A COMPLETE SET OF SIGNERS.

The number of the HISTORICAL MAGAZINE for April, 1868, one of those long in arrear, has just made its appearance, somewhat over two and a half years after it was due "by the calendar." It, however, verifies the adage, of "better late than never;" and if all the numbers due, or to grow due, are to be of equal interest when wheeled into line by some enterprising volunteer, its readers will lose nothing by waiting. Its entire contents are very appropriately much more antique than the number, being copies of letters or documents, written or signed, by all the signers of the Declaration of Independence, with illustrated documents, from the collection of Col. T. Bailey Myers, among the most interesting of which are the following, viz.: One of the thirteen copies of the Declaration signed by Hancock and Thomson, and sent to the States; a Military Commission of Congress, in 1776, signed by Hancock, and a Soldier's Muster-out, in 1783, signed by Washington; Resolutions of Congress in 1776; Resolutions of the Marine Committee in 1777; letters of the Chaplain and Secretary of Congress; two fine letters of Bartlett in 1776 and '79; two of Whipple in same years; Credentials of Hancock and his colleagues, signed by Gen. Lincoln; three letters of Hancock in 1776; three of John Adams in 1776-7 and '98; one of Samuel Adams in 1775; one of Stephen Hopkins in 1755; two of William Williams in 1777-81; two of Lewis Morris in 1776-84; a letter of Stockton to Lord Dartmouth in 1774; two of Abraham Clark in 1777 and '9; two of Rush in 1777; two of Franklin in 1778'81; one of James Smith in 1775; one of Ross, and one of Rodney in 1777; Resolutions of Read in the Constitutional Convention, 13th June, 1787; letters of Stone in 1773; two of Paca in 1781-3; one of Carroll in 1772; one of the Committee of Foreign Affairs in 1778; two of R. H. Lee in 1777-'92; one of George Wythe in 1787, resigning his seat in the Constitutional Convention; six of Jefferson in

1775-'80-'86-'87-1816; two of Nelson 1781-3; two of Harrison in 1781-9; one of Francis L. Lee in 1777; the ratification by the Convention of N. C. of the action of Congress, in April, 1775, signed by sixty-seven (mostly) prominent North Carolinians; letter of Hooper in 1781; Hewes in 1777; Penn in 1780; Rutledge in 1797; and two of Walton in 1773-'79— these being mainly historical letters-with other letters of less interest, and documents signed by all the remaining members of that memorable body, each preceded by a brief biographical sketch of the writer.

The collector, however, disavows in a brief introduction, any claim to superior or equal excellence to some of the specimens in sixteen other complete sets known to exist (one of which is believed to be owned by Queen Victoria, one formed by Dr. Raffles, the bishop of Liverpool, three by the Rev. Dr. Sprague, of New York, two by the late Mr. Tefft, of Savannahone of which last belongs to the State Library-one by Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet, which surpasses them all in illustration by drawings, water-colors, and engravings-and the others by well known collectors), or in many fine sets yet incomplete, but desires to place some important documents where the contents would not be lost, should the originals which he has been engaged for years in collecting ("without making a raid or incurring an obligation he did not attempt to acquit," or in other words, by purchase or exchanges with other collectors) be subject to an accident; and also with a hope to induce, by example, other collectors to open to the public the unprinted history contained in their portfolios.

This is the first serial of the writings of the signers which has ever been printedif we except Brotherhead's Book of Facsimilies, the specimens in which were selected from many collections, particularly from the fine ones of Messrs. Dreer and Davis, of Philadelphia. The formation of a set is now excessively difficult, as the seventeen produced after nearly a century— some of which are very weak in specimens,

and perfect in completeness only-proves; while so many are enthusiastically seeking to complete, or form, one of these interesting relics of the "times which tried men's souls."

English Versions of the "Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses."-I have a little volume entitled, "Edifying and Curious Letters of some Missioners, of the Society of Jesus, from Foreign Missions. Printed in the year 1707." 16mo, pp. 12,258, and 3 pp. table. It is paged throughout consecutively, but is in three parts, headed, "First Collection," "Second Collection," "Third Collection," each preceded by an address "To the Jesuits of France," signed "Charles Gobien, of the Society of Jesus." It contains one letter from the Moxos Mission, in South America. This English edition was evidently got up by Catholics, the laws making it necessary to suppress name, date, and place of publication.

