J
life
EOBEET POCOCK,
THE
GRAVESEND HISTORIAN, NATURALIST,
ANTIQUARIAN, BOTANIST, AND
PRINTER.
BY
GEORGE M. ARNOLD,
ATJTHOB OF
" EEMAEZS ABOUT GEAVESEND IN OLDEN DATS," ETC.
MEMBEB OF THE COUNCIL OF THE KENT ABCH.EOLOGICAL SOCIETJ.
" Why, he is dead and gone these eighteen years ! There was a wooden
tombstone in the churchyard that used to tell all about him, but that's rotten
and gone too ! " Washington Irving.
lloutjon :
SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, & RIVINGTON,
CROWN BUILDINGS, 188, FLEET STREET.
1883.
\_All rights reserved.'}
LONDON :
PRINTED BT GILBEBT AND BIVINGTON, LIMITED,
ST. JOHN'S SQUABE.
PfcfM
L'.C.
TO MY FELLOW -TOWNSMEN OF GEAVESKND
I DEDICATE THIS LITTLE EFFORT
OF GATHERING ALL I COULD GLEAN
TOUCHING THE CAREER OF ONE OF THEMSELVES,
EOBEET POCOCK,
IN THE HOPE THAT,
AMIDST SOME OCCASIONS FOR SORROW IN THE RECITAL,
THEY MAY FIND MANY FOR COMMENDATION,
AND SOME EVEN FOR JUST PRIDE.
M367685
PREFACE.
IT is fifty-two years to-day since Kobert Pocock
found an obscure grave away from his native town,
and it seems just that some tribute should be paid to
his memory.
He was eminently a student of nature, and not only
an acquirer of useful information but its indefatigable
disseminator.
The toilsome search for a fossil, the active pursuit of
any new butterfly, the unwearied scanning of the
heavens, the discovery of a rare plant, these were his
recreations.
Ever accessible at his humble shop one day to
a waterman freighted with some outlandish fish, on
another to a countryman laden with a curious bird or
some unusual plant it was his delight to supply their
names and classification ; but student of nature as he
was, he knew that well-nigh every parish in his ancient
county Kent is decorated with a hundred memories
of historical interest, and hence his antiquarian pur-
suits kept pace with his study of natural history.
viii PREFACE.
If he had evinced less of these qualities and had been
more of the shopkeeper, he might have accumulated
money in lieu of dying houseless and a wanderer. But
his higher instincts ever led him to seek knowledge,
and to publish it even in its most elementary form, so
much so that his place of honour is among the very
pioneers of elementary literature, in the production of
the " Easy Heading Books for the Young," which
supplanted the old Horn Books of less lettered genera-
tions, while his Navy List and his " Companions "
(the origin of the modern Guide Book), are proofs that
there was existing in Pocock not only the apt and
ready detection of a public want, but the energy and
skill to supply it, so far as his limited means enabled.
Let me add, that at the age of twenty-six he first
introduced to his native town that mighty engine of
literature the printing press, and I think I have
advanced enough to justify this attempt to honour
Pocock's memory.
True it is, that the retrospect of his trials, his
museum broken up and dispersed, himself ejected
without money or furniture from his shop, his last
days of discouragement and death at his son's house
at Dartford, present reflections sufficiently depressing ;
and yet, as he says in an epitaph which he drew
up for himself, " he produced a History of Gravesend
and Milton, with other works, which will perpetuate
his memory/' To secure him some of this posthumous
honour is the object of my present effort.
PREFACE. ix
And therein I have endeavoured to give only such
of his published matter as could not properly be dis-
pensed with, and as much of his unpublished writings
as I fairly could. Nevertheless I have collected all I
could reach that seemed to bear upon his life and
character, so as to make the biography as complete as
possible ; yet, probably this would have appeared to
higher advantage if it had been set forth by greater
literary experience than the arduous duties of a
laborious profession have allowed me to acquire.
Another motive I must avow in addition to a sense
of justice to Pocock's memory ; like him I am a towns-
man of Gravesend, and love my native town and feel
interested in its credit and repute.
This is not the place to descant upon the merits of
the authors it has produced since Pocock's day, but
I am unwilling silently to pass by the memory of Mr.
Robert P. Cruden (twice Mayor of Gravesend), whose
researches into the history and incidents of this locality
and of the Port of London are so creditable an emula-
tion of his early predecessor, William Bourne ; nor of
Mr. Coombe (the immediate precursor of the present
popular town clerk), who wrote upon the evidences of
Christianity; and descending to native authors yet
living, still less would I wish to omit a passing tribute
to my brothers, Edwin Arnold, C.S.I, (who has written
various historical and poetical works, and largely con-
tributed to Oriental literature), and Arthur Arnold,
M.P. for Salford (the author of works of political and
x PREFACE.
social economy and travel, as well as in the lighter
paths of fiction), while the Eev. W. D. Johnstone, the
Eector of Milton, has published more than one treatise
upon the doctrines of the Church of England, and
Mr. W. F. Harvey, M.A., of the Inner Temple, has
lucidly illustrated the civil law in the domain of con-
tracts. But without enlarging the list, if we would
wish to discover local traces of the true mantle of
Pocock, the love of letters and pursuit of knowledge
amidst the apparently discordant calls of trade and
the harassing claims of the family, it would not be
necessary to travel far from the scene of his labours ;
indeed, within scarce a stone's throw of his house the
reader could this day enter the modest shop of Mr.
G. Newman, from whose published poems the following
pleasing lines are taken at hazard, and who conducts
his daily industry with an energy which might well
have interdicted all hope of any successful cultivation
of the muse :
LTEIC.
Written on the anniversary of the day on which the author's
(Mr. Newmans) brother left his native land.
'Twas once my happiness to own
A brother, kind and dear to me ;
Though years have now successive flown
Since 'neath our old home's shelt'ring tree,
In boyhood, joyous, wild, and free,
Like as the tendrils of the vine
Twine round each other, so did we
Our joys and sorrows intertwine.
PREFACE. xi
His joys were mine, my pleasure his,
Our own each other's every care,
And all our hopes of future bliss
In love were intermingled there ;
Unknown to us each plot and snare,
Which would in after-years be laid,
To give to each of grief our share,
And turn life's sunshine into shade.
He heard, and o'er him soon the spell
An overpowering influence bore ;
To friends and home he bade farewell,
Perchance to meet again no more.
He started for the far-off shore ;
My pangs at parting, who can tell !
E'en now doth mem'ry o'er and o'er
Sound in my ears, farewell ! farewell !
Years now have fled, and through the gloom
Of " days gone by " will Fancy rove,
Back to our childhood's happy home,
E'en till again a brother's love
Seems round my heart like tendrils wove ;
But soon the bubble bursts, and I
Have but the hope that yet in love
Our souls shall meet beyond the sky.
Years now have fled, and deeper still
Grows the dark veil through which mine eye
Would pierce to see or good or ill
Surrounding now his destiny :
But no ! not e'en a glimpse for me
Of good or ill, or weal or woe ;
Impenetrable mystery
Forbids me all I long to know.
Must it be so ? and must his fate
Be lost beneath oblivion's gloom ;
If yet alive unknown his state ;
If dead alike unknown his tomb ?
xii PREFACE.
Oh, if the grave's capacious womb
Has long closed o'er him, still to me
'Twere sweet to know immortal bloom
Succeeded dull mortality.
A-gain, let us turn our eyes to the neighbouring
nursery-grounds. Who is yon son of toil, working
spade in hand at his laborious vocation, but the author
(Mr. C. J. Clarke) of published poems, from which
the following extract is culled ?
POETEY AND LOVE.
"Tis poetry and love alone
Can cheer and sweeten life,
Amidst its wearying routine
Of care, and toil, and strife.
For poetry refines the sense,
And elevates the soul ;
While love's endearing influence
Sheds fragrance o'er the whole.
These twin -born sisters from above
Our purest pleasures give ;
Deprived of poetry and love,
I would not wish to live.
They shed a beam in darkest night,
A pure and heavenly ray
Of sunshine bursting into light,
To guide us on our way.
Then, ye who grovel here below,
And raise no thought above,
Despise not what ye cannot know,
Sweet poetry and love.
PREFACE. xiii
The reader, I trust, will kindly excuse the length of
these extracts, not only on account of their own merits,
but because they would have been welcome to Pocock,
their literary feeling would have cheered him their
native origin pleased him, while their authors' "self-
help " would have encouraged him ; and that these
and their other stanzas would have been right welcome
at his press who can doubt it ?
GEORGE M. AENOLD.
MILTON HALL, GBAVESEND,
26th October, 1882.
CONTENTS.
CHAP.
I. YOUTH AND MANHOOD , . _ \. . .1
II. COMET OF 1811 , . .33
III. JOUENAL OF 1812 59
IV. "HOBTUS siccus, OE DEY GAEDEN " . . . 99
ILLU8TEATION3 THEBEFBOM . . . . 112, 114
V. JOURNAL OF 1822 ... . . . . . 116
VI. JOUENAL OF 1823 .' . . . . . . 164
VII. JOUENAL OF 1823 . . . ..' -. . .191
VIII. SHADOWS CAST BEFOEB . . . . . 216
IX. "HISTOEY OF DAETFOED AND WILMINGTON" . . 230
X. DEATH 248
APPENDIX:
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS 256
STATEMENT OF FAMILY . ... 260
CHAPTER I.
I care not, Fortune, what you me deny ;
You cannot rob me of free Nature's grace,
You cannot shut the windows of the sky,
Through which Aurora shows her brightening face ;
You cannot bar my constant feet to trace
The woods and lawns, by living stream, at eve :
Let health my nerves and finer fibres brace,
And I their toys to the great children leave ;
Of fancy, reason, virtue, nought can me bereave.
JAMES THOMSON.
THE interesting biographies, written by Mr. Smiles, of
Thomas Edward the Scotch naturalist, and of Robert
Dick the Scotch geologist and botanist, illustrate how
a career of laborious industry (that sweat of the brow
by which most men's daily bread must be earned) may
run side by side with remarkable self-culture, and be
accompanied by the truest of enjoyment which flows
from the love and study of Nature an enjoyment
perhaps intensified by the very difficulties thus excep-
tionally encountered.
We have only to transport the scene from the
north to the south of the Tweed to see in Robert
Pocock, author, naturalist, botanist, antiquarian, and
printer, an English example of the love of Nature and of
a thirst for the acquisition and distribution of knowledge,
2 ROBERT POCOCK.
outstripping the confinement and trammels of commer-
cial pursuits and narrow means, and vindicating for
itself a real and honoured, and (in the best sense) a
successful place in the drama of life.
His efforts are all the more worthy of record in that
they were " cribbed, cabined, and confined " by the " res
angusta domi /' till at length, driven by dire necessity
from his native town, he lived to see his museum and
books dispersed, and finally died broken-hearted, "all
unwept, unhonoured, and unsung/' with no memorial
however humble to mark his resting-place, some fifty-
two years ago.
Robert Pocock's father was a freeman of Gravesend,
where we find that he was duly sworn on the 26th March,
1745, " to be a true liege man, and true faith and truth to
bear, to our Sovereign Lord King George the Second,"
before Henry Thames, Esq., the then mayor of the town
and parishes of Gravesend and Milton ; at which time
he further deposed that "to the best of his skill, wit,
cunning, and power, he should maintain and uphold all
the liberties, franchises, good customs, orders, and
usages of these towns and corporation thereof," and
thereupon was admitted a freeman of such corporation.
It is doubtful whether John Pocock was a native, or
had come from Sussex to this town of his adoption ; but
it appears from his will of 1766, that he was then a settled
shop-keeper, occupying his own house in the High
Street, part of which had formerly been known as a sepa-
rate tenement, under the sign of the "Hat and Feather."
There he presumably flourished as a grocer, and though
the date of his marriage is unknown, it is clear that on
the 21st February, 1760 (just 122 years ago), Robert
Pocock himself (his father's second son) first saw the
ROBERT POCOCK. 3
light. His father died, and was buried at G-ravesend
some twelve years later, on the 4th May, 1772, followed
by his widow, Martha Pocock, on the 80th January,
1776. When at the age of sixteen years he became
an orphan, he drew up, and he has left behind him, a
semi-humorous epitaph intended for his father's
tomb, which is subjoined :
AN EPITAPH.
The Merry Soul
of
JOHN POCOCK
departed
From Earth to Heaven,
May 4th, 1772.
During 52 years
It animated his body
with
An agreeable deportment ;
to which add
Sobriety, Industry, Honesty,
and
Civility to his Customers,
For those Virtues
Preserved his reputation.
He satisfied his Creditors
by paying them
Twenty Shillings to the Pound,
and
Died comfortably,
Leaving an Overplus for his Family.
Mem. He lies buried within six feet of the door (now stopped
up) near the vestry-room window in Gravesend Church.
There is little doubt that such education as Robert
received was obtained at the free school of the town
situate in King Street, previously known as St. Thomas'
B 2
4 ROBERT POCOCK.
Street, in honour of St. Thomas of Canterbury, and after-
wards as School Street, and probably under James
Giles, sen., who died on the 9th December, 1 780, aged
61 (and who was one of thewitnesses to his father's will),
or else under his son, such store of erudition as a boy of
fourteen years of age can accumulate was acquired.
This is confirmed by the kind notice which Pocock makes
of them both in his " History of Gravesend," where he
writes under the head of " Literary Persons : "
' f Mr. James Giles, although not to be reckoned a
literary person, yet was such a character as no paro-
chial historian should pass unnoticed. Mr. Giles, in
the early part of his life, was bred to the business of
shoe-making, which he quitted, and, untutored, en-
gaged himself to the study of arithmetic ; this brought
him to be somewhat acquainted with the more abstruse
branches of the mathematics, and upon the Rev. Mr.
Locker's leaving the free school in Milton, Mr. Giles
was appointed to succeed him.
" Mr. James Giles, son of the above, succeeded his
father, and from his classical abilities many bright lads
have been sent forth from the free school. Mr. Giles
was also the constructor of the curious sun-dial at
Milton Church, and of an orrery; and besides being
an electrician was the author of an elaborate work
called ' English Governing ; or, Parsing Recommended
to School-masters and Private Teachers of Grammar
as the most easy method of attaining a thorough
knowledge of that science : Nothing of this sort had
ever appeared in Print/ "
Pocock does not mention it, but he was himself the
publisher of this useful work. Thus he was an early
pioneer of the " Society for the Diffusion of Useful
Knowledge " of later times.
ROBERT POCOCK. 5
At an early age, and concurrently with his free
school education, it is believed that Pocock held the
post of an errand boy in his father's shop, but whether
or not he became actually apprenticed to the grocery
trade does not appear; probably not, for his intel-
lectual habits and craving for literary pursuits, and his
love of Nature, seem to have made the pursuit of that
trade repugnant to him. At all events, it is clear that
he attached himself by preference to the trade of print-
ing, and in some way acquired the needful knowledge
of that business so as to establish himself in it. It was
probably about 1779 that he married his first wife, Ann
Stillard, the spinster daughter of Edward Stillard, who
held a situation in the old East India House, in Leaden-
hall Street, London.
His marriage, and the birth of three children succes-
sively in 1780, 1782, and 1786, no doubt stimulated
his industry for the necessary maintenance of his
growing family, and we have good proof of his energy
since, when scarce twenty-six years of age, he esta-
blished a printing-press, and collected a library for the
use and benefit of his native town.
Meanwhile, that hi s practical knowledge of printing
was more than usually compl ete appears from his having,
in after-life, cast his s on J s type for printing. The follow-
ing entry under his own hand, in his "Local Chrono-
logy/' is simple and devoid of all rhetorical nourish.
'1786. The first printing-press and circulating
library established in Gravesend by Robert Pocock
writer of this Chronology and compiler of the ' His-
tory of Gravesend. 7 '
At this period he seems to have possessed all the
emotions of youth, both in his antipathies and friend-
ships, and to have been much given to the composi-
6 ROBERT POCOCK.
tion of epitaphs. These tendencies are well illustrated
in the case of his friend, Mr. Sawyer, who united in
his own person the practice of medicine with the
mastership of the Gravesend Workhouse, of whom he
wrote, upon the occasion of his death, as follows :
To the Memory of
MB. EDWARD BUSH SAWYER,
Doctor in Medicine,
Master of Gravesend and Milton Workhouse,
Brother of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free Masons,
Member of the Lap-eared Club,
Visitor of the Bugnapping Board,
A youth of the Ringers and Post Master General,
who,
by his Frugality and Industry,
maintained his Family genteelly,
which raised him to
a Pitch of Envy never before known to those
who like the Dog in Manger
would neither get a living themselves
nor permit (if in their power) others to do it.
After giving their Words for his Support,
like Snakes they basely turned against him,
and joined consent to give him Warning to quit
his Profession ;
which so knawed on his Vitals,
that it brought on his Death,
November, 1787.
Pocock makes the following note of the funeral cere-
mony :
" Mr. Edward Bush Sawyer, master of Gravesend
and Milton Workhouse, was buried on Sunday, in
Gravesend churchyard, when the procession began as
follows :
"1st, the tyler of a mason lodge with a drawn sword
2 links an excellent band of music 2 links about
12 couple of free masons with all their insignia of
ROBERT POCOCK. 7
office 2 links the ' Lap-eared' Club, about 20 couple
2 links the minister, clerk, and undertaker 2 links
the body, with six pall-bearers and five couple of
mourners, closed the rear. Many hundreds of people
attended the funeral the music played very solemnly
going to the interment ; after which the bells rung a
dumb peal."
Pocock was fond of the dissemination of learning,
and impressed with the absence of elementary works, he
at an early period turned his attention to the more easy
instruction of children in the rudiments of spelling
and reading. Perhaps one of the most useful of his
efforts, was the publication of the children's books,
" Reading made Easy/' which he published under the
titles of " The Child's First Book ; or, Eeading made
Easy/' and "The Child's Second Book; being a further
Improvement in Learning." These publications speedily
superseded the ancient horn books, of one of which
(discovered on pulling down an old house at Newbury)
a recent correspondent of " Notes and Queries " gave
the following account :
" It consists of a page of letter-press which measures
2J x 2J inches, mounted on a piece of oak of slightly
larger size, the lower end of which is shaped as a handle.
It is covered with a sheet of transparent horn, which
is kept in its place by means of narrow strips of
thin brass, fastened with small nails. The letter-
press, which is surrounded by an ornamental border,
consists of the alphabet, preceded by a + , first in small
letters and then in Roman capitals. Next are, on one
side of the middle line, the vowels alone, followed by
the vowels with the consonants, b, c, d ; on the other
side the same reversed. Following, is, first, ' In the
name of the Father/ &c., and lastly, the Lord's Prayer.
8 ROBERT POCOCK.
-At tlie same time and place there was found one of
George I.'s lead Bombay pieces."
Mr. A. J. Dunkin, the antiquary and printer of Dart-
ford, states that these reading-books for the young, by
Pocock, preceded the well-known publication by Rusher,
of Banbury, fully two years, and that the original wood-
cuts were in his possession in 1842. They are now
deposited in the library of the Guildhall of the City of
London, by Mr. Fooks, Q.C., in behalf of Mr. Dunkin's
sister, where they have a honoured home.
If Mr. Dunkin is correct in this claim, it would follow
that Pocock had established his printing-press in conse-
quence of the encouragement which he had derived
from the publication of these elementary works. The
title of Rusher's Book is "Rusher's Reading made most
Easy ; consisting of a variety of useful lessons on a
rational plan, proceeding from the alphabet to words
of two letters only, and from these to words of three,
four, and five letters. &c. &c., so disposed as to draw
on learners with the greatest ease and pleasure both
to themselves and teachers ;" and on examining the date
of its production, it affords evidence that Pocock must
have published prior to September, 1786.
That Pocock thus led up to the provision of a great
new and recognized want is apparent from the cir-
cumstance that the above copy of Rusher, now in
the British Museum, is a print of the 220th edition.
By the kindness of Miss Dunkin inspection has been
made of the engraved blocks above mentioned, and they
are found to consist of illustrations of the nursery
verses apropos of the death of " Cock Robin/' " The
House that Jack built," &c., &c., suitable to the appre-
hensions of the juvenile minds for whom the book was
designed.
ROBERT POCOCK. 9
The period dating from our author's first marriage,
and of his probable greatest domestic felicity, was
drawing to a close, since, in the month of March, 1791,
he lost the wife of his early manhood, whom he fol-
lowed to the grave on the 20th of that month.
It was not probably until the end of the following
year that he remarried, when he was united to a lady
whose social position was in advance of his own, and
by whose family the alliance was consequently deemed
unsatisfactory. She was a daughter of John Hinde,
Esq., solicitor and coroner for Kent, living at Sitting-
bourne in that county ; and whilst of his first marriage
there was issue two daughters and one son, of this,
his second marriage, there were ultimately four sons
and three daughters.
Side by side, however, with his efforts in behalf of
elementary education, he had devotedly utilized his
spare hours in compiling a Chronology (1790) of local
events connected with his dear native town, with a
list of its successive mayors from A.D. 1632. The list
is not, however, very complete, as he plaintively
states in the preface to this Chronology " that he only
laments that it is not in his power, at present, to
render the Chronology more complete and copious,
having been denied access to the records of the town,
whereby much information might have been gained.
Thus cut off from the grand magazine of intelligence,
he now only offers his gleanings from others, in minia-
ture, as a prelude to a future work (whenever he shall
be favoured with the names of 300 subscribers) to be
called ' The History of Gravesend and Milton/ and
wherein his utmost endeavours shall be used to make
such a local publication useful, entertaining, and in-
structing."
io ROBERT FOCOCK,
Pocock seems to have added fresh pages to his
Chronology as occasion required down to 1796
George Arnold, Esq., appearing as the mayor of that
year but he still retained the old frontispiece, with
its date of 1790.
The next work, of which we have any account, is the
unpublished MS. of what would have been an ap-
parently useful publication, entitled,
The
FARMER, GRAZIER, AND BAILIFF'S ASSISTANT
for the year 1795.
To be continued annually.
Containing
A new methodical arrangement of keeping the affairs of a Farm,
by setting down in a clear and concise manner the employment of
the servants, and where employed ; the number of live stock ;
moneys paid and received, to whom or upon what account ; with the
various occurrences that happen upon the Farm every day in the
year.
A Farmer's Chronology.
Useful things necessary to be known by Farmers.
Laws relative to corn.
The gross duty on hops from 1711 to 1793.
Tables showing the gross weight of hops reduced into neat
weight, what price the hundred at any price the pound, and what
duty is to be paid for any quantity.
Recipes in Farming,
Together with pages ruled for the insertion of all the names of
fields on the Farm, serving as an annual account to show what
each was sown with, the number of bushels sown, when cut, what
produce, what sold for, and to whom.
Gravesend : Printed and Sold by R. Pocock.
No printed copy of this work has been discovered, and
it remains another of the efforts of a great and useful
activity, always limited and frequently strangled by the
want of material means. The conception and design were,
so far as his personal labour was involved, unflinchingly
ROBERT POCOCK. 1 1
executed, but the means of publication, the expenses of
printing and paper, remained insoluble obstacles.
Adverting to the refusal of the corporation to afford
him access to its archives for the purposes of his His-
tory ; it seems clear that he possessed a friend in the
then mayor, or had acquired other partisans in that
body, since in his " History of Gravesend and Milton/'
printed by himself and published in 1797, he gave in
extenso, at page 183, the town charter of the 7th
Charles I. (A.D. 1632).
This public invasion, however, of the privileges of the
close incorporation (as then understood), was most
distasteful to the majority of its members, and it was
resolved by way of punishment that Pocock should
lose their corporate support in regard to the public
printing. This he felt very acutely, and the timely
establishment of a second printing-press in the town
enabled the infliction to be carried out with all the
greater promptitude and exactitude. The following
is the title-page of his " History of Gravesend/' upon
256 pages, small quarto :
THE HISTORY
of the
INCORPORATED TOWN AND PARISHES
of
GRAVESEND AND MILTON,
In the County of Kent.
Selected with accuracy from Topographical Writers.
And enriched from Manuscripts hitherto unnoticed,
Recording
Every event that has occurred in the aforesaid Town and Parishes
from the
Norman Conquest to the present Time.
Learn the Laws by which you are Governed.
Gravesend : Printed by R. Pocock.
1797.
1 2 ROBERT POCOCK.
It is hoped that it may not prove too wearisome to
give the preface to this volume, which was one endeared
to Pocock by many ties, though it would have been
superseded by the fuller and complete work which he
afterwards decided upon, and in copiousness and
character would have been surpassed by his later pro-
jected " History of Dartford and Wilmington/' pro-
jects, each of which was arrested in publication by
the want of means.
The preface is as follows :
" To know the history of our native place should
be the first desire of every person possessed, in the
smallest degree, of literary knowledge : under this idea,
the compiler of the following work thought of col-
lecting together (for his private amusement) all the
materials he possibly could proper to give such infor-
mation. In this he succeeded beyond his utmost
expectations, by having access to the libraries of two
gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Gravesend, to
whom he returns his sincere thanks, and likewise to
the Rev. Mr. Denne of Wilmington, for the list of
ministers, and to Mr. Tracy of Brompton, for the kind
communication of his intelligence.
" Being thus in possession of manuscripts hitherto
unknown, and of a sufficient number of quotations from
the laborious and topographical writers upon the
County of Kent, by the persuasions of a few friends he
puts the same in print ; flattering himself that the
' History of the Town and Parishes of Gravesend and
Milton J will be instructive, entertaining, and useful,
not only to the resident inhabitants of the town and
of its environs, but likewise to every person occasion-
ally visiting the place.
ROBERT POCOCK. 13
ff This being the first compilation of ' The History of
Gravesend ' that ever appeared in print, and the
compiler of the same not having that leisure time
requisite for its critical inspection, by other business
interfering, it is hoped that the candid reader will
excuse any errors that he sees in the performance of
it."
It is clear that even in 1790 he had virtually com-
piled his History, which only saw the light in 1797.
It is nevertheless more than doubtful if his finances
would have, even at this later date, enabled him to
have launched the volume if it had not been facilitated
by the fortunate incident that he happened to be
present at a sale of the stock of a paper-mill, and was
thus enabled to purchase at quite a presumably nominal
price a quantity of unsized paper, cut into sheets too
small for profitable or general use in the trade. By this
acquisition he came to be able to utilize the accumu-
lations, both antiquarian, natural, and local, which his
untiring energy and industry had secured.
In those of the fragmentary diaries of Pocock which
have been collected, traits of his general character will
sufficiently appear, and in the most natural way ; but
candour does not allow us to say that his domestic re-
lations, arising out of his second marriage, always
exhibited the completest harmony. It was with
him as with many who similarly give their days to
public rather than private objects, they to a propor-
tionate extent withdraw time and energies which would
otherwise have been more completely focussed upon the
domestic hearth. In how many cases of literary men do
we not naturally find the same causes productive of the
like results. And if on the part of his conjugal help-
14 ROBERT POCOCK.
mate there existed the conviction that naturalists were
ever more welcome than relatives, that his humble abode
was rather a resort for all who had information to
impart or inquiries to make, than was consistent with
the economy of time and of money, and more profitable
pursuit of business, it would have been more natural
than strange or reprehensible.
About the year 1800, Pocock appears to have made
a few manuscript notices in a little waste-book some
of which are subjoined, the very first of which seems
to disclose the existence of these occasional domestic
differences.
His grandson, Dr. Jones (to whom an obligation is
due for much kind information), remembers that he
was very exact and methodical in his habits, but in-
clined to be strict with his family. His custom was to
rise early, and to take, whenever he could, long walks
and excursions with any naturalist whose company he
could secure, tendencies doubtless obnoxious, more or
less, to his wife, and little conducive to commercial
success.
The following is one of the above-mentioned entries
supposed to be inscribed over Mr. Pocock's door :
Want of unanimity.
Here lives a young Pair
Who lost the Flitch of Bacon
Within the year.
This was in 1800, and without wishing to adjudicate
between husband and wife the respective blame too
closely, the following letter from Mrs. Pocock to her
Lord, temporarily absent in London, is certainly more
matter-of-fact than redundant in terms of exuberant
wifely endearment :
ROBERT POCOCK. 15
" Monday, May 3rd.
" Mr. Pocock, If you can get a case of mathematical
instruments very complete at two guineas and send me
down to-morrow, a gentleman who has bought several
things will be obliged to you. Our set has not
enough instruments in it. You will be able to get one
at Martin's, I think; if not, don't go to pay ready
money for one but rather lose the sale.
" Yours, fyc.,
" F. POCOCK.
" Shedrach is much pleased with your leather
breeches, as he is very fashionable in pantaloons. I
have altered them. I have had another pair altered
for every-day, and Luscombe is making a coat of
your two blue ones. Mrs. Muirs and I have done
one shirt to-day, and another I will make in a week or
two. He must have a hat in a month or two, and then
he will do again.
" Mr. Pocock,
at Mr. Gent's, Hairdresser,
Watling Street,
Near St. Paul's, London."
Another entry is as follows :
" RETORT.
" A foppish young fellow upon coming to the White
Hart, Gravesend, ordered a bill of fare to be brought,
but nothing contained there would please him, when
after keeping the landlord a long time he said, ' Go
directly, sir, and dress me an elephant/ ' Sir/ said
the landlord, 'I have nothing so large; but I will
roast a young monkey just come in/ "
16 ROBERT POCOCK.
" A TEICK UPON VICE.
"About tlie year 1790, I printed a small book of
moral songs, the sale of which I knew would depeud
much on the title. I therefore entitled it ' The Frisky
Songster/ It was called for with rapidity, and the
edition soon sold, but the purchasers were disappointed
(although pleased) when they found the contents and
title did not agree/'
" ANGEL.
' ' A good woman is an angel ; but where are angels to
be met with ? not on earth I believe/'
The following in 1801 :
" A FEMALE ENGLISH HISTORIAN.
"On Friday, October 2nd, 1801, I visited West-
minster Abbey, desiring (with the promise of a
gratuity) the conductor to proceed slowly in his de-
scriptions of the monuments.
" The pleasure I received from viewing the venerable
remains was much enhanced by a female, whom
curiosity had likewise brought to visit the Abbey.
This lady no sooner heard the name of the Deceased
mentioned than she immediately followed it with the
most curious anecdotes of the family, and entertaining
parts of English narration, and this in such a sprightly,
familiar, and condescending manner as to gain the
ears and affection of the company present. Her re-
tentive memory and knowledge in English history
exceeded the powers of any person I have ever met
with ; nor did her talents end here, sculpture and
statuary she could criticize; nor must I forget that
ROBERT POCOCK. 1 7
upon coming to the tomb of Queen Elizabeth she
said,
" ' Here is that vixen Queen Bess, for Lavater says
a sharp chin is the sure guide for it. J
" She then made remarks on the similarity of the
family faces of Mary Queen of Scots and Queen
Elizabeth with such judicious comments upon the
whole exhibition that I was determined (although a
stranger) before I quitted this Phoenix of English
history to learn her name, which upon soliciting,
assigning as a cause the entertainment I had received
and hoping for a further acquaintance, she politely
gave that of Mrs. Morhall, No. 18, Castle Street,
Holborn."
" GENERAL MONK.
" The conductor of Westminster Abbey, upon show-
ing General Monk's effigy, said a French lady the day
before was tall enough to kiss his chin. Upon this
saying Mrs. Morhall stepped up and made a belief to
kiss his cheek, when the conductor said,
" ' Madame, you had better kiss me/
" ' If I do so/ said the lady, ' I should have kissed
two inanimate beings. ' "
" DEBTOR AND CREDITOR.
" Sanders and Lemon were partners and carters at
Gravesend (1801), generally employed by Mr. Gillbee,
a coal-merchant there, who owed them 61. for labour
(Lemon had not behaved very honestly to his
employer) ; and when they went to ask for their money,
Mr. Gillbee began beating poor Lemon most violently
for some distance, Sanders following, when Gillbee
turned round to Sanders and said,
c
i8 ROBERT POCOCK.
11 ' Well, Sanders, what have you got to say ? '
" ' I say, sir, if this is the way you pay debts, you
owe me nothing ! you owe me nothing ! '
"MAJOR WADMAN.
" The Major of the Northfleet Volunteers being dead,
Captains Allen and Wadman were the next in
seniority for the choice of the corps, who being
assembled, Captain Allen addressed them thus :
' ' ' Gentlemen, I am sorry to acquaint you with the
death of your Major ; you must choose another, and I
shall be proud of your votes to succeed him/
" Then Captain Wadraan spoke,
" ' Gentlemen, you know your Major is after being
dead, and Captain Allen or myself must succeed
him. Away, you dogs, to my house and consider of it;
there is plenty of roast beef and strong beer/
' ' ' Oh ! Wadman for ever ! Wadman for ever ! ' they
cried ; and so Wadman was elected/'
" VERY TRUE.
" In the English language the use of the expression
'Very true' is a tautology, and you may as well
pronounce the inelegant repetition of ' True, true/ "
" MAJOR WADMAN.
"West the bricklayer having set off to walk to
London, met the Major riding home to his country seat.
" ' Good morning to you, Mr. West, and where are
you after going to ? '
" ' I am going/ says West, ' to London, sir, to em
ploy a lawyer against you for my money/
" ' And do you mean, man, to walk all the way ? '
ROBERT POCOCK. 19
" ' I must, sir, for I can get no carriage.'
" ' By iny soul, man,' says the Major, ' you shall do
no such thing. Here, take my horse, and I will walk
home.'
" He did so. Soon after West put the sheriff's
officer into his house, when he sent for West and
said,
" ( I don't blame you, Mr. West, for I think you have
done right ! Now you will get your money. We havo
always been friends, and I know of no person I would
so soon send to as yourself to be bail for me in case I
was arrested ! ! ! ' '
To resume. It does not appear that the demand
for the " History of Gravesend " was sufficient to
have made it remunerative, although in an adver-
tisement of the time it is stated that nearly all the
copies had been sold; for speaking of himself, Pocock
says at a later period " he would have added another
volume to the ' History of Gravesend/ but not finding
that encouragement among his townsmen he could
have wished for, he dropped it."
In the year 1800, having increasingly turned his
attention to antiquarian subjects connected with his
native county, he published his interesting account
of the Tufton family, Earls of Thanet, whose pedigree
he traced from an early period. The book itself he
dedicated or inscribed to his friend, R. Gough, Esq.
It is a small octavo of 156 pages, and bore the
following title-page :
MEMORIALS
OF THE FAMILY OF TUFTON, EAELS OF THANET,
deduced
from various sources of authentic information.
c 2
20 ROBERT POCOCK.
" From lives of many a good example may be drawn."
Grave? end :
Printed by R. Pocock,
and sold by Messrs. Robinson, Paternoster Row, London,
and all other Booksellers.
1800.
This work is replete with interesting detail, to which,
however, its main scope and object are never allowed to
become subordinate ; but what should have particularly
induced this selection of the topic of the Thanet family
is hard to say, as more prominent Kentish subjects
could have been suggested. It may have arisen from
the local connexion of Tilbury Fort with Gravesend,
for he remarks that " Col. Tufton, on whom the earl-
dom of Thanet descended on the decease of Thomas,
Nov. 19, 1694, was in the reign of James II. chosen
governor of Tilbury Fort, and probably the first who
received that honour after the old Blockhouse Plat-
form, built by Henry VIIL, with other like fortresses
on the coast (out of the vast plunder of the religious
houses, by way of amusing the people after their loss),
had been enclosed with works, and reduced to the
regular fortification we now find it."
The following is extracted from our author's " Intro-
duction 1 " to the Tufton family, Earls of Thanet :
" Before the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it was thought
a rarity in the course of a century if one historian
appeared to record and transmit to posterity the
glorious actions of our forefathers, or to set forth the
topographical beauties of this respectable and delightful
island. Under the patronage of Her Majesty several
literary luminaries arose during her golden age. Mr.
Lambarde, the father of local historians, honoured Kent
ROBERT POCOCK. 21
by making it the subject of the first county history ; and
in his time a general collection of the antiquities of
the kingdom was comprised into a thin quarto in
Latin by his contemporary Camden. Not long after
these authors, all that was then thought worthy of
notice among the monuments of Britain was given by
Weaver, in a folio ; and it was not, I believe, till the
beginning of the eighteenth century that any town or
even city was judged capable of affording sufficient
materials for a distinct publication ; but whether from
the accumulation of recorded and interesting events
respecting places and families, which are not now, as
formerly (before the invention of printing), soon hurried
into oblivion, or from the growing taste for a know-
ledge of men and manners in past ages, or probably
from both these causes, aided by an increasing popula-
tion, which renders what was once a narrow theatre of
action now complex and diversified ; whether from
all or either of these causes, it is certain that a single
town, parish, the smallest village or meanest family
may afford documents worth relating for the benefit of
future generations/'' &c.
********
(< No apology is needed for offering in this separate
form memoirs of the family of Tufton ; but it may be
necessary to premise on behalf of the execution of the
present work, that the occupations of a man who has
not the happiness to enjoy affluence and a peaceful re-
treat naturally stand in the way of study and research.
" The writer nevertheless hopes that his labours will
not be found wholly uninteresting or useless.
" He has availed himself of all sources of information
that were accessible to him, and has endeavoured to
22 ROBERT POCOCK.
illustrate with as much accuracy as he could the career
of this family.
" He has particularly aimed at impartiality (steering
clear of the extremes of political phrensy), and has con-
cluded at a period most consistent with the respect due
to living characters."
A person perusing the above work might recognize
in one of the epitaphs the idea which Pocock adopted
in that which he wrote to his mother's memory.
It is the monumental inscription of Thomas, Earl of
Thanet, who died in 1729, eighty-five years old, and
who lies buried with his ancestors at Rainham Church,
adjoining Chatham, in Kent, anc after stating his
birth, &c., it records his marriage with Catherine,
daughter of the Duke of Newcastle, and proceeds
(speaking of the deceased) thus,
" Who believed that no woman on earth would have
made him so happy as she did."
This is a tribute to the Countess all the stronger as she
died in April, 1712, some seventeen years before her
husband, and by consequence at least that distance of
time remote from his kind and faithful record of the
conjugal happiness which she had brought him.
Pocock, in penning his mother's epitaph, writes as
follows :
The
Prudent Conduct,
Constant Care, Frugality,
and
Good Housekeeping
of
MARTHA POCOCK
enabled
ROBERT POCOCK. 23
Her Husband John to prosper ;
For she knew
That no man can thrive or be happy
unless
His Wife likes.
On January 30th, 1776,
At 56 years old,
She died
A Pious Churchwoman,
and
Lies buried in the same Grave
With her Husband.
The social and domestic virtues thus depicted for her
by her son derive confirmation from her husband's
will ; for not only did the latter appoint her his sole
executrix, but refers to her in the expressive terms of
" my loving wife Martha."
In the year 1802 our author compiled and published
" The Memoirs of the Families of Sir E. Knatchbull,
Bart., and of Fiiiner Honey wood, Esq./' a small octavo ;
and at the end he added a note, promising an enlarged
account of these Kentish families, with fine engravings,
provided a sufficient number of subscribers could be
obtained. This was never the case, and the supple-
mental book never saw the light.
It will be seen that Pocock throughout his career
exhibited constant proofs not only of literary industry,
but of order ; indeed without these qualities he would
never have compiled the materials for his collections,
and secured the publication of such of his published
works as saw the light. He carried this exactitude
into the affairs of his private life, as is illustrated by
his having in the year 1797 (the year of the publication
of his " History of Gravesend "), on the 19th of October,
24 R OBER T PO CO CK.
carefully written out his will on three pages of MS. ; and
after mentioning that his wife Frances was sufficiently
provided for, and releasing all marital -control over her
little property, gave whatever he might leave to three
trustees, for his children equally, a disposition which
sadly survived all that it was designed to confer ; ex-
piring itself indeed of inanition, it remains to this day in
the lawyer's pigeon-hole, a never-to-be-fulfilled testa-
ment !
It was in 1802 or the previous year that he exerted
himself to establish a library and reading-room. His
methodical statement of the literary supplies with
which the subscribers were to be refreshed will not be
without interest ; it was accompanied by the following
proposals :
" The entrance to the library and reading-room shall
be by a private door and passage adjoining to the
Globe public-house, and not through his (Pocock's)
shop, viz. the circulating library.
" The room shall be fitted up in a commodious manner,
and open for the admission of the subscribers from nine
in the morning to nine at night; well lighted with
candles, and a fire kept during the winter.
" The subscribers shall be furnished with
" The Canterbury Paper twice a week,
" The Maidstone Paper once a week,
" The Times Paper daily,
" Lloyd's List twice a week,
" The Public Ledger daily, or some other, provided
the subscription will allow it;
kf And monthly with
" The European Magazine,
ROBERT POCOCK. 25
" The Gentleman's Magazine,
" The Critical Review,
" The Monthly Review,
" And Steel's List ;
" And yearly with
"The Annual Register, and such other books and
pamphlets as the subscription will allow of. Exclusive
of these, the library shall be furnished with all the
historical and valuable books (novels excepted) now in
Mr. Pocock's possession."
The yearly cost of these periodicals and coals and
candles he estimated at 4*81. Is.; and doubtless the
enterprise had a happy rise, and, as is often the fate
of such local undertakings, was followed by a gradual
decay.
In after-days, writing of his efforts at this period
and in previous years, he says, not without some tinge
of bitterness,
"Prior to 1786, Gravesend could not boast of any
institution of this sort, but in that year the writer
established the first printing-office and first bookseller's
shop in that town ; but literature was at such a low
ebb, that upon the words ' Circulating Library'
being placed over his window, many of the inhabitants
came in to know their meaning. Since that period
they are a little improved, but they have a further
opportunity of enriching themselves by more often
visiting Pocock's library, which will also enrich the
librarian, who has done his endeavours to render his
native townsmen prosperous, and to cultivate their
ideas, for which purpose he also established a scientific
society ; but some of the members, thinking they would
be ruined by the trifling expense per week, fell to and
26 ROBERT POCOCK.
sold off the property among themselves, to their eternal
shame and disgrace/'
This society was presumably the Natural History
Society of the County of Kent, of which he was both
founder and chairman.
We must remember, however, in justice to the un-
informed townsmen, that the era of " Mudie " had not
then arisen ; and it is interesting to note that only
four years before the establishment of Pocock's printing
press, these unsophisticated people had been seriously
imposed upon in listening with much interest, on the
Sunday before his commitment, Sept. 3, 1782, to a
pseudo-Rev. John Lloyd, really a highwayman, who,
with forged letters of ordination, had preached an edify-
ing discourse at Gravesend parish church, taking his
text from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians,
" For I have learnt, in whatsoever state I am, therewith
to be content."
The MS. sermon was found in his pocket when
apprehended, and in it occurs the following amongst
many similar passages :
" The remembrance of a well-spent life, and of the
many benefits and kindnesses done by us to others, is
one of the most pleasing things in this world."
Indeed the experience of the inhabitants had not
been happy in ecclesiastical affairs. The church-
wardens fell under the censure of the great Bishop
Fisher in 1522 (a prelate of whom Dean Hook rightly
says, that to his transcendent virtue and noble qualities
justice has never been done) ; while in 1710 we find
the Mayor busily taking the information of Arthur
Gibbon, of Milton next Gravesend in the county of
Kent aforesaid, glazier, upon oath, that, " being at the
ROBERT POCOCK. 27
Faulcon ale-house, situate in Milton next Gravesend,
Arnold Syddall Clerk, curate of Gravesend, was there
in, company with this deponent and others, and that
he then and there heard the said Arnold Syddall declare
and say that the Pretender, the Prince of Wales, was
King James's true-begotten son, and born of the
Queen's own body ;" while again, eleven years later,
Bishop Atterbury suspended the then curate for allow-
ing the Dutch soldiers (who sat covered during their
sermon) the use of the parish church for their service.
So highly ran the politico-religious animosities of the day.
Indeed, even at an earlier period the inhabitants of
Gravesend were unfortunate in regard to their eccle-
siastical buildings; and the church wardens were exposed
to constant proceedings in the spiritual courts, for their
old church of St. Mary became more ruinous as it grew
to be more and more remote from the receding popula-
tion, which, in view of the supreme importance of the
river traffic, had beenfor the last three centuries steadily
leaving the interior for the river-side. Within six years
of the rebuilding and reconsecration of the old church by
Bishop Fisher, we find the churchwardens cited to the
Consistory Courts in consequence of its neglect and dis-
repair, and this continued repeatedly until Henry VIII.,
"in terra Supremum Caput Ecclesige Anglicanae/'
by his licence of 1544, authorized the abandonment of
St. Mary's, and the substitution of St. George's Chapel
as the parish church.
Owing to the dearth of material, we cannot, until
we shall have further advanced in the century, com-
mand much unpublished information respecting our
printer ; but continuing for the present to confine our-
selves to his publications, he issued in 1802 :
28 ROBERT POCOCK.
" THE GRAVESEND WATER COMPANION ;
describing all the Towns, Churches, Villages, Parishes, and
Gentlemen's Seats as seen from the Eiver Thames between London
Bridge and Gravesend Town, with observations ou whatever is
curious or worth remarking in that distance, calculated chiefly for
the amusement and entertainment of those who frequent the
Gravesend Passage Boats, Margate Hoys, and for all Captains,
Passengers, and Mariners.
' Oft we pass'd them unobserv'd,
But now observ'd we do admire.'
Grave-end :
Printed by R. Pocock.
Sold by Messrs. Robinson, Paternoster Row,
and all other Booksellers.
1802."
This little volume, the precursor of the now familiar
"Murray" and of our modern guide-books, is not perhaps
very felicitously entitled " Water Companion ;" but a
perusal of its pages discloses a very useful and superior
publication of the kind, octavo in size, and of thirty-five
pages. It is pleasantly descriptive of the places of
interest on both sides of the Eiver Thames in an
upward journey from Gravesend to Billingsgate, with
an. abundance of matter showing careful and extensive
topographical research.
Simultaneously was published by the author a
continuation of his descriptive account of the places on
the banks of the Thames as far down as Margate,
under the title of
"THE MARGATE WATER COMPANION;
describing the River Thames from Margate to Gravesend, being a
supplement to the Gravesend Water Companion ; both to be had
stitched together of any Bookseller in the Kingdom.
Price One Shilling."
ROBERT POCOCK. 29
The following extract will show the easy and
pleasant style of the author. Opening his work with
G-ravesend Reach, he proceeds : " In this reach lies
the town of Gravesend, noted for fish, asparagus,
watermen, and a well-frequented and cheap ferry (to
that metropolis which has no equal), by means of the
boats which depart each flood upon the ringing of a
bell. Opposite to this town on the Essex shore lies
Tilbury Fort, a regular fortification, having a great
many guns and a very few old soldiers within it, who
have for their comfort continual agues to vex them,
unwholesome air to breathe, and very bad water to
quench their thirst. Leaving them to their piteous
situation, we pass the west end of Gravesend, where
the road or tunnel under the Thames is intended to
be made, and if completed will be the greatest wonder
on (or under) the earth, " &c.
The author might well speak of the cheapness of
the ferry to London, since it appears from his " Sea
Captain's Assistant," hereafter to be mentioned, that
the fare then was but one shilling for the whole twenty-
four miles or thereabouts. No doubt this river route
was both pleasant and popular, and as in very disturbed
social periods the road to London over Shooter's Hill
was often infested by footpads and highwaymen,
it is not difficult to imagine the busy scene nor-
mally displayed at the Gravesend Bridge (the local
name for the pier or embarking-place), which has been
amusingly written of by many, and amongst them by
Mr. Straycock, a pilot, who often visited the town,
and who writing of " Gravesend at low water '"
says,
30 ROBERT POCOCK.
" The ebb is done ; list how yon bell's loud charms
The ears of anxious passengers alarms.
Now busy boatmen run from side to side,
' Sir, Madam, Miss, do you go up this tide ? '
' Here, Serjeant, Master, let us put you off;
We're the first boat (at this the others laugh) ;
We start directly, Sir, we never wait ;
In three hours hence you'll be at Billingsgate.' "
In the same connexion occurs on a fly-leaf of a
MS. in the Bodleian Library, entitled " The Pricke of
Conscience/' the following curious reference to what
must have been a well-known and most popular modo
of travelling to London from Kent :
" The Grave Counsell of Gravesend Barge
Gevethe John Daye a privylege large
To put this in prynt for his gaynes,
Because in the Legend of lyes he takethe paynes,
Commandinge other upon payn of slavery
That none prynt this but John Daye the prynter of Foxe his
Knavery."
This was probably the same John Daye as the
printer of that name of Foxe's Martyrs, and of the
seven satires upon the doctrine of the Eeal Presence in
the reign of Henry VIII. (for which at the time he
got into great trouble), such as his dialogue between
John Bon and Master Parson.
In the same year (1802) as the above guide-books,
Pocock wrote and published his
SEA CAPTAIN'S ASSISTANT ;
Or, FresJi Intelligence for Salt- water Sailors ; giving an account of
Merchandise exported from or imported into Great Britain ; with
the names and residences of the principal Brokers, Consuls, and
Agents ; the Monies and Ministers in Foreign Ports.
ROBERT POCOCK. 31
Also,
The Flags of different Nations arranged in a new form; the
Public Maritime Offices in London ; a list of the Trinity-house
Pilots, with the Pilots of Deal and Dover ; a Naval Chronology,
&c., &c., &c.
Gravesend :
Printed by R. Pocock,
And sold by the Booksellers in Paternoster Row.
The following preface which he drew up will best
exhibit his aims and the objects of the publication :
" The public are presented with a pamphlet on a new
plan, and although small, yet the compiler presumes he
has introduced such information as will prove useful
to maritime gentlemen, to whom he begs in particular
to pay his highest respects, and at the same time to
solicit their patronage.
" From the merchant and broker he hopes to receive
such matter and correction as will enable him at some
future period to bring forth another edition more
deserving of their favours.
" Therefore communications and corrections will be
thankfully received (post-paid), addressed to the
Editor of the ' Sea Captain's Assistant ' at Mr. Bird's,
Bookbinder, Ave Maria Lane, London, or sent to the
tc Public's humble servant,
"K. POCOCK,
"Book and Chart Seller,
" Gravesend.
