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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43710 ***

WILLIS'S CURRENT NOTES FOR THE MONTH.


    No. XVI.]            [APRIL, 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 ANCIENT HEBREW HARP.


[Illustration]

SIR,--In Kitto's Biblical Cyclopædia, vol. 2. p. 373, we find the
following coin, on which is engraved an ancient harp surrounded by the
letters, Fllth Chtr Phl, which may be construed thus:--

    'THE FELATAH CITHARA OF PUL.'

After referring the readers of "Current Notes" to the "London
Encyclopædia," word _Falasha_, and Prichard's Physical History of
Mankind, vol. 1, "On the Races of People in the Interior of Africa,"
let us have recourse to Etymology for a further elucidation of this
singular coin, and the Semi-Jewish tribe whose name it bears.

Felatah.--Hebrew פלט _phalat_, which by comparison with
its cognates signifies, _to separate from_, _retire into_, (another
country); and with its affix פלטה _phalatah_, or
_Felatah_, signifying _evasio_, _liberatio_, _residuum_, _&c._

Cithara.--Greek κιθαρα. Hebrew and Chaldee חטר
_chatar_, _a stick_, (plectrum), _to beat with a stick_; therefore
the instrument cannot be the עשׂוֹר _asor_, _decachordon_; but
properly, I think, the harp or lyre that was beaten with the _plectrum_.

Pul.--Hebrew פול _phul_, or _Pul_, (Isaiah lxvi. 19.)
"AFRICA, _ea pars quæ apud Fesam_."

Such is the value of rightly interpreting the ancient coins of various
nations.

                                        Yours truly,
                                                T. R. BROWN.

Southwick, Oundle, March 27th, 1852.




ARCHÆOLOGICAL PUBLICATIONS.


_In compliance with the wish very generally expressed by G. W.'s
Subscribers and Correspondents, particularly by S. E. ("Current
Notes" for March, p. 22,) G. W. has collected the titles of the chief
Archæological publications in England, and in France and Germany. The
former he believes to be nearly correct, but the latter is necessarily
very imperfect, with the exception of the North of France. Very few
foreign Antiquarian publications find their way to this country, as
reference to the libraries of the British Museum and the Society of
Antiquaries will prove._


PUBLICATIONS OF ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETIES, ETC. IN ENGLAND AND IN FRANCE.

    "Archæologia" of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
      Part I. Vol. XXXIV. 4to. 1851. Half a volume
      published yearly.

    "Vetusta Monumenta" of the same Society; suspended for
      some five or six years, folio.

    "Proceedings of," in 8vo. published for the Fellows,
      quarterly, Vol. II. No. 29, 1852.

    Catalogue of the Kerrich Collection of Roman Coins,
      8vo. 1852.

    "Archæologia Æliana" of the Society of Antiquaries of
      Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Vol. IV. Part 1, 4to. 1846.

    This work has been suspended since 1846.

    Archæologia Scotica of the Society of Antiquaries of
      Scotland, suspended for many years, or, it may be
      said, defunct; it extends only to Part II. Vol. IV.
      1833.

    Journal of the British Archæological Association, Vol.
      VII. 8vo. complete, 1852.

    Archæological Journal of the Archæological Institute,
      Vol. VIII. 8vo. complete, 1852.

    (Vol. 1 of this work was compiled chiefly by Members
      of the Association, and records the Proceedings of
      the original institution before the secession and
      formation of the Institute.)

    Sussex Archæological Collections, published by the
      Sussex Archæological Society, Vol. IV. 8vo. 1851.

    _Original Papers_, published by the Norfolk and Norwich
      Archæological Society, Vol. III. Part 3. 8vo. 1852.

    Proceedings of the Bury and West Suffolk Archæological
      Institute, established 1848, Vol. I. Part 5. 8vo.
      1851.

    Proceedings and Papers of the Historic Society of
      Lancashire and Cheshire, Vol. II. Part 1. 8vo. 1851.

    "Archæologia Cambriensis," and Journal of the Cambrian
      Archæological Association, Vol. III. (new series)
      Part 2. 1852.

    Journal of the Chester and Cheshire Architectural
      Archæological Society, Vol. I. Part 1. 8vo. 1850.

    Proceedings of the Kilkenny Archæological Society?

    Museum of Classical Antiquities, Part I. Vol. II. 8vo.
      1852.

    Collectanea Antiqua (by C. Roach Smith,) Part IX. Vol.
      II. 8vo. 1852.

    Reliquiæ Antiquæ Eboracenses, (by W. Bowman,) Part II.
      4to. Leeds, 1852.

    Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Numismatic
      Society, Vol. XV. No. 1, 1852.

There are numerous other local Societies in England, but as they have
never printed any proceedings they can scarcely be regarded as more
than nominally Archæological Societies.


FOREIGN SOCIETIES, ETC.

    Society of Antiquaries of France, Proceedings,
      (Bulletin Monumental), 8vo. annually to 1851.

    Society of Antiquaries of Normandy (Caen) Mémoires, 2^e
      Série, 9^e Vol. 4to. (Vol. XIX of the Collection,)
      1852.

