F.R.A.

[W.A. informs us that there is a key to this work in Martin's _Account
of Privately Printed Books_.]

_The Widow of the Wood_ (Vol. ii., p. 406.).--The history of this
publication can hardly be given without raking up a piece of scandal
affecting an honourable family still in existence. If DR. RIMBAULT wishes
to see the book, and has any difficulty in meeting with it, I shall be
happy to forward him my copy by the post on learning his address. I inclose
you mine, and will thank you to communicate it to him if he should wish for
it.

The maiden name of this "widow" was Anne Northey. Her second husband was
Sir Wm. Wolseley; her _fourth_, Mr. Hargrave, father of the celebrated
jurist. Every copy of the work which could be found was destroyed by the
latter gentleman.

H.C.

_Damasked Linen_ (Vol. ii., p. 199.).--It may interest R.G.P.M. to learn
that portion of the damasked linen which formed part of the establishment
of James II. when in Ireland, still exists in the possession of R. Ely,
Esq., of Ballaghmore Castle in the Queen's County. I have seen with that
gentleman several large napkins beautifully damasked with the then royal
arms, together with the initials J.R. of large size, and elaborately
flourished. The tradition of the family is, that they were obtained from
the plunder of James's camp equipage, after the defeat of the Boyne. Mr.
Ely's ancestor was in William's army.