are many booksellers and publishers," observed Dr. Francis, "whose character and influence might justly command detailed account. Spence himself would find among them anecdotes of consideration in the world of letters, I must, however, write within circumscribed limits. The first in immediate recollection is Evert Duyckinck. He was a middle-aged man when I was a boy occasionally at his store, an ample and old-fashioned edifice, at the corner of Pearl Street and Old Slip. He was grave in his demeanor, and somewhat taciturn; of great simplicity in dress, accommodating and courteous. He must have been rich in literary occurrences. He for a long while occupied this excellent stand for business, and was quite extensively engaged as a publisher and seller. He was a sort of Mr. Newbury, so precious to juvenile memory in the olden times. He largely dealt with that order of books, for elementary instruction, which were popular abroad, just about the close of our revolutionary war and the adoption of our Constitution, Old Dyche and his pupil Dilworth, Perry, and Sheridan. As education and literature advanced, he brought forward, by reprints, Johnson and Chesterfield, and Vicesimus Knox, and a host of others. His store was the nucleus of the Connecticut teachers' intellectual products, and Barlow and Webster, and Morse and Riggs, found him a patron of their works in poetry and school books. Bunyan, and Young, and Watts, Doddridge and Baxter, must have been issued by his enterprise in innumerable thousands throughout the whole thirteen States; and the old English Primer, now improved into the American Primer, with its captivating emendations, as

The royal oak, it was the tree
That saved his Royal Majesty;

improved by the more simple diction,

Oak's not as good
As hickory wood;

and the lines,

Whales in the sea
God's voice obey;

now modified, without loss of its poetic fire,

Great deeds were done—
By Washington—

led captivity captive, and were circulated without limits for the better diffusion of knowledge and patriotism throughout the land. As our city grew apace, and both instructors and their functions enlarged, he engaged in the Latin Classics. Having a little Latin about me, it became my duty to set up at the printing-office of Lewis Nicols, Duyckinck's reprint, De Bello Gallico. The edition was edited by a Mr. Rudd. He was the first editor I ever saw; I looked at him with school-boy admiration when I took him the proofs. What alterations or improvements he ever made in the text of Oudendorp, I never ascertained. This, however, must have been among the beginnings of that American practice, still so common among us, of deeming it necessary that the reprints of even the most important works from abroad should have, for better circulation, some name as editor inserted on the title-page. Mr. Duyckinck was gifted with great business talents, and estimated as a man of great punctuality and rigid integrity in fiscal matters. He was the first who had the entire Bible, in 12mo. preserved—set up in forms—the better to supply, at all times, his patrons. This was before stereotype plates were adopted. He gave to the Harpers the first job of printing they ever executed—whether 'Tom Thumb' or 'Wesley's Primitive Physic,' I know not. The acorn has become the pride of the forest—the Cliff Street Tree, whose roots and branches now ramify over the land. Duyckinck faithfully carried out the proverbs of Franklin, and the sayings of Noah Webster's Prompter. He was by birth and by action a genuine Knickerbocker."

Seal of Whitgift's Hospital at Croydon.

At p. 77 of your "Current Notes" for October last, there is an engraved representation of the Corporate Seal of Dulwich College; as a companion to it, I have procured a drawing of the Seal of Archbishop Whitgift's Hospital at Croydon, which was founded towards the end of the reign of Elizabeth, by that benevolent but superstitious prelate, who appears to have been a devout believer in the Black Art, as among the crimes enumerated to be punished by expulsion are "obstinate heresye, sorcerye, and any kind of charming or witchcrafte."

There were some interesting relics preserved in this establishment, particularly three wooden goblets or drinking vessels, the largest of which could hold about three pints, and bore the following inscription:

"What, Sirrah! hold thy peace,

Thirst satisfied—cease."

But I am told they have disappeared—no one can tell how or when exactly. I mention the circumstance, as there was a singular legend connected with this inscription, which I once heard, but do not now remember the particulars—perhaps some of your correspondents may.

Mr. Willis.

[pg 15]

Monumental Brasses.

St. Margaret, Rochester,
Feb. 11th, 1852.

Sir,—Allow me to correct a slight error in the communication of your correspondent G. E. S. contained in your "Current Notes" for December last, p. 92. The name of the gentleman who was mainly instrumental in restoring the Brass with the Effigy of a former Vicar of this Parish, Thomas Codd, was the late Mr. W. F. Harrison, not Hanson, as printed.