    Society of Antiquaries of Picardy (Amiens,) Vol. XI.
      8vo. 1851.

    Society of Antiquaries of the West (Poitiers), Vol.
      XVIII. 8vo. 1848.

    Society of Antiquaries of the Morini (St. Omer), Vol.
      VIII. 8vo. 1850.

    Society of Emulation of Abbeville, Vol. VI. 8vo. 1851.

    Société E'duenne des Lettres, Sciences et Arts,
      (Autun), Vol. II. 8vo. 1849.

    Society for Historical Researches, etc. of the
      Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, Vol. III. 4to. 1847.

    Revue Numismatique (quarterly), commenced in 1836,
      8vo. This work is very valuable, not only for the
      excellent papers it contains, but also for the
      numerous illustrations. Edited by MM. E. Cartier and
      de la Saussaye.

    Revue Archéologique (quarterly), commenced in 1844.
      8vo. Leleux, Paris--Curt, London. Also a valuable
      periodical.

    Annalen des Vereins für Nassauische Alterthumskunde und
      Geschichtsforschung (Wiesbaden), 8 vols. 8vo. to 1850.

    Zeitschrift des Vereins zur Erforschung der Rheinischen
      Geschichte u. Alterthümer in Mainz, (Mayence), in
      8vo. and 4to. 1850.

    Jahrbücher des Vereins von Alterthumsfreunden im
      Rheinlande, No. XVI. 8vo. 1851. Bonn.

    Geschichte der vormaligen freien adeligen
      Benedictiner-Abtei Sunnesheim von Karl Wilhelmi, from
      1831 to 1851, in 8vo. Sinsheim.

Most of these German publications are in thin yearly volumes without
indices.


THE LEARNED SOCIETIES AND PRINTING CLUBS _of the United Kingdom_,
as existing in 1847, have been classified in an 8vo. volume of 307
pages, by the Rev. Dr. Hume, to which those who require information
respecting their Origin, History, Objects, and Constitution, are
referred. It contains full details as to Membership, Fees, their
published Works, Notices of their Periods and Places of Meeting, with a
General Introduction, and a good Index. As a book of reference, it is
absolutely necessary for all public libraries.




THE ORIGIN OF YANKEE DOODLE.--The "Transcript," (American paper), of
28th February last, contains the following pungent verses respecting

THE ORIGIN OF YANKEE DOODLE,

AFTER THE MANNER OF THE OLD CONTINENTAL BALLAD WRITERS, BY GEORGE P.
MORRIS, ESQ.

    Once on a time old Johnny Bull,
      Flew in a raging fury,
    And swore that Jonathan should have
      No trials, sir, by jury:
    That no elections should be held,
      Across the briny waters:
    "And now," says he, "I'll tax the tea
      Of all his sons and daughters,"
    Then down he sat in burly state,
      And blustered like a grandee,
    And in derision made a tune
      Called "Yankee Doodle dandy."
    "Yankee Doodle"--these are facts--
      "Yankee doodle dandy:
    "My son of wax, your tea I'll tax--
      "Yankee doodle dandy."

    John sent the tea from o'er the sea
      With heavy duties rated;
    But whether hyson or bohea,
      I never heard it stated.
    Then Jonathan to pout began--
      He laid a strong embargo--
    "I'll drink no tea, by Jove!" so he
      Threw overboard the cargo.
    Then Johnny sent a regiment,
      Big words and looks to bandy,
    Whose martial band, when near the land,
      Play'd "Yankee doodle dandy."
    "Yankee doodle--keep it up!
      "Yankee doodle dandy!
    "I'll poison with a tax your cup,
      "Yankee doodle dandy."

    A long war then they had, in which
      John was at last defeated--
    And "Yankee doodle" was the march
      To which his troops retreated.
    Cute Jonathan, to see them fly,
      Could not restrain his laughter:
    "That tune," says he, "suits to a T,
      I'll sing it ever after."
    Old Johnny's face, to his disgrace,
      Was flushed with beer and brandy,
    E'en while he swore to sing no more,
      This "Yankee doodle dandy."
    "Yankee doodle--ho! ha! he!
      "Yankee doodle dandy--
    "We kept the tune, but not the tea,
      "Yankee doodle dandy."

    I've told you now the origin
      Of this most lively ditty,
    Which Johnny Bull dislikes as "dull
      And stupid!"--what a pity!
    With "Hail Columbia!" it is sung,
      In chorus full and hearty--
    On land and main, we breathe the strain,
      John made for his tea-party.
    No matter how we rhyme the words,
      The music speaks them handy,
    And where's the fair can't sing the air,
      Of "Yankee doodle dandy!"
    "Yankee doodle--firm and true--
      "Yankee doodle dandy--
    "Yankee doodle, doodle doo!
      "Yankee doodle dandy."




