INDEX INDICATORIUS. Vol. LXXXIV. Part i. p. 702. b. l. 13. Lord Minto was created Viscount Mel gund and Earl of Minto on the 2d of February 1813 (see Vol. LXXXIII. p. $84.); and was succeeded by his eldest son, Viscount Melgund, M. P. for the County of Roxburgh. Mr. J. N. BREWER, being engaged in writing a Topographical Account of Middlesex (intended to form, in conjunction with Mr. Brayley's Historical and De scriptive Notice of the Metropolis, a part of the work intituled "Beauties of Eng land and Wales") requests the favour of communications illustrative of any curi. ous particulars connected with that populous and opulent County. Mr. Barrow, in his interesting Travels in Southern Africa, vol. II. p. 144, 4to edit. says, "To enable a man to disinherit a child, he must bring proof of his having committed one at least of Crimes" stated by Mr. Barrow himself in another passage of the same Work (page forgot) to be fourteen in number-" of Children against Parents which are enumerated in the Justinian Code." This passage, or rather the other, certainly requires an illustrative note enumerating these fourteen Crimes; which is not done, so far as I know and believe, in that Emperor's Institutes. Wanting this, the passages convey a very defective information, such as at best is worse than none. What are those four teen Crimes? H. HODGSON, MD. & LL.D. BIOGRAPHICUS will be much obliged by any Epitaphs for the Family of THICKNESSE, either at Farthingoe or Aynhoe in Northamptonshire → at Wormington in Warwickshire-or the Abbey Church at Bath. Where was Governor THICKNESSE buried? and has he any Epitaph? He died in France, and his second wife at Languard Fort. H. Y. asks for information respecting a translation into English of the Secchia Rapita, or Rape of the Bucket, the ce lebrated heroi-comical poem of Tassoni. This version is mentioned by Tiraboschi and Mr. Hayley, in the Notes to his Epistle on Epic Poetry, has observed, that "in a catalogue of the numerous editions of the Seechia, which Muratori has prefixed to his Life of Tassoni, he includes an English translation of it printed 1715," Some specimens of the manner in which it is executed, would gratify, H. V. says, the curiosity, and contribute to the enter tainment, of many of our Readers. The episode of the Enchanted Island, which occupies the ninth canto, is remarkable for the vein of fancy in which it is conducted; and from this part a sample of the whole might be taken. We thank Major F.; but the Prices of the Books at the Sale he notices are not of very general importance. The View of the Seat of the late EDMUND BURKE, esq. at BEACONsfield, in our next; with the very interesting Essay of " Academicus," on "Living without Food, &c. &c. THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, Mr. URBAN, August 1. WE E naturally wish to perpetuate any authentic memorials of departed worth, which may casually present themselves to our notice: on this principle I am induced to offer you the following Copy of a Letter, written sixty-five years ago, to Martin Madan, esq. father of the late Bishop of Peterborough; and I trust that you will indulge the feelings of an OLD FRIEND, who would gladly preserve it, by your means, for the perusal of future generations! The original is in itself rather a curious document, as the autograph of an eminent scholar, who was formerly Public Orator at Cambridge, and who afterwards became the patron of his pupil, on the sole ground of personal esteem and friendship. It was given to me by one of the Bi-hop's Sisters, Mrs. Cowper, with the following endorsement: "My Brother Spencer's Tutor (now Bishop of Norwich 1771.) to my Father, Colonel Madan. M. C." It appears, for I copy it verbatim, that the late Bishop was, in early life, intended for the Bar; but I believe that his own inclinations and studies invariably pointed to the Church, nor did he ever engage in any other profession. The letter is as follows:" for the Lent Tefm here, before he can attend the more important Wrangling in Westminster Hall. This prize in Philosophy, with that of Eloquence which he had obtained before, entitules me to send him home to you with the motto Sapere et fari and I will give him the wish in the next line, and hope that Grutia, Fama, Valetudo contingat abunde ! I am, Sir, your most obedt. humble Servt, P. YONGE." P. S. As the extract to which you have alluded in your Obituary, November 1813, on the death of the late Bishop of Peterborough, is per- Yours, &c. Mr. URBAN, AMICUS. Aug. 3. THE curious particulars you have extracted, p. 42, concerning the origin of our National air of "God save the King," may receive some very important additions from the following minutes of a conversation with the late Dr. BURNEY. In "Calamities of Authors," I had attributed Speaking of an election to vacant Fellowships at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1752-3, Mr. Cumberland says, "There were six vacancies, and six candidates of the year above me: of these Spencer Madan, now Bishop of Peterborough, was, as Senior Westminster, secure of his election; and such was his merit, independent of any other claim, that it would have been impossible to pass him over. He was a young man of elegant accomplishments; and, with the recommendation of a very interesting person and address, had derived from the Cowpers, of which family his mother was, no small proportion of hereditary taste and talent: He was a good classical scholar, composed