(Vol. iii., pp. 161. 261. 340.; Vol. iv., p. 282.; Vol. vii., p. 354.)
I am glad to see that a subject to which I have at various times attempted
to turn public attention, has at least been responded to by one voice. When
the "N. & Q." was first established, I felt that there was now at least one
place where it was possible to print historical documents of various kinds,
and no one can deny that at various times very interesting and important
papers have been made publicly available, which might otherwise have
escaped notice. I may instance a very interesting account of the inquest on
Chatterton, which I have myself, in a sketch of that ill-fated {457}
youth's fate, been the first to make use of for biographical purposes.
It is still my conviction that at some time or other an association for
such purposes will be formed, and I must attain earnestly entreat those
persons whose position would command assistance, and whose learning and
opportunities would aid the cause I am advocating, to give some sign of
their favourable intention toward such a scheme. I must once more place
this very important matter before the eyes of the public; I trust that my
appeal may not be in vain.
See how in other cases, when something offers itself promising amusement
and instruction, societies can be formed and spring into life and activity
at once. For instance, I might adduce the beautiful and useful processes of
photography; within the short space of a few months the art has been
brought to a high decree of excellence: a Photographical Institute is, I
believe, now in active working, there is a photographical journal, besides
the continued and unwearying co-operation of "N. & Q." itself. Why may not
historical documents have something of the same sort? For a slight sum (but
a few shillings a year), if the reading public were willing, such a society
might be founded, and many invaluable documents of every description placed
where they would be available for the historian, for the archæologist, for
the editor, and for the general inquirer.
Let me hope that something may be proposed; I have myself hunted through
dusty MS. folios, quartos, duodecimos innumerable, and my investigations
have not been wholly useless.
If there be any who look with a favourable eye upon these hints, I shall be
glad to hear from them.