" Dec. 1, 1802."
The title-page and preface sufficiently shadow forth
the contents of this little publication. It appears from
its pages that no less than seventeen coaches then
passed upwards daily from Gravesend to London,
32 ROBERT POCOCK.
and fifteen in the other direction. The manual is an
octavo of forty-eight pages, replete with evidences
of careful preparation, and it must have proved
at the period of its publication an extremely welcome
means of reference in the hands of the maritime trading
community, especially such of it as was connected
with the port of London.
Mr. A. J. Dunkin, indeed, in his " Nundinse Can-
tianaB," 1842, claims that our author projected the
Navy List, and published it several years alone, and
afterwards in conjunction with Steel.
The publication of that name we have seen, was com-
prised in the works provided by him for the subscribers
to his library (p. 25).
33
CHAPTER II.
TO THE COMET OF 1811.
Stranger of heaven ! I bid thee hail !
Shred from the pall of glory riven,
That flashest in celestial gale,
Broad pennon of the King of heaven !
Where hast thou roam'd these thousand years ?
Why sought these polar paths again,
From wilderness of glowing spheres,
To fling thy vesture o'er the wain ?
And when thou scal'st the Milky Way,
And vanishest from human view,
A thousand worlds shall hail thy ray,
Through wilds of yon empyreal blue.
JAMES HOGG.
As we shall now be proceeding to Pocock's Diary for
1811, in which he records the appearance of the great
comet of that year, it suitably enables us to direct
more especial attention to our printer's love of nature,
and his ardent pursuit of natural history. This he
evinced in 1809, in his
NATURAL HISTORY OF KENT,
Arranged in a systematical Order.
To which is added
An Alphabetical Index
of
All the Parishes in that County ;
34 ROBER2 POCOCK.
Also
The Specific Names
of every
Animate and Inanimate Production of Nature
found in and about
Great Britain.
By E. Pocock, Author of the Tufton Family,
History of Gravesend, Margate Water Companion, &c.
Gravesend : Printed by R. Pocock.
1809.
He wrote a preface to this work as follows :
"The foundation work of this Natural History of
Kent is adopted from Dr. Turton's octavo edition of
Linne. His method, and systematic order, is followed
(because better cannot be found), but the merit and use-
fulness of that publication is not lessened, as no article
is stolen or copied therefrom (which is too often
practised), but overlooked or new information is
added, whereby this may rank 1st as a continuation of
that excellent universal collection, 2nd as an extra
volume to Mr. Hasted's octavo edition of ' ' Kent/' and
3rd as an original work.
" It is not presumed or expected a volume of this
nature can be perfect (for much is yet left to be
known and done) ; yet the candour of the public is
claimed for all deficiencies, especially when it is con-
sidered that the labour of this first systematically
arranged natural history of a county is greater than
superintending twenty future editions.
" Much difficulty occurred at the beginning. It was
once thought the best way to give the produce of each
parish under its head, but repetitions of articles would
have extended the work to an enormous size, to avoid
ROBERT POCOCK. 35
which an alphabetical index of all the parishes in
Kent is added, with the pages wherein they are men-
tioned : this will prove of great advantage to a
parochial historian.
"GENERAL DISTINCTIONS.
" The scarcity or plenty of things is remarked by the
following words in italic type :
' ( Most common means what is found in every parish,
and daily seen, as horses, nogs, sparrows, &c.
" Common means what is found in several parishes,
but not daily seen, as moles, hawks, &c.
"Not uncommon means what is found in some
parishes, but not so often seen, as otters, badgers, &c.
" Uncommon means what is found in few parishes,
and but seldom seen, as martens, cats, horned owls,
soap- wort.
" Most uncommon means what is rarely met with in
the county, or visit the shores, as whales, seals, eagles.
" Not heard of means has not come to the author's
knowledge.
" Var. means a variety."
He dedicated this labour to the President and
Council of the Royal Society in the following words :
" Gentlemen, The British nation is greatly indebted
to our Sovereign Gracious Family by the incorporation
of the Royal Society, which has so often and laudably
issued forth rewards for improvement of scientific
knowledge, whereby many useful inventions have been
brought to perfection and carried into effect, which
otherwise would have lain dormant and been lost in
oblivion. The encouragement held forth by your
D 2
36 ROBERT POCOCK,
Royal Society first stimulated me to begin a Natural
History of Kent, which work I have now the honour
to lay before the public, with hopes that it will deserve
their approbation.
<l I remain, gentlemen,
' ' Your most humble servant,
" EGBERT POCOCK/'
But alas ! he was never able to publish these his
labours, and they fell sterile, like so many other of
his efforts, for want of encouragement and pecuniary
support.
It is satisfactory to be able at length to pass to
some of the author's Diaries, which have been to
a fragmentary extent saved ; for it is ever easier and
truer work, certainly pleasant er, to judge of a man and
to form an estimate of him from his own words, than
to depend upon the researches and speculations of
others, however disinterested and impartial. Indeed he
who writes a Journal often involuntarily portrays his
own character.
/
CHRONICLE or 1811.
" September 1st, 1811, Sunday. Visited Essex, and
bought a loaf at Leigh, and then to Old or Holy
Haven in Canvey Island, Essex, where there is only
one public-house ; but did not enter it, or take any
refreshment, because I had heard from several that
the landlord's name was not Mr. ' Civility/
" September 2nd, Monday. Read the Gent/sMag. for
last month, the value of which has lately been increased
by the correspondence of Messrs. Lettsom, Foster,
Richardson, Hall, and others.
" The Gent,'s Mag. I rank as one of the first British
periodicals.
ROBERT POCOCK. 37
" I take delight in perusing this magazine, because it
contains variety ; yet I think the editors confine them-
selves too much to the antique, especially in the counties
about the metropolis. The plates of churches carry
with them a sameness. Ormskirk Church, I have
been told, has at one end a spire and at the other a
tower : such as have a similarity about them ought
not to be introduced.
"Dr. Richardson must accept my thanks for the
goodness of his communication of the Fiorin, and
muse also forgive the harsh treatment of Mr. S. The
public surely would have liked Mr. Urban to have
given a plate of this grass.
" Dr. Lettsom., by publishing Mr. Neald's letters, has
done more good to society than any individual since
the days of Mr. Howard ; but I cannot help remarking,
that whilst the philanthropist is exerting himself to
relieve forlorn, dejected, petty debtors, to the comfort
of their families, on the other hand there are in the
country a set of pettifogging attorneys continually
trying to establish -Courts of Requests (Courts of
Conscience, alias without conscience) managed by a
set of commissioners, mostly tradesmen under the in-
fluence of those attorneys who distress the poor debtor
frequently by imprisonment, illegally proclaimed.
" Mr. Hall (it is to be hoped) will favour us again
with his communications.
" September 3rd. The eclipse of last night passed
over without my knowing it ; but it would not have
been so if I had consulted Moore's Almanack, which
I have frequently disregarded on account of the
prognostications contained therein. Surely those
might be omitted, and more useful matter substi-
tuted.
38 ROBERT POCOCK
" Wednesday, 4th. Saw the moon rise ; supposed
my neighbour's house on fire.
" Thursday, 5th. Visited Lord Darnley's gardens at
Cobham. At nine at night, coming home from
Cobham, observed in the north-east a circular haze
which I supposed to be a comet. Thought of my
friend Mr. Ov.erton of Plum stead, and the great
telescope at Slough. Caught this day at noon a
brimstone butterfly.
" Friday, 6th. I mentioned this morning to my wife
that I had certainly seen a comet last night. Heard
in the course of the day that a comet had been
announced in the newspaper. Saw the paper, where
a gentleman at Kelso had discovered it in August.
I found this evening the comet take another appear-
ance; it now had a tail in the direction of about an
angle of forty-five or fifty upwards, tending north-east.
Ran about the town to borrow a celestial map or
globe, but without success. Found the inhabitants
not attached to the sciences, and more of astrologers
than astronomers.
" Sunday, 8th. Foggy morning, but the finest day
and starlight evening I ever beheld. The Milky
Way most conspicuous, and the comet brighter, with
longer rays. First saw it through a common spy-
glass, when it appeared like a hazy star of the first
magnitude. The field of the glass took in a star out
of its rays below it, and a star in the rays above it,
rather to the right hand. Observed, whilst looking, a
falling star or meteor descend into its tail. The
water on the oars appeared very luminous a prog-
nostication of a southerly wind.
" Visited Lord Eardley's gardens at Erith, where
ROBERT POCOCK. 39
the village was like a fair, owing to the Gravesend
boats not being able to get farther. Observed there
an ancient low house with two doors, the spandril
ornamented with leopards' heads and a coat of arms,
well worth a plate in Mr. Urban's magazine. Walked
into Lord Eardley's, and saw the gardens : the pleasure-
grounds are charmingly rural, and a great variety of
scarce trees and shrubs. Accidentally met with two of
the household female servants, who escorted us to
the top of the high tower that overlooks the trees, and
from which we had a fine prospect of the river and
adjacent country. Could do no less than thank our
guides for the view, and politely endeavoured to salute
one, which seemingly was not taken amiss; but in
performing the ceremony I was so awkward that my
hat fell off. Surely, I thought, this, like many other
things, wants practice. A good general should be
cool, wait for opportunities, and not be too rash.
Descended the tower, and took leave of our kind,
sociable strangers.
"September, 1811. Had a gossip with Mr. EL, a
river pilot, by some called Mr. ' Milk and Water.'
Why this name should be attached to a worthy man, I
know not ; perhaps it is that milk and water is often
thought incapable of doing harm, whilst it may do
good, an instance of which occurred last week. A
little boy Mr. H. observed, in company with a soldier
at Gravesend, inquiring the road to Chatham and
seemingly dejected, sitting on the steps of a trades-
man's door ; whereupon Mr. H. called the boy in, and
challenged him with running away from his parents.
This the child did not deny, and to the honour of
Mr. Bryant, linen-draper of Gravesend (who took the
40 ROBERT POCOCK.
child in for that night, he being destitute of money)
it was restored to the parents, implement-makers in
Shoe Lane, the next day. So much for the kind
conduct of Mr. H. Too much cannot be said in praise
of milk and water !
"Went to the sale of my old acquaintance, Mr.
Adams, a bricklayer, who lately died worth some
thousands. He left, I hear, two of them to a person
no way related, although he had several poor re-
lations. No accounting for the unfairness of wills !
" How much good would a few thousands have
done to a few industrious tradesmen tottering on
balances of 50Z. ! I did not find a book of science, or
English topography, or cyclopaedia, &c., in his sale,
which contained a library of 230 chosen volumes,
which fetched a price about equal to 1200 volumes of
novels lately disposed of at Mr. Lance's library.
"The young sparrows pick and spoil my black
cluster grapes, but not my white sweet-water.
Counted my bunches, and found I had 404.
" Pound this year, as I have before noticed, that the
tenderest, sweetest, and best grapes are those covered
with leaves. A gentleman some time since asked
the reason of withered bunches. I think it arises
from the lateral branch being shortened. Worth
trying the experiment next year on different laterals.
This day my sister died.
" Wednesday, September 11 th. Fine sunshine morning
and day. A small air from the north. Observed the
moon plainly at nine in the morning, whilst the sun
was very bright. Guessed it would be with the sun
in four days' time, so that the sun, moon, and comet
will be nearly on a meridian line.
ROBERT POCOCK. 41
" In the course of this day the young lady called from
the Orkneys who sent me the drawing of the
wonderful sea snake which came on shore at Stronsa.
What would Pontophidan have given for such ! Greatly
disappointed and vexed that I was not at home to
receive her, as she is a bonny girl not a bony girl,
but a bonnie girl. What can I do for such a kind
female, who exposed herself to inclemency and danger
to visit a distant island to gratify my request ? Why^
send her some books to pass her hours in the dreary
winter. I have so done, and through fraud they never
reached her hands. Then send her some grapes, for
out of 404 bunches surely a few may be spared, and
grapes at the Orkneys are nearly as rare as sea snakes.
" Thursday, September 12th. Had a large green
grasshopper brought me. Saw the newspaper with an
account of the comet by Capel Loft, who supposed it
to be fast approaching to Ursa Minor ; but I am not
of that opinion, as it tends more to the tail of Ursa
Major. At four p.m. set off for London, not in a balloon,
but in a swift bird, the Petrel, which flew withme to that
stinking place called Billingsgate, which I could not quit
so soon as I wished. Heard a boat had gone through
bridge, and carried away mast. Had a glimpse of
the comet. Just before I arrived a mad dog bit a
man (September 10th) and an old woman. The father
of the boy sent to Birling directly for that never-failing
remedy.
" Friday, September 13th. Peeped into the auction
mart not fond of the last-named place. Met with the
City Solicitor, and had some discourse on a boundary-
stone of the City, which I had discovered. Went to
Margaret Street to see a friend just arrived from East
42 ROBERT POCOCK.
Indies. Sorry to hear that the petty officers in that
service are generally dissatisfied, it being a losing
concern. Went into a public-house, where a letter was
read, received from Slough, describing Dr. Herschell's
telescope, which has a diameter of forty-seven inches, a
platform for six to stand at its top to take a peep at
the bottom a mirror, which was stated to weigh 2501b.,
and traverses on a platform of forty feet. I informed
the company that a baker (a neighbour of mine, Mr.
Mathews) could make as good as the composition for
such mirrors, and this was some years since made
public in the Nautical Almanack, a publication more
useful but not so much known as Moore's. A better
account of Moore and Dr. Herschell's telescope is re-
quested in the Gent.'s Mag. At near midnight I re-
treated to Merlin's Cave, where I passed the night.
" Saturday, September 14,th VisitedMr. L., ofTitch-
field Street. Gave him some sand from Ascension
Island, and a piece of Sydnea Australis, and heard a new
edition of twenty vols. of Buffon was in the press. Saw
the comet in the evening. Heard the tail took a direc-
tion to the north-west in the morning. Embarked at
twelve at night from the Dundee Arms in clean,
commodious boat called the Glory. Soon after a
very thick fog came on. Anchored four times, and once
got on ground. Time tedious, but much passed
away in conversation with a young female traveller
from Scotland. Found she had read nearly every
play and poet. Landed at seven o'clock a.m. at
Woolwich.
fe Sunday, September 15th. Found Woolwich greatly
increased since my last visit. Walked towards Cray-
ford, but missed the road. Passing by Captain Ed-
ROBERT POCOCK. 43
meades's, of the East India service, in Bampton Lane,
found the vervain mallow in bloom. Had only found
it once before in Kent. Plucked some seeds, as it is
well worth a place in private garden. Observed at
the same place in bloom, by the side of the ditch, the
scarlet pimpernel in a great state of luxuriance.
Bampton Lane is solitary, and not such a desirable
spot for a residence as I should choose. Refreshed
myself at Crayford, where I found that madder was
lately cultivated, but now totally rooted up, it being"
a losing concern, as it took three years to bring it to
perfection, and much trouble in getting up the roots,
which run four or five feet in length. Crayford
famous for calico-printing, carp, trout, and good
singers. Saw a large green grasshopper. Strong
wind east. Faintly saw the comet. Starlight to eight.
Arrived at Gravesend at ten, greatly fatigued.
"Monday Night, September 16th. Heard that on
Saturday last a man put in the cage on a charge of
stealing two odd shoes from Mr. Newman, proprietor
of coaches, had cut his throat. However, by timely
assistance, and the skill of Mr. Beaumont, surgeon, it
was sewn up, and the man is likely to recover.
"Miss B. from Orkney called. Gave her some
grapes, being the greatest present to take to Orkney.
Mr. C., my young antiquarian and scientific friend,
informed me that during my absence he had been
engaged in trying the utility of a new screw and machine
for the purpose of navigating vessels. I told him the
proprietor of the machine, Mr. S. of the Strand, should
have called on my neighbour, who knows more about
screws than half the screw and machine makers in the
kingdom. Two French prisoners taken to a madhouse.
44 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Tuesday, September 17th. Fine Sunday morning.
Company of the 42nd Regiment arrived from Scotland,
following the regiment which passed through this
town within a few weeks. Had a present made me
of a copper " Nero."
tc Wednesday, September 18th. The watchman pro-
claims ( past two o'clock and a fine starlight night.'
Got out of bed on hearing this, and peeped at the
comet, which was more conspicuous than before. Now
seen in the north-east, its tail apparently more
upright, and in an oblique direction at the square of
the Great Bear. With much persuasion prevailed on
my wife to have a peep also (for the first time !), which
she did, with indifference declaring she never cared
for the Great Bear nor Little Bear, and that I had
better come to bed than be looking at such creatures,
and that the stars would do me no good. The finest
morning I ever beheld ! Wind at E. Brisk, yet
pleasant. At sunset a general gloomy reddish haze,
which I thought portended rain, and many meteors ;
however, it turned out starlight. Near nine a meteor
from the Great Bear passed over the tail of the comet
just above its head. Looked at the comet with a
common glass, and found the rays proceeded from the
circumference, making a vacuum.
tf Wednesday, September 25th. Four fine horses
shipped by Mr. Woodgate for America. One was
valued at 1200Z., as certified in the cocquet at the
Custom-house.
" Many Jews and crimps about the town ; a sure sign
of an Indian fleet arrived. Among the crimps are
many well-dressed women. As the business of crimp-
ing is unknown in the interior of the kingdom, let
ROBERT POCOCK. 45
me inform you that crimps are a useful set of people,
acting as a medium between the captain and sailor. The
established fee for procuring 1 a seaman is two guineas.
" Thursday, September 26th. Went to the sale of
Mr. L., lately ruined by having gunpowder on board
his vessel. There are penalties for having it in a ship
when at certain parts of the river. The police officers
are well skilled in Acts of Parliament wherein qui
tarn abounds. The martins flew very low this day in
the rain. Several cut down by boys with whips.
Many conjectures are given about those birds. I know
of no place where so many abound as Sheppey.
"The Church of Minster in Sheppey is remarkable for
having a horse-head on the top of the spire in lieu
of a weather-cock, from which we have an improbable
traditional story; bat many persons resort in summer
to this village, and upon visiting the church seldom
leave it without hearing something of this tale, which
we shall entertain our reader with in poetry.
"MINSTER.
" Of monuments that here they show
Within the church, we draw but two ;
One an ambassador of Spain's,
The other Lord Sharland's dust contains ;
Of whom a story strange they tell,
And seemingly believe it well.
" The Lord of Sharland on a day,
Happening to take a ride this way,
About a corpse observed a crowd,
Against their priest complaining loud,
That he would not the service say
Till somebody his fees should pay.
On this his lordship too did rave,
And threw the priest into the grave.
' Make haste and fill it up,' said he ;
46 ROBERT POCOCK.
' We'll bury both without a fee.'
But when he cooler grew, and thought
To what a scrape himself had brought,
Away he gallop'd to the bay,
Where at that time a frigate lay
With Queen Elizabeth on board ;
When (strange to tell) this hair-brain'd lord
On horseback swam to the ship's side,
There told his tale, and pardon cried.
The grant with many thanks he takes,
And swimming still, to land he makes ;
But on his riding up the beach,
He an old woman meets (a witch).
' This horse which now your life does save/
Says she, ' will bring you to the grave.'
' You'll prove a liar,' says my lord,
' You ugly hag ! ' then with his sword,
Acting a most ungrateful part,
The generous beast stabb'd to the heart.
" It happen'd after many a day
That with some friends he stroll'd that way,
And this strange story, as they walk,
Became the subject of their talk ;
When on the bank by the sea-side,
' Yonder the carcase lies ! ' he cried,
As not far off he led them to't,
And kick'd the skull up with his foot,
When a sharp bone pierced thro' his shoe,
And wounded grievously his toe,
Which mortified ; so he was kill'd,
And the hag's prophecy fulfill'd.
See there his cross-legg'd figure laid,
And near his feet the horse's head.
'* The tomb is of too old a fashion
To tally well with this narration ;
But of the tale we would not doubt,
Nor put our cicerone out.
'Tis a good moral point at least,
That gratitude's due to a beast.
ROBERT POCOCK. 47
" Saturday, September 28th. Read part of Du.
Lolde's ' Embassy to China/ Found the mode of drink-
ing tea the same as at present, except the spout was
closed to infuse the tea better, and a little salt to give
it a flavour. The death-watch heard at ten.
" Sunday, September 29th. At ten the Earl of Darn-
ley arrives in the town as hereditary High Steward,
and according to custom breakfasted with the Mayor,
Geo. Rich.,Esq., and]corporation,in their Town Hall, on
hot roast beef, moistened with plenty of arrack-punch,
and then walked to church, where a discourse was
delivered by Dr. Watson, Rector of Gravesend.
' ' A fleet from China passed by. Evening star and
moon light, with low clouds. Comet seen making
nearly a triangle with the two last stars in the Bear's
tail. The tail of the comet faint, probably arising from
the glare of the moon. Whilst observing it about
eight, a faint reddish Aurora Borealis shot from the
north-west. Those phenomena were frequent before
the American War, and are yet often seen by our
fishermen to the north of Scotland, making a hissing,
snapping noise.
"Monday, September 30th. The Corporation of
Gravesend walk in procession to church to hear
divine service, and on their return choose Mr. Den-
nett as Mayor for the year ensuing. Mem. Most
corporations now are petty tyrannical governments
ruled by the caprice of their town clerks. They
should be an object of government constitution.
They should either have a heavy tax imposed on them
or be dissolved.
" The rays of the comet appear faint, it being bright
moonligKt. Whilst looking at this time and moon-
48 ROBERT POCOCK.
light, a meteor shot forth in the westward, passing
along horizontally a great space, and entered or went
behind a cloud, making its appearance again in a
clear space, and once more entered a hazy cloud that
reached to the horizon. This was a singular phe-
nomenon. I guess about next Friday the comet
will eclipse, or be very near the last star in the Great
Bear's tail. The town full of hissing serpents (fire-
works), folio wing a lawless rabble called ' Mock Mayor/
who go from door to door collecting alms for drink
and riot, and imitating his Worship the Mayor, his
mace-bearer, and the rest of this singular body, who
demand 20Z. for the privilege of a man becoming free
of the town, but deny this freeman the privilege of
voting for any one, either mayor, jurat, or common
councilman! "
" Tuesday Morning, October 1st. A person from
Dover called and told me that David Anderson, a
pilot of Deal, had met with his death in a tragical
manner. He was coming up in a south whaler, which
ran foul of an East Indiaman, and received such a shock
that it was expected she was sinking, whereupon all
the men of the whaler, except two, jumped on board
the Indiaman ; but Mr. A., in jumping, either
missed his hold or jumped short, and fell between the
ships, which at that instant suddenly came in contact
twice, and squeezed him fatally. The whaler, with
two men on board, drove on Margate Sands, losing one
of the two men. What has become of the ship is un-
known, as she is not now seen on Margate Sands.
" Had this morning a violent pain at the bottom of
my heel, which affects the back part of my leg. Never
had such a pain before ; surely it must be the gout for
ROBERT POCOCK. 49
the first time. If so, it certainly arose from my stand-
ing out on the damp ground last night to view the
comet and fireworks. Had this day brought me a
sphinx moth, convolvuli, &<?., which flew on board a
vessel ten leagues off the coast of Scotland. Had also
a lump-fish sent me.
" Pain in my heel increases, making me lame, First
used spectacles, and found great benefit therefrom.
Took up Greig's ' Astrography/ Not well pleased with
this work, and opened the book with much prejudice,
because I remember a work of authority beginning
with abstruse characters instead of the most simple
elements. Perused some of the pages of this ' Astro-
graphy' with pleasure. Every leaf I turned over
diminished my prejudice. I find the book full of well-
selected information on a new plan, as the title ex-
presses ; therefore I earnestly recommend it to both
young and old as a useful manual of astronomy,
mythology, and history. More knowledge can be
derived from this close-printed pocket edition (which
costs only five shillings) than from ten quarto volumes
of the more ancient men printed on royal paper with
royal margins. Went to Dr. Thornton, No. 1, Hinde
Street, Manchester Square, to see his paintings.
" Thursday, October 3rd. Read an American news-
paper. Philadelphia Museum State-house a mam-
moth there, twenty-five cents for a peep. Mem. The
bones of a mammoth can be seen at the British
Museum for nothing.
" Friday, October 4<th. Swallows and martins fly
about house high. Sun out at two o'clock. Read the
Gent/s Mag. for last month, and understood it very
well (except the epistle by a young clergyman), I
50 ROBERT POCOCK.
made my wife laugh (a very singular thing) at the
humour there related in a paragraph styled the ' Times/
I hope this humorous writer will continue Mr. Urban's
constant correspondent.
" Saturday, October bth. This evening at eight
my neighbour, the mechanical turner, &c., ran in
and wished me to see the comet that instant, as it
was in more splendour than ever; its tail lengthened
to the square of the Little Bear ; the stars about it
unusually bright for a few moments : and its tail
embraced two stars of fourth or fifth magnitude, whilst
a star of about third magnitude was below it. Several
meteors or shooting stars seen in less than ten minutes.
They were noticed as if flying with the wind. Ob-
served a circular haze the size of the moon round
Lyra, which continued five minutes. Thi$ appearance
was so singular that I was on the eve of calling out
' Another comet/
"October llth. " A Painted Lady Cardinal" flew
from my grape-vine. Read a small pamphlet on comets
by Mr. Rivers, wherein he gives an erroneous list of
comets, omitting that which appeared in October and
November, 1807, and likewise one which I remember
seeing about forty-three years ago, nearly of a similar
appearance to the present.
" Wednesday, October IQth. A flight of birds (star-
lings) flew over the town to the westward. This I
have observed several years. Read this day a pam-
phlet on comets printed at Stamford, which gives a
much better account than that of Mr. Rivers. My
friend Mr. Crafter called, and says it is not the hottest
day of the year, as on one day it was ten degrees hotter.
Read a letter from my son, wherein he appears to be
ROBERT POCOCK. 51
afraid of asking a young lady to alter her name. I write
' Courage, my lad; the lady will say, Don't, sir; pray do/
"Thursday, October 17th. Insulted by a grinning
dog or biped puppy. Mr. Bedingfield's Clerk called
with a message from the party.
" Sunday, October 20th. Soon after eleven alarmed
by the watchman with a smell of fire. Got up,
searched the house, and found the smell arose from
some asafoetida or other drug injected through the
keyhole suspected to be put there by one C. (assistant
to Mr. B.) and others.
" Monday, October 2lst. Morning at eight. Wind E.
Sent a letter to Mr. B., of which the following is a
copy:
" Sir, Surgeons and apothecaries are expected to
have more gravity and good sense than the generality
of men, and when otherwise they are a disgrace to
their profession.
' ( You keep dogs, and have a grinning one that goes
about the streets in the evening (with others) to the
annoyance of the neighbourhood. This is to caution
you to keep him within, or likely enough he will some
night return with a good horse-whipping by the hand
of
" Yours, &c.,
" ROBERT POCOCK.
"P.S. When you have read this, show it to the
puppy."
" Tuesday, October 22nd. Death's-head moth found
at Gravesend.
" Thursday, October 24>th. Gravesend Fair. Small
E 2
5 2 ROBERT POCOCK.
rain. Some men taken up in the fair for gambling.
Gathered my last grapes.
" Monday, October 28th. A bat flying about the
market inthe forenoon ; rain in the afternoon. Mr.
Foreman, of the Ferry House, Tilbury, called, and said
he had started this day a post-coach to Chelmsford
daily. Sets out at seven in the morning, returns at
three, and arrives at Tilbury Fort at eight in the
evening. Heard that Mr. Rashleigh, jun., performed
divine service as curate of Gravesend yesterday for the
first time.
" Wednesday, October 30th. Evening at eight. Moon-
light night. Comet very faintly discerned, owing to
lustre of the moon. Mem. The lustre of the moon
does not seem to affect the brightness of Lyra. A
pilot-fish taken alive at Gravesend, size of a mackerel.
Three spines on its back near the tail.
"Sunday, November 10th. Conger-eel came on
shore at new tavern, about five feet long, and sup-
posed to weigh 18 Ib.
"Tuesday, November \2th. Read the Maidstone
paper that at the Wrotham meeting for making a new
road to Tonbridge were present Earl Camden, Earl
Darnley, Sir William Geary, Sir Henry Twysden, and
about twenty other gentlemen, among whom were
George Rich, Esq., and Laurence Ruck, Esq.
" Wednesday, November 13th. Wrote this day a
letter to the committee on the proposed new road to
Wrotham from Gravesend. Tide ebbed and flowed
twice at Gravesend.
"Thursday, November 14th. Two black women,
Tobitha Isaacs and Maria De George, about going to
Santa Cruz. Said they would send me some shells.
ROBERT POCOCK. 53
Perplexed by bills being printed for the parish by
Caddell for the militia." [The rival press.]
"Friday, November Ibth. Spent the evening at
' the George/
"Sunday, November 17th. Walked to Northfleet
with Mr. Grafter into the cliffs, where we saw a mar-
tin flying about. One of the men said two martins
had been flying about in the morning, and also yester-
day. Bought a virgin flint for sixpence. SaW in
bloom wild endive (dandelion).
"Monday, November 18th. Mr. Lancaster, a fisher-
man, brought me a left-handed whelk, and a piece of
rock from Lewis Island, which appears as crystallized
hornblende.
" Tuesday, November 19th. It appears that the comet
passed its perihelion about September 12th, 1811, when
its perihelion distance was about 95,000,000 miles, and
made its nearest approach to the earth about the middle
of October, being then 10,800,000 miles distant. The
space in the heavens occupied by its train extended 12,
so that the length of its tail was not less than 33,000,000
miles. The inclination of its orbit was about 73.
" Wednesday, November 20th. Heard that a stone
had been placed yesterday on the sea wall at the
extremity of the parish of Milton, having on one side
the words 'Port of London, 181 1/ and on the east
side ' Port of Leigh/
" Thursday, November 21st. 43rd Regiment came
into town from Billericay. Went with Mr. Clarke from
Exeter to see a machine invented to move forward
boats and vessels in canals (by Mr. Sheldrake, of the
Strand, London). Found the machine composed of a
vertical wheel worked in with oblique iron screw, and
54 ROBERT POCOCK.
turned by another massive iron wheel, to which was a
horizontal lever pulling back and forward in the boat.
On the whole it is a clumsy contrivance, and certainly
will not answer the intended purpose. It was fixed
with heavy apparatus of six or seven hundred weight
to the stern of a boat about fifteen tons.
"Friday, November 22nd. Mr. Richardson, the
surgeon, called and said that his pointer dog died last
Saturday mad, and that about six weeks since the dog
had bit him through his coat in his arm, and had
drawn blood in two places. The dog bit him, irritated
by Mr. Richardson's correcting him whilst hunting. I
persuaded him to lose no time in getting the f Birling '
remedy as an antidote. He seemed to say he would
go on Monday ; but I said, ' Why delay an hour when
life is at stake ? ' Before this happened I had told the
doctor I had heard his dog had been bitten by a mad
dog, and to be careful of him. This was about the
middle of September, subsequent to the dog's biting the
brewer's servant.
" Saturday, November 23rd. Laid a wager on spell-
ing Brightlingsea, a town in Essex. I found this was
the right way by the index to Morant's ' History of
Essex,' but found that there were eight ways of spelling
it. Remember Mr. Ball of Lockhill, who possessed a
capital museum. Mr. Moore, the fisherman, brought
me some shells from a vessel's bottom. Told me Mr.
Roxburgh had got a small dog-fish with two heads.
" Tuesday, November 26th. Mr. Grafter brought a
red gurnard called a piper, taken at Long Reach in the
river near Gravesend.
" Saturday, November 30th. Sold to Mr. Salmon of
Meopham thirty-three bushels and a half of coal ashes
ROBERT POCOCK. 55
at threepence per bushel as manure, used by him to
sprinkle over sainfoin and clover. Within a few years
fish have been used as manure. Sprats last year sold
for eightpence per bushel, and herrings this year for
about the same. They have been found to answer
well.
"Sunday, December 1st Met with Mr. G-eorge
Bruce, a man lately come from New Zealand, and most
curiously tattooed. Says the Zealanders are not can-
nibals ; that the island produces flax, potatoes in
abundance, with mackerel and various fish. Called on
Mr. Roebrook with Mr. Grafter, who took a drawing
of the double-headed dog-fish caught off Cape Wrath.
It was eight inches long, and parted about the pectoral
fins into two heads, and the other parts were com-
pletely joined in a vertical manner, the same as if two
perfect fish had been placed together. It was one of
five found alive within the body of a shark about four
feet long.
" Monday , December 2nd. This evening Mr. George
Bruce, naturalized New Zealander, and husband to the
late Princess Aetochoe, youngest daughter of Tippa-
hee, King of New Zealand (the title which a pamphlet
of his gives, printed by T. Plummer, Seething Lane,
Tower Street), called on me, and promises, whenever
he should be able to get to New Zealand, to send
some coral, emeralds, and shells, with skins of birds
and other curiosities. He has been at Gravesend about
a month, waiting for a ship going to the South Seas (Mr.
Bennet, or Mellish, owner), and has, whilst at Gravesend,
worked for Mr. Ditchburn, the rope-maker. He showed
me a letter from the Earl of Liverpool (by his secretary),
wherein his lordship declines interfering in his interest.
56 ROBERT POCOCK.
He therefore appears in his native country as a neglected
alien. His pamphlet says he has had a ' liberal'
education ; but here it is wrong, as the word should
have been ' common ;* for upon my asking him to read
the title of a Botany Bay newspaper, he did it with
difficulty. He has a fine pair of lips, good eyes, and
if he had not been so much tattooed he would have been
a very likely man. He is about five feet eight inches
high, thinly made, and has lost two fingers. Mr.
Grafter called with the drawing of the eighteenpence
piece.
" Wednesday, December 4>th. Read the Medical
Journal published this month, and pleased with the
abstract of Mr. Lambert's ' Notes on Botany ' from the
MSS. of Peter Collinson. Afternoon fine, with large
white rocky clouds on azure sky ; starlight evening
Between six and seven viewed comet, now to the
southward of bright star in Aquila, at one-third dis-
tance of either two stars in it. It appears very faint,
its tail not longer than the three stars of Aquila.
" Thursday, December bth. Out of temper, had
tea, instead of a dinner off a very fine hare sent by
Mr. R. H. yesterday.
" Friday, December 6th. My wife affronted me. Went
to Greenhithe. Heard that the Poet of Greenhithe
was the Rev. Mr. Bradley. This gentleman has pro-
duced some excellent pieces of poetry.
" Saturday, December 7th. In the dolldrums all day.
The New Zealander called for his pamphlet.
"Sunday, December Sth. Taken at night with a
violent shiver attended with fever, certainly owing to
standing still in the damp.
" Wednesday, December llth. Paid a poor cess of one
ROBERT POCOCK. 57
shilling in the pound, said to be collected for the
expense of a new goal at Maidstone, which I do nob
think was wanted, there being plenty of ground
behind the present erection to have built an extra
one. Many words passed which were quick and loud
this evening between my wife and self. Not all
true. I wished she was dumb.
" Thursday, December 12th. Double stocks in bloom.
Heard Captain Elphinstone sent (the other day) his
servant on board man-of-war for wearing his shirts.
Friday, December 13th. Met with Mr. Millen, just
come up in the Drake from Flushing.
" Saturday, December I4?th. Heard Mr. Cope's house
was on fire from a pipe being thrown into the win-
dow.
"Sunday, December 15th. Miss Phipps called and
drank tea. She is not handsome, but agreeable.
Heard some of our watermen had been up to London
about Mr. Forseka the crimp being taken up on a
charge of murder eighteen years ago, and that he was
dismissed.
fk Tuesday, December 17 th. Heard the Tower guns
fired yesterday for news of Batavia being taken.
Heard that Forseka the crimp was admitted to bail
on charge of murder.
" Wednesday, December 1 8th. Mr. Walker of Pater-
noster Row called in evening.
" Thursday, December IQth. Buckingham Militia
marched into town. Mr. Hinde and his son Robert
Hinde called, when I sold them my house and premises.
At the same time I paid Mr. Hinde every farthing I
owed him, and at the same time he advanced 200Z.
011 a note. Mr. Rowe, myself, and tenants gave
58 ROBERT POCOCK.
possession, our rents to him to commence from
Christmas Day coming. "
This is a significant paragraph, and probably affords
the key to the family discord disclosed in the previous
pages.
It indicates that Pocock parted with his little
patrimonial house and shop by sale to his father-in-
law, and yet remained a debtor in 200. to him !
" Thursday, December 26th. Met with Mr. Cuthbert-
son, fifth mate of Asia, bound to East Indies, who
promised to bring me home shells ; and met with a
medical man, who has sailed to South Seas. Has been
on the Isle of Desolation, where a black man has resided
several years. Helped by Mr. Bennet of Greenwich,
who orders his captain to repair his house when wanted,
and when the ships are absent he goes " a sealing/' and
sends Mr. B. the skins. The Desolation man's wife
keeps a public-house in London.
"Monday, December 30^. Walked to Chatham
and back. Observed many gulls flying over the
land. Met at Chatham, behind Gad's Hill, with Mr.
H. (a brewer), son of the Kentish historian, who in-
formed me his father lives at a town called Corsham in
Wiltshire, ninety-six miles from London. Got change
at the Chatham bank for a cheque I received from
my brother. For the clerk's civility (Mr. Vining)
bought a ticket in Dr. Thornton's lottery of him,
price two guineas, No. 2965, and so did my friend Mr.
C. Twelve field-mice killed by the snow (sijlvaticus).
A good print of them in the Eev. Mr. Mindey's
( Memoirs of British Quadrupeds.' "
59
CHAPTER III.
Nature inanimate displays sweet sounds ;
But animated nature sweeter still,
To soothe and satisfy the human ear.
Ten thousand warblers cheer the day, and one
The livelong night ; nor these alone whose notes
Nice-finger'd art must emulate in vain,
But cawing rooks, and kites that swim sublime
In still-repeated circles, screaming loud,
The jay, the pie, and even the bodiug owl
That hails the rising moon, have charms for me.
WILLIAM COWPEE.
THUS close the fragments of Pocock's Diary which
have been collected for the year 1811, and they are here
followed by similar collections for the year 1812 ; but
in reproducing these entries, which are given to the
public for the first time, it has been necessary to
eliminate many of the meteorological facts, and other
matters of inferior importance or of purely private
concern.
"Thursday, January 2nd, 1812. Morning delight-
ful, with sunshine. Ground wet. Report of guns
about half -past twelve likely Woolwich. Read in a
60 ROBERT POCOCK.
magazine that an explosion took place at Waltham
Abbey on December 3rd, at eleven o'clock. Referred
to that day, and what I supposed was the ' ' proof " at
Woolwich certainly arose at Waltham Abbey, where
eight lives were lost.
11 Sunday, January 5th. Gulls flying over the land.
Saw the gaoler's boy trying to drive three hogs into
the cage, because Gravesend is not worth a pound.
Not long ago two hogs were there impounded, and
shortly after an old woman was put into the same
place ! The Mayor of the place is a linendraper,
and very religious. Tried to translate ' Dulce Domum.'
Only did two verses, and they were not to my liking,
so I gave it up.
"Monday, January 6th. Morning at nine. Wind
W.S.W. A breeze. Sun. out at noon. Paid Mrs. T.
what I owed her, with thauks. Recollected ' a friend
in need is a friend indeed/
"Friday, January 10th. A man fell from the
Cuffnell's (East Indiaman) yard, and killed on the
spot. Mr. Williams called to-day. Said he was seventy-
three years old. Much broken in health since I saw
him last. Bid him farewell (I dare say for the last
time).
"Monday, January 15th. Went to London, think-
ing to do much business, but met with an acci-
dent at the Talbot Inn, Borough, that nearly deprived
me of my right eye and almost of life. Confined at the
Inn ill a week, and came home on Monday with a
black eye, owing to the false step. Continued ill
at intervals, no particular circumstance happened,
unless a small watch-box, made out of a cart at the
canal, caught fire on a Sunday night, but being wheeled
ROBERT POCOCK. 6 1
into the canal was extinguished. My little boy tells
me he saw a hawk flying among the sea-gulls. Last
year about this time I observed the same bird taking
delight with them.
" Tuesday, February 1 1 th. Went to Chatham (being
the first time of getting out since my accident),
and it proved the finest day possible sunshine, mild
and pleasant. Heard proof at G-ad's Hill twice from
Woolwich. Observed snowdrops in bloom. Heard
that Dr. Katterfelto's daughter lived at Whitby.
Another daughter married a Mr. Carter, a naturalist
at Scarborough. Mem. I remember visiting Dr.
Katterfelto when his huff was about his black cat.
" February 13th. A detachment of the Stirling regi-
ment of militia passed through, supposed to be going to
quell rioters. On this day an East Indiaman of 700
tons was launched from Mr. Pitcher's yard, Northfleet,
said to be a gift from the East India Company to a
son of Mr. Pitcher's.
" February \4th. Wet, boisterous weather to-day.
The Gravesend boats put back, a very unusual thing,
as they are excellent boats to stand the weather.
" Saturday, February ~L5th. Heard that a day or two
ago the dock-master of the canal had broken the stone
put down by Mr. Gilbee to ascertain the port of Lon-
don as regards the duty on coals.
" Thursday, February 20th. Went into my garden
and cut my grape-vine, which should be done before
March, as then it begins to bleed.
"Friday, February 2lst. This is my birthday: now
fifty-two years old. Mem. My father died at fifty-
two, and my mother at fifty-six years.
" Sunday. February 23rd Mrs. Creed brought to
62 ROBERT POCOCK.
bed of twins. In Gravesend also Mrs. Loft of twins,
Mrs. Elliot, Mrs. Yates, and Mrs. Barnard.
"Thursday, February 27th. Damp day. Church
Lecturer chosen. Ship launched at Northfleet ( guns)
named the Gloucester. I think she got damaged, as it
was a bad launch.
" Friday, February 28th. A detachment of the 83rd
Regiment from Essex marched in, on their way to
Chichester and Portugal.
"February 29th. Had a dragonet-fish brought me
by Mr. Grafter, called the fox-fish. Dr. Tyson called
them the yellow gurnard.
" Sunday, March 1st. Jessup's wife buried in Milton
churchyard. This woman, six feet high, was so strong
that she had often carried a sack of flour.
" Tuesday, March 3rr7. This afternoon the foundation
stone of a new chapel was laid in the late garden of
the New Inn. A hymn was sung on the spot, but no
money put under the foundation stone. [Wesley an.]
" Saturday, 7th. Very ill with the toothache or
swelled face, which has kept me in bed several days.
Cured in a few minutes by applying hot toasted
Turkey figs held (to my gums) in my mouth. Heard
the Sussex Militia was in the town.
"Sunday, 15th. Wind N.E. Very cold. Fine
morning. Sleet in afternoon. Brought up several sea-
gulls. Spotted lungwort in bloom.
" Friday, 20th. A strong equinoctial gale. The
Rev. Mr. Davies, a teacher at Hall Place Academy,
Bexley, chosen lecturer for Gravesend parish. It is
said this minister preaches the Gospel, as many Dis-
senters have left "the meeting" and come to the parish
church on account of this preacher. The Rev. Mr.
ROBERT POCOCK. 63
Phillips, Yicar of Grain, has been lately appointed
curate (under the Rev. Dr. Watson, rector, late keeper
of the academy on Shooter's Hill).
" Sunday, 22nd. Walked to Chalk Church to seethe
ridiculous figure of a buffoon (with a jug in one hand
and a purse holden by the other arm, seemingly laugh-
ing at another figure placed above somewhat like a
Merry Andrew, as he is in the act of looking through
his legs) placed over the entrance of the porch into
the church, within which is seen the remains of the
basin wherein the holy water was placed. In my walk
I saw out for the first time this season a land lizard,
called an eft in Kent. My son tells me he saw a water
eft the day the ship was launched. The flowers in
bloom this day were shepherd's purse (bursa pastoris) ,
barren strawberry, dandelion, sweet white and purple
and dog violets, blue veronica, lesser celandine or pile-
wort, and primrose. Of garden flowers were spotted
lungwort, beautiful blue veronica, blue and yellow
crocus, daffodils, snowdrops, polyanthus, and coltsfoot.
The sharp winds have damaged the leaves of my fly
and bee orchis, but have not affected the spider orchis ;
so that it is a good time to go in search of it. The leaves
lie close to the ground, and are not above an inch
long and half an inch broad. Neither the butterfly,
birdVnest, latifolia maculata, or canopsea orchises are
yet seen above the ground.
"Easter Day, 29th. Wind blew strong. Walked to
Hollow Dean Field, Sutton, and got four or five roots
of the lizard orchis now four or five inches high.
Saw in my walk three brimstone butterflies, and one
scarce insect like a spider. Great ants out, and cock
chamnchc s.
64 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Thursday, April 2nd. My grape-vines "have not
begun to shoot, yet by my memorandum-book I
find my white grape put forth leaves and the fruit
was seen last year on this day. Marched in to town the
first division of an Irish regiment, the Carlow Militia.
Heard three proofs at Woolwich at noon.
" Friday, April 3rd. Another detachment of the
Carlow Regiment marched into town. They had come
from Hastings in Sussex on their route to Hull.
Gurnards plenty ; also dried haddocks and cod-fish.
Read the Monthly Magazine, and observed, as I have
done before, that the person who styles himself
' Common Sense ' writes the best sense, especially in his
severities against that nefarious set of pettifogging
scoundrels called lawyers alias vultures who prey on
the substance and vitals of honest men ! Had a taran-
tula spider brought me by Mr. Fox, waterman.
"Saturday, April 4th. Another detachment of the
Carlow Regiment marched in. Walked on over hill, and
observed in bloom common chick weed, red nettle, white
nettle, furze, nailwort, and white violets. Kidney
potatoes in our market sixpence per gallon ; champions
fivepence. The sun went down clear, and Venus, the
evening star, seen with others of the first, second, and
third magnitudes very clear. Mr. Jackson, the pilot,
says he has seen from Gravesend Reach the flash of the
Admiral's gun at the Nore, and heard the report about
a minute after, frequently (of a still night) when he
belonged to the Gravesend boats. It is a distance of
about twenty-one or twenty-two miles. The rue-
leaved whitlow grass is nearly in bloom ; I think it
will be this next week.
ROBERT POCOCK. 65
" Sunday, April 5th. 1 heard the Eev.Mr. Davies,the
chosen lecturer, preached this morning to a small con-
gregation, as he was not expected. In the afternoon
there was a great congregation ; but when they saw
the Rev. Mr. Phillips, the curate, prepare to mount
the pulpit, the major part of the people left the
church, to the mortification of the latter reverend
gentleman ! (Mrs. C. was so affected with the sight
as to cause her to faint away.) Another occur-
rence is related. Some years since, Dr. Watson, the
rector, was on a visit to Mr. Champion (my brother-
in-law), a professed Dissenter, and at that time Mr.
Phillips was ill, and Dr. W. sent his compliments,
offering to officiate for him ; but Mr. P. refused his offer,
arrogantly thinking that Dr. W. was a Dissenter
also, because at Mr. Champion's house. Wonderful
change !
" Monday, April 6th. The Carlow Regiment marched
out, leaving three of their men in the cage to answer
for assaults committed last night ; but it was proved
they were provoked by the Gravesend watermen, and
so were discharged by the Mayor.
" Tuesday, April 7th. My grape-vines bleed much,
which shows they ought to have been pruned before
March, as I have observed before. The tortoise-shell
butterfly seen in the house.
" Wednesday, April 8th. Wind N.E. Mr. Robert
Hinde called about Rowers purchase.
" Sunday, April 12th. Blackthorn first seen in bloom ;
wood anemone also. Eggs of thrush seen ; also black-
bird's eggs. Chaffinch's nest not built. Violets, blue,
fetch eightpence per quart when picked. Beef steaks
66 ROBER T POCOCK.
and new ropes of one price, viz. one shilling and
twopence per pound. Fine clear starlight evening.
Yenus shone bright.
" Monday, April 1 3^. Wind strong, E. Went with
Mrs. P. to West Tilbury. Returned, having got some
oxlips, double polyanthus, and flowers from an old
woman. In going up Tilbury Hill found a piece
of sandy pudding-stone. Woodlark sings. Gulls
hovering over the river. Observed water ranunculus
in bloom. Bees out, and being fed in elder with
honey.
" Wednesday, April 15^ Went with G. and C. P. to
Thong. Saw first hitchwort in bloom ; also tuberose
moschatel and wood sorrel. Thought I heard a
nightingale. My nectarine has been in bloom these
three days.
"Friday, April 17 th. Mrs. P. went to Dartford.
Hail two or three times in the course of the day.
Returned in the evening, and said a girl about twelve
or thirteen was buried that day at Dartford, who had
been burnt to death by her clothes taking fire ; and
that a lad had been killed that day by a cart going over
him.
(( Saturday, April 18th. Found in bloom blue cresses
on the hill (Latin name unknown) ; also geranium,
purple bloom, which falls off.
" Sunday, April 19/i. Botany Bay ship came down
(the Indefatigable). Got a root of wall rue from
Northfleet Church. Mr. Smith's gardener called, who
said that Sir. Joseph Banks within five or six years
had altered the name of Orchis Militaris to Latifolia,
and the Orchis Mascula to Maculata. I doubt this
story, although I look upon this gardener to be one of
ROBERT POCOCK. 67
the most practical, yet his knowledge of the terms may
be deficient. Young rooks on the terrace. Dust flies
in the roads.
" Wednesday, April 22nd. Had Mr. Young, a journey-
man, come to work, but sadly troubled with an asthma.
Recommended him to smoke the stramonium (because
it is now the popular remedy). Saw a large blowing
fly-
" Thursday, April 23rd. The first leaf of my white
grape appears.
"Friday, April 24th. Walked in Northfleet Cliffs.
Found a gooseberry- tree in full flower. Got it up, and
transplanted it in my garden. Dry bleak weather all
the month. White periwinkle in bloom. Saw several
water-efts in the ponds of Northfleet Cliffs.