excellent declamations in the Ciceronian style, which he set off with all the grace of recitation and voice that can well be conceived: He had a great passion for music, sang well, and read in Chapel to the admiration of every one! I have passed many happy hours with him in the morning of our lives; and I hope he will enjoy the evening of his days in comfort and tranquillity, having chosen that better lot which has brought him into harbour, whilst I, who lost it, am left out at sea." to It to Henry Carey the honour of having composed this Political Hymn. afterwards appeared to me that had he really been the Author of this popular piece, as his Son has so industriously attempted to maintain, the wards at least would have been preserved in his Poetical Works. There, however, no such claim appears. A Friend, afterwards, was so obliging as to pursue the inquiry, with that Veteran in musical science, the late Dr. BURNEY; who was then in his 87th year, but in the full possession of all his faculties and perfect recollection, and he had been the intimate friend of Handel, and all the distinguished men of his time. My Friend asked whether the opinion of Henry Carey being the author of this air and the words were well-founded? To which Dr. BURNEY replied : "The late Duke of Gloucester once asked me the same question; and I replied, that I knew the words were not written for any King George. At this he expressed some surprise; I then told him that the earliest copy of the words we are acquainted with begin 'God save great James our King!" The Doctor then proceeded, "I remember well when it was first introduced so as to become a populár air, which was in the year of the Rebellion, 1745. Dr. ARNE then set it for the Theatre; and it was received with so much delight, that it was re-echoed in the streets, and for two or three years subsequent to that time, and has continued ever since to hold its place as a favourite with the publick, as well as with scientific professors. At that time I asked Dr. ARNE if he knew who was the Composer; he said that he had not the least knowledge; nor could be guess at all who was either the Author or the Composer, but that it was a received opinion that it was written and composed for the Catholic Chapel of James II., and as his religious faith was not that of the Nation, there might be a political reason for concealing the names of all those, or of any person who contributed to give interest to the Catholic worship; and this may in some measure account for the Author being entirely unknown." This, perhaps, is the fullest information we can acquire on the contested origin of our National Poem. The hint thrown out by Dr. ARNE that it was" composed for the Catholic Chapel of James 11.2 may dead to ma some future discovery. The claim which George Saville Carey laboured Mr. URBAN, AN Shrewsbury, Aug. 6. N elegant Monument, by Westmacott, has lately been erected in St. Philip's Church, Birmingham, with the following inscription, which I send in addition to your Obituary, vol. LXXX. Part ii. p. 194. "In the aile at the foot of this pilaster are interred the remains of BEATRIX Wife of EDMUND OUTRAM, D. D. Rector of this Church, eldest daughter of the late Rich. Postlethwaite, Esq. of Lancashire, and niece of Thomas Postlethwaite, D.D. late Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. She was born Feb. XXVI, MDCCLXXV. and after a lingering and painful illness, died Aug. VI. MDCCCX. beloved and revered for her cheerfulness and tenderness A tender Plant, borne from the fost'ring divine By the pure streams of Peace shall ever live, And flourish in the Paradise of God." At the West end of St. Paul's Chapel, Birmingham, is a neat Tablet, inscribed to the memory of Mr. Jos. Barber, artist; see your vol. LXXXI. Part ii. p. 285. "To the Memory of A few surviving Friends, in remembrance of him who possessed these qualities, have erected this Tablet as the last and sincere tribute of merited esteem." Yours, &c. Mr. URBAN, D. PARKES. FT. I. will give himself the trouble to re-peruse the Letter, Part i p. 325, he will find the doubts respecting Gersen, not Gerson*, [Joannis Gerseni (alias Gessel vel de Gessate) Abbati J. T. Vercellensi Ord. S. Benedicti ab A. C. 1230 ad 1240. Vide Aet. Erud. A. 1725. p. 416. seq.] were not suggested by the Writer of that Letter, but by other persons who have been long since dead. He is requested to consult a Work in quarto by Fabriciust, where they are detailed by P. Anselm, who says the name of Gersen was never mentioned as the Author of the Imitation before the year 1613. I apprebend by Abbé Valard, he means Joseph Valart, a priest of the Romish Church, and senior Professor in the Military Academy. He was born at Hesden on the Borders of PIcardy, and died in 1779. Besides Editions of several Classic Authors, he published some Treatises on Grammar, and a Translation of the New Testament from the Copy of the Vatican, 1767. His Latin Version of the Imitation was first printed in 1758, * J. Gerson, Chancellor of Paris, died Dec. 1463. + Fabricii Bibliotheca Latina mediæ et infimæ ætatis. and afterwards in 1764, from a collation of Eight different Manuscripts, and three French Translations, probably the earliest in that language. The Imitation in his native tongue appeared in 1766. I am not certain whether a second edition was ever published. The celebrated Barbou, the Elzevir of Paris, was his Printer. On examining the Work of Dean Stanhope, the