Part 1

WILLIS'S CURRENT NOTES:

A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON

Antiquities, Biography, Heraldry, History, Language, Literature, Topography, Curious Customs, &c.

SELECTED FROM ORIGINAL LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS ADDRESSED DURING THE YEAR 1852,

TO THE PUBLISHER,

G. WILLIS, GREAT PIAZZA, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON. MDCCCLIII.

PREFACE.

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 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, 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."

INDEX.

(_The Articles marked thus * are illustrated by wood engravings._)

Abracadabra, 22. Adelgitha, 78, 88. Advertisements, 56. Albums, _see_ Hood, Hook, Shee, Southey. Alchemists, 64, 75, 88. Allegory of Mortality, 90. American Eloquence, 69. ----Go-a-Headism, 69, 87. ----Improvement of English Language, 63. ----Free Libraries, 96. ----Shaksperian Club, 38. ----Testimonial, _see_ Clarke. *Antiquities, sale of, 27. Apograph, 75. Archæological Associations, 22, 58. Archæological Publications, 6, 12, 25, 34, 35. ----Societies, 29, 34. Architectural Restorations, Ireland, 5. *----Slang, 70. ----Terms, 76. Archiduc d'Autriche d'Este, 76. Arctic Expedition, 32. ****Arms of Isle of Man, 18, 79, 90, 91, 101, 102. Ashbury, Joseph, 78, 93. Assignats, 82, 83. Athenæum, _see_ Eboracon. Athens, _see_ Tomb. Atlas of Epochs, 58, 71. Auctions, Literary, 8. *Author of Narrative of Transactions in British India, 75. Autographic Biography, 6, 15, 31. Autograph, _see_ Holograph. *Autographs, Admiralty, 85. Automaton Chess Player, 64, 71, 78, _see_ Advertisements.

Ballads, Rare, 100. **Bawdrick, 5, 9. Bibliomaniacs, _see_ Smith, Richard. Blackwood's Magazine, 2, 12. Blair's Monument, 31. Bobart's Dragon, 53. Boddington, Mrs. 31, 39. Boccaccio's Decamerone, 31. Bones, Fossil Human, 83. Booksellers and Publishers, 38. ----in Seventeenth Century, 97. *Booth, Bishop, 67. ----Family, 80. Botany of the Bohereens, 88, _see_ Wild Flowers. Brasses, Monumental, 2, 15, 29. Brougham, Lord, on France, 39. Brown, Dr. Thomas, _see_ Paradise of Coquettes. Bruce, J. 8. Burns's MSS. 96.

Campanalogia, 20. Capping a story, 7. Castle Cornet, 94. Caussin's Holy Court, 2. Cavendish, _see_ Wolsey. *Chair, Ancient, 95. Cheques, crossed, 58. Chinese Literature, 87. Clarke, Mrs. Cowden, 3, 13. *Coins, 3, 21, 81, _see_ Phœnician--Hebrew Harp. Coleridge, _see_ Penny Postage. Copyright, American Opinion on, 34. Coronation by a Pope, 98. Cow Chase, 62. Crabb, Mrs. 24. Cromwell, Print of, 7, 15, 21, 30. Current Notes and Americanisms, 7.

Daniel O'Rourke, 18, 55, 61, 73. Darwin, _see_ Steam. *Denham, W. 31, 36. Dental Surgery, 6. Devonshire Collection, _see_ Coins. *Doorway in Woking Church, 33. Dowden, Alderman, 79.

Earl St. Vincent's Motto, 73. Eboracon, 69. Eburacum, 58. *Engraved portrait, 71, 75. Engraving, 39. Enquiry, 55. Ethnology, 4, 9. Evelyn, John, 90. Execution of Charles I., Warrant for, 65.