I am, Sir, yours obediently,
A Subscriber and Constant Reader.

Mr. Willis.

Cavendish's Life of Wolsey.

Sir,—In an anonymous treatise, entitled, "Who wrote Cavendish's Life of Wolsey?" London, 1814; (usually attributed to the Rev. Joseph Hunter), the writer considers the author to be a George Cavendish, a branch of the Devonshire family. But in the valuable collection of my friend Mr. W. S. Fitch, of this town, there is a well-preserved MS. copy of "The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey," by Th. Gainsford. This interesting MS. is a folio volume of 166 pages. It embraces all that is contained in Cavendish's "Life of Wolsey," with a considerable deal of extra matter. I refer to Lowndes and find that this Gainsford was the author of a Life of Perkin Warbeck, and other works. He printed nothing, it seems, after 1619.

I am, Sir, yours truly,
A Subscriber.

Ipswich, Feb. 6, 1852.

"Robbed Between Sun and Sun."

Jan. 28, 1852.

Sir,—Perhaps the query of "Y. S. N." concerning the expression of

"Robbed between Sun and Sun,"

(p. 6, of your "Current Notes,") may be derived from the definition of Burglary, in Blackstone's Commentaries, book 4, Public Wrongs, section 2. "The Time must be by Night, and not by Day, for in the Day-time there is no Burglary.... Anciently the Day was accounted to begin only at Sun-rising, and to end immediately upon Sunset."

Therefore, if I was robbed last night, the Burglary was committed between the Sun-set of yesterday, and the Sun-rise of to-day.

Yours,
Mervinensis.

Mr. Willis.

"Cromwell between the Pillars."

Sir,—I extract the following out of the copy I got from you of "Smeeton's Reprints," which answer one of the queries put by your correspondent in last month's "Current Notes," p. 7, concerning the print of Cromwell.

"The following is a History of this celebrated Print:—

"Faithorne, with his master, Robert Peake, engaged in the King's service, and were both taken prisoners at Basing House, from whence Faithorne was brought to London, and confined in Aldersgate; here resuming his occupation, he produced the exquisite Portrait of the Protector, (known as Cromwell between the Pillars), which pleased the parties then in power so much, that shortly after, it occasioned his being set at liberty, and he retired to France. Copies of the original print have been known to sell as high as 40 pounds!

"Mr. Caulfield in his Chalcographiana, says, Mr. Bull the celebrated Collector, shewed him the original drawing in red chalk from which Faithorne engraved the print; from whom he also learned the face was afterwards altered to William III."

"Ogils."

Print of Oliver Cromwell.

Sir,—I have a beautiful impression of the Print alluded to by a "Young Print and Portrait Collector," ("Current Notes" for January, p. 7), with this superscription: "Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, and the Territories thereunto belonging. Engraved by Chas. Turner, from the celebrated print by W. Faithorne." Below the figure of the Protector, on a small ornamental tablet, is "The Emblem of England's distractions, and also of her attained and further expected Freedom and Happiness;" which sufficiently explains the extraordinary allegorical figures which crowd the print.

Yours,
S. S.

Autographic Biography.

Sir,—Perhaps some of the readers of your "Notes," can inform me who is the "Kendall" who signs a document, a fragment only of which I possess, and that without date, which also bears the signatures "Orford," "J. Houblon," "G. Wharton," "P. Rich," and another I cannot decypher.

Yours,
S. S.

Autographic Biography.—The Marquis de Spinola, mentioned by Ellen F., in "Current Notes" for January, p. 6, was Ambassador or Minister from Genoa to France. He afterwards came to England on a mission from his Government. I have many of his letters, in some of which he complains of Lord Nelson's proceedings in the Mediterranean.

R. C.

I think p. 8 of your January "Notes," if referred to by your fair Correspondent Ellen F., may answer her "Hue and Cry" after John Bruce, on the 20th May, 1829.

C. P. J.

[pg 16]

Ring of Mary Queen of Scots.

