During the early part of his incumbency at Godmersham in Kent, his reading was principally such as became aDivine, or which tended to the acquisition ofgeneral knowledge, of which he possessed a greater share than most men we ever knew. When he obtained allowable leisure to followunprofessionalpursuits, heattachedhimself more closely to the study ofAntiquities; and was elected a Fellow of theSocietyofAntiquaries, Feb. 14, 1751, N. S. in which year theCharterofIncorporationwas granted (in November), wherein his name stands enrolled among those of many very respectable and eminently learned men[31].
Though we will be candid enough to allow that Dr. Pegge'sstylein general was not sufficiently terse and compact to be called elegant; yet he made ample amends by the matter, and by the accuracy with which he treated every copious subject, wherein all points were matured by close examination and sound judgment[32].
and a fund of knowledge, more than would have displayed itself in any greater work, where the subject requires butonebias, andonepeculiar attention[33].
It is but justice to say, that few men were so liberal in the diffusion of the knowledge which he had acquired, or more ready to communicate it, eithervivâ voce, or by the loan of his MSS. as many of his living Friends can testify.
In his publications he was also equallydisinterestedas in his private communications; for he never, as far as can be recollected, received anypecuniaryadvantage from any pieces that he printed, committing them all to the press, with the sole reserve of a few copies to distribute among his particular Friends[34]. —No. III. 1766. "An Essay on the Coins of Cunobelin; in an Epistle to the Right Rev. Bishop of Carlisle [Charles Lyttelton], President of the Society of Antiquaries." [105 pages, 4to.] [This collection of coins is classed in two plates, and illustrated by a Commentary, together with observations on the wordtascia. N. B. The impression consisted of no more than 200 copies.]—No. IV. 1772. "An Assemblage of Coins fabricated by Authority of the Archbishops of Canterbury. To which are subjoined, Two Dissertations." [125 pages, 4to.] 1. On a fine Coin of Alfred the Great, with his Head. 2. On an Unic, in the Possession of the late Mr. Thoresby, supposed to be a Coin of St. Edwin; but shewn to be a Penny of Edward the Confessor. [An Essay is annexed on the origin of metropolitical and other subordinate mints; with an Account of their Progress and final Determination: together with other incidental Matters, tending to throw light on a branch of the Science of Medals, not perfectly considered by English Medalists.]—No. V. 1772. "Fitz-Stephen's Description of the City of London, newly translated from the Latin Original, with a necessary Commentary, and a Dissertation on the Author, ascertaining the exact Year of the Production; to which are added, a correct Edition of the Original, with the various Readings, and many Annotations." [81 pages, 4to.] [This publication (well knownnowto have been one of the works of Dr. Pegge) was, as we believe, brought forward at the instance of the Hon. Daines Barrington, to whom it is inscribed. The number of copies printed was 250.]—No. VI. 1780. "The Forme of Cury. A Roll of antient English Cookery, compiled about the Year 1390, Temp. Ric. II. with a copious Index and Glossary." [8vo.] [The curious Roll, of which this is a copy, was the property of the late Gustavus Brander, esq. It is in the hand-writing of the time, a facsimile of which is given facing p. xxxi. of the Preface. The work before us was aprivateimpression; but as, since Mr. Brander's decease, it has fallen, by sale, into a great many hands, we refer to the Preface for a farther account of it. Soon after Dr. Pegge's elucidation of the Roll was finished, Mr. Brander presented the autograph to the British Museum.]—No. VII. 1789. "Annales Eliæ de Trickenham, Monachi Ordinis Benedictini. Ex Bibliothecâ Lamethanâ." To which is added, "Compendium Compertorum. Ex Bibliothecâ Ducis Devoniæ." [4to.] [Both parts of this publication contain copious annotations by the Editor. The former was communicated by Mr. John Nichols, Printer, to whom it isinscribed. The latter was published by permission of his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, to whom it isdedicated. The respective Prefaces to these pieces will best explain the nature of them.]—No. VIII. 1793. "The Life of Robert Grosseteste, the celebrated Bishop of Lincoln." [4to.] [This Work we have justly called hischef-d'œuvre; for, in addition to the life of an individual, it comprises much important history of interesting times, together with abundant collateral matter.]—The two following works have appeared since the Writer's death: No. IX. 1801. "An Historical Account of Beauchief Abbey, in the County of Derby, from its first Foundation to its final Dissolution. Wherein the three following material Points, in opposition to vulgar Prejudices, are clearly established: 1st, That this Abbey did not take its name from the Head of Archbishop Becket, though it was dedicated to him. 2d, That the Founder of it had no hand in the Murder of that Prelate; and, consequently, that the House was not erected in Expiation of that Crime. 3d, The Dependance of this House on that of Welbeck, in the County of Nottingham; a Matter hitherto unknown." [4to.]—No. X. 1809. "Anonymiana; or, Ten Centuries of Observations on various Authors and Subjects. Compiled by a late very learned and reverend Divine; and faithfully published from the original MS. with the Addition of a copious Index." [8vo.]]
In the following Catalogue we must be allowed to deviate from chronological order, for the sakeof preserving Dr. Pegge'scontributionsto variousperiodicalandcontingentPublications, distinct from his independentWorks; to all which,however, we shall give (as far as possible) their respective dates.
The greatest honour, which a literary man can obtain, is theeulogiesof those who possessedequal or more learning than himself. "Laudatus à laudatis viris" may peculiarly and deservedly be said of Dr. Pegge, as might be exemplified from the frequentmention made of him by the most respectable contemporary writers in theArchæologicalline; but modesty forbids our enumerating them.
churchWhittington Church, Derbyshire.Gent. Mag. Supp. 1809. Pl. II, p. 1201.Schnebbelie del. 1789.
Whittington Church, Derbyshire.Gent. Mag. Supp. 1809. Pl. II, p. 1201.Schnebbelie del. 1789.
Whittington Church, Derbyshire.
Gent. Mag. Supp. 1809. Pl. II, p. 1201.
Schnebbelie del. 1789.
The annexed View was taken in 1789, by the ingenious Mr. Jacob Schnebbelie; and the following concise account of it was communicated in 1793, by the then worthy and venerable Rector.
"Whittington, of whose Church the annexed Plate contains a Drawing by the late Mr. Schnebbelie, is a small parish of about 14 or 15 hundred acres, distant from the church and old market-place of Chesterfield about two miles and a half. It lies in the road from Chesterfield to Sheffield and Rotherham, whose roads divide there at the well-known innThe Cock and Magpye, commonly calledThe Revolution House.
The situation is exceedingly pleasant, in a pure and excellent air. It abounds with all kinds of conveniences for the use of the inhabitants, as coal, stone, timber, &c.; besides its proximity to a good market, to take its products.