Now, what was the French original of this? Carayon, in his " Bibliographie Historique de la Compagnie de Jesus," gives, p. 55 Lettres de quelques missionnaires de la Compagnie de Jesus, écrite de la Chine et des Indes Orientales, Paris, 1702 an 12;" and adds: "Ce premier receuil fut suivi peu après d'un second, sous ce titre: Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses écrites des Missions Etrangeres par quelques Missionnaires de la Compagnie de Jésus."

He says, moreover, that these two collections, reprinted in 1717, were the first of the collection of "Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses." He apparently had not seen this English volume, and we cannot tell whether it really embraces both the French volumes, in which case probably the second contained two of the collections mentioned in the English.

He gives the regular series as beginning in 1717 and extending to 1776, 34 receuils, or collections, 12mo. Nevertheless there is a second volume prior to 1717 in Eng. lish, and not containing any letters already published in the first English volume.

The Travels of several Learned Missioners of the Society of Jesus into Divers Parts of the Archipelago, India, China, and America. Containing a general description of the most remarkable Towns; with a particular account of the Customs, Man

ners, and Religion of the several Nations, the whole interspersed with Philosophical Observations and other curious Remarks. Translated from the French original, published at Paris in the year 1713. London: Printed for R. Gosling, at the Mitre and Crown, over against (sic) St. Dunstan's Church, in Fleet Street, MDCCXIV. 12mo. Preface, 5 pp. Contents, 6 pp. Text, 1,335. Index, 12 pp.

This volume contains 22 letters, the 19th relating to the Moxos, in South America, 20th being Marest's account of affairs at Hudson's Bay, and the 21st, Extract of an account of the Country of Accadie, in North America, &c., written by a French gentleman, and sent to a Missioner of the Society of Jesus.

Now Charlevoix, in his list of authors (Shea's Charlevoix I, p. 88), mentions this letter of Marest as in the 10th volume of the "Lettres Edifiantes, printed at Bris by Jean Barbou, in the Rue St. Jacques aux Cigognes, in 1712; and he mentions the 11th volume as published in 1715, and 12th in 1717. There must, then, be an earlier set than that referred to by Carayon, which he began in 1717.

It is curious, too, that Charlevoix, noting the volumes that contained matter pertinent to his History, omits all reference to the Acadian matter, as well as to the little work of Diereville, who probably wrote it.

Can any one give the exact dates and titles of the French volumes prior to 1717, with a note of the American matter in them?

American Journal of Numismatics for January.-This number announces that the Boston Numismatic Society have undertaken to continue the Journal for this year. The price has been reduced from $3 to $2 a year. We recommend it to the notice of American antiquaries as a journal worthy of support. It is handsomely printed on good paper, and illustrated with facsimile cuts of curious coins. This number contains articles on Coins as Weights and Measures, Early Exhumation of Coins in America, Establishment of U. S. Mint, English Sales of American Coins, &c., &c. SMALL CHANGE: "General Spinner's signature on the greenbacks looks like the track of a drunken crab playing tag with a corkscrew."

"The Pennsylvania Gazette."-I have before me a copy of the Pennsylvania Gazette, April 29, 1756, Numb. 1427, "Containing the Freshest Advices, Foreign and Domestick." It is printed, three columns in a page, on a species of whiteybrown demy paper, and it contains a large quantity of matter, commencing with the proclamation of the Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Esq., against the Delaware tribe of Indians, countersigned by the king; but the most curious item of interest in it is perhaps the following:

"Just imported and to be sold by John Troy, master of the Snow Polly, a parcel of choice Irish Potatoes, and a few good servant Men and Women, at Mr. Sim's Wharff, near Market Street."

When Irish potatoes, and Irish men and

Sir Walter Raleigh.-Whom did Sir Walter marry y? Where can I obtain infor. mation as to his descendants?

