(Vol. viii., pp. 468. 565.; Vol. ix., p. 89.)
A friend called on me this morning with the Number containing a notice of
S. A. Mackey, supposing that, being a neighbour, I could furnish a few
particulars of that extraordinary man. The whole of his MSS. came into my
possession after his demise. Amongst these was a MS. of his Life, written
by himself, and of which I took a faithful copy: which I have transcribed
for gentlemen who wish to possess a copy. I am ready to furnish any
gentleman with a copy, neatly written, book included, for 5s. It consists
of fifty-two pages large demy 4to. The original is in the possession of a
Mr. Brereton of Flitcham, near Lynn, Norfolk, to whom I sold all the MSS.,
Mr. Brereton being an intimate friend of S. A. Mackey.
I have on sale a copy of Mr. Mackey's _Works_, selected by Mr. Shickle,
another intimate friend; neatly done up in coloured cloth. Also a copy of
his _Mythological Astronomy_, with copious notes, in one hundred pages.
Also, an Appendix of forty-eight pages. And another copy of the MS.
Astronomy, with notes; but minus the Appendix.
I may as well inform you, that a friend of mine has in his possession a
half-length full-size portrait of Mr. Mackey; admirably executed, and in
prime condition, in a handsome frame. I believe it is for sale. I assure
you, when I first saw it, I felt at the moment a kind of impulse to shake
hands with my old friend and neighbour.
I shall feel great pleasure in answering any inquiries, so far as my
knowledge extends. His Life is truly interesting; being that of a man born
in sorrow, and cradled in adversity. Like him, I am a self-taught humble
individual, and in my eighty-second year.