The Church is now a little Rectory, in the gift of the Dean of Lincoln. At first it was a Chapel of Ease to Chesterfield, a very large manor and parish; of which I will give the following short but convincing proof. The Dean of Lincoln, as I said, is Patron of this Rectory, and yet William Rufus gave no other church in this part of Derbyshire to the church of St. Mary at Lincoln but the church of Chesterfield; and, moreover, Whittington is at this day a parcel of the great and extensive manor of Chesterfield; whence it follows, that Whittington must have been once a part both of the rectory and manor of Chesterfield. But whence comes it, you will say, that it became a rectory, for such it has been many years? I answer, I neither know how nor when; but it is certain that chapels of ease have been frequently converted into rectories, and I suppose by mutual agreement of the curate of the chapel, the rector of the mother church, and the diocesan. Instances of the like emancipation of chapels, and transforming them into independent rectories, there are several in the county of Derby, as Matlock, Bonteshall, Bradley, &c.; and others may be found in Mr. Nichols's "History of Hinckley," and in his "Bibliotheca Topographica Britannica," No. VI.
Fig.1 is an inscription on theTing-tang, or Saints Bell, of Whittington Church, drawn by Mr. Schnebbelie, 27 July, 1789, from an impression taken in clay. This bell, which is seen in the annexed view, hangs within a stone frame, or tabernacle, at the top of the church, on the outside between the Nave and the Chancel. It has a remarkable fine shrill tone, and is heard, it is said, three or four miles off, if the wind be right. It is very antient, as appears both from the form of the letters, and the name (of the donor, I suppose), which is that in use before surnames were common. Perhaps it may be as old as the fabrick of the church itself, though this is very antient.
Fig.2 is a stone head, near the roof on the North side of the church.
In the East window of the church is a small Female Saint.
In this window, A. a fess Vaire G. and O. between three water-bougets Sable.Dethick.
Cheque A. and G. on a bend S. a martlet.Beckering.
At the bottom of this window an inscription,
Rogero Cric.
Roger Criche was rector, and died 1413, and probably made the window. He is buried within the rails of the communion-table, and his slab is engraved in the second volume of Mr. Gough's "Sepulchral Monuments of Great Britain," Plate XIX. p. 37. Nothing remains of the inscription butAmen.
In the upper part of the South window of the Chancel, is a picture in glass of our Saviour with the five Wounds; an angel at his left hand sounding a trumpet[35].—On a pane of the upper tier of the West window is the portrait of St. John; his right hand holding a book with the Holy Lamb upon it: and the forefinger of his left hand pointing to the Cross held by the Lamb, as uttering his well-known confession: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world[35]."
In the South window of the Chancel is, Barry wavy of 6 A. and G. a chief A. Ermine and Gules.Barley.
Ermine, on a chief indented G. or lozengé.
In the Easternmost South window of the nave is A. on a chevron Sable, three quatrefoils Argent.Eyre.
This window has been renewed; before which there were other coats and some effigies in it.
Jan. 1, 1793.
Samuel Pegge, Rector."
This View was taken also, in 1789, by Mr. Schnebbelie; and the account of it drawn up in 1793 by Dr. Pegge, then resident in it, at the advanced age of 88.
"The Parsonage-house at Whittington is a convenient substantial stone building, and very sufficient for this small benefice. It was, as I take it, erected by the Rev. Thomas Callice, one of my predecessors; and, when I had been inducted, I enlarged it, by pulling down the West end, making a cellar, a kitchen, a brew-house, and a pantry, with chambers over them. There is a glebe of about 30 acres belonging to it with a garden large enough for a family, and a small orchard. The garden is remarkably pleasant in respect to its fine views to the North, East, and South, with the Church to the West. There is a fair prospect of Chesterfield Church, distant about two miles and a half; and of Bolsover Castle to the West; and, on the whole, this Rectorial house may be esteemed a very delightful habitation.
S. Pegge."
In this Parsonage the Editor of the present Volume, accompanied by his late excellent Friend Mr. Gough, spent many happy hours with the worthy Rector for several successive years, and derived equal information and pleasure from his instructive conversation.
rectoryWhittington Rectory.Gent. Mag. Sep. 1810. Pl. II, p. 217.Schnebbelie del.
Whittington Rectory.Gent. Mag. Sep. 1810. Pl. II, p. 217.Schnebbelie del.
Whittington Rectory.
Gent. Mag. Sep. 1810. Pl. II, p. 217.
Schnebbelie del.
To complete the little series of Views at Whittington more immediately connected with Dr. Pegge, a third plate is here given, from another Drawing by Mr. Schnebbelie, of the small public-house at Whittington, which has been handed down to posterity for above a century under the honourable appellation of "The Revolution House." It obtained that name from the accidental meeting of two noble personages, Thomas Osborne Earl of Danby, and William Cavendish Earl of Devonshire, with a third person, Mr. JohnD'Arcy[36], privately one morning, 1688, upon Whittington, Moor, as a middle place between Chatsworth, Kniveton, and Aston, their respective residences, to consult about the Revolution, then in agitation[37]; but a shower of rain happening to fall, they removed to the village for shelter, and finished their conversation at a public-house there, the sign ofThe Cock and Pynot[38].
The part assigned to the Earl of Danby was, to surprize York; in which he succeeded: after which, the Earl of Devonshire was to take measures at Nottingham, where the Declaration for a free Parliament, which he, at the head of a number of Gentlemen of Derbyshire, had signed Nov. 28, 1688[39], was adopted by the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty of the Northern Counties, assembled there for the defence of the Laws, Religion, and Properties[40].
The success of these measures is well known; and to the concurrence of these Patriots with the proceedings in favour of the Prince of Orange in the West, is this Nation indebted for the establishment of her rights and liberties at the glorious Revolution.
The cottage here represented stands at the point where the road from Chesterfield divides into two branches, to Sheffield and Rotherham. The room where the Noblemen sat is 15 feet by 12 feet 10, and is to this day calledThe Plotting Parlour. The old armed chair, still remaining in it, is shewn by the landlord with particular satisfaction, as that in which it is said the Earl of Devonshire sat; and he tells with equal pleasure, how it was visited by his descendants, and the descendants of his associates, in the year 1788. Some new rooms, for the better accommodation of customers, were added about 20 years ago.
The Duke ofLeeds' own account of his meeting the Earl ofDevonshireand Mr.John D'Arcy[41]at Whittington, in the County of Derby, A. D. 1688.
The Duke ofLeeds' own account of his meeting the Earl ofDevonshireand Mr.John D'Arcy[41]at Whittington, in the County of Derby, A. D. 1688.
The Earl of Derby, afterwards Duke of Leeds, was impeached, A.D. 1678, of High Treason by the House of Commons, on a charge of being in the French interest, and, in particular, of being Popishly affected: many, both Peers and Commoners, were misled, and had conceived an erroneous opinion concerning him and his political conduct. This he has stated himself, in the Introduction to his Letters, printed A. 1710, where he says, "That the malice of my accusation did so manifestly appear in that article wherein I was charged to be Popishly affected, that I dare swear there was not one of my accusers that did then believe that article against me."
His Grace then proceeds, for the further clearing of himself, in these memorable words, relative to the meeting at Whittington, the subject of this memoir.
