[Footnote 1: "G. A. B.," Fellow of Trinity, a lively companion.]
[Footnote 2: Editor of the Bible.]
[Footnote 3: Lay Fellow and Tutor of Jes. Coll.; used to read Theocritus
_Græcè_ in the stage-coach.]
[Footnote 4: Author of _History of London_, or some topographical quarto.
The next may be guessed.]
_R. S. Townshend of Manchester._--I know that you have several intelligent
correspondents in the neighbourhood of Manchester, and it is probable that
they may be able to give me some information respecting a Mr. R. S.
Townshend, a person of literary taste and pursuits, who resided in that
town about the year 1730. His Common-place Book, or Diary, which has fallen
into my hands, contains numerous allusions to the leading gentry and clergy
of the neighbourhood; and more than once it mentions the well-known Dr.
Byrom, under the title of "Il Gran Maestro de Tachigraphia." Dr. Deacon, a
distinguished person among the Nonjurors, is also mentioned. The acting of
Cato by the scholars of the grammar-school on Dec. 20, 1732, is also
mentioned, with some critiques upon the performers. The elections at the
collegiate church are constantly referred to as subjects of all-absorbing
interest; there being a strong party, {180} as well in the town as in the
church, of Jacobites, and these elections being regarded as a trial of
party strength.