" Saturday, April 25th. Met Mr. Masterman, who
said he saw two or three swallows (the first) fly to the
westward to-day ; that he had seen a cuckoo, and that
a nightingale had been caught by Bowie. Cowslip in
bloom.
"Monday, April 27^. -Three troops of the 7th'
Regiment Dragoon Guards came into town from
Sittingbourne in their way to Romford, and thence
to Northampton. Saw two or three swallows at
Northfleet. Nightingale heard.
" Tuesday, April 28th. More of the 7th Dragoons
came. A ship, the Minstrel, Capt. Reed, with 140
women and some boys, convicts, came down, bound
to Botany Bay. Sent out to Mr. Lewin, at Sydney,
the ' Monthly Magazine ' for March, 1812. Marched
through the town, having halted half an hour, the
2nd Regiment of Somerset Militia of 700 men in their
way to Nottingham. They came from Chatham, having
F 2
68 ROBERT POCOCK.
received their route only at eleven this day. The first
head of asparagus seen coming out of the ground.
" Wednesday, April 29/i. More of the 7th Dragoon
Guards came into the town on their way through to
Islington. Walked to Shorne. Grot a lilac double
primrose.
" Thursday, April 30th. Mr. R Hinde called, and
with Mr. Rowe and Bedingfield marked out the ground
Mr. Rowe had purchased for 200 guineas. The whole
month has been bleak and dry for the most part. Mr.
Woodgate cut the first 150 heads of asparagus.
" Sunday, May 3rd. Some soldiers (I believe a regi-
ment) passed through the town early this morning,
about five or six o'clock, on their way to Dartford.
The cold wind ceased, and the sun set very fine and
unusually clear at the horizon, putting on the appear-
ance of a rim of an earthen pot or crown, which dis-
appeared before it had totally set. This setting
indicates a fine day to-morrow.
" Monday, May 4th. A very beautiful day, the first
all the year. A meeting held this day in the Town
Hall, calling the inhabitants together to take their
opinion on a renewal of the East India Com-
pany 's charter, and wishing to have the E.I.C. trade
confined to the Port of London, when the Corporation
of Gravesend subscribed 50/. and the inhabitants
more, to the amount, it is said, of 200Z. In the after-
noon walked to Greenhithe. Got some bee orchis in
bloom. Saw the sulphur and tortoise-shell butterflies.
" Tuesday, May 5th. First saw house martin. Troop
of the 3rd German Legion came across from Essex to-
day. Went to Chatham with Mr. Grafter, and saw
Mr. Penn's auriculas, who bought some good polyan-
ROBERT POCOCK. 69
thus of Mr. Frost at one penny per root. Mr. Jarvis, the
bricklayer, gave me some roots. Heard a proof twice
this day at Woolwich, about twelve o'clock. Visited Mr.
Foreman, the barrack- master, at Chatham. Not so polite
as Lord Chesterfield. Gave Mr. Plant a bee orchis.
" Wednesday, May 6th. 300 more 3rd German Horse
Legion came in. The first thin long brown beetle seen.
It jumps, with a sudden jerk, when placed on its back,
up to the height of seven or eight inches.
" Thursday, May 7th. About 170 more of the Ger-
man Horse Legion came in. Walked into Clarke's
garden, the nurseryman, and found he had made near
twenty shillings from a piece of Botany Bay clover.
"Friday, May 8th. Mr. Crow of Faversham called,
and Mr. C. and self walked with him to Shorne. Got
there some narcissus on the Warren Hill, and found the
Orchis militaris in and about Chalk Hole near Beef-
steak House. Saw the swifts first time.
" Saturday , May $th. Sale of evergreens at Lady
Fermanagh's, Crayford.
" Sunday, May 10th. A nest of six eggs taken on
Gravesend Hill. They were unknown; larger than a
hedge sparrow's, of a clear colour, and somewhat like a
robin's. The nest was shallow, and lined with horse-
hair. Wind strong, W.
"Monday, May llth. Several cockchafers first
observed in the evening. First white caterpillar seen.
" Tuesday, May 12th. Heard Mr. Percival, the Prime
Minister of State, was shot last night. This day there
was a meeting of delegates at Maidstone from various
parishes to oppose the building of a new gaol, &c., for
the county of Kent.
" Wednesday, May 1.3th. Thunder and lightning and
70 ROBERT POCOCK.
rain during dinner (about one o'clock). Mild and
pleasant just after. Venus, Jupiter, and the moon
seen in a straight line this evening; the moon the
lowest, Jupiter next, and Venus uppermost.
" Thursday, May 14th. Rain at Shorne to-day, but
not at Gravesend. Saw Rowe of the Prince of Orange
in the street, and had some words with him. Heard
that yesterday some Irish volunteers from a militia
regiment had raised a riot at Maidstone, because they
had not received their bounty-money, and beat their
officers, with other gentlemen of Maidstone, all of whom
they drove through the River Medway.
"Friday, May \btli. Several East Indiamen from
abroad passed by the town, unguarded by officers. Sent
a monkey to Mr. Hall, preserver of birds, City Road.
It was killed by drinking arrack, an East India spirit.
" Saturday, May ]6th. Large blowing flies seen on
the wall, very lively and loving. Casks of tea floating
about; thrown overboard on purpose, because the
Custom-house officers are so strict.
" Whit-Monday, May 18th. Walked with Mr. Cham-
pion and Henderson to Gad's Hill. Met with Durling,
the ' simpler,' gathering violets for the chemist : a very
religious man, who would not gather herbs on the
Lord's Day. Old Culpeper and Dr. Talmon were his
guides. Praised Mr. Dickson of Covent Garden Market
for his knowledge, but not for generosity. Found the
Orchis militaris in bloom in Gad's Hill Wood, where
I had not known it before. Toads crawl in the path
in the evening. The moon and Venus in a haze.
A thickness came on, but no rain.
"Friday, May 22nd. Walked to Betsom to Mr.
Treadwells'. Heard that a Custom-house boat was
ROBERT POCOCK. 7 1
upset and one man drowned, and that a man was put
into Gravesend Gaol for uttering a forged or bad note.
Found a mushroom (not the eatable), and also a large
boletus from an old tree.
" Saturday, May 23rd. The person taken up proved
to be the same person that came to try a new sort of
gunpowder at the fort here some time back by leave
of the Board of Ordnance. He called himself then
Lieutenant Parr of the navy, but now answers to
another name. It is said papers of a treasonable cor-
respondence have been found on him. He is remanded
to the gaol.
"Sunday, May 24^. Walked to see Mr. Best's
tulips in bloom. Found and got red rattle in North-
fleet brooks. Saw two frogs with black eyes. Returned
under shore whilst the French frigate the Pomone
was dropping up. She was taken by the English in
the East Indies.
" Trinity Monday, May 25th. Rainy morning. Went
with Mr. Grafter to Deptford, where there was an
annual procession to the Trinity House, but did not
see them, our business being to buy garden-pots.
Walked to Lewisham Nursery (late Mr. Russel's, now
Mr. Wilmot's), where Mr. C. bought some auriculas from
Mr. Chandler, a foreman : found the other foreman, Mr.
Winsor, a pleasant man and a good botanist. No gulls
seen in the river : they are gone to breed.
"Tuesday, May 2Qth. The second summer's day this
year. At ten minutes after one, a large halo round
the sun. A regiment of Leitrim Militia passed through
the town towards Dartford. During the halo my
flowers drooped very much, as if they were prostrating
themselves to implore a blessing or dreading a storm.
73 ROBERT POCOCK.
This appearance I have observed before, on the day it
thundered and lightened last. Therefore I prognosti-
cate that lightning, thunder, rain, or a storm will
ensue this evening. During the halo, the swifts and
martins were flying about at an uncommon height.
"I remember about 1774-5 three halos of the sun
intersecting each other. This halo continued near an
hoar, and was behind the clouds, as clouds I observed
to pass over it.
" Thursday, May 28th. Master Page, the gardener,
brought me some twyblabe and butterfly orchis.
"Friday, May 29th. Two Bow Street officers came
down and took away from Gravesend Gaol Mr. Parr
and his companion or servant to London, likely on a
charge of high treason. This day being the king's
restoration the guns were fired from the Hudson's Bay
ships, the crews of which are always annually treated
with green peas at this place before they proceed on their
voyage. The peas, it is said, cost 5 guineas per quart.
" Thursday, June 4th. A fine summer's day. Guns
of Tilbury Fort and Gravesend fired in honour of the
king's birthday. Walked to Northfleet and got roots of
chlora perfoliata and fly orchis.
" Friday, June th. Our man, Mr. Young, left us. A
waterman said he saw the mist rising gradually from
the horizon six hours before it came and was felt.
Such kind of observations are much neglected.
" Saturday, June 6th. Fine summer's day. Very ill
in the night with cholera morbus. Hay-making (first)
in the New Eoad to Northfleet.
" Sunday, June 1th. Visited Esq. Russel's garden at
Swanscombe, who has the greatest variety of flowers I
ever saw in any garden ; the gardener, Lee (a very civil
ROBERT POCOCK. 73
man), says there are above 1500 ; the cherries received
a blight from the wind last Friday.
"Monday, June 8th. Poultney, a gardener, was
taken up and put into Gravesend Gaol for robbing
Mr. Clarke's garden of myrtles, trees, &c.
" Tuesday, June 9th. A. badger baited at the Prince
of Orange which was taken at Southfleet : they are not
so frequent as some years back.
" Wednesday, June Wth. Cold easterly winds for
two or three days past in the evening, which check the
vegetation. To-day heard America was going to war.
" Saturday, June 13th. Fine summer's day. Mrs.
Smith, a lady, called and bought some fossils and
Martin's book on fossils. The general complaint of
people within the last two or three days is ear-ache,
stiff necks, sore throats, and tooth- ache ; surely these
must arise from the wind suddenly shifting from east
to west. To-day at noon was a beautiful long fleecy
or drapery sky, having out of it long faint streamers
flying from the east : what does it prognosticate ?
" Sunday, June l^th. Fine summer's day. Mr.
Wells, jun., called ; ditto Mr. Robert Hinde. Many
people came down by the tide; among the rest a
butterfly catcher, for the blue butterfly found, he said,
near Gravesend Hill. Saw the moon out at twelve
o'clock to the east of the sun which shone very bright :
an uncommon sight. Walked to Singlewell and drank
three glasses of grape wine at Mr. Barnard's. Showed
him how to prune his vines after Mr. Forsyth's plan.
" Tuesday, June ] 6th. Fine summer's day. In the
afternoon I felt uncommonly rheumatic there was a
peculiar chilliness in the air, which prevented me
taking delight in my garden. I said there was snow
74 ROBERT POCOCK.
in the air ; yet the day was fine a gentle breeze came
on southerly ; yet I felt relaxed, came over feverish,
and dreaded going out of doors. Drank two glasses
of rum and went to bed. It certainly did me much
good, counteracting the cold and unusual cold sensa-
tion within me.
" Wednesday, June 1 7th. Awoke perfectly free from
cold or fever, and found myself comfortable. Fine
morning. It had rained in the night. The rum I drank
last night was my physician. The rain in the air cer-
tainly caused the uneasy sensation I felt in the after-
noon.
"Friday, June 19^. Walked to Eandall Heath
once the residence of Cobham, Lord Cobham and Randall.
A windy day (westwardly). Found there a nest of
young bullfinches, six in the nest ; also green birds
and blackbirds. Struck down two large dragon-flies.
Found the moss saxifrage in bloom on White Hill.
Met a Custom-house officer, who said a seizure had
been made at Gravesend from a ship from Havre de
Grace of two sacks of French lace worth 20,000.,
besides many French watches.
" Saturday, June 20th. Nihil. In dolldrums. Lus-
combe had sent me a green moth with angular
wings. Swinny called and said mole crickets were
taken at Bexley.
"Tuesday, June 23rd. Short storm of hail in the
forenoon, also a few flakes of snow in the afternoon.
Attended at the c Compass/ when orders were given to
print the club articles.
" Wednesday, June 24th. Showery at intervals.
Wind at all points of the compass. The air cold and
rheumatic, and a peculiar heaviness in the air, which
ROBERT POCOCK. 75
affected my limbs and spirits. Club articles taken
away. A shrimp with fourteen legs brought me.
" Friday, June 26th. Sent a letter to my son in
Shropshire, describing the fossils he sent me lately.
Much rain in the evening.
" Sunday, June 28th. Cold and windy. Walked up
with Mr. Grafter to Clarke's garden in the evening.
Heard he meant to show his seedling pink next
Wednesday at the Old Prince of Orange against Mr.
Collier of Stanstead.
" Tuesday, June 30 */&.- Went with Mrs. P. to
Swanscombe and carried there to Esq. Russel that
scarce plant, the lizard orchis, and chlora perfoliata or
yellow wort. Walked in his garden and found him well
skilled in botany, with a retentive memory ; his garden
having above a thousand plants in it. Found him
acquainted with two botanists near London (Mr. Evans
of Hackney and another) and that he had corresponded
with Mr Down of Cambridge. Met at Swanscombe
Mr. Fenwick, jun., of Greenwich, who I thought had
been drowned.
" This day I caught a small long-bodied fly, or more
properly a beetle, on the flower of a bramble in the
chalk cliffs.
" Heard six people out of eleven were drowned in a
sailing-boat off Purfleet mostly publicans of London.
" Wednesday, July 1st. Got some bee orchis and
chlora perfoliata in Northfleet Cliffs. This day suits
well to get ' eye bright ' to set in a pot of sifted chalk
rubbish. Flower feast at Old Prince of Orange, when
Collier gained the prize for best seedling pink called
' Collier's Kentish Hero/
" Thursday, July 2nd. Rainy. Sent a dozen of news-
y6 ROBERT POCOCK.
papers to William Lewin, Esq., coroner, Sydney, New
South Wales (a naturalist), by the ship Spring Grove.
A storrn of thunder and lightning seen about six
o'clock in evening over the hills of Essex, N. W. : none
at Gravesend.
" Friday, July 3rd. Went on board the Arab, the
Spring Grove, the Recovery, and New Zealand. (James
Ferguson, the cook, promised me to collect.) Ships
bound to the South Seas. Gave my cards to the
stewards to collect shells and insects ; found the mate
of the Spring Grove not very civil, indeed he said he
would not bring home any shells or insects, and would
not let me speak to the ship's crew. Also went on
board the ship Atalanta, bound to Jamaica, when the
cook, John Rodney, said he would bring home shells and
sweetmeats.
" Tuesday, July 7th. Ifield Harmonic Society go out
to Ifield. Heard the king died at seven o'clock this
morning. A toad-fish came on the shore at the canal,
Gravesend.
" Wednesday, July 8th. Fine summer's day. George
Pocock went to Shorn Ifield to spend the day. Heard
that Banks, the sheriff's officer, was cast at law yester-
day in 100Z. damages for arresting a wrong person.
" Thursday, July 9th. Mrs. Smith of Gamer, Major
and Mrs. Elphinstone, and Rev. Mr. Phelps of Snod-
land called and bought fossils ; though the major and
his wife bought none nor gave anything. Went to
Mr. Everist in the morning to order dinner for ' Natural
History Society ' next Monday. Sent out letters, went
in afternoon to see a toad-fish (Lophias piscatorium)
which came on shore at the Town Quay.
"Friday, July IQth. Mrs. P. and self went to
ROBERT POCOCK. 77
Meophara Fair, but reached only Hook Green,
where we dined with Mrs. French. Got some bee
orchis near Nursted.
"Monday, July 13th. Went to Northfleet, where I
was chairman of the Natural History Society held at
the Leather Bottle. It was its first meeting, and
attended by twenty-one persons.
" Monday, 20th. Went to Higham by canal ;
then to Upnor. Saw engineers instructing men in
making temporary magazines. Visited city stones
there and found fault with the mason's work in spell-
ing. Observed a halo round the sun about two
o'clock. Distant lightning in the evening.
" Saturday, 25th. Went to Grays with Mr. Geer and
Arthur. Bought a mammillated echinus, the best ever
seen. Very windy. The Piedmontese frigate got
aground at Tilbury Fort and also in Long Reach.
" Sunday, 26th. Went on board the Sir William
Pultney to see Mr. Edwards, the third mate, but
was not on board. Went to tea at Swanscombe.
Met the 33rd Regiment just disembarked from the
East Indies. Their band played excellently. The
inhabitants very busy in buying rupees and pagodas
from the drunken Indian soldiers,
" Thursday, 30th. The 33rd Regiment marched out
to Chatham.
"Friday, 3lst. Had some conversation with Mr.
Park (surgeon of this place for the East India Com-
pany), he is brother to Mungo Park, the famous
African traveller. He says the accounts related
through the newspapers give nearly the true par-
ticulars of his brother's death. He has received
journals of his brother's, from the last settlement
78 ROBERT POCOCK.
(through the hands of Government), which I advised
him to print as a benefit to Mr. Mungo Park's wife
and numerous family living in Scotland. Mr. Park,
the surgeon, is a genteel man, six feet high, darkish
complexion and middling circumference. He had
heard of me through Major Elphinstone, of the Engi-
neers, and the Eev. Mr. Eashleigh, with whom he is
intimate.
" This day was a cricketing match at Hartley Bottom,
between Gravesend against Meopham and Hartley:
Gravesend beat. There was also a donkey race.
" Wednesday, August bth. Cloudy. First wheat
cut in Gravesend. Another toad-fish, four feet long,
taken at Gravesend Stairs : shown at the Swan Inn, two-
pence each for a sight.
" Thursday, 6th. Read the ' Monthly Magazine' of last
month, wherein a gentleman requests (most laudably)
information on the turnip-fly or beetle (Chrysomela
saltatoria of Linnaeus). Looked into Dr. Turton's, but
could not find any species called saltatoria. Wrote
to the correspondent in the magazine to know on what
authority he made use of the word saltatoria. Yester-
day the judges came into Maidstone to begin the
assizes.
" Friday, 7th. Heard that Captain Parr, alias Fane,
the gentleman who was taken up for offering a 50Z.
bank note, being a forged one, was found guilty and
sentenced to fourteen years' transportation. He was
also charged with high treason, in endeavouring to form
a correspondence with the ministry of France, as ap-
peared by his papers taken on him when seized some
time since at Gravesend. On his way to London this
gentleman, about twelve months ago, came to Graves-
ROBERT POCOCK. 79
end ; there, by permission of the Board of Ordnance,
he proved some gunpowder he had invented, but
which the Ordnance would not patronize. It is sup-
posed it made him desperate in not being encouraged,
so that he was determined if possible to sell the secret
to the French.
"Saturday, Sth. Had some discourse yesterday
with Mr. King, a farmer, on the turnip-fly or beetle.
He says the fly and beetle are distinct things. The
fly destroys the turnip in its seed-leaf: the other
insect he calls the negro, and will not come till after
harvest; this destroys the turnip when well grown.
"Saw at Mr. Hugget's, the Duke of York,
Gravesend, a King William and Queen Mary guinea.
Saw Mr. Eussel, of Swancombe, lately have a Queen
Anne guinea. These are rarities. Offered 10s. Qd.
to any person who should have a seven-shilling piece
of George III. with a lion on the crown. I think they
were the first seven-shilling pieces.
"Monday, 10th. Walked to Northfleet and got
some stone from the cement mill.
" Tuesday, \\tli. Went to London in the Britannia.
Visited Mr. Edwards, who had just come home from
the East Indies in the Sir William Pultney. Visited Mr.
Ball and his museum. Sorry to hear he was parting
with his excellent rarities. The fanciful manner he
has preserved his butterflies does him much merit.
Slept in the Borough at the Talbot Inn, in the yard
of which is a good painting of Chaucer's Pilgrimage
to Canterbury. It is a noisy inn-yard.
" Wednesday, 12th. Wind north, very cold morning
in passing over London Bridge. Visited Mr. Jefferies'
museum. He has gone into general science, and has
8o ROBERT POCOCK.
a great collection ; but not arranged so scientifically
as it ought to be. He is a very civil man.
Visited also Mr. Pittard's museum, famous for flies
and fish. His preservation of fish and flies exceeds
every description. They are all arranged with Linnasan
names, as beautiful as life. Mr. Pittard's name in a
cipher is made of butterflies and insects ; also a Mosaic
pavement is made of the flies' wings cut out in a rhom-
boidal manner, which leads to a temple or mansion.
Upon the whole they are masterly performances. Went
to Blackwall, where I got some E.I. shells and came
home in the Duke, of Bedford, Stronghill master.
" Thursday, I3th. Cricketing between Gravesend
andMeopham and Hartley in the Old Prince of Orange
field. Had discourse with Partridge ; he says the negro
attacks turnips proceeding in straight rows, and when
at the end of a row returns again in a parallel manner.
"Friday, 14<th. First foggy morning, which turned
out a bright fine day, being the first had for some time ;
in fact there has not been above seven or eight fine
days in all the year. The weather has been dull, dark,
rainy, and heavy before this day ; yet corn never was
more fine. Baltic fleet arrives (Swedish) ; first since
the war.
" Saturday, 15/i. Fine day. Mr. Tilley called, from
Sittingbourne. He said in digging in his garden he had
found a silver spoon with a cross or mitre on its handle,
and a silver toothpick ; and that in digging he had
found a new sort of earth, of a mahogany colour, and
a silver coin which latter article he promised to give
me.
"Monday, 17th. Walked to Chalk and observed
many small frogs crawling in the road. Got the
ROBERT POCOCK. 81
autumnal squill (a scarce bulb) at Chalk in bloom.
Mr. Bullock, of the London Museum, called : he is a
pleasant man. Heard the news of Lord Wellington's
victory at Salamanca.
"Tuesday, 18th. Mr. Bullock called and breakfasted.
Sold him some shells, &c., and saw him off for Scot-
land. He took his passage in the Northumberland ,
Captain Paul. He has lately been in the Orkneys,
got some eider down bolsters and pillows, young
eagles, and scarce English birds. Rev. Mr. Phelps
called and bought fossils. Shifted some pots of
geraniums, and put in them some roots of autumnal
squills. Two of the blossoms of squills were white :
very uncommon indeed.
" Wednesday, I9th. Very fine summer's day. Dust
flies. Had one of the white jackdaws brought me dead
to stuff. It appeared to have been starved.
" Thursday, 20th. Fine day. One Fowler was to be
hanged at Maidstone for forgery.
"Friday, 2lst. Mr. Payn, of No. 5, West Square,
Lambeth, called.
" Saturday, 22nd. The other white jackdaw dies.
Yesterday was a hot day and I quarrelled with my
wife ; also heard some of my neighbours quarrel :
perhaps it is the state of the weather. Joe Cole, a poor
man, brought me a shilling of King Edward VI.,
which he had found, with a thick gold ring and a gold
seal, on which was engraved a coat-of-arms, viz., Or,
a buck's head caboshed; crest, a bull's head issuing
from a coronet. They were found in an old chest of
drawers on breaking up. Mr. Pittard and Mr. Hatchard
called on me. Went out moth-catching : caught some
scarce moths in Single well Lane.
Q
82 ROBERT POCOCK.
"Sunday, 23rd. Went with Mr. P. and Mr. H.
towards Thong. Caught four brimstone butterflies (P.
Rhamni). Saw two toads (one dead, the largest ever
seen by Mr. P. and H.). They were harmless and no
ways poisonous, I having kept them for amuse-
ment : their mouths are not glued together as some
think, but they feed on scarabgeus and flies, which they
take in by darting out their tongues with surprising
swiftness. Mr. H. is a fellow of the Linnaean Society ;
also Mr. P., the gentleman I visited on the 12th
instant. They took several scarce flies and insects.
With them were two lads (sons), who were well- versed
in natural history ; they knew the various caterpillars
and what they would turn into.
"August 23rd (continued). Met with Mr. Smithers.
Discoursed on the turnip-fly. Evidence of Mr. Smithers'
nephew to his uncle is that the fly on turnips
attacks on the seed-leaf appearing, and is not a
beetle but a small, minute brownish fly, with long
wings. They made their appearance about July 20th,
since which time they had destroyed three crops of
turnips. They were seen preceding the plough
as it moved on, and do not fly far before they alight.
They do not confine themselves to turnips only but will
attack cabbages. Dung used as manure is not the occa-
sion of them, because the field attacked was not dunged
but manured with sprats in the spring. Sprats and
fish have been within two or three years past much
used as manure about Gravesend, and with success.
Sulphur and lime (he said) was said to be a remedy
for the fly but he had not used it. The fly was not
much seen when the wind blew (probably it gets under
clods for shelter). The fly, which is of the same
R OBER T PO CO CK. 83
nature as thehouse-fly, with wings, is not theinsect (which
attacks the turnip in its advanced state) called the
negro.
" Monday, August 24th. Graveseud and Northfleet
played at cricket at Northfleet. Walked with Mr. P.
and H. to Springhead, where the gardener had found
a silver piece of Severus,and an old Roman copper piece,
and a Roman brick. Met with Mr. Harman's man,
who told the same story as others, viz., that the fly
eats the turnips when young, and rolling is the remedy
used. And upon asking him what the negro was, he
pointed to some aphis on the elder, as being nearly like
it ; but the negro was more black. Being in company
with four naturalists, one belonging to the Linnsean
Society, they all declared it impossible that the fly
should destroy the plant, that it must be the larva of
the fly. Walked to Swanscombe Wood. Found a
locust or large grasshopper, and some scarce moths
and insects. 73rd Regiment of soldiers, 2nd batta-
lion, marched into town from Deal. 25th Regi-
ment of soldiers marched out to the Tower. A
cricket match between the Sociables and the Harmonic
Societies, in the Prince of Orange field.. The band
played on. the occasion. The Harmonics beat. Whilst
in the field I heard (I thought) distant low thunder.
Some time after I heard a noise like the cough of a
lion. So it certainly was, for soon after several caravans
passed by with wild beasts going to Strood Fair.
<e Wednesday, 26th. Close, warm day. Strood Fair.
Rain in evening. Gr. and C. P. went to see Mr.
Polito's wild beasts and birds. Among them were a
lion and lioness, a tiger and tigress, a panther and
pantheress, a leopard, a zebra, a ferocious hyena, a
Q 2
8 4 ROBERT POCOCK.
laughing hyena, &c., an emu, a black swan, two peli-
cans, &c., a cassowary, an elephant, and a crane.
" Friday, 28^. Dull, windy day. Cold. Third day
of Strood Fair. Jury sat on a young woman (a girl of
the town) who threw herself out of the window at the
Britannia, because she had been locked in.
" Wednesday, September 2nd. Went to Lower Hope
Battery. Saw two porpoises. Mr. Odden shot a
heron and two gulls (rounded tail, black at tip). Ob-
served many insects on the river (cimex, &c.) at the
edge of the tide. Large long-leg crane gnats very
numerous. A company of Marines land from Anholt
Island, in the Baltic.
"Saturday, oth. Fine summer's day. Bright. Heard
Lord Wellington had marched into Madrid. Baltic
fleet arrived to-day here. Wind E., passing all the day.
" Sunday, 6th. Fine summer's day, yet wind blows
fresh. Walked to Cobharn Church, where 1 heard
Lord Darnley and the Lord Mayor of London had been
to the service in the morning. The church has lately
had a barrel-organ put up in the loft (the gift of Lady
Darnley) adapted to play sundry tunes or portions of
the Psalms, which have been selected and printed in a
small duodecimo, this year. The church has lately
been whitewashed, fresh painted and varnished, and
sentences of Scripture written on the walls, which the
parishioners call * decorating ' it ; but the ancient stalls
and beautiful monument of Lord George Cobham with
his lady is suffered to fall to decay. The antique brass
plates of the ancient Lord Cobhams are half -gone, and
the antiquary finds himself greatly vexed by the inju-
dicious placement of a screen and communion-table
across and over the inscriptions near the middle
ROBERT POCOCK. 85
of the high chancel, instead of its being at the further-
most east end which would then display the monument
of Lord George and his lady. A fine Gothic piscina
and three fine Gothic seats on the south, and a Gothic
arch in the wall on the north. The banners, flags, and
garlands, which tell of the grandeur of noble families,
have been all taken away. One helmet yet remains up in
the secluded chancel (two others were lying about, pre-
paring for their journey from this sacred spot), which
is covered with small antique tiles bearing impressions
of fleur-de-lis, griffins, &c. This chancel was once
decorated with the arms in painted glass of the good
Duke Humphrey, and Eleanor Cobham his wife, who in
her lifetime was indicted for witchcraft and sorcery, and
obliged to do penance. But no such glass now remains,
everything giving way to the sordid and ignorant !
" A mural marble monument is lately placed on the
north side for the wife of Mr. Bligh, who died at
Funchal, in the Island of Madeira.
" The pay of the poor ' collegians ' has lately been
raised from 13s. 4d. to 16s. 3d. per month.
" Passed several fields of wheat, barley, oats, and beans
uncut, which shows the backwardness of the season.
(( Met with Robinson, junior, the farmer, who says his
father had seventeen acres of very bad wheat, not fit to
harvest (nor could it be told by some if it was wheat or
rye) ; yet they had it cut, and sold it already for bl. per
quarter, so great is the immediate demand. But he sup-
poses if it had been kept a month longer it would not
have sold for any price. Upon asking him the cause,
he says it was sown too thick, and was too vigorous at
Christmas last, being then near three feet high. He
says they have thrashed out all their corn of this year,
86 ROBERT POCOCK.
and sold above 1000L worth; and that Mr. Smithers,
his neighbour, has already thrashed and sold out every
quarter he has grown this year. I never knew such
exertions or demands ; but this rapid industry in
bringing it to market, has been owing partly to the
introduction of thrashing-machines; and certainly there
was a real scarcity, as the millers of Kent were obliged
to go into Essex to market.
' c Upon asking him about the fly on turnips, he says
ants have been looked upon as a remedy, and that Mrs.
Tadman, of New House, procured ants from the woods
in sacks, and put them on her grounds. That some roll
the ground in the night ; but he knew nothing about the
insect only that they attack the plant on its coming out
of the ground, and called it the fly.
" Monday, 7th. Dull. Walked to Chalk and got
some autumnal squills.
" Tuesday, 8th. Yery fine day. Mr. Coxe and Barton
went to Maidstone Gaol. The Lord Mayor of London
came to Gravesend from Lord Darnley's, and went from
thence to London in his barge, by water, escorted by
the water-bailiff (Nelson) and the city solicitor, Mr.
Newman.
" Wednesday, 9th. Dull day. Mr. Eglintine brought
a large-tailed wasp (I believe Sirex gigas) caught on
the Town Quay (see Dr. Turton, p. 426). Mr. Button
of Birmingham or Sheffield called. Mr. Hutton is a
mineralogist.
" Tuesday, 1 5th. The neat little Peter boat, of nine
tons, lies in the canal. She has come round from Dart-
mouth, with Captain Ferguson (once in the East
India trade) and one man, named also James Ferguson.
This man promises to send me some birds, anatomized,
ROBERT POCOCK. 87
which is done there in twenty-four hours, by first
skinning them and then immersing them under the
water, where the sea-lice eat off their flesh presently.
A haze round the horizon in the evening.
" Friday, 18th. Mr. Parker and a young gentleman
called on ine. Mr. Parker is an antiquary : has
ascertained an accurate account of all measures and
weights from the earliest periods, deducing them as a
standard from the pyramids of Egypt. He is in search
of Roman curiosities. Mary Pocock called. Bought
of Mrs. Reding a Queen Anne halfpenny, and a brass
medal of George II., for sixpence. Mr. Reding has a
Queen Anne farthing. Mrs. Reding bought forty
hanks of fine silk, weighing one ounce and a quarter
and one dram, the produce of 300 silk-worms in 1812.
"Saturday, 19th. Hung three and a half pieces of
paper, also three dozen and a half of border, at Mr.
Sloper's, from 11 o'clock in the morning till 9 o'clock
at night/' [Paper-hanging : his other business pre-
sumably slack.]
" Sunday, 20th. Walked to Springhead by myself.
Gathered first black grapes.
"Monday, 21 st. Had the skeleton of a starved cat
brought me.
"Tuesday, 22nd. Small shower in morning, then fine
day. Heard a proof at Woolwich more distinct than
usual. Had a hare for dinner, sent as a present. Had
a Roman brass piece of Tiberius Cassar, described
accurately in my folio book of coins, printed at Rome.
Rain at night.
" Wednesday, 23rd. Master Durling, a ' simpler/
called and showed me a root of navel- wort, taken from
All-hallows' Church. Luke Beet called and showed me
88 ROBERT POCOCK.
a porcupine fish (Diodon hystrix) which he had got
from an East Indiaman.
"Saturday, 26th. An Italian gentleman called. He
came home in the Providence, and brought home four
black swans for the Duke of York, and a nondescript
bird without wings. He resides at No. 5, Swan Street,
Minories. Another part of Glamorgan Regiment in the
town. (Candles rise to Is. per pound ; ditto soap.)
" Sunday, 27th. Mr. Kipping, from Mr. Sowerby's,
called. Said that Nutfield, in Surrey, abounded with
sulphate of barytes 3 that Mr. S. paid 20s. each time
on going into the mines.
" Wednesday, SOth. Attended sale of Mr. Colesary
at Northfleet. Bought two nautilus shells."
Turning aside for a moment from the Diary, it may
be here mentioned that upon reference to the " Gentle-
man's Magazine" (vol. Ixxxii. part 2, p. 419) of this
date, the following letter by Pocock has been found,
which affords a pleasing proof of his readiness to speak
out in defence of Hasted, the well-known Kentish
historian. The letter is as follows :
" Leather Bottle Inn,
" Northfleet, Oct. 7th, 1812.
{ ' MR. UEBAN, A few hours in the first week of
every month I devote to the perusal of your Miscellany,
and find the short epistles inserted by its numerous
friends have in general given me satisfaction. This
pleasure certainly arises through the judicious selection
of your Editor. However, among the multiplicity of
matter contained therein some are not quite concordant
to my ideas ; of this nature was the paragraph signed
' Litterator' (p. 201) , which cannot be passed over with-
ROBERT POCOCK. 89
out remarking that it is an ill-timed reflection upon the
best of Kentish historians.
" If ' Litterator ' thinks that Mr. Hasted' s History is
deficient and unworthy of his thanks (after thirty years
or more spent in the arduous undertaking), why does not
' Litterator ' immediately solicit assistance and issue
forth a prospectus for an additional volume ? There is
undoubtedly much to be gathered, but not much to be
gained, by county historians."
Pocock then gives instances refuting the charge of
want of variety in Hasted' s History, and then finishes
thus :
"The pen is sometimes taken up in defence of
personal friendship, interest, or vanity ; but L. may rest
assured the writer of this article had not the happiness
of ever seeing the late author, has no interest in his
works, nor vanity sufficient to think this will add
to his fame : yet professing an ardent desire to become
acquainted with the history of his native county, he
has collected already a folio MS. relative thereto, un-
noticed by Mr. H., which shall be made public (if re-
quired) with the hoped for elucidation and additional
aid, if and whenever he thinks proper to address him-
self to
(Signed) " THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KENT NATURAL
HISTORY SOCIETY."
Eesumingthe Journal for 1812, it appears that our
journalist, on the 2nd October, " walked to Hartley.
Found a fine black mullein in bloom in the hedge of a
cottage at Scotbury. Called on the Eev. Mr. Bash-
leigh, and took an oath that I was no freeholder.
90 ROBERT POCOCK.
Saw an old painting of Edward the Black Prince, at
the Ship, Southfleet.
" Monday, 6th. Mayor of Gravesend (Mr. Millen)
chosen (Mr. Dennet went out). Had a sea-leach
brought me stuck to a thornback.
" Tuesday, 6th. An East Indiaman (Marquis of
Camden), launched at Northfleet. Jurymen of Graves-
end go down to the sessions.
" Wednesday, 7th. Mr. DuCane called and bought
some fossils. Read an advertisement from John Wells,
Esq., sheriff of Kent, calling a meeting on the 13th inst.
for electing county members. Sir Edward Knatchbull
and Sir William Geary offer themselves. Mr. Honey-
wood declines.
" Thursday, Sth. Received a letter from Mr. Gregson,
for advice for law, although nothing done, above six
years ago. It is dangerous to speak to lawyers.
" Saturday, 10th. Portuguese or Spanish sailors
selling port wine about the street, eighteen-pence per
bottle. I bought five or six bottles.
" Sunday, llth. Heavy rain in the night near two
o'clock in the morning. Saw my letter to the ' Gentle-
man's Magazine ' in vindication of Mr. Hasted, the
Kentish historian, whose works were illiberally
attacked by a person signing himself { Litterator.' ' ;
[This is the letter above given.]
" Tuesday ,13th. Went on board the Emu store-
ship bound to Botany Bay, Captain Bissett, when the
chief mate, Mr. John Brown, promised to bring me
home an emu, &c. Lieut. Arnold's son went out in
this ship. She was loaded with women convicts,
and attended by Mr. Bennet. Went also on board the
James Hay, Captain Campbell, when John Bathurst,
ROBERT POCOCK. 91
boatswain, promised to collect curiosities for me. I
gave the mate one of my cards, but had hardly any
conversation with him. Sent out a dozen newspapers
by Captain Campbell for Mr. Lewin. Sent my son in
Shropshire a box of chalk fossils, &c., by Mr. Brown,
the waterman. In the evening, Mr. T. Wallington,
surgeon in the Royal Navy, called on me to see my
museum. He was going out in the Emu, which was
not expected to return for four or five years. He is a
scientific person, and promises to collect for me. He had
also promised Mr. McLeane, secretary to the Linngean
Society. He had married Mr. Brown's sister (the
mate's), and she went out with him.
" Sunday, 18th. Wrote to Mr. John Hunt, Norwich,
in answer to his, about buying birds from abroad.
George Pocock brought home some mushrooms and
puff balls.
" Monday, 19th. Wind south. Went to Northfleet.
Bought several fossils, &c. Observed about a dozen
martins flying to the south-west, nearly against the
wind. I generally find them flying against the wind.
Thought they had all gone. Beautiful double rainbow
seen in the evening at Northfleet ; one end on Chadwell
Church the other extended over Gravesend Hill. Heard
Mr. Brown, of the Dorsetshire, had died at Batavia.
" Tuesday, 2Qth. Mr. DuCane and another gentle-
man called and bought some chalk fossils, shells, &c.
Went with Mr. Raspison on board the Fortune,
ship, Captain Walker, bound to Botany Bay. The
chief mate's name is Champion : gave him some of my
cards. The second mate's name is Potter. They did
not promise to bring me home anything, but did not
refuse, the ship being in a bustle.
92 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Met at the Castle Inn (Mr. Jerry's) with a Mr.
James Guthrie, a person who had travelled much. He
said he was a master in the Royal Navy. He said he
set out from Quebec with a Captain Holland of the 57th
Regiment, and a party of twenty-eight men, to explore
and traverse the lakes and inland country of America,
so as to get to the Pacific Ocean : that when he was
within some distance of it he fell in with Mr. Alexander
Mackenzie and his party, just below Slave Lake, who had
obtained their pursuit, and for that Mr. Mackenzie was
created a knight or baronet, and he believes is now in
London. Mr. Mackenzie he said was a man of con-
siderable fortune in America was a clerk once to Sally
Hance, a person of some importance on the River
Sinclair. Mr. Guthrie said that when he had got
nearly to the end of his route, Captain Holland was
recalled, and he, Mr. Guthrie, had the command of the
party. Mr. Guthrie said that about two miles from
the Falls of Niagara is a sulphurous spring, so hot that
the company boiled their tea-kettle at it. That rattle-
snakes are common in the islands in the lakes, and
are generally avoided by a peculiar smell when near
them.
" Thursday) 22nd. Fish (cod) very plentiful. Sent a
large one to Frances Pocock, at the school at Woburn.
It cost 5s., and weighed about thirty pounds. Sent
another to Mr. Thomas Brewer, weighed twelve pounds^
cost Is. 6d. ! A ball this evening in the Town Hall, first
this season.
" Saturday, 24th. Fine day. Gravesend Fair. Fewer
hogs and people than ever before. Went to it, and
saw at a booth, for threepence, a large seal alive, pur-
chased at Billingsgate about four years ago. It was
ROBERT POCOCK. 93
then young, and not half so large as at present, weighing
now, I should suppose, 60 or 80 Ibs. but said in the hand-
bill, 220 Ibs., 4 ft. 6 in. high, and 5 ft. long. This seal is
somewhat tamed, for it gets up when spoken to, and at
the word of command throws its head back, then claps
its sides, opens its mouth, and shakes hands, viz., put its
paws together. He often got up to the side of the wooden
cage and took out a small flat-fish from a pail filled with
water, which he devoured whole seemingly without biting.
This feeding and dipping his head in water, occasions its
living, for 1 do not suppose they would live long with-
out water. It has long curved nails on its fore-feet, but
none on the back -feet, a short tail, and appears to me to
be the Phoca cristata, crested seal, because on its head
the hair comes down in a point or crest ; or the Phoca
leonina, bottle-nosed seal. Its head is large and long,
and its nostrils are much inflated when it blows out
its breath. The head not unlike a young calf. The
skin whitish and somewhat spotted. If the tail or
hind legs are touched, it utters a mournful tone. It
brushed its fore-paw over its head and eyes, and
generally sat up, almost in an erect posture. There
were several monkeys and other quadrupeds.
" Sunday, 2bth. Fine day. The ship Fortune,
Captain Walker, not having sailed, I sent out under the
care of the second mate, Mr. Potter, another dozen of
newspapers to Mr. Lewin at Sydney, New South
Wales, and also forwarded a letter to Mr. Wallington,
surgeon of the Emu ship, bound out to Botany
Bay, entreating him to bring home some curiosities.
Heard Guthrie had been ' pressed ' and put on board
the tender. Heard a meteor was seen flying westward,
bout ten degrees above the horizon in the south.
94 ROBERT POCOCK.
"Thursday, 29th. Had a nurse squalusfish brought
me from Scotland by Mr. Man and Mr. Burton,
fishermen, caught off Ferrick Head. They say it is a
harmless fish. It had several worms in its intes-
tines.
" Thursday, November 5th. Dull day. Heard that
Thomas Bowsby, a waterman, was drowned in Sea
Reach on Tuesday last in the morning. Had to print
a paper calling a meeting to-morrow to apply to Par-
liament for an act to lessen the ' poor cess/ it having
doubled in seven years. My daughter Betsy burnt
her leg with a serpent (firework) going out to an old
Pope or effigy of Guy Faux in the street.
"Friday, 13th. Kev. Mr. Phelps called and bought
fossils.
<( Wednesday, 18th. Dull, rainy day. George, Charles,
and Betsy all go to the play to see the ' Curfew and
the Sleep Walker/ Porter raised to fivepence-half-
penny per pot from fivepence ! I remember it three-
pence-halfpenny.
" Thursday, 19th. Received a letter from Shadrach,
also one from Mr. Hunt of Norwich about buying birds.
Ship launched from Northfleet called the Medway.
"Monday, 23rd. Bought shells of Mrs. Lindsay
for five shillings.
" Tuesday, 24th. Dry and dull day. Mr. Richard
Eglintine, the waterman, died. He was a proprietor
of the King George, tilt-boat No. 5.
" Wednesday, 25th. Dry and dull. Mr. Johnson,
the auctioneer, had four sales cried to-day, Mr.
Lewis's, Captain Fabian's, Mr. Bensted's of Milton
Street, and Mr. Outred's sale in Queen Street.
" Saturday, 28th. Assiter's sale. This man's
ROBERT POCOCK. 95
sale is said to arise from a debt of 61., which was
run up by the lawyer's expenses to 50?. !
" Sunday, 29^. Dull, dry day. Wrote a letter
to my son Shadrach at the Coal Pit Bank near
Wellington, that I was inquiring about a box I sent
him not come to hand.
" Tuesday, December 1st. Foggy. About this day I
sent Mr. Patterden of Dover a piece of limestone, from
Shropshire, with quartz.
" Thursday, 3rd. Read the ' Gentleman's Maga-
zine ' containing my paragraph signed ' The Chairman
of the Kent Natural History Society/ wherein I
defend Mr. Hasted's ( History of Kent ' from a writer
in a former number who styled himself ' Litterator/
"Monday, 7th. Heard young Swarfland was attacked
by ruffians last night near cross-road to Perry Street.
Mr. Cooper from Chatham called, and we went to see a
large frog-fish caught alive within the basin of the
canal yesterday. It was about six feet long and above
two feet broad. Its mouth, which was vertical, would
certainly have held half a bushel : very flabby, and, I
suppose, weighed from sixty to eighty pounds.
" Tuesday, 8th. Heard Major Elphinstone was or-
dered to Spain.
" Wednesday, 9^. Frosty. Wrote a letter for Mrs.
Assiter to her friend, Mr. Dowling, to go to Mr.
Abdy to make Assiter a bankrupt, he being in Maid-
stone Gaol. Received a letter from my son, R. P., say-
ing he had met with a new acquaintance, Mr. Gilpin,
who had sent Mr. Parkington near 1000 specimens !
" Thursday, 10^. Frosty. Walked to Rochester to
appeal about the taxes. Walked home with Mr. Haigh,
a schoolmaster, who desired to have an invitation to
96 ROBERT POCOCK.
the Kent Natural History Society. He appears to
have a good method in teaching Latin.
"Friday, llth. Had some fossils brought by
Captain Cole from Sheppey.
"Saturday, 1 2th. Frosty. Heard that Bonaparte was
killed by the Cossacks. Bought a box of Mrs. Lind-
say, who said it was made of Shakespear's mulberry-
tree, and was her mother's (Mrs. Stevenson's) sister's.
The box is a carved one, to hold a pack of cards ; had a
crest seemingly of a bird holding or shaking a spear ;
within it were the names of Shakespear Wood, Sharp,
whereby it appears that one Sharp was the maker or
owner, that the box was made of Shakespear wood,
viz., his mulberry-tree.
"Sunday, 13th. Frosty; ice bears.
"Monday, l^th. The Russian Navy fleet have been
coming into the Medway for a few days.
" Tuesday, 15th. My friend Mr. Crow of Faversham
called on his way to London to get a patent for a
newly contrived boat compass he has invented. He has
shown it to the Lords of the Admiralty, the Trinity
Board, and has a letter of recommendation from General
Harris (the famous general from the East Indies) to
the Chairman of the East India Company for their
approbation. The patent, he says, will cost 1151. , out
of which SOL is said to go to the Lord Chancellor for
putting the seal of office thereto. He went by water
in the Sir Francis Burdet, the wind blowing very strong
from the east. Mr. Crow lately sent Mr. Bullock of
the London Museum a gigantic heron, which came from
abroad, and probably escaped from some ship, as it was
picked up by a Faversham boat.
" Friday, l&th. Windy. Printed a hymn to be sung
ROBERT POCOCK. 97
at Dartford when a sermon will be preached by the
Rev. DuCane.
" Saturday, IQth. Had a song printed of a voyage
to Hudson's Bay in 1811 in the Prince of Wales ship.
Mr. Theobald lost his gold watch last night.
" Sunday, 20th. Rev. Mr. Davis preached Mr.
VarchelPs charity sermon in evening.
f( Monday, 2,1st. Foggy day. Mr. Park, the surgeon,
called and asked me if I had Major Pasley's book on
the war ; I said, no, but I had seen it and thought it
the most judicious and best written work I had ever
read ; he said Major P. was his school-fellow. I told
him it did his school-fellow much credit. Mr. Park said
he was sorry to find no scientific persons in Gravesend.
" Wednesday, 23rd. Damp, foggy, dull day. George
P. left Mr. Giles' school. Mr. Giles has had his picture
drawn by a Mr. Medlin. A haw-finch (Loxia cocco-
thraustes) very scarce, shot at Stanstead.
" Thursday, 24 to. The Waterford Militia marched
in from Billericay on the way to Chatham or Sheerness.
Talked to an intelligent private. Says that Waterford
is a plain county without mountains ; that he had seen
the poor people about Cronebane and the Wicklow
Mountains sift the sand that had come down from the
hills in search of the gold found about there ; that a
detachment of soldiers has been placed about there
since the discovery of the gold. (Mem. I have
a Cronebane halfpenny.) The private said he had
heard Sheerness was a bad place. I told him that
Sheerness was noted in great plenty for four things,
viz., plenty of gin, women, Jews, and sailors.
Mrs. Hull of Milton called. She came to bury
Mrs. Reader, her sister. Mr. P., a waterman, died.
n
98 ROBERT POCOCK.
He once was a great reprobate, but lately has turned
very religious, from going to the new Ebenezer Meet-
ing.
" Monday, 28th. This evening I began to write
the Life of Mr. Matthew Danson, a tailor of Gravesend,
a person who has seen much perplexity and domestic
trouble. He entered on board a ship the day the
style was altered, viz., September, 1752.
" Thursday, 31st. Mr. French of Shorne brought me
a bittern, three feet and one inch high, three feet broad,
shot last Monday at King's Well in Higham. He has
been twenty years a gunner and gamekeeper, but never
saw one before. Referred to Dr. Turton for a description
of the bird, but it was too abstruse. Resorted to the
synopsis of Berkenhout, which explained the bird
exactly in a clear, comprehensive manner. Mr. French
asked five shillings for it, but would not take books in
exchange."
99
CHAPTER IV.
He'll often stoop, inquisitive to trace
The opening beauties of a daisy's face ;
OH will he witness, with admiring eyes,
The brook's sweet dimples o'er the pebbles rise ;
And often bent, as o'er some magic spell,
He'll pause and pick his shaped stone and shell :
Raptures the while his inward powers inflame,
And joys delight him which he cannot name ;
Ideas picture pleasing views to mind,
For which his language can no utterance find.
JOHN CLA.RE.