LORD MAHON AND GENERAL GREENE AND LA FAYETTE.--C. F. D. presents
his compliments to Mr. Willis, and with reference to the fifth
paragraph headed "Scraps from the United States," which appeared in
"Current Notes" for February last, p. 13, forwards him the following
communication, which from the initials he presumes is from the pen of
Mr. Hildreth, the historian:--

    "The fifth and sixth volumes of Lord Mahon's History of
    England from the peace of Utrecht, have for a leading
    subject the early years of the American Revolutionary
    War. Writing from the English point of view, the
    proceedings of Parliament and the English side of the
    story naturally form the foreground of the picture,
    while the affairs of the colonies themselves--certainly
    the most interesting as well as the most important,
    not for Americans only, but for all historical
    students--fall into a distant perspective. The American
    part of Lord Mahon's book is very slight in its
    execution, made up mostly of anecdotes and extracts
    of letters, good as illustrations, but hardly as
    substance; indicating often but a superficial knowledge
    on the part of the writer, and conveying to the reader
    no distinct or connected idea of the American side of
    the story. With a great show of candour, 'My Lord'
    also evinces throughout a somewhat anxious desire to
    depreciate the 'rebels.' Thus Franklin is pursued
    with pitiful but persevering rancour, charged with
    falsehood and duplicity, because he, like most of the
    other Americans of that day, arrived at the point of
    separation and independence only by gradual steps;
    because his opinions and views of 1769 and 1775 did
    not correspond altogether with those of 1795; and
    because he appears to have spoken--as what was more
    natural?--with somewhat more of freedom and with
    greater dislike of the British connexion among his
    intimate associates than when addressing himself to the
    British ministry or to British statesmen.

    A curious instance of this sort of spitefulness, which
    constantly exhibits itself throughout the book, occurs
    in the case of Gen. Greene, of whom Lord Mahon writes:
    "The command of this important post (Brooklyn) was
    entrusted by Washington to Gen. Greene, an officer of
    bravery and enterprise, '_but of intemperate habits_;'
    and he adds, in a note, '_Greene, un général souvent
    ivre_.' These are the words of La Fayette; Mém. et
    Corresp. Vol. I. p. 21, ed. 1837." The edition in the
    original French here quoted is not at hand, but in that
    published the same year at New York and London, in
    England, and like the French edition under authority
    of La Fayette's representatives, the entire passage
    above referred to, reads as follows: After an account
    of the appearance of the American army as first seen
    by La Fayette in the summer of 1777--about 11,000
    men, ill armed, and still worse clothed, and very
    deficient in tactics, La Fayette adds: 'Lord Stirling,
    more courageous than judicious, _another General who
    was often intoxicated_, and Greene, whose talents were
    only then known to his intimate friends, commanded as
    Major Generals.' The other General here referred to
    was Stephen, who was cashiered not long after on that
    very ground, for his misbehaviour at the Battle of
    Germantown. And as there can scarcely be a doubt that
    this version gives the correct sense of the French
    original, there is room for apprehension that Lord
    Mahon is not only incorrect in giving only a part of a
    sentence, thus putting into La Fayette's mouth what he
    never said, but that even the order of the words has
    been changed, the name of Greene being removed from the
    end to the beginning of the quotation. Upon this point
    I will add something further, so soon as I can obtain
    the French original."

                                                H. H.




THE SALE OF ANTIQUITIES, &c. which took place at Messrs. Sotheby
and Wilkinson's rooms, on the 5th of this month, and two following
days, although one made up by the dealers in such articles, attracted
considerable attention, and many things, if not bought in, realised
considerable prices; the total produce of the sale being, it is said,
upwards of twelve hundred pounds.

In the first and third day's sale several lots of articles, well
known to Archæologists as Celts, and of which the usual appearance
may be recognised from figures 1 and 2, sold on the average for about
half-a-crown each. A large quantity of antique gems--none of any
extraordinary merit--in modern setting of gold, ranged from about ten
shillings to two guineas each. There were some specimens of Irish ring
money, which sold or were bought in at very high prices; and some
appeared to have been tampered with, if not manufactured for the market.

[Illustration: fig. 1.]

[Illustration: fig. 2.]

The second day's sale contained many good Etruscan and Roman bronzes.
A Winged Victory (Lot 222) was knocked down at £5. A Lamp with the
original chain for suspension (Lot 238) at £5. 8_s_. An Etruscan
stew-pan (Lot 256) at £5. 10_s_. And the Leg of a Roman Warrior, the
foot sandalled (Lot 234) at £7. 7_s_. But the great object of the day
was (Lot 266) a bronze figure of an Archer, which was stated to have
been discovered in July, 1842, while excavating for making a sewer in
Queen Street, Cheapside, London, and which, if standing erect, would
have been fifteen inches, but in its stooping posture the perpendicular
height was about eleven inches. It has been described and figured in
the Archæologia, vol. xxx. plate xxii. p. 544.

This really fine work of art was put up at 30 guineas, and, after a
slight struggle, knocked down to Purnell B. Purnell, Esq., of Stancombe
Park, Dursley, Gloucestershire for 125. The Etruscan fictile vases sold
for about as many shillings as forty years ago they would have brought
pounds, but the miscellaneous articles brought extraordinarily high
prices. Two Necklaces of common Venetian beads (Lots 351 and 357) worth
about half-a-crown each, were eagerly contended for, and the hammer
fell at £2. 6_s_. The second day's sale closed with a struggle for
various gold Etruscan fibulæ and ornaments, which went at high prices,
and it was understood in the room that an Etruscan gold necklace, with
a head of Medusa attached, was bought in at no less a sum than £50.

