T.J.

Robert Henryson—­Gawyn Douglas.—­Complete uniform editions of the poems of these celebrated authors, accompanied with biographical notices and illustrative notes, being a desideratum in Scottish literature, permit me to ask, through the medium of your entertaining and useful “NOTES AND QUERIES,” if such publications be in contemplation by any of the various literary societies, or individual member thereof, in this kingdom; and if so, are they likely to appear soon?

T.G.S.

Edinburgh, Dec. 31. 1850.

Darby and Joan.—­Can any of your readers refer me to a copy of the ballad of Darby and Joan?  There is a tradition in the parish of Helaugh, near Tadcaster, that they were inhabitants of that village, and that the ballad is the composition of some poet who was a constant visitor to the Duke of Wharton, when living in the manor house.

H.

William Chilcot.—­As I am about to reprint an excellent little work, entitled, Practical Treatise concerning Evil Thoughts, by William Chilcot, can any of your readers give me any account of his life?  The work was originally, I believe, printed in Exeter, 1698, or thereabouts, as I find it in a {39} catalogue of “Books printed for and sold by Philip Bishop, at the Golden Bible over against the Guildhall in Exon, 1702.”  It was reprinted, “London, 1734,” for “Edward Score, over against the Guildhall in Exeter.”  And again (privately), a few years ago.  Of the first edition I have never seen a copy, although I am not aware that it is particularly scarce; of the second, copies are not uncommon.

If any of your readers could communicate any information regarding the author, I should feel much obliged.

RICHARD HOOPER.

University Club, Suffolk Street.

Benj.  Wheeler’s Theological Lectures.—­In the year 1819 was published Vol. i. of the Theological Lectures of Benjamin Wheeler, late Regius Professor of Divinity in Oxford.  In the preface, it is said—­

“The first of the three volumes, in which the Lectures will be comprised, is offered to the public as an experiment of its disposition towards the completion of the work; the favourable entertainment of which will determine the editor’s purpose of sending the two remaining volumes after it with all convenient expedition.”

Can any of your readers inform me whether the MSS. of the two unpublished volumes are preserved, and where they are to be found?

W.A.

Sir Alexander Cumming.—­A Nova Scotia baronet, living in 1730, of Coulter, called by some, “King of the Cherokees.”  He married Elizabeth, one of the last coheiresses of the ancient family of Dennis, of Pucclechurch, co.  Gloucester.  Where may be found any account of his connection with the Cherokees; also any thing of his death or descendants?

S.S.