Although this volume is not of the same historical value as the _Diary_
mentioned by Welwood, yet it is a curious and interesting relic of the
unfortunate man who possessed it, and whose want of education,
superstition, and frivolity are so prominently displayed in its pages.
As to its recent history, Dr. Anster states that it was purchased at a
book-stall in Paris, in 1827, by an Irish divinity student; the same,
probably, who has written his name at p. 90.: "John Barrette, Irish
College, Paris, Dec. 31, 1837."--The same person has made a memorandum
in pencil, at p. 1., which has subsequently been partially rubbed out,
and, as far as now legible, is as follows:--
"This Book was found in ... of the English College in Paris, among
other MSS. deposited there by James II."
An earlier hand has scribbled a list of the contents at the
commencement, with the signature "S. Rutter." If King James deposited
this volume in the College at Paris, in all probability the others found
on the person of the Duke of Monmouth accompanied it, and may one day or
other turn up as unexpectedly as the present book has done.