The third day's sale was less attractive. An exceedingly curious Lamp
in bronze (Lot 470), of oval form, with four burners issuing from the
sides, the handle formed of figures of grotesque animals, and stated to
have been found near London Bridge, produced four guineas. There were
a few (eight) illuminated Manuscripts, but none sold for extravagant
prices. An Etruscan gold wreath, composed of masks and foliage worn
round the helmet, from the Canino Collection (Lot 529) was secured by
T. Crofton Croker, Esq., for £19. 10_s_. With the disposal of some
Shaksperian relics this very miscellaneous sale closed, but they did
not appear to be much coveted.

There were some fine and many desirable specimens, with a few of
very doubtful character, and some unquestionable forgeries. The Earl
Cadogan, Sir Gardiner Wilkinson, Dr. Henderson, and other amateurs
of Art and Archæology, seemed to watch the progress of the sale with
considerable interest.

                                                       N.




[Illustration]

THE GOLDEN LION, FULHAM, "should not," writes G.W.'s Correspondent,
T. C. C. "be confounded with the Golden Lion, Brompton, the exterior
decoration of which was figured in 'Current Notes,' No. III. for March,
1851, p. 22, with a facetious reference to Sir Charles Eastlake's
speech at the Macready dinner." And it appears to G. W.'s Correspondent
that T. M. in "Current Notes" for March last, No. XV. p. 19, and the
Rev. Dr. Hume, of Liverpool, February, No. XIV. p. 10, are both in
an unnecessary "_fume_" about what easily admits of explanation; if,
indeed, the history of an old tobacco pipe required one. "Suppose,"
says T. M. "that I was in a hoaxing humour, and that no such Inn
ever existed at Fulham as the Golden Lion?" "Now," continues our
Correspondent, "I may as well suppose that no such person ever existed
as T. M., but to prove that such an Inn existed at Fulham as the Golden
Lion, I send you a series of twelve sketches which were presented to me
by Mr. Henry Warren, the President of the New Society of Watercolour
Painters, and which were made of and in it in April, 1836, previous to
the old hostelrie being pulled down and replaced by a modern public
house bearing the same name. You have my permission to engrave any
one or two of these studies, and I have been assured that the oak
panneling of some of the principal rooms was purchased by a dealer, and
re-sold to the Earl of Ellenborough for the fitting of his Lordship's
residence, Southam House, Cheltenham."


[Illustration]

_Availing himself of this permission, G. W. has caused first to be
engraved_ the Chimney Piece of the back room, ground floor, South
side, _and opposite_ the Chimney Piece, back room, first floor, _as
characteristic specimens of this curious old house_.




FORMATION OF THE UNION JACK.


                              Esplanade, Sidmouth, March 27th, 1852.

SIR,--The annexed may possibly be of use to H. M. in your "Current
Notes" for March, but I am not able to refer to the work from which it
is taken.

                                                 Yours obediently,
                                                       W. G. CLARKE.

Mr. WILLIS.


_St. George's red cross on a white ground, and St. Andrew's white cross
(diagonally) on a blue ground. In 1800, St. Patrick's red cross, on a
white ground, was added._

_The flag should be constructed to shew the three crosses distinctly._


THE UNION JACK.

Yarm^o, March 29th. 1852.

SIR,--"H. M." of the March "Current Notes," p. 20, enquires "the
formation of our British Union Jack." To describe it in heraldic terms
is as follows: Az. a cross saltire argent encalved gules; over all a
common cross, the same as first. I believe there are no given rules
as to its proportion. This appears to be the best, viz. the breadth
three-fourths of the length. But the inclosed, forwarded to H. M., will
suffice for all.[A]

                                                             W.


THE UNION JACK AND MONUMENTAL BRASSES.

                                    11, Montpelier Square, Brompton,
                                                 March 28th, 1852.

SIR,--Your Correspondent, H. M. will find a very curious history of
the origin and formation of the Union Jack in Brayley's "Graphic
Illustrator:" it is written by the late Sir Harris Nicolas, and the
"absurd arrangement" of the National Flag elucidated by nine heraldic
woodcuts.