"The Duke of Devonshire also, when we were partners in the secret trust about the Revolution, and who did meet me and Mr. John D'Arcy, for that purpose, at a town called Whittington, in Derbyshire, did, in the presence of the said Mr. D'Arcy, make a voluntary acknowledgment of the great mistakes he had been led into about me; and said, that both he, and most others, were entirely convinced of their error. And he came to Sir Henry Goodrick's house in Yorkshire purposely to meet me there again, in order to concert the times and methods by which he should act at Nottingham (which was to be his post), and one at York (which was to be mine); and we agreed, that I should first attempt to surprize York, because there was a small garrison with a Governor there; whereasNottingham was but an open town, and might give an alarm to York, if he should appear in arms before I had made my attempt upon York; which was done accordingly[42]; but is mistaken in divers relations of it. And I am confident that Duke (had he been now alive) would have thanked nobody for putting his prosecution of me amongst the glorious actions of his life."
Celebration of theRevolution Jubilee, at Whittington and Chesterfield, on the 4th and 5th of November, 1788.
Celebration of theRevolution Jubilee, at Whittington and Chesterfield, on the 4th and 5th of November, 1788.
On Tuesday the 4th instant, the Committee appointed to conduct the Jubilee had a previous meeting, and dined together at the Revolution House in Whittington. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Stamford, Lord George and Lord John Cavendish, with several neighbouring Gentlemen, were present. After dinner a subscription was opened for the erecting of a Monumental Column, in Commemoration of the Glorious Revolution, on that spot where the Earls of Devonshire and Danby, Lord Delamere, and Mr. John D'Arcy, met to concert measures which were eminently instrumental in rescuing the Liberties of their Country from perdition. As this Monument is intended to be not less a mark of public Gratitude, than the memorial of an important event; it was requested, that the present Representatives of the above-mentioned families would excuse their not being permitted to join in the expence.
On the 5th, at eleven in the morning, the commemoration commenced with divine service at Whittington Church. The Rev. Mr. Pegge, the Rector of the Parish, delivered an excellent Sermon from the words "This is the day, &c." Though of a great age, having that very morning entered his 85th year, he spoke with a spirit which seemed to be derived from the occasion, his sentiments were pertinent, well arranged, and his expression animated.
The descendants of the illustrious houses of Cavendish, Osborne, Boothe, and Darcy (for the venerable Duke of Leeds, whose age would not allow him to attend, had sent his two grandsons, in whom the blood of Osborne and D'Arcy is united); a numerous and powerful gentry; a wealthy and respectable yeomanry; a hardy, yet decent and attentive peasantry; whose intelligent countenances shewed that they understood, and would be firm to preserve that blessing, for which they were assembled to return thanks to Almighty God, presented a truly solemn spectacle, and to the eye of a philosopher the most interesting that can be imagined.
After service the company went in succession to view the old house, and the room called by the Anti-revolutionists "The Plotting-Parlour," with the old armed-chair in which the Earl of Devonshire is said to have sitten, and every one was then pleased to partake of a very elegant cold collation, which was prepared in the new rooms annexed to the cottage. Some time being spent in this, the procession began:
Constables with long staves, two and two.
The Eight Clubs, four and four;viz.
1. Mr. Deakin's: Flag, blue, with orange fringe, on it the figure of Liberty, the motto, "The Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of England, we will maintain."2. Mr. Bluett's: Flag, blue, fringed with orange, motto, "Libertas; quæ sera, tamen respexit inertem."Underneath the figure of Liberty crowning Britannia with a wreath of laurels, who is represented sitting on a Lion, at her feet the Cornucopiæ of Plenty; at the top next the pole, a Castle, emblematical of the house where the club is kept; on the lower side of the flag Liberty holding a Cap and resting on the Cavendish arms.3. Mr. Ostliff's: Flag, broad blue and orange stripe, with orange fringe; in the middle the Cavendish arms; motto as No. 1.4. Mrs. Barber's: Flag, garter blue and orange quarter'd, with white fringe, mottoes, "Liberty secured." "The Glorious Revolution 1688."5. Mr. Valentine Wilkinson's: Flag, blue with orange fringe, in the middle the figure of Liberty; motto as No. 1.6. Mr. Stubbs: Flag, blue with orange fringe, motto, "Liberty, Property, Trade, Manufactures;" at the top a head of King William crowned with laurel, in the middle in a large oval, "Revolution 1688." On one side the Cap of Liberty, on the other the figure of Britannia; on the opposite side the flag of the Devonshire arms.Mrs. Ollerenshaw's: Flag, blue with orange fringe; motto as No. 1. on both sides.Mr. Marsingale's: Flag, blue with orange fringe; at the top the motto, "In Memory of the Glorious Assertors of British Freedom 1688," beneath, the figure of Liberty leaning on a shield, on which is inscribed, "Revolted from Tyranny atWhittington1688;" and having in her hand a scroll with the words "Bill of Rights" underneath a head of King William the Third; on the other side the flag, the motto, "The Glorious Revolter from Tyranny 1688" underneath the Devonshire arms; at the bottom the following inscription, "Willielmus Dux Devon. Bonorum Principum Fidelis Subditus; Inimicus et Invisus Tyrannis."The Members of the Clubs were estimated 2000persons, each having a white wand in his handwith blue and orange tops and favours, withtheRevolutionstamped upon them.
1. Mr. Deakin's: Flag, blue, with orange fringe, on it the figure of Liberty, the motto, "The Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of England, we will maintain."
2. Mr. Bluett's: Flag, blue, fringed with orange, motto, "Libertas; quæ sera, tamen respexit inertem."Underneath the figure of Liberty crowning Britannia with a wreath of laurels, who is represented sitting on a Lion, at her feet the Cornucopiæ of Plenty; at the top next the pole, a Castle, emblematical of the house where the club is kept; on the lower side of the flag Liberty holding a Cap and resting on the Cavendish arms.
3. Mr. Ostliff's: Flag, broad blue and orange stripe, with orange fringe; in the middle the Cavendish arms; motto as No. 1.
4. Mrs. Barber's: Flag, garter blue and orange quarter'd, with white fringe, mottoes, "Liberty secured." "The Glorious Revolution 1688."
5. Mr. Valentine Wilkinson's: Flag, blue with orange fringe, in the middle the figure of Liberty; motto as No. 1.
6. Mr. Stubbs: Flag, blue with orange fringe, motto, "Liberty, Property, Trade, Manufactures;" at the top a head of King William crowned with laurel, in the middle in a large oval, "Revolution 1688." On one side the Cap of Liberty, on the other the figure of Britannia; on the opposite side the flag of the Devonshire arms.
Mrs. Ollerenshaw's: Flag, blue with orange fringe; motto as No. 1. on both sides.
Mr. Marsingale's: Flag, blue with orange fringe; at the top the motto, "In Memory of the Glorious Assertors of British Freedom 1688," beneath, the figure of Liberty leaning on a shield, on which is inscribed, "Revolted from Tyranny atWhittington1688;" and having in her hand a scroll with the words "Bill of Rights" underneath a head of King William the Third; on the other side the flag, the motto, "The Glorious Revolter from Tyranny 1688" underneath the Devonshire arms; at the bottom the following inscription, "Willielmus Dux Devon. Bonorum Principum Fidelis Subditus; Inimicus et Invisus Tyrannis."
The Members of the Clubs were estimated 2000persons, each having a white wand in his handwith blue and orange tops and favours, withtheRevolutionstamped upon them.
