Oxford.
Although I have for many years ceased to be an inhabitant of the
metropolis, I am much gratified at the suggested record of these
worthies, and think it would be a most interesting book, were truthful
particulars got together concerning them, with good portraits--I mean
striking likenesses--of these beings, who, as ALFRED GATTY observes,
"come like shadows, so depart." I will inform him something about the
"half-giant," of whom Charles Lamb says, that he "was brought low during
the riots of London." I almost doubt this, for just about then he lived
in the parish of St. Mary-le-Strand; indeed, before then, my grandfather
was there overseer, or otherwise a parochial authority, and he had him
apprehended and imprisoned as a rogue and a vagabond. I have often heard
my father talk about him; indeed, he knew this man well, and I regret
that I have forgotten his name. He always spoke of him as having been _a
sailor_, and that he had his legs carried away by a cannon-ball. This
burly beggar had two daughters, to each of whom he is said to have given
500_l._ on her wedding; and it was also said he left a handsome sum of
money at his death. But, doubtless, some curious correspondent will be
able to forward the desideratum with farther information. I only tell
the little I know.
The old porter, John, at the King's printing-office, whom I remember as
quite a character, "N. & Q." have peculiar facilities to immortalise. We
sexagenarians all remember the blackee at the crossing by Waithman's in
Bridge Street. He was said to have died very rich, and reported to have
sold his "walk," when he retired from business, for 1000_l._
But other "characters" might amusingly be introduced, such as those two
or three last roses in summer who continue to wear pig-tails or
pantaloons. I would even not omit Baron Maseres, and such
peculiarities--the German with his Bible and beard, without a hat--_et
hoc genus omne_. There is a large work of the kind, exhibiting portraits
and biographies of these illustrious personages in Edinburgh; it is now
scarce and valuable. I remember spending a most interesting evening over
it with a Scotchman, who knew and described many of the characters
developed.