No trace exists of the MS. Life of Danson above
mentioned, and as the remains of Pocock's Journal fail,
for a while, at the end of 1 812, it affords the opportunity
of recurring to his love of botany, and of mentioning
that in and previous to the year 1 815, he had secured by
gift or purchase two folio volumes of dried and preserved
plants, and had devoted no little time to the completion
of the description, laboriously noting against every spe-
cimen its Linnaean and vulgar names, with a reference
to " Withering/' and the page where the description of
the particular specimen could be found ; besides which
he added to its leafy treasures numerous other ex-
H 2
ioo ROBERT POCOCK.
traneous specimens as he had been able to secure
them.
To the first of these folio volumes he has prefaced
the following note : Ct The original plants in this book
and another volume seem to be arranged according to
the system of Morrison, which appeared about the year
1680.
"Other plants have since been added by me, E.
Pocock, printer and bookseller, Gravesend (1815), to
which I have put their Linnaean names, and inserted the
volume and page where a description may be found
in Withering' s { Botanical Arrangement of British
Plants/ third edition, which ought to accompany
these, my two volumes of dried specimens."
The two has been subsequently corrected into
three, by pen, Pocock adding : " Because since the
above was written a third volume has been added,
containing mostly grasses, rushes, and suchlike
sorts.""
These three volumes, still extant, probably contained,
before the ruinous effect of a half-century's neglect,
little short of some six thousand varieties, annotated
with the greatest care opposite each example, with
the place and date, in many cases, of its acquisi-
tion.
But the untiring patience and unremitting perse-
verance of Pocock in the pursuit of his botanical col-
lections were equal to further efforts and accordingly
we find that in or about the year 1817 he commenced
a new collection of dried plants and botanical speci-
mens, which shall be referred to in its turn.
There is ever something specially attractive in the
ove of Nature for its own sake, and he who can find
ROBERT POCOCK. 101
solace in the simple pursuits of botany, and feel himself
rewarded in the tranquil and patient noting down of
the infinite diversities of the vegetable world, possesses
a character antecedently interesting to us and almost
necessarily gentle ; but the pursuit of this study by
Pocock was not unaccompanied by many kindred
developments of his desire for accumulating information
in other paths and spheres, and for disseminating
whatever he thus acquired. We must not anticipate
what may further appear upon the botanist's love of this
department of Nature, but take up the fragments which
have been collected of his Journal for the year 1815 ; it
is not, however, clear to us that the March entries refer
to himself :
fi Tuesday, March 2Ist, 1815. France. Went to the
post-office at nine, and was mortified to find no letters
returned to breakfast, and set out to make a tour of
the ramparts, which command a fine view of the neigh-
bouring country. To acquire the better view I went
upon the highest part. When I had almost completed
my round, an old soldier, who happened to be one of
those charged with looking after the ramparts, ordered
me down. From the tone of his voice he seemed to be a
man vested with authority, and I obeyed. Approaching
him, I said in French, 'My friend, you seem to be a little
angry ; but like many other animals perhaps it is
natural to you/ Swearing, he told me it was forbidden
to walk on that part of the ramparts, and that all those
whom he found there were apprehended and punished.
I said, 'Why are there not notices to that effect ? I (nor
any other stranger) know nothing of these regulations /
and was moving off, when he said if I would give him
a few halfpence he would let me go. I laughed at
102 ROBERT POCOCK.
this application, and said, ' Why take money ? If I have
done anything wrong, punish me/ I walked on and
he was still with me, but not liking his company much
I turned another way ; but he said, ' You must come
this way/ ' Why ? ' ' To take you to the grand place/ he
replied. 'Forwhat ?'said I. ' To punish you.' I laughed
again, and said, ' Certainly ;' but as he was a pitiful little
wasp he must show me his authority, which he instantly
did. I did not yet think anything of it ; I knew if he
took me to a magistrate I could give an explanation
as a stranger satisfactory to him ; and in walking on
still on my route upon the lower ramparts, I began to
be merry at the old fellow's expense. I asked him
the punishment for this heavy crime; not less than
being shot, I supposed, in which case I hoped for some
time to make my will ; and in this way he became ex-
cessively angry, which I enjoyed. He made a full
stand, and said if I would give him some money he
would let me go. I asked him where this house of
punishment was ; he said quite near, and supposing I
would meet with some gentleman, I would have an
opportunity of making a proper apology, and I con-
fess I had some idea of getting the old fellow drawn
over the coals for exacting money from me for his
own use. Laughing at him again I said, ' No ; if I am
to be shot, let me be shot/ Descending from the ram-
parts, we immediately, without going into the street
or town, entered a dark dungeon of a place which was
the guard-house ; and here he instantly gave me in
charge to the sergeant as a person who had been found
trespassing upon the ramparts. I asked for the officer
of the guard, but was told he was not there, and
that they must obey the directions of this towns-
ROBERT POCOCK. 103
guard man. Two soldiers were prepared with fixed
bayonets to conduct me to this grand place, and conse-
quently through the streets, and there I knew I would
be instantly set at liberty, yet the figure I must have
cut with these two personages and perhaps a crowd of
persons after me would have been rather ridiculous. I
still laughed and made light of it said this was ridicu-
lous, and what was it he required. He then said with
great emphasis, f Nothing ; prepare, soldiers, to conduct
him/ 'Very well/ I said, ' come along; is it this way or
that ? Make haste/ And coming out of the guard-
house door, he said, ( What is it you are willing to give/
This I was not sorry to hear. ' No great things, I said ;
a few halfpence only;' and putting my hand in my
pocket produced about threepence, which he received,
and I was at liberty. I felt myself, I confess, somewhat
humbled ; and after the two soldiers had retired I was
asking the sergeant whether the old scoundrel had
the authority to do all this, who said he must have sent
me to the police if he had persisted in his charge, when
seeing me speaking to the sergeant he returned very
angry, and ordered me to leave the spot. ' Go that way/
he said, pointing to one street. I replied, ' N"o ; it is my
pleasure to go that way/ pointing the contrary way. So
this was the only punishment I could inflict on this
nuisance. I returned home, and at four o'clock the
officer called on me to go and dine with him at the
restaurateur's. I told him my adventure, who said,
however right he might have been in giving me in
charge it was infamous and ought to be punished, the
taking of money. But he said such subsisted with
the military, for if any person is found committing
the least nuisance upon the house of a general officer,
104 & OBER T POC CK.
or near it, the sentinel takes your hat, and you must pay
him five halfpence, else he keeps it, and you have no
remedy. As this is the sum the old fellow required, I
rather think he also had such a permission ; and in
such case I too would have had no crime to charge
him with. He added that there is a sort of revolu-
tionary spirit afloat at present, and it is probable the
old fellow is riding on the top of his commission.
We dined together, and went to the coffee-house to
see the Moniteur ; and waiting, a party of mounte-
banks entered, laid down a rug up the floor and played
their tricks upon the hard flags. Eight o'clock arrived,
and no Moniteur. I took my leave of him, went
home, had a good jorum of warm tea and went to
bed.
" Wednesday, March 22nd. I sent at nine to the
post-office, and was again mortified to find neither letter
nor remittance from Paris.
' ' June 5th. The Fountain Tavern, which had been
the resort of Excise tide-waiters as long as I could
remember, began to be pulled down, to make room
for a new building for the Excise, and the tavern was
removed to the opposite side, where the Commissioners
of the Excise had a house.
et Thursday, June \&th. I set off this morning with
Mr. Eichard Peen on a tour to Town Mailing, passing
over Punish Hill, where a small cottage has this year
been built which commands the finest view in Kent.
The view embraced the winding Medway enclosed by
hills, contracting itself to Kochester, where the arches
of its bridge displayed across the river make a
striking point in the picture, over which appeared
Sheerness and the shipping, with the sea as an end-
ROBERT POCOCK. 105
less scene. If any person wishes to see the beauties
of Kent, let them traverse the hills about Upper
Mailing, and they have no occasion to visit the lakes
of Cumberland or Westmoreland, or any foreign
countries. From Town Mailing we went to Snodland,
and there slept, no, went to bed. For having
passed the house (the Bull Inn) about two hours before
we observed it deserted, viz., without company; but
finding we could not reach home that night we re-
turned to it late ; and at that time also came a mounte-
bank or tumbler with his numerous followers, and the
villagers immediately fell to dancing, drinking, and
making a noise all night long ; so that we only laid
down, waiting impatiently till the morning, when we
gladly departed, traversing over the hills to Meopham,
looking after scarce botanical plants, a few of which
we found, as the deadly night-shade growing on
Birling Hill, also the Orchis canopsea in great
plenty.
" Saturday, 1 7th. This day Mrs. Pocock and her
three daughters went out, leaving the house open to
any strangers.
(( Sunday, 18th. Walked with Mr. Peen to Chalk with
Mr. Lamburt (gardener to Esq. Bowles, Town Mailing)
to see some young cabbages peculiar to Chalk as early
growers.
" Monday, 26th. I went with Mr. Crafter on
board the Thomas Greenville, East Indiaman, just
arrived, to see Mr. Jennings, the third mate ; but he
had not gone out in the ship. I carried him off some
fruit, which I gave to the chief mate ; and he in return
gave me a large turbo greenish shell he had picked up
in the Straits of Sunda.
106 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Tuesday } 27th. This morning, about four o'clock,
I was disturbed by a person rapping at my door, and
saying the stable had fallen in. I got up ; and going
into the yard I could see nothing ; and was coming
in, but turning round again I observed a soldier and
another man (a hostler) in my premises, whereupon I
caught up a broom-handle and gave the hostler two
blows across the breech ; and he was on the point of
retreating over Mr. Matthew's pales, but at this in-
stant another soldier had got over with an iron crow
in his hand, and they all three attacked me and shoved
me down twice. I then singled out the hostler and
we had a battle in the yard. The soldiers burst open
the stable-doors, could see nothing particular there, so
we all went into the back street, where the hostler,
encouraged by the presence of his master, challenged
me then to beat him. We fell to, and I had the best of
it for some time ; till by a violent fall, stepping back-
wards over a bundle of straw, on my head and
shoulder, I was stunned, which the cowardly fellow
took advantage of, running his knee into me, and
beating me whilst lying on the ground, particularly by
one blow in my eye which caused a handful of blood
to flow out. In fact I never was so bruised in all my
life.
" July, 1815. At the end of this month died
George Arnold, Esq. [son of Anthony Arnold, mayor
in 1760], a worthy inhabitant, having been mayor of
the town during the mutiny of the Nore; also when
the Duchess of Brunswick arrived, and when the King
of France passed through the town to take possession
of his kingdom ; also upon several other extraordinary
occasions and occurrences."
ROBERT POCOCK. 107
Cruden, in his local History (since Pocock's
time), writing of this alarming mutiny, relates that
" affairs wore so very serious an aspect that the
delegates moored the fleet in two lines of battle to
be prepared for any attempt to coerce them, and to
demonstrate their determination to employ all the
means in their power to obtain their demands. By
this distribution of the fleet the Thames was blockaded
and no ship or vessel could pass without examination
and the permission of the delegates/'
He mentions how " these proceedings created great
alarm, and necessarily engaged the attention of Par-
liament ; " adding that the " civil authorities and the
inhabitants of the town displayed the utmost energy
upon the occasion. George Arnold, Esq., mayor,
relying upon the aid of the inhabitants generally in
cases of emergency, provided for the preservation of
the peace ; and the utmost harmony was maintained
between the civil and military authorities during the
whole of the eventful period. "
In the locality it is reputed that Parker, the ringleader,
was, after being hanged on board the 8 andwich man-of-
war, buried at Gravesend at a four wentway or cross-
road ; but it seems that he was buried at the Naval Yard,
Sheerness, and afterwards exhumed by his widow and
taken to Tower Hill, when, after some disturbances, his
body finally found sepulture in a vault at Whitechapel
Church.
The River Thames was a main entrance for the
introduction of alien enemies, and in times of war
serious duties in this respect devolved upon the mayor
in connexion with the safety of the state. The fol-
lowing letter shows the nature of such duties :
io8 ROBERT POCOCK.
"Alien Office, May 4th, 1807.
" SIK, Favourable representations having been
made of the alien, Smith, whom you have committed
for irregularity in regard to his alien licence ; it
is recommended to you to consider his case, and
liberate him if you see no particular cause for his
longer detention.
l( The Secretary of State desires me to signify to
you his entire approbation of the vigilance that has
lately been shown at Gravesend in watching the
aliens who resort thither.
" I am, sir,
" Your most obedient humble servant,
" JOHN REEVES.
" The worshipful the Mayor,
" Geo. Arnold, Esq., Gravesend."
" A list of the principal families residing in or con-
nected with the environs of Gravesend :
1700.
" Gravesend. Milton. Northfleet.
Nynn. Coosens Harman.
Kite. Yaughan. Wadman.
Arnold. Harison. Le Februe.
Harison. Becket. Levett.
Goldsmith. Joynes. Birch.
Reed. Lance. Swift.
Brandon. Giles. Mackroth.
Wilson. Keddel. Kennet.
Tadman.
Rogers.
ROBERT POCOCK.
1800.
" Gravesend.
Arnold.
Milton.
Cakes.
Northfleet
Rosser.
Wilson.
Dalton.
Pitcher.
Tadman.
Rich.
Harisoa.
Styles.
Buck.
Man.
Brenchly.
R. Rack.
Becket.
Howard.
Marly.
Whiskin.
Millen.
Giles.
Tadman.
Twist.
Ditckburn.
Woodgate.
Smith. ,
Brett.
109
" Wednesday, August 2nd, 181 5. Fine day. George
Pocock and myself walked to Cobham Fair.
"Sunday, 13th. Walked to West Wood with Mr.
Hatchet and Co., who caught the purple hair streak
butterfly.
" Tuesday, 22nd. A ship sailed to Botany Bay with
Anthony Daffy Swinton, proprietor of the Daffy's
elixir. He was the person who some years since
shot Mr. George Ormerod through the body, but did
not kill him. He now is sent away for being a con-
federate in stealing a watch.
" Tuesday, 29th. Walked to Brompton and Strood
Fair with Betsey Pocock, and called on Mr. Hoar of
Brompton (who gave me a piece of the rock of Elba),
and drank tea with Mr. Wright, of Best Street, Chat-
ham.
" Friday, September 1st. This day I first became
acquainted with Mr. Haviland of Sussex, who came into
my shop with his two sisters going out to settle in
Russia, on the borders of the Black Sea. In discourse
i io ROBERT POCOCK.
I found Mr. Haviland an architect of some abilities.
He was grave, and seemed to possess a general know-
ledge of literature and science. He knew Mr. Dallaway,
who wrote a portion of the ' History of Sussex/ Said
his aunt, who had married in Russia, had sent over
for them to advance their prospects in the world;
that his uncle in Russia was the person who had
buried the great Mr. Howard (the philanthropist), and
had been mentioned by Dr. Clarke in his travels.
His uncle has a house in Moscow, and has 500 slaves,
and his aunt says in her letters they must be treated
as slaves otherwise the master will not be respected
among the higher class of Russian nobles ! When I
hinted to him the prospect of gain through his abilities
as an architect, he said, No ; his aunt had told him that
business is not thought of nor mentioned in the higher
classes ; nothing but the army is supposed to be
honourable, and nothing but a war with Turkey is ever
desirable. He wished to correspond with me by
giving his direction to Admiral MordwenofPs, St.
Petersburg, who was waiting at that city for their
arrival. 1 then requested he would, when there, go
to Count OrloflPs, who resides about two miles from
St. Petersburg, and inquire for William Macpherson,
botanic gardener to him, begging he would let me
hear from him. ' Ah, sir,' said he, ' who could think our
Government could receive Count Orloff as an ambas-
sador at our court, when it was known the Count had
murdered his own father ? '
" Sunday, 3rd. This day I received a letter from
Dr. Gerelius, M.D., physician to the household of
the King of Sweden, saying on his arrival in London
he lodged in Aldgate, which he found too filthy,
ROBERT POCOCK. 1 1 1
next in Cornhill, which was too noisy, and next in
Wellclose Square; but lie wished to reside in or
near Gravesend : that he liked the country of England
better than the people. Mr. Grafter, Mr. Pittard, G.
Pocock, and myself walked to Luddesdown, where we
heard the iron furnaces in Kent, at Barden, were
heated with charcoal alternately laid with iron ore.
Went to Birling Hill to take a view of the country,
and dined at a small cottage of a wood-reve erected
in 1815 by Government for the purpose of taking
care of 236 acres of woodland lying in the parishes
adjacent. The wood-reve said the magpies often kill
and eat the young partridges. St. Paul's said to be
seen from Holly Wood. In this day's journey, pass-
ing over a stubble-field about nine in the morning,
the sun suddenly shone from behind a cloud, when
instantly there began a concert of stubble music, which
grated the ears with a crackling noise somewhat like
a field of stubble burning.
" Tuesday, 5th. Walked to find and see the old Dane
holes in Hangman's Wood, between Chadwell and
Stifford, described by Camden, the antiquary, and
Dr. Derham.
" A very loquacious lieutenant in the navy,
a native of Barbadoes, says that island is the most
healthy of any in the West Indies. Is not hotter
than in England ; never has the yellow fever or
other disease unless brought there from the other
islands ; and is always the receptacle of invalids from
them.
" Wednesday, 6th. An English officer put into
Gravesend Gaol for the night's security, having been
brought as a prisoner from the continent. Said to be a
112
ROBERT POCOCK.
ROBERT POCOCK. 1 1 3
spy and cashiered from the English service. Thurs-
day the officer went from Gravesend to London."
It was mentioned (at an earlier period of this
work) that in or about the year 1817, Pocock began
his new collection of dried plants in five quarto volumes,
each volume containing about 600 pages.
Tii is work was the source of great delight to him,
and the accumulation of its contents the aim and
object of many a long piece of pedestrianism in the
neighbourhood of Gravesend and the more distant
parts of the county of Kent.
If he had been able to have completed the collection,
they would probably have contained some 5000 speci-
mens, divided in the following manner:
The first volume containing classes 1 to 5 ; the next,
5 to 9 ; the third, 9 to 15 ; the fourth, 15 to 20; and
the fifth, ferns.
The following (p. 114) is a reduced fac-simile of the
title-page which Pocock prefixed in his own hand to the
first volume, and in the records of his many receptions
of naturalists and other friends it would seem to have
ever been a prime pleasure to him to produce his
"Hortus Siccus;" while on the preceding page (112)
is shown a reduced drawing of one of its leaves,
showing his mode of annotating the specimens :
! i 4 ROBERT POCOCK.
J^0Tfruu&
ROBERT POCOCK. 115
In the following year, 1818, Pocock lost his second
wife, Frances, who died in the month of July at his
shop in the High Street, and was buried at Gravesend
(the place of interment of his first wife Ann) on the
23rd of that month, at the age of fifty-three years.
Becoming thus a second time a widower, he never
accomplished a return to the " holy estate :" probably
the absence of his frugal helpmate had its baneful
effect upon his steadily declining pecuniary fortunes.
i 2
n6
CHAPTER Y.
A president, on butterflies profound,
Of whom all insect-mongers sing the praises,
Went on a day to catch the game profound
On violets, dunghills, violet tops, and daisies, &c.
DB. JOHN WOLCOT.
" Wednesday, January, 2nd, 1822. Mr. Henslow of
Rochester and his son from Cambridge called to view
my ' Hortus Siccus/ &c. The son is a botanist.
" Thursday, 3rd. Miss Loft (daughter of the slop-
seller) married at Gravesend to Mr. Handville of the
Hudson's Bay ships. It is said his father, Captain
Handville, went fifty-two voyages there. He is now
about eighty.
" Tuesday, '8th. Had an imber goose (so called in
the north of Scotland) brought me. Authors are
deficient in its description, as it is not a goose.
" Mr. James, the author, gives readings on Shake-
spear in the Town Hall, which is a novel thing among
the non-literati. Mr. Edward Fuller called and said
there were snipes in the marshes.
" Wednesday, 9th. Fine. Mr. Coosens of Margate
called, and said he had given Mr. Deputy Nichols
MSS. enough to form an extra volume to Hasted' s
ROBERT POCOCK. 117
Kent, and that he had found out 2000 mistakes in
that work, which he had communicated to the author,
but no notice was taken of them, because Mr. H. said
if he did it would show his inattention. I said I had
found many. Mr. C. said it was Mr. Bridges of
Wales who found fault with the Kentish history in
the 'Gentleman's Magazine' which was defended by me
(R. Pocock). Mr. Coosens said he had found in a
wood near Chilham a Roman station and that the
site of Stonar Church was lately found. Mr. C. is
well versed in Kentish history and antiquities, having
published a work from the monumental inscriptions
in East Kent. He is a pleasant man ; has a daughter
married and settled in Essex.
" Thursday, IQth. Mr. Russel of Swanscombe
called, and said he had found Roman works in Swans-
combe Wood.
"Friday, 1.1th. Dull. Mr. Lakes, a young gentle-
man from the University of Cambridge, and nephew
to the Rev. Mr. Rashleigh of Southfleet, called, and I
sold him eight rare English insects.'
" Monday, \4sth. Fine, sunny. In company with
Captain Rosbrook, a fisherman, who said he had taken
a willock (a bird) out of a cod ; and another fisherman
said he had taken out of a cod a stone as big as his
fist ; and Mr. Rackstraw said he had seventy-
five stones ; all of which came out of one cod ! Such
stories may appear fabulous or untrue, but Captain
Rosbrook does not, I am sure, wish to lead me into
error, as it is well known the cod will swallow many
strange substances, I having heard it said by many
different fishermen.
" Wednesday, Wth. The Rev. Mr. Rashleigh and
1 1 8 ROBERT POCOCK.
Mr. Lakes called and brought some more insects.
Said there was no stag-beetle in Cornwall, and that
Mr. Seymour of Dorsetshire was a collector.
"Friday, 18th. Fine, sunny. Sent a letter to
Mr. Spencer of Chatham (he having laid claim to a
great estate of the Selby family in Bucks) with all the
names of Selbys in Blome's ' Britannia/ a folio work.
"Sunday, 27th. Sunny in morning; dull in after-
noon. Radishes sold three bunches for a penny, so
mild and forward are the vegetables. Most of the
autumnal flowers are in bloom, and yesterday was
brought me in bloom the bean, Antirrhinum rotun-
difolium, primroses, barren strawberries, violets, &c. !
Jupiter and Saturn have been in conjunction some
months, and the evenings exhibit beautifully the
starry wonders of the celestial world. I am told my
daughter, Sarah Pocock (although a woman), has
been christened at Gravesend Church by the Rev.
Mr. Gray. Witness to this unusual circumstance, Mr.
Covus, a shipwright, Mrs. Koach, a shopkeeper, Miss
Covus, the daughter, and Mr. Tyler, son-in-law to
Mr. Covus.
" Tuesday, 2Sth. Fine and dry. Bells ringing at
six and fort guns fired at twelve for the king's acces-
sion. Mr. Peen brought me a list of sixty-two
British plants in bloom the second week in January,
1822! Sent a letter to Mr. Elliot at Hobart's
Town, Van Die men's Land, by a young man from
Frome in Somersetshire, who says Mr. Shepherd's
black cloths are the best. Received the ' Cambridge
Guide ' from Canterbury. I forgot to say Mr. Shep-
herd has a daughter well skilled in natural history,
having a good collection.
ROBERT POCOCK. 119
te Sunday, February 3rd. In evening a man called
on me for information about Hume, the ropemaker, who
lays claim as the presumptive heir to the earldom of
March mont.
" Monday, 4th. Dull, but fine. Settled with John
Hobcraft. Heard the Thames, East Indiaman, was
lost near Eastbourne, in Sussex : very sorry to hear
this, as the principal owner, Mr. Blanchard, is a worthy
gentleman, an acquaintance of mine. Settled with
Mr. Thorowgood's Rider, and spent the evening at the
New Inn.
tc Tuesday, 5tli. Clear morning ; windy in night. In
evening Mr. Stevens (the dean of Rochester's brother)
and a Mr. Smith called to know if I could give them
any account of the old Mr. Hume's papers (which are
lost), by which it is said the younger Hume is kept
out of his estate and title to the earldom of
Marchmont ; but as they would not pay me for my
trouble in searching over my papers I declined looking
for them, observing to the dean's brother that as Hume,
the claimant, was borrowing money from many
persons and spending it lavishly among the watermen
at Billingsgate, and riding about the country, I
thought I might have some for my trouble as well as
his throwing it away so profusely. They left me
Hume's pedigree.
" Thursday, 7th. Fine, sunny. Heard that Mr.
George P. was dead in the workhouse. He had
long been very poor, and had been in the gaol of
Maidstone, where it is said he refused money sent him
from his brother, as his proud spirit would not brook
receiving any from that quarter, since he said his
brother unjustly withheld what he was entitled to.
120 ROBERT POCOCK.
"Friday, 8th. Fine, mild, sunny. Saw in the
paper that the ship Ablierton, Captain Gilpin, had
arrived in Madras Roads September 24th last. In
this ship went Charles Pocock, my youngest son (as
baker).
" Saturday, 9th. Fine day. Mr. Millen (the mayor),
kindly offered to be my friend (in case I could find a
friend). Some author has observed a man may think
himself happy if he finds six friends in his life. I have
often said I keep three books : a little one for my
friends, a large one for my acquaintances, and a
small one for my customers. My late wife used to say
our acquaintances were so numerous that we kept a
public-house without profit. The best sentiment to
give in company is, { From injudicious friends, good
Lord, deliver me/
" Sunday, I0th. Fine. Mr. Matthew Buchinger
called and dined and spent the day. He is a plain,
stout, blunt man, grandson of the famous Buchinger,
born without hands or feet in Germany. He lays
claim to the estate of the late George Arnold, Esq.,
in this parish, lying to the south of Wilson's garden,
and extending from the Fair Field Road (now Bath
Street,) to Princess Street, so now called. At four
o'clock George Powell (having been conveyed to the
Odd Fellows' Hall, where he laid in state) was buried
in Gravesend churchyard, aged sixty-four, escorted
thereto by the society of which he was a member.
And no person enjoyed himself better than George,
when he had money and spirits ! He once imported
West India produce, as sugar, pepper, &c., and was
a member of that useful scientific society, formed some
years since by the writer of this article, and the
ROBERT POCOCK. 121
dissolution of which evidently hurt the happiness of
many of its members.
"Monday, llth. Delightfully fine. Buchinger
went home to Dartford. Made an exchange with
Mr. Pierce, the tailor, for his book, Chamberlayne's
* State of Great Britain,' for a blank book or e Seaman's
Journal/ of about 2s. 6d. value. Mr. Pierce has a
better idea or knowledge of astronomy than any man
in Gravesend, in fact he possesses abilities above many.
" Tuesday, 1 2th. Rather foggy. Mr. Manning of
John Street, Adelphi, called and said his son would give
me any account of arras in heraldry, &c. Mr. Bullock,
jun., of Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, called on his way
to Lapland, going there for some more reindeer. He
gave an account how his father, with Mr. Allan Burn,
got at and examined the shrine of St. Mungo in Glasgow,
and took a model of St. Mungo's hand in wax. The
great church in Glasgow is dedicated to St. Mungo,
where he appears to have been buried, never to have
been disturbed, as an immense large stone is placed
over his grave, and on which were built the pillars to
support the edifice ; but these two curious gentlemen,
when about giving up their pursuit by reason of the
pillars and huge stone, were agreeably apprised by
the resurrection-men they had employed, that an
entrance to the coffin had been effected by entering
into an adjoining vault and breaking through into
that of St. Mungo !
" Wednesday, \3th. Fine day. Mr. Manning, jun.
(the herald), called, and the evening was spent at the
New Inn with Mr. Keene, late a clerk at Bow Street,
whose son had married into Mr. Manning's family.
" Thursday, 14th. Mr. Manning employed in
122 ROBERT POCOCK.
making extracts from the ' Keg. Kofi? of the Manning
family.
" Friday, 1 5th. Fine, sunny. Mr. Bullock sailed
for Lapland, and Mrs. Manning for the West Indies.
et Sunday, I7th. Rather dull. Frances Pocock
walked to Ash and back, nine miles. A woman and
child drowned last night by one of the Gravesend
boats running over the sculler, said to be Pullibank's
boat as master.
"Monday, 18th. Sunny. Eecollect Mr. Manning,
jun., greatly recommended Hudson's Bay minions
at five shillings per hundred, as the best for writing,
to be had of the law stationers. Heard that young
Ridley, one of our fishermen, went out in the Hecla,
bound to Baffin's Bay on discoveries. I am to look
out for this ship or its companion, as Mr. Fisher, the
surgeon, and author of the former voyage, promised
me gifts.
" Friday, 22nd. Lady Darnley visits the charity
children of Gravesend.
" Saturday, 23rd. Fine day. Mrs. W. (late Miss
Mary Gladdish of Chalk), wife of Mr. W., came
through the town in grand procession in a hearse and
two mourning coaches, &c., to Chalk Church to be
buried (where her father, Mr. Townsend Gladdish lies).
This was the most decent funeral I have seen some time
past, or recollect, at Gravesend ; but it was not by a
Gravesend undertaker. The Thames, East Indiaman,
lately wrecked on the Sussex coast, arrived in the
Reach towed by two steam vessels.
" Monday, 25th. National School children treated
with dinner.
" Thursday, 28th. Fine, sunny. Walked to North-
fleet to John Theobald's, who made his will (by Mr.
ROBERT POCOCK. 123
South gate the attorney) leaving his freehold and
leasehold property to Mrs. Goodewe. The witnesses
to the will were Mr. Southgate, Mr. R. Pocock, and
Mr. Southgate's clerk. At this house was a man
who said he had had a violent bruise from a shower
of stones which fell from the sky near Northfleet
Green ; and I was given two, but on looking at them,
I found them not the sort of stones which, fall from
the sky, which are called meteoric stones, and all of
which, abound with much iron. Such, wonderful stones
may be seen at Mr. Sowerby's, in Mead's Place, South-
wark, and in other museums. I think this man's name
was Goodewe, and that he told me a lie.
" Saturday, March 2nd. Fine day. Mr. Millen paid
with my money the rent to Christmas.
" Sunday, 3rd. Fine day. Tortoise-shell butterfly
seen, and I hear that young robins fledged were flying
about Knockholt on February 14th.
" Monday, 4th. Fine day. Employed in printing
bills for sale at the Globe Auction Room.
" Tuesday, 5th. Fine day. Went to London by
coach and visited Mrs. Baxter, called at the Egyptian
Hall, and slept at the Black Bear, Piccadilly, where I
met with Mr. S. from Eton Wick, who knew well a
Mr. Pocock residing thereabouts, and promised to lend
me books about paintings in the vicinity of London.
" Wednesday, Qth. Wind S.W. Rainy day. Settled
with Mr. Langdon : visited Exeter Change. Drank
with Mr. Giles in Clare Market, aud heard of a remark-
able low tide this day, when a man walked across the
river. Slept at the Bull Inn, Holborn.
" Thursday, 7th. Rainy, wind strong west. Left a
jaconot and two other birds with Mr. Ryals, but to
have two back preserved. Came down by the boat
124 ROBERT POCOCK.
from Billingsgate at eight minutes past three, and
arrived at Gravesend at five o'clock. (Mem. The
quickest passage I ever had.) Walked to Southfleet to
put in the way to Sundridge, Alexander Hall, the
captain's steward of the Canning, East Indiaman
(with another young man going out as baker to Ben-
coolen), who both promise me curiosities, &c. In this
voyage down was an intelligent person of the name of
Avan, who appeared, by a letter he produced from
Messrs. Cowtanand Co., Canterbury, as a good politician.
I found him an agreeable companion and a staunch
6 minority man/ which made me remark he was a
disciple of Lord Sondes and Thanet, to which he
nodded assent.
" Friday, 8th. Heard the tide on Wednesday last
was forty-one feet beyond the stone causeway or bridge
at G-ravesend ! Work at Tomlin's job, being for a new
coal concern.
"Monday, lltk. Work at Brewer's, Newman's, and
jobs of printing.
fi Wednesday, 13th. The new coal company began
(Everist and Co ) by having a vessel in canal and
selling coals 36s. per chaldron.
"Sunday, 17th. Dull. Heard Roe, the ferryman,
was dead. Drank tea at Mr. Grafter's, where my friend
Mr. Pittard and his acquaintance were. The two
latter may be deemed butterfly merchants, and Mr. C.
a pupil, whilst I myself am somewhat tainted with the
disease, for want of better employ. Mr. Pifctard says he
has hired a house at Eynsf ord, where he intends residing.
" Tuesday, 19th. The 41st Regiment passed through.
In evening at eight o'clock a fire broke out in Denton,
and burnt a straw stack. It made a great alarm, as it
ROBERT POCOCK. 125
couldbe seen from Highgate to Southern!. Engines came
from Rochester and the three towns, and a man got hurt
by jumping from one, which passed over his body.
Wednesday, 20th. Lent Mr. Rackstraw a volume of
old magazines.
" Friday, 22nd. Sale at Layton's of his stock.
Walked with Mr. Walton to view where the fire had
been at Denton. Remarked that if the wind had been
N.E., probably the barn and stacks, and even the
house, would have been in danger, or all consumed.
Went to Wombwell Hall and found there a good paint-
ing of the ruins of Rome, the amphitheatre, &c., pro-
bably by Panini, and another painting of Venice by a
capital artist. There was the painting of a shipwreck
(apparently modern), and in the garden were two
low shrubs of the cornelian cherry in bloom, like unto
the tree growing a few yards to the westward of the
Bathing-House, which bears fruit at Christmas of along,
oval form ; but it is very scarce, as I never remember
but once in my life seeing the fruit on it. The gardener
would not have it as bearing that name, but the
Virginia dogwood, showing me another shrub, not in
bloom, as a cornelian cherry : however, I would not
give up my opinion. I am told there is a large tree of
this sort at Mr. TreadwelPs, a farmer at Hartley ; the
one near the Bathing-House appeared indigenous. In
the green-house is a Barbadoes cherry; otherwise it con-
tained onty a small collection of plants. In the even-
ing a gentleman (foreign) bought a chart of the river,
having come home in a ship from Lima (where he had
resided some years), and brought from thence, as mer-
chandize, a great quantity of gold and silver in bars,
supposed half a million as it filled several of our short
1 26 ROBERT POCOCK.
ferry-boats, and Mr. Little's great boat took it and him
to Calais in France.
" Saturday, 23rd Fine. Walked with Mr. Peen to
see the lizard orchis we had transplanted towards
White Hill and found it only with one small weak leaf,
which shows it will not blow this year, although we
pub it there so long ago. On my return I found a
parcel (to my great surprise) had come from Miss
Lousada containing many scarce plants. I had
supposed this lady was dead, having heard her name
was in the newspaper, and had grieved much about the
loss of such an agreeable correspondent ; but upon my
opening her letter found it was her mother. I have
been married twice and lost relatives, but none of them
affected me so much as the supposed loss of this
amiable lady.
<( Heard a grampus whale (Delphinus orca) had been
found dead in Northfleet Hope, and taken to London
by Luke Beet, when it was ordered away under threat
of taking him into custody for the nuisance, as it stunk
intolerably.
" Sunday, 24?th. Rain in morning. The afternoon
occupied with Mr. Peen and Grafter in looking over
the plants sent me yesterday, and talking about the
grampus which had floated down to Denton coal-
wharf, where Mr. C. took a drawing and measured it.
Its length was eleven feet.
" Monday, 2bth. Mr. Nayler of Rochester called.
Says he has some very ancient deeds, and will give me
copies. He has a small collection of coins, &c.
" Tuesday, 26th. Received byposta letter from Chas.
Pocock, dated Madras, October, 1821, saying he had
been well shaved when crossing the line, and that it
was a fine day's sport. This ceremony is greatly enjoyed
ROBERT POCOCK. 127
by all seafaring men. Mr. Crouch, a conchologist, called,
and saw me the first time, and bought a few specimens.
Mr. Grundy, sen., died.
" Thursday, 28th. Frances goes money-hunting for
me to Dartford.
" Tuesday, April 2nd. Wind north. The winds
since Saturday have cut the vegetation and parched
the leaves as if burnt. This is the first check we have
experienced all the winter. Mr. Grundy buried. Lent
Mrs. Pitt one volume of White's ' History of Selborne.'
" Wednesday, 3rd. Mr. Barlow called and says
that Mr. Vigors and Mr. Eversfield are to be the joint
collectors of land tax for Gravesend, as he declines.
Yesterday Mr. Hubble and Mr. Gladdish, the two
new overseers, called, and ordered some parish printed
receipts to be done with their names. Buried this day
Mrs. Etherington Robert Oakes's cnild, &c.
" Thursday, 4,th. In the night some thieves broke
open the house of Mr. Bothers, the grocer getting
in the back way, making use of a centre-bit to
bore holes in the pannel of the door and stole bank-
notes, checks, gold and silver, &c. I went to Dartford.
Waited on Mr. Fooks, the solicitor [grandfather of
Edward J. Fooks, Esq., solicitor, Hillside, Gravesend] ;
and on my return met with Robert Okill, who paid me
five shillings for a printing job. He had just returned
from Maidstone, where five men had been executed, viz.,
four smugglers for wounding- officers at Margate, and
one man for robbing Dr. Pigot at Mereworth.
" Good Friday, 5th. Sent two notes (one pound
each) to Mr. Simmonds.
" Saturday, 6th. Lent Mr. Peen second volume of
White's ' History of Selborne/
" Easter Sunday, 7th. Some thieves taken up for
128 ROBERT POCOCK.
robbing Mr. Styles, and on suspicion of robbing Mr.
Sothers. Two years ago this day I went to North-
fleet Church, and heard the Rev. Mr. Whittaker preach
his first sermon.
" Monday, 8th. Some suspicious men taken up with
a cart, having in it saddles and bridles, &c. In the after-
noon Mr. Turner and Mr. Kemp, I believe is his name,
and brother-in-law called, and bought some spiders,
haliotes, &c. Frances gets a new situation and goes.
f< Monday ,15th. Mr. Peen walked to Boxley in search
of plants, and found growing in Boxley Street the
golden saxifrage, a scarce plant, noticed by Mr. Jacobs
as only growing in Judd's Wood, near Ospringe : it is
the Chrysoplenium oppositifolium of Withering, and has
bristles on the leaves, which circumstance authors have
omitted, and by its taste and brittleness appears good
as a salad. Evening, rain.
" Tuesday, 1.6th . Received a letter from Cambridge
to send Mr. Lakes, a student at Clare Hall, four or
five butter flies by name, they being not about Cambridge,
and to make him up a dozen of scarce sorts, as he is
making a calendar of the lepidoptera, and wishes for
Papilio comma, Papilio polychloros, Phalena hexa-
dactyla, Phalena caja (great tiger moth), Phalena
fagi, &c. Two young men taken up on suspicion of
being thieves, and discharged.
" Wednesday, 1 7th. A young man named Marchant,
about twenty-four or twenty- five, going out in the
Defiance, Captain Barker, promises to collect.
" Tuesday, 23rd Officers demanded lamp and pave-
ment tax due. 71st Regiment, with a very fine band of
music pass through for Liverpool. Old Mrs. Beale buried.
" Wednesday, 24th. The 3rd Regiment of Guards
marched up the road, and in the afternoon the Regi-
ROBERT POCOCK. 129
menb of Buffs marched into the town, going down.
Saw the first swallow flying against the wind.
" Thursday, 5th. The Regiment of Buffs marched
out to Chatham. Mr. and Mrs. Paul and their son,
Mr. Paul, a youth about twenty, with Mr. Bradley, all
passengers going out to settle in Van Diemen's Land,
called, and promised to send me home shells and curi-
osities. The ship William Shand, in which they go out,
is now here with eighteen passengers. I gave them
directions to several gentlemen in the colony who
have before promised me and not kept their words, or
have forsaken me.
" Saturday, 7th. Mrs. Paul and son came to take
their leave.
t( Sunday, 8th. Mr. Paul, jun., comes on shore,
having given them a cat and my ' Everlasting Song-
Book' to remember me, and the ship William Shand
sailed in the afternoon.
(i Monday, 9th. Yesterday a sailor called and said
he left my son Charles well in the East Indies, that he
had given satisfaction to the ship's officers, and that he
had bought a monkey, and would be home in a month.
" Tuesday, 30^. Mr. Dadd of Chatham called and
bought some minerals, &c., and said he sold his bar-
nacle goose flint for 2s. 6d. (worth a guinea) to Mr. Bright,
a Member of Parliament ; which was very wrong, as it
was a great if not an unique specimen and rarity ! In
the afternoon Mr. Francis of the post-office, Rochester,
called, and wanted to be instructed in the printing
branch, having a thought of commencing that trade.
" Wednesday, May 1st. Boughs of the white-thum
in leaf put up at a few houses, but not in bloom yet. I
have seen it (a flower bloom) brought by Mr. Peen,
who, I believe, has forwarded its bloom. Colonel
K
130 ROBERT POCOCK.
Landrnan, of the Engineers, called to see me with
seemingly much freedom, at which I was rather sur-
prised, he not having ever been my acquaintance. He
inquired after my son George, who had been some
time in his office ; but not having been paid by Govern-
ment, viz., the Ordnance, he left it, and is now settled at
the Clarendon Press in Oxford, where Colonel Land-
man said he had been, but did not see my son because
he was ignorant of his being there. Colonel Landman
seems now to be fond of natural history, and wanted
a spined echinus, &c.
" Thursday, 2nd. Saw the second white butterfly.
In the afternoon Mr. Peen returned from a journey to
Wormshill and Throwleigh, &c., having found a species
of stonecrop (Sedum reflexum) growing on the
churches of Bobbing and Bredgar. He had before
observed the same on the wall of Trottescliffe Court.
"Friday, 3rd. Walked down the sea wall to Shorne
Battery, and found mousetail in bloom, but could not
find my spider orchis (Ophrys araniflora) on the hillocks,
which I had planted a year or two before. In my walk
only saw five gulls, two or three pairs of tit-larks, two
pairs of pewits, and two or three reed sparrows, with
as many wagtails. I think the easterly cold wind pre-
vents many birds appearing.
" Saturday, 4sth. Went on board the Onyx ship,
just returned from the River Bellise, Bay of Honduras,
after a passage of thirteen weeks. Heard the church
there, which cost 15,OOOL, was finished except the
spire, and that the Rev. Mr. Armstrong was the
minister. Saw on board a beautiful tortoise, black and
yellow. I think it was the terrestris, although the people
said it was caught, as they supposed, in the river. I
bought a few shells, viz., six false argus shells, which
ROBERT POCOCK. 131
the natives called mangoo ; a pair of pink conchs ; a
pair of bull's mouth conchs, called by some the king
conch : a shell harp volute ; and some small shells,
among which were a cowrie with a raised ridge in
the middle, but more likely a bulla, a cowrie with
three brown bars across it (cyprea), an orange
murex with black lines across it and white within,
a few olives, and other small washed shells.
" Sunday, 5th. Received letters from my son, Shad-
rach, at Wellington. Heard yesterday that the Duke
of Bedford and Duke of Buckingham had had a duel,
and that the Duke of Bedford had behaved with much
humanity in not firing at, nor trying to kill, the Duke
of Buckingham. All duels are a species of murder or
manslaughter, which nearly amounts to the same. My
friend Grafter called and showed me copies of letters he
intended to send to Lord Darnley and Colonel Christie
at Chatham to endeavour to get him re-established as
clerk of the works or some other appointment.
"Mondenfffttk. The king's yacht to wed down the river
by a steam-boat to the Downs for Prince of Denmark.
About eight this morning saw and heard the first
1 swift.' Birds I think all come in storms or bad weather,
which prevents persons seeing them; for we know
little about the migration of birds or their habits. Air.
Dadd of Chatham called and bought a piece of Shrop-
shire limestone.
" Tuesday, 7th. Had part of a 'cat-fish' fried, which
is very fine eating.
" Wednesday, 8th. Mr. Pottinger, a gentleman at
lodgings at Mrs. King's at the Hill, called to have a
gossip. He is a Radical in politics. He has visited
France and Switzerland, Jersey, Cornwall, &c., but
never made any remarks, and owns he is very ignorant.
132 ROBER T POCOCK.
" Thursday, 9th. A young man of the name of
Alfred Gardiner (bought song-book), going out in the
Mediterranean, Captain Ross, for the South Seas,
promises to collect curiosities. He says they eat and
make puddings of the terrapin's eggs, which are quite
round. His father is captain of a South Sea ship,
now out and expected back soon. In the evening Mr.
Blanchard called, who was with me when we went to
Cobham Hall on an inclement day of snow, cold, and
wind : the day when many great personages were
visiting there, and one got wounded I think he was
the Archbishop of York's son : and I think Lord
Wellington was there. Mr. Blanchard was the
managing owner and met with loss by the Thames,
East Indiaman, getting on shore in Sussex. Heard Mr.
Heathorn, the brewer, was dead.
"Friday, 10th. Mr. Pottinger called and left me
Cobbett's ' Register ' to read, which I skimmed over.
It did not suit my taste, being deficient seemingly in
the subject and editorship. A fishing-boy brought me
eight shrimps with fourteen leg's, having the appear-
auce of longish shrimps, probably the Cancer linearis
of Linnseus, but Berkenhout says it has only twelve
legs. Its antennae were as long as its body. It may be
a new species.
" Saturday, llth. Fine day. A woman applied to
me for a pair of patella shells to cover the nipples of
her breast, which she said were of infinite use in sore
breasts. It is not the first time I have heard of this
remedy, and I sold her a pair in exchange for a pair of
spotted cowries.
" Monday, 13/7*. Dull. Sent off a letter 1 had wrote
to Mr. Walcot, sen., Clifton, near Bristol, to collect some
. ROBERT POCOCK. 133
plants for me about the rocks ; and sent also a letter to
my son in Shropshire for the same.
" Thursday, 1 6th. Bright. The king's yacht came
up the river again. Mr. Feen set off down into Kent.
The stationer called, and took twelve dozen of ' Jobina '
and two dozen of ' Youths' Amusements 3 on account.
Heard the Queen of Denmark passed through yester-
day in a coach with six horses, but it made no noise.
"Friday, I 7th. Printed some bills that Mr. Notley
of Stone Cottage had lost ' a small gold watch, chain,
and seal/ with reward of five pounds.
" Sunday, 19th. Walked with Mr. Jones to Thong
and Shorn Ifield, and caught the argiolus, a beautiful
blue butterfly with black tips and margin, certainly
scarce, never having met with one before. Got also
the grizzle or brown fritillary, which is not plentiful.
Found a neat small nest, in a holly-bush, built of moss
and lined with feathers, with one very small egg, likely
a torn-tit's nest ; it was about six feet above ground.
"Tuesday, 2lst. A regiment of soldiers (white
jackets) came into the town from Essex on their route
to Chatham. Mary Ann Pocock came from Shropshire,
having been deserted by an old unfaithful clergyman
of the name of B , who having solemnly promised
marriage, and named the day and prepared all things
requisite, went and married another who had formerly
been his maid i
(t Wednesday, 22nd Warm. Mr. Peen called, having
come back last night from his journey through Kent,
in which he collected some scarce plants, viz., the stink
weed of Thanet Isle, found on dry ground a few miles
inland from Deal or St. Margaret's. It appears not yet
particularized and may be a new species, as botanists
134 ROBERT POCOCK.
differ about it. It belongs to the class Tetradynamia,
order Siliquora, the genera Sisymbrium or Erysimum.
However, on the authority of Mr. Peen, who may be
relied on, all the leaves are alike, the segments of the
leaf being wing-cleft : its smell is very disagreeable.
" Thursday, 23rd. Windy clouds, wind easterly.
Wrote to Mr. Gray to name a moss found in the River
Stour, near Chilham.
" Friday, 24th. Wrote to Mrs. Amhurst, a widow
lady at Ore, near Faversham, for leave to visit her
garden, which contains a great variety of flowers.
"Sunday, 26th. Went with Mary Pocock to
Rochester Cathedral to divine service, in hopes of hear-
ing Rev. Mr. Stevens the new Dean; instead of whom
an affected clergyman preached who lost his words and
voice at the end of each sentence, so that we left, neither
made better nor instructed. Mary was not pleased
with the mode of chanting. On coming out met with my
acquaintance, Mr. Spencer, by appointment, having
given him a friendly challenge to meet me there.
Went to my cousin Reuben Fletcher's, at Rochester,
to dinner, and better pleased with his roast beef and
plum pudding than with the sermon or preacher. Drank
tea and spent the evening with Mr. Spencer's family.
"Monday, 27th. Went from Chatham by coach to
( Upper Blue Bell/ and had from the top of the house
an extensive view, as we saw the road (plainly) going up
Shooter's Hill (about twenty-four miles distant), and
Lord Petrels house, near Brentwood, Essex (thirty miles
off), the towns of Southend and Leigh in Essex (about
twenty-five miles), the town of Sheerness with Minster
in Sheppy, the Nore and ships sailing down the Swin ;
to the south Cox's Heath; and south-west a fine prospect
of a campaign valley^ with the hills of Surrey. Yet this
ROBERT POCOCK. 135
delightful prospect did not equal, Mary said, the view of
Wrekin Hill in Shropshire^ where an extent of seventy
miles round may be seen distinctly. Then walked to
Maidstone (four miles) and saw several benefit societies
parade the town with bands of music, having gone to
church as an annual treat and paid the parson for
preaching. Afterwards walked through several hop-
gardens to Banning, and drank tea with the Rev.
Mark Noble, whose wife and daughters I found good
botanists, and their garden I reckoned the second for
variety of plants in Kent (Mr Russel's of Swanscombe
being the first). The old clergyman was happy to see
us (although the first interview), and I was surprised at
the clearness of his manuscripts, for he told me he never
made a drop or wrote from a copy. His collection
of books was nicely arranged, and his manuscripts
numerous. Here we met with Mr. Cresswell, a gentle-
man going to the bar, who related an anecdote or two
not much to the credit of the law ; viz., that a lawyer
ran a poor man to seventy pounds and upwards in
expenses in prosecuting him for five pounds only.