The Derbyshire militia's band of music.
The Corporation of Chesterfield in their formalities,who joined the procession on entering the town.The Duke of Devonshire in his coach and six.Attendants on horseback with four led horses.The Earl of Stamford in his post chaise and four.Attendants on horseback.The Earl of Danby and Lord Francis Osborne in theirpost-chaise and four.Attendants on horseback.Lord George Cavendish in his post-chaise and four.Attendants on horseback.Lord John Cavendish in his post-chaise and four.Attendants on horseback.Sir Francis Molyneux and Sir Henry Hunloke, Barts.in Sir Henry's coach and six.Attendants on horseback.And upwards of forty other carriages of the neighbouringgentry, with their attendants.Gentlemen on horseback, three and three.Servants on horseback, ditto.
The procession in the town of Chesterfield went along Holywell-Street, Saltergate, Glumangate, then to the left along the upper side of the Market-place to Mr. Wilkinson's house, down the street past the Mayor's house, along the lower side of the Market-place to the end of the West Barrs, from thence past Dr. Milnes's house to the Castle, where the Derbyshire band of music formed in the centre and played "Rule Britannia," "God save the King, &c." the Clubs and Corporation still proceeding in the same order to the Mayor's and then dispersed.
RevolutionRevolutionHouse atWhittington.Gent. Mag. Suppl. to Vol. LXXX. Part II, p. 609.Schnebbelie del.
RevolutionHouse atWhittington.Gent. Mag. Suppl. to Vol. LXXX. Part II, p. 609.Schnebbelie del.
RevolutionHouse atWhittington.
Gent. Mag. Suppl. to Vol. LXXX. Part II, p. 609.
Schnebbelie del.
The whole was conducted with order and regularity, for notwithstanding there were fifty carriages, 400gentlemen on horseback, and an astonishing throng of spectators, not an accident happened. All was joy and gladness, without a single burst of unruly tumult and uproar. The approving eye of Heaven shed its auspicious beams, and blessed this happy day with more than common splendour.
The company was so numerous as scarcely to be accommodated at the three principal inns. It would be a piece of injustice not to mention the dinner at the Castle, which was served in a style of unusual elegance.
The following toasts were afterwards given:
1.The King.2. The glorious and immortal Memory of King William the IIId.3. The Memory of the Glorious Revolution.4. The Memory of those Friends to their Country, who, at the risk of their lives and fortunes, were instrumental in effecting the Glorious Revolution in 1688.5. The Law of the Land.6. ThePrinceofWales.7. TheQueen, and the rest of the Royal Family.8. Prosperity to the British Empire.9. The Duke of Leeds, and prosperity to the House of Osborne.10. The Duke of Devonshire, and prosperity to the House of Cavendish.11. The Earl of Stamford, and prosperity to the united House of Boothe and Grey.12. The Earl of Danby, and prosperity to the united House of Osborne and Darcy.13. All the Friends of the Revolution met this year to commemorate that glorious Event.14. The Dke of Portland.15. Prosperity to the County of Derby.16. The Members for the County.17. The Members for the Borough of Derby.18. The Duchess of Devonshire, &c.
1.The King.2. The glorious and immortal Memory of King William the IIId.3. The Memory of the Glorious Revolution.4. The Memory of those Friends to their Country, who, at the risk of their lives and fortunes, were instrumental in effecting the Glorious Revolution in 1688.5. The Law of the Land.6. ThePrinceofWales.7. TheQueen, and the rest of the Royal Family.8. Prosperity to the British Empire.9. The Duke of Leeds, and prosperity to the House of Osborne.10. The Duke of Devonshire, and prosperity to the House of Cavendish.11. The Earl of Stamford, and prosperity to the united House of Boothe and Grey.12. The Earl of Danby, and prosperity to the united House of Osborne and Darcy.13. All the Friends of the Revolution met this year to commemorate that glorious Event.14. The Dke of Portland.15. Prosperity to the County of Derby.16. The Members for the County.17. The Members for the Borough of Derby.18. The Duchess of Devonshire, &c.
In the evening a brilliant exhibition of fireworks was played off, under the direction of Signor Pietro; during which the populace were regaled with a proper distribution of liquor. The day concluded with a ball, at which were present near 300 gentlemen and ladies; amongst whom were many persons of distinction. The Duchess of Devonshire, surrounded by the bloom of the Derbyshire hills, is a picture not to be pourtrayed. Near 250 ball-tickets were received at the door.
The warm expression of gratitude and affection sparkling in every eye, must have excited in the breasts of those noble personages, whose ancestors were the source of this felicity, a sensation which Monarchs in all their glory might envy. The utmost harmony and felicity prevailed throughout the whole meeting. An hogshead of ale was given to the populace at Whittington, and three hogsheads at Chesterfield; where the Duke of Devonshire gave also three guineas to each of the eight clubs.
It was not the least pleasing circumstance attending this meeting, that all party distinctions were forgotten. Persons of all ranks and denominations wore orange and blue, in memory of our glorious Deliverer; And the most respectable Roman Catholic families, satisfied with the mild toleration of government in the exercise of their Religion, vied in their endeavours to shew how just a sense they had of the value ofCivil Liberty.
Letter from the Rev. P.Cunninghamto Mr.Pegge.
Eyam, near Tideswal,Nov. 2, 1788.Rev. and dear Sir,You will please to accept of the inclosed Stanzas, and the Ode for the Jubilee, as a little testimony of the Author's respectful remembrance of regard; and of his congratulations, that it has pleased Divine Providence to prolong your days, to take a distinguishedpart in the happy commemoration of the approaching Fifth of November.Having accidentally heard yesterday the Text you proposed for your Discourse on Wednesday, I thought the adoption of it, as an additional truth to the one I had chosen, would be regarded as an additional token of implied respect. In that light I flatter myself you will consider it.I shall be happy if these poetic effusions should be considered by you as a proof of the sincere respect and esteem with which I subscribe myself,Dear Sir, your faithful humble servant,P. Cunningham.
Eyam, near Tideswal,Nov. 2, 1788.
Rev. and dear Sir,
You will please to accept of the inclosed Stanzas, and the Ode for the Jubilee, as a little testimony of the Author's respectful remembrance of regard; and of his congratulations, that it has pleased Divine Providence to prolong your days, to take a distinguishedpart in the happy commemoration of the approaching Fifth of November.
Having accidentally heard yesterday the Text you proposed for your Discourse on Wednesday, I thought the adoption of it, as an additional truth to the one I had chosen, would be regarded as an additional token of implied respect. In that light I flatter myself you will consider it.
I shall be happy if these poetic effusions should be considered by you as a proof of the sincere respect and esteem with which I subscribe myself,
Dear Sir, your faithful humble servant,
P. Cunningham.
Stanzas, by the Rev. P.Cunningham, occasioned by the Revolution Jubilee, at Whittington and Chesterfield, Nov. 5, 1788. Inscribed to the Rev.Samuel Pegge, Rector of Whittington.
Stanzas, by the Rev. P.Cunningham, occasioned by the Revolution Jubilee, at Whittington and Chesterfield, Nov. 5, 1788. Inscribed to the Rev.Samuel Pegge, Rector of Whittington.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms.