A. M. S. Sir Walter Raleigh married one of Queen Elizabeth's maids of honor-Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Nicholas Throgmorton. The "lovely Bessie" was an orphan of the rarest attractions, whose virtue, devotion, and misfortunes shed a lustre over the close of the sixteenth and the early years of the seventeenth century. Her first appearance in Raleigh's biography boded anything but an enviable fame. Their intercourse, clandestine and illicit, soon became visible to the keen eyes of envy, upon which scandal made itself busy with the lady's reputation. For a while, dread of Elizabeth's tempestuous anger, coupled with unwillingness to provoke Raleigh's resentment, restrained the courtiers from withdrawing the veil from this perilous amour. The beautiful Elizabeth, probably in her twenty-third year, was a tall figure, with light hair, large blue eyes, and fine oval features. Here is William Oldy's description of her personal appearance and costume: "She has on," he says, "a dark-colored hanging-sleeve robe, tufted on the arms, and under it a close-bodied gown of white satin flowered with black, with close sleeves down to the wrist; has a rich ruby in her ear, bedropt with large pearls; a laced whisk rising above the shoulders; her bosom uncovered, and a jewel hanging thereon, with a large chain of pearl round her

neck down to her waist." It was a secret marriage, time and place unknown, and probably came off in the year 1592, when it excited the fierce wrath of our Virgin Queen. Carew Raleigh, the younger son of Sir Walter, was born in the Tower of London in 1604, and in 1666 was buried in the same grave with his father. Some particulars of the descendants of Sir Walter Raleigh are given in "N. & Q.," Ist S. v. 538, 621; viii. 78; x. 373, 475; 4th, S. ii. 164, 214, 235, 309; v. 91.

The Destruction in 1849, at Montreal, by Fire, of the Parliament House of Canada. -In the History of Canada, by John Macmullen, Esq., Brockville, 1868, 8vo, at ch. xxiii. pp. 509, 510, he gives an account of this incident. It was done by the Montreal mob, in consequence of the royal assent having been given by Lord Elgin to the Rebel Losses Bill of 1849. As I am writing a work upon our colonial system, I will be very thankful to any correspondent to "N. & Q" for information whether this occurrence in 1849 was an isolated case in our transatlantic history. Any reference upon this point, if known, will much oblige. V. O'D.

NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 1870. DEAR SIR: Agreeably to my talk with you a short time since I give you the following:

Samuel Gardner Drake was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, Oct. 11, 1798. His father was a farmer, his residence was on the banks of the Suncook river, his name was Simeon. The first of the family who came to New England was Robert Drake, who came in 1642 and settled at Exeter, N. H.

Mr. S. G. Drake began life, in a business point, as school teacher-then clerk in a store. It appears that through his acquaintance with John Farmer, author of the Genealogical Register, his taste was somewhat directed to antiquarian books, which have been the chief pursuit of his life.

His researches in Indian history led to his antique book business, which, as he states, was begun in 1830 in Market street, since named Cornhill.

His store took the name of the " Antiquarian Book Store," and, as has been stated, was the first of the kind established in America. Of this fact you probably know more than the writer. Mr. Drake has not, however, made this his business so exclusively as has been the case with the late William Gowans or Mr. T. O. H. P. Burnham. His attention has been largely engaged as a writer, but at no time, during the past forty years, to the exclusion of book business. As a book dealer his business has not been to the extent of either that of Mr. Gowans or Burnham, but his books have been connected more generally with American history as a specialty than that of either of the others, and collected largely with a view to aid his historical researches. His library on American history is very valuable. His office and book store are in the attic

of a four-story building, No. 17, Broomfield street. He, it is well known, was the principal founder of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, as also the originator of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, and the publisher and principal editor of the first fifteen volumes. If you have the 17th volume of the N. E. Hist. and Genealogical Register you will find in it quite a lengthy memoir of Mr. Drake. He is a man of remarkable industry and application to his business.