Perhaps you will permit me to embrace this opportunity of saying a few
words on the abstraction of Monumental Brasses from churches, which
has attracted the attention of some of your Correspondents lately; one
of whom throws the blame almost wholly on "the sectarian soldiers of
Cromwell's time."[B] I am not desirous of defending these men, but I
_am_ desirous that modern Churchwardens should not screen their neglect
by such an excuse. A slight research among our topographical works will
prove, that a very large abstraction and destruction of such memorials
has taken place in comparatively recent times. In the introduction to
Cotman's "Brasses of Norfolk and Suffolk," he notes that "in 1800 the
chancel of Ingham was completely swept of all its beautiful memorials
of the Stapleton family. They were sold as old metal, and it was
commonly reported by whom they were bought and sold; but nobody sought
to recover them; neither minister nor churchwarden cared for any of
these things." The beautiful brass (engraved in this same work) of
Robert Attelath, Mayor of Lynn in 1374, was about forty years ago
"given out of the church by the Churchwardens to a person who sold it
for five shillings to a brass founder." The collection of rubbings
from Brasses made about the same time and bequeathed to the British
Museum by the late Francis Douce, present several since destroyed. The
Journal of the Archæological Association narrates the fact of several
removed from a country church because their rivets became loose, and
"tripped up the old women who came to the fore seats in the aisle."
I remember several instances of Brasses thus loosened, taken up and
thrown in vestries or belfries, until they were sufficiently forgotten
to be carried out and sold to the metal-founder. Some few Antiquaries
have argued that they are better taken care of in their museums than
thus exposed to destruction; and churchwardens being willing "to get
rid of the ugly old things," many have disappeared this way. Let me,
however, record one instance of honourable restitution. The effigy of
an armed knight, of the Bacon family, (temp. Edw. I.) in Gorleston
Church, Suffolk, engraved by Cotman, "in 1810 was gone, and supposed to
be irretrievably lost; but at the sale of Mr. Craven Ord's curiosities,
it was purchased by John Gage, Esq., who, with correct feeling and
good taste, gave it back to the church, and Dawson Turner, Esq., at
his expense, had it replaced in its original position." Surely, the
soldiers of Cromwell have sins enough to answer for, without heaping
those of modern Churchwardens on their heads.

                       I am, Sir, yours very truly,
                                                 F. W. FAIRHOLT.

MR. G. WILLIS.




MONUMENTAL BRASSES OF LINCOLNSHIRE.


The Lincolnshire Architectural Society propose to superintend the
publication of the most interesting Monumental Brasses of that County.
The work to be comprised in 12 parts, containing about five plates
each; and published at intervals of two months: with a small volume of
descriptive letter-press at the close of the series.

Brasses from the following churches (among others) will be included
in this series:--Barton, Boston, Buslingthorpe, Great Coates, Croft,
Covenham, Grainthorpe, Gunby, Hainton, Irnham, South Kelsey, Linwood,
South Ormsby, Spilsby, Tattershall, Wrangle, &c.

The Rev. F. P. Lowe, Saltfleetby, Louth, is the Hon. Sec. of the
Lincolnshire Architectural Society. But the work will not be issued
till a sufficient number of subscribers, at £1 4_s_, or at about 6_d_
per plate, has been obtained to ensure the Society against any loss.




ARCHÆOLOGICAL SOCIETIES, AND THEIR WORKS.


                                      Northampton, March 14th, 1852.

SIR,--I am rather amused (see p. 12 "Current Notes" for February last)
at the apparent strength of Architectural Science in the Midland
Counties. There are, it seems, _four_ Societies, and in one year
they publish almost one volume! If _four_ Societies can only produce
one "handsome octavo volume" in so long a period, I should suggest
their dissolving themselves, and let some _one_ active and competent
member do the work. The truth is, half of these _Societies_ are merely
architectural Mrs. Harrises--talked about, but seldom or never seen.
One liberal man, who would give a couple of hundred of pounds towards a
work published by some creditable architect, would beat them all.

                                        I am, Sir, yours truly,
                                                       ANTI-SOCIALIST.

MR. WILLIS.




WIERX, THE ENGRAVER.


                                                    April 2nd, 1852.

SIR,--I shall be obliged by any reference you can give me, through your
interesting columns, to the works and date of an old engraver, "H.
Wierx," and oblige

                                                 Yours,
                                                     W. W. C.

Mr. WILLIS.




THE PILLAR PRINT OF OLIVER CROMWELL.


                                       Brompton, April 10th, 1852.

DEAR SIR,---As this famous Portrait seems to be an object of interest
to several of your subscribers, I take the liberty of adding my mite
of information concerning it. In the March Number of "Current Notes,"
p. 21, it is stated that Caulfield valued a good impression of it at
£36, but your Correspondent remarks, that "this was all very well for a
dealer's valuation," adding, that the one sold at the Strawberry Hill
sale was bought by a printseller for £7. 15_s_. That Caulfield was
nearly right in his appreciation, I find confirmed by reference to the
Catalogue of the 'extensive and choice collection of Prints' formed by
my uncle, the late Robert Morse, Esq. of Clarges Street, Piccadilly,
which was sold by auction by the well-known Dodd, May 15th, 1816, and
27 following days. This portrait (Lot 1335), described as "an excellent
impression and of the utmost rarity," sold for £30 19_s_ 6_d_. This,
it is true, was in the high and palmy time of print-collecting, as the
prices of a few others will testify. James I. by W. Pas, sold for £14
3_s_ 6_d_. Edward Somerset, Earl of Worcester, by Simon Pas, for £9
9_s_. Edmond Baron Sheffield, for £10. Sir Julius Cæsar, by Elstracke,
for £10 10_s_. Frances Bridges, Countess of Exeter, by Faithorne, for
£10. Lot 3602, Strutt's Dictionary of Engravers, illustrated by 2820
prints, exhibiting specimens of the works of 1680 different engravers,
bound in 18 vols. sold for £288 15_s_. Lot 3600, Vandyck's Works, a
magnificent collection of engravings after his paintings, for £198; and
others in the same proportion.

