J. Putland, and Putland’s copy, Reed notes, was “formerly in the possession of Philip Carteret Webb, Esq., now [1770] of Thomas Astle, Esq.”  J. Ritson’s copy, which is at the South Kensington Museum, had the “remarks” transcribed to it from Reed’s copy, but Ritson notes that Reed copied the “remarks” from J. Putland’s transcript of the Dean’s own original.  Ritson, however, does not say how he knew that Putland had the “Dean’s own original.”  In “Notes and Queries” (3, ii. 430) the Rev. J. Jebb, Rector of Peterstow, states he had (in 1862) a copy of the “Characters” with transcript of Swift’s “remarks” by Bishop Jebb.  Mr. Edward Solly has an interesting paper on this matter in the “Bibliographer” for March, 1883.  He suggests that Mr. Putland may have written them down himself from remarks made by Swift.  “The Crypt” for December, 1829, published Swift’s “remarks” from a copy in the possession of Mr. Pickering, the bookseller.

A careful collation of all the available copies has been made for this edition, and the text of Macky’s work has been read with the first edition.  Where neither Reed nor Birch give no remarks, they have been omitted from this reprint.  “The Crypt” and Nichols in his quarto edition (vol. xiv.) often differ, but these differences have been adjusted.

It is almost needless to say that Sir Walter Scott’s text and notes have been very much altered by this process.

[T.S.]

  REMARKS ON THE CHARACTERS
  OF THE COURT OF QUEEN ANNE.

JOHN, DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH.

Macky.

A tall, handsome man for his age, with a very obliging address; of a wonderful presence of mind, so as hardly ever to be discomposed; of a very clean head, and sound judgment; ... every way capable of being a great man, if the great success of his arms, and the heaps of favours thrown upon him by his sovereign, does not raise his thoughts above the rest of the nobility, and consequently draw upon him the envy of the people of England.  He is turned of 50 years of age.—­Swift.  Detestably covetous.

JAMES, DUKE OF ORMONDE.

Macky.  He hath all the qualities of a great man, except that one of a statesman, hating business. ...  He is about 40 years old.—­Swift.  Fairly enough writ.

CHARLES, DUKE OF SOMERSET.

Macky.  Is of a middle stature, well shaped, a very black complexion, a lover of music and poetry; of good judgment.—­Swift.  Not a grain; hardly common sense.

JOHN, DUKE OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

Macky. He is a nobleman of learning, and good natural parts, but of no principles.  Violent for the high-church, yet seldom goes to it.  Very proud, insolent, and covetous, and takes all advantages.  In paying his debts, unwilling; and is neither esteemed nor beloved.—­Swift.  This character is the truest of any.

DANIEL, EARL OF NOTTINGHAM [AFTERWARDS EARL OF WINCHILSEA].