"Esto perpetua!"F. P. Sarpi da Venez.
"Esto perpetua!"F. P. Sarpi da Venez.
Round the starr'd Zodiack, now the golden SunEventful Time a Century hath led;Since Freedom, with her choicest wreath, begunSmiling, to grace her long-loved Nation's head.Welcome again, the fair auspicious Morn!To Freedom, first and fairest of the year;When from her ashes, like a Phœnix born,Reviving Britain rose in Glory's sphere.When, starting from their mournful death-like trance,Her venerable Laws their fasces rais'd.Her stern-eyed Champions grasp'd th' avenging lance,And pure Religion's trembling altars blaz'd.For then, from Belgia, through the billowy storm,And, heaven-directed in an happy hour,Britain's good Genius, bearingWilliam'sform,Broke the dire Sceptre of Despotic Power.Ev'n now, to Fancy's retrospective eyes,Fix'd on the triumphs of his Patriot-Reign;Majestic seems the Hero's shade to rise,With Commerce, Wealth, and Empire, in his train.Undimm'd his[43]Eagle-eye, serene his air,Of Soul heroic, as in Fields of Death;See! Britain's Weal employs his latest care,Her Liberty and Laws his latest breath."Visions of Glory! crouding on his sight,"With your still-growing lustre gild the day,When Britons, worthy of their Sires, uniteTheir Orisons at Freedom's Shrine to pay.To eternize the delegated hand,That seal'd their great forefathers' fields their own;Rais'd ev'ry art that decks a smiling land,And Laws that guard the Cottage as the Throne.That to the free, unconquerable mindSecur'd the sacred Rights of Conscience, givenTo Man, when tender Mercy first design'dTo raise the Citizen of Earth to Heaven.And hark! the solemn Pæans grateful riseFrom rural Whittington's o'erflowing fane;And, with the heart's pure incense to the skies,Its venerable Shepherd's[44]hallow'd strain.See! pointing to the memorable scene,He bids that Heath[45]to latest times be known,Whence her three Champions[46], Freedom, heaven-born Queen,Led with fresh glories to the British Throne.Oh, Friend! upon whose natal morn[47]'tis given,When seventeen Lustres mark thy letter'd days,To lead the Hymn of Gratitude to Heav'n,And blend the Christian's with the Briton's praise.Like hoary Sarpis[48], patriot Sage, thy pray'rWith Life shall close inhisemphatic Strain;"As onthisday, may Freedom, ever fair,In Britain flourish, and for ever reign!"
Round the starr'd Zodiack, now the golden SunEventful Time a Century hath led;Since Freedom, with her choicest wreath, begunSmiling, to grace her long-loved Nation's head.
Welcome again, the fair auspicious Morn!To Freedom, first and fairest of the year;When from her ashes, like a Phœnix born,Reviving Britain rose in Glory's sphere.
When, starting from their mournful death-like trance,Her venerable Laws their fasces rais'd.Her stern-eyed Champions grasp'd th' avenging lance,And pure Religion's trembling altars blaz'd.
For then, from Belgia, through the billowy storm,And, heaven-directed in an happy hour,Britain's good Genius, bearingWilliam'sform,Broke the dire Sceptre of Despotic Power.
Ev'n now, to Fancy's retrospective eyes,Fix'd on the triumphs of his Patriot-Reign;Majestic seems the Hero's shade to rise,With Commerce, Wealth, and Empire, in his train.
Undimm'd his[43]Eagle-eye, serene his air,Of Soul heroic, as in Fields of Death;See! Britain's Weal employs his latest care,Her Liberty and Laws his latest breath.
"Visions of Glory! crouding on his sight,"With your still-growing lustre gild the day,When Britons, worthy of their Sires, uniteTheir Orisons at Freedom's Shrine to pay.
To eternize the delegated hand,That seal'd their great forefathers' fields their own;Rais'd ev'ry art that decks a smiling land,And Laws that guard the Cottage as the Throne.
That to the free, unconquerable mindSecur'd the sacred Rights of Conscience, givenTo Man, when tender Mercy first design'dTo raise the Citizen of Earth to Heaven.
And hark! the solemn Pæans grateful riseFrom rural Whittington's o'erflowing fane;And, with the heart's pure incense to the skies,Its venerable Shepherd's[44]hallow'd strain.
See! pointing to the memorable scene,He bids that Heath[45]to latest times be known,Whence her three Champions[46], Freedom, heaven-born Queen,Led with fresh glories to the British Throne.
Oh, Friend! upon whose natal morn[47]'tis given,When seventeen Lustres mark thy letter'd days,To lead the Hymn of Gratitude to Heav'n,And blend the Christian's with the Briton's praise.
Like hoary Sarpis[48], patriot Sage, thy pray'rWith Life shall close inhisemphatic Strain;"As onthisday, may Freedom, ever fair,In Britain flourish, and for ever reign!"
Eyam, Derbyshire.
P. C.
Ode for the Revolution Jubilee, 1788.
When lawless Power his iron hand,When blinded Zeal her flaming brandO'er Albion's Island wav'd;Indignant freedom veil'd the sight;Eclips'd her Son of Glory's light;Her fav'rite Realm enslav'd.Distrest she wander'd:—when afarShe saw herNassau'sfriendly starStream through the stormy air:She call'd around a Patriot Band;She bade them save a sinking land;And deathless glory share.Her cause their dauntless hearts inspir'd,With ancient Roman virtue fir'd;They plough'd the surging main;With fav'ring gales from Belgia's shoreHer heaven-directed Hero bore,And Freedom crown'd his Reign.With equal warmth her spirit glows,Though hoary Time's centennial snowsNew silver o'er her fame.For hark, what songs of triumph tell,Still grateful Britons love to dwell,OnWilliam'sglorious name.
When lawless Power his iron hand,When blinded Zeal her flaming brandO'er Albion's Island wav'd;Indignant freedom veil'd the sight;Eclips'd her Son of Glory's light;Her fav'rite Realm enslav'd.
Distrest she wander'd:—when afarShe saw herNassau'sfriendly starStream through the stormy air:She call'd around a Patriot Band;She bade them save a sinking land;And deathless glory share.
Her cause their dauntless hearts inspir'd,With ancient Roman virtue fir'd;They plough'd the surging main;With fav'ring gales from Belgia's shoreHer heaven-directed Hero bore,And Freedom crown'd his Reign.
With equal warmth her spirit glows,Though hoary Time's centennial snowsNew silver o'er her fame.For hark, what songs of triumph tell,Still grateful Britons love to dwell,OnWilliam'sglorious name.
Dear Sir,Whittington, Oct. 11, 1788.We are to have most grand doings at this place, 5th of November next, at theRevolution House, which I believe you saw when you was here. The Resolutions of the Committee were ordered to be inserted in the London prints[49]; so I presume you may have seen them, and that I am desired to preach the Sermon.I remain your much obliged, &c.S. Pegge.
Dear Sir,
Whittington, Oct. 11, 1788.
We are to have most grand doings at this place, 5th of November next, at theRevolution House, which I believe you saw when you was here. The Resolutions of the Committee were ordered to be inserted in the London prints[49]; so I presume you may have seen them, and that I am desired to preach the Sermon.