Your Correspondent T. K.'s notice of Queen Elizabeth's ring, said to have been given to the Earl of Essex, ("Current Notes," for December last, p. 95), reminds me of another ring, that of Mary Queen of Scots, for using which she was censured on her Murder-trial, in consequence of its having the Arms of England impaled with those of Scotland. I possess a facsimile of that signet ring, procured from a seal engraved in Edinburgh. I should feel particularly obliged if any of your Antiquarian friends can inform me, where the original now is. I was told that it was in the British Museum, and had inquiry made there, but to no purpose. I rather think paste facsimiles may be had at Mr. Wilson's, formerly Tassie's, in Leicester Square. Mine is an engraving on Amethyst, and I shall seal this letter with it.

Respectfully yours,
R. B.

A Travelling Name.—The anecdote told by your Correspondent "J." in the last number of your "Current Notes," p. 7, is somewhat differently related in the Memoir of Mr. James Smith, prefixed to his "Comic Miscellanies," where it is stated: "The following incident occurred to James Smith in a Brighton coach. An old lady struck with his extraordinary familiarity with things and people, at length burst forth, 'And pray, Sir, you who seem to know every body—pray may I ask who you are?' 'James Smith, Madam.' This evidently conveying nothing to her mind, a fellow passenger added, 'One of the authors of the Rejected Addresses.' The old lady stared at them by turns, and then quietly said, 'I never heard of the Gentleman or the book before.'"

T. C. C.

Sale of Rare Books.—Some curious books of an interesting character, collected by the son of Simon Lord Lovat, who, it will be remembered, was executed for treasonable practices, have recently been sold by Auction by Messrs. Sotheby & Wilkinson, of Wellington Street. The Collection contained specimens from the presses of Pynson, Wynkyn de Worde and Caxton; also some rare and early works relating to America, and on the subject of English Theology during the time of the Elizabethan Age, and some curious works on Machinery and the Occult Sciences. Among them may be specially named, "The Book of the Ordre of Chyvalry or Knyghthode," (lot 244), said to be one of the rarest productions of the press of Caxton; one of three copies, (two of which being in the British Museum), and considered to be one of the most interesting volumes which we owe to the perseverance of Caxton as a translator, and of great beauty as an example of his typographic skill. It unfortunately wanted two leaves, but produced £55. 10s. The next in importance (lot 585) was a copy of the works of Ben Jonson, the edition of 1640, having belonged to the Somerset family, and of much interest from the circumstance of its containing on the inside of the cover an unpublished Poem of twenty-six lines, of a complimentary character, on the Nuptials of Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset, entirely in the autograph of Ben Jonson, and concluding with the following beautiful stanza:—

Ben Jonson.

The flattering wishes of the great Bard were however not realized in the future history of the unhappy pair. It produced £14, and has found a resting-place in the British Museum.

To Correspondents.

H. M.'s communication has been forwarded to the periodical for which it appears to have been intended.

Mediæval Mummies. "A Bookworm" who dates from the "British Museum," in type, but too long to appear this month.

Δ. Thanked.

Tobacco. S. T. "Chester," received, and in type. The copy of the collected edition of "Current Notes" sent as desired.

A. Oak House, in type, but must stand over until next month.

Antonine's Itinerary and Etymons, &c. received after G. W.'s "Current Notes" had been made up for press.

Literary and Scientific Obituary.

Clements, William. Newspaper Proprietor (Morning Chronicle, Observer, Bell's Life in London). 24th January.

Crabb, George, (M.A.) Law, Language, and History. 16, Oxford Place, New Road, Hammersmith. 4th December. 1851. Aged 83.

Davenport, Richard Alfred. History, Biography, Criticism, Poetry, &c. Brunswick Cottage, Park Street, Camberwell. 25th January. Aged 72.

Grimshaw, William. School Histories, American Chesterfield, Ladies' Lexicon. Philadelphia. 8th January.

Holcroft, Thomas. Periodical Writer, formerly Secretary Asiatic Society. 37, Woburn Place. 6th Feb.

Prout, Samuel. Water Colour Painter. 10th February. Aged 68.

Rodwell, George Herbert. Musical Composer, Dramatist and Novelist. Upper Ebury Street, Pimlico. 22nd January.

Rodwell (John). Publisher (Rodwell and Martin, Bond Street) of Batty's Views, &c. January 3rd. Aged 71.

Stuart (Professor), Moses. Biblical Scholar, Author of Hebrew Grammar, &c. Andover, U.S. 4th January. Aged 71.