Hard enough ! and in our walk by the tow-path (side
of the River Medway) found a scarce Scirpus sylvaticus,
not having met with it before. Maidstone Palace,
Church, College, and Bridge, as we approached, made
a fine picture, and must give great pleasure to any anti-
quary who may visit them. Here also we found boys
fishing, who had caught some bleak, dace, &c., and were
told that there were pikes, eels, and some others. Called
upon my cousin Champion, who is a greasy relation, as
he sells hams and keeps a cook-shop. Slept at the
Swan Inn.
" Tuesday, 28th. Breakfasted with Champion, who
was vain enough to read to us some of his poetry about
136 ROBERT POCOCK.
Allington Castle, on which old fabric his head seems to
have run wild. Took our leave and walked by Alling-
ton Castle to Mr. Milner's, where we saw the largest
barn in England, fifty-five paces long and about sixty
feet high, having a date at the end, over a window, of
1102, and the initials T. C., which are those of Thomas
Colepepper, and his arms quartered with a chevron.
A similar date is on a building on the opposite side of
the road, but those buildings do not agree with the
date, as the figures made use of there are said to be
much more modern. An old woman who had lived
above forty years in the parish had never' heard of
these curious buildings. Passed over Aylesford
Bridge, on which grows wall rue (Ruta muraria).
Visited the churchyard, where there is an old yew-
tree. Visited the Friars, once the seat of the Carmelites.
Here we met with a very civil (wished to be polite),
ignorant young man as gardener; treated him, and
walked to Boxley Hill, and then rode to Chatham in a
caravan which goes weekly to Rotherfield in Sussex.
Proceeded to Strood to the turnpike, where at the
Angel Inn we could get no refreshment because the
landlord would not change a Wellington note, and
so obliged to walk to Gravesend, very much fatigued,
and to our mortification obliged to sleep at the Nelson
Inn, having been shut out either by accident or design,
not having ever been treated so before as I always
have the key in my pocket.
" Wednesday, 29th. Fine. Eeceived a fine present
from Edinburgh of dried Alpine plants, and engaged
all day with Mr. Peen in putting them away. Mrs.
Jones brought to bed yesterday of a boy, being my first
grandchild.
ROBERT POCOCK. 137
" Thursday, 30th. Engaged again with, my plants.
Walked in the evening to find my ' lady's slipper ' I
had put out in the marsh ; but could not find it. It
must have been taken, as I certainly did keep the place
of planting sufficiently secret.
" Friday, 31 st. Engaged in printing bills about
indecent bathing, by order of the mayor. Supped with
Mr. Blanchard (brother to the East India captain), at
the Falcon Inn, on veal, green peas, &c.
" Saturday, June 1st. Mr. Blanchard, myself, and
daughter Mary went to Cobham College and Church,
where Mr. Blanchard read with much facility the
ancient French and Latin monumental inscriptions in
the church to the memory of the Cobham families, &c.
Spoke to Mr. Pemble about the ancient helmets in the
chance] (as the chancel is belonging to him). Mr. B.
wished to make an equivalent to the poor of the parish
for the same; but Mr. Pemble did not grant the request.
Went to visit Cobham Hall, where we were refused,
because Lord Darnley's daughter Mary was going to be
married that day in the hall by special licence to her
relation (I believe, cousin), Mr. Brownlow, and the
house was full of company. Visited Chalk Church to
see the two figures on the porch, likely enough made to
perpetuate an obit or drink ale day. The Hudson's Bay
ships fire their guns : an annual custom at Gravesend,
where their officers and owners dine, and have green
peas for dinner, which this year have come most early.
" Sunday, 2nd. Walked with Mary Pocock to drink
tea with old Mr. Fletcher of Claphall. In the morning
we rambled through the chalk cliffs of Northfleet, and
found in bloom Orchis latifolia, &c.
" Tuesday, 4th. Went to West Wood in search of
138 ROBERT POCOCK.
plants. Found there a bee orchis, but not in bloom.
Anthropophora in bloom nearly out.
" Wednesday, 6th. Got orchises from Northfleet
Cliffs for Mr. Neil of Edinburgh.
" Friday, 7th. Put orchis roots on board the Forth,
Captain Stuart, for Leith, this morning about five
o'clock, for Mr. P. Neil, Secretary to the Wernerian
Society. My daughter Mary returned to Woolwich.
Went over to Dartford to Mr. Brewer.
" Saturday, 8th. Mr. Peen said he went yesterday to
Wanstead in Essex, to see the house and gardens, and
near 4000 persons there to see this fine place, now put
up for sale, by thirty days' sale. The catalogues were
sold at five shillings each, which admitted three persons
to view the first ten days' sale, and again the same for
the second and third divisions. [Wellesley Pole.]
"Tuesday, \\th. Busy all day in ' setting ' Mr.
Tolhurst's bill for leaving the Prince Regent.
Heard at night, at eleven o'clock, the death watch for
the first time this year. A county meeting held this
day at Maidstone for a Parliamentary Reform.
"Friday, I&h. Heard Samuel Johnson, an old
shoemaker, was dead. Went to Gravesend Church
and stood godfather to my daughter Elizabeth's (Mrs.
Jones') child, by naming it Shadrach Edward Robert.
The curate's name I understood was Owen, but I had
never seen him before. The child's name was to please
all parties : first Shadrach, because my grandfather
Pocock's name was such, and also my eldest son, now
settled at Coal Pit Bank, Ketley, Salop. The second
name was to please the family of Jones, and the third
name is my own. Bought some skeletons and medical
book and plants.
ROBERT POCOCK. 139
(f Saturday,] 5th. Busy in ' composing' bills for sale
of estates, &c., at Wigzell Row, St. Mary Cray.
" Sunday, 16th. Frances visited me from Kings-
down, and told me the storm at Kingsdown on Monday
last was there at three o'clock, but no four distinct
loud claps. Cobbett mentions this storm in his Weekly
Register j describing his tour to Maidstone to attend the
county meeting, when they petitioned for a reform in
Parliament, &c., on Tuesday last.
" Tuesday, I8th. Frances returned to Kingsdown,
and took a French book on paintings to translate for me.
Printed 200 cards for Mr. Chipperfield, who removed
to No. 1 7, G-ee Street, Clarendon Square, Somers Town,
saying Graveseiid market had ruined the town; meaning
nobody but strangers were encouraged.
" Wednesday, 19th. Mr. Mac Murdie, from Epping,
called, and I gave him five shillings.
"Thursday, 20th. Prof. Henslow, from St. John's
College, Cambridge, called on me, and bought a piece
of crystallized slag from Salop. He said he caught nearly
fifty swallow-tail butterflies in a meadow near Cam-
bridge one day (P. Machaon). We have none in Kent !
Mr. H. certainly is a pleasant young man and worthy
his professorship.
" Saturday, 22nd. Professor Henslow called, and I
gave him a list of British plants wanted to complete
my ' Hortus Siccus/ and he promised to send some
scarce ones growing about Cambridge.
" Monday, 24th. Busy all day in printing particulars
of seven houses in Wigzell Row, St. Mary Cray, to be
sold by auction.
" Tuesday, 26th. Harmonic Society take their usual
annual excursion to Ifield, attended by a band of music.
140 ROBERT POCOCK.
I walked to Twelve Step Stile, and found the pyramid
orchis in full perfection in bloom, and the lizard
(which I had transplanted from near Wilmington) in
the height of bloom, having had, this first year of its
bloom, above fifty flowers on its stem ! In my shorb
route I caught the swallow-tail moth (Sambucaria) ,
the marble (Galatea) butterfly (first seen this year), the
brown-eyed (Hyperanthus) butterfly, the Barnet moth,
&c. The large stag beetle flying in the evening.
" Thursday, 27th. Heard the Ablerton, Indiaman,
had arrived (wherein was my son Charles) in the
River Thames. Mr. Curd, the bricklayer, buried in a
very deep vault, dug on purpose in Gravesend church-
yard ; and it is said the rector, Dr. Watson, claimed ten
pounds for breaking the ground without his leave. A
vestry held to know if Mr. Owen could be the lecturer,
he having been appointed as curate by the rector.
" Friday, 28th. Mr. Gardner from Chatham takes
the Nelson Inn.
" Monday, July 1st. The Free Masons of the county
walk to church (dinners each 14s.) for the benefit of
the White Hart, The band of the Welsh Fusileers
played (not very well). At night at ten, saw rather to
the south of Purfleet a fire from Mr. Hazard's end of
the town.
" Tuesday, 2nd. The Sunday-school charity chil-
dren have an afternoon's recreation in a field near
the hill.
" Wednesday, 3rd. Received letter from my friend
Mr. Blanchard, saying he had given directions to the
commanding officer of the Thames to employ Mr.
Jones, my son-in-law.
" Thursday, 4th. Walked yesterday to Randall Wood
ROBERT POCOCK. 141
in search of insects; but most surprisingly found none
among the brakes (Pteris aquilina) nor saw any
moths but what were small ; and in the course of the
afternoon I took only three or four butterflies (Papilio
comma), which are scarce, and only one of the
marble (P. Galatea), which I found in the grass field
adjoining the lodge at Thong, where I had met with
them before on the 2nd day of August, generally on
that day plentifully there. Counted whilst at Thong
above 750 rooks going towards the rookery in the park
to roost at sun-down, likely distributed in the day in the
marshes. During my walk yesterday the Rev. Mr.
Eashleigh called, and took away the ' Reg. Roffense '
he lent me. Lord Darnley to-day gave a silver cup
among his troop for the best horse-racer, and many
persons went to see the performance. Mr. Lloyd, a
lecturer on astronomy, gave out a prospectus that if
he could procure fifty at 9s. each for three lectures he
would begin. I am told he is not equal to Mr. Walker.
" Friday, 5th. Sent Mr. Pearse to the hall to
answer to Mr. Toovey's debt of 21. 3s. 5d. Having paid
him before II. and a 5s. It must be paid before this
day month ! Heard the Abberton, East Indiaman,
was in Bengal in February last, wherein Charles
Pocock went. Mr. Baker of Chalk began harvest by
cutting a field of oats ! the earliest known.
" Saturday, 6th. Mr. Crafter tells me he is re-
established as clerk of the works, and also has his
father's place, who is pensioned off.
"Sunday, 1th. Dick Simmons, my boy, did not
come this day. Three gentlemen called and bought
some books for 12s. One was a fossilist, and the
name of another was Fitzroy. Said they were going to
142 ROBERT POCOCK.
Cornwall ; and the fossilist said he would call again.
This day I wrote a copy from a slate of a letter I sent
to Mr. P. Neil of Edinburgh, when I sent him the
plants last month ; and this copy, with his letter, I have
put by with Mr. Scott's letter from Edinburgh (now
dead). The carpenter and armourer of the Thames, East
Indiaman, bound out with my son-in-law Jones. They
said they would bring some shells and curiosities
from the East Indies for me.
" Monday, 8th. Fine and warm. Dick Simmons re-
turned. J. Tolhurst paid, having been abused by Mr.
Brenchley, jun., at Milton Church whilst I was present.
Mr. Bowdler returned from Eamsgate (having called
on Mr. Cooseus of Margate, who has promised me
some plants procured by a friend of his). Mr
Bowdler brought me some plants from Thanet, but
nothing new. The 10th Regiment of Foot marched
into the town from Woolwich. The Odd Fellows of
the Britannia lodge, with a band of music, enjoy a
day at Wombwell Hall, with the church bells ringing.
Mr. Chipperfield, the baker, died this day in the
hospital, London.
" Tuesday, 9th. Mrs. Dominy, an old inhabitant,
called and drank tea. A person from Chatham, known
to Mr. Dadd of the Arcade, Piccadilly, called and
looked over my fossils, &c.
" Wednesday, Wth. Meopham Fair, when Meopham
played against Grillinghara. Jerry Tolhurst put in
gaol for abusing Mr. Brenchley, jun., although Mr.
Brenchley gave him sufficient provocation for so doing
last Monday morning. Mr. Eversfield, jun., undertakes
to play the part of Macbeth at the Gravesend Theatre,
being his first attempt !
ROBERT POCOCK. 143
"Thursday, llth. Three gentlemen going to Brussels
called one, a mineralogist, bought some minerals.
Employed in printing about a prepared wheaten food
for infants, by Jas. Hards of Dartford.
" Friday, 12th. A young gentleman of the nam'e of
Fletcher (a student in medicine, and nephew, so
he said, to Mrs. Graham, who wrote a pleasing and
learned account of the East Indies) called in my shop,
and informed me he was going to St. Petersburg, and
the interior of Russia, to travel for some years, and
would think of and write to me on natural history, &c.
By him I sent my compliments to Mr. Etter, minera-
logist to the Emperor of Russia. He said he promised
Mr. Brooks of Blenheim Street to collect for him.
" Monday, 15th. Paid Mr. Wilson his bill of 5s, 6d.
In the afternoon a rowing match for a skiff of 101. value,
given by the players ; and it was won by a waterman
named Dixon. In the afternoon walked to Dartford :
called on Mr. Nottley and Mr. Brewer. Found Mrs.
Nottley died of the same complaint as Mrs. Pocock,
and that Mr. Beaumont, surgeon, of Gravesend, pre-
dicted the death of both (a judgment which is sufficient
to establish the reputation of Mr. Beaumont). Came
home in a return chaise, wherein was a Mr. Knell of
Cuxton, a wheeler and carpenter, who informed me
he had lately, by command of the parish, buried (or put
under-ground) Miss Coosens who had lain above-ground
in the church ; the particulars of which, with her family,
may be seen in the ' History of Gravesend/ No rain
to-day, although it was St. Swithin's Day ; but great
show of it.
' ( Tuesday, 1 6th. Yesterday, in my walk to Dartford,
saw the first wheat began to be reaped, and also beans,
144 ROBERT POCOCK.
which show this is the most forward year I ever re-
member ; it being also very heavy and fine. In coming*
home last night I saw a glow-worm shine brightly :
they appear about July 10th. In the evening Mrs.
Colepepper (wife of the elder Mr. Colepepper) called
who claims to be, and who I believe is, the heir to the
Leeds Castle estate, late in possession of Martin and
Fairfax, and now in possession of a Mr. Wykeham to
know what information I could give her respecting
deeds and other papers belonging to the family ; but
five or six years ago, when I could have given much,
her husband, in an abrupt manner, said he wanted none
of my assistance ! for he had employed an attorney,
who now appears to have done nothing !
" Thursday, I8th. Fine and warm. Innumerable
numbers of Irish labourers about, more than I ever
remember, owing to their great distress for want
of food in Ireland. Mr. Preston's E/ider called, and
I gave him an order, the music to be sent on sale
or return, and he is not to call for a twelvemonth.
The Partridge, East India ship, returned home and
passed the town. Heard a child of Mr. Childs, car-
penter, Northfleet, fell down a well and was killed.
" Sunday, July 2lst. Mr. and Mrs. Leadbetter and
family (the famous animal stuffer) called on me, and
said Lord Darnley had a condor, or large vulture, which
he stuffed for him, and that the large horn owl was
worth three guineas. Lord Darnley bought one last
week of Macdonald, a fisherman, for about half the
money, which, was bought by Macdonald for fifteen
shillings out of a smack from Norway.
" Monday, 22nd. Mr. Lloyd gives a lecture on
astronomy in the theatre house to about fifty auditors.
ROBERT POCOCK. 145
" Tuesday, 23rd Mrs. Willatts bought shells.
"Thursday, 2bth. Walked to Dartford with Mr.
Peen, and got Mr. Brewer to accept a note for
8/. 10s. 6d., payable at two months, drawn in favour of
Mr. Charles Amherst. The harvest has become very
general as some of the wheat has been carried.
"Friday, 26th. Paid Mr. Amherst, in presence
of Mr. Peen, his half-year's rent to Midsummer,
121. 10s. ; viz., by giving him Mr. Brewer's note-of-
hand, dated July 17, 1822, at two months for 2Z. 10s. 6rf.,
which was made payable at the Bull Inn, in Leadenhall
Street, and at the same time I gave him cash 3?. 17s.,
and there was also owing for a book 2s. 6d. ; in all
making up the amount ; but for which he gave no
receipt until, he said, he had received the money from
Mr. Brewer.
"Monday, 29th. Many martins flying about at
five in the afternoon, apparently foreboding a storm, or
about congregating.
" Wednesday, 31st. Warm. Taken very ill with the
colic and cholera morbus.
" Thursday, August 1st. Warm. In bed with the
colic all day : very ill.
"Saturday, 3rd. Sally goes for me to Dart-
ford, and Frances called and said she was going to
Dartford Fair, and thence to Kingsdown. Heard the
lightning and thunder had done damage to Hoo
Church yesterday. And that at Brandts- hatch was a
great fall of hail. It is remarkable that on August 2nd
I have known it often thunder and lighten, with
violent storm. It was on that day, about fiftv years
ago, I remember seeing the mill-post of Shorne Mill,
with the mill, all shattered to pieces. The miller's name
I
146 ROBERT POCOCK.
was Billboe, one of whose sons lived and kept a public
house at Northfleet a few years since.
" Saturday, 10th. Many genteel persons in the town
in expectation of seeing the king, &c., pass by in his
voyage towards Scotland. Saw a curious printed bill for
a cricket-match to be played this day at Shorne Com-
mon, for 10Z., taken from a list of fifteen persons of
Shorne named Botting, against fifteen of Cobham
named Baker ! The Bottings beat by six runs.
About six in the evening, the king in his yacht passed
by, when the bells rung and the guns from the
Flamer, " alien vessel/ 1 moored off the town, and the
guns from Tilbury Fort alternately fired to make up
a royal salute. The day was quite calm, and the yacht
was accompanied by the Lord Mayor's barge, which
went as far as the Round Tree, when it returned. On
this occasion two regiments came from Chatham who
stood with their bands on the sea-wall extending
below the canal entrance, which must have had a pretty
appearance from the water. The king's yacht was
towed down by a steam-vessel and passed the town
with rapidity.
"Monday, 12th. Heard the king sailed yes-
terday morning, between four and five, from the
Nore, leaving all the pleasure- vessels to follow, some
of which returned, not well pleased. (Mem. The guns
at the Nore heard at Gravesend, a. distance of above
twenty miles.) Heard this morning that Lord Castle-
reagh died suddenly.
" Thursday, I5th. A report that Lord Wellington
was killed by Marshall Ney's son. This proved
false.
" Saturday, 17th. Heard. Sir Samuel Achmuty was
ROBERT POCOCK. 147
dead. His family by marriage was related to Colonel
Montresor of Whitehall, near Faversham, who died in
Maidstone Gaol.
" Sunday , 18th. Matthew Buchinger from Dart-
ford called and dined, and said some suspicion
had fallen out about Lord Castlereagh/s death, and
that a further hearing was to take place yesterday.
To-day the Charles Grant, and two other East
Indiamen, Lowther and Kelly Castles, arrived off
this place. This afternoon, as my daughters were
walking down the canal, a man was found drowned,
and very likely murdered, having many bruises and
cuts about him. He was taken to Chalk for the
coroner's inquest to sit on him. He was pulled out
of the water by Mr. Jones, my son-in-law, and
appeared a navigator or labouring-man, by his
Guernsey jacket, in which was Is. 6d. and a farthing.
" Thursday, 22nd. Heard a death-watch very
plainly, which I suppose is one of those small insects
called f wood lice/ It was in my bureau. I think
they are only heard in warm weather, because I heard
one in July, 1818, at the death of Mrs. Pocock. Some
think them a beetle ; but I am convinced the wood
lice have this power of ticking, which I have proved
in two instances. Mr. Pewtress called, and I settled wit h
him by a bill at two months. [Wholesale stationer.]
"Monday, 16th. Went down to the Hope, to the
Abberton, Captain Gilpin, to see my son Charles,
whom I found well. Squally wind, S.W. He sold
his fat for 21 16s. per tierce (five tierces to Mr.
Cooper). The ship had three Persian cats on board
belonging to General Forbes, who came home in her
with Major Frazer, &c.
L 2
148 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Wednesday, 28th. Warm. Charles came home
(not very sober). He sent home a Madras monkey,
which differs from those of Bengal. Walked over
again to Northfleet to Mr. Theobald's, who made another
will, which I signed as witness.
" Thursday, 29th. Windy. Horse-races at Chatham
Lines for a plate of 50?., when it is said 20,000 persons
assembled, and where a poor woman was killed by a
horse and cart going over her. Charles P. went out,
but did not come home all night.
"Sunday, September 1st. Pleasant. The king re-
turned about twelve at noon in his yacht, towed by a
steam-boat, and followed by another. The guns fired
a salute from the Flamer and the fort, and Mr. Rod-
in ell's son had his hand injured by the explosion of
a gun. Hand was cut off by Dr. Eogers and Sanders.
Mr. Lee, a gentleman (special pleader), of the Inner
Temple Lane, called on me. (Mem. He is well skilled
in Latin and many sciences, and a good botanist and
companion.)
" Tuesday, 3rd. Warm. Busy papering Mrs.
Rhodes' room (the blacksmith).
" Wednesday, 4th. Fine, sunny. Mr. Bennet, sur-
geon, of Edward Street, London, called (a good
botanist), and we walked over to Cobham Hall gardens,
and on our way caught some fine butterflies (the
admiral) on the elms at Parrock and oaks on Randall
Heath. We go after them again this day. Saw many
curious scarce plants and trees : among them was the
willow-leaved oak from North America, not far from
New York, where there it is also scarce. Another
scarce tree, about tour feet high, from Chili, with
branches shooting horizontally, and leaves like butchers'
ROBERT POCOCK. 149
brooms, said by Mr. Wilkinson, the gardener, to be a
species of fir. Ib is the Araucaria imbricata, or the
Sir Joseph Banks pine, from Chili, introduced into this
country in 1 796. I left Mr. Bennet to sleep at Cobham,
and returned home.
" Monday, 9th. Young cuttle-fish, half an inch long,
brought me.
" Tuesday, Wth. Received letter from my son George
at Oxford. Mr. Arlis, the publisher, called, and I gave
him an order for 10Z. worth of books.
" Wednesday, llth. Bought a new tea-pot of Barnas-
china'sboy for 3s. In afternoon, Captain Weddle, of Jane
brig, bought some books. He told me he was bound out
on the South Sea fishery, and that he had been twice
to New South Shetland, lately discovered ; but that it
produced no tree, shrubs, or vegetation, except a short
grass which grew sparingly. He had brought home
several specimens of stones and minerals from thence ;
but I did not find by his discourse any to be of value.
It is singular, I showed him a piece from the same
place lately given me by a sailor, who said it was gold
ore, but to me appeared only as yellow copper ore.
" Thursday, 12th. Wrote a letter for Mrs. Currie to
Manchester to a young man, her favourite. This woman
partly told me her name was not Currie, and she was
determined to leave him. A young man, with his coat
all torn and mended, came into the shop, and left 5s.
deposit for a book to read. I found him a good Latin
and Greek scholar by his ready translation ! Learning
appears not to produce wealth ! but Mr. Arlis, on the
10th, said f a writer of original matter for the new
"Monthly Magazine" (edited by Dr. Campbell) gets
from six to eight guineas per sheet/ A gentleman and
i5o ROBERT POCCCK.
lady called from Deptford, who had passed through
the tunnel at Higham (where lately three men lost
their lives by the chalk falling in), and found a very
large alcyonium on which were nodules of sulphuret of
iron ! It was the largest I ever saw, with an opening
in it, or a gash. Martins come to their nests to-day.
" Friday, 1 3/i. Busy in printing for the mayor, J.
Millen, Esq., 100 bills, being an abstract from an Act of
Parliament made in the 56th of George III., enforcing
a penalty of five pounds on the driving of carriages at
a furious or improper rate.
" Saturday, 14th, Windy, strong at east. Major
Groves, the storekeeper, carried yesterday to Hamp-
stead to be buried there. Finished yesterday and to-
day some bills for Newman, stating he had reduced
the fare to London to eight shillings inside and four
shillings outside.
" Sunday, 15th. Heard Mr. Bryan, of Swanscombe,
had had his leg cut off by Newman's coach breaking
down on Thursday last.
"Monday, 16th. Walked to Dartford with Mr.
Edward Helloit, who is quite a philosopher, although a
waterman. We went through Greenhithe and by the
fields to Dartford, and both were struck with the
delightful picture the Phoenix Flour Mills of Mr. Wilks
afforded. On the east side, one field off, several tall
drooping willows, planted on small islands in a large pool
of water, added much to the delight ; in fact, I never
saw such high beautiful willows nor such a charming
scene. Called at Mr. Hurst, surgeon, to see Mr. Bryan >
but was refused by the surgeon seeing him, who said
his own sister had been refused, as quietness was
necessary to a cure, and that his life was in critical
ROBERT POCOCK. 151
danger. Mr. Brewer paid me 81. 10s. 6d. for a bill
due. On coming home we could see a fire blazing to
the westward, which we conjectured was about Plum-
stead, or east of Shooter's Hill.
' ' Wednesday, 1 8th. Sun very fine. My acquaintance,
Mr. Rider, called with his wife, and praises the steam-
boat much.
" Tuesday, 24<th. Printed cards saying G. Simmons
had succeeded Loft Raspison in his business of mast,
oar, and pump maker.
"Friday, 27th. Generally cloudy. Packed up twenty-
four scarce moths, butterflies, &c., for Mr. Lakes, Clare
Hall, Cambridge.
" Saturday, 28th. Walked and rode to Dartford. In
passing through Northfl eet there was a burial of Miss
Chapman in the church, said once to have lived in this
parish, near the river-side, but now no resident there
knew the name or family, and two gentlemen with the
hearse (likely they were administrators) were making
diligent inquiry. Waited on Mr. Hubbard, a new
auctioneer at Dartford, and found his mother-in-law,
Mrs. Munns, of Palace Street, Canterbury, a pleasant
woman.
" Sunday, 29th. The mayor, J. Millen, Esq., walks
to church in procession. Sent a letter to Mr. George
Pocock, about Dartford.
" Monday, 3Qth. Fine day and fine evening, being
full moon. This day Mr. Medhurst Troughton was
chosen mayor. Walked in the morning into Clark's
garden and found in bloom antirrhinum, Michael-
mas daisy, &c. ; but saw no butterflies, except a white
one, although a fortnight since the Atalanta were so
numerous. In the afternoon went down to East Til-
152 ROBERT POCOCK.
bury in a boat (lately there established by Mrs. Smith)
in search of dwarf elder, said to have been seen in
the chalk pits, but found it the common elder. Between
the coal wharf and church saw abundance of Typha
latifolia, or reed mace, the heads of which are worth
gathering for beds, &c. So is the down of corn thistles,
and down of plowman's spikenard, which grows in
abundance in the chalk pits here.
" Tuesday, October ~\.st. At home. My left knee
seems not well, as if swelled ; but I know not what
has made it. It rather affects my walking. Kead letters .
from Mr. Walcot and Frances Pocock.
(( Wednesday, 2nd. Wrote letter to John Walcot,
Esq., Highnam Court, near Gloucester, saying I could
supply him with the set of bound Botany for 10Z.,
or for 5Z. he should have a set of my duplicates;
but for particular plants from sixpence upwards. I
have found the Mr. Walcots very civil gentlemen,
except a younger son who went to the East Indies.
" This afternoon Charles Pocock went out in a ship
or brig to Smyrna, in the Sultan, Captain Christopher
Yeoman. Had a new pair of shoes of Mr. Worsly,
which did not fit me, being too little.
" Thursday, 3rd. The stuffed 'lump fish' becomes
moist. This I have observed before, and suppose it
annually is the case. It is worth remarking again.
When I was at Dartford last week a poor woman,
Mrs. Bax's daughter (the simpler), told me she had
been bitten by a mad dog, and that day found herself
very unwell, and had been persuaded to try the Birling
medicine as an antidote ! She said she would rather
die than be dipped in the salt water ! I packed
up a parcel for Frances Pocock of writing paper
ROBERT POCOCK. 153
and a cyphering book to transcribe some French
therein.
" Friday, 4th. Mrs. Cabamell of Coburgh Theatre
bought a pink conch. Her husband is the architect,
and will give a ticket of admission.
" Sunday, (5th. Sunny, fine ; rain at night. Heard
that last Friday morn at daylight an immense quantity
of hirundines were seen flying towards the moon.
She at that time was about westward. I have said
before they come and go in a storm.
" Monday, 7th. The Royal Sovereign yacht went past
last Saturday with the Duke and Duchess of Clarence
on board.
"Tuesday, 8th. Wind strong, W.S.W. Eain at
intervals. Grafter's paragraph appeared in the
Rochester Gazette about the market provisions, &c., &c.
" Wednesday, 9th. Received a letter from Mr. Wai-
cot, Highnam Court, near Gloucester, for plants, stating
his son, who went to the East Indies, died there.
Captain Vanburgh died.
" Thursday, 10th. Fine, windy, clear. The bishop
comes to Gravesend, and confirms there. He is blind.
Took refreshment at Dr. Crawford 's.
e( Friday, llth. Fine. Employed all day in sorting
my dried plants. Young Tadman buried. This young
man bade fair to be an excellent artist, as he showed
by a drawing of the ' Round Tree,' near Gravesend, well
done. This remarkable tree was at its highest pros.-
perity about 1800 ; then being about sixty feet high
and spreading above forty feet. It was injured, as so
many shots were fired into it during the war, and since
that time has been going visibly to decay.
" Saturday, 13th. Settled with Mr. Cooper, the milk-
154 ROBERT POCOCK.
man, by his paying half-a- crown as balance. Re-
ceived letter from Miss Lousada.
" Monday, 14A. A new newspaper announced
for to-morrow, to be called the Kent and Essex
Mercury.
"Tuesday, 15th. Cloudy. Captain Yanburgh buried
at Milton. Mr. Hawkins, the waterman, died yesterday
on board the boat. If the cap fits me, there has
appeared, by the Rev. Mr. Durham, a severe epigram
(in the Rochester paper) against my person and know-
ledge.
"Thursday, 17th. Rain all last night. Sent off
a letter to J. Walcot, Esq., Highnam Court, near
Gloucester, saying plants had been sent him by New-
man's coach to Bull Inn, Leadenhall Street.
"Monday, 21st. Bill Taylor, at Mrs. Taylor's,
butcher, had his leg broken by a horse. Miss Rash-
leigh called and desired the parcel to be forwarded to
Mrs. Lakes, having paid 6s. for it.
" Tuesday, 22nd. Went to Dartford, and called to
see Mr. Bryan who had the accident to lose his leg
when Mr. Newman's coach broke down on Dartford
Brent. Met with Mr. Lee, the botanist. Saw on the
road the admiral (red stripe) butterfly.
" Thursday, 24th. Gravesend Fair. Mr. Reuben
Fletcher and son Reuben called. Two gentlemen
(one a botanist) called and bought some fossils, &c.
At night, rain. A grand collection of wild beasts,
viz., an elephant, a lion and tiger (so tame as to
suffer the keeper to be in the den), a nilghau (like a
horse) with two horns, &c., and many other rarities,
being the largest fair known.
" Wednesday, 30th. The dulness of the day appears
ROBERT POCOCK. 155
to have made me very sleepy, and this symptom has
affected both Mr. Durham and Mr. Grafter. I think
the same was so last year, and it is worth remarking
next year. The skin of the lump fish is yearly moist,
and when it begins to be so is a good guide, as the
atmosphere ought to be more looked to.
" Thursday, 31 st. Went to London by boat and
spent the evening at Mr. Bennetts, Edward Street.
Mr. B. and his brother are excellent botanists and
naturalists. Slept in Oxford Street.
"Friday, November 1st. Saw two elks from North,
America at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. Yisited
Mr. Brook's museum, Blenheim Street, where I saw a
fine hippopotamus and a great collection of curious
anatomical specimens. Spent the evening with Mr.
Clark, the antiquary, who promised to return me my
folio book and to give me some manuscript matter for
my intended ' History of Gravesend.' His daughter is
an agreeable girl and an excellent player on the piano-
forte the best I ever heard ! He has a son an excellent
painter of landscapes.
"Saturday, 2nd. In bed resting, having been all
night on the water.
" Sunday, 3rd. Mr. Brooks from Blenheim Street,
London, with a lady, called to see my collection.
" Monday, 4th. Two Atalanta butterflies taken.
" Wednesday, 6th. Eead the English Chronicle, or
Whitehall newspaper, and thought it the best 1 had
ever read, being full of amusement.
" Thursday, 1th. Minute white moths in Clark's
garden.
" Friday, 8th. The barbers say lice are numerous
with disease following always at this time !
156 ROBERT POCOCK.
"Monday, llth. Fine. Mr. Spencer,, sen., called
(from Chatham), and said his son. William, with Mr.
Viuail, had given Mr. Nugent Bell, the Irish barrister,
a large sum (between two and three hundred pounds)
to make search for pedigrees, &c., and to proceed in
recovering the Selby estate from Mr. Lowndes, the
possessor ; but that Mr. Bell had died the day a verdict
had been given against him in a cause wherein he
took more money than the law allowed.
" Tuesday, 12th. Mr. Pitcher bought my curious
China jars.
" Wednesday, 137&. Dull at intervals. Walked in
Clark's garden, and found the Silene armeria in bloom.
It is scarce ; has a pink blossom, and crowned or
fringed in the crown. Look for it again next year.
''Thursday, 14^. Sun. Mr. Brown of the Ogil
Castle, East Indiaman, going out November 14th, 1822,
promises to collect shells, &c., and to write to me
when the ship arrives in the Downs. Old Mr. J.
Sherrass died this day in the poor house of Gravesend.
His daughter married Mr. Spencer, of Chatham Dock-
yard, whose son lays claim to the Selby estate of
Buckinghamshire, now held by Mr. Lowndes, a member
of Parliament. Many gulls in the river.
" Tuesday, 19th. Received a letter from Miss ,
the intelligent and rich Jewess.
" Wednesday, 20th. Mr. J. Finch (grandson to the
famous Dr. Priestley) called upon me, on his way to
America. He is going out in the Acasto, bound to
New York. He bought some paper, and I informed him
that when his grandfather was going out to America
he also bought some paper of me, at which he won-
dered, and w^ got into conversation. As he was known
ROBERT POCOCK. 157
to Mr. Hamper, the antiquarian of Birmingham, to
whom I am known by name, and from which place he
had come, and was going out by recommendation
of Dr. S. James Smith, the famous botanist, we en-
tered into the subject of those sciences, and soon
became intimate acquaintances. At night Mr.
Pottinger called to bid me farewell, and took
my letter to Mr. Clarke, the lecturer on botany at
Islington.
" Thursday, 2lst. Mr. J. Finch called again, and
I sold him 300 chalk fossils (on credit) for one guinea,
which sum he promised to send over from New York !
" Sent two cards of compliments to Van Diemen's
Land (yesterday) to Mr. and Mrs. Paul, Mr. Bradley,
Dr. Arnold, and Mr. Elliot, by the Avon (they are all
respectable persons), desiring they will collect me the
curiosities of the island.
" Friday, 22nd. At sunrise the clouds bore a
fine pinky tinge, and I thought before I was up there
would have been a fine scenery. Mr. Grafter called
and told me a sloop had arrived from Quebec in
twenty-one days, the quickest passage known. Was
only sixteen days coming from land to land. Said they
made the Scilly Islands, and came at the rate of nine
miles per hour !
" Saturday, 23rd. This day Mr. Peen found a
peziza in perfection, south side of Gaily Hill ; but by
Mr. Withering^ vol. iv. p. 357, it is Nidularia cam-
panulata ! It is very curious.
" Sunday, 24<th. Read Mr. Fuzzell's tour through
Kent, and found errors, having placed some verses
which stood at the Hermitage, near Gad's Hill, to
Swanscombe. Yet it contained some good criticisms
158 ROBERT POCOCK.
and judicious remarks ; but it appeared written prior
to the tour, or perhaps no tour at all.
"Monday, 25th. Young Taylor, the butcher, who
had his leg broken about three weeks since, has this
day had it cut off by Mr. Park, brother to Mungo
Park.
" Tuesday, 26th. Young Barnard brought me
yesterday to see a coleoptera insect, which had eaten
through a roll of (twenty- two yards) sarcenet and
penetrated into the wood ! I remember going on board
an East India ship, Captain Birch, about five years
ago, and he showed an insect which had turned into
an aurelia, taken out of the mast of a ship ! This
Captain Birch had a brother an engineer at Gravesend.
" This day a gravestone, weighing 6 or 700 hundred-
weight was found in the old churchyard field (de-
scribed in the ' History of Gravesend/ page 61), with
two others of a square form. All of them were Bethers-
den marble, and of high antiquity ; for of such stones
we find the columns of our ancient ecclesiastical build-
ings made, being a turbinated greyish stone, com-
posed of small shells, capable of taking a good polish.
The heaviest stone, being six feet three inches, was
evidently placed there for an ecclesiastic, as on it
there was the sign of a cross, and made not exactly
square, but narrower at one end and grooved with two
deep concaves at the edges. I think it was placed
there prior to 1587 as conjectured in ' History of
Gravesend/ p. 66.
" Wednesday, 27th. This morning, about three
o'clock, a fire broke out at Mr. Murrell's, Perry Street,
in the nursery, which it destroyed ; but the children of
Mr. Kobinson, a clerk in the Tower, escaped with
ROBERT POCOCK. 159
difficulty by the activity and perseverance of a person
at the hazard of his life. The market-bell was rung
and the town alarmed, when two engines were sent
over, but the fire was extinguished without them.
" Thursday, 28th. Men digging to trace the ruins
of the old Gravesend Church.
" Friday, 29th. Miss Tucker and Miss Rashleigh
called and brought some shells and fossils. Miss
Tucker is a botanist, and informed me the spiral orchis
grows about Wingham. (Mem. There never has been
a spiral orchis in Scotland yet : 1822.)
" Monday, December 2nd. Walked to old churchyard
[St. Mary's, Gravesend], and brought away paving
tiles with greenish glaze upon them on one side. They
carried somewhat the appearance of Roman bricks or
tiles, but were not so long and broad, nor thick, so we
may date them of the date of the church.
" Tuesday, 3rd. Preparing chalk fossils for
London.
" Wednesday, 4>th. Bought two whiting pouts with
flat-fish.
" Thursday, th. Sat up last night and counted
Gravesend clock striking twelve, and from five to ten
minutes after I heard some distant clock strike, which
surprised me, as I have read that the church of St.
Paul's, London, was once heard about the same dis-
tance, viz., twenty-two miles. How was the wind last
night ? Sent yesterday evening a box of fossils to go
by Newman's coach to Miss L.
"Friday, 6th. The Berwick ship sailed for Yan
Diemen's Land. To-day made many small boxes to
pack fossils in.
" Saturday, 7th. Frances Pocock came to see me,
160 ROBERT POCOCK.
and in the evening repeated a poem from a newspaper
about the mermaid to be seen in London, which was
very witty and laughable. Heard the Thames, East
Indiaman, was lost a second time, at which I am very
sorry, as it belongs to my friend Mr. Blan chard.
"Sunday, 8th.~M.r. Povey of Northfleet brought
me a golden-crested wren, knocked down in North-
fleet. I never recollect seeing one before, and it must
be a scarce bird, although I have heard they are about
Fami ogham.
" Monday, 9th. Mr. Moore, a clerk lately in the
Bank of England, brought me (he said) a great curiosity,
which he said was a calf's head, or dog's head, petrified,
which he got from Greta Bridge, in Yorkshire ; and
he set a good value on it, saying if I could dispose of
it I might have half. But on my examining it, I knew
what it was, and told him he had better not know
what it was as it would lessen its value; yet if he
would read Van Helmont's works, a Dutch physician,
they would tell him ! This Mr. Moore is related to the
Kev. Mr. Moore, of Kendall, an antiquary : I believe
it is his uncle. I had to-day two left-handed whelks
brought me, taken at Whitstable, for which I gave
sixpence each, being very rare shells.
" Tuesday, Wth. Fine sun. Received a letter from
Miss Lousada, thanking me for a box of fossils, and
saying they were the best she ever saw (except Mr.
Mantell's, of Lewes, in Sussex). Mr. Bullock's daughter
married.
"Thursday, 12th. White frost first observed this
year. Frances Pocock returns to Kingsdown by way of
Maidstone. Sent by her Mrs. Mark Noble's tin botani-
cal box. Wrote to Miss Lousada for her kind offer, and
ROBERT POCOCK. 161
expressing thanks. Young Taylor died at the work-
house after losing his leg, although Mr. Park was the
Burgeon.
<l Friday, \th. Mr. Amherst buried at Milton.
Last night, one Barnet, a biscuit-baker, died. Re-
ceived present from Miss Lousada.
"Saturday, 14th. Paid Mr. Salcote 2s. for two
sheets of paper written out, which he thought reason-
able, and which I thought was too dear ; yet to him it
was a charity. This afternoon I was called on a jury
at the Town Hall, and appointed foreman thereof, to
inquire about the death of a young man, George Polley,
who fell from the masthead of a ship, bound to the
West Indies, and was killed, his brain being injured
and his skull dreadfully broken. Mr. Park, the sur-
geon, attended at the Custom House Tavern, where
the body lay; and the jury brought in accidental
death. The young man was taken to London by his
father, who came down on this sad accident. Golden
wren shot.
tf Sunday, \btli. Received letter from Shadrach
Pocock, Ketley Bank, Salop, saying beef was Hd. to
2d. per Ib. ; mutton, 2^d. to 4d. ; flour, 7s. per bushel ;
eggs, eight a groat ; fowls, 2s. per couple ; and that the
weather was so mild that wallflowers, cloves, stocks,
carnations, and primroses were in bloom !
"Monday, 16th. Miss Man's sale. She was called an
old maid ; but she said, ' It is not my fault, no person
has asked me to marry/ This she said in my pre-
sence (R. Pocock, Gravesend). At this sale a sword
was sold for 6s. which belonged to Mr. Israel Harri-
son, storekeeper at the blockhouse, who said it was
given to him by the Duke of Marlborough when
162 ROBERT POCOCK.
fighting by his side ! Bought by Mr. Grafter, and
sold to Mr. Brett for 14s.
"Tuesday, 17th. General cloud. Sent a letter to
Mr. S. Pocock, in answer to his of the 8th inst. Young
Taylor (butcher) buried in the Princess Street Chapel
ground, attended by the Comical Fellows' Society.
Sent a letter to Mr. Lakes of Clare Hall, Cambridge.
"Wednesday, 18th. Settled with Glover for all
cesses due to this day. A blind worm brought alive.
" Thursday, 19th. Professor Henslow from Cam-
bridge called and left me some dried plants.
f( Saturday, 2lst. Alarmed this morning about four
with the market-bell ringing for a fire at the Prince
Regent Public-house, Town Quay. Soon extinguished.
In evening Mr. Crafter brought a golden plover, shot
at Tilbury Fort. There were forty or fifty in a flock
which, alighting on the ground, all separated, so that
two could not be shot together. This bird does not
seem to be so well described as it ought.
" Sunday, 22nd. Sent a letter to Miss Lousada
with thanks for former favours, and sent her six fossils.
" Monday, 23rd. Had brought me by Neil, water-
man, the smallest tern, which weighed three ounces
(Sterna minuta), shot at Gravesend.
" Tuesday, 24/i. Sent my tern and a golden plover
to Mr. By all's to stuff. Decided a wager by Walker's
Gazette, and found it wrong, by stating that Sunder-
land was only 204 miles instead of above 290 !
" Wednesday, 25M,. Mr. Jerry C died. This
man was on board the Preston, man-of-war, when the
English fleet fought the Dutch. He had been a
Gravesend waterman, and once kept the Dundee Tap
in Wapping. He was noted as a reprobate character,
ROBERT POCOCK. 163
viz., a swearing, dissolute person ; but for two or three
years previous to this had turned an enthusiastic
follower of the Methodists or Dissenters. Wild fowl
about.
" Thursday) 26th. Paid Mr. Harris, executor to
Mr. Amherst, a quarter's rent to Michaelmas, 1822.
Had a bat with long ears brought me alive. It flew
into the linendraper's shop.
" Friday, 2 7th. Miss Beechy buried. Had two
long-tailed titmice brought me. Employed looking
over my plants, and selected out thirty-one to give
Professor Henslow of Cambridge, because he gave me
sixteen which he had selected for me.
" Saturday, 28th. The Kev. Mr. Durham, full of
Greek and Latin questions, visited and puzzled me,
by asking me who the father of Joshua was ; when he
said the answer was Nun.
" Sunday, 29th. No gossipers to-day !
" Monday, 30th. Mr. Lakes, a student from Cam-
bridge, called and bought some butterflies.
" Tuesday, 3lst. River at London frozen. In after-
noon the first snow."
So closes the Journal for 1822, from which, amidst
its varied information, the reader has gathered (pp. 87,
148, 149) evidences that Pocock's versatility was equal
to combining the business of paperhanging and the
profession of correspondence-writing with his other
manifold occupations, and these we know included the
arts of bookbinding and type-founder !
M 2
164
CHAPTER VI.
I saw from the beach, when the morning was shining,
A bark o'er the waters move gloriously on :
I came, when the sun o'er that beach was declining,
The bark was still there, but the waters were gone.
Ah ! such is the fate of our life's early promise,
So passing the spring-tide of joy we have known :
Each wave that we danced on at morning ebbs from us,
And leaves us, at eve, on the black shore alone.
THOMAS MOOEE.
THERE is yet another year's diurnal extant, the
final, and the most complete portion which has
come down to us ; and in perusing it for the period
it covers, viz., the whole of 1823, it will be obvious
that some entries have been retained less on account of
their general than their local interest, and for the pur-
pose of more fully exhibiting the author in his daily life,
views, and sentiments, his business and his pleasures.
It is scarcely probable that journals of such fulness
as those for the years 1822 and 1823 would not have
been preceded, and, for a time at all events, followed
by compilations of the same method ; but these which
are now published are all that have been discovered,
and all that are supposed to exist. They have been
ROBERT POCOCK. 165
given more fully, as they constitute at this distance of
time one of the best means of estimating the man, and
this the more as it may be most truly said of those who
laid him to rest as well as of those who followed
after,
We carved not a line and we raised not a stone,
But we left him . . . alone
The entries in the Journal for 1823, amidst the desirable
information which they confer, serve a less pleasing
office, since they reveal that having sold his patrimonial
house and shop he dispenses with a composing-room in
order to save some 31. yearly rent, reduces his printer's
wages, disposes of surplus furniture, and unsuccess-
fully appeals for time to the tax-gatherer : all ominous
of the future troubles which, already impending,
began, like other "coming events," to '^past their
shadows before/'
JOURNAL FOR 1823.
" Thursday, January 2nd, 1823. Professor Henslow
of Cambridge called, when I gave him about thirty
plants in exchange for his. Heard that Mr. Beding-
field, the lawyer, was dead, and that another lawyer
had run away !
"Friday, 3rd. Bills stuck about for the sale of Town
Clerk Mr. John Mills Evans' goods ! Mr. Evans not
seen lately. Heard another young lawyer was not of
the best principle. Had Mrs. Thorpe's son from North-
fleet to work this day.
"Monday, 6th. E/ev. Mr. Durham called and in-
formed me that Nicholas Gillbee, Esq., late of Denton,
was dead. So he died a poor gentleman, from being
166 ROBERT POCOCK.
among the first men of credit in the county, leaving
by his second wife an infant child. Mr. Gillbee was
once an officer belonging to the West Kent Militia,
and his father was a man of considerable property ;
but it is very remarkable that all his relations, both
male and female, have, within a few years, been
insolvent.
" Tuesday, 7th. William Brean, a printer (from
Dublin), came to work at 3s. 6d. per day, giving me
the secret how to make composition balls, viz., 1 Ib. of
treacle, ^ Ib. of best clear glue, \ oz. of beeVwax,
^oz. of Burgundy pitch, and a tablespoonful of
Venice turpentine, with sometimes a small quantity of
oil. I afterwards made a new ball of this composition.
" Wednesday, 8th. In afternoon two gentlemen
waited on me ; one, Mr. Dunbar, said he was a relation
to the Gordon family of Boley Hill, through his mar-
riage, and entitled to landed property in the vicinity
of Shorne, which had been in Chancery eight years.
The other mentioned his name (Rev. Mr. Radford), and
said he was very partial to history and topography.
Both promised to call again ; and Mr. Dunbar said he
would lend me any peerages or baronetages I may
want. Had a sparrow hawk brought me.
" Friday, 10th. Walked to Northfleet ; met with a
Mr. Russel from Rolvenden, who said the church
floor of Rolvenden was often covered with water, and
was so when the Rev. Mr. Durham preached to a large
congregation ; and that a relation of his came twenty-
two miles to hear him ; and that RussePs brother, now
at Greenhithe, had some old pieces of silver found in
Hastings, when a bushel was found and kept by Sir
Godfrey Webster. At night Captain George Phelan
ROBERT POCOCK. 167
of the 92nd Regiment, lying in Jamaica, called in, and
bought some paper previously to his going out
in the ship, Captain Popplewell. He promises to
collect curiosities for me.
"Saturday, llth. Two brent geese brought me,
shot in Burnham River, Essex. They cost 2s. 6d. the
couple. Length two feet, breadth three feet six
inches. Sally's sweetheart, James T., with all his
religion, very drunk !
" Sunday, 12th. Sally's sweetheart called to make
an apology. I heard he was drunk at the meeting !
So much for his religion ! Four wild swans seen.
" Monday, ISth. Heard that Mr. Parker had been
brought down from London and buried at Milton.
This man kept the Prince Regent, and before it
the New Tavern, which his father had kept.
" Tuesday, 14<th. Had a beautiful duck brought
me, shot at Lower Shorne : it was called a Merganser,
otherwise in the books a sheldrake ; weighed 2J Ibs.,
length 2 feet, width 2^ feet. It breeds in Sheppy
Island. In the year 1820 this day was the coldest.
" Wednesday, loth. Mr. Evans' sale began, where I
bought a mattress for 10s., and ten cloths for 2s. 6d.