I remain your much obliged, &c.
S. Pegge.
Whittington, Nov. 29, 1788.My dear Mr. Gough,Mr. Rooke slept at the Vicarage on the 4th, in order to be ready for our grand celebrity the next day; and to distribute then to his friends his drawing, which he had caused to be engraved by Basire, of theRevolution Houseat Whittington, which he did, with a paper of mine, respecting the meeting there of the Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Derby, &c. in 1688, annexed.The 5th of November is now gone and over, and they said I acquitted myself very well. Indeed, I was in good spirits, and, as my Son-in-law read the prayers, I went fresh into the pulpit. The Duke of Devon was too late; but we had the Earl of Stamford at church, with Lord George and Lord John Cavendish, Lord Danby (Son of the Marquis of Carmarthen), and Lord Francis Osborne, with their Preceptor Dr. Jackson, Prebendary of Westminster, &c. The cavalcade from Whittington to Chesterfield, where we were to dine at four o'clock, was amazingly grand, no less than 50 coaches and chaises with horses dressed with orange ribbons; large and fine banners, with sundry bands of music. There were about 1000 on foot, with orange cockades, and about 300 on horseback, many of whom, besides cockades, were in blue, with orange capes. At half past six the fireworks, by an Italian artist, began, and very admirable they were; he had twenty pounds given him by theManagers. The ball room, at nine, was so crowded that, though it is large, there could be but little dancing. The ball was given to the Ladies, with an entertainment of cakes, sweetmeats, negus, &c. It was a fine day; and not the least accident happened, though it is supposed not less than 30,000 people were assembled. Hogsheads of liquor were given by the Managers at Whittington and Chesterfield, and the Duke of Devon gave twenty-four guineas to the footmen mentioned above. I saw nobody however in liquor; and when Mr. Rooke and Ireturned to Whittington, at one o'clock or after, we had a sober driver.It happened to be my birth-day; which being known to some gentlemen at all the three great inns where the company dined, they drank my health with three cheers, requesting me to print my Sermon. This request I have complied with, and it is now printed at Chesterfield; I will take care that a copy be sent to you and Mr. Nichols. But I must observe to you on the occasion, that the Sermon will not read so well as it was heard, because having good command over myself at the time, I delivered it with energy and emphasis.There will be a monument erected at the Revolution House in Whittington; a column I suppose; and 148 guineas are already subscribed. N. B. The Duke of Devon and the Earl of Stamford were excepted from subscribing, so they reluctantly desisted. Sir H. Hunloke, a Catholic, is a subscriber, and went in the cavalcade, but was not at church, as you may suppose.We have a very fine time here, no signs of winter but the absence of leaves; the want of water however is very wonderful, considering the time of year, and is even distressing. I grow very idle and good for nothing; but, such as I am, I remain your very affectionate and much obliged servant,S. Pegge.
Whittington, Nov. 29, 1788.
My dear Mr. Gough,
Mr. Rooke slept at the Vicarage on the 4th, in order to be ready for our grand celebrity the next day; and to distribute then to his friends his drawing, which he had caused to be engraved by Basire, of theRevolution Houseat Whittington, which he did, with a paper of mine, respecting the meeting there of the Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Derby, &c. in 1688, annexed.
The 5th of November is now gone and over, and they said I acquitted myself very well. Indeed, I was in good spirits, and, as my Son-in-law read the prayers, I went fresh into the pulpit. The Duke of Devon was too late; but we had the Earl of Stamford at church, with Lord George and Lord John Cavendish, Lord Danby (Son of the Marquis of Carmarthen), and Lord Francis Osborne, with their Preceptor Dr. Jackson, Prebendary of Westminster, &c. The cavalcade from Whittington to Chesterfield, where we were to dine at four o'clock, was amazingly grand, no less than 50 coaches and chaises with horses dressed with orange ribbons; large and fine banners, with sundry bands of music. There were about 1000 on foot, with orange cockades, and about 300 on horseback, many of whom, besides cockades, were in blue, with orange capes. At half past six the fireworks, by an Italian artist, began, and very admirable they were; he had twenty pounds given him by theManagers. The ball room, at nine, was so crowded that, though it is large, there could be but little dancing. The ball was given to the Ladies, with an entertainment of cakes, sweetmeats, negus, &c. It was a fine day; and not the least accident happened, though it is supposed not less than 30,000 people were assembled. Hogsheads of liquor were given by the Managers at Whittington and Chesterfield, and the Duke of Devon gave twenty-four guineas to the footmen mentioned above. I saw nobody however in liquor; and when Mr. Rooke and Ireturned to Whittington, at one o'clock or after, we had a sober driver.
It happened to be my birth-day; which being known to some gentlemen at all the three great inns where the company dined, they drank my health with three cheers, requesting me to print my Sermon. This request I have complied with, and it is now printed at Chesterfield; I will take care that a copy be sent to you and Mr. Nichols. But I must observe to you on the occasion, that the Sermon will not read so well as it was heard, because having good command over myself at the time, I delivered it with energy and emphasis.
There will be a monument erected at the Revolution House in Whittington; a column I suppose; and 148 guineas are already subscribed. N. B. The Duke of Devon and the Earl of Stamford were excepted from subscribing, so they reluctantly desisted. Sir H. Hunloke, a Catholic, is a subscriber, and went in the cavalcade, but was not at church, as you may suppose.
We have a very fine time here, no signs of winter but the absence of leaves; the want of water however is very wonderful, considering the time of year, and is even distressing. I grow very idle and good for nothing; but, such as I am, I remain your very affectionate and much obliged servant,
S. Pegge.
Whittington, Dec. 22, 1788.Dear Sir,By this time I hope you are in possession of my Sermon, as I desired my Son to send one copy to you, and another to Mr. Nichols. If I know you, your sentiments in politics coincide with mine; so that I have no fear of your concurrence in that respect and have only to wish that the composition may please you.I am, dear Sir, your truly affectionate and much obliged servant,S. Pegge.
Whittington, Dec. 22, 1788.
Dear Sir,
By this time I hope you are in possession of my Sermon, as I desired my Son to send one copy to you, and another to Mr. Nichols. If I know you, your sentiments in politics coincide with mine; so that I have no fear of your concurrence in that respect and have only to wish that the composition may please you.
I am, dear Sir, your truly affectionate and much obliged servant,
S. Pegge.
Samuel Pegge, Esq. the only surviving Son[50]of the venerable Antiquary whose Life has just been recorded, was born in 1731. After an excellent classical education, at St. John's College, Cambridge, he was admitted a Barrister of the Middle Temple; and was soon after, by the favour of the Duke of Devonshire, then Lord Chamberlain, appointed one of the Grooms of His Majesty's Privy-Chamber, and an Esquire of the King's Household.
Mr. Pegge married Martha, daughter of Dr. Henry Bourne, an eminent Physician, of Spital, near Chesterfield, in Derbyshire[51], and sister to the Rev. John Bourne[52], Rector of Sutton, and Vicar of South Wingfield, co. Derby.
By this lady, who was born in 1732, and died in 1767, he had one son, Christopher, of whom hereafter; and one daughter, Charlotte-Anne, who died, unmarried, March 17, 1793.