                    Your obedient servant and collaborateur,
                                                     CHARLES EDMONDS.

Mr. WILLIS.




TOKENS OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.


The notice of Tradesmen's tokens, inserted in the "Current Notes"
of Feb. 25th, has attracted more attention than I expected, as
besides the letters published in the Notes of March 25th, I have had
direct communications from Andover and Downpatrick. In reply to the
obliging letter of "K. L." Dublin, I beg to say, that I had seen the
engraving of the Cork farthing in Mr. Lindsay's work, but as I did not
sufficiently express my meaning, I will now explain what I meant by
"_the Commonwealth Arms_," viz. that the two shields of Arms of England
and Ireland were side by side, as shewn on the Token engraved in the
"Notes," and precisely in the form they appear on the Coins of the
Commonwealth, not separate as on the Cork farthing, one shield on the
obverse, the other on the reverse side. They are all scarce: I do not
know a single example of these Arms on an English token. Dr. Smith's
Catalogue of Irish Tokens was unknown to me; I shall take the first
opportunity to procure a copy.

My chief object in writing the notice was to get any information
concerning the Tokens of Scotland, whether there are any besides the
Royal tokens. The Scotch tokens of the 18th Century, mentioned by your
correspondent "M. A. M." are well known, and engraved in the excellent
work by Charles Pye, on the "Provincial Coins and Tokens issued from
the year 1787 to 1801, Birmingham, 1801."

The following passage from Thoresby, the Leeds historian, who was a
celebrated Numismatist in his day, gives the best information I can
find on the subject: he says:--

"When private persons first obtained liberty of having their own names
inscribed on the Tokens, I cannot learn. Sir William Dick had that
favour in Charles I.'s time, but that was in Scotland. It seems to have
been otherwise in England. I have by me a copy of an order in Council,
whereby it appears that only the King's farthing tokens should be
current here,[C] and the privilege of coining them was granted to the
Duke of Lennox, and the Marquis of Hamilton, under the Great Seal."

The passage is obscure, and does not sufficiently give the information
wanted, as the great bulk of these tokens were issued during the time
of the Commonwealth and the reign of Charles II.

The study of Tradesmen's tokens has met with such unmerited contempt
from some of our ablest antiquaries, that it seems rash to attempt an
apology for them; but any one who is well acquainted with them knows
the fund of amusement and instruction that may be derived from them,
and if they continue to be slighted as they have been, many specimens
will be irretrievably lost to future antiquaries. A few further remarks
on them may be interesting to your general readers.

After a careful calculation, I cannot estimate the number of these
tokens at less than 40,000, and I think that number less than the
real quantity; from various correspondence with collectors, I always
find that they have a large number different to mine. Mr. Akerman has
described 2461 in his list of London Tokens only. The great loss to the
public compelled the Government to put them down under the severest
penalties: very large numbers may be picked out of a collection,
which would require a dozen to weigh a modern halfpenny; their paltry
intrinsic value, no doubt, prompted many unprincipled shopkeepers to
issue them, from the profit they derived from the quantity which would
be lost, owing to their small size. There is scarcely a village that
had not its local currency. I possess tokens of 684 cities, towns, and
villages.

Amongst the different trades and professions which appear on the
tokens, that of a Musician is seldom met with: the following is an
interesting example, and furnishes an early example of Punch--

[Illustration]

Henry Laude, Newark, says, "Noe want where these are." The cruel sport
of cock fighting is on the token of William Docker, of Leeds, drawer.
Gateshead has a punning coat of arms--a goat's head: to the lovers of
Heraldry there is a fund of amusement; besides the Arms of the Trading
Companies of London, we have the Arms of Corporations, and families.
Many of the Corporations issued their tokens: Wotton-under-Edge has,
"This farthing token will be owned by the Mayor and Aldermen." The
Bristol Corporation farthing is of good size and execution: many
different dies were used. It is an exceedingly common token, and
remarkable, as being the only one issued in that important commercial
town. Many names of towns appear on these tokens, which would puzzle a
gazetteer to find out: two names occur to me at this moment, OZED and
FAIREFAX.

To those who are interested in Tokens, I would recommend the "Reliquiæ
Antiquæ Eboracenses, or Remains of Antiquities in Yorkshire," which can
be supplied by you: two numbers are published, each containing a plate
of Yorkshire Tokens.

                                                 WILLIAM BOYNE.

Leeds, April 1852.




THE PERCY SOCIETY have resolved "that considering the present
circumstances of the Society, it is expedient that the Society be
dissolved at the close of the current year, (30th April next); and
that the Books which remain in hand be divided amongst those Members,
then not in arrear of their subscriptions, so far as the stock will
allow, and with advantage of priority in proportion to the period of
subscription."




MONUMENT TO THE POET BLAIR.--"The Glasgow _literati_ propose to erect a
monument at Athelstaneford, to the memory of Blair, the author of "The
Grave," and other poetical works. Blair was long the parish Minister of
Athelstaneford, and is buried in the grave-yard there."--_Sunday Times,
11th April._




BOCCACCIO'S DECAMERONE.


