Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- c. 1783 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 volume, containing about 90 leaves, of which about 40 are blank. Quarto, bound in full calf.
Context area
Name of creator
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Purchased from Dean Byass Manuscripts and Rare Books, 2016.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Armorial bookplate to pastedown, 'Markshall. Ph. Honywood'; manuscript note above reads 'It is requested no one will take this book out of Markshall Library'.
5 pages of verse, with headings 'Written in the Wire Garden June 27th 1781' and 'From the Wire Garden febr 3d 1783', both signed 'E. H' [i.e. Elizabeth Honywood, née Wastell].
The rest of the book is in a different hand, one section is initialled 'P. H' and therefore most likely the hand of Philip Honywood (c1710-1785). This section commences with the inscription 'The following unfinished sheets, are the performance of a youth [Philip Honywood, 1760-1779], begun in his 16th year, collected (but not corrected by any person) & truly copied from his papers found since his decease; the originals may be perused by his friends to whom these precious relicts, of an honest heart, and rising Genius are presented, by his Parents, in token of their Esteem, and to do Honour to his Memory'.
'An Essay, on Armies addressed to the People, and army of England; In which, their Duty to their Country, as Citizens & Soldiers, is shewn. To which is added, Considerations, on our Militia'.
Followed by 'Fugitive Pieces' including: ideas on a replacement for pressing into the Navy; translations from French writers on political philosophy; a remembered dialogue 'written off hand on hearing a defence of Richard 3rd. in Trin: Coll: Chapell, a week after he went to Cambridge' [initialled 'P. H.']; an essay on the political acumen of Queen Elizabeth I; a short piece in praise of America's 'spirit of Liberty', and other similar writings, frequently on the importance of liberty of the people.