Mr. Pegge married, secondly, Goodeth Belt, daughter of Robert Belt, Esq. of Bossall, co. York, by whom he had no issue[53].
After the death of his Father, Mr. Pegge, though somewhat advanced in life, was desirousof becoming a Member of the Society of Antiquaries. He was accordingly elected in 1796; having previously shewn that he was well deserving of that distinction, by the accuracy and intelligence displayed in the "Curialia."
He survived his Father little more than four years; during which period he enjoyed but an indifferent state of bodily health. His mental faculties, however, were, to the last, strong and unimpaired; his manners truly elegant; his conversation always sensible and pleasant; and his epistolary correspondence[54]lively and facetious.
His death is thus recorded on an upright stone on the West side of Kensington church-yard:
"Samuel Pegge, Esq.died May the 22d, 1800, aged 67 years.Martha, Wife ofSamuel Pegge, Esq.died June 28, 1767, aged 35 years.Charlotte-Anne, the only DaughterofSamuelandMartha Pegge,died March 17, 1793, aged 31 years.Mrs.Christiana Peggedied July 1, 1790."
To Mr. Pegge, we are indebted for the foregoing circumstantial Memoir or his very learned Father; and for several occasional communications to the Gentleman's Magazine.
But his principal Work Was intituled, "Curialia; or, an Historical Account of some Branchesof the Royal Household[55];" Three Portions of which he published in his life-time:
Part I. consisted of "Two Dissertations, addressed to the President of the Society of Antiquaries, London;viz.1. On the obsolete Office of the Esquires of the King's Body. 2. On the original Nature, Duty, &c. of the Gentlemen of the King's Most Honourable Privy Chamber, 1782."Part II. contains "A Memoir regarding the King's Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, from its Establishment to the present Time, 1784."Part III. is "A Memoir respecting the King's Body-Guard of Yeomen of his Guard, from its Institution, A. D. 1485; 1791."
Part I. consisted of "Two Dissertations, addressed to the President of the Society of Antiquaries, London;viz.1. On the obsolete Office of the Esquires of the King's Body. 2. On the original Nature, Duty, &c. of the Gentlemen of the King's Most Honourable Privy Chamber, 1782."
Part II. contains "A Memoir regarding the King's Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, from its Establishment to the present Time, 1784."
Part III. is "A Memoir respecting the King's Body-Guard of Yeomen of his Guard, from its Institution, A. D. 1485; 1791."
During the remaining period of his life, Mr. Pegge amused himself in preparing several other Numbers of his "Curialia" for the press; the materials for which, and also his "Anecdotes of the English Language," he bequeathed to Mr. Nichols; who printed "The Anecdotes of the English Language" in 1803. This Work having been noticed with much approbation in the principal Reviews, and very favourably received bythe Publick at large, a Second Edition (corrected and improved from his own detached MSS.) was published in 1814. To this Edition was added, "A Supplement to the Provincial Glossary of Francis Grose, Esq." compiled by Mr. Pegge.
In 1806 Mr. Nichols published Two additional Numbers of the "Curialia:"
Part IV. "A History of Somerset House[56], from the Commencement of its Erection in 1549."Part V. "A Dissertation[57]on the ancient Establishment and Function of the Serjeant at Arms."
Part IV. "A History of Somerset House[56], from the Commencement of its Erection in 1549."
Part V. "A Dissertation[57]on the ancient Establishment and Function of the Serjeant at Arms."
The further continuation of that interesting work was broken off by the melancholy accident mentioned in page v.
In the early part of his life Mr. Pegge was a considerable proficient in Musick. He composed a complete Melo-Drama, both the words and the musick in score, which still remains in MS. Many Catches and Glees also, and several of the most popular Songs for Vauxhall Gardens were written and set to music by him.
His Muse was very fertile; and though his modesty forbade the avowal, he was the Author of some occasional Prologues and Epilogues which were favourably received by the Publick: a Prologue,particularly, spoken by Mr. Yates at Birmingham in 1760, on taking the Theatre into his own hands; an Epilogue spoken by the same excellent Actor, at Drury Lane, on his return from France, and another Epilogue, filled with pertinent allusions to the Game of Quadrille, spoken by Mrs. Yates, at her Benefit, in three different seasons, 1769, 1770, and 1774. He was the Author also of a pathetic Elegy on his own Recovery from a dangerous Illness; and of some pleasant Tales and Epigrammatic Poems.
His other acknowledged writings were,
1. "An Elegy on the Death of Godfrey Bagnall Clerke, Esq. (late one of the Representatives in Parliament for the County of Derby), who died Dec. 26, 1774.[58]"
2. "Memoirs of Edward Capell, Esq."[59]
3. "Illustrations of the Churchwardens' Accompts of St. Michael Spurrier Gate, York," in the "Illustrations of the Manners and Expences of Antient Times, 1797."
4. "On a Custom observed by the Lord Lieutenants of Ireland." (Antiquarian Repertory, Edit. 1809, vol. IV. p. 622.)
5. "Historical Anecdotes of the French Word Carosse." (Ibid. p. 642.)—The two last mentioned Tracts are re-printed in the present volume.
Mr. Pegge also superintended through the Press the greater part of his Father's "History of Beauchief Abbey;" but died before it was completed.
His only Son, the present Sir Christopher Pegge, was admitted a Commoner at Christ Church, Oxford, in 1782; took the Degree of B. A. there in 1786; was elected Fellow of Oriel College in 1788; resigned his Fellowship in 1790, and was re-admitted of Christ Church, having been appointed, through favour of the Dean and Chapter, Dr. Lee's Reader in Anatomy (which situation he resigned in 1816, an asthmatic complaint having rendered change of residence adviseable); took the Degrees of M. A. and M. B. 1789, and that of M. D. 1792. He was elected one of the Physicians to the Radcliffe Infirmary in 1791 (which he resigned in 1803); F. L. S. 1792; F.R.S. 1795; and Fellow of the College of Physicians 1796; received from his Majesty the Honour of Knighthood in 1799, and the Dignity of Regius Professor of Physic in 1801.
Sir Christopher Pegge married, in 1791, Amey, the eldest daughter of Kenton Couse, Esq. of Whitehall; by whom he has issue one daughter, Mary, married in 1816 to the Rev. Richard Moore Boultbee, of Merton College, Oxford (second son of Joseph Boultbee, Esq. of Springfield House, near Knowle, Warwickshire), and had a daughter, born Dec. 9, 1817.
ToRichard Gough, Esq.
Whittington, March 17, 1796.
Dear Sir,
There are no persons in the world to whom so much regard is due, respecting my late Father's Collections in the literary line, as to yourself and Mr. Nichols. I daily see obligations, from Books which you have respectively conferred upon him, which call for every acknowledgement. I am as daily concerned in looking over papers of various kinds; and will preserve them all sacredly, and report upon them when I return to Town, which must be in May or June.
I am labouring to keep possession of this house as long as I can, and believe I shall be amply indulged; a circumstance which will enable me to pay every attention to what may be of real use to my Father's Friends: for, as Botanists allow nothing to be weeds, so I admit nothing to be waste paper.