Your Correspondent W. B. M. ("Current Notes" for March last, p. 20),
will find a curious account of the auction sale of the _Boccaccio_,
in the third volume of Dibdin's Bibliographical Decameron, and a
minute description of the precious volume itself in the Bibliotheca
Spenceriana, Vol. iv. It is not however "unique." There was a copy in
the Blenheim Collection, and another somewhat defective and "cruelly
washt and cropt," in the Royal Library at Paris,

                                                 Yours truly,
                                                      A BOOKWORM.

MR. WILLIS.




WILLIAM DENHAM.--Who was a Member of the Goldsmith's Company in
the reign of Elizabeth. F. R. S. enquires, "Can any of G. W.'s
Correspondents give me any particulars respecting him? If so, I should
feel much obliged."




SHAKESPEARE'S CHARACTERS.


                                       Gainsborough, March 15, 1852.

SIR,--There has gone the round of the papers a paragraph, stating that
though individuals of almost every nation appear as characters in one
or other of Shakespeare's Plays, yet there never occurs an Irishman.
I do not know whether this has been contradicted or not; but it is
capable of contradiction, as a distinguished Prelate proved to me by
taking down his volume of Shakespeare, containing the Play of Henry
V. There in the 3rd Act, Scene 2nd, Fluellen, the Welchman, holds an
animated and very characteristic conversation with Capt. Macmorris, an
Irishman. The original can be consulted. The Irish peculiarities are
well hit off. So much for the charge of omission which has been brought
against our great Bard,

                           I am, Sir, yours, faithfully,
                                                    C. S. B.

MR. WILLIS.


QUERIES.


SIR,--I shall be greatly obliged if you will permit me to propound the
following queries in your "Current Notes:"

1. Is any endeavour being made to complete that vast work, the "Acta
Sanctorum," the last volume of which was published at Brussels in 1845?

2. Where can I see a list of the persons on whom it was proposed by
Charles the Second to confer the Order of the Royal Oak?

3. Is there any English translation of the "Aurea Legenda" besides the
one by Caxton, and has that translation ever been reprinted?

                                                     E. P.




AUTOGRAPHIC BIOGRAPHY.


                                                     March 6, 1852.

SIR,--I have taken some little pains to find out S. S.'s quere
("Current Notes," Feb. p. 15), without further success than to presume
(in the absence of a facsimile) that the "Orford" must be the Earl
created 1742, there being a "Kendal" title then in existence: extinct
1743. Your correspondent can, without great difficulty, compare it with
those mutilated documents, I should say, that have been so frequently
dispersed at the various sales from the stock of Messrs. Upcott, Cole
& Co., originally in the Exchequer State Paper Office, from whence no
doubt it came.

                                                 Yours,
                                                      "MAGOG."

Mr. WILLIS.




MRS. BODDINGTON.


                                                 29th March, 1852.

SIR--Perhaps some of your readers will kindly afford me some
information relative to Mrs. BODDINGTON, authoress of _The Gossip's
Week_, _Reminiscences of the Rhine_, _Sketches of the Pyrenees_, and a
volume of _Poems_, published by Longman & Co. in 1839?

                                             Yours obediently,
                                                             W.




THE ARCTIC SEARCHING EXPEDITION.--No less than twenty Flags have been
presented to Captain Sir Edward Belcher, designed and embroidered by
the fair fingers of his relatives and friends. Previous to the sailing
of the "Assistance," they were displayed on the quarter-deck of that
ship, for the inspection of the distinguished visitors who repaired on
board to take leave of this distinguished, gallant, and enterprising
officer. The following list of their devices and mottoes may not be an
uninteresting record:--

1. Black pouncing eagle, white ground, scarlet border. Motto, on
scarlet ground,

    "SPEED TO THE RESCUE."                              C. B.

2. Golden lion, blue ground, scarlet border. Garter enclosing, with
motto in black,

    "WHILST I BREATHE, I HOPE."                         M. R.

3. Gold anchor, blue ground. Motto,

    "HOPE ON--HOPE EVER."                               E. M.

4. White bear, blue ground. Motto,

    "BEAR AND FORBEAR."                                 C. M.

5. Spade, ice-saw, pickaxe, bright green ground. Motto, on black scroll,

    "PERSEVERE AND PROSPER."                         S. C. M.

6. Gold star, crimson ground,

    "LEAD THOU US ON."                               S. A. W.

7. White dove, blue ground. Motto, on scarlet,

    "GO FORTH IN FAITH."                                M. L.

8. Gold star, blue ground. Motto,

    "FAITHFUL AND TRUE."                                E. B.

9. Green wreath, crimson ground. Motto,

    "NONE BUT THE BRAVE DESERVE THE CROWN."             I. W.

10. Gold lion, scarlet. Motto, on blue garter,

    "DANGERS DO NOT DAUNT ME."                       F. E. P.

11. Fleet greyhound, blue ground. Motto,

    "SWIFT ON MY COURSE."                            C. G. P.

12. Family crest, blue ground. Family motto, on garter,

    "LOYAL AU MORT."                                    H. B.

13. Purple, crimson ornament, blue ground. Motto,

    "SUCCESS TO THE BRAVE."                             M. B.

14. Orange silk. Motto, in purple,

    "BE OF GOOD COURAGE."                            M. L. B.

