_Sir Roger de Coverley._--In the first article of the Number of the
_Quarterly Review_ just published, on _Sir Roger de Coverley, by the
Spectator, with Notes and Illustrations_, by W. Henry Wills, it is
stated,--
"At the suggestion of Swift they took advantage of a popular name,
and derided the Knight's descent from the inventor of the
celebrated country-dance," &c.
I should like to know the authority for this statement respecting Swift,
as, at the time of the _Spectator_ first appearing, he was certainly not
on good terms with either Addison or Steele. The first Number of the
_Spectator_ was published on the 1st of March, 1710-11. In Swift's
journal, sent to Stella, he says, March 6th,--
"I have not seen Mr. Addison these three weeks: all our friendship
is over."