What I write to you I mean should be said to Mr. Nichols, with every kind remembrance. I have only to desire that I may be considered (by descent at least) as
Your obliged Friend,
S. Pegge.
To Mr. DeputyNichols.
Whittington, March 30, 1796.
Dear Sir,
A peck of March dust is said to be worth a King's ransom;—and to you (who know this house) I may say that I am enveloped in as much dust[60]as would ransom an Emperor. I shall be in Town at the end of Mayat the farthest, and would wish to work double tides in the History of Beauchief-Abbey while I stay; for I shall find it necessary to pass as long a Summer as I can here, where (by the new Rector's leave) I hope to continue till the approach of Winter.
S. Pegge.
Whittington, April 12, 1796.
Dear Sir,
I am really so much engaged (for I am not half through my Herculean labour) that I have not leisure to think of my late nearest Friend, so as toerectany memorial in the Gentleman's Magazineat present.
I have written to Lord Leicester and to Mr. Topham by this post, to request that I may behung up, according to Law, at the Society of Antiquaries, in hopes of being honourably cut down, and receiving Christian Burial. TheDirector[61], I trust, will appearto characterwhen my Trial comes up. God send me a good deliverance! What I write to you, I write to Mr. Gough also through you.
Your obliged Friend, &c.
S. Pegge.
ToGeorge Allan, Esq. Darlington.
Whittington, May 2, 1796.
Sir,
In the course of the last year my late Father (Rev. Dr. Pegge) among other Books made me a present off "The Northumberland Household Book;" which he told me (as I since find by his memoranda) was lent to you. I take the liberty of wishing to have it returned soon, directed to my Friend Mr. Nichols.
I have heard my Father often speak of you, Sir, with much respect, and I shall always honour my Father's Friends. I am, &c.
S. Pegge.
Whittington, May 23, 1796.
Sir,
I thank you for the favour of your Letter, which was anticipated by a line from Mr. Nichols, advising me that "The Northumberland Household Book"was safe in his hands. The honourable mention I hear of my late Father, almost every day, is very gratifying to me, though I know it is not undeserved on his part. As to Mr. Brander's Print of my father, I have a very few in London; and one of the best of them shall be at your service. I cannot think the Print in the least like my Father; but I have a Painting[62]which is a very strong resemblance.
Your very obedient humble servant,
S. Pegge.
To Mr.Nichols.
Whittington, July 28, 1796.
Dear Sir,
We left London on Monday the eleventh; but did notmakeWhittington till last Sunday the 24th inst. We passed part of Wednesday the 13th, and all the 14th and 15th, at Southwell, with the new Rector of Whittington, and had a very pleasurable visit. We nexttouchedat Spital, and as we thought only for three or four days, but were detained there bycontrary winds, whichblewus into parties of company and venison.
I am, dear Sir, yours very sincerely,
S. Pegge.
York, Sunday, Sept. 11, 1796.
Dear Sir,
Where and when this will find you, whether inUrbanor inSylvanscenes, I know not: but the purport of it is to desire that you would send me (to Whittington) thelast Impressionof the Family Pedigree ofBourne.
Whether you ever insert it in yourLeicestershireor not, I wish to have it completed, as far as may be, from my own connexion with it; and because I knowthat every difficulty is doubled to every succeeding generation. The Historian of Leicestershire must have had repeated experience of this circumstance in his investigations.
Yours, &c.
S. Pegge.
Scotland yard, Feb. 20, 1797.
Dear Sir,
I am now going seriously to work, to bring the Coins forward by auction. The whole collection amounts in number to between 1100 and 1200; but of what value the hammer must determine.
S. Pegge.
June 10, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Mr. Gough was so obliging as to mention hopes of seeing us at Enfield; and I have been for several days on the point of writing to him a line of thanks, and to express the willingness of the spirit, and the weakness of the flesh; for, alas! I have got as much gout as will last me till we go into Derbyshire in the second week in July. In this situation it would be much to the honour of your humanity to come and pass an evening with us. I am sure to be found at home.
S. P.
Scotland yard, June 18, 1797.
Dear Sir,
I hope this will find you safely returned from your excursion, and disengaged, as I wish you to pass alongevening with me. Mr. Bowyer Nichols would tell you that I am now at leisure to go on with "Beauchief Abbey" for a little while; but without your assistance, know not how. Send me word what evening you can best spare, and bring your Son with you, and let it be veryspeedily. I shall soon put an end to the Session, and thisPrinting-mentwill be prorogued to the 5th of October, then to meet for dispatch of business.
S. Pegge.
December 7, 1797.
Dear Sir,
As you are connected with the Representatives of Dr. Farmer, or the person who acts for them, I wishyou would procure a receipt for a copy of Skelton, which was found in my Father's collection after his death, and which was evidently Mr. Farmer's property.
As I hear that Dr. Farmer's Library is intended for sale, I should be glad that this book might be soon restored to the Executors; and my original wish to return it, may appear from a letter of mine to Dr. Farmer, dated so long ago as the 4th of February last, which has probably been found among his papers. I received no answer to it, which I imputed to his then bad state of health.
Yours, &c.
S. Pegge.
Harrowgate, Aug. 25, 1799.
Dear Sir,
Our history, since I saw you, is briefly this. We left London on the 18th of July, and made a journey of three days to Spital, near Chesterfield. After resting there, for as many days, we set off for this place, which we found very full, and made our quarters good at the humblest house we could find; but with the most comfortable accommodations that a very uncomfortable place can afford; and are reconciled to our situation. We dine (en masse) about 20 on the average, keep good hours, and are not pestered with gamblers, ladies-maids, or lap-dogs. In some houses they dine 120 people!!!
The water of this place is a very strong sulphur, and I believe, is the most powerful of any in the kingdom. The most quiet of this sort of houses is much too turbulent for me; besides that it is difficult for one who cannot walk, or even saunter about, as others do, to fill up the chasms between meals, except by reading, which is scarcely practicable here. I find myself, however, tolerably habituated to noise and talk; and as to the art of doing nothing, I have made myself perfectly master of it. As a proof of it, I have been three weeks in writing this letter.
If you ask me how I do? I answer, I don't know at present. I have experienced muchnon-valescence, and am toldcon-valescence will follow.
S. Pegge.
Monday, January 27, 1800.
Dear Sir,
The Lady[63]mentioned in the enclosed Article is my Niece, who hopes to open the Ball in the List of Marriages in this Month. I send also an article for the Obituary[64], the death of a Brother of my Wife, and whose death has long been expected. I am a lodger in my own first-floor, with some gout, which will neither lead nor drive; but I should be very happy to receive a charitable visit of chat in any evening that you can spare. I do not ask Mr. Bowyer Nichols, as I cannot encounter more than one person at a time.
Your very sincere friend,
S. Pegge.
March 17, 1800.
Dear Sir,
Presuming that you are returned from Hinckley, andhave nothing in the world to do, I hope you will give us your company in an evening very soon; for at that time of the day I see nobody else. Let me hear by one of yourRepresentatives in Parliament[65]on what evening I may expect you, that I mayrectifymy spirits accordingly.
Adieu!
S. Pegge.