"Friday, 17 'th. Mr. Evans' sale continued and
ended. His whole effects raised above 704Z., which
was more than supposed by 200L
" Saturday, 18th. Snow on the ground. Fetched
my lots away from Mr. Evans' sale to the amount of
41. 7s. 6d., and among them found one printed by
Franklin, at Philadelphia, 1744. The ' Encyclopaedia
Britannica ' of Edinburgh, in twenty volumes, fetched
17/. 17s. from Mr. Barber, Gravesend. Hasted's twelve
vols. 8vo, with Views in Kent, the folio plates, 81. 2s.,
1 68 ROBERT POCOCK.
purchased (I believe) by Mr. Harvey, calico printer,
Crayford; and all other books were equally high,
especially law.
" Tuesday, 2lst. Not so cold as yesterday. Last
night sent a letter to Mr. George Pocock at Oxford, and
one to Mr. Spencer, Chatham, telling him all Mr. Bell's
effects (the barrister) were to be sold, and now lying
about his house in confusion. So Mr. Grafter heard
at Mr. Evans' sale. Keceived a letter from Frances
Pocock, saying she met a friendly reception at the
Eev. Mark Noble's, where she was introduced to the
company of Colonel Sims, Mr. Dominicus (a gentleman
fond of flowers), Miss Noble, Mrs. Noble, and Mrs.
Cress well (her daughter) ; and that Mr. Woodward of
Kingsdown wishes much for me to come, as he
says he will introduce me to a lady of great antiquity
and pleasant singularity !
" Wednesday, 22nd. A meeting in the hall, when a
subscription was raised for relief of the poor ; at which
Lord Darnley gave 201., Dr. Crawford, 10Z., Messrs.
Brenchley and Son, 10L, Mr. Dennett, 5/., Mr. Wade,
5L, and others, to the amount of 114Z. 15s.; and Mr.
John Hooker, baker, in lieu of subscription, gave forty
quartern loaves, and Mr. William Turner forty pounds
of meat.
11 Thursday, 23rd. The ships and vessels running
on shore to avoid the ice. Many birds have died from
the frost, particularly bullfinches. A vestry held at
Milton Church to choose a vestry clerk. Candidates,
Cruden, with Southgate and Pearson, attorneys.
"Friday, 24<th. Printing club articles for Green
Street Green, three and half sheets. Seventeen wild
swans flew (over the town) up the river yesterday.
ROBERT POCOCK. 169
" Saturday, 25th. The frost has now lasted from
the 9th instant, and is very severe.
" Sunday, 26th. River filled with ice right across
to Tilbury.
" Tuesday, 28th. Had two scarce birds brought
me, called bramblings, shot at ClifFe, about the size of
chaffinches. A few visit Kent yearly, from the
eighteenth to the end of the month.
" Wednesday, 29th. Earl Darnley's troop dine at
Gravesend. Received I Ib. of printer's ink (two shil-
lings) from Pewtress and Co.
" Thursday, 30th. Received a hare from Frances,
and a napoleon. Had a bald-coot given me by Mr.
Hawkins. Coals are one shilling and sixpence per
bushel, they having risen six shillings per chaldron
since the frost ! Had in half a chaldron from
Toinlin's.
" Saturday, February 1st. Read in the paper that
a snow bunting had been shot this last week in Sussex.
" Tuesday, 4th. Bright sun, which is a glorious
sight after such severe weather. Walked to Southfleet
and Green Street Green to take home one hundred
club articles, 31. 14s., which were paid for. Heard
that two uncommon birds were shot at Southfleet,
about three weeks since, with strong beaks; one the
Rev. Mr. Rashleigh had, the other Mr. Garland had. I
suspect them to be bramblings. Bullfinches are plenty
in orchards, the old birds having the finest colours.
" Wednesday, bth. Heard a wild swan was shot,
and that Mr. Hugget had bought it for ten shillings.
A merganser or sheldrake shot by Mr. Gladdish.
" Thursday, 6th. Miss Fuller called and had some
books. Mr. Simmons the stationer's rider called, and
1 70 ROBERT POCOCIL
I paid him the balance of a note given, which he
returned. Heard that a wild swan was worth twelve
shillings at a furrier's for skin only, but the body is not
very salable in Leadenhall Market.
" Friday, 7th. Rain. Sally went to Skib's Cottage
to work ; and I went to Greenhithe, when Mr. Forrest
paid through Mr. Watson. Heard that my baskets
with fish had lain three days at Gravel Hill most
likely spoiled.
" Saturday, 8th. Received an ' Oxford Guide ' from
George P., who said nine compositors had been dis-
charged from the Clarendon Press, and that no works were
of value, except Aldus, Wasse,Wesselingius, Ricobius, or
others of great repute, and that the writing on the long
leaves which I gave him was Malabar ! He appears
depressed in spirits. My man, the printer, is employed
in printing papers for the Rev. Mr. Woolmough, a
dissenting minister, in order to form a society for
visiting sick members and praying to them.
" Sunday, 9th. My journeyman printer went from
me this day, having been employed since the 7th
of January last, at three shillings and sixpence per
day, whereby he has got a new suit of clothes, of which
he is deserving, as I found him very steady.
"Monday, 10th. Went to Mr. Trezise, Commercial
Tavern, and offered him a bedstead and furniture for
7Z. 17s. 6d., which twelve months ago cost HZ. 11s.
"Tuesday, llth. Mr. Thorowgood the letter-
founder's rider called, and I paid him for what I had
had since last journey.
" Wednesday, 12th. Agreed with Mrs. Teasdale for
sale of a spinet for two guineas ; one of which she
is to pay down to-morrow on delivery, the other at the
ROBERT POCOCK. 171
return of Mr. Teasdale from his voyage (on the cod-
fishery) in about three weeks.
"Thursday, 13 to. The Rev. Mark Noble, Mrs.
Cresswell, her daughter, and Miss Noble paid me
a visit, when I gave Mrs. Cresswell a reversed whelk
from Whitstable, which is a great rarity, and a Bernard
crab, and an Helix pomatia (found in Sir John Dyke's
park on May 1st, about five years ago). Mr. Noble
bought Fussel's ' Journey into Kent/ octavo, and
a ' Biographical Peerage/
" Friday, 14th. Valentine's Day. Two gentlemen
(unknown) called on me to buy a ' History of Graves-
end' (but they did not), when they said that a Mr
Illingworth of the Record Office, Tower, would give
any information in that office on liberal terms.
" Monday, 1 7th. Sold Mr. R , assistant at Mr.
Beaumont's, surgeon, Homer's ' Odyssey ' and * Iliad.'
"Tuesday, Itith. Employed in "composing" an
account (additional) , of the subscribers for the relief of
the poor of Gravesend, when this second amount
was 52Z. 2s. 4d., making with the first amount a total
of 166?. 17s. 4d distributed in and among the towns-
folks, &c. : thus there were relieved 680 families, and
2330 persons in the greatest distress, by 2741 quartern
loaves of the best wheaten bread, 1313 pounds of
meat, and 24^ chaldrons of coals ! I cannot close this
paragraph without mentioning the name of Mr. James
Wade (of Ash), who gave liberally five pounds ; and at
every such subscription he gives handsomely, not for-
getting his native town of Gravesend, where his father
was Mayor.
" Wednesday, 19th. A gentleman in the shop whose
features so resemble Mr. Blanchard (part owner of
172 ROBERT POCOCK.
the Thames) as to induce me to think he is his
brother.
' ' Thursday, 20th. Worked off the committee's job
about the poor. Heard Miss Walsh was married to a
Mr. White of the East India House.
"Friday, 2lst. My birthday, having completed
the sixty- third year of my age, being born February
2Jst, 1760, and, thank God, retaining my general
good health, and having outlived most of my enemies,
and seen them fall.
" Saturday, 22nd. A lady called Mrs. Browne,
No. 41,Edgeware Road, Paddington and bought two
conch shells for four shillings.
" Sunday, 23rd Perused Mr. Charles Clarke's
quarto pamphlet on ' Ancient Seats, Sinks, and Re-
marks on Chalk Church, Kent ; ' but found he had not
been quite correct with the inscription on one of the
bells in Chalk Church, by mistaking a letter, and giving
in Roman capitals what ought to have been in old black
capitals.
"Monday, 24<th. Heard that a young man was
drowned from a fishing-smack belonging to Mr.
Fletcher on the Terrace.
" Tuesday, 2Wi. This day Mr. Dill, surgeon of H.
C. S. Atlas, out-bound, called and said he would bring
me home a bird's nest from China, made by a species
of swallow from the foam of the sea, so said, and used
in China as a favourite dish or soup. He also said if I
would call at his house, No. 3 7, Devonshire Street, Queen
Square, London, I might have a bird's-nestin the form
of a bundle of hay, and if not at No. 37, then try
No. 43 in the same street.
" Mr. Peen called, and found the ship Charles Pocock
ROBERT POCOCK. 173
(my son) went out in was the Sultan, Captain Chris-
topher Yeoman, bound for Smyrna, which sailed from
Gravesend on the 3rd of October, 1822.
" Thursday, 27th. A person called on me with beads
to sell, and said he was in the employ of Mr. Mawe
the mineralogist, and that Mr. Mawe was in London
when it was thought he was in the Brazils ! This
person seems to understand minerals, &c., and takes,
he says, great delight in music as a composer. The
Kellie Castle, East Indiaman, sails from Gravesend.
"Friday, 28th. Had a dog sent from Mrs. Taylor
of Higham Hall, to get stuffed, because it was a
favourite dog, which will cost above a guinea. The
son is a miller, and has Gravesend Mill on a lease.
Sent the dog by Newman's coach.
" Thursday, March 6th. " Composing " a card for
Mr. Ashdown's niece, Dartford. Mr. Ash down lives on
Bexley Heath, and is a good bird- staffer. Election in
church between Glover and Gladwell, for assistant
overseer.
" Friday, 7th. In the evening two gentlemen called.
One was P. C. Banks, Esq. , of the Honourable Society
of the Inner Temple, author of the ' Dormant and Ex-
tinct Baronage of England/ ' Honores Anglicani/ &c.,
whom I found a very intelligent, pleasant person,
being about to publish in two volumes octavo,
boards, price twenty-eight shillings, ' Regalia Curialia ;
or, An Historical Account of all the Grand Solemnities
and Public Ceremonies ; as also of all the high offices,
hereditary or temporary, appertaining to the Royal
Court and Crown of Great Britain : the whole replete
with a variety of novel, curious, and interesting Re-
marks, Notes, Annotations, &c/ The other gentleman,
1 74 ROBERT POCOCK.
I think, must be a German or Danish quaker, and
dumb, as he never spoke a word, sat with his hat on,
and spat on the carpet !
" Saturday, 8th. Paid T. Harris my rent to Christ-
mas last, when he talked about taking away the large
composing-room. Bought new gridiron of a poor man
for Is. 2d., from Deptford.
" Composed a bill, to print 500 copies, that a
sermon will be preached in the Parish Church of
Gravesend, on Sunday, March 16th, 1823, in aid of
the funds of the Incorporated Society for the Propa-
gation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, by the Rev.
Samuel Watson, D.D., Rector. Prayers will begin at
eleven o'clock. Yesterday, came into the shop a
woman who lives at the Dover Castle, about three
miles from Gravesend, who said her mother was alive at
Ash, and 108 years old ! having been born in 1713
at Bexley parish, and for some time worked for Lady
Fermanagh at May Place, near Crayford ; that she had
been married three times, and that her maiden name
was West, and she would die a West (her first hus-
band was Vaughan, second Woodman, and third West);
that her appetite at present was very good, and she
could walk well (which I know she did, two or three
years ago, coming from the Dover Castle to Graves-
end) ; but now her eyes begin to fail, and she is
getting blind, but she did not want for plenty of
victuals, as Mr. James Wade, of Ash (well known
for his repeated charity to the Gravesend poor people,
where he was born), assisted her.
" Printed off the 500 bills announcing Dr. Watson's
sermon for next Sunday, as said yesterday. Heard
Mrs. Evans was dead. She was the mother of the
town clerk, and her maiden name was Mills.
ROBERT POCOCK. 175
" Tuesday, llth. A man playing or claiming on the
bells of Gravesend Church many very pleasant tunes,, as
' Oh. dear, what can the matter be ? ' &c., &c. The mode
he took was to tie tight all the bell-ropes near him in a
circle, and pushing from him the ropes very quickly,
made the bells strike.
" Wednesday, 12th. At night Mr. Grafter brought
a foreign round fruit, as big as a man's head, full
of prickles ; and it resembled a hedgehog rolled
up, so exactly that I was some time (at first) before I
thought otherwise. On looking for its name in my
botanical books, I could not find it out exactly, but I
believe it ranks as a cactus.
(t Friday, 14th. Heard that a great fire had been
at Canton, and all the tea burnt. Mr. Grafter brought
an old almanack, made by twelve pieces of wood, cut
out in Runic characters.
" Monday, 17th. Heard few persons gave anything
at Dr. Watson's sermon yesterday.
"Tuesday, 18th. Brenand, my late journeyman
compositor, returns from a journey through Kent, and
I set him to work this morning.
" Wednesday, 19th. Printed this morning twenty-
five posting bills ' for petty officers, carpenters, sail-
makers, and able seamen to enter on board the Albion,
Captain Sir William Hoste, Bart., K.C.B., now lying at
Portsmouth/ He is brother to Sir George Hoste,
chief engineer at Gravesend, Tilbury, and Purfleet.
" Saturday, 22nd. William Brenand, my journey-
man printer, left me for London. The assizes
ended.
" Monday, 24th. Cleared out of the composing-
room, in order to have my rent lowered three pounds
per year, from twenty-five pounds per year.
176 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Tuesday, 25th. Employed in placing my printing
types and frames in the upper room.
"Thursday, 27^. Settled with Mr. Glover, the
assistant overseer, by his paying me twelve shillings
and sixpence balance my bill being 21. 14s. 6d., and
his cesses, one church and two poor, 21. 2s. when he
told me they got about ten pounds for Dr. Wat-
son's sermon last Sunday. Mr. Pewtress, stationer,
called.
" Good Friday, 28th. Hawkins, the waterman, with
a gentleman, called to see my collection of curiosities.
" Saturday, 29th. The new butchers' shambles
occupied by the butchers the first time.
" Easter Sunday, '30th. Walked up Northfleet
Cliffs and saw the first white cabbage butterfly,
as well as a yellow with red spots, and a small tor-
toise-shell. The common bee on the bloom of coltsfoot,
which this day first expanded. Got two orchis roots.
This may be said to be the first fine day towards
summer.
" Monday, 3lst. Mr. Grafter brought me yesterday
a small brass counter of Queen Anne's, with her
head well raised, and the words ' Anna Dei Grat.'
On the reverse was the queen standing, and with her
right hand pushing back the arm of a seeming
courtier, who is seen kneeling, with his left hand
touching the queen's knee, and holding his hat in
his right hand. He has a long beard, and his dress
reaches nearly to his feet, like a woman's gown, and
at the bottom are the words, ' All for love/ Now I
cannot recollect any part of the English history that
alludes to or mentions any lover Queen Anne had,
except her husband, the Prince of Denmark.
ROBERT POCOCK. 1 7 7
"Tuesday, April 1st. Busy in " composing " Mr.
Penman's card for his fishmonger's shop near
the market ; and also Mr. Grafter's card for his new
cookshop near the Fountain.
" Wednesday, 2nd. Went to Wilmington, and got
five or six roots of the lizard orchis, all of which
must have grown in the two last years, as when I was
there in 1821, in March, only one root was left. (Mem.
I killed a viper there ; which I have done every time I
have been there; although to-day it was so cold.) Came
home in a caravan with a young man, about twenty-
seven or twenty-eight, of the name of Hunt, of Borden,
a farmer.
"Thursday, 3rd. In my walkyesterday I saw in bloom
besides primroses, violets (white and blue), veronica
ivy-leaf, alder, hazel, and a garden flower in full
blooni (white), I believe an arabis; but the season on
the whole is very backward, there being no black-
thorn in bloom. The common willow was in bloom,
but not the elm.
" Friday, 4th. Read the ' History of Glasgow/ an
octavo, and found in it that St. Mungo and St.
Kentigern were one and the same person ! I found
also that Oliver Cromwell, and several other gentlemen
therein named, readily signed their names towards
the relief of the inhabitants of Glasgow, who had
suffered much by a dreadful fire which happened
there a short time before, viz., on June 17, 1652.
This document, as it appears in the appendix, p. 317,
of the ' History of Glasgow/ proves that Oliver Crom-
well was possessed of some charity and well disposed.
And I have somewhere else read that when the
Bible (I believe the polyglot) was printed, the paper
178 ROBERT POCOCK.
being had from abroad, Oliver permitted it to be
imported free of duty, which may be called a good
trait in his character ! Wm. Brenand, the printer, re-
turned.
"Saturday, 5th. "Went toNorthfleet, to Mr. Locket's,
when Mr. Higgins paid me 12s. for printing 200
bills for contracts. Got some Orchis anthropophora (?),
and observed many blackish efts busy in the water,
which water I have observed rises in the spring-time
higher in those chalk pits and more full than at other
times ; nor can I conjecture from whence those black
efts originate, for they are not found in the autumn.
Much rain in evening. The Duke of York ship came
up from the East Indies.
" Monday, 7th. At night I settled with "William
Brenand by paying him 2s. 4d., which made up his
wages of Saturday and to-day, and he is to stop with
me at '6s. per day, until I get something that will pay
well. Miss Cooke, the blacksmith's daughter, married,
and also some others, at Gravesend Church.
" Tuesday, 8th. Not a pleasant day yet ; except
Easter Day. My man William began setting my
Chronology in brevier. William had a shilling.
"Wednesday, 9th. Paid Wm. at noon Qd. Walked
with Mr. Peen and put out four lizard orchis. The
first two at or near two holly-trees, about fifty yards
to the south of the turnpike road, in the hedge
leading to West Wood; and the other two in the
same hedge, a quarter of a mile up, where the
militaris orchis grows about. Mr. Grafter gave him a
shilling at night.
" Friday, llth. Walked to Dartford, when Mr. T.
Brewer paid me in full, 14s. and 7s. 6d., and saw Mr.
ROBERT POCOCK. 179
Ashdown of the Calico Print Grounds, who says any
Saturday noon he is at leisure, and will go down the
marshes to botanize. In my journey I met many
coaches loaded with persons going down to the ship
launch at Chatham to-morrow, of the Prince Regent
a beautiful first-rate with a round stern, being the
first on that principle. Gave William 2s. 6d. out of Mr.
Grafter's money. Paid Niel, the waterman, a shilling
for putting on board the Comet, bound for Leith, half
a firkin of plants for Mr. Patrick Niell, printer, of
No. 10, Old Fish Market, Edinburgh. Sent by post a
letter to Mr. Niell, saying the plants were forwarded ;
and in the firkin was a list of what rare plants I
wanted.
" Saturday, 1 2th. The ship launch at Chatham
of the Prince Regent the largest ship, I believe, yet
made with a round stern. Heard a person by
accident was there killed. Paid William, my man, 9s.
at night on his leaving me. Frances Pocock came.
" Sunday, 13th. Frances returns. Put out two
lizard orchis in the Claphall Road ; one stout enough
to blow this year, and the other with only one leaf, as
if only one year old ; so that I suppose it will not blow
till 1825 (watch it!). Heard first nightingale.
" Monday, 14th. Went by boat to London. Waited
on Mr. Simmonds, and gave him a new bill ; but the
old bill was not returned. Waited on Mr. Pewtress,
my stationer.
" Tuesday, I5th. Went to Paddington, and much
pleased with two new churches I saw on the road. I
believe one was Marylebone, and the other St. Pancras.
Slept in Bedfordbury.
" Wednesday, \tith. Wet, uncomfortable. Sold old
N 2
i8o ROBERT POCOCK.
type to Caslons, of Chiswell Street ; but did not like
their price or behaviour. Found all the founders in one
mind, as if in combination. Mr. Figgins said printing
was only six months old ! Bought the ' History of
Rochester/ and some other books. Came home.
"Friday, 18th. Miss Brenchley married last Monday
or Tuesday to Dr Day of Maidstone.
" Saturday, 19th. Season very backward. Mr.
Brown called and paid 10s., being the balance for his
cards.
" Sunday, 20th. The 5Z. lottery club which I be-
long to, by my number eleven, viz., the eleventh week
from the beginning, is to be found by my day-book
when I am to receive it from Mrs. Jones.
" Wednesday, 23rd. Walked to the boundary-stone
in Shinglewell Lane, marked MP, for Milton Parish
(although placed on the Gravesend side, viz., west side
of the road) ; and there I planted (about nine feet from
the said post marked MP), on the west side of the
hedge, a lizard orchis to remain as a breeder, which
root I had brought from near Roe Hill in Wilming-
ton. Those roots are very scarce, and I want to pro-
pagate them.
" Thursday, 24th. Matthew Buckinger (grandson of
Matthew Buckiuger born without hands or feet), having
been to Mr. Southgate, the attorney, to relate his claim
to two estates, one the house wherein Pierce, the copper-
smith at Dartford, lives, and the other the Arnolds'
estate at Gravesend, returned back to Dartford.
" Friday, 25th. Heard it was the Hebe, brig, bound
to Antwerp with shot and shell, which had foundered
off Margate, about November last, with Bentley, the
pilot, on board.
ROBERT POCOCK. 181
" Saturday, 26th. Mr. Grafter opens his cook-
shop.
"Sunday, 27th. Began my MS. book, 'Errata in
Past ; or, Mistakes of Authors,' observed by myself in
the perusal of books ; noticing my own ' History of
Gravesend' first. In the evening visited Mr. Grafter
to see his new toy and cook-shop at New Tavern, which
I prognosticate will not answer, but get him in debt.
" Monday, 28th. Appears the first fine day this year.
Old Mr. Spencer from Chatham called, and I gave him
a direction to Mr. Manning, to inquire for his son (I
believe a special pleader) who is very fond of heraldry,
and who has made a search after the family of Selby of
Bucks, of which family young Mr. Spencer thinks he is
heir!
et Wednesday, ZQth. Bought four pink conchs for
5s. of Ogleby.
" Thursday, May 1st. Elm-tree just in green, but
leaves not expanded. Heard that Mr. Miller, living at
Bristol, near the river, was a collector of shells.
"Friday, 2nd. A gentleman called (I believe a
clergyman), who said Mr. Streatfield (I believe the late
high sheriff) is making a collection for the ( History
of Kent/ by illustrating Hasted with portraits, MSS.,
&c. The gentleman is fond of fossils, minerals, &c.
" Saturday, 3rd. Received a letter from the Rev.
Mark Noble of Barming, with an enlarged pedigree
and notes of the Robinson families, now of Densto.n
Hall, Suffolk, and formerly of Gravesend, Kent. Also
a letter from Mrs. Noble to thank me for some orchis
I sent her, among which was a lizard orchis now rare
in Great Britain.
" Sunday, 4th. Had a sad cold and inflammation
182 ROBERT POCOCK.
at the nose, with every sign that I should be ill. Stayed
within doors, and read over two or three times the letter
and communications of the Rev. Mark Noble on the
Robinson families, which have taken several branches ;
and his research for names has been most laborious.
He is a valuable friend, and has kindly promised me
his assistance in any of my literary pursuits. Mrs.
Sarah Noble, his wife, is fond of gardening and botany.
So is a daughter of theirs, settled in Staffordshire, a
complete botanist. Another daughter is a Mrs. Cress-
well, a widow with two children. Colonel Sims's wife,
and a daughter unmarried.
" Monday, bth. A gentleman from near Tunbridge
called, and bought a chalk fossil, and confirmed that Mr.
Streatfield, near Bromley, was collecting and making
illustrations for Hasted's Kent, as before mentioned.
" Tuesday, 6th. Received a letter from C. Clarke,
F.S.A., saying he had made a collection of MSS., for
my ' History of Gravesend/ and requesting me to come
to town for them on Thursday next, to Nassau Street,
Oxford Road. He said the Cottonian MSS. contained
nothing about Gravesend. Mr. Dunbar of the Middle
Temple called, and promised books. Wrote letter to the
Rev. Mr. Noble, Barming, to thank him for his pedigree
of the Robinsons, and to Mr. C. Clarke, F.S.A., saying
I would meet him in London on Thursday. Mr.
Craf ter called and said a serious charge had been made
against him (by Wm. Webster) to Major Kelly;
all of which appears to arise from malice by Mr.
Webster, a shopkeeper, because Mr. Crafter has set
up a shop next door to him. I have always found
Mr. Crafter ready to do good.
" Wednesday, 7th. Mr. Crafter called, and said Mr.
ROBERT POCOCK. 183
Webster had delivered to Sir George Hoste, the en-
gineer, a written charge against him ; when I told him
not an instant should be lost in trying to make friends
and stopping such a serious accusation, and I was
willing, if any good could be done, to act as a mediator
and to go directly to Mr. Webster ; which I did, but
Mr. Webster said it was too late, as the proceedings
were before the Board. I did all I could on this
occasion, staying with him till past twelve o'clock p.m.
" Thursday, 8th. Overslept myself by staying out
later than usual last night, and so lost the boat. Got
on board the Sally, an oyster-vessel, from Queen-
borough, employed with three others in bringing upon
an average about 300 bushels from that place, the
grounds of which extend from near Sheerness to
King's Ferry. Oysters they said were four years
coming to growth. The young are brought from
the westward, as few of the natives live ! Met Mr.
Clarke, who gave me my books and MSS. one of
which related to Shorne and also an accurate
drawing of Gravesend Church, which I shall have en-
graved in my intended second edition. One of Mr.
Clarke's sons is a good landscape painter, another a
surgeon, who went a voyage in 1822 to Greenland,
and another afflicted with St. Vitus 7 dance. Mr.
Clarke has also two daughters.
"Friday, th. Heard the Thomas Coutts, East India-
man, had got aground coming up the river yesterday.
Waited on Mr. Coreton and sold him an ancient gold
coin, when he offered me good Roman copper at 3s. 6d.
per pound ! Visited Mr. Manning, of John Street,
Adelphi, Mrs. Saxter, a distant relation, and
Mrs. Cross of Exeter Change, who gave me some of
184 ROBERT POCOCK.
the best Scotch ale I ever tasted, and commissioned
me to buy (if possible) two New Zealand heads at
three guineas each, for Mr. Norman, for a museum in
Dublin, there being some about Gravesend ! One
was lately sold in a sale for thirty shillings.
"Saturday, 10th. Visited with Mr. George Man-
ning the library of the Inner Temple (about ten
o'clock), which is the neatest, best, and most elegant
I ever saw. Made some extracts from Sir Henry
Chauncy's ' History of Hertfordshire ' a very scarce
work, and most valuable ! and from others. Stayed
two hours, but not a person came into the room, except
the under-lib rarian, and the librarian, who passed
through, saying, < I hope you gentlemen have found
what you wanted.' Keturned home by the boat from
Billingsgate, by John Creed, and found my cherry-
tree had been dug up and taken away.
t( Monday, 1 2th. Fireworks in evening in the field
opposite the Globe, or Ordnance Field. Mr. Grafter
called, and said on Thursday morning last he went
over to Major Kelly, and brought a note from him to
Colonel Sir G. Hoste, purporting that it was not the
wish of Major Kelly to proceed with any charge
against Mr. Grafter, and that Sir George Hoste had
returned to Webster his charge against him !
"Tuesday, 13th. Windy. Waited on Yiggers
about the taxes due, 34s., who behaved very violently,
saying he would not give me any indulgence ! no,
not an hour ! Walked over to Northfleet with
some parish receipts, but came away without the
money.
"Wednesday, 14*7*. Sale at White Hart of the
property. Got some bills to print about young Francis
ROBERT POCOCK. 185
Jewiss, drowned yesterday off the town. May ready
but not expanded in bloom. Young Jewiss found.
Walked to Northfleet.
"Thursday, 16th. Walked on the hill, and found
on south-west side corn salad in bloom, with the small
scorpion grass and serrated leaf veronica, in the road
to the Blue House. The leaf resembles the Yeronica
chamedrys, but is not so large, and is in seed-pod
this day, while the V. chamedrys has but just come in
flower.
"Friday, 16th. An East Indiaman (the Clyde)
expected, wherein is the daughter of Dr. Scott, of
Twickenham. This gentleman is a descendant of a
Scott family of Kent, and also of Fair Rosamond.
He has been high up in the interior of the East India
territories to Nepaul and Almorah and has seen the
long range of snowy mountains whose heights are
much above the clouds. I first met him in Mr.
Prall's shop, the chemist, where he related many
anecdotes. One was of Admiral Pocock, whose son
having married a Miss Long, was, at the dinner,
handing her to the chair at the top of the table ; but
the old gentleman said ' Stay/ and seated himself in it
to the great discomfort of the lady who (Dr. Scott
said) was much given to gaming) to the hurt of the
family. I think he said she was a clergyman's
daughter ; but this does not agree with my pedigree,
it being there as Miss Long, daughter of Edward
Long, Esq., of Wimpole Street (?). Dr. Scott related
many curious anecdotes whilst we were in the shop :
one was that the late king going into a mill, and the
miller opening a trap-door above him, got his clothes
all over flour, which the miller perceiving came down
i86 ROBERT POCOCK.
and tried to clean off. The king, so far from being
angry, called Lord Chesterfield and another lord (I
think Goldsworthy) to come and look up at the place,
when the king desired the miller to open it again, and
down came much on them, to the sport of his Majesty !
Another time a Mrs. Scott, nurse to Queen Charlotte,
lay in an adjacent room, whilst nursing his present
Majesty, King George IV. The king, who loved a joke,
slipped out of bed, and took away from the nurse, un-
perceived, the child to his own bed, much to the wonder-
ment and dismay of the nurse, of whom the queen was
jealous, perhaps not without some cause.
"Saturday, 17th. Mr. Pachefrom Mardyke, Hot-
well Koad, Bristol, called and bought some shells, &c.,
lls. Mr. Watts, a gentleman (from, I believe, North-
amptonshire), called and bought some shells, and said
his sons were botanists.
"Sunday, 18th. Mr. Chambers and Mr. Johnson
called, and I went with them botanizing to Thong
and Shorne. They both were good draughtsmen, and
wanted plants only to draw. We found in bloom at
Shorne Eabbit Warren the Narcissus poeticus ; and
on the verge of a chalk pit, one field south of Shorne
Workhouse, going up Gad's Hill, the Orchis fusca,
hitherto called Orchis militaris ; on the bank under
a broom in flower, viz. about three feet off. In the
field above, being the west side of Gad's Hill Wood on
the south side of the Dover road, I planted a spider
orchis as a breeder. On the north side of the turnpike
road, in a small wood, or part of a wood, called Chapel
Wood, we found the Orchis fusca, the bird's nest, the
oxslip, the cowslip, and other scarce plants. Caught
the grizzle butterfly in Thong Lodge Field.
ROBERT POCOCK. 187
"Monday, l$tli. Mr. Fitz Strathern (Mr. Hume's
lawyer) called about the Marchmont title and estate ;
when I told him that some years ago I bought of old
Mr.Hume a piece of magnetic iron-ore, when I believe
he at that time related a story, that he supposed
himself entitled to an estate and title. This Mr. F.
said he went from Edinburgh to Stronsa to see the
sea-snake, which had two spinal piths, or marrow, an
uncommon thing in nature, and that it was fifty-five
feet long, and its mane or bristles shone very much.
He was sent from Edinburgh by order of the
College of Surgeons there. I told him Miss Jane
Burgess, of St. Margaret's, Hope, had sent me a
drawing of it ; which surprised him as he knew the
young lady, whom, he said, had married a Mr. Calder,
a surgeon, who used her very ill ; but that they were
now both dead.
" Tuesday, 20th. A regiment of soldiers marched
out. Busy in printing some bills for the sale of
'Frail's superior ginger beer/ This sort of drink
has only come into fashion within a year or two.
" Wednesday, 21,9^. Betsom Fair. Paid Mr. John
West yesterday 8s. Gd. Settled with Mr. Prall,
chemist, by paying him for the pill boxes, and he for
my printing 200 bills for ginger beer.
"Thursday, 22nd. Walked to Southfleet with Mr.
Simmonds, coast inspector in the Customs, and saw
the private and mourning coach of Rev. Mr. Rashleigh
(aged 77J returning from Boxley, having been there
with Mr. Rashleigh, senior, and his son, Mr. Rashleigh,
minister of Horton Kirby, and a Mr. Brookes, an ac-
quaintance, as mourners ; to deposit there Mrs. Frances
Rashleigh (aged 67), who died on the 14th. She was
i88 ROBERT POCOCK.
a Miss Barville, an heiress, and has left one son and
two daughters. Mr. Peter Rashleigh, senior, is of
Cornwall, having a brother, Thomas, of Blackheath, a
barrister. Another lately dead, Charles, an attorney.
Another a merchant ; and another possessor of a valu-
able collection of minerals, at Menavilley, in Cornwall.
Charles Kashleigh, lately dead, Mr. Simmonds said
was very unfortunate by being involved in a law-
suit, the expense of which, he thinks, cost above
20,000?. !
"Mr. Simmonds was much delighted with the prospect
and variety of scenery in our walk ; and coming near
to Scotbury, in the road from Southfleet, in looking
to the north, a beautiful scene presents itself of North-
fleet Church, Fiddler's Eeach, and part of Essex, worthy
the attention of the artist !
"Friday, 23rd. Grays Fair. Mr. Fitz Strathern
called about Hume's business, and I made a deposition
that when old Mr. Hume sold me a piece of magnetic
iron-ore, he said that he was entitled to an estate in
Scotland. I made this deposition before the justice of
Gravesend, Mr. Thomas Johnson (aged 76), in presence
of Mr. Fitz Strath ern, and have a copy left with
me.
" Sunday, 2oth. Mr. Dadd from Chatham called,
and bought some fossils and minerals. He is collecting
the minerals of Kent. Walked to White Hill and
found burnet in bloom.
" Monday, 26th. Young John Whitbread came to
do anything about the house. Mr. Scoones called
and said Colonel Dalton had travelled in Russia
and Italy, and been introduced to the high persons
there." [This gentleman, Col. Dalton, believed to be
ROBERT POCOCK. 189
a native of Graveseud, was colonel of the West Kent
regiment of militia, and held office as Equerry in the
Duke of Gloster's household. He built and resided in
Parrock House, now used as an industrial school,
in Milton.] " Mr. S. has an elder brother, an attor-
ney, and said that it was his great-grandmother,
Mrs. Whatmore, who was drowned in the tilt-boat.
His sister married a Mr. Crawford, an engineer,
and he has a brother, an attorney, and two dead.
Mr. Warren's rider called, and I paid him 17 s. for
blacking.
(t Tuesday, 27th. Mr. Scoones called and bought
two chalk fossils (5s.). Bought of Mr. Prall, spirits
of salts, 1\d., in exchange for clam-shells.
" Wednesday, 28th. Bought crescent oyster of boy
Penman for 2s. A gentleman at the New Inn cut
his throat in two places, but by my assistance re-
covered !
" Thursday, 29th. Charles Pocock, my son, has just
arrived in a ship passing the town from the Mediter-
ranean. I hope he will be more grateful than he was
on his return from the East Indies. Received a
nosegay from Mr. Russel, Swanscombe, containing 200
varieties of flowers. Bought some chalk fossils at
Northfleet.
" Friday, 3Qth. Walked into Greenhithe Marshes,
and coming home bought some chalk fossils, among
which were teeth of h'sh. Bought shells and cement
stones of Mrs. Bennet, Stone Bridge Hill. Received a
letter from Mrs Roe, Woolwich, saying her brother
wanted 21. worth of chalk fossils and shells.
" Saturday, 3lst. Sally received a letter, post paid,
from Harwich. Mr. Champion from Maidstone called
IQO ROBERT POCOCK.
to show a MS. of his on Penhurst. Charles Pocock
came home from sea, dirty enough ! Shameful !
Sent a letter to Mr. Eobinson of Denston Hall,
Suffolk, about his family, by Mr. Champion, my
nephew/'
It is scarcely necessary to announce that Pocock
was never able to realize his hope of publishing a second
and improved edition of his " Gravesend," for which he
had obtained the additional materials mentioned at
pp. 155 and 182 183 above, and at p. 220 post.
191
CHAPTER VII.
Can gold calm passion, or make reason shine ?
Can we dig peace or wisdom from the mine ?
Wisdom to gold prefer, for 'tis much less
To make our fortune than our happiness
The man who consecrates his hours
By vigorous effort, and an honest aim,
At once he draws the sting of life and death :
He walks with nature, and her paths are peace.
EDWAED YOUNG, 1780.
THUS have we accompanied Robert Pocock through
the first five months of the most complete of his
few and fragmentary Diaries which remain extant,
namely : that for the year 1823. In the following
pages it will be resumed and carried to the close of
that year. Its entries will afford the reader many
salient opportunities of judging of his character, its
defects and merits.
It may be thought that these diurnal entries, follow-
ing each other throughout the year, are tedious in
perusal as they are necessarily detached and broken up
in subject; but upon the most careful considera-
tion it has been felt, as indeed has been previously
observed, that where the means of exhibiting the course
of life, character, and occupation are so mainly to be
derived from the few written remains which have^sur-
n)2 ROBERT POCOCK.
vived, and which, have been here with difficulty
gathered, it was on the whole the more faithful work
to set them forth and to let the reader judge of the
man at first hand, rather than for the author to have
compiled a diagnosis of his own, and to have withheld,
as would then be excusable and even necessary, a great
part of the data upon which his appreciation or depre-
ciation had been based.
" Sunday, June 1st. Wrote a letter to Mr. Spencer,
junior, Chatham, that the Manor of Hertingfordbury, in
Hertfordshire, in 1700 was in the possession of Selby,
Esq., of the Inner Temple, to whom he pretends to be
the right heir.
" Monday, 2nd. Wrote a letter to Mr. Thatcher, No.
51, Newman Street, London, saying I could supply him
with shells and curiosities. Also to Mr. Miller, near
the river, Bristol, saying I could send him 100 speci-
mens in chalk for a guinea I mean a pound note.
Sent a love-letter to Mrs. S., at Mrs. D., wishing
for an interview. Mr. Aldersley, with a (rent well
versed in reading, called and read MS. of Cobham
Hall.
" Tuesday, 3rd. Bought a palate of a fish in chalk,
single, but to be perfect they ought to be conjoined,
and a series of them.
" Saturday, 7th. Settled with a poor, honest woman
of Northfleet by giving her a shilling.
" Sunday, 8th. Mr. Peen returned from a journey to
the Isle of Oxney, having found some scarce plants.
Drunken Millingham from Greenwich (called Tipsy
Austen) and his iriend refused seeing my curiosities.
" Wednesday, llth. Mr. Hally, nurseryman, Black-
ROBERT POCOCK. 193
heath (Sir Gregory Page's), called and offered to show
nursery and garden.
" Thursday, 12th. Professor (Henslow) of Mine-
ralogy from Cambridge called, and I gave him some
plants, and he promised some from Cambridge. I in-
troduced Mr. Peen to him.
"Friday, 13th. Mr. Warwick, dealer in shells,
called from a voyage in Van Diemen's Land, &c. He
was sent out by the British Museum to collect shells,
&c. He is here waiting the arrival of the Castle
Forbes, as he left the ship off the Land's End ; and now
has bought of me a left-handed whelk, and two purple
oysters from Scotland. His residence is in Eoebuck
Place, Great Dover Road, London. Monsieur Nodd-
geriezn Pfefferkorn (pronounced Peppercorn) called,
wanting old armour, weapons, &c. He is captain and
aide-de-camp of the second brigade, Dantzic. Has an
acquaintance, Heidegger, colonel, knight, and consul
in the service of the Emperor of Russia, wanting Greek
and Roman medals.
"Saturday, i^th. Sent last night letters to Mr.
Marshall, druggist, Vauxhall Walk, and A. B., there
to be delivered by Mrs. Hanson. Walked to Green
Street Green, and waited on clergyman at Swanscombe.
" Monday, 16th. The sturgeon brought up alive
by the Favourite smack is ten feet long, and weighs
about two hundred pounds.
"Tuesday, 17 th. Sam Mud (an almost idiot) lies
dead, through bite of Mr. Brenchley's dog.
" Thursday, IVth. Went to Hole Haven with Mr.
Peen and Mr. BrowD, and drank tea with Captain
Kelly, on board the oyster- vessel ; and 6n shore
Captain Webb gave me a piece of peacock copper-ore.
194 ROBERT POCOCK.
I walked near three miles in the island, but did not
find the common stinging-nettle. The island not
favourable to botanical excursions. Saw there only
the mustard in bloom, with the scarlet vetch, not 200
yards from the house in the high road. Narrow-
leaf typha to eastward of house, two miles off. Heard
from Captain Kelly that the water in the harbour gets
of a reddish colour, which rain dispels ; and that when
of this colour it is not good for the lobsters. This colour
(the cause of it) is to be inquired into. Was only
one hour and two minutes coming from Hole Haven.
The landlord of the public-house always has been repre-
sented as an uncouth, disobliging man ; but I found
him, though something of an ignorant man, more civil
than I expected.
"Friday, 20th. Mr. Daniel Mackintosh, a young
gentleman, with another (lately attending Dr. Corpue's
lectures), of Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies,
promises to collect and send me butterflies, hum-
ming birds, &c., for part of a woman's head I let
him have. Write to him in three or four months for
his promise.
"Saturday, 2lst. Spoke to Mr. Gowers, of Essex,
whose female relation (Miss Baldwin, of Grays, Essex)
I went to court thirty years ago (viz., prior to my
marrying my second wife), and would have had her ;
nor did she object, but for some secret reasons best
known to herself. Hence, the more I wanted to be
married, the more she prolonged the time, and at last
suddenly left Grays much in debt, which accounted
for her behaviour, for if she had been so disposed
I should have been ruined by such marriage ; and for
this conduct I have often said she was the most honour-
able woman I ever met with. I have not seen her
ROBERT POCOCK. 195
since ; but was surprised to hear she was alive, and
now at Shorne, as Mr. Gowers thinks.
"Monday, 23rd. Bought two puffins of a boy
found on Faro Island, near Holy Island, sitting on the
egg, which is white, and one only. They would not
get off their egg, but suffered themselves to be taken
by the hand.
" Tuesday, 24/i. A young gentleman from Derby-
shire, a mineralogist and botanist, called with a lady,
who said she had some bills printed by me a few years
ago, when she was at Gravesend, with a reward, to
find her father (who had strolled away, he being of
weak intellect) and found him ; but he is since dead.
Bills handed about for forming a new association at
Gravesend for protection of property, on the dissolu-
tion of the Northfleet society. The lady (my confi-
dant) whom I intrusted with a letter to make inquiry
for Mrs. A. B., at Mr. Marshall's, druggist, Lambeth
Walk, returned, saying she had seen him, and the
lady whom I sought for had been married very well
above a twelvemonth. So here ends my hope of
happiness with her. It is a good lesson not to lose an
opportunity when in your power. Mrs. Angles paid
me a visit : she is an agreeable woman.
" Wednesday, 25^. Lord Darnley's daughter, who
married Mr. Brownlow, I hear, lies dead.
"Thursday, 26^. Walked in Clark's garden and
gathered specimens.
"Friday, 27th. Drank tea with Mr. Galton, at
Northfleet (a young botanist), and his aunt, Miss
Golding, whose brother married Miss Pitcher.
" Monday, QQth. The first fine summer's day this
year. Returned Mr. Lamburn his books and Mr.
Rackstraw his magazines.
196 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Tuesday, July 1st. Fine. Grand dinner at New Inn
for eighty people, ladies and gentlemen, who danced
on the bowling-green Went into Essex and found
the flowering rush in bloom ; also the yellow iris.
" Saturday, bth. Visited Mr. Scoones at Parrock.
Saw Colonel Dalton's library : only Hasted and Fisher's
edition of ' Rochester ' belonging to the county.
" Sunday, 6th. Found in bloom yesterday the Vicia
crassa, going to West Wood by Denton's Fields (alias
Baker's). Also common cow -parsnip (Heracleum
spondylium),
" Monday, 7th. Walked to Kingsdown. Found in
field next Buffet's, towards Southfleet, the Campanula
hybrida ; and took two brassy-thighed insects, feeding
on a flower.'
" Tuesday, 8th. Walked toKnole, through Kemsing
and Seal. Saw at Kemsing a most curious house, or-
namented with box and yew, worth seeing again. Found
growing between Kemsing and Seal, water dropwort
(CEnanthe fistulosa), in road and footpath, near a place
called Noah's Ark. Saw the paintings at Knole House,
and greatly admired the portrait of Countess of Des-
mond, and. a painting of the present Duchess of Dorset.
The eyes of the Countess of Desmond are done admir-
ably, and the elegant figure of the duchess is lovely.
The number of rooms took up two hours in showing,
and the collection was greater than I supposed. Called
on Mr. Morris, an attorney, in Sevenoaks, and returned
to Kingsdown, by Kemsing, where we had tea in a
miserable public-house, and not much civility. Found
the pomatia snail, going to Kemsing.
" Wednesday, 9th. Walked to Otford, a better place
for accommodation than Kemsing. Called on Mr. and
Mrs. Waters, who lay claim to the estates of Waters,
ROBERT POCOCK. r 97
at Gravesend, but for want of money are likely to
lose them. Heard at Otford that Mr. Pain, who once
lived with Lord Frederick Campbell, was alive at
Westerham. Went there, and found him just returned
from a journey out of Lancashire. Drank tea with
him, and viewed the church of Westerham, where we
saw General Wolfe's monument ; but it wants a much
better one for the credit of the person and town.
Found the road from Brasted to this place the best,
and the country also, it being one continuation of a
delightful spot. The like before I never witnessed
nothing but gentlemen's seats, fine farming, and de-
lightful shrubberies. Returned to Kingsdown.
" Thursday, 1 Ota. Walked to South Ash, to see the
pinks and flowers of Mr. Hodsoll, a very ancient family
in the parish, who lived in a very ancient house (now
being modernized, with marble chimney-pieces and
furniture, because Mr. Hodsoll, junior, had married a
Miss Kettle, from Wateringbury, with a fortune) .
1 ' Friday, llth. Tired with walking yesterday, so
placed my plants in paper. At a court burghmote
this day Mr. Matthews was chosen town clerk. Lord
Darnley was present, and much opposition prevailed
against his Lordship's interest.
"Monday, 14ta. Walked to Southfleet, and drank
tea with Rev. Mr. Rashleigh, his son (Rev. Mr. Rash-
leigh of Horton), and his two daughters (the youngest
of whom is a good botanist), who gave me two speci-
mens of Sibthorpia Europea in bloom, brought by
themselves out of Cornwall. They were going to
visit Sir Howard Elphinstone, settled near Cox's
Heath, and then to Worthing. Mr. Townsend,
from Herald's College, called about a picture of
Gravesend, 1692.
198 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Wednesday, 16th. Dull, windy. Among the
paintings at Knole, which I saw last week, the fine
painting in the hall of the procession of the Lord
Warden (Lionel, Duke of Dorset) after taking the
oath of office, at a court of Shepway held on Breden-
stone Hill, exceeded for grandeur all the others ; there-
fore Haydon is right that historical paintings should
rank above portraits, and be the chief aim of the
artist ; but pursuing this opinion has got Haydon into
a gaol, viz., the King's Bench ! But if one portrait ex-
celled another, it was her Grace the Duchess of Dorset's,
whose full length, easy style, and beautiful figure were
the admiration of the writer.
"Thursday, 17 th. Sent letter to Rev. Mr. Rash-
leigh, Horton, that reeds for thatching were sold at
40s. per 100.
"Friday, 18th. Went to Mr. John Rackstraw's
burial (son of Gaynam), aged seventy-four : buried
in Gravesend Churchyard
"Monday, 2lst. Walked through Swanscombe
Wood and drank tea. A Rider fond of fossils, &c.,
called ; dealt in tea.
" Tuesday, 22nd. Mr. Kemp's son-in-law, Mr.
Turner, called and bought some shells. Walked into
Clark's garden and saw the carrion flower in bloom
(Sterculia hirsuta). It stinks abominably, and appears
to be fly-blown, as it is said to breed live maggots*
It comes from the Cape of Good Hope.
"Wednesday, 23rd. Walked with Mr. Turner to
the mausoleum in Cobham Park. Saw the great
chestnut-tree (not horse chestnut), said to be thirty-
two feet in circumference. Saw a kingfisher bird
about the pond, in the poultry-yard. Saw a heron
ROBERT POCOCK. 199
on its nest in the park, the others having bred and
gone. Heard Lord Darnley's daughter. Mrs. Brown-
low, died in child-bed,, and that the child was living
at Cobham Hall ; but that Mrs. Brownlow was taken
to Ireland to be buried. At Shorne a great storm of
thunder and lightning, with a beautiful rainbow.
" Thursday, 24/i. In our way through Shorne called
on old Mr. Chipps, who had been twenty -five years
in Lord Darnley's service as poulterer, but had left him.
" Friday, 25th. Lord Mayor of London at Rochester,
having been to view the city bounds, gave a ball.
" Sunday, 27th. Heard Tilbury Fort was in the
Duchy of Lancaster, a jury having sat on the body of
an infant found dead in a closet there !
" Monday, 28th. Wrote a letter and sent a list of
British plants wanted to Mrs. Smith of Gamer, saying
I intended to publish a volume of Kentish botany.
" Tuesday, 29th. Paid Mr. Holderness eighteen-
pence, balance due to him for a pair of breeches. Mr.
George Pocock from Oxford came last night." [He had
a printing employ at the Clarendon Press.]
" Wednesday, 30th. A jury sat on a child found
drowned in the Swan Inn well, the child was supposed
to have been stolen. The mother had travelled from
Manchester, where the child had before fell down a well
and cut a gash in its eyelid : otherwise it was a very
pretty child. Walked into Northfleet Brooks, where I
found growing the yellow loosestrife, a beautiful tall
plant.
" Thursday, 3lst. Charles Pocock going to Sierra
Leone in Africa, but could not fetch the ship.
"Friday, August 1st. Mr. George Pocock returned
from Woolwich.