Father Tom and the Pope, _see_ Blackwood. Father Mathew, _see_ Hayes. First Love, _see_ Scott. Flags, _see_ Arctic Expedition. Franks, 38, 74, 85, 98. Fraser's Magazine, 2. French Revolutionary Dates, 78, 82, 83. **Fresco Paintings, 57, _see_ Mural. Fribbleriad, 86. F. W. W., To, 80.

*Gems, 63, _see_ Rhyming Legends. Gent, Thomas, 94. Gibson, Bishop, 22. Gold Discoveries, 87. **Golden Lion, Fulham, 28. Grailey, John de, _see_ Enquiry. Greene, General, 27.

Halliwell, _see_ Shakespeare. Haunted House, 94, 99. Hayes, Catherine, 4. Healing the Sick, _see_ Rembrandt. *Hebrew Harp, 25. *Herbert, _see_ Massinger. Heralds' College, _see_ Advertisements. Highest Price for a volume, 20. Hill, Rowland, 6. Hoblyn, Richard, 11. ----Robert, 7, 11. Holograph, 55, 58, 72, 74, 75. Holy Grahl, 7. Hone, _see_ Parody. Hood, Thomas, 2, 12, 66. Hook, Theodore, 64, 94. Human Progress, 68.

India, 71, 75, 84. Information, 78. Inscriptions, 23, 90. Isle of Man, _see_ Arms.

Jewish Superstitions, 22. Jokeby, 62.

Katy-did, 13. Key, Ancient, 7. Kilkenny Archæological Society, 34. **King of Pamunkie, 99.

La Fayette, General, 27. Laud, _see_ Ballads. Lavers, the Bookseller, 11. Lettres Cherakeesiennes, 72. Liberty stone, Liverpool, 7. Library, Jarvis, sale of, 4. Lincolnshire, _see_ Brasses. *Literary Residences, 49. Lithography, 12, 23. London Environs, _see_ Peel. L'Orloge de Sapience, _see_ Auctions. Lowth, W. _see_ Enquiry.

Mahon (Lord), 27, 70. Mary, Queen of Scots, _see_ Ring. Massinger, 54. Meadley, G. W. 23, 37. Methodists' Periodical Press, U. S., 4. Middle Ages, 12. Milton, _see_ Washington. Mistletoe, 67. Monogram, 23. *----of Christ, 68. Morris, General, _see_ Woodman. Mummies, Mediæval, 17. ***Mural Paintings, 66, 76, 77. Museum, British, 6.

Nelson's Funeral, 83. Noah, Sons of, 3. Notes on the Notes, 71. Notice to Correspondents, 16, 24, 32, 40, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 98, 104. ----Subscribers, 1. Nursery Rhymes, 76, 90.

Order of the Royal Oak, 33. Obituary, Literary and Scientific, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104.

Packet Station, 58. Paradise of Coquettes, 38, 55, 56. Parody, 72, 95. Pearle of Prayer, 62. Peel, Sir Robert, Letter of, 1. Penny Postage, 22, _see_ Hill. Percy Society, 31, 39. *Phœnician Coin, 51. Pigmies, _see_ Ethnology. *Pilgrim's Badge, 7, 53. Popular Rhymes, 70. Portland Castle, 65. Prinsep, _see_ India. Punch of the Commonwealth, 92.

Queries, 31. **Querns, 59. Records, Public Admission to, by literary Inquirers, 8. Rembrandt, 38. Rhyming Legends, 76. Rhyming Tokens, 60, 80, 86. Richard III., 3. Richardson, Novelist, 63, _see_ Literary Residences. *Ring of Mary Queen of Scots, 16, 23. "Robbed between sun and sun," 6, 15, 62. *Roman Remains at Ashtead, 21.