15. Crown in centre. Swallow-tail shape. Gold and blue. Motto,

    "SUCCESS TO THE BRAVE."                       A. S. B. T.

16. Enclosed in a garter, a setting sun; on the garter, a white daisy.

    "I WATCH FOR YOUR RETURN."                       M. A. P.

17. White centre, scarlet border. Motto, in purple,

    "BY FAITH AND COURAGE."                             C. T.

18. Star, white and silver, blue ground. Motto,

    "NEVER DESPAIR. VICTORY FOLLOWS THE BRAVE."      F. M. H.

19. Greek oak wreath, "BLANCHE" in centre, maize ground. Motto,

    "BRIGHT EYES FOR BRAVE HEARTS."                     B. T.

20. An eagle on rock, breaking his chain, light blue; in the four
corners, the initials H. D.--I. D.--S. D. and U. D., light blue ground.
Motto,

    "ADVERSA REPELLO VIRTUTE."      L.

This flag was understood to have been the work of the Hon. Misses
Denison, and to have been presented to Sir Edward Belcher by Lady
Londesborough.

The flag, said to have been presented, with the motto, "GO IT, NED,"
was not among the number exhibited.

    AN EASTER MONDAY VISITOR TO WOOLWICH.




TO CORRESPONDENTS.


    ORIENTALIS.--In type; must stand over.

    THE DRAMATIC REGISTER FOR 1851, received.

    Mr. MEADLEY.--Four communications, W. S. G., "WM.
      DODD," G., and "A BOOKWORM," in type, but must stand
      over.

    PILGRIM'S BADGE, Venice, 26th February, 1852.--Ditto.

    AN ARTIST.--Doorway in Woking Church, Surrey, must, and
      will, be considered.

    R. B., New York, 19th March.--Received, and will be
      attended to.




Literary and Scientific Obituary.


    ANDERSON, Rev. Christopher. Gaelic Scholar, "Annals of
      the English Bible," &c. Edinburgh. 18th Feb. Aged 70.

    BROWN, Samuel, Captain Sir. Inventor of Chain Cables,
      Bridges and Piers of Suspension. Vanbrugh Lodge,
      Blackheath. 13th March. Aged 76.

    BUCHANAN, Alexander of Govan. Lyric Writer in Glasgow
      periodicals. 15th February. Aged 38.

    CAVÉ, M. Formerly Director of the Fine Arts in the
      Ministry of the Interior. Paris. Recently.

    DRECHSLER, Joseph. Musical Composer and Writer. Vienna.
      Recently. Aged 70.

    GAY, Madame Sophie. Journalist. Paris. 4th March.

    JONES, Rev. Evan. Welsh Scholar. Editor of various
      Welsh periodicals. Cardiff. 23rd Feb. Aged 32.

    LANDSEER, John, A.R.A. Engraver and Archæologist. March
      29th. Aged 91.

    MARCHETTI, Giovanni. Italian Poet. Bologna. Recently.

    MARRAST, Armand. Editor of the _National_ before the
      Revolution of 1848. Paris. March.

    MERLE, M. Dramatic Critic. Paris. 27th February. Aged
      67.

    RAUPACH, Ernest. Dramatic Writer. Berlin. 18th March.

    SAINT-EDMÉ, M. Author of the "Dictionnaire des Peines
      et des Délits de l'Europe," and joint author with M.
      Sarrut of the "Biographie des Hommes du Jour." Paris.
      Recently (by his own hand).

    SEDDELER, M. Military Encyclopedia. St. Petersburgh.
      3rd March.

    SHOBERL, Frederick, jun. Printer. 51, Rupert Street,
      Haymarket. 22nd March. Aged 48.

    TAILLEFER, M. Ex-curator of the Lyceums of Versailles,
      and of Louis-le-Grand. Paris. Recently.

    TUCKER, John, Montmorency. (Colonel late 27th
      Enniskilleners and a Waterloo Officer.) "Biographies
      of Wellington and Nelson," &c. Huggens's Asylum,
      Northfleet, Kent. 22nd February. Aged 72.

    WATTS, W. Engraver. Cobham, Surrey. 7th December. Aged
      99.

    WEST, Jane, Mrs. Poetry and Novels. Little Bowden,
      Market Harborough. 25th March. Aged 93.

    WINTERFELDT, Rodolphe de. Musical Writer. Berlin.
      Recently. Aged 67.

    WRIGHT, Andrew Biggs. History of Hexham, &c. Bexley
      Heath, Kent. 3rd March.


       *       *       *       *         *

FOOTNOTES:

[A] _H. M. will find the drawing so kindly forwarded addressed to him
at the Publisher's._

                                                 G. W.


[B] See communication from "One of the Executors" of the late Sir
Samuel R. Meyrick, printed in "Current Notes" for January last, p. 2.

[C] The word "here" is ambiguous; I suppose "in Scotland" is intended.

       *       *       *       *         *

Transcriber's Notes: Obvious punctuation errors repaired.

Page 1, "עשׂוֹן" changed to "עשׂוֹר"





End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Willis's Current Notes, No. XVI.,
April 1852, by Various

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43710 ***