200 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Saturday, 2nd. Charles Pocock goes out as baker
to New South Wales in a ship called the Asia,
Captain Lindsey. He is to have 21. 5s. per month ; but
if he comes home in the ship then 21. 10.9. Witness to
this, Mr. Richard Raspison and Mr. Eliot, waterman.
" Sunday, 3rd. Mrs. Cleveland buried from the
Compass.
" Monday, 4th. Rainy. Walked to Ivy House and
first saw the field opposite laid out as a garden in plots
of ground, with canary-beet, &c. &c." [Now part of
the grounds of Milton Hall.] " In evening, 200 swifts
flying about (high).
" Wednesday, 6th. Horse-races at Chatham Lines.
" Saturday, 9th. Walked to Dartford with George
Pocock, and took home 300 club articles to Mr. Allchins,
the Two Brewers, Lowfield, who paid me 41. 10s. for
the same.
" Sunday, \0th. Mrs. Rowe, my daughter, came
from Woolwich.
" Monday, llth. Fine. Went to Cobham Hall with
Miss Fuller, Miss Couves, Mr. George and Kezia
Pocock from Oxford, and Sarah Pocock, my daughter;
when we found the days of viewing the hall were
Tuesdays and Fridays; but upon my writing a note
to Lord Darnley we were granted permission, and
hurried over the rooms by the housekeeper, who
was glad enough to accept of 2s. 6d. for ten
minutes' haste ! Drank tea in the college at the room
of Mrs. Grant, who by the polish on her goods shows
she is a good housewife.
" Tuesday, 1 2th. Went with Mrs. Rowe in a
boat from Northfleet to Long Reach Tavern, and put
her on shore on the other side of Dartford Creek to
ROBERT POCOCK. 201
walk to Woolwich. In this voyage we lost our
oar.
" Wednesday, 13th.- Printed some bills to find the
oar lost yesterday by George Pocock and myself.
" Friday, 15th. Attempted to reach Dartford,but got
no farther than Greenhithe with George Pocock.
"Saturday, 16th. Cherries IJeZ. per pound in the
market.
" Monday, 1 8^. Fine. Walked to Dartf ord by way
of Greenhithe, and fell in company with Mrs. Backley,
or Bagley (whose husband is of Apothecaries' Hall),
who related a remarkable story of her child, about
seven years old, falling down a well at Northfleet last
year, and in falling pulled the well lid down, and so
was hid in the well about two hours, until a woman
came to draw water, when the child cried out, ' I am
in the bucket, draw me up ;' but when nearly up the
rope broke and he fell to the bottom again, where he
remained until a new rope was got and a person
obtained to go down, who brought the child up. The
child is now alive at the same house, behind the India
Arms, where the accident happened last year !
" Thursday, 21 st. The walking-man Wright, aged
fifty-eight, is passing through. He has a shuffling walk.
He starts from the Montpelier Gardens, Walworth,
through Gravesend to the twenty-third mile-stone, and
returns to the above place ; thus making fifty miles a
day at fifteen hours per day for fourteen successive
days.
"Saturday, 23rd Dull; close. My stuffed fish
gives out moisture. It does so yearly. Mr. Turpin,
an acquaintance of Mr. Elliot, New Road, called and
bought articles.
202 ROBERT POCOCK.
"Monday, 25/z, Very hot. The first sunny harvest
day. Walked with my son George to Mr. Baker's, Orsett,
and there saw an ancient bedstead made of thousands of
pieces, and I believe the identical one which Queen
Elizabeth slept in when she visited Horndon and slept
at Mr. Rich's. Now if Mr. Rich was ever in possession
of those premises it will confirm the idea. Mr. and
Mrs. Baker behaved with great civility, and gave us a
general invitation. On our way called in at the Cock,
where Mr. George Pocock showed how two ovals could
be made out of a circle or round table without wasting
any stuff ; viz., make a circle half the diameter of the
other and cut each in four parts, when the smaller four
pieces will exactly fill up the vacancies of the larger.
" Tuesday, 26th. A fine, red, beautiful fish brought
me, with large scales all over; the dorsal fin 18 rays,
the caudal fin 20 rays, the ventral 9 rays, the
pectoral 14 rays, and the anal 6 rays. It was caught off
the Town Quay this day, and appears to be the Cyprinus
nilotus. None of the fishermen at Gravesend knew it.
Its length was 7 inches; breadth 3 inches.
" Wednesday, 2 7th. Walked to Dartford with
George Pocock, and settled with Mr. Samuel Elliot.
Saw a man whose hands and arms above elbow were
full of large blisters by weeding, he said, or pulling up
May-weed and wild parsnip in a marsh near the Powder
Mill Creek and River Thames (Long Reach) ; but not
seeing the weeds I cannot tell the identical species. He
was put under the care of Mr. Hurst, an apothecary
and surgeon, who asked the man if he felt any pain
tinder his arm-pit, and seemed to say if the blisters
broke there would be a sore, and it was a dangerous
case ! Wasps numerous.
ROBERT POCOCK. 203
" Friday, 29th. George Pocock goes to Southfleet,
to meet Frances Pocock.
" Saturday, 30th. Frances and Mrs. Jones go to
London ; George Pocock to Dartford with Mr. Brett, to
take a house there.
"Sunday, 31 st. Mr. Brett came, and quite abused
me, because I would not give the staff out of my
hand !
" Tuesday, September 2nd. George goes to London.
"Sunday, 7th. Walked to Luddesdown by myself.
" Monday, 8th. George and Kezia go to settle at
Dartford in the printing line.
"Thursday, llth. Walked through Swanscombe
Wood with Mr. Martin, and found a scarce grass
in field opposite Spring Head Lane (Polypogon mon-
speliensis).
"Friday, 12th. Fine. Wright, the pedestrian,
walked (from twenty-second to twentieth mile-stone)
fifty miles in twelve hours, nearly losing by about
seven minutes.
" Tuesday, 16th. A young man (of the name of
Wickham) walking fifty miles in twelve hours (from
twenty-second to twentieth mile-stone), which he did in
eleven hours and a quarter ! I walked to the Tele-
graph in Swanscombe and drank tea.
" Saturday, 20th. Heard Mr. Christopher Pottinger
had died at Canterbury. He was a singularly
pleasant man ; friendly to Cobbettfs works, and an
enemy to most of the proceedings of the Government !
an acquaintance also of Capel Loft. The early part of
his life he spent in hunting and shooting. He had
travelled in France; and was in general well in-
formed.
204 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Tuesday, 23rd. Fine. A hornet brought me, and
a monk fish.
" Monday, 29th. Printed bills 'Beer 4<d. per pot at
the White Hart/
" Tuesday, 30th. Sally leaves me, to live at
Woolwich.
" Saturday, October 4>th. An insect from a water-
butt, with a pair of oars or long legs and two black
eyes, and hairy under the belly in rows, was brought
me to name.
" Monday, 6th. Choose Mayor Day, when Mr. Med-
hurst Troughton went out of office and Mr. J. Dennet
was chosen mayor. The court was near seven o'clock
before it broke up, never known so late.
" Tuesday ,7th. Mr. Oakes and Cruden had a quarrel.
" Thursday, 9th. In the night died Mrs. Cruden,
Mrs. Pattinson, Mrs. Cleverly, Mrs. Eglintine, and
Mrs. Nash of Chalk; with Mr. Smithers of Parrock
Farm, who some years since was footman to Mr. Dalton
of Gravesend (now Colonel Dalton).
"Friday, 10th. Miss J. Kashleigh sent me two
dried plants, viz., the Cornish heath (Erica vagans) , and
the sea-pea from Walmer Beach, near Deal. Busy to-
day in printing 300 bills (fcap. size) for the mayor
(J. Dennet, Esq.), about violation of the Sabbath by
publicans suffering tippling on the Lord's Day.
"Saturday, llth. Last night Mr. Nicholson, shell-
dealer, No. 110, Strand, called and bought 170 chalk
fossils, at one penny each, and a flute.
" Monday, 13th. Rain. Wrote a letter last night to
Frances Pocock, saying I had had a quadruple dinner
viz., one sausage, one potato, one piece of apple-dump-
ling, and one piece of damson-pudding by myself, and
ROBERT POCOCK. 205
quarrelled with no one, because no one was near me to
quarrel. In afternoon paid Mr. Washer of Northfleet
five shillings for his oar which I lost overboard when
with George Pocock, &c., going to Long Eeach Tavern,
through fear of the steam-boats running foul of us !
"Wednesday, 15/i. Mr. Smithers buried: Colonel
Dalton attended. The corpse came from the meadow
down King's Lane, and Pennycoat Lane 1 into the road
opposite the Globe, and so to Milton Church. At
Gravesend was buried Mrs. Cruden, aged sixty-four :
Mr. Harman of Croydon attended.
"Friday, 17th. Mr. C. Clarke, F.S.A., called, on a
tour in France, from Boulogne, where he had resided
three months, and had made some drawings of the
ancient churches. &c., in the neighbourhood. He wit-
nessed a young woman, about twenty-five, taking the
black veil (with much sanctity) for a period of five
years, assisted by some nuns who pinned into her head-
dress a few artificial flowers, as roses, &c. Mr. Clarke
observed that the English at Boulogne did not associate
BO much together as might be expected, most of them
retiring there for economy. A French woman called
Boulogne ' Little England/ or Little London, as the
inhabitants imitate the Londoners. At Boulogne they
are in politics Bonaparteans ; at Calais Bourboneans.
" Sunday, l$th. A louse seen, with black eyes !
" Monday, 20th. Fine. Heard the discovery ships,
Fury and Hecla, had arrived, and were coming up the
river ! They went out about May 1st, 1821.
" A flock of wild fowl seen flying up past the town.
1 These thoroughfares meet opposite South Hill Bank, the
residence of Charles Chad wick, Esq.
2 o6 ROBERT POCOCK.
A gourbill fish brought me picked up near Cleverly's
Wharf.
" Tuesday, 21st: Heard the discovery ships are near
Hull. But in the afternoon they both (Hecla and Fury)
passed Gravesend in good order: I went on board the
Fury, and the commanding officer (Mr. Henderson) be-
haved with much civility; but the Hecla proceeded so fast
with the easterly wind that I could not overtake her,
whereby I lost the opportunity of seeing Mr. Fisher,
the surgeon of the Hecla, who promised to bring me
home some curiosities. Saw several large Esquimaux
dogs alive on board. Mr. Henderson said they had
discovered about 600 miles of coast, dragging their
ships along and proceeding about forty miles per day.
"Thursday, 28rd. Busy printing 200 bills to prevent
gaming and holding the fair after half-past eleven at
night, by order of J. Dennet, Esq., mayor.
" Friday, 24<th. Gravesend Fair. Yery fine sunny
and dry day. This day is generally very disagreeable
weather. I remember it snowing on this day, and fre-
quently raining.
" Mr. Storbuck, pilot of the Heda, discovery ship,
called and said he had the following account from the
officers on board her ; viz., that the ships were frozen
up the first winter from October 6th, 1821, to the 2nd of
July, 1822 ; and the second winter from the 24th of
September, 1822 to the 12th of August, 1823, and
that they saw the wrecks of two ships, the stern of
one and part of a cask or staves from another ; but the
name and time when, no account could be given ! That
the first winter they were frozen up in lat. 66 1 1' 1 1",
long. 82 52' 80"; and the second winter at Igloolik,
lat. 69 20' 42", long. 81 44' 34". North-West Straits,
ROBERT POCOCK. 207
69 48' 16" highest latitude, and the greatest distance
83 37' 15" west longitude. That they found inhabitants
very civil and useful, about sixty in number, round-
faced and greasy ; and that they discovered about 600
miles of coast, but many days not more than forty
miles per day. They brought home in the Hecla seven
dogs and in the Fury fifteen, which dragged an
anchor of great weight from ship to ship ! The dogs
are large, with erect ears, yet appear docile, as they were
unconfined in the long-boat and the ships very clean.
Mr. Fletcher and son from Rochester called.
" Saturday, 25th. Yery fine sun ; second day of
Gravesend Fair. Mr. Fisher of the East India House
(formerly of Rochester), an able antiquary and
historian, called.
"Monday, 27th. Boa-constrictor and crocodile at the
fair.
" Tuesday, 28th. A masquerade ball at the fair.
" Wednesday, 29^. Heard a Hudson's Bay ship had
arrived south ! and put into Falmouth damaged !
"Friday, 31st. Hard rain in the night. Many
young cod-fish (four inches long) caught in Lower
Hope. More rain fell in these two days than all the year.
" Monday, November 3rd. Rather foggy morning :
afternoon dull. George and apprentice came over.
Mrs. Wallace gave rent to Mr. Harris near ten at night.
" Tuesday, 4th. Very fine. Sun ; wind. Had
brought me the little puffin (Alca alle), a very scarce
bird, shot near Gravesend !
" Wednesday, 6th. Abused by Mr. Walton, junior,
toyman. (Mem. Never deal with him again.) Busy
to-day assisting George P. "setting " a folio bill, sale of
Gore House effects, Darenth.
2o8 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Thursday, 6th. Casting letters for George
Pocock." [Type for George's Dartford press.]
" Friday, 7th. Sent letter to Mr. and Mrs. Paul,
settlers, Van Diemen's Land.
" Saturday, Sth. Sun. Paid Mrs. Deare, for making
me a new shirt, Is.
" Sunday, 9th. Sun. Dry ; fine. Geo. A. Pocock,
viz., George Admiral Pocock, did the first postingbroad-
side, demy, for Thomas Braves of Gore House Farm.
" Tuesday, llth. Water rail, 2 ounces, brought,
shot in Lower Hope.
"Friday, l^th. Boring in market for a fountain
spring.
"Sunday, 16th. Bead in newspaper of the death
of my friend, P. Kerkman, at Ealing on the 7th.
It was my intention, the first time I went to London,
to call and see him ; bu t delays are very bad ! Mr.
Kerkman was a compositor at Mr. Nicholas, Red Lion
Passage, and married the widow who kept the respect-
able public-house adjoining. He then dealt in printing
materials, of whom the writer (K. Pocock) first pur-
chased his press and types on commencing printer at
Gravesend ; and Mr. K. wanted to have put his brother,
a stout Irishman, apprentice to (me) R. P. ; but he did
not appear bright enough for that business, so Mr.
P. K. got him a commission in the East London militia
(I think this was the regiment). Mr. P. K. quitted
the public-house and got into the firm of Lackington
and Co., booksellers, Finsbury Square, and afterwards,
I understand, commenced coach proprietor, and re-
sided at Baling, where he died. He has a son a bar-
rister, who, I am told, promises fair to become an
ornament to the law.
ROBERT POCOCK. 209
" Tuesday } \8th. Received a packet from Mrs,
Smith, Gamer, containing dried specimens of plants
and confirming the grass I found near Swanscombe
Wood (S.E. part of field) to be the Panicum viride, as
I thought; and that the sea-pea is peculiar to Wal-
mer (near Deal) in Kent. And that the rare specimen
I sold her (in chalk) is called ' Lunulites ' by Mr,
Mantel, of Lewes, who has given a plate of it in his
works on fossils. Prize-fight at Dartford.
" Wednesday, 19^. The men boring for water in
the Market Place have got down 140 feet through
chalk and flint only ; but now have come to some hard
substance, which they have not been able to penetrate
these two last days. Exchanged with Mr. Ryan,
surgeon at Mr. Warren's, six medical books for No.
12 picture, ' Human Life/ Mr. Berry (a gentleman
going out to settle at Kingston, in Jamaica, as secre-
tary to Beckford Wildman, Esq., M.P.) drank tea with
me, and promised to send humming-birds, &c.
" Friday, 2lst. Sun. The men have bored 1 51 feet
in the Market Place, the wages for which come to 30Z. ;
viz., Qd, for every ten feet boring, viz., advancing
from the first ten feet 6d. per foot extra every ten feet.
" Saturday, 22nd. Mr. Alder, a learned and scien-
tific gentleman, called and had some conversation,
saying he had had a public disputation at Newcastle,
at the request of the mayor and corporation, to con-
fute the principles of Sir Humphrey Davy's safety-
lamp. He informed me the high sheriff of Northum-
berland, Selby, Esq., was writing a ' History of British
birds,' &c., &c.
" Sunday, 23rd. Went in evening to spend an hour
with Mr. Alder, and with much pleasure saw his draw-
p
210 ROBERT POCOCK.
ings of the coal-pits and their various strata. Drank,
for the first time, whisky.
"Monday, 24th. Had three more twelve-rayed
star-fish from Whitstable Bay, brought me. Mallarn's
sale, where I bought nails at threepence-halfpenny and
fourpence-halfpenny per pound.
" Wednesday, 26th. Read letter from Frances
describing Dulwich College, &c.
" Thursday, 27th. Dan. Bryant bought steps of
Mallam for a shilling, which were mine.
(C Monday, December 1st. George Pocock came
and " set " a job for the Mayor about the watermen's
apprentices being so rude.
"Friday, 5th. Walked to Grays to Mr. Blaker's.
Visited the brick-fields, where many bones of the
mammoth, or elephant, were found about a fortnight
since, in the clay-earth, fourteen feet down. Mr.
Ingram of Little Thurrock, just by, has a very large
one found there; and in the spring of 1823, a socket
bone of this animal was found there which measured
four feet in circumference ! so I was told to-day. The
men who were at work sold me two large pieces for
a shilling ; and in the brick-earth were nodules of a
roundish form, and hollow, which the men said were
called ' race/ or ' rase/ and often met with in brick-
earth, and if put into the brick would make it blow or
spoil the brick. They always remembered it being
called 'rase/ I shall call it a tophus for the present, until
I am contradicted by superior judgment. It has much
the appearance of a bubbled ball, hollow within, and
of a calcareous substance.
" Sunday, 7th. Observed in my walk to Grays on
Friday only two birds on the sea-wall viz., a chaffinch
ROBERT POCOCK. 2 1 1
and a lark except gulls, although the sun shone de-
lightfully; then whither are the birds emigrated?
this is worth an inquiry. I think the history of birds
very imperfect ! I forgot to mention that upon wash-
ing one of the large bones I brought home on Friday,
it frothed like soap. In afternoon visited Mr. Alder
and looked over the numerous views he had got to-
gether of Kent placed alphabetically, and although I
was there five hours could only look over letters A,
13, C, and his portraits.
" Monday, 8th. Served on a jury on a sailor killed
by a block during the storm on Thursday last, coming
out of the Firth of Forth, about twenty miles from
the Isle of May, the inquisition stated it was on board
the Prompt, Captain Miller, of Leith, about two ante-
meridian, which words the foreman of the jury, John
Hopcraft, senior, did not understand, and asked Mr.
Matthews, the town clerk, their meaning, which made
a smile among the other jurymen. The verdict was
' accidental/ The deceased, John Banes, had a wife
and three children living at Leith, and through the
motion of Mr. Hubbard, one of the jurymen, the seven
shillings coming to the jury was given to the widow
and children : the other expense of nineteen shillings
the captain readily paid.
"Friday, 12th. Went by Newman's coach to Dart-
ford.
" Saturday, 13th. Windy. Mr. Nelson, the under
water-bailiff, called on me for information about the
open navigation of Yantlet Creek into the Medway.
He said Mr. Smith, a person of the Isle of Grain, had
indicted the City of London because they had ordered
him (some short timo since) to open the communication,
p 2
2 1 2 ROBERT POCOCK.
which lie effected by thirty men in twenty-four hours ;
and that Mr. Isaac Starbuck, an aged pilot of Graves-
end, remembered about sixty years since goiug through
a bridge of eighteen feet span on his way to Snodland
Paper Mill with paper stuff, and as he (Nelson), in
cutting open the bar or communication between the Isle
of Grain and the hundred, had found the foundation
of the former bridge, he desired me (R. Pocock) to
give him what information I could about any ancient
map or document relative to Kent in favour of the said
city, which I did by saying that Symon's map of the
county I thought the best; but it is very surprising,
although so many have been published, not one yet
(1823) may be called even nearly perfect, as they are
very defective by not pointing out the different ferries,
locks, impediments, improvements, and many other
remarkable things worthy of notice.
te Mr. Nelson lives at Barge Yard, Lambeth, and
has been a very active officer for many years to the
City on the Courts of Conservancies. When the great
whale was taken to London (which I accompanied to
sell its description, on a speculation that answered
well, having measured, named, and described it), Mr.
Nelson daily visited it, and I spent the evenings with
him and the proprietors of it until it was ordered
away by the City and Admiralty as a nuisance (each
claiming it as their privilege).
i( Wednesday, Ylih. George went to Rochester,
having been disappointed by Mr. Evans, the book-
binder, in his work. At about nine at night the storm
so violent as to blow several bricks off the chimney,
and the General Harris, East India ship, ashore, on
the north side near Grays.
ROBERT POCOCK. 213
" Thursday, 18th. George P., came over to acquaint
me that he had pacified Mr. Caldecote about his
books which he wanted to have bound. Mr. Caldecote
is an author and a barrister, but now old above
eighty (?).
"Friday, 19th. Heard that one Pallet was hung
in Essex, on Monday last, for the murder of Mr. Mum-
ford, which he had done on the Monday before ! Quick
work !
" Sunday, 21st. Dull. Spent the evening in looking
over more of Mr. Alder's views of Kent, but could not
get farther than the letter G. Many are very rare ;
and among this copious collection saw the conduit of
Maids tone, drawn by my friend Mr. T. Fisher of the
East India House, who favoured me with a visit about
a month since ; and others by my friend Mr. Tracy of
Brompton, the bookseller, who always wore a three-
cornered hat !
" Tuesday, 23rd.~-Read a letter from Dungarvon, in
Ireland, only written there on Saturday last, and re-
ceived at this place, Gravesend, this morning ! giving
an account of the cheapness of living, viz., a goose for
9<i., 8 Ibs. weight ; two fat ducks for 3d ; beef, 2d. per
pound ; mutton, If d. ; sheep's head and pluck, 3d.;
whisky and brandy, 3d. per quartern; porter, 3d. per
quart; a large cod-fish, Is.; potatoes, 2d. per stone ;
and other articles in proportion. Received a latitat
from Rose.
" Thursday, 25^. Went to Dartford (walked) and
eat a Christmas dinner with George P., and drank
tea with Mrs. Saxton, who is a very frank woman,
with a large family, widow of Lieut. -Colonel Saxton,
and keeps company with all the principals in Dartford.
2i 4 ROBERT POCOCK.
Heard that the man had died whose legs were broken
by the caravan the other day. Very mild ; I may say
warm. Saw furze in bloom, with many other flowers
there .having been no frost or snow yet to hurt any flower.
" Sunday, 28th. Mr. George Pocock came over, and
we drank tea with Mr. and Mrs. Alder, both of whom
we found scientific persons, well acquainted with
chemistry, geology, and biography, in which last Mr.
Alder has made a great collection of the natives of
Kent, and also Northumberland ! Mr. George P., was to
have been home to have heard a charity sermon in Dart-
ford Church, by the Kev. George Musgrave Musgrave,
AM., of Brasenose Coll., Oxford, chaplain to the Bight
Hon. the Earl of Bessborough. Mr. George Pocock
married Miss Kezia Smith of Brasenose College !
" Monday, 2,9th. A comet said to have been seen
this morning, but it is more likely to have been
Jupiter rising just before the sun, as I hear Jupiter is in
conjunction with the sun (?) . Lightning in the evening,
but distant. Jupiter is said in the Weeldy Despatch
to be in conjunction ; but Mr. Peen finds by White's
1 Ephemeris ' it ought to be opposition !
" Tuesday ,30th. Received a letter from my daughter
Sally, saying she had engaged herself to a lady, Mrs.
Parker, No. 12, Terrace, Clapton, and that she goes on
Thursday next. Received letter from George Pocock,
desiring me to lend him the great hammer, rolling
tools, lettering tools, backing hammer, some basil,
and anything else in the binding business. Mr. R.
Peen called this evening, saying it again lightened in
the S.E., and that the comet had been seen three
nights, about one or two in the morning, in the E.
or E.S.E., with its tail perpendicularly, but not high
ROBERT POCOCK. 215
from the horizon. The late comets brought very warm
weather, and within this last week it has been warm,
or very mild ! Sent a caravan box to Sarah Pocock
(by Mrs. Wallace), by Newman's coach, to be left at
the Flower Pot, Bishopsgate Street, until called for.
" Wednesday, 31st. Heard that the comet, first
seen about the 29th, had been announced in the news-
papers. This morning Mrs. Saxon (wife of Lieut. -
Colonel Saxon, of the East India Company's Artillery)
called and breakfasted and I went with her on
board the Berwickshire, Bast India ship, with her son
Charles, to get him a berth in any capacity, but without
success. I gave her a letter of recommendation to Henry
Blanchard, Esq., No. 1, Broad Street, near the Eoyal
Exchange, whose brother is an East India captain/'
Referring to the whale mentioned under date the
13th December, the "Encyclopaedia Britannica " tells us
that " an ancient perquisite belonging to the Queen
Consort, mentioned by all our old writers (and only
therefore worthy notice), is this : that on the taking
a whale on the coasts, it being a royal fish, it shall be
divided between the King and Queen, the head only of
it being the King's property and the tail of it the
Queen's. ( De sturgione observetur, quod Rex ilium
habebit integrum, de balena vero sufficit si Rex habeat
caput et Regina caudam.' The reason of this
whimsical division, as assigned by our ancient records,
was to furnish the Queen's wardrobe with whale-
bone."
"The editor of the ( Encyclopaedia' is ignorant upon
the subject of whales, as the whalebone is taken from
the mouth not from the tail."
2l6
CHAPTER VIII.
Harsh poverty !
That moth, which frets the sacred robe of wit,
Thousands of noble spirits blunts, that else
Had spun rich threads of fancy from the brain :
But they are souls too much sublimed to thrive.
WILLIAM CHAMBERLAYNE.
IN the before-going Journals which have been set forth
so fully, and perhaps even wearisomely, a very good
means of gauging both the general course of life, and
to some extent the character of their author is afforded.
The reader must remember that he had never received
any education except as a stripling at the Gravesend
Free School, and all he afterwards acquired had come
by his own unaided powers of observation. But these
powers had enabled him to amass no inconsiderable
knowledge upon many subjects with which the public
mind was not then so conversant as at present; indeed it
would be an act of injustice to estimate his attainments
according to the lights and advantages of this day,
when the diffusion of books and other means of
popular instruction brings knowledge almost to every
threshold. He was looked up to by many of the
poorer of his townsfolk much as Goldsmith writes of
the Schoolmaster :
ROBERT POCOCK. 217
Yet he was kind, or if severe in aught,
The love he bore to learning was in fault ;
The village all declared how much he knew,
'Twas certain he could write and cypher too ;
Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage,
And e'en the story ran that he could gauge.
Having now completed all that has been recovered
of his Journals, we come to the MS. which our unwearied
author had (p. 199 supra) expressed his ^intention of
publishing. It is entitled
OBSERVATIONS
and
MEMORANDA
in
BOTANY.
By Robert Pocock,
Printer and Bookseller,
Gravesend,
Kent.
1821.
And in a later part of this MS. he has, amongst other
information, made the following entry :
et Rare plants found by R. Pocock, in the vicinity
of Gravesend, not generally mentioned by authors,
nor in his ( History of Gravesend :'
" Scirpus sitaceus. At reservoir, Randall Wood.
" Caucalis daucoides. White Hill Field, near to
Thong Lane.
" Echinophora spinosa. Marshes, bottom of Gaily
Hill Lane, north.
"Isatis tinctoria. In Randall Wood, five or six
plants (1820).
" Lepidium ruderale. Northfleet Dockyard.
218 ROBERT POCOCK.
" Avenaria verna. Buffet field (south side), Southfleet.
" Orchis hircina. About Wilmington and Eoe Hill.
" Ophrys aranifera. Waste ground about Green-
hithe chalk-pits.
"Centauria solstitialis. In Old Road, between
Gravesend and Northfleet.
" Myosurus minimus. In ditch-side north of Shorne
Battery.
"Plantago (proliferus ? ). Two roots apparently
distinct, or perhaps come from one root joined under-
ground. I have observed them four or five years past
on the saltings (next the river) between Mr. Rosher's
house and Red Lion Wharf.
" Milium lendigerum. In old gravel-pit near East
Tilbury.
" Symphytum. About Dartford Paper Mill.
" Erysimum precox. In walk from church to Mill
Hill, Shorne. This plant is not mentioned by Dr.
Withering in his 3rd edition.
" Campanula hybrida. In Chalk gravel-pit.
"Pencedanum silans. Greenhithe Marshes, east side.
" Anagallis cerulea. Fields about Luddesdown.
" Sordylium. From Tilbury Fort to Chadwell.
"Euphorbium exiguum. Fields to Swanscombe.
" Typha angustifolia. Ditch at Lower Shorne.
" Jasione montana. Tilbury (East) gravel-pit.
" Papaver hybridum. White Hill, towards Thong,
September 30th.
"Antirrhinum orontium. White Hill to Thong.
" Lithospermum purpuro-ceruleum. Swanscombe
Wood, April.
" Anagallis tenella. Northfleet Brooks, September
12th, 1813.
ROBERT POCOCK. 219
" Scilla autumnalis. Chalk gravel-pits, Aug. 20th
to October.
" Samolus valerandi. Tilbury Marshes to Chadwell.
" Turritis glabra. In Randall Wood. This is what
I supposed was the wood Isatis tinctoria.
" Veronica montana. Grades Hill Wood.
" Ruppia maritima. In ditches.
" Panicum viride. Field next or near Swanscombe
Wood, by Spring Head Lane, wherein is the halk hole,
September, 1823.
" Erysimum cheiranthoides. In Mr. Pete's garden,
November 5th, 1824."
The reader will have noticed a reference in the Journal
for 1823 (on p.- 181) to his
ERRATA;
or,
A Peep into some Books :
Whereby
Many errors of Authors
are pointed out,
And the volume and page noticed ;
So that
The mistakes can be easily corrected
with a pen,
As a benefit to truth and future readers.
Motto. Before one Author finds fault with another,
he should correct himself
WHICH IS DONE.
By (me) K. Pocock,
Author of the "History of Gravesend,"
" Memorials of the Tufton Family,"
" Margate Water Companion,"
&c., &c., &c.
London :
Sold by Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, Paternoster Row
220 ROBERT POCOCK.
in which, treating of his own "History of Graves-
end/' he says, ee The author now regrets that this
volume is neither printed with a good pica type, nor
of a fashionable size. In it we find page 165
wants to be transposed to 164, because the occurrences
do not follow in regular order of time (the narrative
of the Duke of Albemarle being in 1667, and the
building of Tilbury Fort in 1683). Secondly, in page
119, so much as relates to the Manor of Melestun
should be cancelled ; because the author, by closely
following Hasted's * History of Kent/ has fallen into
that historian's error. The mistake perhaps was
originally made by the transcriber of Domesday using
an I for anr, and so Melestun for Merestun, Merestun
being in the Hundred of Shamel, whilst Melestune is
in Toltingtrough Hundred. Mr. Hasted thought
Melestun meant Parrock, but on looking over Hen-
shall's ' History of Britain,' I find no mention of Par-
rock in Domesday : hence Mr. Hasted made a wrong
conjecture.
" As an apology for the type made use of in the
' History of Gravesend ' (since which time type-
founders have greatly improved its beauty), the author
assures the public that on a second edition, for which
he is preparing, and should be glad to receive hints
for its improvement, they shall have no cause for com-
plaint : nor yet of the paper, which shall be a quarto
demy size/'
This second edition never saw the light, nor is it
believed that the author ever completed his " Errata ;"
but it will not be inappropriate to follow up his self-
accusations in reference to the Gravesend History
by stating that he has really little to charge himself
ROBERT POCOCK. 221
with, considering his opportunities of information.
We are indebted to Mr. W. H. Hart, F.S.A., for
pointing out that the foundation by Roger Orger
(p. 126) of a daily mass in Milton Parish Church
upon an endowment of two messuages, two oxgangs
and a half of land, &c., was really a foundation in
the parish church of Melton Mowbray; but in this
Pocock did but follow Hasted, and it was only by
recently turning to the inquisitions of February 20,
11 Edward II., No. 101, that the error was detected, as
the name of the county is suppressed, while Milton-next-
Gravesend used to be written Melton. Again, it might
perhaps here be added that the reference to the first
meeting-house for Protestant Dissenters, at p. 93 of his
History, is inadequate, since on the 6th of July, 1702
(1 Queen Anne), a meeting-house for Baptists is cer-
tified in the " Bishop's Registry" at the instance of nine
of the inhabitants, whose names are recorded.
But the discovery, which would most have pleased
our historian, was denied him, viz., the will and the
executorship accounts of his great fellow-townsman
of 1280, Richard of Gravesend, who then ascended the
episcopal throne of St. Paul's, upon which he sat for
twenty-three years, until 1303 ; great, not for his
occupation of that important see, but for his personal
character and attributes. Especially would he have
yearned in sympathy at the Prelate's taste for books.
His Holy Bible, laboriously and painfully written out
in thirteen volumes, and even at the then currency
valued at forty-one pounds sterling, he appropriately
bequeathed to his nephew Stephen ; and his other
works, no less than fifty-five volumes MSS., were
valued in the same early currency, according to the
222 ROBERT POCOCK.
executors' inventory, at 116Z. 14s. 6d and com-
prised,, besides three other copies of Holy Writ,
books upon theology, and canon and civil law.
Indeed a few lines may well be devoted to the
interesting will of this local precursor of Pocock, as a
lover of books ; and no reader who takes up the
Bishop's will fails to cull many evidences of his
kind, domestic, and amiable character; his recog-
nition of his obligations to his predecessor in the See
of London, so emphatically expressed by the word
" promoter ; " his touching wish to be laid side by
side with him on the floor of their common cathe-
dral, with the stony record cut into the pavement
(as in fact his remains were), until in subsequent
troublous times both remains and the memorial were
destroyed, either in the reign of Edward VI. or early
in that of Elizabeth.
In the same testament the Bishop gave to his niece
Alice, daughter of his brother, Sir Stephen Gravesend
(living at Parrock, then the local squire), one hundred
marks for her marriage portion; while to his brother
himself he forgave whatever he owed him. And to
his nephew, Eichard Gravesend, forty shillings.
Nor indeed could a testamentary document of the
kind scarcely be indited which expresses in simpler and
more touching words the hopes of the testator in
regard to the life to come ; and as Pocock would have
given this record (had it been known to him) promi-
nence in his History, so its present disinterment may
now be not inappropriately dedicated to him, if it be
to some small extent reproduced in these pages.
The Will runs in the usual official Latin of the day,
of which the following is a free and fair translation :
ROBERT POCOCK. 223
" In the name of the Father, and of the Son and
of the Holy Ghost, Amen: A.D. 1302, the second
day of September : I, Eichard, the unworthy Minis-
ter of the Church of London, make and establish
my will in the following way. In the first place, to
Thee, Holy Redeemer and powerful Saviour of souls,
my Lord Jesus Christ ! I commend my soul. To Thee,
great High Priest and true Pontiff of souls, I com-
mend the whole people of London City and Diocese,
beseeching Thee by the medicine of Thy wounds upon
the cross, both for me and for them, that full pardon
of our sins being granted, Thou wilt grant us in Thy
mercy to enjoy the beatitude promised to Thine elect
for ever !
" I give and bequeath my body to be buried in the
Church of St. PauPs, London, next the tomb piously
recording the memory of my Lord Henry of Sand-
wich, my patron" [Bishop of London from 1262 to
1273], " so that my tombstone be side by side with
his on the pavement, that is if I should happen to
die near my cathedral church. If however at any
distance, then I elect to be buried in the nearest
conventual church.
" For the uses I have made of earthly things, I beg
pardon from the Creator of all things, and that by what
1 have retained I may not increase my sins, but it may
the rather lead to salvation/'
Further on, in remembrance of the poor of his native
town, he says, " To the poor of Milton and Gravesend
I bequeath ten pounds/ ' a bequest altogether distinct
from the twenty-seven pounds (or more if necessary) to
be distributed to the general poor at his funeral. Nor is
the Bishop's appeal at the end of his will to Robert
224 ROBERT POCOCK.
Archbishop of Canterbury devoid of interest, when
he says, " I humbly beg out of kindness, as for old com-
panionship and our common country's sake, that he
will undertake the burden of this executorship, be-
seeching him and the other executors, by the sprinkling
of the blood of Jesus Christ, that they would be such
true dispensers of my goods as they would themselves
wish to have when their own turns come."
Thus Bishop Grravesend expresses himself, dying
the 9th of December, 1303; and his body, taken to
London on the 15th, was, after an impressive funeral
on the day following, quietly laid under the floor of his
cathedral, below a simple stone of " ten pieces."
Though it does not appear in his will, he founded and
endowed the Divinity Lecture at St. Paul's, originally
attached to the chancellorship of the church.
Pocock had traced out (as the fact was) that the
Bishop's same nephew Stephen, of Gravesend, to
whom his uncle had bequeathed his best Bible, became,
in A.D. 1339, curiously enough (after three other in-
tervening prelates), himself Bishop of London, a see
he occupied till 1398. Being a man of inflexible
probity he felt unable to recall his oath of allegiance to
King Edward II. after his deposition, and for this he was
imprisoned ; and while the Earl of Kent lost his life on
the same account, Stephen was ultimately released and
pardoned by Act of Parliament in 1336, his previous
accusation being that after the death of the king,
September 21st, 1327, he had disseminated rumours
that Edward II. was still living.
Returning to Pocock's career as a topographer, it is
believed to have been a few years afterwards that our
indefatigable author drew up his
ROBERT POCOCK. 225
PERAMBULATIONS THRO' KENT;
or,
Objects in that County
worth seeing
near
The Principal Towns
in 1827.
By R. Pocock, Gravesend.
Describing a Kentish Journey of about
330 miles,
Performed in days,
With the probable expense
attending the same.
The
KENTISH BOOK OF ROADS ;
or,
The Traveller's Companion
through
The Turnpike Roads
in the
County of Kent.
Describing
The different cities, towns, villages, gentlemen's seats,
remarkable buildings, fine views, and other objects
worthy of attention in the neighbourhood,
With the
Distance in miles from London to the several towns, &c., and from
one town to another on the several roads; the rates of postage,
market-days, &c.
By R. Pocock, Gravesend, Kent.
London :
Sold by Sherwood & Co.,
And by all Booksellers and Turnpike Keepers.
Price Sixpence.
But, alas ! for his own ways and means ! His Journal
entries of the month of May, 1823, clearly show the
bourne to which Pocock's worldly affairs were rapidly
Q
226 ROBERT POCOCK.
hurrying. What an insight does not the following
entry afford ?
" Waited on Yiggers about the taxes due, 34s.,
who behaved very violently, saying he would not give
me any indulgence ! no, not an hour ! Walked
over to Northfleet with some parish receipts " [which
he had printed for that parish], " but came away with-
out the money."
In February, 1822, he had presumably asked the
mayor, Mr. Millen, for a little pecuniary help, who
appears to have assented if he could find a surety for
repayment; and the extract from the Journal conveys
his clear apprehension of the considerable difference
between the number of his literary, antiquarian, and
natural history acquaintances, visitors, and customers,
and those of his true friends, real and judicious. The
entry runs as follows :
"Saturday, February 9th, 1822. Fine day. Mr.
Millen (the mayor) kindly offered to be my friend (in
case I could find a friend) . Some author has observed a
man may think himself happy if he finds six friends in
his life. I have often said I keep three books : a little
one for my friends, a large one for my acquaintances,
and a small one for my customers. My late wife used
to say our acquaintances were so numerous that we
kept a public-house without profit. The best senti-
ment to give in company is, ' From injudicious friends,
good Lord, deliver me/ "
And two years later we find that the printing of the
third edition of the " Guide for Gravesend," the first edi-
tion of which was printed by Pocockin 1817, had passed
out of his hands, and had gone into those of his respected
competitor, Mr. T. Caddel, his declining means now ex-
ROBERT POCOCK. 227
hibiting ail the symptoms of early financial dissolution
and catastrophe. [This work was written by a visitor.]
The mischief culminated this burden of impe-
cuniosity this terrible scourge of poverty, to which
unworldly men knowing little of that which is sordid
are ever so prone to fall victims this mischief with
which Pocock, like others of his class, knew no mode
of grappling, was advancing with sure and steady steps,
and was now about finally to engulph him. It came at
last, when his furniture and household effects were taken
in execution. This he would have borne, and borne
perhaps with equanimity; but his museum and his
deeply-prized and laboriously-formed collections
his fossils, his butterflies were sold and dispersed
(see p. 243); and he himself, alas! became houseless
and a wanderer.
Fortunately, as his Journal has shown (p. 203), he had
lately established his son George as a printer at the
neighbouring town of Dartford, and there he himself
found a resting-place for the soles of his feet, cast out
of his native town, impoverished and ruined ! Happy
privilege, which gave to the son to be a refuge to his
broken-down father !
But this refugee was not a man to surrender his at-
tachment to the pursuits of his life, or give up the
practice of them by self-prostration. On the contrary,
he began to repay his new neighbours by sedulously
setting to work to complete a singularly full, complete,
and exhaustive history of that town and its adjacent
parish of Wilmington (forming together a separate
hundred, one by no means unentitled to the attention
of the antiquarian and the topographer), and he followed
up this labour of love with so hearty a good- will that
Q 2
228 ROBERT POCOCK.
even now it is computed that the MS. materials re-
maining extant, are equal to an octavo of 600 pages.
The difficulty, however, with him was not the labour
not at all, his industry, and his love of information,
whether ancient or modern, impelled him forward in
spite of ordinary obstacles ; but it was his poverty
here was the bane.
We offer no excuse for presenting the prospectus,
title-page, and preface of this latter work, with which he
may truly be said to have ' ' been in labour," asking that
it may be remembered that, owing to circumstances, they
are but rough drafts, which he would have corrected
and improved had events permitted. He was a great
admirer of Hasted, the historian of Kent, and had de-
fended his good name and fame, as we have seen, in
the " Gentleman's Magazine," especially in 1812, and
he wished this new work in the land of his adoption, or
of his proscription, to have corresponded in type and
character with, and to have formed an extra volume
to, Hasted's " Kent " (in eight volumes octavo).
It is considered that Pocock's flight to Dartford
occurred in the spring of 1827, as the author has seen
a letter from his friend and fellow-antiquary, Mr. Clarke,
addressed under date the 31st of March in that year
to him, " under the care of his son, George Pocock,
printer, Dartford ;" though it is equally clear that the
poor-rate receipts for Gravesend for use subsequent to
Easter were printed by the father, and bore on the
foil of each, " R. Pocock, printer, Gravesend, Kent j"
such receipts are, however, invariably prepared and
printed several weeks in advance.
It may savour of encroachment upon the reader to
set forth in esctenso, not alone the draft prospectus
ROBERT POCOCK. 229
but the dedication also, and the somewhat singular
prefatory remarks to this " History of Dartford and
Wilmington ; " but the extenuation is to be found in
the circumstance that these lines will constitute all
which will ever appear of this his last abortive and
strangled-for-want-of-means compilation; and as we
have very sparsely dealt with his printed works, since,
having been published, they are so far accessible;
so in the case of an unpublished MS., as it never
can be otherwise known or come at, a little more
licence seems permissible.
230
CHAPTER IX.
Ah, worthless wit ! to train me to this woe :
Deceitful arts that nourish discontent ;
111 thrive the folly that bewitch'd me so !
Vain thought, adieu ! for now I will repent
And yet my wants persuade me to proceed,
For none take pity of a scholar's need.
Ah, friends ! no friends that then ungentle frown
When changing fortune casts us headlong down.
THOMAS NASH.
WHIN, alas ! it is remembered that all the care-
ful preparation of 600 pages octavo for this Dartford
History was doomed to fall flat, prostrate, fruitless,
and still-born for want of a few pounds, how forcibly
we are struck by the marvellous and chilling de-
pendence of mind upon matter. Such failures, in-
deed, enable one to appreciate the value in bygone
days (before the vast increase of readers supplied a
remedy), of that encouragement which wealth and
position offered to talented poverty a relation which
admits of being as dignified as it may be degraded ;
for what fair-minded judgment would fail to recog-
nize, in such kindly and timely encouragement of
letters, that the needy author far more than repaid the
patron by linking him as a joint tenant in the in-
ROBERT POCOCK. 231
heritauce of gratitude of the future. Without fur-
ther delay, let us produce Pocock's own words :
"1827.
" PROSPECTUS FOE THE HISTORY OF DARTFORD.
" Printed for the author ; a poor old man with a
proud spirit of independence which do not agree and
who can ill afford it. He is obliged by his loyalty
and duty in obeying the laws of the land, to make a
present of eleven books when finished (value above
eleven guineas) to the British Museum and other
public bodies.
" Ready for the Press and will be published, for
subscribers only, when a sufficient number of names
are obtained to cover the expense, in one volume,
price one guinea, in boards, illustrated with plates and
copious notes the type to correspond with Hasted's
octavo edition of ' Kent/ to which it may be deemed an
extra or supplementary volume
THE HISTORY OF
DARTFORD AND WILMINGTON,
IN THE COUNTY OF KENT ;
extracted from parish records, registers, wills, and
documents of authenticity, comprising various depart-
ments ; viz., ecclesiastical churches, chapels, priories,
buildings, monumental inscriptions, chantries, an-
tiquities, cemeteries, medals, coins, tournaments, traffic,
commerce, manufactories, government, biography,
heraldic information, geology, sewers, agriculture,
botany, natural history, military stations, bowmen,
palace customs, manors, views, walks, recreations,
chronology, and other miscellaneous information;
with some account of the environs, by R. Pocock,
232 ROBERT POCOCK.
author of the ' History of Gravesend and Milton in
Kent ;' ' Memorials of the Tufton Family, Earls of
Thanet/ ' Margate Water Companion/ &c. Subscrip-
tions received at the Banking House of Messrs. Master-
man and Co., Gracechurch, London.
" PEOSPECTUS.
" Our topography commenced in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth, and was at that time considered a new, prin-
cipal, and leading feature in fashionable literature ; it
has embraced attention and employed the pens of
several eminent writers from the days of the respected
Lambarde, the famous Camden, the useful Thorpe, the
decorative Gough, Grose, &c., down to the laborious
Hasted, with his own contemporaries, Denne, Cousens,
Parsons, Noble, &c.
<f The numerous events which have happened in the
county of Kent have caused many topographical pub-
lications, and although most of the considerable towns
in that opulent and pre-eminent county have been
written on and particularly described, yet the much-
frequented and thriving town of Dartford has had no
Historian to commemorate its various occurrences.
The noble persons who have resided, passed through,
and assembled there at different periods as warriors,
soldiers, Eoyal bowmen, cricketers, &c., make the sub-
ject well worthy of inquiry. The monastery or nun-
nery with its religious community, the once royal
palace, its antique church, its ministers, one of its
singular cemeteries, its numerous charities, its exten-
sive manufactories, commerce, traffic, famous mills,
manors, descent of manorial property, pedigrees of
principal families, illustrious passengers, anecdotes,
ROBERT POCOCK. 233
biography, coins and medals, heraldic bearings, natural
history (Dartford warbler, a bird but little known),
antiquities, well-frequented market (Horticulture and
agriculture), scarce botany, customs, sewers, societies,
chronology, walks, recreations, &c., all combine to
form materials sufficient to make a volume of interesting
matter enough to make above 600 pages ; all which
substance was by Mr. Hasted, for want of local know-
ledge, time, and assistance, contracted into only nine
pages. No more perhaps was then possible considering
the bulk of his great provincial work ; but it would
be unpardonable in a local historian did he not extend
all the information in his power, by elucidating and
enlarging on many points in history which remain
obscured and partially treated with, whilst he found
subjects of either utility or entertainment, particularly
on the commonly talked-of rebellion under Wat Tyler,
the origin of paper-making by Sir John Spilman
(whose tomb as such is daily shown in Dartford Church,
and whose story is followed through tradition from one
historian to another without any one having had the
boldness to break this link of error and set truth in the
right path). Therefore the present author has under-
taken this desideratum, hoping the volume will fre-
quently be referred to, and that it may be favourably
received by the public.
" Whilst the author flatters himself he has done his
duty with respect to collecting materials and introduc-
tion of several interesting plates, the engraving of which
have come very expensive, yet he would wish to make
a still further addition (provided circumstances afforded
the means) in order to render the work more valuable.
A few more plates might be judiciously placed, and by
234 ROBERT POCOCK.
some thought requisite, towards which he humbly
solicits aid ; many valuable and scarce records yet lie
with much dormant information, hid in our churches,
public libraries, and private families, especially with the
clergy of the adjoining parishes, whose assistance in
this undertaking he humbly requests, by referring to
the register books of their parishes, where many curious
memoranda are frequently discovered, which he begs to
solicit, and which may be forwarded to the printer prior
to the publication.
" Whoever employ themselves in works of this nature
are well aware of the perplexity and mortification which
accompanies the labour. The impatience of some ;
the lukewarmness of others ; the sneer of the self-con-
ceited ; the austere behaviour and the silent contempt
which authors experience, is enough to dishearten
an attempt to be useful. Kepeatedly has the author of
the present work sent letters without having answers
returned. His presence upon asking for information has
been thought troublesome. Others wait to have the
opinion of reviewers ; others, more cunning, say we can
read it at the circulating library for a few pence ; but
the author retaliates on this class of readers by
endeavouring to keep the book from their sight,
assuring them most faithfully that no more copies will
be printed than subscribed for, and that after the
period of publication no copy can be procured or seen
unless through the favour of a subscriber. Nor can a
subscriber individually have more than one copy in one
name, which name will be printed on the title-page. This
novel mode, although attended with additional expense
and trouble, will be adopted to secure the subscriber, and
render his copy more scarce and valuable, to which he is
ROBERT POCOCK. 235
entitled as the friend of the author, for without his sub-
scription the work never would have appeared.
