MELANION.


_Wives of Ecclesiastics._

Sir,--In looking over some ancient charters a few days ago, I met with
one dated 22 Edw. III, by which "Willielmus de Bolton clericus et
Goditha uxor ejus," release a claim to certain lands. If William de
Bolton was an ecclesiastic, as I suppose, how is it that his wife is
openly mentioned?

I shall be must obliged to any of your readers for an explanation.

A SUBSCRIBER.


_Whelps._

Sir,--In Howell's _Letters_, Sect. 5. p. 9. the following
words occur:--

"At the return of this fleet two of the _Whelps_ were cast away, and
three ships more."

I should feel obliged to any of your correspondents who may be able to
favour me with an explanation of the word _Whelps_ in this passage.

J.J.