Reader cannot fail to discover that he has allowed himself great liberties with his Author. His publication may rather be called a paraphrase; as its additions, omissions, and interpolations, are every-where obvious. To the long catalogue of Editions of the Imitation may be added the Kempis Commun of Peter Poiret,the mystical Author, who died 1719, after publishing numerous volumes. It is printed at Amsterdam by Wetstein, and dated 1683. The excellent Preface (not written by Poiret, but prefixed to some former translation), is a short but comprehensive summary of wisdom and piety. Five engravings are annexed to this copy, alluding to subjects of the Imitation; viz. 1. The Agony in the Garden ; 2. Resurrection of Lazarus; 3. Interview with the Woman of Samaria; 4. Denial of Peter; 5. Last Supper. The vignette represents our Lord arraigned before Pilate. If these additional notices afford any satisfaction to persons engaged in this inquiry, the pains of the obscure individual who communicates them to your Ma-` gazine will be fully compensated. Yours, &c. I J. C. Mr. URBAN, Aug. 8. SUBJOIN a List of several editions of that famous little Work, "The Imitation of Jesus Christ," for the information of your Correspondents interested in the critical question respecting its Author. The decision of this question is, I think, hardly to be looked for, unless some antient manuscript should unexpectedly turn up: every species of presumptive evidence has long since been scrutinized, and the result has only limited the probable claim to two persons; viz. John Gersen, abbot of Vercelli, and Thomas à Kempis. I heartily join with your Correspondent. L. S. (vol. LXXXIII. Part ii. p. 650.) in the warm admiration be expresses of this excellent . than in settling differences between About twenty years have elapsed Mr. URBAN, BY A. W. A. Aug. 12. OY inserting in the Gentleman's Magazine some circumstances relating to the late Mr. Beauvais, you will, no doubt, most essentially benefit his worthy, though destitute widow and seven helpless children; who, 'through their irreparable loss, are left dependent on the exertions of a few of his most intimate friends for their maintenance; of which the unfortunate event about to be related ha's utterly deprived them. sea, from Ramsgate Pier, on the 8th of March last; on the 17th his body was found at Upper Deal, and was interred at St. Lawrence on the 21st of the same month, attended to the grave by many of his friends in that part of the country,and by his disconsolate family, who are most anxious to express how highly sensible they feel the respect shewn on that melancholy occa sion, and will feel some alleviation of their misfortune in thus publicly tes tifying their gratitude for the favours they have already received. It will also be a source of much satisfaction to us, the Trustees, could that degree of publicity be given to this peculiar case, which your widely-circulating Publication ensures; by the means of which, they hope the Subscriptions already entered into will be considerably augmented, for the joint benefit of the widow and children of that excellent though unfortunate man. By the kindness of a few, his deserving relict has derived present sustenance, and three of her children are placed in a way of obtaining an education. A trifling donation, when administered by many,may accomplish the desirable end of rescuing this family from absolute distress. Subscriptions continue to be received at the Banking-house of Messrs. Down, Thornton, and Free, London ; Mr. Burgess's Library, Ramsgate; Messrs. Payler and Co. bankers, Canterbury; and at Mr. Jardine's bank, Sevenoaks. Yours, &c. J. Down. Mr. Beauvais was upwards of sixty years of age, of the strictest integri ty, and most amiable manners; and was, for many years, well known in the service of the publick as a preceptor of youth at Highgate. His patrons, many of them persons of the first distinction, and the friends of the pupils entrusted to his care, ever kindly evinced their gratitude for the classical ability, and paternal solici-Agestions to the Author of the tude, which he constantly exhibited in their behalf; but, his numerous family calling upon him for an extension of his connexions, he formed a partnership, and removed to Ramsgate, which, unhappily, instead of producing that independence to which his own conduct through a long and exemplary life had entitled him, his partner being deeply in debt, suddenly involved him in pecuniary difficulties, which at length produced the fear of an arrest this event (so poignant to him who had ever preserved the most irreproachable character and scrupu lous exactness in every transaction of life) preyed upon his mind, and led to the fatal catastrophe. He is supposed to have precipitated himself into the J. P. NEALE. Mr. URBAN, Durham, Aug. 4. you have admitted some sug "Literary Anecdotes ;" permit me to correct an accidental mis-statement in the Memoirs of my friend Mr. Robert Harrison, communicated by Mr. Allan, and which I have read with some degree of pleasure. I could wish, however, that the Literary Publick may be apprized, that Mr. Harrison's books were valued at 420%that they were offered to several gentlemen, in bulk, for 300.-that, after many ineffectual attempts to dispose of them, which occupied several years, the Executor was advised to sell them piecemeal-and that they eventually produced 2407. after alt expences of sale. Yours, &c. A BIBLIOMANIAC. Mr. |