" In the progress of this History, whilst some small
obstacles and delays have occurred on one side, it is
but just to acknowledge the kind friendship and
assistance the author has received from the communi-
cations of Charles Clarke, Esq., F.S. A.; John Latham,
Esq., M.D.; Rute, Esq., F.L.S., &c., surgeon of Dart-
ford, for his list of rare plants in the neighbourhood ;
the Rev. Mr. Carrey, of Wilmington ; the lately de-
parted and much-lamented Rev. Mark Noble, vicar of
Barming, &c.; with other gentlemen and ladies, to whom
the author will always consider himself under obligation.
" To announce a work of this nature we must have
recourse to advertisements, letters, packets, and many
thousands of handbills printed and distributed to gain
subscribers. The carriage of a single packet is not
an object -, but many come expensive (especially when
paid by an author not abounding in riches). There-
fore he humbly solicits that early communications
and subscriptions may be forwarded free, or at as
easy a rate as possible, and the mode pointed out
by which the book may be conveyed when finished, for
which purpose he has appointed agents at various
places, and named persons to receive subscriptions on
the three principal roads leading through Kent viz.,
to Dover, Ashford, and Tunbridge Wells whose
receipts will be proper vouchers.
"If this undertaking is accomplished with any
small profitj the author will proceed to describe the
other parts of the county of Kent."
It may be here stated, by way of parenthesis, that
the author was quite competent to have performed,
236 ROBERT POCOCK.
had he received encouragement, the contingent promise
thus made, since his collections for a " Topography of
Maidstone" alone were advanced and considerable.
Indeed these pursuits had been the labour of his life,
the collection of material illustrating the past history of
Kent, and its considerable towns, was ever and anon
a work interthreaded in his business and recreation.
We will now give the dedication of his Dartford
volume :
" DEDICATION.
" To Thomas Caldecote, Esq., Barrister-at-Law.
" Sir, Be pleased to accept this dedication as a tri-
bute of respect due to yourself, for three reasons : first,
that you are the only gentleman I have found on
record (as a barrister) having honoured the town of
Dartford with his residence ; secondly, your ready com-
pliance to lend me those scarce and valuable books the
Eegistrum and Customale Koffense, and also Hasted's
volumes of ' Kent,' &c., from which I availed myself by
making several relevant extracts, which acts of kind-
ness convince me you are a true promoter of literature;
and thirdly, you having been an author, an arduous
task, well know the tedious research and perseverance
which is requisite to put a book of this sort into print.
Also, my sincere thanks are due to those ladies and
gentlemen who have favoured me with their names, not
only as subscribers but with genuine information. They
truly may be called friends who have so readily come
forward to patronize the present volume by their sub-
scription ; for without that kind assistance, prematurely
paid through the hands of Messrs. Biidgen and Co.,
bankers, Dartford, and their agent in London, this
ROBERT POCOCK. 237
work could not have been' completed ! The wov^friend
is often mentioned by persons in discourse, and nearly
as often misapplied ; it was not understood by Dryden,
Shakespear, Peachem, or Mathew; South only ap-
pears to have given it some value and its true sense ;
Johnson himself is silent, 1 although he justly hinted
at it in his preface to Lord Chesterfield, otherwise he
would have repeated it on his return from Scotland ;
and Sheridan also would have been glad to have found
it, just previous to his death, among the numerous
train who followed his remains to the grave! For -this
mockery of friendship and empty honour he is not alive
to resent by his pen ; neither is Professor Person !
Permit me now, dear friends, whilst I have life and
gratitude left, to subscribe myself
' ' Your most thankful historian,
" ROBERT POCOCK."
The following is the title-page and preface :
THE HISTORY
of
THE HUNDRED AND PARISHES
of
DARTFORD AND WILMINGTON,
IN THE COUNTY OF KENT :
Comprising
Their Antiquity, Commerce, Manufactures, Customs, Ecclesiastical
Buildings, Charities, Societies, Monumental Inscriptions, Re-
creations, Biography, Botany, Geology, Views, Walks, Natural
History, with some account of the Environs ;
viz.
Erith,Chiselhurst, Darenth, Sutton, Horton, Farningham, Eynsford,
1 See " Johnson's Dictionary," 8vo edition, 1760.
238 ROBERT POCOCK.
Erith, Crayford Stone, Greenhithe, Swanscombe, The Grays ;
and Miscellaneous Information.
Illustrated with Plates, price One Guinea (the Volume),
in extra Boards.
By ROBEET Pococz, Senr.
Author of the Margate Water Companion ; Memorials of the
Tufton Family, Earls of Thanet ; History of Gravesend, &c.
Motto. " Pro captu Lectoris habent sua fata Libelli."
" Books take their doom from each peruser's will ;
Just as they think, they pass for good or ill.''
Gibson s Camden, Preface.
" If books are well chosen, they neither dull the appetite nor strain
the capacity," " but polish and perfect at the same time they
please and entertain." Gent's Mag., June, 1802, p. 15.
" Whoever thinks a perfect piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er is, ne'er was, and ne'er can be."
Printed by G. A. Pocock, Lowfield Street, Dartford.
PBEFACE.
" Topographical information is as important to the
district it describes, as the history of England to the
Kingdom of Great Britain. Hence arises a due con-
sideration of its value, for if a fictitious ideal novel of
three hundred pages large type, written in haste, is
worth seven shillings, what ought double the number
of pages of true historic composition to be worth, ex-
tracted with care, collected by scraps, copied out fairly,
written and rewritten repeatedly with much labour and
great loss of time by the author, who has endeavoured
to introduce all the original matter he could obtain ?
The reader, therefore, himself can now calculate about
what price the volume before him should be charged
to the public.
" From the perusal of history and biography, we are
ROBERT POCOCK. 239
able to judge the actions of our ancestors, whereby we
can avoid their vices, reject their follies, and improve
our morals ; such documents exhibit excellent lessons
by showing the rise and fall of princes, or the revolu-
tions of states, all which changes have been chiefly
brought about by the pride of man, who too often for-
gets himself in good health, and only knows when on
a bed of sickness the proper duty he owes to his
superior.
" Since the commencement in forming this volume
some doubt has arisen whether it would be proper to
notice what Mr. Hasted (thp historian of Kent) has
written (his work being already in the hands of the
nobility and principal gentlemen of the county), to
incorporate it with what we have gleaned ; or to strike
out a new plan by giving the whole in the form of a
biographical and chronological history. At last the
incorporation preponderated, in consequence of the
number of years elapsed since Mr. Hasted' s death,
the scarcity of his voluminous work, and the many
therefore who have it not in their possession :
besides, our subscription being one guinea for an
octavo, we are unwilling the subscriber shall have any
cause of complaint ; but that he shall have enough for
his money, we have illustrated the work with several
interesting plates, and also introduced (we hope not
irrelevantly) some pleasing digressions, extending the
volume to above 600 pages, as we promised in our
prospectus.
" Among the various publications extant, few have
appeared as a helping rule for topographers and
authors; therefore we have inserted our synopsis,
which will serve, not only as a partial index, but a
2 4 o ROBERT POCOCK.
guide for the departments which a local history should
contain.
" To understand this history clearly, first think what
England is in the present reign of King George the
Fourth, and what it was at the most early period
on record ; and note the progressive changes and im-
provements it has undergone. In 1829 we have every
kind of fruit, vegetable, art and science, known
throughout the world, and brought (it may be said) to
this land of milk and honey. Our ancient forests,
woods, and waste lands have been mostly grubbed and
turned into cultivation for corn, grain, and useful
herbage, of which there are now produced more than
ever known at any period before. Only revert to the
time Queen Elizabeth came to the throne, in 1558, this
great pride of English history (far more praise has been
given to this tyrannical lady than perhaps she deserved).
We had then no cherries, but the little common black
indigenous berry of our country. No variety of vege-
tables, but what were brought from the Netherlands !
We had then no potatoes to feed our people, nor
mangel wurzel to feed our cattle. No turnips, for they
were first introduced into England by Lord Townsend,
secretary to King Charles I. Mangel wurzel was
brought over by Doctor Lettsom. Although potatoes
were brought to Ireland in 1565, by John Hawkins,
from Santa Fe in New Spain, they did not become the
general food of the Irish until after the Revolution.
We had no East India trade ! No West India
trade ! Lean meat and fish of the coarsest sort was
the daily food ! Porpoises we find brought to table ;
and bull beef (tough enough we have no doubt) was
frequently a prominent dish (every parish kept a bull,
ROBERT POCOCK. 241
which was let out, the profits going to the parochial
revenue, as seen in many of our churchwardens' books),
but, to make the beef more tender, prior to the death
of the animal permission was given to bait it with
dogs, a sport which afforded the vulgar a treat, but
which is now looked on as a cruel pastime, and seldom
resorted to by the more refined. Queen Elizabeth
seldom had a meal without red herrings and salt fish.
" If we add more to the deficiencies in the reign of
this female monarch, we shall say,
" No gas to light our palaces, streets, or houses.
" No telegraph (which was invented by Claude
Chappe, a Frenchman, who died in 1805).
"No telescopes (they being invented, in 1590, by
Jansen, a Dutchman).
"No observations for navigators (Jupiter's moons
being not discovered till 1610).
" No spring pocket watches (they being invented by
Dr. Hook in 1658).
" No tea from China, nor fine China pottery ware.
" No coaches to ride in, they only coming into fashion
in 1588.
te No coffee, it not arriving in England till 1652.
" No mustard.
" No porter ; no carp fish.
* For hops, pickerel, carp, and beer
Came to England all in one year.'
" No umbrella to screen the face from the rain or
sun ; a large cloak with a hood was the only covering
to protect the head.
" No daily post to communicate at a distance.
" No surgeon in the land with skill enough to ampu-
tate a limb,
242 ROBERT POCOCK.
" No Alpine strawberries, for they only came in 1760.
" No magic lanthorn to amuse.
" No comfortable Bath stove to warm by sea coal.
" No microscopes to expand the mind by viewing
the millions of animated nature heretofore unknown.
" No British writing paper, till John Spilman in
1588 made it in Dartford.
" No feather bed to sleep on, the chambers then
having clean straw laid down in lieu. (Copy from
Chalk Church book.)
" No steam vessel to convey quick intelligence.
" No mahogany, rosewood, or satinwood chairs or
tables, nothing but chestnut, oak, or walnut-tree
chairs or stools.
" No Royal Society to reward inventions.
" No Geological Society to investigate the strata of
the earth.
" No f ossilist, conchologist, or natural historian.
" No Horticultural Society to adorn the garden and
please the eye.
" No Hard's Royal Farinaceous Flour, as made at
Dartford, and extolled throughout the kingdom for
making the best puddings, of which the Queen, if now
living, would often have a taste.
" No rich graziers like the present, nor cattle shows,
nor oil-cake as made at Dartford to feed them.
" No carpet to ornament the floors, straw being then
used and green rushes.
' ' If then we had no such luxuries of foreign trade, of
what goods did our merchandise consist ? Who were
then our merchants ? I believe at that time very few
English; but Jews abounded in every part of the
world, and appear to have taken the lead, as they do
ROBERT POCOCK. 243
to this day in the principal parts of Asia and
Africa.
" And as to our buildings : to glimpse at ancient
times, the Romans came after the Phoenicians and built
edifices, but with what materials ? We have none of
their fine Corinthian or ornamented columns remain-
ing, as are seen in Rome and Italy. No, the buildings
are mostly of rough stones of our own country, with a
few Roman flat tiles worked in with them, made or
collected on the spot, or brought from some neigh-
bouring lord of the soil, to whom a fee or grant fo r such
permission must have been previously obtained. Hence
a partial commerce in building materials commenced,
while Eastern produce was in the hands of infidels and
Jews, who made annual excursions, resting in certain
places for disposal of their commodities (among which
we find spices as one of the most ancient) at a certain
period of day, from whence originated the festivals,
fairs, and marts, of which a further account will be given.
" When we behold an old castle, or building, and
observe that the materials with which it is constructed
are not the produce of its soil, a natural question
arises, from whence were the bulky substances ob-
tained ? by what means ? by whom ? and how
paid for ? Here the study of lithology and geology
will arise, and the author congratulates himself that
the pleasure and knowledge he gained from the study
of fossils, by Dacosta, procuring also a specimen of
each sort described, with some choice minerals and a
copious museum which he collected (all lost ! this will
be explained in the life of the author, about to be
written), tended to fix on his memory the different
indigenous substances of different countries !
R 2
244 ROBERT POCOCK.
" On entering Westminster Abbey at the great door,
and looking up on the right hand to a monument, we
hardly know which most to admire, the courage of
the hero, the grandeur of the pyramid, or the
judgment of the artist, who has gone in unison with
the design, for it is the monument of that naval con-
queror who took Gibraltar I The sculptor has not
only displayed his taste, but has brought over, and
actually employed his chisel on, part of that famous
Rock itself!
" In the Conqueror's time, and shortly after, we
find Caen stone, from Normandy, introduced into our
castles and buildings, many instances of which are
seen; for example, the base of a window iu Stone
Castle, also at Rochester Castle, the White Tower of
London, &c. This trade continued with France until
the Gothic architecture was introduced, when we find
Kentish rag stone, with flints interspersed ; then came
a period, about 1400, when flint stones, flat-faced and
squared, were used. This pretty species of ornament
reached to King Henry the 8th. And in all those
centuries we find the English procuring many of the
above materials from a distance, and at great expense,
without once using bricks like the present, there being
none in old Stone Castle, although they might have
been made near the spot, and would have worked in
more squarely and easily. Thus the art of brickmaking
in England appears of modern invention. Small c) inker
bricks were imported from Holland and the Nether-
lands ; and English bricks, made of no particular size.
Afterwards came in use Act of Parliament bricks (so
called), made in England of a certain dimension, the
duty from which and the quantity made has been
ROBERT POCOCK. 245
within the present century immense, and seems to be
rapidly increasing, especially in the years 1824 to
1828.
" During the time Calais was in our hands, wool was
the staple commodity, and those who dealt in it were
persons of great credit, for it paid a considerable
revenue to the Crown at Sandwich, which was the
chief port for its exportation. Other textile articles
have come in gradually as the fashion has infected the
nation. At one time many mortgaged their lands to
go to the holy war. Another time the building of
churches, chantries, and nunneries engrossed their
thoughts. In Queen Elizabeth's reign great differences
arose between Papist and Protestant. In King
Charles Ist^s time an obstinacy reigned on the part of
royalty and its adherents. In Charles 2nd's time levity
and immorality prevailed (yet we pray and rejoice by
ringing bells for the glorious Restoration ; surely it is
high time to drop the festival of this day and also
November the 5th, which only keep up a party spirit).
In King George 3rd's reign a thirst for art and science
flourished, particularly geography, topography, balloon
flying, and novel reading. In King George 4th's
time, brickmaking, building houses, and speculative
companies, accompanied with failures of bankers, and
bankruptcies, especially among the booksellers and
printers ; at the same time Bible societies, missionary
meetings, anniversaries, preaching sermons, with
National Schools, abounded, whilst the public were
accommodated by gaslights and steam-packets.
(< The author most deeply regrets the loss of numerous
ancient deeds, old armour, and manuscripts, from the
church of Dartford, sold by the parish officers (a few
246 ROBERT POCOCK.
years since) for a paltry sum. A sum may fairly be
paltry, but ought the conduct of any parish officer to be
such ? No, they who are the guardians of the parish
should endeavour to maintain our trade and support
the poor within it, but not encourage foreigners, when
the work can be done equally cheap and masterly by
workmen within the parish. The above manuscripts
would have elucidated and added much to the history,
not only of the parishes but of the country, because
formerly there was the habit of depositing valuable
records in churches and religious houses, as a greater
security from whence it was presumed no sacrilegious
person would attempt to rob or disturb them.
" Tempora ! Mores !
" In this compilation, for compilation it may mostly
be called, the author has culled the sweets, and made
extracts in words, from those well skilled in the history
of the country, in preference to anything he could him-
self write or suggest, for if he had ventured to amend,
he should, in many instances, have failed altogether.
' He will not pretend this collection is free from mis-
takes; no wise man will expect that, for he that copies
after others (as collectors of histories must do) cannot
always be sure he writes truth. Who is so careful (says
Camden) that, struggling with time in the foggy dark
sea of antiquity, he may not run upon rocks ? '
" The author thought to have found a treasure of
ecclesiastical information on looking into Bishop
Gibson's ' Camden's Britannia/ 2 vols. folio, but to
his surprise and disappointment the Rev. Prelate was
quite silent under the head of Dartford Nunnery. And
even the laborious Hasted has been very scanty, only
giving the name of one nun with a few prioresses !
ROBERT POCOCK. 247
These desiderata have been most kindly supplied from
Coles and from other MSS., through the means of Mr.
Dunkin, of Bromley, to whom the public, and the author
especially, are under great obligation. Also to such
other gentlemen who have endeavoured to assist the
author
" There was a period when prayers were publicly
offered up for the dead ; and although the custom is
nearly obsolete, yet the author cannot forget the names
of Thorpe, Camden, Lambard, Kilburne, Denne, Noble,
Hasted, and many others, hoping they exist with God,
enjoying more bliss above than when on the terra-
queous globe. Thanks are also due to the living for
assistance in this work ; particularly to my old friend
Charles Clarke, Esq., F.S.A., my young friend Wil-
liam Craffcer, Esq., junior, in repeated instances,
William Upcot, Esq., of London Institution, for be-
ginning my subscription book, &c., B. Tanner,
Esq., of Maidstone, and others, for their kind endea-
vours, especially T. Fisher, Esq., whose name commands
respect."
248
CHAPTER X.
From sorrow here
I'm led by Death away why should I start and fear ?
If I have loved the forest and the field,
Can I not love them deeper, hetter there ?
If all that Power hath made, to me doth yield
Something of good and beauty something fair
Freed from the grossness of mortality,
May I not love them all, and better all enjoy ?
KOBEET NlCOLL.
So much for the Prospectus, Dedication, and Preface of
this great work, of Pocock's defeated hopes ! He had
too early rejoiced over the circumstance that the artists
lived at Dartford who had furnished the drawings and
plates, that there also the work had been written and
the type composedly himself; the pages to be printed,
imposed, and worked off by his son G. A. Pocock, and
also bound. A combination, he says, scarcely to be
paralleled ; but in point of fact cruel fate drew a hard
and fast line between the preparation of the drawings
and of the MS. text, and all that was to follow of the
fair performance.
It was not until 1844 (to forecast the future) that a
history and antiquities of Dartford was published, and
then by Mr. John Dunkin, to whom the above graceful
ROBERT POCOCK. 249
reference (p. 247) was due, and who, in his Preface,
referring to Pocock and these his labours in the same
field, writes :
" The late Mr. Robert Pocock some years since cir-
culated proposals for a History of Dartford which his
death, and then the dispersion, if not destruction, of his
collections prevented ever being fulfilled."
In the preceding preface grateful allusion is made
by Pocock also to Mr. Charles Clarke, F.S.A., who in
the History of Gravesend is mentioned also as a literary
person settled at that town ; but in neither statement
did it appear, as the fact was, that Pocock had equally
and laboriously devoted himself to the acquisition of
antiquarian details for his friend in connexion with
Rouen and other towns in Normandy a friendly
assistance which was well repaid by Mr. Clarke in
aiding Pocock's researches into the earlier historical
transactions connected with the county of Kent.
Another kind friend (a friend departed during the
work) finds mention and acknowledgment, to whom
Pocock had opened some of his trials, viz. : The Rev.
Mark Noble, Incumbent of Banning, Kent, F.S.A., who
wrote to Pocock, in September, 1826, in reference to
the projected History of Dartford and Wilmington, as
follows :
" DEAE SIR,- I shall answer your letter as methodically
as I can. I am extremely hurt that you have been
in any distress. The best consolation I know is the
Book, which is given us in mercy to comfort us here
and lead us to where only true joys are to be found. I
applaud your intention of writing an history of Dartford
2so ROBERT POCOCK.
and Wilmington. I desire you to make me a sub-
scriber for a copy."
This writer is the accomplished author of " The
House of Medici," " The Genealogy of the House of
Stuart," and many similar works.
His wife, Mrs. Sarah Noble, was ever sensible of
our author's ready assistance in her botanical tastes,
and an appreciation of it is shown by many acknow-
ledgments, of which the following is an instance :
" April 28th, 1828.
" SIR, I feel myself very much obliged by the great
trouble you have taken to procure me the lizard
orchis, which I prize very highly ; and I assure you
they look quite well after their remove. I carefully
preserved the chalk rubbish you sent with them, and
planted them on the same bed on which you saw the
military orchis when you were here last summer. I was
very glad of the military one you sent, which I shall
send in the autumn to a daughter I have in Stafford-
shire, who is really and scientifically a botanist. The
other plants I have taken care of, and they all seem
likely to grow, and I hope you will see them nourishing
when your promised visit takes place in the summer. At
present, I am sorry to say, my daughters have not found
any of the plants enumerated in your list, but I hope
the spring and genial weather will introduce some of
them to us ; but I suspect that plants which have not
already a place in your collections must be very scarce
indeed. Mrs. Cresswell requests I will return her
compliments and thanks for your valuable present of
shells, which she admires exceedingly, and has in part
arranged them in drawers ; the others are carefully put
ROBERT POCOCK. 251
up, as she cannot extend her liberality so far as to part
with them to her collecting friend. Our youngest
daughter, and two of Mrs. CresswelPs children, are
much indisposed with the hooping, which disturbs the
fond and anxious mothers night and day. You are the
only person I have ever known that succeeded in
transplanting the orchis tribe. The bee, the fly, and
birds' nest were frequently found in the woods around
us; but owing to cultivation on the one hand, and
ignorant and pretended botanists on the other, they
are become very scarce. I find great difficulty in keeping
the fly alive ; I had two in the garden last summer,
but both died in the winter, and one I placed under a
cucumber frame with my auriculas is alive and hearty.
" I am, Sir,
" Your very much obliged,
" SARAH NOBLE.-"
These letters have been set out the more readily since
the former of them shows that Pocock had to some
extent " opened his griefs " to the venerable and
accomplished clergyman (his kind correspondent); but
although a member of the Established Church, the
times in which Pocock 's lot was mainly cast were not
those in which the Church of England was characterized
by any general religious fervour or activity, and we
shall search in vain for any indication in his Annals
that he personally exhibited any exception to the
fashionable lethargy of the day in this respect. On the
other hand, the religious reflections to which he gave
utterance in his " Dartford " Preface, at p. 239, are of
unimpeachable propriety and force, and of appropriate
application.
252 ROBERT POCOCK.
In his poverty and dejection there is evidence that
our author formed the design of writing his auto-
biography, the record of his life, its pleasures and its
trials (indeed he interpolates as much in the above
Preface, see p. 243). Of this there have been collected
snatches and extracts such as the following, but they
are few and meagre; still their reference to himself
is sufficiently shown by the prefix of et Pocock's Life,"
in his own hand :
" POCOCK'S LIFE.
" How happy is he born or taught
That serveth not another's will ;
Whose armour is his honest thought,
And simple truth his utmost skill."
These lines are very characteristic of the indepen-
dence, not to say impatience of character, which
Pocock exhibited throughout his career, and which is
often indicative of that struggle for leisure and means
of study against which he had ever to contend.
Impecuniosity carried with it then greater and more
formidable consequences than now exist, and the
actual confinement for debt was not a contingency
which poor Pocock could exclude from his thoughts.
In another extract, headed by him with the words
" Pocock's Life," we find the following :
" POCOCK'S LIFE.
" A prison is a place of care,
Wherein no man can thrive ;
A touchstone sure to try a friend,
A grave for men alive.
" Mem. I think this verse was written by Mr.
Cotton, when confined in gaol."
ROBERT POCOCK. 253
At one time lie indited his own epitaph,, in a hope-
ful strain, trusting that his memory might live in his
native town as the author of its annals. Thus he
wrote,
" An Epitaph. The register of this parish records
the birth and death of Robert Pocock (son of John
and Martha). He made his exit on 18 , having
existed the space of years j but in that time
he produced a ' History of Gravesend and Milton/
with other works, which will perpetuate his memory."
At some other period, when haunted by his em-
barrassments and apprehensions of arrest, he wrote,
" The Gravesend historian finished his writing on
18 , when years old, being arrested by
Death."
Under his own hand, and speaking of himself, we
have the following painful retrospect of these his
later days ; he says,
" After being driven from house and home, destitute
of money, furniture, &c.^ and experiencing more dis-
tress and mortification than falls to the lot of many,"
His son George lingered at Dartf ord near his father's
tomb till about 1835, when whatever few relics re-
mained were presumably sold by auction, and he
himself left for South America. He had seen service
in his youth under Sir Gregor McGregor, and he died
in the service of Queen Isabella, at Santander, in
1836, six years after his father.
The scant memory which yet lingers at Dartf ord
Jbhe retreat of this reduced and broken-hearted man
254 ROBERT POCOCK.
points to a man of an independent spirit, of a mien and
deportment above the accessories by which he was there
surrounded. Already conspicuous and solitary, in
the rapidly shifting fashions of the day, by the per-
sistent retention of his pig-tail, he was there baited and
brought to bay by fortune, and languished under ever-
receding hopes. His efforts to float his " History of
Dartford " failed for want of subscribers, though the
scanty list was extended by the pathetic introduction
of the names of all his children an extension of its
length of little advantage to its strength. The poor
old man having thus battled with adversity with a per-
severance beyond praise, and having pushed his last
literary load up to the summit of attainment all in
vain a sense of pity seems to cry out for some release
from the unequal struggle. The lines of Thomson
come to our thoughts involuntarily :
Come, ye who still the cumbrous load of life
Push hard uphill ; but as the farthest steep
You trust to sain, and put an end to strife,
Down thunders back the stone with mighty sweep,
And hurls your labours to the valleys deep,
For ever vain ! come, and, withouten fee,
I, in oblivion will your sorrow steep,
Your cares, your toils, will steep you in a sea
Of full delight ; oh, come, ye weary wights, to me !
His son George, of whom he had made a practical
printer, and who was ready and willing to assist, pos-
sessed no funds by which this goodwill could be realized.
His filial duty had already provided his homeless parent
the covering of a roof ; and possibly still further
troubles would have supervened, had not death, in
kindly pity, noiselessly and quietly eased the harsh
ROBERT POCOCK. 255
strain, and closed the old man's career, with all his
cares and disappointments. For on the morning of
the 26th of October, 1830, there they find him as he
lay in his bed, stricken, so the doctors said, by heart
disease.
His body was quietly laid in the neighbouring
churchyard of Wilmington. Little notice was taken
of his death, and no record, either of wood or stone, ever
marked the place where they laid him.
And here also we will leave him, peacefully laying
down his freight three score years and ten of final
disappointments, struggles, and cares in the little pic-
turesque churchyard of his old friend and fellow-
antiquary, the Rev. Samuel Denne, in the midst of that
rural scenery which (student of nature as he was) he
traversed so oft, and which he loved so well.
Farewell, ye blooming fields ! ye cheerful plains !
Enough for me the churchyard's lonely mound,
Where melancholy with still silence reigns,
And the rank grass waves o'er the cheerless ground.
MICHAEL BEUCE.
FINIS.
APPENDIX.
THE following is a list of most of the works actually
printed or published by Robert Pocock :
"Pocock's Child's First Book, or Reading made Easy.
Bound in embossed paper, price sixpence.
Pocock's Child's Second Book, being a further
improvement in learning.
Pocock's Spelling Book, or the Children's Reading
and Spelling united. Strongly bound in leather or
canvas, being the two preceding articles bound together,
price one shilling.
A Chronology of the most Remarkable Events that
have occurred in the parishes of Gravesend, Milton,
and Denton. To which is added a list of the Mayors
for the last forty years; also an obituary taken from
the monumental inscriptions in the cemeteries of the
parishes of Gravesend and Milton. By R. Pocock,
8vo, pp. 38. Gravesend, 1790.
Giles' English Governing or Parsing ; recommended
to schoolmasters, and private teachers of Grammar, as
the most easy method of attaining a thorough know-
ledge of that science. Nothing of this sort has ever
appeared in print. Bound in leather, 12 mo size for
APPENDIX. 257
the pocket, and printed on good paper and type, price
two shillings.
The History of the Incorporated Town and Parishes
of Gravesend and Milton, in the county of Kent, se-
lected with accuracy from topographical writers, and
enriched from MSS. hitherto unnoticed; recording
every event that has occurred in the aforesaid town
and parishes, from the Norman Conquest to the present
time. (By Robert Pocock.) 4to. Gravesend, 1797.
Kentish Fragments, gleaned from the Hustings on
Penenden Heath ; a Poem, containing Sketches of the
most eminent Characters, and of the Events and Disas-
ters, at the late General Election of 1802, for the county
of Kent, with a state of the poll in 1796. 8vo.
Gravesend, 1802. Sixpence.
The Picture of Human Life : or variety of food for
the mind ; consisting of valuable matter calculated for
the pleasure and instruction of readers of every class,
among which, besides those articles selected from the
best authors, are interspersed many original pieces
never before published. In twelve numbers, price six-
pence each.
Clarke's Observations on the Tunnel or Road intended
to be made under the River Thames at Gravesend.
4to stitched, price four shillings. Much learning is
displayed in this pamphlet. 4to, three shillings
and sixpence. Gravesend, 1799."
[In reference to which Sir Wdward Knatchbull, Bart.,
writes to Pocock as follows :
"January 27th, 1799;
" SIR, Yesterday I received your letter, dated the
1st, and also Mr. Clarke's book with Observations on the
intended Tunnel under the Thames, for which I am
258 APPENDIX.
much obliged to you. I wish it may answer ; I have
very much my doubts about it.
" I am, sir,
" Your most obedient servant,
"EDWD. KNATCHBULL."]
" Memoirs of the Tufton Family, Earls of Thanet ;
containing not only an historical account of that
family, but many digressions, replete with anecdotes
&c. 8vo, in boards, price seven shillings, 18 . {
The Everlasting Song-Book, with original Rules for
Behaviour in Convivial Societies. Bound in red, price
two shillings.
G-ravesend Water Companion, describing all the
towns, churches, villages, parishes and gentlemen's
seats, as seen from the river Thames, between London
Bridge and Gravesend town. In two parts, 12mo,pp.
60. Gravesend, printed by R. Pocock, 1798. Re-
printed in 1802. Also, Margate Water Companion,
see page 28, supra.
Sea Captain's Assistant, or Fresh Intelligence for
Salt Water Sailors; containing, among a variety of
maritime articles, a naval chronology, the list of
Trinity House pilots, with those of Deal, Dover, &c.
Price one shilling.
God's Wonders in the Great Deep, giving an account
of the most wonderful and amazing deliverances of
sailors at sea. Price one shilling.
The Antiquities of Rochester Cathedral, with the
monumental inscriptions ; decorated with a plate of the
Cathedral. Stitched, price one shilling.
The Toast Master, and Directions for Conducting
Yourself like a Gentleman. Stitched, price sixpence.
APPENDIX. 259
" Memoirs of the Families of Sir E. Knatchbull, Bart.,
and Filmer Honey wood, Esq., 8vo, price sixpence.
Gravesend, 1802.
The Charter of Gravesend, with all the laws relating
to the watermen using the ferry between that town
and London. 4 to, stitched in marble, three shillings.
Gravesend, R. Pocock.
Eules for Playing the new and fashionable Game at
Cards called Boston, introduced into this kingdom by
the Russian officers who visited Chatham. Price six-
pence.
Laws of the manly Game of Cricket. Price three-
pence.
The Royal Soldier : a sermon.
The Life and Death of John Carpenter. Printed by
R. Pocock, Gravesend, and sold by all other booksellers,
1805. 12mo, Gravesend, 1805.
A Guide for Gravesend, by a visitor. Printed for the
author by Robert Pocock, High Street, 1817."
Numerous parish and business papers, of which on
the 8 August, 1787, are his earliest known printed
particulars and conditions of sale (auctioneer, Anthony
Peck) of Roger Man's properties in High Street and
Church Street ; sale to be held at the Catharine
Wheel, in High Street.
s 2
PI 3<
II
II
o g
20
PH
03 '
o
Ii'
1
> > ^ t*
INDEX.
Aetochoe, Princess
Alder, Mr * .-',
Allen, Captain
Allington Castle
Anderson, David .
Angel, good .. '.
" Annual Register "
Arnold, Anthony
PAGE
. 55
. 209
. 18
. 136
. 48
. 16
. 25
. 106
Arnold, George " 10, 106, 108, 120
Arnold, Lieutenant . . 90
Asparagus . . . .68
Asthma 66
Atterbury, Bishop . .27
Aurora borealis . . .47
Aylesford . >-'..,.. - 136
Banks, P. C., Esq. . . .173
Barming .... 135
Batavia taken . . .57
Bedingfield, Mr. . . . 51
Beer 241
Betsom Fair .... 187
Billingsgate ... 28, 30
Bird's nest (edible) . . 172
Birling Hill . . . .111
Birling remedy (hydropho-
bia) . . . . 41, 54
Bittern 98
Black Prince .... 90
Blue Bell Hill . .134
Blockhouse Platform, Essex . 20
Bodleian Library . . .30
Botany Bay . . .65, 109
Boston game .... 259
PAGE
Bradley, Rev. Mr. . . . 56.
Brickmaking .... 244
Brightlingsea . . . .54
British Museum . . . 231
Brook's Museum . . . 155
Bruce, George (New Zea-
lander) . . . .55
Bruce, Michael . . .255
Buckinger, Matthew, 120, 121, 147,
180
Butterfly catcher ... 73
Caddell, Mr. T. . 53, 226, 236
Caen stone . , . .244
Calais 245
Caldecote, Mr. . . 213, 236
Camden . . . .21, 247
Canal machine boat . . 53
Canterbury, Archbishop of . 224
Canterbury Paper . . 24, 25
Canvey Island . . .194
Carpenter, John, Life of . 259
Carpets 242
Castlereagh, Lord . . 146, 147
Catherine Wheel, The . . 259
Chadwick, Charles, Esq. . 205
Chalk . . 86, 105, 147
Chalk Church . . 63, 137, 172
Chamberlayne, William . . 216
Chimes ..... 175
Charles I. ... 240, 245
Charles II 245
Chatham . . . .22
Chatham Eace . . . 148
262
INDEX.
Chesterfield, Lord .
Child's First Book .
Child's Second Book
Chimes (church)
China, Embassy to .
Chronicle, JUnglish .
Chronology
Circulating Library
City Solicitor .
Clare, John
Clarence, Duke of .
Clarendon Press
PAGE
. 186
7,256
7, 256
. 175
. 47
. 155
. 5,9
5, 25
. 41
. 99
. 153
. 130, 170
Clarke, C., Esq., F.S. A. 155,182,
183, 205, 235, 249
Clarke's Tunnel . . .257
Coaches 241
Coal Company . . . 124
Coal fires . . . 241,242
Cobbett's Register . . 132, 139
Cobham Church . . 84,137
CobhamHall. . 148,199,200
Cock Robin, &c. . . .8
Cofiee . . . . . 241
Cole, Joe ..- . . 81,137
Comet, 1811 38, 44, 48, 50, 53
Compass, The . . 96
Composing-room . . . 175
Coosens, Miss. . . .143
Corporation of Gravesend . 47
Courts of Request . .37
Cowper, William ... 59
Crayford . . . .42
Cresswell, Mrs. . . .251
Cricket . . . .83, 259
Crimps 45
" Critical Review " . . 25
Crofter, Mr. W. 50, 53, 91, 247, &c.
Cronebane . . . .97
Crossing the line . . . 126
Dacosta .
Daily post
Dallaway, Mr.
Dalton, Colonel
Dane Holes
. 243
. 241
. 110
188, 205
. Ill
Danson, Matthew, Life of . 98
Darnley, Earl of, 47, 86, 141, 144,
197, 199
PAGE
Dartford Church . . .245
Dartford History 229, 231, 237,
248, 253
Dartford Nunnery . . . 246
Dartford warbler, The . . 233
Davies, Rev. Mr. . . 62, 65
Davy, Sir Humphrey . . 209
Day, John . . . .30
Dean of Rochester . . . 119
Death . . . .254
Death watch . . . .147
Death's-head moth . . 51
Denmark, Prince of . .131
Denne, Rev. S. . 12, 247, 254
Desolation, Isle of . . .57
Dissenters .... 221
Dorset, Lionel, Duke of . . 198
Dorset, Duchess of. . .198
Dover, Castle Inn . . . 174
Dryden . . . . 237
Duels 131
" Dulce Domum " . . .60
Dunkin, A. J. ... 8,32,247
Dunkin, Miss .... 8
Durham, Rev. Mr. 154, 155, 165
Durling, Master ("simpler") 70, 87
Dutch soldiers . . .27
Eardley's, Lord, garden . . 39
Earl of Kent . . . .224
East India Company's charter 68
East Tilbury . . . .152
Edmeades, Captain . . 42
Edward II 224
Edward the Black Prince . 90
Egyptian Hall . . 121, 123
Elizabeth, Queen, 17, 20, 240, 241,
245
Embassy to China . . 47
Erith 38
Errata . . . 181, 219, 220
" European Magazine " . .25
Evans, John Mills . . 165, 167
" Everlasting Song Book" 129, 258
" Farmer's Assistant "
Female historian .
10
16
INDEX.
263
Fisher, Bishop . . 26, 27
Flitch of Bacon . .14
Fooks, E. J., Esq. . . .127
Fooks, T. B., Esq. . . .127
Fooks, W., Esq., Q.C. . . 8
Fountain Tavern . . . 104
" Foxe's Martyrs " . . .30
France 101
Free School ... 3, 216
" Frisky Songster " . .16
Frog fish . . . .95
Furniture and effects . . 227
Gad's Hill Wood . . 186, 219
Gas ..,- . . . .240
" Gentleman's Magazine " 25, 36,
50, 88, 90, 95, 228, 238
Geological Society . . .242
George III 245
George IV. . . 186, 240, 245
Gerelius, Dr 110
Gibbon, Arthur . ^ .26
Gibraltar .... 244
Giles' English parsing . 4, 256
Giles, James, Jun. ... 4
Giles, James, Sen. ... 4
Giles' portrait .. .97
Gillbee, Mr. Nicholas . 17, 165
Gladdish, Mrs. . ... . 122
Glasgow 177
God's Wonders in Deep . . 258
Goldsmith .... 216
Grain, Isle of . . . . 211
Grapes . . . . 41
Gravesend, Alice . . . 222
Gravesend, Bishop. . . 221
Gravesend Bridge . . .29
Gravesend coaches . . 31
Gravesend, Corporation of . 47
Gravesend Fair . 52, 92, 154
Gravesend Free School 3, 216
Gravesend Guide . . 226, 259
Gravesend, History of . 2, 11
Gravesend Lecturer . . 140
Gravesend Market Place
(well) 209
Gravesend Old Churchyard 27,
158, 159
PAGE
Gravesend, Sir Stephen . . 221
Gravesend Water Company 228,
258
Grays brick-fields . . . 210
Grays Fair . . . .188
Gregor, Sir Gregor . . 253
Greig's astrography . . 49
Guildhall Library ... 8
Guy Fawkes . . . .94
Hards, Jamea .... 143
Harrison, Israel . . . 161
Hart, W. H., Esq., F.S.A. . 221
Hasted (Kent) 34, 117, 220, 228,
239
Hastings .... 166
Haviland, Mr. . . 109, 110
Hecla and Fury, The . 206, 207
Henry VIII. . 20, 27, 30, 244
Henslow, Professor 116, 139, 162,
163, 165, 193
Hermitage (Gad's Hill) . . 157
Herschell's Telescope . . 42
Higham Tunnel . . . 150
Hignam Court . . 153, 154
Hinde, Mr. John . . 9, 57
Hinde, Mr. E. . 65, 68, 73
Hinde, Frances . . . 260
History of Gravesend 11, 257
Hogg, James . . . .33
Holy Bible . . . .221
Holy Haven . . .36, 193
Holy Island . . . .195
Honduras Bay . . . 130
Honeywood, Filmer, Esq. . 23
Honeywood Memoirs . . 259
" Honores Anglicani" . . 173
Hook, Dean ; ... 26
Hops 241
Horn books .... 7
Horticultural Society . . 242
" Hortus Siccus " . . 112, 139
House of Medici . . . 250
House of Stuart . . . 250
Howard 110
Hudson's Bay ships . . 137
Ifield harmonics
. 76
2 6 4
INDEX.
Inner Temple Library
Irish Volunteers
Israel Harrison
PAGE
184, 264
. 70
. 161
James II. . . . .20
Jews ..... 242
Jones, Mrs. . . . 136, 138
Jones, S. E. K. . . 14, 260
Jupiter's moons . . . 241
Katterfelto, Dr. . . 61
Kemsing 196
Kentish fragments . . . 257
Kilburne .... 247
King, Death of the .' .76
King's accession (anniversary) 118
Knatchbull Memoirs . . 259
Knatchbull, Sir Edward 23, 258,
259
Knole House . . . . 196
Lace, Seizure of . .74
Lambarde .... 247
Lambert's "Notes on Botany " 56
Landman, Colonel . . . 130
Lavater . ." . . .17
Leeds Castle .... 144
Leigh 36
Lewis Island . . * .53
Library 24
Lloyd, Kev. John . . .26
Lloyd's List . . . .25
Lousada, Miss 126, 160, 161, 162
Luddesdown .... Ill
Lump fish . . . .49
Mackenzie, Alexander . . 92
Madder 42
Madrid . . . . .84
Magic lantern v . . ' . 242
Maidstone . . . 135, 236
Maidstone Gaol ... 69
Maidstone Paper . . .25
Mangel wurzel . . . 240
Marchmont, Earldom and
estates of ... 119, 187
Margate, Water company in, 28,
258
Market Place . , 209
PAGE
Marlborough, Duke of . . 161
Matthews, John (Town Clerk) 197
Meopham Fair . . . 142
Microscopes .... 242
Millen, Mr. . . 120, 123, 226
Milk and water . . .39
Mil ton-next- Gravesend . . 220
Milton Church ... . 221
Milton, Poor of . . k .223
Minster . . * , .45
Mock Mayor . . . . - . 48
Moth catching . .81
Monk, General ... 17
"Monthly Magazine" 64, 67, 78,
149
" Monthly Eeview " ,. .25
Montresa, Colonel . . . 147
Moore's Almanack . . .37
Morant's " History of Essex " 54
Morhall, Mrs. ... 17
Mudie's Library ... .26
Mungo, St., shrine . . . 121
Murray's Guides v . . 29
Museum, British . . . 231
Museum, Mr. Brook's . . 155
Museum, Mr. Ball's . . 79
Museum, Mr. Jefferies' . . 80
Museum, Mr. Pittard's . . 80
Mustard 241
Mutiny at Nore (see Nore) . 107
Nash, Thomas . . . 230
Natural History of Kent 30, 33
Natural History Society 26, 77, 89,
96, 120
Navy List . . . .32
Nero . .";'. .44
Newbury .... 7
Newcastle, Duke of . .22
New Zealand heads . . 184
Niagara 92
Nicoll, Eobert, . . .248
Noble, Mrs. Sarah . . .250
Noble, Eev. M. 171, 181, 182, 235,
247, 249
Notes and Queries ... 7
Nore, The (see Mutiny) . . 64
Northfleet Church . . .65
Northfleet Volunteers . . 18
INDEX.
265
" Nundinae Cantianae "
PAGE
. 32
PAGE
Pocock, Robert, pedigree . 260
Pomona frigate . . .71
Oliver Cromwell
. 177
Port of Leigh .... 53
Orange, Prince of .
. 75
Port of London . . 53, 61
Orkneys .
41, 43, 81
Porter 241
Orloff, Count .
. 110
Pottinger, Mr. ... 121
Ormskirk Church .
. 37
Powell, George . . . 120
Otford
. 196
Priestley, Dr 156
Oysters . . ^
. 183
Prince of Orange (public-
house) 75
Painted lady cardinal
. 50
Printer's ink .... 166
Paperhanging . .
. 87, 148
Printing-press, First . . 5
Park, Mungo .
. 77, 158
Public Ledger . . . .24
Parker's Mutiny at the
Nore. 107
Punish Hill . . . .104
Parr, Lieutenant
71, 72, 78
Purfleet 75
Parrock .
. 148, 220
Paul's, St., Cathedral
Peck, Mr Anthony
Perambulation of Kent
Percival, Mr. (shot)
. 223, 224
. 259
. .225
. . 69
Queen Anne . . . 176, 221
Queen Charlotte . . .186
Queen Elizabeth 17, 20, 240, 241,
OA tZ.
Phelps, Rev. Mr. .
Philadelphia Museum
Phillips, Rev. Mr. .
Phoenicians, The .
. 81, 94
. 49
. 65
. .243
tno
Queen Elizabeth's bed . . 202
Queen Isabella . . .253
Queen of Scots . . .17
Picture of Human Life
. 257
Pigtail . ,
. 254
Rainham . . . .22
Pil cher's ship-yard
. 61, 62
Randall Heath ... 74
Pocock, Admiral
. 185
Randall Wood . 141, 148, 219
Pocock, Frances .
15, 24, 115
Rare plants .... 217
Pocock, John .
2,61
Rashleigh, Miss J. . . . 204
death
. 3
Rashleigh, Rev. Mr. 117, 141, 169,
epitaph .
. 3
187, 188, 197
will
. 2
" Reading made easy " . . 6
Pocock' s Life .
. 252
Roads, Book of ... 225
Pocock, Martha
. 3, 23, 61
Robinson (Dunston Hall) . 190
Pocock, Mary Ann .
. 133
Rochester Cathedral . 134, 258
Pocock pedigree
. 5
Rochester, Dean of . .119
Pocock, Robert, birth
. 2
Roger Mann .... 259
first marriage .
. 5
Rolvenden . . . .166
death of first wife
. 9
Romans, The .... 243
second marriage
. 9
Round stern ship . . . 179
issue
. 9
Round Tree . . . 146, 153
waste-book
. 14
Royal Soldier . . . .259
will
. 24
Royal Society . . 35, 242
sale of house .
. 57
Rum 74
age . .
. 61, 172
Runic characters . . . 175
. furniture and effec
ts . 227
epitaph
. 253
Russia 110
death .
. 255
266
INDEX.
PAGE
St. George's Chapel, Gravesend 27,
Stronsa ....
PAGE
. 187
158, 159
Sturgeon
193, 215
St. Mary's, Gravesend .
. 27
Swanscombe Wood .
. 117
St. Mungo's shrine .
. 121
Sydall, Kev. Arnold
. 27
St. Paul's
223, 224
Salamanca, Victory of .
Sanders and Lemon
. 81
. 17
Talbot Inn, Borough
Tea from China
. 60
. 241
Sandwich
Santander
. 245
. 253
Telegraph (semaphore) .
Telescopes
. 240
. 241
Saunders, Ann,
. 17
Thanet, Earls of .
. 19
Sawyer, E. B., epitaph .
. 6
Thanet, Thomas, Earl of
. 22
Saxton, Lieutenant-Colonel . 213
Thompson
. 254
Scott, Dr. ...
" Sea Captain's Assistant
. 185
" 29, 30,
Thong . . 65,81,
Thornton, Dr.
133, 218
. 49
258
1 4-4-
CO
Seal ....
92
T 1 Vl/-VTT\i
OO
" Selborne, History of" .
. 127
norpe ....
Tiberius Ca3sar
'. 87
Selby's British Birds
. 209
Tilbury, East .
. 152
Selby Estate .
118, 156
Tilbury Fort . 20, 29,
146, 162,
Severus ....
. 83
218, 220
Shake spear . . .
. 237
Tilbury, West . '.
. 65
Sharland, Lord
. 46
Times, The
. 24
Sheerness ' .
. 97
Toast Master . . .
258
Sheppey . . . - -
. 45
Town Mailing .
104, 105
Shooter's Hill .
Shorne . . 166, 167,
. 29
183, 186
Tracy, Mr. (Brompton)
Tufton, Col. .
11, 213
. 20
Shorne cricket match
Shorne Mill .
. 146
. 145
Tufton Family . . '.
Turnip fly
19, 258
. 82
Singlewell Lane
. 180
j. Mug* jj^ ...
Turton, Dr. . .- ' ( .
. 34
Smith, Mrs. (Gamer)
199, 209
Tyler, Wat . . '.
. 233
Smithers, Mr.
204, 205
Type founders *
. 180
Sondes, Lord . .
. 124
South America
Southfleet
. 253
. 187
Umbrellas . . .
. 241
Spectacles
Spelling-book .
Spelman, Sir John
. 49
7, 8, 256
. 233
Van Diemen's Land
VarchelFs charity .
. 129
. 97
Sphinx moth . . .
. 49
Very true . .
. 18
Springhead
83,87
Viggers, Mr. .
184, 226
Steam-boats . ,
. 242
Steel's List .
25,32
Wade, Mr. James .
. 174
Stevens . . ...
. 83
Wadman, Major . ,
. 18
Stillard, Ann .
5, 260
Waltham Abbey .
. 60
Stink Weed .
. 133
Wanstead House .
. 138
Stone Castle .
. 244
Watches
. 241
Strawberries .
. 242
Water Bailiff .
211, 212
Stray cock, Mr.
. 29
Water Companion,
The
Streatfield, Mr.
181, 182
(Gravesend)
3,28
Strood Fair .
. 83
(Margate)
. 28
INDEX.
267
Wat Tyler
Watson, Dr. S.
Weaver .
Wesleyan Chapel .
West, Mr.
West, Mrs.
Westminster Abbey
West Tilbury .
West-Wood .
White Hart Inn
Whalebone
PAGE
. 233
Wildman, Beckford, Es
PAGE
q.,M.P. 209
. 47
Wilmington . . 1
77, 227, 255
. 21
Wrekin Hill .
. 135
. 62
Wombwell Hall
. 125, 142
. 18
Woodgate, Mr.
. 44
. 174
Woolwich
. 42
16, 224
. 65
. 178
Yantlet Creek
. 211
. 15
Young, Edward
. 159
. 215
LONDON:
PRINTED BT GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, LIMITED,
ST. JOHN'S SQUARE.
M&m*i^^
'1&S*^f&-yfo*Y\2yP*tt& ; --&
mmWmm
&*%&&