J. Putland, and Putland’s copy, Reed notes,
was “formerly in the possession of Philip Carteret
Webb, Esq., now [1770] of Thomas Astle, Esq.”
J. Ritson’s copy, which is at the South Kensington
Museum, had the “remarks” transcribed
to it from Reed’s copy, but Ritson notes that
Reed copied the “remarks” from J. Putland’s
transcript of the Dean’s own original.
Ritson, however, does not say how he knew that Putland
had the “Dean’s own original.”
In “Notes and Queries” (3, ii. 430) the
Rev. J. Jebb, Rector of Peterstow, states he had (in
1862) a copy of the “Characters” with
transcript of Swift’s “remarks” by
Bishop Jebb. Mr. Edward Solly has an interesting
paper on this matter in the “Bibliographer”
for March, 1883. He suggests that Mr. Putland
may have written them down himself from remarks made
by Swift. “The Crypt” for December,
1829, published Swift’s “remarks”
from a copy in the possession of Mr. Pickering, the
bookseller.
A careful collation of all the available copies has
been made for this edition, and the text of Macky’s
work has been read with the first edition. Where
neither Reed nor Birch give no remarks, they have been
omitted from this reprint. “The Crypt”
and Nichols in his quarto edition (vol. xiv.) often
differ, but these differences have been adjusted.
It is almost needless to say that Sir Walter Scott’s
text and notes have been very much altered by this
process.
[T.S.]
REMARKS ON THE CHARACTERS
OF THE COURT OF QUEEN ANNE.
Macky.
A tall, handsome man for his age, with a very obliging
address; of a wonderful presence of mind, so as hardly
ever to be discomposed; of a very clean head, and
sound judgment; ... every way capable of being a great
man, if the great success of his arms, and the heaps
of favours thrown upon him by his sovereign, does
not raise his thoughts above the rest of the nobility,
and consequently draw upon him the envy of the people
of England. He is turned of 50 years of age.—Swift.
Detestably covetous.
JAMES, DUKE OF ORMONDE.
Macky. He hath all the qualities of a
great man, except that one of a statesman, hating
business. ... He is about 40 years old.—Swift.
Fairly enough writ.
CHARLES, DUKE OF SOMERSET.
Macky. Is of a middle stature, well shaped,
a very black complexion, a lover of music and poetry;
of good judgment.—Swift. Not
a grain; hardly common sense.
JOHN, DUKE OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
Macky. He is a nobleman of learning, and good
natural parts, but of no principles. Violent
for the high-church, yet seldom goes to it. Very
proud, insolent, and covetous, and takes all advantages.
In paying his debts, unwilling; and is neither esteemed
nor beloved.—Swift. This character
is the truest of any.
DANIEL, EARL OF NOTTINGHAM [AFTERWARDS EARL OF WINCHILSEA].