Saint Luke's Day, print of, 7. Saldanha, Wreck of the, 35. Sale of rare books, 16. Scott's, Sir Walter, First Love, 95. Scraps from America, 13. *Seal of Whitgift's Hospital, 14. Seasons, _see_ Arms of Isle of Man. Segar, Sir W. 94, 103. Sexagenarian, Beloe's, 87. Shadoof, 12. Shakespeare's Irishman, 31. ----Bust, 38. ----House subscription, 79. ----lame, 87, 89. ----New Edition, 57, 71, 82. ----Society, 53. ----Will, 38. Shee, Sir Martin Archer, 78. Sheridan, T. Verses by, _see_ Saldanha. Shovel Board, 23, 37. Signature Collectors, 75. *Signet, ancient, 10. ----*Punic, 38. Slogans of the North, 6. Smiths, History of the, 7. ----James, 7, 20. ----O., 20. ----Richard, 103. ----Roach, _see_ Pilgrim's Badge. Smoking in the West of England, 95. Snaith, F., to, _see_ Seasons. Societies, Learned, 26, 64. Society of Antiquaries, Newcastle, 6. ----Scotland, 55. ----Historical, of Lancashire and Cheshire, 5, 10, 19. Southey on Albums, 55. Sportsmen's Terms, 88. Spunging House, 96. State of France, _see_ Brougham. Steam, Prophecy on, 87. Sterne, 54. ----*Autograph, 2, 12, 35. ----Eugenius, 54, 61. Superstitions: Cockney Land, 104. ----Jewish, 22. Sword, _see_ Wellington. Symbol, 82.

Talavera, 83. *Taw, 55, 62, 68. Threlkeld, Dr., 63. Tobacco, 19. **Tokens, 11, 19, 30, 52, 76, 92; _see_ Rhyming. Tomb, English, at Athens, 40. ----of St. Berichert, 3. Travelling Name, 7, 16. Treasure Trove, 36. Tree at Pains Hill, 84. Tristram Shandy, 35. Tuckers of Lamerton, 103. *Turkish Coin, _see_ Coin. Turnbuckle, 5. *Turner, Artist, 1, 10.

Uncle Tom's Cabin, 85. Under the Rose, 58. Union Jack, 20, 28, 29.

Veterans of Royal and Antiquarian Societies, 72. Vincart, John, 55, 63.

Ward's Grand Rebellion, 2. Warrant for Execution of Charles I., 65. Washington, 94. Waterloo, 84, 95, 99. Wellbeloved, _see_ Eburacum. Wellington, 84; _see_ Tree. *West Horseley Church, 86. **Westons, 61, 67. W(h)ig, 36. Whitehall Reliques, 96. *Wierx, 29, 39. Wild Flowers, 70. Wilkins, Sir Charles, 53, 78. Wolsey, 15. "Woodman, spare that tree," 4. Worcester, Marquis of, 10.

Yankee Doodle, 26.

WILLIS'S CURRENT NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

No. XIII.] [JANUARY, 1852. "I will make a prief of it in my Note-Book."--SHAKSPERE.

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.

THE ENVIRONS OF LONDON.

_Original Letter from the late Sir Robert Peel._

Whitehall, July 7th, 1840.

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

Gunnersbury, Sion, Chiswick, Strawberry Hill, Greenwich, Marble Hill, Oatlands, Clermont, Southcote,

you might add Wanstead, Wimbledon, Holland House, and a hundred others--many with very curious anecdotes of local and personal history connected with them.

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.

Very truly yours, ROBERT PEEL.

The County Histories would form a substratum for the work--but every thing would depend upon the liveliness and accuracy of the details.

THE LATE J. M. W. TURNER, ESQ. R.A.

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.

Yours, &c. I. T. A.

MONUMENTAL BRASSES REMOVED FROM THE CHURCHES OF FULHAM AND CHELSEA.

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.

ONE OF HIS EXECUTORS.

STERNE'S AUTOGRAPH.

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.

A. C. K.

WARD'S "GRAND REBELLION."

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.

A.

_Oak House._

DATE OF THOMAS HOOD'S DEATH.

Dec. 26th, 1851.

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.

Yours obediently, S. S.

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.

BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE.--I. P. (Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1851), writes to G. W.:

"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._

F. M.

FRASER'S MAGAZINE.