The Life of William Roscoe
Chapter XVII. 1820-1823
William Roscoe to John M’Creery, [November? 1820]
“I have long intended to address a few lines to you from
this place, but was desirous of being able to give you some information as to
my views, and the nature of the task I have undertaken. ![]()
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I
have now been here nearly three months, closely employed in making a
descriptive catalogue of the manuscript library; but, notwithstanding my utmost
exertions, I have not yet been able to bring it to a termination, and it will
take some weeks still to complete it. When it is done it will be the greatest
exertion that I, or perhaps any other person, ever made in the time; the
difficulties being much beyond what I had calculated on, and the assistance of
books from the printed library being much less than I had expected. I have,
however, been repaid in a great degree for my trouble by the pleasure I have
had in the investigation and explanation of these ancient records, which are
much more curious and valuable than I had supposed; and I shall surprise the
learned world by some very interesting information. I have already accumulated
as much as will make a good quarto volume, which it is Mr. Coke’s intention to have printed; and I hope to be
able so to arrange the correcting it, as to have it pass through your press.
The work will be accompanied by numerous engravings and ornaments, for which
Lady Anson is making drawings, and I am
promised such other assistance as will render it a splendid production. I will
not, however, enlarge upon it at present, as I am in hopes in a short time to
see you in London, when we can talk over this subject much ![]()
| 264 | LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | |
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better than we can discuss it by letter, and when we will lay a plan for
carrying this object into effect.
“I am sure I need not tell you, that I find Mr. Coke the same firm and upright friend of
liberty and reform as when I was here last. Uninfluenced by any party, his only
wish is to do justice to all, and to give to every one those rights which he
enjoys himself. The pleasure I have had in his society, and in that of his
family, has alleviated my daily labours, and enabled me to accomplish what I
certainly should not have undertaken had I been aware of its extent and
difficulty; but before I see you, I hope to have finished my first sketch of a
catalogue, though it will take some time to reduce it into order.”
