Malta.
_Smollett's Strap._--In "N. & Q.," Vol. iii., p. 123., is an extract from
the _Examiner_, March 26, 1809, relating to Hugh Hewson, who is there
mentioned as being "no less a personage than the identical Hugh Strap."
Mr. Faulkner, in his _History of Chelsea_, vol. i. p. 171., states that Mr.
W. Lewis, of Lombard Street, Chelsea, was the original of this character.
He established himself in Chelsea by Smollett's advice, and died there
about 1785. Faulkner states that he resided with his widow for seven years,
and thus having opportunities of being acquainted with the facts, I am
inclined to give his account the preference. Now that these different
accounts are brought forward, some reader of "N. & Q." may be enabled with
certainty to fix who was the identical.