Mr. T. O. H. P. Burnham is of an early New England family that settled at Ipswich, Essex County, Mass., in 1646, in that part of Ipswich now Essex, made a town in 1819. Here Mr. Burnham was born January 27, 1814. At the age of seventeen, in 1831, he set up a book and variety stand at the corner of Quincy Market, Boston (S.W. corner), and withal, sold beer by the glass. (I well recollect the stand and the activity and industry of the young man at his first attempt at business). He left the market stand in 1833 and located in the basement of his father's house in Market street, since called Cornhill, a few doors from the store of S. G. Drake. In 1857 he moved to a large store on Washington street, opposite the old South Church, and in 1867 moved to his present store No. 68 School street. He has, for the past twenty-five years or more, kept in his book store, in connection with his business, a circulating library of several thousand volumes. In quantity of books and their general character his store is another Gowans collection. He has published some reprints.

By

Like William Gowans, Drake and Burnham both commenced life destitute of pecuniary means. Their sources of success have been self-reliance, unflagging industry, and severe economy. All three began business about the same time, and became widely known for a very general knowledge of books. perseverance through a period of forty years, in constant attention to business, each secured comfortable living and the respect of the community for integrity in his dealings. As to the amount of their accumulations I am uncertain-I have no doubt that Mr. Drake has the least, Mr. Burnham the most. Respectfully, yours, H. A.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 18th, 1871.

a

In the September number of the Bibliopolist an inquiry is made for the date and place of death of Michael Hilligas, Treasurer of the United States. In answer I would say that "Michael Hilligas died Sept. 29, 1804, in the 76th year of his age, and is buried in Christ Church Grave-yard, Philadelphia,' where also may be found the graves of his wife "Henrietta Hilligas, wife of Michael, died Jany 25, 1792 aged 59 yrs 11 mos & 28 dys," his father, "Michael Hilligas, died Oct. 30, 1749, aged 53 ys," and his mother, "Margaret Hilligas, wife of Michael Hilligas, died July 21st, 1770, aged 65 yrs." Also "Frederick Hilligas, son of Michael and Margaret, died August 1742, aged 16 mos," and "Michael, son of Michael and Henrietta, died August 2, 1757, aged 1 yr. I mo & 3 dys." Trusting this may be of service to your inquirer.

I am faithfully yours,

CHARLES HENRY HART.

WILLIAM GOWANS.

A BRIEF NOTICE OF HIS LIFE.

BY DR. S. S. PURPLE.

William Gowans, the antiquarian bookseller of New York, was the fifth son of James and Marion (Patterson) Gowans, and was born on Hawksland farm, Parish of Lismahagow, Scotland, March 29th,1803. Having a large family of sons, nine in number, his parents were desirous that one of them should be educated for the ministry, and the lot falling upon William he was kept closely at school until his fourteenth year. He probably had no predeliction for such a profession, as his father took him from school at this time to assist in work on the farm, and in this employment he remained till he left for America.

In June, 1821, the family left Scotland. for Philadelphia where they arrived early in July, and soon after started for Fredonia, Crawford County, Indiana, travelling by wagon via Pittsburgh. Soon after his arrival in Indiana he engaged as a hired hand on a flat boat and made a trip to New Orleans down the Mississippi river. Returning, he made a second trip loading a boat with lime on his own account, and meeting with success in the adventure, he made a third trip with a cargo of flour. This last speculation proved unfortunate, and after disposing of his boat and cargo he left New Orleans for New York, where he arrived on the 16th of May, 1825. His money being nearly exhausted he obtained employment as a gardener, but did not long continue in this vocation; he was successively a stone cutter, a stevedore, folder and carrier of newpapers, and an attaché of the old Bowery Theatre until May, 1827, when he obtained a situation as clerk in a book store. Two months after, he was prostrated by small pox and lost his place in the book store. The following winter he commenced trade in books on his own account, buying his stock at the evening book sales and selling them to his acquaintances and others, through the streets of the city in the day time. Finding his stock and business increasing, in the spring of 1828 he opened a book stall on the sidewalk in front of No. 121 Chatham Street. In the summer of 1830 this number was rebuilt, during which time Mr. Gowans