_Junius Rumours_ (Vol. v., pp. 125. 159.).--In spite of the memorable
declaration of Junius that his secret should perish with him, and the
hitherto unsatisfactory attempts that have been made to draw him from
his hiding-place, I have ever felt assured that he will eventually be
unearthed. After half a century's active exertion, the "Iron Mask" was
unveiled.
I recollect that, somewhere in Woodfall's edition, is a letter from
Junius, requiring a copy of the letters to be sent him, bound in a
particular manner and colour, which, at the time that edition came out,
was thought likely to afford a clue to the detection: some such casual
notice may not yet be unlikely to lead to the discovery. Many years
since, in conversation with an old officer, then barrack-master at
Pendennis Garrison, Captain Hall, he related a circumstance that
occurred when he was a boy, that curiously impressed itself on his
memory. His family and Woodfall's were intimate, and when about ten
years old he was taken by his mother to see Woodfall, whilst in prison
on account of the publication of these redoubtable letters.
During this visit a tea-service of plate was received by Woodfall as a
present from Junius, and was exhibited with no small degree of pride and
gratification. Surely two such circumstances could not occur without
being known to more than one or two persons; and had the inquiry been
keenly followed up, I think, not unreasonably, that a chance might be
afforded for the solution of the problem.